Is fitting for a gap wedge necessary?

[PeteStevens]

Hi,

I would like to buy a gap wedge (between PW & SW loft). I am wondering if I can just order something online or if there is benefit in being fitted for it. If I were right handed I would just go down to my local golf shop (in UK) and try some out and they would probably fit me for it, but being left handed they have very very few to choose from, whereas online I can choose most any wedge and order left handed.

So much easier for me to order online and not bother with the fitting, but would I regret it? Your opinions please, thanks.

[k-troop]

If you want to get the most benefit from a gap, and your wedges in general, they need to be looked at together.  Take your 9-iron, and the highest-lofted wedge you plan to use (maybe a 56, 58, or 60) and then fill in the space in between with as many clubs as you can fit into your bag.  If you've only got room for one wedge between 9 and SW/LW, then your stock PW probably isn't the most efficient choice--a 50-deg is probably a better option.  If you've got room for two clubs, I'd consider replacing your PW with a 48, and then fitting in a 52, 53, or 54 depending on what your highest-lofted wedge is.

I also like to have all of my wedges match.  Shaft, head, etc. properties being consistent, then you have the confidence that you're going to get consistent contact with your wedge swings.  Then you just need to learn two swings (a 90% and a 70%) and you've got six different yardages that you can call up on demand without even thinking about it.  That will cover most situations you'll find on the course between 45 and 120 yards.

[PeteStevens]

Thanks for your advice. Think I'll get one first, then if it is significantly better than what I've got, then I'll replace the lot. Did you get yours fitted or buy off the shelf?

[WUTiger]

It would be helpful if you could have told us the make, model and loft of your PW and SW.

Are they from the same set? Some models of GI and several models of SGI irons have four wedges made for the set.

I'm assuming your irons-PW and your SW are different models.

First of all, determine the degree gap between your PW and SW. Then, have some idea of the yardage gap between each on half shots, 3/4 shots and full shots.  You want a GW which will split the difference between the two in yardage.

If your SW doesn't match your PW, then try to find a GW that's the same model as your SW.

One thing which people overlook in selecting wedge mix is the shaft length. In the case of iron sets, 3i through PW shafts normally has 1/2" differences in length up and down the set.

Not so in wedges, especially the specialty wedges. Vokey tends to have 1/4" difference up and down the line, and Cleveland CG15 only has 1/8" length difference between loft groups. So, one way to increase the distance gap between wedges is to trim 1/4" off one of the shafts.

A good clubfitter could give you advice on different ways to "even out" the gaps in your set.

To PeteS: Consider putting your club mix in your sig line, or in a list. That way, we can tell what clubs you have, and and get some idea how you approach the game.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by PeteStevens

Thanks for your advice. Think I'll get one first, then if it is significantly better than what I've got, then I'll replace the lot. Did you get yours fitted or buy off the shelf?

I agree with WUTiger - what gear are you trying to fill out?  Why do you need a gap wedge? Do you find you're always in that between distance and you can't seem to either back off your PW of step on a SW to get the ball that distance? A gap wedge could be a no brainer.

I went with odds and ends for years then bought a 3-wedge set in '94. I never looked back. A good quality set of matched wedges is fantastic. I had a couple of them bent and now go PW, SW, LW in whatever set I use.

A "set" could even include a PW replacement (typically 46 to 50 depending on your setup). A lot of pros replace their PW to match their SW and higher lofted wedge (48, 54, 60 is pretty common).

[Beachcomber]

What is your PW loft? 45 to 47 degrees is typical What is your SW loft? 54 to 56 degrees is typical Try and fill the difference evenly with your gap wedge. Also what kind of shot distances are you trying to fill? For instance about 10yrs ago I realized I had a big delta between my PW at 47 degrees and my SW at 56. Where I could hit a full swing PW 115 yds, but couldn't hit my SW more than 80 yds consistently. I went and purchased a Vokey 52 degree gap wedge, but with little bounce so I could hit a shot 105 to 85 yds with ease. I also purchased at the same time a SW @ 56 and a LW @ 60 all with the same shafts so the feel of the full swing wedge would be similar. I agree with the others here... I'd replace all your wedges with the same wedge set, and do some research on bounce to understand what will best suit your needs.

[SAGolfLuvr]

I agree with the folks that ask "Is it part of the same set?". It made the game much easier for me when I replaced my 54* wedge with a properly fitted gap wedge with the same shaft, length gap, same iron head, and lie angle as the rest of my set. The first time I used it,........it felt like I had been using it ever since I first bought my set. It solved several problems immediately.

[BuckeyeNut]

You definitely want something to fit the set.....similar setup/lie angles, etc. etc...preferably all wedges are the same model. I don't see how a hodge-podge wedge collection can help the short game.....

[PeteStevens]

Thanks for all the advice guys, sounds like I might need a 52degree Wilson if there is such a thing, I'll have a search.

Can't seem to set up a signature yet (too new I think) so here is my club list (left handed):

Wilson Fat Shaft 4-SW

Wilson Deep Red LW

Taylor Made Burner Rescue 4 22degree

Taylor Made Burner Driver 10.5degree

Odyssey #5 White Hot Putter

my average full wedge distances are:

LW - 70

SW - 85

PW - 115

I need to fill the gap between SW & PW... I don't know what lofts they are

[TourSpoon]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNut

You definitely want something to fit the set.....similar setup/lie angles, etc. etc...preferably all wedges are the same model. I don't see how a hodge-podge wedge collection can help the short game.....

I have to agree, especially with similar setup and lie angles.  While I do know a few guys who show up with some mixed clubs (some are real players that have pet wedges) I wouldn't recommend it for you or for a gap wedge. If you ever see a guy that you end up playing for money that has a beat up Titleist bag that looks like a yard sale purchase, no head covers, an R7 TP driver with an old TM spoon, beat on Titleist blades, and some mismatched wedges, RUN! This guy will feast on you.

[keb]

Fitted for PIng G15's this year.  I wanted a gap wedge and asked the pro if I should go with the Ping G15 U wedge or another wedge.  He immediately recommended going with the gap wedge provided in the G15 set.  No question in his mind that was the way to go since I was fitted for those irons.

[xxsoultonesxx]

I'm finding all these comments about how all your wedges should match a little amusing. I understand it in theory, but what about the advantages of having a little variety? I play a heavier forged wedge for my 56* while my 51* and 60* have smaller/lighter cast heads.

I find that the weight of the head helps me in the rough, or in buried lies. Also useful in the bunker.

I've played matching sets but have a couple wedges that fight their way in the bag. Play what is working for you.

[k-troop]

Originally Posted by xxsoultonesxx

I'm finding all these comments about how all your wedges should match a little amusing. I understand it in theory, but what about the advantages of having a little variety? I play a heavier forged wedge for my 56* while my 51* and 60* have smaller/lighter cast heads.

I find that the weight of the head helps me in the rough, or in buried lies. Also useful in the bunker.

I've played matching sets but have a couple wedges that fight their way in the bag. Play what is working for you.

I agree with that--it's not so much about matching, but about ensuring that all of the clubs have a place in your bag and complement each other.  If you're going to be hitting full shots with your 48, 52, and 56, however, it makes sense to have the weight, angle, shaft, etc. fairly consistent.  If you're only hitting shots with the PW and gap, and use the SW for blasting from rough around the greens, then a heavy, high bounce wedge makes sense.

Again, it's about ensuring that the club matches what you want to use it for, and you don't have unnecessarily large gaps or two wedges which are too similar (such as a 54.08 and a 56.10).

[BuckeyeNut]

Now I will say this.....I use all my wedges for full shots, but there is one big difference.  My 56degree has a lot of bounce, and my 60 has nearly half the bounce. If I am in a greenside bunker that is soft and fluffy, I use the 56.   I know this is vague, but If it's hard packed and or wet, I use the 60.  It's just a comfort thing for me......  Yes, there are instances where this rule doesn't apply, but having different wedges with varying bounce helps me greenside bunker game.