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Over time, golf technology has evolved a great deal, and understanding the varying features in the golf clubs we carry in our bag, we must always examine the differences that every club offers us. The variations in golf club loft of the pitching wedge, sand wedge, and the newer lob wedges that golf technology has brought us are important to understand when choosing the right golf club for the appropriate circumstances. Most golfers lump the gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedges jointly as part of the arsenal of "irons". But a normal set of irons usually consists of 3 iron through pitching wedge, with the other wedges bought separately. Golf club technology has developed to the point where the loft of the 5 iron, a few years ago approximately 32 degrees, now is lofted at about 26 degrees. This has led to the increased use of the greater lofted clubs that are intended particularly for ball loft, accuracy, and ball control. This collection of clubs, on account of their importance in scoring and the amount of use they receive for the mid to high handicapper, become a vital part of playing a quality round of golf. Pitching wedge loft, or one club down from your nine iron, is normally at from 45 to 48 degrees, and for the typical male golfer may be hit full at 100 to 110 yards. Lower than that distance, and the golfer will get into those difficult half or three quarter wedges. So golf technology has come up with another solution with the gap wedge. At about 50 to 54 degrees, this club is meant to hit those in-between shots with a full swing that if practiced appropriately can be hit with more comfort and confidence. The sand wedge, credited to Gene Sarazen as his contribution to golf technology, is usually about 56 degrees (although I prefer them somewhat more lofted) and are flanged to varying degrees around the heal of the club. This prevents the sand wedge from digging into the sand under the ball. This "club bounce", or area on the club that actually rests on the ground at address, has the purpose of stopping the club head from digging into the ground or sand before golf ball impact, and usually are present to some extent on the gap wedge and especially the lob wedges. Finally, the club with the greatest degree of loft will be lob wedge, a somewhat new tool to us golfers. This is generally lofted at roughly 60 degrees and sometimes more, and is frequently quite heavily flanged to provide greater club bounce. With practice this club is an extremely helpful tool around the greens, as you should use this to zero in on a tight pin position. Because of its greater loft, you can take quite an aggressive swing with no worry that the ball will fly a great distance or roll far, if at all. Having control of these golf clubs are certain to lower your score, no matter your level of play. Knowing accurately the differences in these golf clubs, from your loft of the pitching wedge or perhaps a sand wedge, to how a ball reacts when coming off your club, takes a great deal of practice. But through some effort, any person should be able to get good at these shots. Our website is devoted to assisting the golfer become better in his craft, and enjoy the game to its fullest. We offer advice on all aspects of the game of golf, and provide opportunities to book tee times at http://golfshortgames.com/last-minute-golfer-book-your-tee-time/ and learn more about the game through our site. Take a look at our new website for more information and outstanding offers. Jim O'Connell is a writer and avid golfer living in London.
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sand wedge, pitching wedge, golf club, pitching wedge loft, golf technology, gap wedge, wedge loft,
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