Sand Wedge Loft

[boogielicious]

I have been playing with the 50, 54, 58 set up for quite a while. I generally have been using my 58 for sand shots unless there is not a lot of height needed or it is a longer shot. Then I go with 54, 50 or even PW. Sand shots are not a strength of mine.

Is there a disadvantage to using such a high loft? I’ve read anecdotes that say 54-56, but they don’t really have any logic to them. I did pick up Edel 52, 56 and 60, all driver grind, to try this year. My 50, 54 and 58 are all Edel Driver grind. Driver grind is high bounce, but lots of sole relief.

I work on sand when I have a chance and have got a bit better. I expect to do a lot more practice on sand this season as well.

[Billy Z]

I make my own iron set and it includes a 54* SW. This wedge has 12* of bounce and a wide sole. I use it out of the sand 99% of the time, and my 58* lob wedge the other 1%. I am pretty good out of the sand and have no fear in there. Sometimes I'll favor the sand side on approach shots just because it doesn't bother me to be in there. Everybody messes up in the sand sometimes, but for the most part it is an easy shot.

[Vinsk]

4 hours ago, boogielicious said:

I have been playing with the 50, 54, 58 set up for quite a while. I generally have been using my 58 for sand shots unless there is not a lot of height needed or it is a longer shot. Then I go with 54, 50 or even PW. Sand shots are not a strength of mine.

Is there a disadvantage to using such a high loft? I’ve read anecdotes that say 54-56, but they don’t really have any logic to them. I did pick up Edel 52, 56 and 60, all driver grind, to try this year. My 50, 54 and 58 are all Edel Driver grind. Driver grind is high bounce, but lots of sole relief.

I work on sand when I have a chance and have got a bit better. I expect to do a lot more practice on sand this season as well.

I’ve always done best with a 56* when it comes to sand. But I’ve always used one with 14* bounce minimum. I’ve found that the sole and bounce characteristics have a much larger effect on ease of sand shots than loft.

[billchao]

6 hours ago, boogielicious said:

Is there a disadvantage to using such a high loft?

I’m not going to pretend to be a good bunker player or anything, but I don’t notice a difference playing bunker shots with any of my wedges.

[iacas]

I hit bunker shots with all three of my wedges: 48, 54, 60.

They're tools. Use the one that's best for the job.