Understanding what the letters and numbers on your wedges actually mean is critical when navigating tricky shots on the green and from less than ideal lies. Here are the basics.
Pitching wedge
Usually marked with a “P” or “PW,” the pitching wedge is usually the lowest lofted wedge in your bag – usually ranging from 43 to 46 degrees. It is ideal for full swing approach shots, especially if you want a lower flight or more roll. It’s also a great option for low-speed chips.
Hole wedge
The gap wedge fills the distance between your pitching wedge and the higher lofted wedges in your bag. It may be marked with a “G” (opening), “A” (approach), “U” (utility) or sometimes just a number. These versatile mid-loft clubs usually range from 48 to 52 degrees and are useful for three-quarter shots, knockdowns and controlled approaches when you want a little more roll than a sand wedge would provide.
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Sand wedge
Designed for bunker play, the sand wedge has a higher bounce and a wider sole, allowing the club to glide through sand and soft grass instead of digging in. With lofts typically ranging from 54 to 56 degrees, this is the best option for greenside bunker shots, soft lies and thicker rough balls.
Lobe wedge
The lob wedge is the highest lofted club in most bags, with a range of 58 to 60 degrees – some even go as high as 64 degrees. It is often marked with an “L” or a number and is designed for high, soft landings that stop quickly. This wedge is ideal for short pins, flop shots and delicate chips over obstacles.
Knowing what’s in your bag – and why – is one of the easiest ways to improve your short game. Instead of just relying on the name of the club, take the time to check the actual loft of each wedge. Dialing in your wedge set can make the difference between coming up tight or coming up short.
More things you need to know
As discussed, some wedges are labeled with letters – such as ‘P’, ‘A’, ‘S’ or ‘L’ – while others are indicated by the degree of loft. Here’s the catch: not all wedges with the same letter label have the same loft. The PW of one brand may be 44 degrees, while that of another brand may be 46 degrees. That’s enough to influence distance and shot selection. Many OEMs now prefer box number stamps over letters, for greater clarity when building a setup with wide openings.
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