What Wedges Should A Beginner Carry?

When choosing wedges for your bag, it’s customary to maintain a 4 to 5-degree gap between each one.

For instance, if your pitching wedge sits at 46 degrees, you might consider adding a gap wedge between the pitching and sand wedges.

A sand wedge ranging from 56 to 58 degrees is versatile, suitable for bunker play and challenging shots over hazards or tight pin placements.

Following this principle, a gap wedge of 50 to 52 degrees would bridge the distance between the pitching and sand wedges.

However, this is just a guideline, and beginners need not stress over slight variations in loft between wedges.

Lob Wedge

Typically lofted at 60 degrees, lob wedges are used for recovery shots near the green. Yet, for beginners, I advise against the lob wedge due to its finesse requirement and the extensive practice needed to master it.

Since confidence is crucial in the short game, beginners should focus on practicing shots near the green. Here are some reasons to avoid a lob wedge:

• It’s the loftiest club in the set, demanding practice to gauge its flight distance accurately.
• Lob wedges often have large soles, which can dig into soft or wet turf.
• They possess significant bounce, causing the club to skid on tight lies and resulting in low, uncontrollable shots across the green.
• Many beginner golfers tend to fall short of their intended approach shot distance by 90%.
• Achieving good lies on the fairway or rough is essential for the club head to slide smoothly under the ball and generate spin.
• Can beginners make this judgment effectively?

Pitching Wedge

Pitching wedges vary in loft degrees depending on the manufacturer. Modern wedges typically have less loft than older models, with some even going below 48 degrees to increase distance.

However, increased distance doesn’t always translate to better scores.

Gap Wedge

As the name suggests, the gap wedge fills the space between the pitching and sand wedges. It’s essential to maintain a consistent 4 to 5-degree difference in loft between wedges.

Gap wedges often have a thicker sole, allowing them to navigate through turf easily.

However, determining the distance a beginner can achieve with a gap wedge poses a challenge.

Sand Wedge

A sand wedge is indispensable for getting out of bunkers. With lofts ranging from 54 to 58 degrees, selecting the right one is crucial for beginners.

This shot is unique as it requires hitting behind the ball deliberately. There are various techniques for playing out of traps, which we’ll discuss later.

Read More: Wedge Bounce Explained: A Complete Guide

Matching Wedges to the Set

Manufacturers adjust club lofts to maximize distance across the set. Therefore, a pitching wedge from one brand may not have the same loft as another.

While sets typically include a pitching wedge, gap, and sand wedges may need to be purchased separately, considering their loft degrees.

What is 1-degree of loft in terms of distance?

A 1-degree loft difference equals approximately 1.8 meters in distance. While seemingly insignificant to beginners, understanding these distances becomes crucial over time, aiding in club selection and gap management.

What Distance will a 46-degree Pitching Wedge Fly?

On average, a 46-degree pitching wedge covers around 108 meters, subject to the player’s skill and swing speed.

Beginners can gauge this distance by hitting balls at the range and measuring their average distance, simplifying wedge selection.

Calculating distances between Clubs for the Beginner

Determining the distance covered by each club is valuable, ranging from 6 to 9 meters per club based on skill level.

Additionally, knowing iron swing speeds can aid in this calculation, providing valuable data for improving scores.

Read More: Golf Tips For Beginners

Should a Gap Wedge be added to the Set for a Beginner?

Earlier, we discussed the pros and cons of adding a lob wedge. The same consideration applies to the gap wedge.

The pitching wedge, when wielded adeptly, can be a versatile club, aiding in reducing scores over a round.

It serves various purposes, from chipping near the green to executing short pitches. Adding more clubs early on might overwhelm beginners with options.

How to Play the Sand Wedge from a Bunker?

Mastering bunker play is crucial for improving scores and enjoyment on the course. Beginners often struggle with this shot, freezing up at the crucial moment.

Here are some fundamental bunker play tips:

• Feel the sand texture by moving your feet.
• Open your stance and aim to hit the ball with an outside-in swing.
• Position the ball forward in your stance.
• Choose a spot in the sand about 2 inches behind the ball for contact.
• Ensure a follow-through to prevent mishits.
• Remember, it’s the only shot where you intentionally hit behind the ball.
• A lack of follow-through is a common cause of poor bunker shots.

Using the Sand Wedge off the Fairway or from the Rough

The sand wedge’s high bounce necessitates clean contact with the ball to avoid low, skidding shots.

In the rough, it can rescue you from difficult lies. If neither lie is favorable, opt for a chip-and-roll shot, especially on open green approaches.

Position your hands in front of the ball and hit down through the shot for optimal results, adjusting the ball’s placement as necessary.

How to Play the Pitching Wedge?

Mastering the pitching wedge is crucial for scoring well from various lies and situations. This club can replace the gap wedge for beginners and should become a favorite.

Position the golf ball centrally or slightly back in your stance and focus on hitting down for spin and control.

Practice half shots with different backswing lengths to improve versatility. Proficiency with the pitching wedge can significantly lower scores.

Final Thoughts

For beginners, finding clubs that match their swing speed and ensuring proper shaft fitting are paramount.

Check the pitching wedge loft and consider adding a sand wedge with at least 56 or 58 degrees if not included in the set. Understanding the sand texture at your home club aids in wedge selection.

Now equipped with this knowledge, beginners can improve their game, with the option to add a gap wedge later.

However, approach the lob wedge with caution, as it can be a challenging club for scoring. Two wedges are sufficient for starters.