What Degree Is A Gap Wedge To Hit The Best Wedges?
Many golfers do have a gap wedge in their golf bag but they don’t know its true meaning and purpose. And not knowing what a gap wedge is and what it can be used for are two very big mistakes that many golfers make. If you’re one of them, like I was a few years ago, then you know what I’m talking about, right?
The sand wedge and the pitching wedge do have S and P written at the bottom but the gap wedge doesn’t have any letter even remotely close to G inscribed at the bottom. I’m sure you must have noticed that. Because why else would you not understand that you’ve got a gap wedge?
So what does this mean? It simply means that there are a lot of things you need to understand about the gap wedge. What it really is? How can it be used? What degree is a gap wedge? What is the difference between the gap wedge and the sand or pitching wedge?
So let me help in answering all these questions one by one in order for you to truly understand the importance of the gap wedge in golf.
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What is a gap wedge?
The name says it all, doesn’t it? The wedge that fills in the space or gap between the sand wedge and the pitching wedge is called as the gap wedge.
Gap wedges are the third and latest types of wedges that have become a part of golf, especially for casual golfers. Players who want to achieve more range make use of the gap wedge since it has been solely designed to fulfill that particular purpose.
Golf Tips : How to Use a Golf Gap Wedge?
There is one characteristic that the gap wedge and the pitching wedge have in common. The fact that both have the ability to be used in different settings makes them both equally practical and highly beneficial to play with. But the gap wedge is mainly used at home in the sand, mud, or tall grass. It can also be used from distances as far as at least 100 yards.
Since we’re comparing the gap wedge to the pitching wedge, it is best to know about the other two types of wedges in golf. This knowledge will help you understand the benefits of the gap wedge better and you will know how and when you need to use it to get better results. (How many wedges should you carry in your golf bag)
What are the other two types of wedges?
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They are the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. There is a fourth one too, called the lob wedge. But that is not important neither relevant in this case, so we can skip it.
1. Pitching Wedge
Anyway, the pitching wedge has the ability to pop up the golf ball high into the air and smoothly push it to travel from 110 yards to about 140 yards. It is the wedge that has the lowest loft, which can be anywhere between 40 to 50 degrees. So what degree is a pitching wedge?
Golfers who are constantly struggling with hitting the green use the pitching wedge more often. When you’re hitting with your pitching wedge, the golf ball tends to travel higher in the air, right? And when this happens, the golf ball doesn’t roll too far on the green.
2. Sand Wedge
Now we can talk about the sand wedge. Once again, like its name suggests, the sand wedge is mainly used by golfers to hit the golf ball out of sand bunkers or traps. These are the only kind of wedges in golf that are considered to be very versatile. And that means golfers can easily use them to hit from the rough as well as the fairway.
Sand wedges are built with a loft anywhere between 50 to 60 degrees. And they travel a distance of at least 110 yards. Shorter than most clubs, the sand wedge also has the capability to put a spin on the golf ball. This is something that many golfers tend to struggle with. (Gap wedge vs sand wedge)
How Many Golf Wedges Should You Carry?
What degree is a gap wedge?
The question is pretty simple, isn’t it? The correct answer is 45 to 55 degrees. The gap wedge has the second lowest loft measure, first being the pitching wedge. The thing about a gap wedge is that they are mainly used by golfers for shots that are considered to be either too great in length for the sand wedge or too short in length for the pitching wedge.
The distance that the gap wedge provides is anywhere between 80 and 120 yards. When using a gap wedge, the ball tends to fly higher but only when struck properly. It is very uncommon for gap wedges to be sold with the basic golf clubs set.
And this is exactly why you need to check the loft of your sand wedge and pitching wedge when buying a gap wedge. And why is that again? Because the gap wedge needs to be built with a loft that fits between the other two wedges.
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So what degree is a gap wedge? A loft of 45 to 55 degrees is a must when it comes to the gap wedge. Remember that the difference of degrees between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge has now become at least 10 degrees. So buying a gap wedge that fits in between these two degrees is extremely important in the game of golf.
3 Different Golf Wedges – 3 Different Shots
Conclusion
I hope now you finally know what degree is a gap wedge. Just remember that the gap wedge is supposed to sit between your sand wedge and pitching wedge as far as the loft is concerned.
And this plays an important role in determining the distance of the golf ball as well (how to hit the best wedges). What I’m trying to tell you is that the shots that are either too long for the sand wedge or too short for the pitching wedge are quite easily achieved by the gap wedge.
SUM IT UP
- What degree is a sand wedge? 50 to 60 degrees give or take, based on the different designs of sand wedges constructed by the many golf club manufacturing companies.
- What degree is a pitching wedge? 40 to 50 degrees give or take (for the same reason).
And finally, depending on the degree gap that exists between your sand wedge and pitching wedge, the gap wedge can have a loft of anywhere between 45 and 55 degrees.
Did you understand all the points articulated in this post? Have you used all the 3 different types of wedges?
Please don’t forget to leave a comment below if you want to share anything with us here.
Sources:
1. http://usgolftv.com/golf-pro-tips/how-to-choose-the-right-wedge-lofts-for-your-game/
2. http://blog.golfsmith.com/golf-equipment/types-of-wedges-in-golf/#.V7RiqPl97IU
