Golfers have been adding more and more wedges to their bags for years. With the way the irons in the bag are currently lofted, there is room in the wedges for extra control and playability from 100 yards and in. If you are an average player wondering how many wedges it takes to become a master of the short game, we have all the information that you will need. Let’s take a more in-depth look at how many wedges the average golfer needs.
How Many Wedges Does The Average Golfer Need?
The average golfer will need four wedges. Years ago, this would have likely been three wedges, but with the current lofting of irons, the four wedges have become essential. The four wedges are the pitching wedge, the approach wedge (or gap wedge), the sand wedge, and a lob wedge. Each of these clubs has its own unique performance profile.
Pitching Wedge
A pitching wedge is a wedge that will travel the furthest; it is typically designed for approach shots into the green as well as chips and pitches. The great thing about the pitching wedge is that it is one of the more forgiving clubs in the bag and often becomes a golfer's favorite iron.
The pitching wedge can either be a part of your iron set or a part of your wedge set; both will offer positives and negatives. Most average golfers have a pitching wedge that matches their irons.
Approach Wedge
The approach wedge is often called a gap wedge. This club fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. This gap can be quite large for some players. Finding that perfect range of loft on an approach wedge that will place it perfectly between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge is quite important.
Sand Wedge
A sand wedge is another very important club in the bag. Although the sand wedge seems as though it would be used only from the sand, it is a very versatile club that is used throughout the golf course.
A sand wedge typically has around 56 degrees of loft, and it will be high launching, have plenty of spin and really help players that are looking for ultimate control on their golf shots around the green.
Lob Wedge
The lob wedge is the highest lofted of the wedges in the bag and will typically have about 60 degrees of loft. A lob wedge is so helpful when you don’t have much green to work with or you have to get over a large bunker lip.
With a lob wedge in your hand, expect some extra spin and control as well.
Conclusion
Having four wedges in a golf bag may seem like a lot for the average golfer, but these clubs will help you score more than any other golf club in your bag. If you are serious about taking your game to the next level, the four wedges can help to get you there. Check out our Custom Wedges to get your bag complete!