Golf has become a game of specialization. This is particularly true of the short game, where golfers have their choice of pitching wedges, a sand wedge and a 9-iron. Most golfers quickly realize that being successful in the short game is the most important factor when it comes to scoring well. A golfer who can master his wedges and the putter but only hits the ball 225 yards will score better than the golfer who can power a 300-yard drive down the fairway but struggles with the short game.
Standard Pitching Wedge
When you are 90 to 130 yards from the hole, use of the standard pitching wedge will help you get close to the flag. The standard pitching wedge has a loft of about 45 degrees. That will allow you to get the ball high in the air and land it softly on the green. Hitting the pitching wedge squarely will allow you to stop the ball shortly after it lands on the green and get it within 25 feet of the hole.
Gap Wedge
The gap wedge is the club of choice when you are between 55 and 90 yards from the hole. The gap wedge has a loft of approximately 50 degrees and this will enable you to hit the ball within 20 feet of the hole. Not only will the ball land softly on the green, but if you finish your swing and follow-through properly, the ball may back up toward the flagstick after it lands on the green. If you have to fly over trees to get your ball to the green, the gap wedge should give you enough height to get over the hazard.
Lob Wedge
The lob wedge is designed to be used when you are 55 yards or closer to the hole. The lob wedge is used to hit the flop shot, which goes high in the air but does not negotiate much distance. This is an ideal shot when you have to hit the ball over a bunker guarding the green. This shot was made famous by professional golfer Phil Mickelson but it is difficult to execute. A well-played shot with the lob wedge will land within 15 feet of the hole.
Sand Wedge
The sand wedge is typically used when the player has a shot from the bunker, but there may be times when a golfer feels more comfortable playing with the sand wedge from the fringe, fairway or rough than he does with his pitching wedge. The sand wedge has a loft of 55 degrees and has a rounded striking area.
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