wedges

[CarpeDiem]

Im looking to purchase a wedge in the next 2 days. Im looking for something to hit 50 yards and less to get some loft. My approach game is horrible w/o a wedge no matter how much i practice with my pw with close shots. Any recommendations? I have looked at several clubs. Callaway approach wedge, nike sv tour 54 degree just to name a few. Please let me know.

[oneil003]

50 yards and in? Try getting a 58* or 60* if you want to take a full swing. You could get a 54*, but you would need to take a half-swing to hit it within 50 yards

[green6767]

I was in the same position last year about wedge purchases. I hadn't even owned any wedges and just counted on my PW do get my approach shots on...yeah...not so much. So I know how you feel. I personally went with a 52, 56, and a 60 of the Cleveland Black Pearl Wedges. I think most people on here vote for either a Cleveland Wedge or a Titleist Wedge. I have found that most Cleveland wedges are easy to hit and I absolutely love mine. They have probably been the best golf purchase yet for me, as they have cut numerous strokes off my game. Whatever route you choose, you definately wont be dissappointed by getting a wedge. I use my 56 more than the other 2.

[Shindig]

Im looking to purchase a wedge in the next 2 days. Im looking for something to hit 50 yards and less to get some loft. My approach game is horrible w/o a wedge no matter how much i practice with my pw with close shots. Any recommendations? I have looked at several clubs. Callaway approach wedge, nike sv tour 54 degree just to name a few. Please let me know.

How far do you hit your other shots? I know someone who hits per PW 50 yards. I know someone else who hits his PW 150 yards and needs something like a LW with 3/4 swing to hit 50 yards (needless to say, he avoids this distance whenever possible). I love my Titleist Vokey wedges. I feel like I can hit most any short game shot that I've practiced with them when it matters. Too bad I'm usually "saving" double bogey with 'em. Not the wedges' fault. I suggest - and have heard others suggest - that you pick a wedge that not only has the loft and bounce you need, but that looks pretty (or other form of 'nice') to you. Why? Well, if your 5-Iron is ugly, so what? You don't hit it that often. You're going to be playing a lot of short game with this club, and you want it to inspire confidence, and that starts with being happy with the club.

[CarpeDiem]

if I hit my PW strong, and with a full I can get it about 165 yards and stick it well. Im having trouble with pw with shorters distances then 50 yards, because I dont know how much power to hit with since Im always backspinning hard. Usually I try to loft it hi to prevent spin.

[jb1982]

If you're hitting your PW that far, you're going to have the same problem as me. I hit my PW 140, 54* 120 and 60* 95yds. I just try my hardest to avoid the 40-80 yd range. I'm currently working hard on my 1/2 and 3/4 distance control shots, but until then I try to either get into pitching range or stay outside 90yds.

But you definitely need some more wedges if you're hitting your PW that far. Also, do you hit the ball pretty low??

[CarpeDiem]

not really. I usually tend to get some good mid-hi loft with my pw shots. Also, what does one recommend on chipping?

[hurley9192]

Read Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible...really helps dial in those in between wedge shots.

[shortgame85]

Read Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible...really helps dial in those in between wedge shots.

This is the best advice offered to this question. Better than any investment in wedges would be some time spent reading Mr. Pelz's suggestions regarding where the ball should be in one's stance for any given short shot, as well as his discussion of wedges in general. The prose is clear and simple. Do give this book a read. Then go try out some wedges. Good luck.

[Mhinderaker]

I would actually reccomend a 56* sand wedge as it is a more versatile club.

You can hit shorter or longer shots or even play little bumps or longer pitches with them as well, and from about 50 yards you can either hit a little lazy ball that is going to land on the front of the green and release, or you can really get your hands moving quicky and fire a low liner that is going to take 1 hop and be done.

[SFore]

if I hit my PW strong, and with a full I can get it about 165 yards and stick it well. Im having trouble with pw with shorters distances then 50 yards, because I dont know how much power to hit with since Im always backspinning hard. Usually I try to loft it hi to prevent spin.

You're a 19 handicap and you hit your PW 165 yards?!?!?! What do you hit your driver......390???? Some factual information and not "fish tales" might lead to better recommendations.

[Free Ballin]

Just because he hits his PW long doesn't equate to being longer with his driver or long irons. 6 months ago, I could get my PW to 160 yds if I cranked down on it hard, but I couldn't hit anything lower than an 8 iron straight. I was driving the ball 275 yds on average. I have worked on it and I am trying not to swing so hard and be more consistant. I also bought the Cleveland Black Pearl wedges in 52, 56, 60. I love them. I could play a hole of golf with out them.

I put my 52 out to 115-120
I put my 56 out 100
I use the 60 for anything from 95 in.

I also carry a T wedge? it is a Wilson wedge. I have no idea what degree it is, but it is almost flat. I am guessing around a 64 degree. I use it only for extreme conditions. i.e. right in front of a green a green bunker with no room to work with on the green. I put this thing straight up. I only use it 20 yards and in.

I hope this helps you. I am going through the same thing. Just get a set of wedges and try them and find which is the best for you. I use my 60 all the time.

Good Luck

[SFore]

Well, congratulations to the two of you. As 19 and 20 handicappers, you both hit your PWs quite a substantial bit further than Tiger Woods "on a normal day":
TIGER'S CLUBS:
Driver: 285 yards (of carry)
3 Wd: 265 yards (of carry)
2 Iron: 245 yards
3 Iron: 230 yards
4 Iron: 220 yards
5 Iron: 208 yards
6 Iron: 190 yards
7 Iron: 172 yards
8 Iron: 158 yards
9 Iron: 142 yards
Pitching Wedge: 128 yards
Sand Wedge: 106 yards
Lob Wedge (60°): 92 yards

Granted, we've seen Tiger in tournaments muscle up and hit 150-160 yard PWs, but the above numbers were provided by Tiger to the Golf Channel as general guides for what he hits under normal conditions. And according to the two of you, you hit it a good 30 yards further than the best player in the world. Anyway, not saying it's not true because everybody's different, but one could see why I thought it's a bit of a "fishtale".

[CarpeDiem]

Im just like what ballin said. I average a 265 yard driver and can hit greens at 165 yards with a pw. Ive have gone thru a launch moniter and my swing speed is between 95-100 mph. Everyone has different swing types and strengths, just because you can or can't doesn't mean you have to rip on us or compare us to Tiger Woods(seriously, wtf were you thinking? He plays golf for a reason, I play it for leisure and time to drink beer.) I would like advice not a flame. k thx bye.

[lamebums]

If you're like me, long and not particulary accurate, you're definitely going to need a higher lofted wedge in your bag, 60 degrees, if not 64, although the latter is hard to find. I can crank the pitching wedge about 130 on a good day, but on 50 yard pitches it comes out too low and too hot, and almost never holds the green. Unless I have a lot of green to work with, I'll lob the shot into the air and try to fire at the pin, stopping it on a dime. My 60 degree wedge is so money. It's bailed me out of trouble so many times.

With greens that stimp at 14 due to the dryness, it's difficult to get anything to stop, though.

[SFore]

Im just like what ballin said. I average a 265 yard driver and can hit greens at 165 yards with a pw. Ive have gone thru a launch moniter and my swing speed is between 95-100 mph. Everyone has different swing types and strengths, just because you can or can't doesn't mean you have to rip on us or compare us to Tiger Woods(seriously, wtf were you thinking? He plays golf for a reason, I play it for leisure and time to drink beer.) I would like advice not a flame. k thx bye.

Whatever dude...look at some of the other posts on here and most people generally agree that people that say 265 really mean 230 to 225 and your 165 probably means 130-125, which nobody would question. And a Tiger comparison in this case makes perfect sense because it's NOT IN HIS FAVOR!! Of course comparisons to Tiger Woods saying you're not as good as him make no sense becuase nobody here is, but in this case you were claiming you regularly hit it 30-40 yards further than him with your PW, which is utterly ridiculous. But if you want to continue the charade, that's your perogative. You asked for advice....here's some advice: Nobody like's a liar.

Just get a 56 degree wedge with 10-12 bounce as others said and enjoy your beer.

[Free Ballin]

So you are that guy. The guy on every forum that sits behind his computer and gets enjoyment at either, putting everyone else down calling everyone a liar, and/or tries to stir the pot and get everyone pissed off. Nice to meet ya!

I could give a rats a$$ if you believe me or not. My backyard is the fairway of a par 5. I play or practice EVERY night. So don't come to me with some stats of another player and try to compare me to him that is utterly absurd. Does that mean if I or anyone else for that matter hits the same distance as Tiger with a certain single club that I am as good as Tiger? I guess the qualifying school will have a huge jump in attendance.

Since you are the golf judge and jury why don't you come on down and check it out, and don't forget your tape measure.

[i-Guy]

Okay! Now back to the subject of the thread. I have read through the entire thread and agree with the following advice that was given:

1) Purchase wedges that you think you can hit. There are many choices out there so check out each one. I would think as long as you purchase one you think you can hit you have a better chance of being successful hitting them
2) Read Dave Peltz book
3) Based on the yardgae you hit your PW I would recommend at least three wedges. I hit my PW on the average around 130-135 (48 degree MP-60) and I play Titleist Vokey wedges (see signature) to fill the gaps between my PW and my LW.

Good luck with your decision.