The gap wedge is a club designed to help golfers when they are within 60 to 90 yards of the green. It is one of four wedges that golfers use in the short game to get the ball close to the flagstick. The wide variety of wedges assures that golfers will not have to adjust the angle when they hit their approach shots. However, a golfer without a full complement of wedges will have to adjust the swing angle.
Wedges
For many years, golfers had a pitching wedge and a sand wedge in their bags and no other clubs to help them when they were approaching the the green. However, many pro golfers and golf instructors felt they needed different wedges for shorter approach shots than they did with longer shots. The addition of the lob wedge and the gap wedge gave golfers more precision in their short games.
Differentiation
The gap wedge has a loft angle of about 50 degrees. The standard pitching wedge is designed for shots that are 90 to 120 yards and has a loft of 45 degrees. The lob wedge has a loft angle of 60 degrees and is for approach shots of 60 yards or less. The sand wedge has a loft angle of 55 degrees and is designed for shots from the bunker.
Angle
If you have a gap wedge in your bag but no other wedges, you can make adjustments in the way you angle the club to change the way the club strikes the ball. For example, if you have a gap wedge and you are facing a 120-yard approach shot, tilt the clubhead forward and sacrifice height and touch for distance. By angling the club forward -- hooding the club -- you will be able to get more distance from your gap wedge.
Touch
A well-struck shot with a lob wedge is designed to get the ball within 10 feet of the flagstick. However, if you don't have a lob wedge, you can use the gap wedge in its place. The key to hitting this shot effectively is to take a bit off your backswing so you don't come through the ball with as much force. You are better off hitting a full lob wedge, but this is an acceptable alternative if you do not have that club.
References
- Leaderboard: Loft & Distance Tables
- "Golf My Way"; Jack Nicklaus; 1998
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