Why is there still a fear of the Lob Wedge?

[Stacey_E]

I've see a lot of threads asking advice about wedges. Some issues addressed are: which ones should I carry, what brand is best, how much bounce do I need. etc. One issue that always comes up is the need, or lack thereof, of the lob wedge in the bag. There are very compelling arguments for both sides of the debate. The crux of both arguments center on these two ideas, I think: 1) you don't need a lob wedge because you can and should learn to hit all of your greenside shots with one wedge, either the sand wedge or pitching wedge. 2) learn to use the lob wedge, especially if you are missing a lot of greens, it is an invaluable tool.

Obviously, if you view my bag sig, I agree more with the second point. But the first point I listed has a lot of merit and more importantly history. And that argument is even furthered by the fact that many low handicap and scratch players go the route of one wedge for everything. I think we all appreciate their input as they already are where us mid and high handicappers want to be.

But I still cannot understand why there is such a fear of the lob wedge. Often I see where mid to high handicappers are advised to not carry a lob wedge. One reason being that the club takes a lot of practice to master. Another point, and perhaps the most compelling, is that the damage done to the scorecards by the attempted lob wedge shots greatly outweigh the occasional shot saved. To me, this argument is the strongest one against the lob wedge.

My point about the lob wedge is this.....It is just another club. It's not a magical tool that only the highest of skilled players should consider. I think the mystique of the club (that still persists to this day) is part of the issue with a newbie to the lob wedge. They have heard they are hard to control, therefore they setup to them with confusion and anxiety.

And more importantly, I'm a firm believer that the problems arise from the TYPES of shots that a lot of golfers try to play with the lob wedge, rather than the wedge itself. Maybe it should be renamed to drop the "lob" from the title. The lob SHOT is probably one of the hardest shots in golf to pull off under pressure during a match. Chipping with a lob wedge is one of the easiest. A full swing with a lob wedge is also very easy if we use the same fundamentals we use with our pitching wedge. Whether you are a digger or a slider, I see no real reason to adjust anything. We don't totally redo our swings between 7 and 8 irons. And I don't see a reason to revamp things between wedges. Of course, this is assuming you don't have a really inconsistent wedge makeup; I’m thinking here of lob wedges with 2 degrees of bounce in the hands of a 30 handicap or a lob wedge with a 12 degree bounce in the hands of a scratch player who slides under the ball.

Well that is my take on why we should not fear the lob wedge. Now maybe some of you could weigh in on why we should or shouldn’t carry it. Thanks for your input. Good luck all. And remember, if you disagree with someone’s opinion on the matter it really comes down to the most important thing in golf - SCORE. It's now how, but how many!

[iacas]

But I still cannot understand why there is such a fear of the lob wedge. Often I see where mid to high handicappers are advised to not carry a lob wedge. One reason being that the club takes a lot of practice to master. Another point, and perhaps the most compelling, is that the damage done to the scorecards by the attempted lob wedge shots greatly outweigh the occasional shot saved. To me, this argument is the strongest one against the lob wedge.

So's a 1-iron. Doesn't mean everyone should carry one.

The simple point that others are making is that if you're going to use a club with often disastrous results or so infrequently that it's basically useless, you may as well get to 14 clubs some other way. Thus, no lob wedge. I rarely use my lob wedge, but I'm skilled enough to use it when I need it and to use it effectively. It's "just another club" to me. But that's not how it is for most people. If the average bogey golfer blades a full pitching wedge, it might go about the same distance. If he blades a full lob wedge, though, the thing's 50 yards past the green. To them, it isn't "just another club" and I don't think it has much to do with their mentality. Most people are steep and over the top - not good swing characteristics for a lob wedge. Most people rarely make perfect contact - easier to get away with it with a PW in hand than a LW. And yeah, the LW tempts people into trying stupid shots they can only pull off 1 out of 10 times. So again, it may be "just another club," but if some bogey golfer can get more use out of a big-headed 3W to use off the tee (and a smaller headed 4W for shots from the fairway) to take the place of the LW, so be it. It's to their benefit.

[r7 425]

The lobber is my favorite club in the bag. I use it a lot. It is probally the most versitaile club in the bag other than the hybrid.

[Fourputt]

I never carried one on a regular basis until the last 2 months, and even now I still won't put a 60° in my bag. I now carry a 58° Callaway X Tour, and it's a great club, but it is still one that takes more practice than my 52° gap wedge. The reason is that there is much less room for error when using a very lofted club. Even a slight mishit will be punished in a more extreme manner than it will with a less radical club.

The more lofted the club, the harder you have to swing to hit the ball the same distance. That means that even a slightly thin contact will shoot the ball far past your target area... skull the shot and you will be somewhere on the far side of the green, and probably in deep doo-doo. But hit the ball it little bit fat and it goes nowhere... you are probably looking at the same shot all over again.

Those same misses with a regular PW may still lead to an extra shot, but the odds are better that you will still hit the green, so the next shot will at least be a putt. That is the main reason that I usually advise bogey golfers to avoid the LW unless they have the time to devote to practicing it . If you can't truly commit to the stroke with that club, then it's best left in the bag (or in the trunk of your car where it removes the temptation ).

[microcrayfish]

I've always been an advocate of 'playing to your strengths' on the golf course. It doesn't matter if you're a low handicap or high, if you're good at something be it hitting deft lob wedges or a blasting a 1 iron then you should stick with it. I had been going along the line of getting a loft wedge recently and trying to use different clubs around the green but it simply doesn't work for me. I've always use my 8 iron for chipping off the fringe and my PW for everything else. On Saturday my SW stayed in the bag unless I was in a bunker rather than getting pulled out when I thought landing one close and stopping it dead would give me a easier putt. Not surprisingly my short game was a lot better and I shot lower than I have in a while. If you can hit a lob wedge well then put one in your bag, if not, then leave it out. Simple.

[titaniummd]

The flop shot requires a lot of practice. I dedicate about 20 - 30 shots over a bunker, per practice session. I use the lob wedge since the limited distance gets me up and onto the green with no manipulation of the club.

I also use it in the bunker if I have a high lip to get over.

It is feared because higher handicaps/beginners do not take the time to practice it.

[Chas]

I've started taking the LW along because I keep finding myself short-sided with nasty stuff in the way and I almost never hold the ball well with an open SW. I like the fact that you have to really commit to the shot but as people say, you need to practice hard to develop the necessary confidence. Don't take it on the course until you feel you're ready.

I still have some fear of undercutting the ball completely lobbing from a high fluffy lie, there's nothing worse than watching the blasted thing pop up a few inches after a lusty swing and then return to the same spot. So I use a PW or SW in that case. Otherwise the LW is a fine club for delicate shots round the green, and around the green is where I'm looking for the strokes to get me under 80.

titaniummd: what if any changes do you make when using the LW in a bunker rather than a SW? I'm a conventional SW bunker player - open stance, open grip, feet well planted, squatting down quite a bit, ball somewhat forward.

[miller72]

i have a 73* lob wedge and i love it... its not in my sig because i havent gotten around to doing it. it takes a lot of practice, but it works like a charm. also, does anyone know where i can take my old vokeys to get refinished? on titleist's website, it doesnt say anything, or else im missing it. help, anyone?

[onthehunt526]

I'm a +5 and I don't carry a 60... I don't need one... It just gets me into trouble... and probably never will carry a 60 again... no need for it... 58 maybe :) and a lob wedge with 12 degrees of bounce is a sand wedge... (anything over 10 is considered a sand wedge by the golf industry)

[firstcut]

I always hated the LW until I bought a full set (LW, SW, GW) that matches my clubs. Now, my wedges feel like an extension of the rest of the bag. I think that most people have problems with the LW because, like a driver, it's a special club that matches no other in the bag. For me, a full set helps swing consistancy and feel.. Because of this I usually only use 2 clubs from about 40 yards in. The LW and my 7, depending on the shot. While my HCP clearly shows that I suck, it's not from 40 yards in that I have problems.

I don't know what I would do without *my* LW. But I do know that I fear any other LW.

[King Cobra II]

Well typically a LW to a set is more forgiving, if you're set is GI or partial GI. Most people who try out a LW buy a vokey, or maybe a forged X tour, or some club like that. These clubs are much harder to hit and control then a typical PW. Thus they give up on it.

[Stacey_E]

I usually advise bogey golfers to avoid the LW

Not practicing is undoubtedly one of the big problems. I would say the same thing of a driver as well. But the truth is, many people across the handicap spectrum wear the driver out at the range. And you do have to commit to the stroke and stay in the shot. Flipping at the ball, lifting your spine angle to sneak a peak or decelerating is just greatly compounded with a high lofted wedge.

The flop shot requires a lot of practice. I dedicate about 20 - 30 shots over a bunker, per practice session. I use the lob wedge since the limited distance gets me up and onto the green with no manipulation of the club.

I couldn't agree more that the club is great for short high shots

without having to manipulate the club. That's one of the big advantages in the club for me.

I'm a +5 and I don't carry a 60... I don't need one...

Exactly.

Well typically a LW to a set is more forgiving, if you're set is GI or partial GI. Most people who try out a LW buy a vokey, or maybe a forged X tour, or some club like that. These clubs are much harder to hit and control then a typical PW. Thus they give up on it.

Yes! I totally agree. In these instances I think it's more of an issue of an ill fitted club than the loft itself. Vokey, X Tour and the like are basically a bladed club. They are obviously easier to hit than a blade 2 iron because of the loft and the shaft length. But they are no picnic for a beginner.

[firstcut]

Well typically a LW to a set is more forgiving, if you're set is GI or partial GI. Most people who try out a LW buy a vokey, or maybe a forged X tour, or some club like that. These clubs are much harder to hit and control then a typical PW. Thus they give up on it.

Good point.. The fact that not only am I hitting the same type of club, but also that it's a GI club may be a large factor as well.. Another reason for me to stick with what I've got.

[anthonykim3]

i use i lob wedge and i am really good with it but i really only used it cause i didnt like my sand wedge but i got a vokey for next season so we will see if i still use the lob wedge

[michaeljames92]

I love my LW. I rarely use it, other than bunker and and flop shots around the green etc. I am working on using partial sand wedge and gap wedge shots instead of a full lob wedge

[titaniummd]

titaniummd: what if any changes do you make when using the LW in a bunker rather than a SW? I'm a conventional SW bunker player - open stance, open grip, feet well planted, squatting down quite a bit, ball somewhat forward.

I use the same swing for both. My set up is just like you described, except, I do not squat down.

-- Just to add to the discussion, if I didn't have a lob wedge, I would have to open up my club face (with say a 56 degree SW), place the ball a little more forward of my stance and hope that the bounce doesn't keep me from hitting the ball first (instead of the earth). I have done it both ways but I like to use the same swing and same kind of set up.

[Spackler-esque]

Wedge play is one of the most fun aspects of golf, in my opinion. For the longest time I only carried a 48 degree PW (old Nike Forged Pro Combos) and a 55 degree SW. Then it became the 48 and a Vokey SM56.10. One day I was wandering around the local golf shop back up near Penn State and saw a Vokey 60-P. Bought it on a whim, and don't regret it at all. That's mainly because I can't count the number of tight situations having it has gotten me out of. I don't see myself taking my LW out of my bag anytime soon.

Granted, when I do get out to the range, I try to spend a good 15+ minutes working with it and my 56 on the chipping green. Still, when I hit a good shot, it should get at least half the credit. And when I flub it, it's my fault. I just hope that I can play like I practice (for the most part).

Therein lies the key that Fourputt emphasized early on in this thread: if you don't practice with it, it does not matter how good the club is.

I guess what I mean to say is that I don't think it's a fear of the club as much as it's a fear of the unknown for a lot of players who don't have the time or, more likely, don't want to put the time into practicing the short game that discourages the use of the LW. After all, long off the tee is sexy. The short game? Pfft!

[Prodigy]

i personaly find no use to a "lob wedge" the highest i go is 58 and thats even to much sometimes. And as for bounce it should not matter if you have a grinded sole becuase you can change the bounce by tweaking your grip