How Far Should a Pitching Wedge Go?

A pitching wedge has greater loft, to hit the ball higher.

Wedge Distances Vary Based on Skill

The maximum distance a ball will travel when hit with a pitching wedge can vary greatly. When hitting the pitching wedge with a normal swing, a professional will hit the ball 130 yards or more. Amateurs will hit a pitching wedge around 100 yards, depending on the golfer's skill.

Precision is Better than Distance

Pitching wedges aren't made to hit the ball great distances. They have a higher loft angle and are designed to be able to hit the ball high, rather than far. You shouldn't try to hit the wedge as far as possible; use the wedge to hit high shots that land softly near the hole from distances as short as 30 yards.

Bottom Line

Pitching wedges are precision clubs, meant to hit the ball high over hazards and bunkers from distances up to 130 yards. Golfers should use other clubs in their bag that have less loft to gain extra distance.

References

• Leaderboard: Loft and Distance Tables