Wedge Setup

[jrode]

So, I'm looking to get a new iron set, but I'll also need to buy a wedge as well. Most of the iron sets I'm looking at are 4-GW. What would be the best setup for me as far as wedges went? Should I just buy one 55 or 56 degree sand wedge and be good to go like that? That would leave me with a PW, GW (49.5 degree) and a 55 or 56 degree sand wedge that I'd buy separately. Would that be the best bet? Or should I just buy the set, ditch the GW and get a 55 or 56 and a 60? I'm not really sure how much I'd use a lob wedge, but I don't know.

[CJL]

So, I'm looking to get a new iron set, but I'll also need to buy a wedge as well. Most of the iron sets I'm looking at are 4-GW. What would be the best setup for me as far as wedges went? Should I just buy one 55 or 56 degree sand wedge and be good to go like that? That would leave me with a PW, GW (49.5 degree) and a 55 or 56 degree sand wedge that I'd buy separately. Would that be the best bet? Or should I just buy the set, ditch the GW and get a 55 or 56 and a 60? I'm not really sure how much I'd use a lob wedge, but I don't know.

I'm a bit confused by some of your #s. Your pitching wedge should be 46 or 47 degrees depending on the brand. Is the gap wedge really 49.5*? In any case, I'm a huge proponent of carrying only two wedges (excluding the pitching wedge). By carrying two wedges you eliminate some distance decisions on the course and learn to play more shots. I think you would benefit from carrying a gap wedge of 52-54* and another wedge of 56-58*, depending on the loft of your pitching wedge. I also think getting a wedge that has a dynamic sole grind would be key. That said, many people choose to carry three wedges and swear by it. Just my two cents. Best of luck with your purchase!

[Hidalgo]

I'm a bit confused by some of your #s. Your pitching wedge should be 46 or 47 degrees depending on the brand. Is the gap wedge really 49.5*?

My Titleist PW is bent to 45*, and my GW is 50*, so it's not that unusual.

To answer the question....If I were you I would put a 54 and a 58 in the bag. Throw out whatever other club you hit worst or use the least.

[Dpricenator]

so your
PW is about 45*
GW 49.5*
SW 55*

maybe a 58*or 60*wedge for flop shots. That's what I've got in the bag, but i'm carrying more than I use right now, and just getting used too them. I have found that my 60* cleveland is awesome when the green is protected by a bunker, or if I only want to go 20 ft and I want the ball to stop. My sand wedge will go about 75 yrds, but the PW is 95YDs. I looking for a 50* TA7 GAp wedge to complete my set. I can find it, but it's $100 delivered.

[flanagan]

If you don't think 4 wedges are right for you, I'd ditch the GW for sure and maybe get a 52 and a 56 or 58, you could always make the PW slightly stronger. I think you'll get more out of the design of a dedicated wedge than the GW which I'm guessing is just a weak 9 iron in design, consistent with the rest of the set.

You'll have fewer options in a 52, however, as opposed to a 54, 56, etc.

[cfmgolf]

If your personal data is correct, and handicap is 25+, anything 58* and higher might be difficult to hit. Most higher handicappers (sorry about the generalization) have a hard time with the higher lofted wedges. They can be tricky to learn how to hit properly. I just have read quite a few threads over the past few months on these higher lofted wedges, and the general consensus is most higher handicappers don't like them as much as they thought they would. Just something to think about as you build your set. Good Luck.

[Stacey_E]

I'd probably suggest a matching SW to your set. At 49.5* I'd bet you are looking at a set of Cobra irons. With a 25+ realistically I think you could still use a little forgiveness on the SW as well. Plus the wide soles on those GI irons are absolutely awesome out of the sand, if it is not hard packed from rain.

For now, I think I'd go with a 5-PW, AW, SW in a matching set. Consider that if your AW is 49.5* your 4 iron would probably be less than 24* of loft. There is a long standing rule, regardless of what is stamped on the sole, that more than 38" and less than 24* makes for a hard to hit iron for the average golfer. Unless you are an exceptional ball striker, why pay for a 4 iron that you might replace later with a hybrid? But then again some of the GI/SGI 4 irons are like a hybrid. So that arguement is a wash I guess.

Good Luck!

[Dpricenator]

If your personal data is correct, and handicap is 25+,

From personal experience I agree. I Got this 60* clevelnad to go with my set and was surprised at what it takes to hit it correctly. Once I got the hang of it it does it's job, but it doesn't come out very often.

[jrode]

I've been contemplating what to get first, new irons, a driver or wedges and I think I'm going to get wedges. This was one of my major problems last year seeing as all I have to work with right now is a PW.

Thanks for the recommendations. I think I'm going to get a 52 and a 58. Can anyone help me out with bounce? The 58 would probably be for greenside bunkers and other areas around the green and the 52 would be used from 100 on in or so I'd guess.

[alcorn]

What do you want to do? if ya go with two wedges then I would go for a 52 and 58 if you go for three then I would go 52, 56, 60.

[jrode]

What do you want to do? if ya go with two wedges then I would go for a 52 and 58 if you go for three then I would go 52, 56, 60.

Yeah, I'm looking at a two wedge setup for now.