Club for Short Pitch Shots

[srguthrie]

I've been using my 56 degree sand wedge about anything that's too close for full swing (at least until I get to chipping range), but I'm wondering if maybe I should be using my 50 degree gap wedge instead.  What do most people use for these types of shots?

[DaveP043]

1 minute ago, srguthrie said:

I've been using my 56 degree sand wedge about anything that's too close for full swing (at least until I get to chipping range), but I'm wondering if maybe I should be using my 50 degree gap wedge instead.  What do most people use for these types of shots?

It may depend to some extent on what your swing is like for these shots.  A lot of people prefer a swing arc that just brushes the grass, with the back side of the flange (the bounce) being the only part of the club to actually contact the ground.  For that kind of shot, use a club with more bounce, you'll have a little greater margin for error.  

It may also depend on the firmness and speed of the greens you play.  The 56 should fly higher, land softer, and stop quicker than the 50, everything else being equal.  

Personally, I use my 60/8 lob wedge for most short game shots.  I've played and practiced enough to be able to close it down and hit low runners, open it up and hit high soft lobs, and almost everything in between.  The only real change is when I get close enough to hit a true chip and run, and I'll use anything down to 7 or 8 iron, but those shots aren't what you're asking about.

[Patch]

I tend to use my 60* a lot of times for shorter chips. However, I'm never stuck using just one particular club  

It just depends on the carry distance where I need to land the ball before it starts rolling. 

Since my chipping stroke is identical to my putting stroke, I might even find myself using an 8i. 

If the shot is short enough, with nothing in my way, I might just use my putter. 

Just depends on the situation I'm faced with..

Practicing shots from various situations is the key to knowing what clubs can be used.  

[gbogey]

Really depends on the shot but in general:

• Anything that's a chip I use my 54 degree.  The reason is that the flight to roll ratio is basically one to one, so the math is easy.  20 steps to the hole, I chip 10 steps (adjusted for slope).  I practice with it so I'm pretty accurate with it and it works for me. 
• If I'm short sided and need less roll or need a lob, I use my 58 degree.
• Same goes for pitches, let's say anything more than a chip and less than 60 yards - if I want more roll I use my 54 and more flight I use my 58.
• I really don't use anything else.  Same for bunker shots - 54 is my go to club, 58 if short sided. Occasionally will use my 50 or PW for a much longer bunker shot.
• I do like to putt from just off the green with my hybrid as opposed to chipping or putting - I find bermuda grain hard to master.  It takes some practice but works well once you are used to it.

[David in FL]

I bring three wedges and a putter from my bag/cart for any shot around the green.  You’re never 100% sure of what you have until you really see it up close.  90% of the time, I’m chipping or pitching with my 50° gap wedge though.

[BC-to-MI]

For the vast majority of shots that are outside chipping range, I'm going to use my 56 degree. If I'm shortsided or have to fly it over something and stop it quicker, then I'll use my 60. I've just never got comfortable using anything with less loft than those unless I'm chipping or hitting a bump and run from further out.

[srguthrie]

Thanks all.   Again, for clarification, I'm not taking about pitch shots around the green. Im questioning my strategy from the 50ish yard area where it's a half to 3/4 swing.   Sounds like my using my 56 is not out of the realm of what a lot of folks do so I'll stick with that. 

[DrvFrShow]

I use my 58/8 for most anything inside 45 yds. unless I want to hit a duff and run.