So I bought a 50* gap wedge ...

[slinkee]

And I'm quite disappointed in it so far, and it's a brand freaking new Callaway Big Bertha 2008 to match my set. Now, I'm pretty new to the game, and I was thinking that I'd use it for those chip shots around the green instead of the pitching wedge that I have been using. Well, the course I work at I was out using it and some of the guys came out that have been playing all their lives and were telling me that I should be using like a 56* wedge for green side chipping and what not, and even from a ways out too. So now I'm really frustrated as I've already used the club and after doing what they told me to do I found the 56* wedge much better for me.

So obviously, the store is raping me on what they'll give me back for it because I hit about 10 range balls with it and used it around a putting green for about an hour. Basically, the "need" i had for this club is now gone, and I'm wondering if anybody can create that need again. What are these things relaly used for? What situations? Everything these guys at work are telling me is that my green-side intentions for the gap wedge can be replaced by the pitching wedge and that this gap is more used for taking full swings with.

I'm confused and annoyed ... please help :(

[Wisco-Kid]

In your signature you have a sandwedge is that correct? Is it 56? If so then
see about getting your 50 bent to a 52.

What degree is your pitching wedge? Most PW's are ~48 so having a 50 gap wedge is kinda pointless. But a 52 gap wedge would be perfect for the "gap distance between your sandwedge shot and your pw shot (hence the name gap wedge). Being new to the game you are at a disadvantage because all you have to rely on is your limited experience and what other people tell you to do.

In golf too many things are based on personal need and feel, so what works for one does not work for all. Some people use a gap wedge around the greens and from 120 yds out. It is a personal preference. However you wedges probably should be spaced out in 4 degree increments like this 48pw, 52gap, 56sw, 60lob. Or you could go 48, 54, 58. You dont need all of these wedges to start though but I would think that you will want at least 56 SW.

Some golfers use a 56 for everything 100 and in. Play around and see where the gaps are in your yardages and make a decision about what YOU need.

[DavidFehertysBike]

wisco kid is right, its about preference. I use a 52 degree and my primary greenside club and just adjust around it. Its even my primary club from sand traps. Its just a feel thing for me. I would maybe use a 56 if I want to land the ball a little softer or for a 30-50 yard pitch shot.

[YogiTKE]

In your signature you have a sandwedge is that correct? Is it 56? If so then

A 50° wedge is fine if his PW loft is a lower degree. I could use a 50° wedge since my PW is 44°, but my personal preference was to use a 52°.

[Rusty2228]

You are fine with a 50* wedge if you have the room in your bag for it. The 2008's PW is 45* so if you had three wedges a PW, your 50*, and a 56* your spacing would be pretty good. Or if you had 4 wedges at 45*, 50*, 55-56*, 60*.

In my old set I carried a 50* wedge that I used to fill a certain distance gap, namely 100-115 yards, that was caused by a 45* pitching wedge.

[dave39]

Just keep the 50 or have it bent to 52... this is your gap wedge and fills the gap between your PW and your new SW. If you are too far away from the green to use your SW but you are too close to use your PW than use your GW ... that's what it was made for.

[JaY_B]

You bought a Big Bertha gap wedge, and you wonder why your disappointed????

[Brooklyn]

I use mine as an in between PW and SW... Im much more accurate with my wedges than with my PW. So if it takes a full swing with a 52 or a 3/4 swing with a PW ill use the 52 because i can shape the shot much better...

I was even considering getting rid of my PW and buying a 47* wedge, any body have any input on that?

[Wisco-Kid]

What degree is your pitching wedge? Most PW's are ~48 so having a 50 gap wedge is kinda pointless.

I am wrong here. For some reason thought most PW's are 48. Most are between 45-47. My bad.

[JSC924]

You gap wedge is very useful considering the huge gap between a normal sand wedge (usually 56*) and your pitching wedge (45* source: http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/e...rthaIrons.html ). As you can see in my signature, I actually carry 4 wedges and no 3 wood.

As far as use around the greens, it's usually a preference which wedge to use. I go anywhere from 6 iron to 60* wedge depending on the amount of rough between the green and me. Some people go as far as using 3 wood or driver around the fringes.

[r7 425]

Dont worry--that gap wedge is fine for you..keep practicing with it and eventually you will like it..They are very useful--especially on full shots--

[slinkee]

You bought a Big Bertha gap wedge, and you wonder why your disappointed????

This is both enlightening and intelligent as it fully explains the pros and cons of the Callaway Big Bertha series. I applaud your input. Thanks everybody else for the rest of the replies. I played a round today and found many uses for the Gap Wedge and was more than pleased.

Also, the PW is 45, Gap is 50, and SW is 56.

[kregan]

Good to hear! You did the right thing.

I have the same setup but use TM clubs. 3 - PW-45*, purchased the AW-50* and I replaced the stock sand wedge, 55*, with a more traditional wedge (TM RAC) 56*-12* bounce, that I could "open up" for sand play and fluffier lies. I also added a matching RAC 60* with 6* bounce for tighter lies and hard sand.

I played a round today and found many uses for the Gap Wedge and was more than pleased.

[shortgrass lover]

yea i have a 48* PW, a 52* callaway, and a 56* cleveland. They all have different yardages for my swing and I use all of them frequently. The 52* was a nice addition

[JaY_B]

This is both enlightening and intelligent as it fully explains the pros and cons of the Callaway Big Bertha series. I applaud your input. Thanks everybody else for the rest of the replies. I played a round today and found many uses for the Gap Wedge and was more than pleased.

sorry