One of the keys to making steady improvement in golf is the ability to execute the short game. When you can pitch, chip, hit the ball out of the bunker and putt consistently, you may be able to take at least five strokes per round off your score. The pitching wedges and the sand wedge are two of the most important clubs in your bag; learning how to use them properly can make you a more well-rounded golfer.
Pitching Wedge
The standard pitching wedge is typically used for shots 90 to 120 yards from the hole, from the fairway or the short rough. A standard wedge has a loft of between 48 and 50 degrees, the Cure A Slice website explains. It will allow you to hit a high shot that lands softly on the green. You should be able to hit this shot within 25 feet of the flag.
Gap Wedge
The gap wedge is a specialized pitching wedge, one that can allow you to hit a ball 60 to 90 yards from the green. The gap wedge has a loft of between 51 and 54 degrees. A ball struck properly with a gap wedge will go higher and land more softly than one hit with a standard pitching wedge. You should be able to hit the gap wedge to within 20 feet of the flag.
Lob Wedge
The lob wedge has been made famous by pro golfer Phil Mickelson, who uses the acute loft of the lob wedge to get balls over hazards and virtually stop when they land on the green. The lob wedge has a loft of between 58 and 60 degrees and is designed for shots from 60 yards or closer. While it may take quite a bit of practice to execute with this club consistently, you should be able to get the ball within 15 feet of the hole.
Sand Wedge
You can use your sand wedge when your ball is a fairway or greenside bunker. The sand wedge has a loft of between 55 and 58 degrees. It is weighted heavily on the bottom portion of the club face, because that lower center of gravity will help get the ball out of the bunker. The sand wedge can also be used to chip the ball onto the green from a short distance. When you have an uphill shot and there is no hazard in front of you, you may want to chip the ball to the flag instead of pitching it. The club's low center of gravity will help you get the ball close to the hole when you chip it.
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