Learning wedges

[I KyotE I]

It isn't too big a thing for me. But, I was wondering how hard it is to only use three wedges. I use 4 now but depending on how I decide to build this set(4 wood, and 4 wedges or 3 and 5 wood with three) I was just wondering how hard it is for a mid teen handicap to learn three wedge set ups. maily if I stick with a cleveland set up or a titlest set up I might just go three or ping or mizuno I will have 4. That is just my thoughts now. I just don't know how difficult it is to get the feel for in between shots.

[Solaar]

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly, but what I did when I chose my wedges was to try out different swings. First I hit full swings and noted the lengths, then I hit 1/2 1/3 and 1/4 swings where I only went back to shoulder, hip and knee height in the backswing. I also tried the same with an open clubhead. This helped me determine the distances and different ballflights I could achieve with each wedge and it helped me choose what set-up I needed.

[PiKapp23]

I had been playing 4 wedges for some time and switched this year to 3 when I got my new irons, which have slightly weaker lofts. My PW is 47* and I also carry a 51/8* and 56/13*. I had previously carried 4 with PW 45*, GW 49*, SW 54/12* and LW 58/10*. I really thought I would miss the LW but have found I can hit every shot I previously hit with the 58 with my 56 and usually better. I find partial shots with my wedges fairly easy - maybe even easier than full swings, especially the 58*, which is sometimes difficult to hit with full swing for me. Because of this I was able to add a club on the lower end - my 5H (about a 4i distance, but more versatile).

[lumpuckeroo]

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly, but what I did when I chose my wedges was to try out different swings. First I hit full swings and noted the lengths, then I hit 1/2 1/3 and 1/4 swings where I only went back to shoulder, hip and knee height in the backswing. I also tried the same with an open clubhead. This helped me determine the distances and different ballflights I could achieve with each wedge and it helped me choose what set-up I needed.

I agree, I think it is more important to know what you can do with the wedge then how many you carry. I don't consider today's PW a wedge, but I carry 2 wedges, a 52 and 56. I can hit the 52 100 yards and have developed a feel for the distance I can hit with the 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 swings.

[$2 Nassau]

My wedges are:

PW: 48 deg
SW: 54.10 deg
LW: 60.05 deg

It's not that tough to get used to this. Basically what I do is avoid the 110-115 yard shots when possible. If your tee shot lands in that yardage range then so be it. But laying up on par 5's or if I am playing out of trouble I am looking to be 90-100 yards so I can use my 54 degree. If that isn't possible for whatever reason then I usually look to be around 125 or so yards for my PW.

I've carried 4 wedges before but always felt like I was wasting a club in my bag since I wouldn't use all of them very often. So I switched out one wedge for a 19 deg hybrid.

[CarlSpackler]

My lob wedge found a watery grave in Panama City Beach, FL. It was not in a fit of anger, but I wanted to remove the temptation to even try another shot with it. I now carry a 52 and 56.

[lumpuckeroo]

My lob wedge found a watery grave in Panama City Beach, FL. It was not in a fit of anger, but I wanted to remove the temptation to even try another shot with it. I now carry a 52 and 56.

LOL, good to know your limitations!!!

[CarlSpackler]

LOL, good to know your limitations!!!

It wasn't MY limitations, it was that darn club.

[lumpuckeroo]

It wasn't MY limitations, it was that darn club.

Even better!!!! I like that attitude.

[Chas]

My lob wedge found a watery grave in Panama City Beach, FL. It was not in a fit of anger, but I wanted to remove the temptation to even try another shot with it. I now carry a 52 and 56.

LOL.

But do you find yourself opening up the 56 and making flop shots anyway? I've put the LW away for a while now but still usually make 1-3 flop shots a round. Soooo satisfying when you pull it off, and not as hard as it looks to the uninitiated (if you practice it, pick your lie very carefully, know your standard swing distance, and commit to the shot).

[Leftygolfer]

I will always carry 4 wedges. I used to carry 5 until I got a stronger sand wedge and a weaker pitching wedge. I really like having the 2 lob wedges.

I carry my 64 about 67 yards.

I carry my 60 bent to a 58 about 85 yards. (I can hit this 90 yard very comfortably)

I carry my 53 bent to a 51 about 105.

I carry my PW about 124.

I am not really good at partial shots. I used to be better but now that I have to work every day I don't have the time to practice. I have alot better results hitting my 64 to 60 yards as opposed to trying to do it with a 60. I am deadly from 65 yards (by my standards and not a real player) with a 64 but before I had it I could not very often get it inside of 10 feet. Now I expect that from a good lie.

For me I would be wasting a club if I carried a 3 wood. I have 2 and can't hit either as far as I can hit my 5 wood.

I use my 60 around the green almost exclusively and my 64 is great for wierd shots or deep bunker shots.

[CarlSpackler]

LOL.

I only resort to the flop-a-dopolis if I have to. With the state of my game, I am content with getting it on the green and two putting for bogey (hopefully not double or worse).

BTW - Did I ever mention that I have commitment issues. lol