To use a 60* wedge or not?

[iacas]

Which will prob end up with the person hitting the ground first and duffing the chip.

Agreed. The average amateur doesn't use the bounce on their wedges enough. Pros move the ball back when they want to run the ball a bit, not when they want to check it up more. For that they'll cut across (and down) on it from a position relatively forward in their stance. And they use the bounce.

[14ledo81]

Agreed. The average amateur doesn't use the bounce on their wedges enough. Pros move the ball back when they want to run the ball a bit, not when they want to check it up more. For that they'll cut across (and down) on it from a position relatively forward in their stance. And they use the bounce.

What do you mean by "using the bounce"?

[iacas]

What do you mean by "using the bounce"?

See the Stan Utley stuff. Pros use the bounce of the wedge, while amateurs almost never do. Bob Vokey will tell you that's one of the biggest differences between the wedge games of pros and amateurs.

[Expect Birdies]

How often should one get new wedges? I've had my vokeys for about 6 years now. Is it time to get new wedges or should I just keep mine now the way they are?

[GaijinGolfer]

For most mid and high handicappers, a 60* wedge isnt the best idea. Due to the fact that the loft is so extreme, the effective sweet spot is much smaller than on other clubs, so its easy to mishit shots and its difficult to get a constant distance out of the club.
I currently carry a 60* and its a great club to have in the bag when Im striking the ball well, but when my swing is even a little off its a distaster club.
If I had it to do again, I would have gone with a 50* and 56*; which would be easier to hit clubs and would give me a more even spacing between my wedges.

[nike_golf]

Nike, What club do you use for your bump and run shots? I just picked up a 52 and 56 wedges this winter. Last year my most lofted club was a PW, so I am pretty excited to use these in the spring.

I'm a bump and run guy. Have been for quite awhile. It's an easier shot and a useful shot in a lot of situations.

That being said, I rarely use my wedges for chip shots. It will be my PW or 9i most of the time. However, I'll use a club as high as my 6i at times. It depends on how far away from the hole I am. The best chip of my life was a 40 footer from the fringe w/ a 7i.

[nike_golf]

Which will prob end up with the person hitting the ground first and duffing the chip.

That shot is quite a bit easier than any 60* degree shot, if that's what you are trying to say.

[James_Black]

That shot is quite a bit easier than any 60* degree shot, if that's what you are trying to say.

I do that with my 60* wedge when chipping.

What's the big deal with a 60* your making it seem like a 1-iron!!

[Zeph]

Let's not over-dramatize the use of a 60º wedge. It's no harder to use than a 56º with the proper technique. Lots of players suffers because they try to get under the ball. Difference between a 56º and 60º is that the latter is harder to get under the ball with. Point is that you are supposed to hit the ball first for chip shots, taking the bounce out of play. As long as you don't top the ball, the shot is not that hard.

When it comes to using the bounce on flop shots, the loft is very useful. You can slide the club under the ball, using the bouce and it will pop up. My theory, as with most short game problems, is due to a lack of understanding how to do the shots and practice. Using a 60º wedge is a lot about confidence. If you stand over the ball, petrified you might skull it or hit it fat, chances are good you might just do that.

[nike_golf]

I do that with my 60* wedge when chipping.

haha.

Like I said earlier, anyone should use whatever they want. If they want to use a 60, who am I, or anyone, to tell them they can't/shouldn't use it? I'm just giving feedback on my experience w/ the club and why I don't think they are needed in MOST players bags.

[montru]

Thanks for all your views, I have taken it out of the bag and will stick to my 52 gw and 56 sw, I had quite a lot of succes with those but I was given a set of wedges which had the 60 in it, I will shelve the idea of using them until I'm a single digit handicapper lol.