Once a golfer has learned how to swing the club and hit the ball consistently, the challenge of the short game becomes a major priority. Golfers quickly learn that the ability to put the ball close to the flag with the pitching wedge is vital to carding a good score. There are three pitching wedges available for the variety of approach shots golfers face.
Pitching Wedge
The standard pitching wedge is use for shots that range from 80 to 125 yards to the hole. It has a loft of between 46 and 51 degrees. The goal with the pitching wedge is to hit the ball high in the air and have it land softly and stop on the green. On wedge shots of of less than 100 yards, a golfer may be able to spin the ball and have it roll back to the hole.
Gap Wedge
The gap wedge is for shots between 55 and and 80 yards. It has a loft of 51 or 53 degrees. It is similar to the pitching wedge in that it will send the ball high in the air and land it softly on the green. However, the golfer does not have to worry about slowing down his swing with the gap wedge. He can attack the ball, and if he strikes it squarely, the backspin on the ball will cause it to bite on the green and spin backward. The key is to hit the ball just a bit past the hole so it stops in a good spot.
Lob Wedge
Accomplished golfers can use the lob wedge on shots of 55 yards or less. The lob wedge is used for the flop shot, which got its name because the ball seems to just go up and down and flop onto the green. In the hands of an expert player, it is the ideal tool to get close to the flag. The lob wedge has a loft of between 60 and 64 degrees.
Expert Insight
Great players can take advantage of all three pitching wedges. The pitching wedge is for longer approach shots, the gap wedge is for moderate approach shots and the lob wedge is for the tighter shots that demand full control. Top golf instructor and former professional player Dave Pelz believes the key to hitting the wedge successfully is keeping the radius in your left arm constant. "By keeping your left arm radius constant, you will have a huge advantage in pressure situations," Pelz writes in "Golf" magazine. "I can testify to this: Back when I played competitively, I knew I would hit my wedges solidly by keeping my radius constant and my head still, regardless of how tight or wet the lie was."
Warning
Be aware of course conditions. If you are playing on a hard, sun-baked course, you may want to put your wedge away and chip with an 8- or 9-iron instead, since the high shot of a wedge is likely to bounce unpredictably on the green. A hard course will also not allow you to get under the ball the way you want when hitting a high shot. If you do not have a hazard in your way, you might be better off hitting a low shot and chipping to the green instead of trying to pitch under difficult circumstances.
Member Comments