Wedge Lofts: What do you need to know?

[topgolfgears]

Over the past decades, brands have continuously strengthened the lofts on iron clubs, which means that golfers need to pay more attention to how they space wedges in their sets. With proper spacing and consistent yardage gaps between clubs, players will be able to obtain more short shots that finish closer to the hole. To achieve that, keep in mind the following rules.

 

1. Count the number of clubs in your golf bag up to and including the 9-iron. Starting with the putter, if the number of clubs up to your 9-iron is 11, that means you should carry only three wedges. If it is 10, you can have four wedges. Making space in your bag for one extra wedge will allow you to carry more clubs that are more suited for certain shots. For example, instead of a 3/4 swing, you can use a full swing to hit a shot.

2. Understand your pitching wedge loft. Add three more wedges with no more than 4-5 degrees between each of them, if your wedge loft is 45 degrees or less. That means putting in a gap wedge between 48 or 50 degrees, a sand wedge between 54 and 56 degrees, and a lob one between 58 and 60 degrees. Work with your fitter to achieve the most suitable gapping for you.

3. Put a gap wedge (around 50 degrees) between the pitching wedge loft and the sand wedge loft. This gap wedge provides much-needed yardage between those two clubs. Match it with the set's short irons and pitching wedge. The gap wedge will probably be a full-swing club, while the sand wedge and lob wedge will be used more for shots around the green.

4. Wedges can be bent a degree or two rather easily to achieve the desired loft spacing. However, once you start strengthening or weakening the lofts of your high-lofted wedges, you are also changing the bounce angle. Every degree strong reduces bounce by a degree, and vice versa.

5. Ultra-high lofted wedges may help the ball get in the air quicker. However, a maximum loft of 58 degrees provides the best versatility for your highest-lofted wedge and a more solid contact for better greenside spin. Ideally, a 45-degree pitching wedge will be followed by a 50-degree gap wedge and complemented by 54- and 58-degree sand and lob wedges.

6. Check with your fitter to better understand how to work your irons and wedges together. When you have an iron fitting, you should also add a wedge fitting to fill out the rest of your bag.