What is a gap wedge?

In golf, a gap wedge, also known as an approach wedge, is a wedge used to hit a shot with higher and shorter trajectory than a pitching wedge and lower and longer trajectory than a sand wedge. The name derives from the club's design to fill the "gap" between sand and pitching wedges.

What is a gap wedge best used for?

What is a gap wedge used for? As set pitching wedges get stronger in loft, the gap wedge helps close the loft “gap” between your pitching wedge and sand wedge. A gap wedge can be used on full shots, pitch shots, bump and run shots, as well as long bunker shots.

What distance is a gap wedge used for?

Gap wedges range from 50 to 54 degrees, while most pitching wedges made since 1990 have a loft of about 46 degrees. As a general rule, men can hit a gap wedge about 100 yards, and women about 15 yards less. Here are some ways that you can practice using your new iron and add to your repertoire.

Is a 52 degree wedge a gap wedge?

A 52-degree wedge is considered a gap wedge and is used to fill the gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. Golfers who have a 52-degree wedge in their bag typically have a pitching wedge that's between 47-48 degrees.

Is a gap wedge necessary?

Gap wedges are an essential part of every golfer's bag. They give you more versatility with your shots and allow you to get out of difficult situations when needed, which makes them a must-have for any serious player.

Do pros use gap wedge?

Looking at the average configurations and lofts, around 60% of pro players use a pitching wedge with 46 degrees of loft, with 48 degrees being the second most common loft option. With gap wedges, the 52-degree loft is used by 42% of players, with 33% opting for the 50-degree model.

Is gap wedge same as approach wedge?

Some manufacturers choose to call them gap wedges while others call them approach wedges. Essentially, they are the same thing. It might be easier for many golfers to simply call the wedge by the loft degree instead of the name given to it.

What 3 wedges should I carry?

Know your pitching wedge loft.

If it's 45 degrees or less, add three more wedges that are spaced apart by no more than 4-5 degrees each. So generally think about putting in a gap wedge that's 48 or 50 degrees, a sand wedge that's between 54 and 56 degrees, and a lob wedge that's between 58 and 60 degrees.

How do you hit a gap wedge?

Instructions

1. Hit the ball with your gap wedge on approach shots between 60 and 100 yards. ...
2. Take a full swing with your gap wedge when you are 80 yards or more from the green. ...
3. Take a half swing when you are about 60 yards from the green. ...
4. Use your gap wedge when the ball is in heavy rough.

What degree should my gap wedge be?

Gap wedges were created to fill a gap in the loft of wedges. As a result, they have more loft than a pitching wedge and less loft than lob and sand wedges. Gap wedges with lofts between 46 degrees and 54 degrees are most common. With a firm swing, gap wedge shots travel between 90 yards and 110 yards.

How far should you hit a 60 degree wedge?

How Far Should You Hit A 60 Degree Wedge? On average, golfers hit their 60-degree wedge 74 yards, but the range can vary between 60 and 100 yards. Longer hitters who take a full swing will typically be close to the 100-yard range but most golfers only take a 1/2 or 3/4 swing with their 60 degrees.

Is gap wedge same as sand wedge?

Gap Wedge Vs Sand Wedge

A Gap Wedge has more loft than a Sand Wedge, this means the Sand Wedge will go shorter than a Gap Wedge. A Sand Wedge will be used more out of the bunker and for chip shots, where the Gap Wedge will be used more for bump and run shots around the green and full shots.

What wedges should a high handicapper carry?

What Loft Wedges Should A High Handicapper Carry? High handicappers should carry at least a 56-degree wedge. In addition, it makes sense to have a 52-degree wedge and a 60-degree wedge to have a variety of shots.

What does D mean on a golf club?

D wedges, also called DW wedges, usually range from 48-54 degrees depending on the brand. The D stands for dual, as in “dual-purpose” since it can be used for a variety of different shots thanks to its loft.

What wedges does Phil Mickelson use?

He uses three PM Grind '19 “Raw” wedges. The PM stands for Phil Mickelson because he helped design the wedges with Roger Cleveland.

Do I need more than a 56 degree wedge?

Do You Really Need a 56 Degree Wedge in Your Bag? Absolutely, every golfer should have a 56-degree sand wedge in their golf bag. Though you can, in theory, chip out of bunkers with a pitching wedge, it is much more difficult because of the lesser amount of loft and bounce.

Is a 60 degree wedge worth it?

A 60-degree lob wedge is suited for better golfers and is perfect for launching the ball high in the air and having it land softly on the green. This wedge is ideal for hitting shorter chip shots but should not be the choice for full shots from the fairway.

Why is it called a gap wedge?

In golf, a gap wedge, also known as an approach wedge, is a wedge used to hit a shot with higher and shorter trajectory than a pitching wedge and lower and longer trajectory than a sand wedge. The name derives from the club's design to fill the "gap" between sand and pitching wedges.

What wedges does Tiger use?

He's still using his TaylorMade MG2 TW grind wedges (56 and 60 degrees) and the Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2 prototype putter that he's used to win 14 of his 15 majors, as well. He'll also continue using the Bridgestone Tour B XS 2022 prototype golf ball that he debuted at the 2021 PNC Championship.

What wedges does Justin Thomas use?

Thomas' pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge all have Titleist's F grind, an all-purpose sole configuration that is relatively straight and ideal for golfers who like to hit from a square position.

How far should a 70 year old man hit a golf ball?

A 70-year-old man should be hitting a driver anywhere from 180 to 190 yards. This number has grown a bit in the last few years with the introduction of improved driver and shaft technology. At 70 years old, some golfers are having no trouble getting the ball to fly 200 yards or more.