3 or 4 wedges?

[aceofharts336]

So I am in the market for a new wedge to replace my current 60* LW. I have always played a "standard" set (with the exception of a hybrid for a 5 wood). However, I have been doing a lot thinking about playing 4 wedges instead of 3 (because of the percentage of shots I hit under 150 yards in an average round). On average, I hit my PW 145y, 52* 130y, and 60* 100y. If I add a fourth wedge, I would probably add a 56* and still replace my 60*. What are your thoughts?

[Zeph]

Whatever works for you.

I went from PW - 52º - 56º - 60º to PW - 54º - 58º and don't regret that decision. Wedges are important, but I found that I didn't need that many variations in lofts. For chipping I also use irons. 58º is primarily for bunkers, flop shots, approach shots from close to the green and shots where I need high trajectory.

[natp0wers]

I carry 4 wedges... 46, 50, 54, and 58 degrees. Wouldn't change it for anything.

[EHSGolf1]

Whatever works for you.

I used to use that set-up but now i went to a 52 and a 58. For me eliminating an option to chip with is better so I don't over think things. Having this set-up helps make my decision easier...but I'm not ruling out that I will keep this set-up for sure.

[Gioguy21]

I carry 4 myself...45*, 50*, 54*, and 60*...I use the 50* from 110, 54* from 95 and chipping, 60* from 70-bunker-flop-chipping...I love this set up and will undoubtedly keep it for a long time until i start hitting the ball shorter off the tee...

[lumpuckeroo]

So I am in the market for a new wedge to replace my current 60* LW. I have always played a "standard" set (with the exception of a hybrid for a 5 wood). However, I have been doing a lot thinking about playing 4 wedges instead of 3 (because of the percentage of shots I hit under 150 yards in an average round). On average, I hit my PW 145y, 52* 130y, and 60* 100y. If I add a fourth wedge, I would probably add a 56* and still replace my 60*. What are your thoughts?

I am a big believer that you carry wedges based on distance not on loft. I carry a PW (48), GW (52) and SW (56), but I play the GW the most. I hit it 100 yards and use it for everything from 100 in, I can easily adjust the distance by the length of my swing. A 75 yard shot is a 3/4 swing, a 50 yard shot is a half swing and so on. I use the SW only from the sand and once in a while from heavy greenside rough. I would say carry 4 wedges, add a 56 but keep the 60!

[chuangyee]

I play a PW (45), GW(52), SW(58) and a LW(62). Most of the time I just use the 58 SW in 3 different shots full, 3/4 swing and 1/2 swing. I use the 62 in the sand and for lob shots near green.

I think if you play your LW you should not replace it. Just add the 56 degree wedge.

[tweaky]

Why not add one of these?

http://www.feelwedges.com/v/vspfiles..._SINGLE-2T.jpg

[allin]

So I am in the market for a new wedge to replace my current 60* LW. I have always played a "standard" set (with the exception of a hybrid for a 5 wood). However, I have been doing a lot thinking about playing 4 wedges instead of 3 (because of the percentage of shots I hit under 150 yards in an average round). On average, I hit my PW 145y, 52* 130y, and 60* 100y. If I add a fourth wedge, I would probably add a 56* and still replace my 60*. What are your thoughts?

This question comes up a lot. Do you leave yourself shots frequently at 115-120 yards out? You are probably a long hitter 145 PW? Whats the longest club you can get up and the air and hold a firm green with? You probably only need fairway wood and driver after that. I have noticed many good golfers who are long leave one of the longer irons, usually a 3 carry a strong 4i or hybrid to make room for a fourth wedge, or replace the 3w with a 4w and drop the 5w. Getting gaps that allow you play to the distances you want or need is all that matters.

[Fastrack]

I got myself 4 wedges, P47, G52, S56, L60, converted from 45, 52, 58. I'm happy with current set up and hard to give up one of wedge for longer iron.

[msd3075]

If you fit the ball pretty far compared to the average golfer, it'll help you a lot to carry an extra wedge because you'll fill yardage gaps in your bag that you wouldn't have if you didn't hit your shorter irons so far. People always wonder why I carry 4 wedges, but when you look at the yardages I use them for I'd probably need to pick up a 5th wedge to have the same yardage gaps most golfers have.

I carry 4 wedges; the PW that came with my irons (47˚), 50˚, 54˚, and 59˚. I use the PW as if it was any other iron in my bag. Summer weather distance for a normal swing is around 140-145 yards. For the 50˚ and 54˚ wedges, I never swing more than 80% because I've found I have much more control with them this way. With that 80% swing, the 50˚ goes about 125 yards and the 54˚ between 110 and 115 yards. For anything between about 60-115, I'll still use the 54˚ but just make a shorter swing. With the 59˚, I NEVER swing anywhere never full simply because it's the only wedge I have that had much bounce to it and. For me, this wedge set-up doesn't leave any yardage gaps at all and allows me to use the wedges in a way I'm comfortable with (ie. not having to swing them full all the time).

[onthehunt526]

Well this is probably not my place to talk but... as you can see in my signature I still carry a 2 iron... So I carry three but I'm kind of a cheater when it comes to only having 3 wedges... here's why 2/20, 3/23, 4/26, 5/30, 6/34, 7/38, 8/42, 9/46, PW/50, SW/54, LW/60... I, in theory carry four wedges... but in reality only carry three

[GaijinGolfer]

For most mid and high handicappers a 4th wedge is a waste because they cant hit their 58*/60* consistently anyways.

[andef]

4 degree gaps would be best, i'd rather not have a 30 yard gap between my wedges
i play 46, 54, 58 because it gives me more options around the greens and i'm able to hit the PW from 120/140 yards which fits my gaps. i would suggest playing 4 wedges if you already have a 52 and going PW, 52, 56 and 60.

[Zeph]

I rarely hit shots from inside 100 yards. I can of course mishit the ball and end up short, but I never lay up so I'm inside of it. My usual lay up is around 110-140 yards where I can use PW, 9 or 8. Rarely hit a full shot with anything lower lofted than my PW.

[jpalermo]

Well this is probably not my place to talk but... as you can see in my signature I still carry a 2 iron... So I carry three but I'm kind of a cheater when it comes to only having 3 wedges... here's why 2/20, 3/23, 4/26, 5/30, 6/34, 7/38, 8/42, 9/46, PW/50, SW/54, LW/60... I, in theory carry four wedges... but in reality only carry three

Did you have them bent this way? I have never seen a PW more than 48*

[WUTiger]

For most mid and high handicappers a 4th wedge is a waste because they cant hit their 58*/60* consistently anyways.

Being a 21 HDCP, I agree. But, even if my HDCP drops, I'm not sure a LW is in the cards. I hit greenside cut shots with my 56 which are fairly reliable. Average golfers I play with often end up hitting LWs after they shortside themselves going after sucker pins. Avoid situations where you need LW.

Chipping with LW? Tried that with previous set of clubs, and most LW chips ended up as skulls or big fats.

[Zeph]

Chipping with LW? Tried that with previous set of clubs, and most LW chips ended up as skulls or big fats.

That's why we are high handicappers and not single. Chipping, and the long game really, is about making good contact. If you do that, chipping with a LW is no problem. I sometimes use it when I'm just off the green and the green is sloping away from me, with the hole right where the slope ends. A bump and run will run way past the hole, a putt is hard to judge due to the fairway and fringe. So I use the LW, get the ball airborne and let it bump a time or two before rolling, hopefully with low speed, onto the green.