What are the degrees of all the wedges?

[Baraethon]

So I'm relatively new to golf, about a year, and am looking at getting some new clubs soon. All the irons sets I've looked at include clubs like Aw, GW,LW, etc.

What are the usual degrees for these types of clubs? I' used to referring them to them by loft - 54, 60, 56. Except for the PW, which I just call a PW.

Also, how do I make the little degrees symbol.

[brandon_mcg]

PW is usually 45-48*
GW is usually 52* or so depending on your sw and pw loft
SW is usually 56*
LW is usually 60*
HLW is usually 64* (my favorite)

i believe AW and GW are used interchangeably i could be wrong though

we just use * for degrees on here
hope this helps!

[Baraethon]

Great, thanks.

Another quick question, slightly off topic but related: For a high handicapper, is a 60* worth it, or is just a SW fine?

Im debating a 60*, a PW, and a new wood, probably 3w or 5w.

[brandon_mcg]

i would say for handicappers such as ourselves that a 60* is a good choice of club. i would at least get one to try out and see if it suits your game.

a 60* will help you get that little extra spin around the greens that you will not get with a sw.

i personally use my 64* around the greens on most shots though, it checks up rather nicely

[marpr]

Great, thanks.

Well you know you have 14 clubs to choose from right?

May I suggest the following combination in order to help build the basic foundation of a good game. There is no point (like blades and 64* wedge etc) getting pro equipment now: Driver, 3 wood, 5 wood (or 18 degree hybrid > traditionally easier to hit), 3 iron (or 21 degree hybrid, easier to hit), 4 iron through to PW. Plus a SW (56*) and Putter. That makes it 13, now, you can either choose a 60* wedge. But, as it is somewhat of a specialist club, i would suggest getting a 50 or 52* wedge to fill the gap from PW (48*) to SW (56*). I would honestly suggest that you try and stay away from a 3-iron, i would get a hybrid instead. They are easier to hit and you'll have more fun with it. Now the big decision is to get a 5 wood or a 18 degree hybrid. Also, if you have the choice, try and find a driver with higher lofts, such as 10.5 or 11.

[brandon_mcg]

good advice, arent you required to carry a SW?

[907golfer12]

good advice, arent you required to carry a SW?

No, you are not required to carry any specific clubs in your bag.

[nasabogey24]

PW are usually anywhere between 45-48* (although sometimes you will find PW's as low as 43*, 44* and as high as 49*).

Gap wedges are usually around 50*, 51*, 52*, 53*, and sometimes 54*. But this doesnt mean you couldnt use the 53 or 54 as a strong sandwedge (alot of players use a 54*SW).

Sand wedges are between 53*, 54*, 55*, 56*, 57* 58*, 59* and 60* (58* 59 and 60* depends on the bounce angle).

Lob wedges are 58*, 59*, 60*, 61*, 62*, 63*, and 64* and can be identified with a low bounce angle (ie, 60/4 or 60/6, etc).

As a beginner, I would suggest carrying a driver, 5 wood, a couple of hybrids to replace your 3,4,5,6 irons as they tend to be a little difficult to hit consistently, 7,8,9,PW, 52* GW, and a 58* SW/LW (10* or 12* bounce), and a putter.

This configuration would suit a beginner well and you always add in your mid and long irons as you get better and take out your hybrids.

[michaeljames92]

No, you are not required to carry any specific clubs in your bag.

Except some courses require a putter.