Golf Wedges

Golf Wedges are some of the most important clubs in your bag. The most versatile of all golf clubs, they are used differently and probably more often than all the others. Drivers and fairway woods are mostly used with full swings from good and level lies. Irons and hybrids are usually used with full swings throughout the course from a variety of lies. Golf wedges can be used with a variety of swings and stances from an almost endless variety of lies. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about golf wedges!

GOLF WEDGE SETS

The last iron in your iron set lays the foundation for your golf wedge set. Typically, your irons will have a set interval of lofts which allow for gapping and therefore distance control.  The lofts of irons are not set universally nor is there an industry standard. By way of example, the following major OEMs have the following lofts for the 9 iron, Pitching Wedge and Approach Wedge or Gap Wedge.

Callaway (Apex Irons)

• 9 Iron 38.5*
• Pitching Wedge 43*
• Approach Wedge (Gap Wedge) 48*

Cobra (Forged Tec Irons)

• 9 Iron 39*
• Pitching Wedge 44*
• Approach Wedge (Gap Wedge) 49*

Mizuno (JPX921 Tour)

• 9 Iron 42*
• Pitching Wedge 46*
• Approach Wedge (Gap Wedge) 51*

Ping (Blueprint Power Spec Lofts)

• 9 Iron 40.5*
• Pitching Wedge 45*

PXG (o311 XP Gen4)

• 9 Iron 37*
• Pitching Wedge 42*
• Approach Wedge (Gap Wedge) 48*

TaylorMade (P 7MB)

• 9 Iron 43*
• Pitching Wedge 47*

Titleist (620 MB)

• 9 Iron 43*
• Pitching Wedge 47*

As you can see, there is a disparity between most of the manufacturers and even within their own range of irons, there is disparity. Why is this important? The loft of the last iron in your bag, whether 9 iron or Pitching Wedge lays the groundwork for your golf wedges. For example, if you gamed PXG 0311 XP Gen4 irons and bought a 48* Pitching Wedge, 52* Gap Wedge, 56* Sand Wedge, and 60* Lob Wedge you’d have an 11-degree gap between your 9 iron and PW. In essence, your PXG 0311 XP Gen4 Approach Wedge or Gap Wedge at 48* would be your starting point!

TRADITIONAL LOFTS

Whilst there are no fixed industry standards, the accepted standard for the Pitching Wedge was 48* of loft with the Sand Wedge having 56* of loft.  The first Lob Wedge was created by Dave Pelz and Tom Kite in 1980. The loft was 60* and since then some wedges crept as high as 64* of loft! Nowadays, the wedge grooves aren’t sharp enough to make the most of the loft above 60* hence, the gradual disappearance of them.

In summary, for years the accepted lofts for Pitching Wedges was 48*, Sand Wedges were 56*, and Lob Wedges 60*. Some even carried a 64* wedge after Phil Mickelson started to carry one on the PGA Tour. You’ll notice the 4* interval has mostly stayed intact with the curious case of the 52* option… enter the Gap Wedge or Approach Wedge (some refer to it as an Attack Wedge). It was introduced to bridge the gap between the Pitching Wedge and Sand Wedge. What this means is some may carry as many as 5 wedges from 48* to 64* with 4* intervals! It is quite typical now thought for the average golfer to carry 4 wedges. A pitching wedge from their iron set and a Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge, and Lob Wedge making up the remained of the Wedge Set.

BEST GOLF WEDGE SETS

It may not come as a surprise that the best golf wedge set is the one that has been custom fit and made to measure taking into account your game, skill level, playing conditions, and current equipment setup and preferences.

GOLF WEDGE DEGREES

We would recommend forgetting about the name on your wedges and concentrate on appropriate gapping and ensuring they are fit for purpose – you and your swing.

PITCHING WEDGE

Usually the 10th iron or first wedge in the standard set.

Pitching Wedge Loft or Pitching Wedge Degree can range from 42* to 47*

GAP WEDGE

Designed to fill the gap between a Pitching Wedge and Sand Wedge.

Gap Wedge Loft or Gap Wedge Degree can range from 48* to 54*

APPROACH WEDGE

Designed to fill the gap between a Pitching Wedge and Sand Wedge.

Approach Wedge Loft or Approach Wedge Degree can range from 48* to 54*

SAND WEDGE

Sand Wedge Loft or Sand Wedge Degree can range from 54* to 58*

LOB WEDGE

Lob Wedge Loft or Lob Wedge Degree can range from 58* to 64*

BOUNCE & GOLF WEDGES

Bounce is a meaningless number used for marketing purposes. It is meaningless without knowing and appreciating the role of sole width, sole radius, and sole angle.

BEST GOLF WEDGES

The best golf wedges are ones that are made to measure for you. Edel Golf offers a degree of adjustability and customisation that is unrivalled and unparalleled in the industry. If you want to be dialled in and go deep with a fitting, find an Edel certified fitter.

GRINDS ON GOLF WEDGES

Wedge grinds are particularly important on higher lofted clubs. Your sand wedge may be heavier and more unique than any other wedge in your bag. Depending on your preferences and short game skillset, wedge grinds can open up opportunities for more shot options around the green.

WEDGE GRINDING SERVICES

Unless you have access to a tour van or a world-class wedge grinding specialist like Don White or Jeff McCoy, walk away. Edel allows you to be fit for wedge grind through their proprietary fitting process. If you have to buy wedges then have them ground to fit, you bought them wrong. Buy right, buy once, buy Edel SMS Wedges from The Putter Tailor.

BUY GOLF WEDGES

If your looking for your next set of golf wedges, look no further than The Putter Tailor. Your short game club building specialist will ensure you buy once and buy right. With 4 grind options on every wedge from 48* to 60* and 15 shaft options as standard you’ll be dialled in more than any other wedge on the market. Then add the revolutionary swing match weighting and you have a wedge that will be fit well beyond anything on the market.