Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023
Golf Terms: What is a Wedge?
Golf wedges are the shortest full swing clubs in your bag and are used for full shots and short game shots around the green.
Written By: Zach Gollwitzer
Posted in: Golf Terms
Term Overview
A brief overview of the term including definition, usage, origins, helpful visuals.
Golf wedges are the shortest full-swing clubs in your bag and are used for full shots and short game shots around the green.
I'm going to use my sand wedge for this chip shot.
Golf wedges are the shortest full swing clubs in your bag and are used for full shots and short game shots around the green.
Typically, guys on the PGA Tour will carry 4 wedges, while average golfers will carry 2-3. The most common types are:
- Pitching wedge - typically 46-48 degrees
- Gap wedge - typically 50-52 degrees
- Sand wedge - typically 54-56 degrees
- Lob wedge - typically 58-60 degrees
In my opinion, the average golfer should have a pitching wedge, sand wedge, and maybe a lob wedge (but not 100% necessary).
While you might think a pitching wedge is for the pitch shot and the sand wedge is for the sand shot, that's not the case.
You can use all of these wedges in all sorts of situations. The important part is the loft of the club and knowing what trajectory you want to hit the golf ball.
