The gap wedge was created to fill the distance gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge in a set of golf clubs. For most players, there is a significant distance gap between the two clubs and adding a gap wedge can help a player better handle the shots between the distances. In addition, most pitching wedge degrees are around 45 or 46, while most sand wedges are 56 degrees. The gap wedge fills the space between the two clubs by being typically between 50 and 54 degrees.
The Reason to Add a Gap Wedge
E. Michael Johnson, equipment editor for “Golf Digest,” states that the most difficult shot for players to hit is the half wedge shot. Johnson surmises that the reason behind the difficulty in half wedge shots is because high handicap golfers have difficulty with any shot that doesn’t require a full swing. By adding a gap wedge to their bag, golfers have more opportunities to make full swings instead of trying to feather a pitching wedge or kill a sand wedge to get the shot to go the correct distance.
Additional Benefits of Gap Wedges
Besides helping with in-between shots, gap wedges also offer more options around the green. Instead of having to choose between a high sand wedge shot that lands near the hole and a bump and run with a pitching wedge, you can hit a gap wedge that will check up when it lands on the green but still provide some roll to the hole. Additionally, Johnson says that average golfers only hit between four and five greens per round, meaning that short wedge shots around the green become increasingly important.
Drills to Help With the Gap Wedge
Perhaps the most important aspect of the gap wedge is distance control, since most gap wedge shots are in the in-between zone into the green. “Golf Magazine” Top 100 instructor Mike Malaska suggests practicing by making easy swings with different clubs to determine the distance each club goes with a consistent, easy swing. By establishing the distances for not only full wedge shots but also easy, smooth wedge shots, you’ll be able to dial in the correct distance on the course.
Shopping for a Gap Wedge
Every golf manufacturer with a line of wedges makes gap wedges in different degrees and finishes. Finding the wedges that should be in your golf bag and the manufacturer to go with depends on your goals and preferences. First, you should determine how many wedges you should carry by looking at what types of shots you play on the course. Many tour players carry three wedges that have equal distance gaps for full shots. Once you determine how many wedges you would like to carry, decide how much spin you hope to achieve with the club, what kind of finish you prefer and what you want your wedges to feel like at contact. It helps to do research on a website like golfdigest.com and then go to a pro shop, hitting several types of wedges before making a purchase.
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