How Far Should You Hit Your Wedges?

When it comes to golf, most players talk about how far they can hit the ball off the tee or how well their 7-iron is going. But do we ever stop to consider the real question? “How far should you hit your wedges?“

The truth is that the inside 125 yards of play are where the game is going to make or break a score. This is the area where you can reduce your handicap and improve your game.

To be successful in this area, you need to know how far each of your wedges — whether it’s a pitching wedge, gap wedge, sund wedge, or loop wedge — goes. And not only that, but you also need to master how to get the ball closer to the hole.

So, how far should you hit your wedge? Typically, a male golfer can hit 50 to 80 yards with his lob wedge (60 degrees) and 90 to 120 yards with his pitching wedge (48 degrees). But the numbers aren’t the most important thing. The key is to know your range accurately. Rather than being flashy, it’s all about accuracy.

Turning your wedge game into a skill is understanding how far your wedges go, so you can plan your shots more easily and hit the ball at your preferred distance. Whether you’re a short, medium, or long-handed player, wedge play is the secret to lowering your scores. It won’t necessarily get you more birdies, but it will turn your big numbers into smaller bogeys or doubles.

Ready to take your scoring zone game to the next level? Let’s get started!

Understanding Wedge Distances 

Wedge distances can vary widely depending on the club’s loft, your swing speed, and even the conditions of the course. But having a general idea of how far you should hit each wedge can help you make smarter decisions on the course.  

For example, a pitching wedge typically flies farther than a sand wedge, while a lob wedge is designed for shorter, high-arcing shots. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right club for the situation and avoid those frustrating “in-between” shots.  

Wedge Distance Chart  

Before we dive into the specifics of each wedge, let’s start with a quick overview of average distances. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on your swing speed, skill level, and even the conditions of the course.

These numbers are just a starting point. Your actual distances may differ, and that’s okay. The key is to know your own game.

Pitching Wedge Distance – How Far Should You Hit It?

The average male golfers can hit a shot of about 100 yards with their pitching wedge. On the other hand, golfers who have a faster swing can increase their pitching wedge range to 120 to 140 yards.

The angle (loft) of a pitching wedge kind, usually between 42 to 47 degrees. This angle greatly affects the flight and distance of the ball. For example, if a golfer hits with a 42-degree pitching wedge, they can send the ball about 10 yards further compared to using a 47-degree pitching wedge.

In this way, both the speed of the swing and the angle of the wedge are important for a golfer. When you improve your swing, you can send the ball further. Similarly, choosing the right wedge is also important to final your shot reaches the correct distance.

56 Degree Wedge Distance – How Far Should It Go?  

A 56-degree wedge, often called a sand wedge, is perfect for bunker shots and shorter approach shots. On average, advanced players can expect to hit this club 80-110 yards, while beginners might see distances closer to 40-70 yards.  

The 56-degree wedge is also great for shots that require a higher trajectory, like clearing a hazard or stopping the ball quickly on the green.  

60 Degree Wedge Distance – How Far Should It Travel?  

The 60-degree wedge, or lob wedge, is all about accuracy. It’s not designed for distance but for getting the ball up quickly and landing it softly. Advanced players might hit this club 90-100 yards, while beginners might only get 20-50 yards out of it.  

This wedge is ideal for tight lies, flop shots, and when you need to stop the ball on a dime. Just remember, it’s not the easiest club to hit, so practice is key.

Wedge Types and Their Degrees  

Understanding the different types of wedges and their degrees can help you make better club selections. Here’s a quick breakdown:  

What Degree Is a Pitching Wedge?  

The height of a pitching wedge is usually 45 degrees of loft. Different companies make different types of iron sets, depending on what kind of player you are. For example, if you are a new player, easier irons are made for you, while regular players use slightly different types of equipment.

The angles of different types of pitching wedges also vary. For instance, the Super Game Improvement Iron has a pitching wedge angle of 43 or 44 degrees, while in other types of equipment, this angle can go up to 44 or 45 degrees. If you are a regular player, your equipment’s angle can even be 46 or 47 degrees.

The reason for this is that the angle of the equipment is kept a bit lower for new players to make it easier for them to play. On the other hand, regular players are given a higher angle so they can improve their skills further. This way, equipment is made according to the ability of each type of player.

What Degree Is a Gap/Approach Wedge?  

Many people often use the terms “gap wedge” and “approach wedge” interchangeably. Its loft is 52 degrees. This wedge fits between your pitching wedge (45 degrees) and sand wedge (56 degrees). When each wedge in your golf club set is designed with a 3 or 4-degree difference, there is an 11-degree gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. To fill this gap, the gap wedge or approach wedge is used.

To tell the difference between the two, look for the markings: the gap wedge has a ‘G’ written on it, and the approach wedge has an ‘A’. Both play an important role in your golf set, especially when you face sand or other challenges on the course.

In this way, these wedges easily meet your needs.

What Degree Is a Sand Wedge?  

The height of a sand wedge is usually 56 degrees. When it is used in iron sets, its height can range from 54 to 56 degrees. However, traditionally, 56 degrees is used as the standard height.

In modern golf iron sets today, a sand wedge is not included. Therefore, if you need a sand wedge, you will have to buy a standalone sand wedge separately. The benefit of this is that you can choose according to your needs.

If you are buying a standalone sand wedge, any wedge between 54 to 58 degrees can give the best performance. Keep in mind that this will make your game more effective.

What Degree Is a Lob Wedge?  

Lob wedges are the most lofted clubs in your bag, ranging from 58 to 60 degrees. They’re designed for high, soft shots that land gently on the green.

When and How to Use Specific Wedges 

Knowing when to use each wedge is just as important as knowing how far they go. For example…,

When to Use a 60 Degree Wedge  

60-degree lob wedges are very useful and suitable for various tasks. They are ideal for getting out of bunkers, removing obstacles, accurately lobbing high balls, and are the best clubs for partial shots. These wedges make the game easier and more enjoyable.

What Is a 50 Degree Gap Wedge Used For?  

A 50-degree wedge is used for full approach shots to the green (a part of the golf course). We also use this wedge when we need short or medium-distance shots near the green, especially when the ball is in the sand.  

One advantage of this wedge is that it can make the ball travel on a lower path, which means the ball doesn’t go too high and has less bounce. This is useful when you need a strong shot to get out of sand or other tricky situations.  

This wedge is also very helpful when you need to get the ball out of a bunker over a long distance. It allows the ball to travel farther because it rolls out more.  

If you want to control the ball in the air, this wedge is also very effective. It creates less spin compared to a 56-degree wedge, and the ball doesn’t go too high in the air. This gives you better control.  

By using the 50-degree wedge in different situations, you can improve your game.

What Is a 52 Degree Wedge Used For?  

Compared to a 50-degree wedge, a 52-degree wedge is only 2 degrees higher. Both often seem to do similar work, but there are a few differences between them.

The higher loft of the 52-degree wedge means the ball travels a shorter distance but with more spin. This makes it ideal for partial shots, especially when you want to control the ball on the green. Additionally, partial shots have less spin on the ball, allowing it to bounce and roll more.

The 52-degree wedge can also be used for bunker shots. In the bunker, you need to slightly close the clubface to get the ball out. Here, you’ll get a reliable shot with less spin and more roll. This way, the ball can easily come out of the bunker.

In this way, the 52-degree wedge is useful in many situations, especially when you need control and precision.

Choosing the Right Wedges for Your Game  

When it comes to selecting wedges, it’s not just about the degrees. Consider your playing style, the courses you frequent, and your skill level. For example…,

50 vs 52 Degree Wedge – Which Gap Wedge Is Best?  

When I filled the gap between my Pitching Wedge (PW) and Sand Wedge (SW), my golf game improved. But which wedge do you prefer more? The 50-degree one or the 52-degree one?

If you are an average player and only use three wedges, I believe the 50-degree wedge is the best choice. It works well between the PW and SW and helps you stay balanced.

However, if you have different types of wedges or your playing style is a bit different, the 52-degree wedge might be more effective for you. It’s better to decide based on your needs and style. So, considering your situation, think about which wedge works best for you.

50 or 52 Degree Wedges? What Should I Use?  

When you play golf, you need to pay attention to the distances between your wedges (golf clubs). When you use different wedges, they help you hit the ball to different distances.

I set up my wedges like this:

• Pitching wedge: 46 degrees
• Gap wedge: 50 degrees
• Sand wedge: 54 degrees
• Lob wedge: 58 degrees

I prefer a 4-degree difference between each wedge. This is because I use wedges from the same brand. If you use wedges from different brands, you might have some gaps in distance, which can make it harder to control the ball accurately.

The setup I have helps me understand the distance for each club better and gives me more control over the ball. For example, the 50-degree gap wedge allows me to play different types of shots near the green, especially when I’m in the sand or bunkers.

You should also think about how far you want to hit the ball with each wedge. You don’t need to think about the degrees for each wedge; just think about how far you want the ball to go.

It’s also important to consider what kind of shots you like to play and the distance between your full swings. This kind of setup will make playing golf easier and give you better control.

Choosing Wedges for Your Set  

When choosing wedges, consider your playing style and the gaps in your distances. For example, if you have a large gap between your pitching wedge and sand wedge, a 50 or 52-degree gap wedge might be the perfect addition.

Mastering Wedge Shots  

To truly master your wedges, you need to practice. Spend time on the range working on partial shots, in-between distances, and different trajectories. The more comfortable you are with your wedges, the more confident you’ll be on the course. 

How to Measure Your Wedge Distances  

Here are three simple ways to learn the length of your pitch…,

1. Go to an outdoor driving range or stay indoors:  

If you go to a driving range, you can hit many balls there. The trackman there will note all your stats and tell you how far your pitch is going. This can give you the best estimate of your average distance.

2. Hit the pitch in a field:  

Hit your pitch in a field and see where the ball lands. You can place a golf bag at the spot where you are hitting the ball, and then go to where the ball has landed. After that, use a range finder to shoot back towards the bag. This will help you get an accurate distance estimate.

3. Practice on a golf course:  

When you are playing a relaxed or social round, hit 3-4 balls with your chosen pitch from a specific distance. Hit the ball from different spots each time and see how long or short your pitch is. Also, note where the ball lands using a GPS watch. This will give you the best estimate of your pitch length.

Important Points:

• Do not use the average number. Instead, use the number that comes up most often.  
• For example, if your pitch usually goes 110, 113, and 115 yards, then you know your pitch range is between 110 to 115 yards. If you occasionally get numbers like 98 or 126, ignore them.  
• Don’t lie to yourself. Only use the club that works best for you, not the one that impresses others.  

This is the best advice you will read today. Guaranteed! 😊

How to Hit Partial Shots Under 75 Yards  

If you want to hit wedge shots within 75 yards, you will need all your wedges (different golf clubs) and a swing.  

You already have a full swing, but now you need a new type of “partial swing.”  

How does it work?  

You can choose the length of your partial swing yourself. For this, you just need to see how far you want to swing. Here are some simple numbers:  

• 25%  
• 50%  
• 75%  

Choose one of these percentages and swing the same way every time. For example, if you choose 50%, it will create a different distance for each wedge.  

• With a pitching wedge, the ball will go about 60 yards before dropping.  
• With a gap wedge, the ball will go about 50 yards before dropping.  
• With a sand wedge, the ball will go about 40 yards before dropping.  

All this is happening using the same partial swing. This method helps you understand wedge shots better and hit them with accuracy.  

Remember, the feeling doesn’t need to be perfect. Just practice swinging the same way every time, and the results will become clear on their own. This way, you can easily complete wedge shots within 75 yards.

How to Hit In-Between Wedge Shots  

If you have a distance of 95 yards and your wedges (clubs) have a range of 90 and 100-105 yards, which shot should you take?

It doesn’t matter how many clubs you have in your bag; often, the challenge is that you need to take a shot at a middle distance. In this situation, the technique of hitting a partial shot can be very useful for you.

You should use a GPS watch. It will tell you the exact distance. For example, if the back of the green is 115 yards away and the front is 91 yards, you should check how much distance is behind the hole. Ignore the flag!

You should aim for a shot between 92 and 114 yards, which will keep your ball on the green. In this case, if your pitching wedge goes up to 100-105 yards, it would be the best choice. This means you’ll likely have a putt of no more than 30 feet, but even if you hit a bad shot, you’ll still be on the green.

If you take a 90-yard shot, it will only work if the front of the green is flat and there are no hills or hazards. In this case, I would play it safe, ignore the flag, and aim to land the ball in the middle of the green.

Always play shots within the limits of your wedges. Depending on your skill level, finding the right distance can be tricky, but this technique will help you perform better.

Why Carry Multiple Wedges?  

If you are starting to play golf, it is important to get familiar with different types of wedges (tools). Usually, a new pitching wedge has a loft of 45 degrees, while a sand wedge can have a loft of up to 56 degrees. Both of these tools will help you play great golf.

When you play golf for some time, you will start to notice a difference between these two wedges. How can this gap be filled? For this, a gap wedge is used. If you have about a year of experience playing golf, I recommend that you should have three types of wedges: a pitching wedge, a gap wedge, and a sand wedge.

Keep in mind that the difference in loft between each wedge should be about 4 to 6 degrees. For example, if your pitching wedge is 48 degrees, you can use a gap wedge with a loft between 50 or 52 degrees. And then for the sand wedge, you can use a wedge with 56 or 58 degrees.

This way, you will have the right tool for every type of shot, and your game will improve. Remember that practicing is very important to gain experience in golf. As you play more, you will understand which wedge to use in which situation.

Benefits of Having Many Wedges  

You should play 3 or 4 wedges so that you can hit the ball the right distance when you really need to, especially when the score is being counted.  

When you feel confident that you can control the ball well at that distance, you feel motivated to give your best effort and try to hit the ball closer to the hole to improve your score or avoid tough situations.  

During the wedge play, if you are not confident about your shot, you should avoid shots with too much or too little spin.  

Using the right wedge relaxes your mind and improves your score.  

In this way, the goal of playing with a wedge is to make your game easier and help you feel better on the course.

Are You a Natural Born Scrambler?  

If you focus on hitting the ball at different distances during your game, you will use your wedges correctly to improve your score.

For example, if you hit the ball at your favorite distance, this is the perfect opportunity for you! This feeling makes your game more positive.

When you know how far you hit each wedge, you will have confidence that you will hit each shot well. And with that confidence, you can get closer to a good score.

If you are a regular amateur golfer trying to lower your score to 90 or 100, it is important to understand that you will not always be able to hit all the greens. This means that you should understand the distance of your wedges so that you can hit more greens with a lower score.

Now you may be asking yourself, “How can I be sure that I am not hitting the bad shots?” So here are some simple statistics:

• If your score is around 100, you will only hit 1 or 2 greens.
• If your score is around 90, you will hit 2 to 4 greens.
• If your score is around 80, you will hit 4 to 8 greens.
• And if you play better, you can hit 8 to 12 greens.

Before you get too upset, realize that everyone makes some mistakes with their wedges. So, to improve your game, just understand your distances and play with confidence. 😊

Final Thoughts on Wedge Selection and Performance

You shouldn’t compare your golf distance to others. The point is, you need to understand how to cover distance with your wedge (a type of golf stroke) and swing. That way, you can use your correct distances and shots to improve your score.

Golfing inside 125 yards is very important. If you hit the ball on the green 6 or 7 times out of 10, that’s a big achievement. Even professionals can hit the green from that distance only 70 percent of the time.

So keep your wedge game strong and constantly try to improve your skills. That’s how you will succeed in golf.