Your Guide to Choosing the Right Wedge for Every Shot

When it comes to improving your short game, understanding how to select the right wedge is crucial. Whether you’re facing a tight pin location or navigating a tricky lie, knowing which lofted wedge to use can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of wedges, when to use them, and how smarter wedge selection can help you perform more consistently around the greens.

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Understanding Wedge Types and Their Loft

Wedges are specialized clubs designed to help you handle a variety of shots inside scoring range. Each wedge has a specific loft and purpose, making it important to understand how they fit into your short-game strategy.

Pitching Wedge (43–48 Degrees)

The pitching wedge is typically used for full approach shots from roughly 100–130 yards, depending on swing speed. It’s also effective for chip shots when you have plenty of green to work with.

Use it for:

• Longer chip shots
• Low, controlled pitches that allow the ball to roll out

Avoid it for:

• Shots that require a high, soft landing, such as clearing bunkers or deep rough

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Gap Wedge (48–52 Degrees)

The gap wedge bridges the distance between your pitching wedge and sand wedge, offering more precision on partial shots.

Use it for:

• Approach shots from 85–115 yards
• Controlled shots where you want moderate launch with limited roll-out

Avoid it for:

• Thick rough, where additional loft is needed to get the ball airborne

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Sand Wedge (54–58 Degrees)

Designed primarily for bunker play, the sand wedge is also a reliable option for short approach shots that require stopping power.

Use it for:

• Bunker shots
• Short pitches over obstacles

Avoid it for:

• Longer shots that require a lower trajectory

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Lob Wedge (58–64 Degrees)

The lob wedge is the highest-lofted club in your bag and is ideal for delicate shots where height and soft landing are critical.

Use it for:

• Flop shots
• Tight lies near the green where you need the ball to stop quickly

Avoid it for:

• Low shots that require significant roll-out

While a lob wedge can be a valuable tool, it’s not always the best option. In many situations, a lower-lofted club provides more consistency and control.

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Choosing the Right Wedge for Different Lies

Your lie plays a major role in wedge selection. Understanding how different lies affect contact and launch can help you make smarter decisions.

Tight Lies: Lower-lofted clubs like a pitching or gap wedge promote cleaner contact and predictable roll-out.

Thick Rough: A sand or lob wedge helps you get under the ball, creating higher launch and softer landings.

Bunker Shots: A sand wedge is typically the best choice. Open the clubface slightly to use the bounce and prevent digging.

Greenside Shots: When there’s little green to work with, a lob wedge can help produce the height needed to stop the ball quickly.

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Shot Selection Strategies

Improving your short game isn’t just about technique — it’s about decision-making. Use these strategies to choose the right wedge more consistently.

• Assess the Distance: Consider how far you are from the pin and choose a wedge that allows you to cover that distance comfortably.
• Evaluate the Lie: Different lies demand different approaches — match the wedge to the conditions.
• Consider the Green’s Slope: If the green slopes away, more loft can help slow the ball down faster.
• Practice Variety: Spend time learning how each wedge behaves so you’re confident under pressure.

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Techniques for Executing Wedge Shots

Solid technique is essential for consistent wedge play. Focus on these fundamentals:

Setup and Stance: Position the ball near the middle of your stance for standard wedge shots, adjusting slightly forward or back depending on trajectory.

Follow-Through: Lower shots require a longer, more extended finish, while higher shots benefit from a shorter, controlled follow-through.

Confidence and Commitment: Commit fully to your shot choice. Hesitation often leads to poor contact — trust your decision and swing with confidence.

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Practice Drills for Wedge Mastery

Check out this video!

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