For those golfers who carry more than pitching and sand wedges,
the question arises: What wedge does one need for the third
wedge?
For those golfers who carry more than pitching and sand wedges, the question arises: What wedge does one need for the third wedge?
Some people carry what is considered a “Gap” wedge, meaning 52 to 54-degrees of loft. Others carry a “Lob” wedge, which is around 60-degrees of loft. One has to consider how often one is called upon to use either one.
Personally, I prefer the 52-degree Gap wedge. The ball doesn’t come off the club as low as the pitching wedge so it is easier to control. Also, it’s very effective up to about 75 to 80 yards.
I would say that I use the club several times during a round of golf. The 60-degree Lob wedge might get used once in a round of golf. Any more than that and it probably is over-used.
The standard pitching wedge has 48-degrees of loft and the standard sand wedge has 56-degrees of loft. Thus, the big ‘gap’ between wedges.
When in doubt, find a shop which carries some wedges for you to try out before you buy. If further in doubt, see our local PGA or LPGA golf professional.
Pat Larkin is a Class A PGA golf professional at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. His column appears in the Free Lance every other week.
