Wedge Setup

[superfly777]

I'm trying to fill out my bag and am looking at my wedge setup.

My Cleveland CG16 Satin Chrome iron set is quite strong with the Pitching Wedge being 44 ° . I've then got 6 ° gaps between my next two clubs which are 50 ° and 56 ° MD Golf NV Drew Wedges. While larger than some, I'm happy with these gaps as I'm quite good at working between the spacings. However I find it difficult to hit the ball on 20-40 yard approaches to stop quickly so I am looking at a lob wedge.

I'm currently thinking either 60 ° or 62 ° and have the following questions:

1) I'm only a 20 handicap and have never used a 62 ° so do people think this club will be either too difficult/unpredictable or simply more limited by what it can do?

2) Most people seem to have 4 ° gaps between their wedges so I don't suppose many people would have any issue with a 56 ° to 60 ° gap. Do people agree or would anyone suggest keeping the 6 ° gap?

3) If I'm going for 60 ° I could get a MD Golf NV Drew wedge for £50 to match the wedges which has it's advantages. However American Golf is offering a 60 ° Cleveland CG16 Black Pearl in the sales for £50 (normally about £80) which I like. Do people think this would be fine or would people recommend keeping the wedges from the same company line-up for consistency? I can get the NV Drew anytime but the Cleveland deal will only be while stocks last I assume.

4) What bounce would people recommend on the lob wedge? Suggestions for both 60 ° and 62 ° if different please.

If I get the 60 ° and then decide I want more loft I assume I can ask my Pro to bend it further down the line.

Thanks in advance. That was a longer post than I was planning.

[WUTiger]

20 HDCP with a 60 ° or a 62 ° : You would just have try them out to see if it worked for you. I know scratch golfers who won't go near a 60 ° , and I know 20 HDCPs who hit it quite well.

Most teaching pros caution against using more than 60 ° .

If you have 50 and 56, a 60 ° would probably be OK; many golfers only use an LW for half swings or less, so the even loft gap would not be as critical.

For your other questions, you might look at these wedge links from club designer Ralph Maltby. He talks about loft and bounce, and wedge fitting to include wedge loft + shaft length (people forget about this).

• Wedge playability: http://www.ralphmaltby.com/50
• Fitting wedges: http://www.ralphmaltby.com/17

[dsc123]

If you're having trouble stopping the ball with a 56* wedge the problem is more likely technique than a lack of loft.   Try out the method Erik posted here:  http://thesandtrap.com/t/39411/quickie-pitching-video  That video helped me tremendously.

As for 60 vs 62, I would probably go with the 60, but I don't think its going to make a big difference either way.

[CanuckAaron]

What kind of ball are you using? That will have a big effect on whether you can get the ball to stop as quickly as you want it to.

I have been using a 60 degree since I was 14  and I love mine but I only use it for specific situations. I will rarely use it from the fairway unless I am going over something and for me stopping the ball quickly with my 60 has less to do with spin and more to do with getting the ball way up in the air (relative to the shot distance) and having it land softly.

As for club consistency I have never believed in that, I have a Callaway driver, TM 3 Wood, Cobra Hybrid, Nike Irons, Cleveland and Titleist Wedges and a Titleist putter, use whichever you prefer. It is more important that you are comfortable with the club than what name is stamped on it. Good luck with your decision.

[superfly777]

  dsc123 said:

Originally Posted by dsc123

If you're having trouble stopping the ball with a 56* wedge the problem is more likely technique than a lack of loft.   Try out the method Erik posted here:  http://thesandtrap.com/t/39411/quickie-pitching-video  That video helped me tremendously.

As for 60 vs 62, I would probably go with the 60, but I don't think its going to make a big difference either way.

Thanks all. It's not exactly that I have a problem stopping the ball. With my 56 ° I can hit is between 60-90 yards and stop it dead. I can also open the clubface and stop it 40-60 yards, though this is obviously less accurate left and right. I figure having a 60 ° would let me get the ball up between 25-55 yards with a normal swing/setup.

As people say you won't know until you try one.

[Gofas]

Use mini swing with your 56 with slight open stance. Use the bounce. My back swing is just at knee for 20 and in. Follow thru is same. I'm getting rid of my lob which I love. My reason for only one wedge now is would like a hybrid in the bag. I noticed recently I can play many different scenerios with the one wedge. I used to have 3 now I have one. Just seems to have simplified my play around the green. Recently I learned to check the ball well with basic shoulder turn one piece chip and run techinique. Good video on PGA.com about it. Still love my mini flop, but the chip seems more reliable in different lies. Just some thoughts for you. Mo bounce makes it Ez. I get the feeling I'm hitting the ground with bounce and the ball happens to be in the way.

[Gofas]

Another thought is that a ball with a little roll is better for a hole out than one that dead stops. 20y and in try for hole outs. not just close is my new thought.