Types of Golf Wedges

Sometimes considered part of the irons in a bag, golf wedges are known as "scoring clubs." They are the clubs that dominate the short game, and shave strokes off of your score from 100 yards and in. The wedges can differ slightly in design and loft, but the purposes remain the same.

Pitching Wedge

Often considered the baby brother of the 9 iron, the pitching wedge usually features a loft around 48 degrees and is used for most amateurs for a shot from 90 to 140 yards.

Sand Wedge

An essential for most beginners, the sand wedge usually features a loft around 52 degrees, and is used for sand shots and distances of around 50 to 90 yards.

56 Degree

The 56 degree lob wedge is a club that most beginners will not have in their bags. It is used for shots just inside of sand wedge range, from 30 to 50 yards.

60 Degree

The 60 degree lob wedge, or loft wedge, is used much like the 56 degree variation. It can be helpful in short shots just off of the green.

64 Degree

The 64 degree, usually the most lofted club in a golf bag, is used for very high shots, sometimes over trees. These shots are designed for accuracy as they provide the least amount of spin or roll.

Gap Wedge

The gap wedge, sometimes an alternate or substitute of the pitching wedge, is more of an actual wedge than the pitching wedge. It is usually lofted around 48 degrees, and is used for shots around 70 to 120 yards.

Hybrid Wedge

The hybrid wedge is often used by female golfers, and older and younger golfers. It is equipped with a larger club head and allows weaker swingers to hit the ball farther.