Golf Technology-Comparing Pitching Wedge Loft to Sand Wedge Loft

Over the years, golf technology has evolved a lot, and in understanding the varying functions in the clubs we carry in our bag, we must always look at the differences that each club provides us. The variations in golf club loft for the pitching wedge, sand wedge, and also the newer lob wedges that golf technology has brought us are important to understand when selecting the best golf club for the right circumstances.

Most golfers lump the gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedges together as part of the arsenal of "irons". But a normal set of irons usually includes 3 iron through pitching wedge, with the other wedges bought separately. Golf club technology has evolved to the point where the loft on the 5 iron, a few years ago about 32 degrees, now is lofted at roughly 26 degrees. This has led to the increased use of the greater lofted clubs, which are intended specifically for ball loft, accuracy, and ball control. This collection of golf clubs, on account of their value in scoring and the total amount of use they receive for the mid to high handicapper, turn out to be a significant part of playing a good 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. Less 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 designed to hit those in-between shots with a full swing, which if practiced properly will be hit with more comfort and confidence.

The sand wedge, attributed to Gene Sarazen as his contribution to golf technology, is usually about 56 degrees (although I prefer them a bit more lofted) and are flanged to varying degrees on 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 preventing the club head from digging into the ground or sand before ball impact, and are usually present to some degree on the gap wedge and especially the lob wedges.

Lastly, the club with the greatest amount of loft is the lob wedge, a rather new tool to us golfers. This is generally lofted at about 60 degrees and occasionally more, and is usually quite heavily flanged to provide greater club bounce. With practice this club is a very helpful tool around the greens, as you can 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 the ball will fly a great distance or roll a long way, if at all.

Possessing control of these golf clubs is sure to decrease your score, no matter your level of play. Knowing accurately the differences in these golf clubs, from your loft of the pitching wedge or a sand wedge, to how a golf ball reacts while coming off your club, takes significant amounts of training. But through some effort, anyone ought to have the ability to get good at these shots.