Here on Curated, I've helped hundreds of golfers find the right clubs for their game. Below are some of the most common questions I've been asked about wedges. And if you're on the hunt for the right wedge for your needs, reach out to me or another Golf expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations.

What is a wedge in golf?

A wedge is one of the most lofted clubs in the golf bag. These clubs can be utilized for a number of shots during a round, including close range full shots, a plethora of short game shots, and bunker shots to make sure the ball gets up and out of the sand. Wedges come in various lofts and bounces that are designed to help the ball move through the ground.

What is the difference between golf wedges?

The main difference between golf wedges is the lofting of the individual clubs. Wedges generally start off in the 45 degree loft range and can have as high as 64 degrees of loft. The various lofts of the clubs help a golfer approach various shots in a multitude of ways.

What is an attack wedge in golf?

An attack wedge is also known as a utility wedge or, most commonly, a gap wedge. These wedges all have lofts between 50 and 53 degrees. This amount of lofting on a wedge is good for lower chip and pitch shots, as well as longer bunker shots around the greens.

Golf chipper vs. wedge: what is the difference?

Wedges are the traditional name of the clubs used for full and short game shots. Golf chippers are a slang term for these clubs, as well as for clubs that are designed for higher handicappers to play better.

Can I use my lob wedge as a sand wedge?

A sand wedge is simply the name attributed to the wedge in your bag with 54-56 degrees of loft. Any wedge can be used as a sand wedge in a bunker, depending on the length of the shot a golfer is attempting to play and how they want it to react on the green.

Do high handicappers need a lob wedge?

High handicappers don’t need a lob wedge. The high loft of a lob wedge encourages too many bad ideas and dreams of hitting the Phil Mickelson “Phlop Shot”. Instead, higher handicappers should buy wedges with larger soles to help them move the club through the terrain.

What 3 wedges should I carry?

Most iron sets end with a PW or an AW. These clubs usually have 43-45 and 48-50 degrees of loft, respectively. If you are going to carry three tear drop shaped wedges, you should carry a 52 degree, 56 degree, and a 60 degree wedge.

What 2 wedges should I carry?

If you only want two tear drop wedges to round out your set, select a 54-55 degree sand wedge and a 58-60 degree lob wedge.

What 4 wedges should I carry?

If you are going to carry four clubs that have the name wedge in them, they should be the following: a pitching wedge, attack/gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. These wedges will give you the most versatility in your short game and in your approaches to greens.

What wedges do pros carry?

Most pros carry the same variety of wedges. They all have a pitching wedge, and most utilize the pitching wedge that is iron head in shape over the tear drop. Then, they carry a gap wedge varying from 50-52 degrees in loft, a sand wedge anywhere from 54-56 degrees in loft, and a lob wedge varying from 58-62 degrees in loft.

What degree is a gap wedge golf club?

A gap wedge is traditionally 50-52 degrees in loft. The slight variance and range in the lofts is just a preferential thing for each golfer to maximize the loft gaps between each club. Having this set to your game can positively influence your performance.

What degree is a lob wedge?

Lob wedges tend to have a loft of 58 degrees or more. While some that exist go well past 64 degrees of loft, traditionally 60-62 is the most played on Tour.

Should I get a 56 or 60 degree wedge?

Get both! A 56 degree wedge is a great choice for a classic sand wedge and a 60 degree wedge is great for flop shots and quick checking pitches. Having both in the bag will make you a better player!

Should I carry a 58 or 60 degree wedge?

This depends on your wedge set up in your bag. If you have a 50 degree and a 54 degree, go with the 58. If you have a 52 and 56, go for the 60. It just helps keep your distance and loft gapping consistent.

What degree wedge is best for chipping?

While this may be a more difficult and situational question, a pitching wedge is most likely to be best for chipping for a few reasons. First, they are a bit more forgiving on the easy chip and run shots. The lower loft helps negate an accidental short shot. Secondly, a pitching wedge is a little bit more versatile than say a 60 degree lob wedge.

Should I use a 54 or 56 degree wedge?

In terms of deciding between a 54 and 56 degree wedge, a golfer should look at their pitching wedge and gap wedge lofts and gap accordingly. If the gap wedge is 52 degrees, choose a 56 degree sand wedge. If it is 50 degrees, go with a 54 or 55 degree sand wedge.

How far should I hit a 58 degree wedge?

Less than 140 yards. I won’t say that there is a specific yardage exactly. But my suggestion would be to go to a range and get it dialled in, as well as figuring out your partial wedge shots and their distances. Tightening up the shot disparity will greatly influence your game.

How far should I hit a 54 degree wedge?

It’s more about how accurately can you hit your shots to the pin with wedges. Wedge game is more about hitting it consistently close than swinging full tilt just to say you hit it 150 yards. Generally, a scratch handicapper might be around 120-125 with a 54 degree wedge.

How far should I hit a 56 degree wedge?

A classic sand wedge usually goes 105-115 yards for a smooth tempo swing. Mostly, sand wedges are useful for shots inside 100 yards that are trying to be hit tight to pins.

How far should you hit a 58 degree wedge?

Swinging with a full swing with lob wedges is tricky. If you want a rough yardage, somewhere in the 95-110 range would be most accurate. These clubs are best for partial shots inside 100 yards to help bring the ball in at a steeper angle to make it stop quicker.

How far should I hit a 60 degree wedge?

Full swing 60 degree wedge shots travel anywhere from 85-100 yards for an average consistent golfer. They are best utilized, however, from tight lies and tricky lies around the greens.

Do you have any other questions about wedges? Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or another Golf expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations.