Golf requires a multitude of skills -- and the right tools -- to reach a high level of achievement. It's one thing to be able to hit a driver 250 yards down the middle, but hitting long clubs for distance and accuracy is not the key to scoring well. You have to play the short game well, and the gap wedge is a vital club for getting your ball close to the hole.
Wedge Play
The gap wedge is one of three fairway wedges used for approach shots. Along with the pitching wedge and the lob wedge, this club is used to get your ball directly to the green. Prior to the mid-1980s, most golfers had a pitching wedge and a sand wedge in their golf bags. The pitching wedge was to be used for all shots of 120 yards or closer when your ball was not in the bunker. Since there is such a significant difference on shots of 110 yards, 70 yards and 30 yards, golf manufacturers made wedges with increased loft to handle shorter shots.
Gap Wedge
The gap wedge has a loft of 51 to 53 degrees, and is designed for shots between 55 and 90 yards. A well-struck gap wedge should land the ball between10 and 15 feet from the hole. Longer shots require the use of the standard pitching wedge while shorter shots may be best executed with a lob wedge.
Identification
In order to identify the gap wedge, look for the letters "GW" on the sole of the club. This stands for gap wedge. However, you may notice the letters "AW" on another club that has the same loft as the gap wedge. This stands for "approach wedge." The approach wedge and the gap wedge are the same club; some manufacturers refer to it by a different name.
Strategy
Many golfers feel comfortable using the standard pitching wedge for longer approach shots, the gap wedge for medium-length approach shots and the lob wedge for shots that are tight to the green. However, there is no formal rule on which wedge you use in each situation. Some find that the gap wedge provides them with more control from a longer distance than a standard wedge, and as a result, use the gap wedge for a 110- or 120-yard shot. That's perfectly acceptable. You are better off using the club that allows you to feel comfortable than one that a salesman, teaching pro or magazine article recommends.
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