Pitching wedge is a crucial part of golf. You must have to have the slightest idea regarding pitching wedge if you want to play golf. A pitching wedge is a wedge used to hit a shot with a higher and lower trajectory 9-iron and a more downward and longer trajectory than a gap wedge. If you also aren’t familiar with the gap wedge, don’t worry because I will also explain it later.
What degree is a pitching wedge?
An ideal wedge degree for a pitching wedge is 45 degrees. A pitching wedge is progressed into 45 degrees and then followed by a 50-degree gap wedge and then complemented by 54 – 58 degrees sand and lob wedges. If you are confused about all of these wedges, then keep reading through because I will explain them in detail below.
Using wedges and irons together helps you a lot to play better. And did you know that the pitching wedge was known as the 10 – iron before the term wedge was famous? Wedges are different from irons definitely, but it is not that different. It has some similarities, as well.
Types of wedges
When you buy a set of the golf club, the set doesn’t just include iron. It also has a pitching wedge. But there are more wedges than just one wedge. There is not only a pitching wedge but also three other wedges as well. There are four types of wedges available. And they are –
- Pitching wedge
- Gap wedge
- Sand wedge
- Lob wedge
These are the four types of wedges. They are entirely different, unique, and beautiful in their way. They deliver impressive performances. Now, I will explain each one of them in detail.
Pitching wedge
The pitching wedge is a wedge used to hit a shot with a higher and shorter trajectory than a 9 -iron and a lower and longer trajectory than a gap wedge.
The pitching wedge has the least loft in all of the wedges. Usually, the pitching wedge’s loft range is between 44 to 50 degrees. When a golf ball is hit with a pitching wedge, it will travel about 110 yards to about 140 yards. If you are trying to hit the green, you should use the pitching wedge. Most experienced golfers are likely to choose the pitching wedge when they are aiming for the green. If you use the pitching wedge, the ball will travel high it the air. And for the same reason, when you use the pitching wedge, the ball will not roll that much on the green.
Technically, pitching wedges are treated as if they are iron. They were called 10 – iron before the term wedge was famous. You might remember this information because I’ve mentioned it earlier as well. When you buy iron sets, you are most likely to get this pitching wedge even if you don’t get other wedges.
Gap wedge
The definition of gap wedge given by Wikipedia is: In golf, a gap wedge, also known as an approach wedge, is a wedge used to hit a higher and shorter trajectory than a pitching wedge and lower and longer trajectory than a sand wedge. This name comes from the idea of the club’s design to complete the “gap” from pitching wedge and sand wedge.
Gap wedge has the second least loft in all of the wedges. Generally, the gap wedge’s loft range is between 46 to 56 degrees. When a golf ball is hit with a gap wedge, it travels about 90 yards to about 110 yards. If you are trying to hit a too short shot for a pitching wedge but also too long for a sand wedge, you should go with the gap wedge. If you are using a gap wedge, then you will adequately notice that the golf ball is flying very high in the sky.
If you want to get a gap wedge, you should adequately remember one thing: gap wedges don’t come in regular golf sets. You have to buy gap wedges separately if you want gap wedges. Before buying a gap wedge, you should properly make sure that your gap wedge’s loft is entirely in between the pitching wedge and sand wedge.
Sand wedge
The definition of sand wedge given by Wikipedia is: A sand wedge, or sand iron, is a type of golf club, an open-faced wedge primarily designed for getting out of sand bunkers. It has a very wide sole, even more, comprehensive than most soles. And for this reason, it provides the most excellent bounce of all. And this allows the club head to slide through sand rather than digging in the sand. And that’s why these types of clubs are used to hit sand bunkers.
Sand bunkers are usually hard to hit, but with a sand wedge, it just becomes a little easier to handle the situation. In 1932 Gene Sarazen invented a new club for the sand play known as the sand wedge. The invention was pretty successful. It quickly became trendy. And it is not only suitable for sand play; you can also get significant advantages from this sand wedge in other soft lies such as thick rough, soggy ground or mud. And you can also use sand wedges on firmer grass lies for lobs or chips.
Sand wedges generally have the loft from about 54 degrees to about 58 degrees. If you use a regular golf swing, then you get the golf ball to travel up to 90 yards or more. Sand wedges are generally short from other clubs, which helps the golf players put a spin on the ball.
Lob wedge
The definition of lob wedge given by Wikipedia is: A lob wedge, also known as a lofted wedge or an L-Wedge, is a wedge used in golf, known for being one of the shortest-hitting clubs and providing the most loft on a shot. Lob wedges are mostly used for getting the highest arc possible. And you can use them for shots over hazards and other obstructions. Lob wedges can be used to get you some backspin after landing in the green if you need as well.
A lob wedge will provide you the highest arc. The lob wedge is comparably one of the newest additions to the modern golf clubs. And lob wedge and sand wedge, and gap wedge did not appear in golf club collections before 1931.
Lob wedges are considered a part of the iron golf club family. They are designed specifically for short, high arc shots. Just like gap and sand wedges, lob wedges are not included in the standard golf sets. They are hard to buy, as well. Suppose of buying them separately. They have the most loft than any other wedges; they have loft between about 50 degrees to 60 degrees or more. They are the most useful in precise shots around the green. They usually travel up to 70 yards. And they reach high up in the sky pretty quickly.
Final words
I’ve explained the pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge thoroughly. I believe now you don’t have any confusion about any of these wedges. If you plan to these wedges, make sure to look around the clubhead and check out the lofts before buying. And do make sure to try them once before buying. Thank you for reading this through.