USGA Ban on High Lofted Wedges

[Stacey_E]

Is there a USGA limit on wedge loft? Is there any proposed limits for the near future. I've skimmed through the 2008 USGA rules and can't find anything that address this. Just wondering if anyone has the answer.

[King Cobra II]

I'm not sure, but Bobby Jones Golf by Jesse Ortiz has a new 64 degree 'X' wedge. It's 150 dollars, but I'm considering buying it to see what it can do.

[CG031]

I don't think there is...but why need so much loft anyway? What does that really do for someone? I mean, seriously...lol.

[martin00015]

Is there a USGA limit on wedge loft? Is there any proposed limits for the near future. I've skimmed through the 2008 USGA rules and can't find anything that address this. Just wondering if anyone has the answer.

No. The only loft limitations are for putters.

[bprater13]

http://www.feelwedges.com/shop/The_7...966ac1d0d891b3

I also remember last year seeing late night infomercials for an 80* wedge they made. Don't know if they've discontinued that one or what but I didn't see it on the website, just that 73* now.

[HytrewQasdfg]

No. The only loft limitations are for putters.

So if I decided to putt with my sand wedge, I'd be breaking the rules?

Sometimes I think they just go too far in making rules. Who cares what the loft is on a putter?

[iacas]

So if I decided to putt with my sand wedge, I'd be breaking the rules?

No.

Sometimes I think they just go too far in making rules. Who cares what the loft is on a putter?

The people who make chippers, for one. This isn't a case of the rules gone too far - it's a case of putters being special clubs that deserve some unique rules, including (for example) the ability to have two grips, a flat grip, two "clubfaces," etc.

[martin00015]

So if I decided to putt with my sand wedge, I'd be breaking the rules?

A putt is defined as a stroke made from the putting green, not by which club is used.

Your sand wedge isn't a putter.

[n3xt]

A putt is defined as a stroke made from the putting green, not by which club is used.

But you CAN putt with a sand wedge (or any other club for that matter). Someone on the PGA tour had to do just that for several holes this year when he knocked a removable weight off of his putter (changed the characteristics) by hitting it on the ground (not in the normal course of play). Decision 4-3/9

[iacas]

But you CAN putt with a sand wedge (or any other club for that matter).

Not sure why you're saying that. I don't think the original poster you quoted was saying you couldn't putt with a sand wedge - just that it's not a putter (so it has to follow normal club rules, not the special rules for putters).

[Stacey_E]

Wow, talkin about off topic. Somehow this turned into a debate over what constitutes a putt. Seems like a good idea for a thread, just not this one. I don't think I've really got a definative answer. If I knew how to close the thread I would. Thanks anyway to anyone who might have more info on the original question.

[iacas]

Wow, talkin about off topic. Somehow this turned into a debate over what constitutes a putt. Seems like a good idea for a thread, just not this one. I don't think I've really got a definative answer. If I knew how to close the thread I would. Thanks anyway to anyone who might have more info on the original question.

You got a definitive answer (in the third response): no.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

...Somehow this turned into a debate over what constitutes a putt. Seems like a good idea for a thread...

There have been at least two previous threads on that . . . and probably more.

[michaeljames92]

But you CAN putt with a sand wedge (or any other club for that matter). Someone on the PGA tour had to do just that for several holes this year when he knocked a removable weight off of his putter (changed the characteristics) by hitting it on the ground (not in the normal course of play). Decision 4-3/9

The fashion prince himself, "Ian Poulter!"

[Fourputt]

Wow, talkin about off topic. Somehow this turned into a debate over what constitutes a putt. Seems like a good idea for a thread, just not this one. I don't think I've really got a definative answer. If I knew how to close the thread I would. Thanks anyway to anyone who might have more info on the original question.

There are no restrictions for the loft of any club except the putter. The putter is restricted to 10 degrees because it is the only club that can be designed with 2 striking faces, and they don't want that exception to be abused by the club manufacturers.

For other clubs there are no loft requirements of any kind. My PW is 45°, but I've seen and read about them up to 48° or 49°, still called a pitching wedge. Sand wedges can be anywhere from around 52° to 58°. Above that they are usually called lob wedges, and they can be taken to any ridiculous loft that a manufacturer thinks someone would be crazy or desperate enough to buy. As mentioned above, I've seen reference to an 80° wedge, which is just plain stupid. The average golfer doesn't even need a 60°, much less a 64° or higher. I've found that for most players, higher lofts just lead to higher frustration levels because they don't spend enough time practicing with those clubs to really get the benefit from them. I can't imagine spending $150 just to see what it's like.... there are other cheaper 64° wedges that would make more sense for experimenting. I had one 20 years ago made by Slotline that cost about $20 at the time... I only had it in the bag for about a month.... it spent years gathering dust in the garage. Finally got rid of it at a garage sale several years ago. My 60° lives in the garage now. TGW has the Wilson Harmonized 64° wedge for $25. A much better idea just to try it out if you are going to do that. Wilson Harmonized Wedges

[NM Golf]

Hey check this out. The USGA, in a letter sent earlier this month to club manufacturers, said high lofted wedges "can reduce the challenge of the game for shots near the green.''

So what are they doing? The are putting together a study to look into banning wedges 60° or higher. What do you think?

I think this is ridiculous, have you ever seen a hack try to use a 60° wedge. Using high lofted wedges correctly in itself is difficult and can only be done with a good amount of skill to begin with. The USGA has gone off their rockers this time.

[P_REEDY2009]

they are just trying to make the game more difficult. This goes along with them also banning the square grooves, thats getting put in for the 2010 season, so ur not gonna be seeing the rediculous sping out of rough and stuff like that from the tour players. There wedges will now have basically the same type of grooves that our irons have..but a little better

just trying to make the game more difficult

[shortgrass lover]

I agree with you, I don't understand their logic. It's really no easier than opening up a 56* or 54*?