There are many different types of wedges that a golfer needs to learn how to use in order to go from a novice to a solid experienced player who can show some respectable rounds.
Everyone knows about the driver and the putter, but there are so many different clubs that make up your average set of clubs, and even beyond those there are specialty clubs like pitching wedges, which are a crucial part of any experienced golfer’s set of clubs.
Introducing The Pitching Wedge
The pitching wedge is a wedge that is used when the shot calls for a club that needs to give the golfer more than a gap wedge, but also shorter and higher trajectory than what a 9 iron would give. Simply put, a pitching wedge gives much more loft that your irons, but a little more distance and trajectory than other wedges.
Out of all the various types of wedges out there, it is the pitching wedge that has the least loft. Normally the loft is between 44 and 50 degrees for these clubs, and when properly struck a golf ball can travel anywhere from 100 to 140 yards with enough arc to slow momentum on the landing.
This is a versatile golf club, can be used in a variety of situations but generally speaking they are most often used by golfers who are trying to hit the green in order to set up a final putt. When properly hit, the spin helps to guarantee that in most situations the ball won’t roll very far. This is critical for setting up a good shot as opposed to overshooting the golf ball into the rough.
Worth noting is the fact that some sets of golf clubs will actually label the pitching wedge as a 10 iron. Irons still run 1 through 9 so in this situation, so any golfer who sees a 10 iron needs to know that is the pitching wedge.
Not To Be Mistaken For Other Wedges
Depending on the needs of the golfer, a different wedge might be in order for lining up a difficult shot. Sand wedges and L-wedges are different clubs that emphasize more loft and less distance, and shouldn’t be mistaken for the pitching wedge. All of these clubs are best used in different circumstances and being able to pick out the best one is crucial to having a good golf game.
These clubs do play a similar role to one another but they are distinctly different. Keeping this in mind and being able to tell them apart will help golfers get to the level of game they crave.
Pitching wedges are going to be a part of any serious golfer’s set of clubs. These versatile and useful clubs allow for a variety of tough shots in many different types of course material, and that 100 to 150 yard range makes it a great club to have on the golf course, no matter what level of difficulty it might be.
