From 48 degrees to 64, there are a lot of choices out there. But, which type is best for your golf game? How far can you expect to hit the ball with each one?
Having so many choices can be overwhelming, but help is at hand!
In this guide to wedge distances, we discuss everything you need to know. You’ll be able to hit wedge shots with confidence and, most importantly of all, accuracy.
Golf Wedge Distances
Wedges are essential tools for any golfer looking to get the most out of their game. When your wedges are dialed in, you can hit various distances and types of shots, allowing you to really maximize your scoring potential.
Whether you’re looking to chip in close or launch the ball a greater distance, having the right wedge distance can make all the difference.
Average Wedge Distance Overview
| Wedge Type | Typical Loft (degrees) | Average Distance (Yards) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching Wedge | 43-48 | 120-140 |
| Gap Wedge | 50-53 | 90-110 |
| Sand Wedge | 54 – 58 | 80-100 |
| Lob Wedge | 58 – 64 | 85-90 |
Pitching wedge: Typically 46-degree wedge distance
Because of its lower loft, a pitching wedge (PW) is the one wedge that will ensure that distance is no trouble. A pitching wedge is also longer than other types of wedges. Furthermore, its clubhead is more forgiving than many wedges, due to it being similar to an iron.
Typically, pitching wedges will measure anywhere between 43-48 degrees. Seasoned amateur golfers can expect to reach an average distance of up to 120 yards with one of these wedges. More skilled golfers can expect an even further distance of 130 to 140 yards.
So, if you’re looking for extra distance, reach for the pitching wedge. With the right technique and practice, you’ll be able to rock that extra distance and conquer the golf course again.
Gap wedge: Typically 52-degree wedge distance
The gap wedge is the second-longest club in the bag, sometimes called a utility, approach, or attack wedge. It’s almost as long as a pitching wedge, but with more loft, usually around 50-53 degrees. A gap wedge bridges the gap (so to speak) between your PW and sand wedge and is super versatile, making it a great option for all kinds of shots.
The average male golfer should expect to hit the gap wedge 90 to 110 yards, while scratch golfers and pros tend to send it 10 to 20 yards farther. Not bad, we think you’ll agree.
In short, the gap wedge is a great club to have in your golf bag and can help you master a variety of shots.
Sand wedge: Typically 56-degree wedge distance
The sand wedge is one type of wedge that practically every single golfer will have in their bag. Why? It all comes down to its versatility.
With a loft between 54-58 degrees these clubs are ideal for getting the best result out of tricky bunker shots, sand wedges work great around the green, too.
In terms of distance, the average golfer can expect to get up to 100 yards on a good day, and 80 yards at minimum with a sand wedge.
Lob wedge: Typically 60-degree wedge distance
Last but not least, don’t forget about the lob wedge, the highest lofted club available. Lob wedges are great clubs for skilled players, although higher handicap players might find them more challenging due to their loft and design.
Although lob wedges typically come with of a loft between 58-64, the most common loft of lob wedges is 60 degrees, and professional golfers can hit them over 100 yards. But for most male golfers, that distance is more like 85 to 90 yards. It’s best not to use a lob wedge for full swings. But, a lob wedge is really helpful around the greens if you need to get the golf ball up quickly and land softly.
The Main Components Of A Golf Wedge
Golf wedges are an essential part of any golfer’s set of clubs. They are designed to help you hit shots around the green with greater accuracy and control.
They are made up of a number of distinct components, so there’s more to think about the above golf wedge distances.
Each of these components plays an important role in the performance of the wedge, and understanding them is essential for choosing the right wedge for your game.
Loft
The loft of a golf wedge is an important part of the entire equation.
But what exactly is it?
Well, wedge lofts are the angle of the face of the wedge compared to an imaginary straight line that’s measured in degrees.
Many golfers carry several wedges in their bags that each have a different loft angle, so they can tackle any wedge shot they might come across during a round. And let’s be honest, it’s vital to cover all eventualities on the course. After all, no two games are ever the same.
Bounce
A bounce is like a tiny trampoline on your golf wedge. It helps to lift the club off the ground so you don’t get stuck hitting into the turf when attempting bunker shots. It’s located on the clubhead and comprises the sole, leading edge, and sole edge.
Groove
A groove is like a line that’s carved into the surface of a wedge-type golf club. Think of it as a helping hand to grab the golf ball quickly and send it flying.
Sole grind
The sole is the bottom of the golf wedge that’s in contact with the ground. It’s usually about one or two inches in width. A machine is used to grind the sole in different ways, changing how it sits on the course.
Finishes
When you’re picking out your golf clubs, you can choose from a variety of colors for the club heads. The most popular are silver and black, but you’ll find different colors. They’re called the finishes. It’s totally up to you which one you like best – it won’t affect the club’s performance!
Leading edge
The leading edge is the bottom edge of the clubface; that’s the part that’s going to make impact with the golf ball first. To get the clubface to hit the ball higher, you can tilt the shaft of your wedge back at address. Or, if you want to hit the ball lower, you can tilt the shaft forwards.
Shaft
A wedge shaft is just like a regular stiff shaft, except it has something extra built into it – a wedge flex! It’s typically the shortest shaft in your arsenal, designed to help you get more height and backspin on your shots.
Golf Wedge Distances: How To Decide Which Wedges You Should Carry
When it comes to choosing between three or four wedges, it really depends on your golf game. If you’re a higher handicap golfer, it’s probably a good idea to have three wedges in your bag, with an extra long club in there for more full-swing shots.
But if you’re a lower handicap golfer, you may want to consider having four wedges since you’ll likely have shorter approach shots and need more options.
Whatever you choose, the loft of each wedge is the most important factor to consider. If you go with three wedges, try to space them out properly with six degrees of loft between each one. Why? Because that way you won’t have any huge gaps in your distances.
FAQs
How difficult is wedge play in golf?
Here’s the bad news. Wedge play can be very difficult in golf, depending on the shot. Wedges are used for various types of shots, including short, high approach shots, chip shots, and bunker shots. Each type of shot requires a specific set of skills and knowledge to execute successfully.
Depending on the type of shot, the difficulty of the wedge play can range from difficult to very difficult. That’s why, if you’re really serious about upping your game, practicing as much as you can is so important.
How far can you hit a 60-degree wedge?
A 60-degree wedge can send a ball around 100 to 125 yards – but only if you’re a pro with a well-placed shot. For the rest of us, it’ll be anywhere between 30 and 80 yards.
What wedge should I hit at 50 yards?
A pitching wedge is a great choice when you’re facing a 50-yard pitch from the fairway, but any wedge really should be able to help you out with a 50-yard shot.