Golf Wedges

Types of Wedges
There are four main types of golf wedges; pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge. Each has distinct properties, and will be ideal for different types of shot - as summarised below.

Bearing this in mind, it is important to consider carrying a full set - a pitching wedge is ideal for longer approach shots, but will not do the job of a lob wedge, which can be invaluable when you need a straight up-and-down precision shot over a bunker onto the green. With a set of three, you can cover the full range with wedges of regular intervals.

Loft
The loft angle - around which golf wedge construction revolves - affects both trajectory and distance. The more loft, the higher the ball flight and shorter the distance.

Over the last 20 years manufacturers have reduced the loft of the pitching wedge whilst keeping the sand wedge loft about the same. This expanding gap can lead to inconsistent wedge play. Gap wedges are helping to bridge this gap, with an in-between loft of usually 52 degrees.

Bounce
Bounce is the angle of the sole of the club to the ground and it affects the wedge’s performance in different conditions. Without bounce, the wedge is less likely to repel the ground surface causing the club to dig into the ground, resulting in an extreme loss of distance.

The amount of bounce required depends greatly on the course conditions, but as a general guideline:

High bounce – Best for soft fairways and soft sand conditions as it enables the club to bounce through the fairway or sand preventing it from digging in.

Low bounce – Best for firm fairways, bunkers and tight lies as the lower leading edge makes it easier for the club face to drive through the sand or turf.

Standard bounce – Best for normal to soft conditions or for those who leave shallow divots. Suitable for most golfers for consistent wedge shots.

Finish
Most golf wedges are forged of mild carbon steel, for feel, and have a blade-like appearance - due to the nature of wedge shots, peripheral weighting and large heads are simply not necessary. Golf wedges are available with a number of different finishes and it is important to select a wedge finish that inspires confidence - it is mainly a case of personal preference, as all types can perform as well as each other. Many of the world’s best players are now using golf wedges with a darker, non-reflective finish.

- Black/Gun metal – reduces glare and helps frame ball at address
- Chrome – Very soft and durable, traditional material
- Bronze/Oilcan – Responsive with extremely soft feel

Spin Control
Golf wedges are used for pinpoint accuracy and ultimate finesse around the green, and this is achieved through spin control on the ball.

Golf wedges are designed to produce spin and a softer shot by placing the weight underneath the ball. Grooves in the face enhance the spin, with the faces often designed to rust over time for more ‘bite’ on contact, as they create a naturally textured, rougher surface. Some offer more spin than others - for example, Titleist’s Vokey Spin Milled range features a groove pattern designed to create more friction when the clubface meets the ball, which can give the edge to better players.

Shaft
There is no need for lightweight, flexible graphite shafts in wedge play. All types of golf wedges normally have steel shafts, primarily because of its durability. The heavier weight of steel helps control the shot, giving more accuracy when you are hitting into greens and at the pin.j

Choosing the right wedges
Here are some of our favourites...

>> Compare Golf Wedges