Selecting the correct wedges for your game
Wedge Fittings: A Key to Precision Around the Green
When it comes to fitting clubs, wedges are often overlooked, yet they’re crucial to your game. Getting the right bounce and grind on your wedges—especially those with lofts between 54–60 degrees—can dramatically improve your short game. Here’s how to make sure your wedges are dialed in for success.
Bounce & Grind: Key Considerations
Start by selecting the right bounce and grind. These factors determine how your wedges interact with the turf, particularly for full and partial shots from the fairway. Ideally, test the wedges in different conditions, including bunker shots. After all, at least one of these wedges will likely become your go-to bunker club.
I recommend practicing with at least two wedges around the greens, experimenting with different lies like tight turf or longer grass, and testing high-lofted shots. This will help you understand how each wedge feels in various situations.
Loft Selection: Gapping is Essential
The most important consideration when selecting wedge lofts is gapping—you want smooth, consistent gaps between your pitching wedge (PW) and the rest of your wedges. Depending on the brand and model of your iron set, your PW loft could range anywhere from 44–48 degrees. Some brands even design irons with stronger lofts to make the ball fly further, but this can create issues when it comes to gapping for wedges.
Ideally, you want to maintain 4–6-degree gaps between wedges. I prefer 6-degree gaps because it provides ample distance separation, giving you more options around the greens. Most tour players carry 3 wedges in their bag, and they tend to go with a gapping setup similar to the following:
- Example 1: PW - 44, Gap Wedge - 48, Sand Wedge - 54, Lob Wedge - 60
- Example 2: PW - 45, Gap Wedge - 50, Sand Wedge - 56, Lob Wedge - 60
- Example 3: PW - 46, Gap Wedge - 50, Sand Wedge - 55, Lob Wedge - 58
- Example 4: PW - 48, Sand Wedge - 54, Lob Wedge - 60
Pro tip: A club fitter can adjust lofts, but I wouldn’t recommend bending a wedge more than 2 degrees, as excessive changes can affect the leading edge and how the sole interacts with the turf.
Lie Angles: Fine-Tuning for Consistency
If you're consistent with your wedge play, consider adjusting the lie angle of your wedges. Tour players often have slightly flatter lie angles, meaning the toe of the club is closer to the ground. This is because they tend to play a variety of shorter shots with wedges, which causes them to stand closer to the ball.
However, it’s important to avoid wedges that are too upright. A wedge that’s too upright can lead to the heel of the club digging into the ground, causing the clubface to shut and resulting in inconsistent shots. A qualified club fitter can test and fine-tune your lie angles for you, ensuring the best possible setup.
Weight: Feel and Control
Wedges generally have slightly heavier heads than the rest of your irons, and this can significantly impact your feel and control. A lighter wedge is much harder to control, especially for those delicate shots around the greens. A heavier wedge provides better feedback, allowing you to make more precise, controlled swings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wedges isn’t just about picking what looks best; it's about finding what works for your swing and short-game needs. By focusing on loft gaps, bounce and grind, lie angles, and weight, you can build a wedge setup that complements your skills and gives you confidence around the greens.
If you're unsure about what’s best for you, schedule a fitting session with a certified club fitter. A properly fitted wedge can make a world of difference in your scoring.
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