The Importance of a Sand Wedge

[adamgoodman]

I'm debating whether adding a 56* sand wedge to my bag would be worth it.  I currently have a 48* PW, a 52* AW, and a 60* LW.

Never had a sand wedge and it would bring my set to a complete 14.  Is it worth it?  You guys all know well that it ain't free. :P

[tws1098]

Might not be the wedges you would play, but the Adams set I got were only $9 each. Given that I would def. add a 56* to round out your bag. If you are looking at Vokeys or something similar then I would just step back and ask yourself when/if you could have used a 56 in the past several rounds. I use to use my 52 for chipping and 60 for bunkers but I like having a 56 to split the gap for approaches.

[596]

I find it rather difficult to hit 70%-90% distance shots with wedges.  Its FAR easier to hit a full wedge (realizing that a full wedge is an 80% swing) then one where you have to "take something off or hit it out of your shoes."

The sand wedge fills the gap between the lob and gap wedge.  I also use my 4 wedges in the bag for difficult pitches around the green.  Each wedge goes a specific height and roll depending on the shot I need with the same swing.  I use all my wedges alot!!

[adamgoodman]

Originally Posted by tws1098

Might not be the wedges you would play, but the Adams set I got were only $9 each. Given that I would def. add a 56* to round out your bag. If you are looking at Vokeys or something similar then I would just step back and ask yourself when/if you could have used a 56 in the past several rounds. I use to use my 52 for chipping and 60 for bunkers but I like having a 56 to split the gap for approaches.

Luckily, I'm only looking to spend around 45 dollars on a used Nike VR wedge.  Well, I haven't played in months because of the weather, but I got very tired of trying to pinpoint control half-swing attack wedges.

[tws1098]

Originally Posted by adamgoodman

Quote:

Originally Posted by tws1098

Might not be the wedges you would play, but the Adams set I got were only $9 each. Given that I would def. add a 56* to round out your bag. If you are looking at Vokeys or something similar then I would just step back and ask yourself when/if you could have used a 56 in the past several rounds. I use to use my 52 for chipping and 60 for bunkers but I like having a 56 to split the gap for approaches.

Luckily, I'm only looking to spend around 45 dollars on a used Nike VR wedge.  Well, I haven't played in months because of the weather, but I got very tired of trying to pinpoint control half-swing attack wedges.

Yeah that gets old, when my 60* was left behind and then someone took it my short game suffered.  On the bright side I learned to chip with my 52 and am much much better with it.  It is nice to have a 60* back though because I was money with it from 80 yards which I always seem to find myself at on those 350 to 380yd par 4s.

[sean_miller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tws1098

Quote:

It is nice to have a 60* back though because I was money with it from 80 yards which I always seem to find myself at on those 350 to 380yd par 4s.

Is anyone else doing this math?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 596

I find it rather difficult to hit 70%-90% distance shots with wedges.  Its FAR easier to hit a full wedge (realizing that a full wedge is an 80% swing) then one where you have to "take something off or hit it out of your shoes."

The sand wedge fills the gap between the lob and gap wedge.  I also use my 4 wedges in the bag for difficult pitches around the green.  Each wedge goes a specific height and roll depending on the shot I need with the same swing.  I use all my wedges alot!!

More wedges might lower your score right away, but fewer wedges in the bag can make you a better player.

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamgoodman

Never had a sand wedge and it would bring my set to a complete 14.  Is it worth it?  You guys all know well that it ain't free. :P

And you got down to a 4.8? Stellar!! May I suggest dumping the 52 in favour of a 54* SW ? You'll never go back.

Edit: or, get the 56, have your 52 bent to a 50, and the leave the PW at home.

[tws1098]

umm what math? that is a 270-300 yd drive...nothing outrageous

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by tws1098

umm what math? that is a 270-300 yd drive...nothing outrageous

I didn't say there was. Stretch your range a couple degrees on either side and I'm right there with you.

[delav]

If you've been playing consistent rounds under 80, you should know where your strokes are coming from and what gaps cost you the most.

I play most approach shots within 125 yards with a PW, 52 or 60.  The 56 has higher bounce and is most useful in thick rough and sand.

[tws1098]

ok then.

anyway, to the OP, good luck and I think Sean is right about going with a 54*. It would make sense and you can sell the 52 to make some of the money toward the 54. I considered going 54 and 58 myself but got a good deal on a full set.

[xxsoultonesxx]

You should get yourself a SW that has a different bounce from your other wedges, for different lies. So if you have a low bounce LW and GW, get a higher bounce SW for soft turf and fluffy sand. I think that would round out your bag.

[adamgoodman]

I got it.