Sand, Gap and Lob Wedges: Loft, Bounce and Grind

Gap, sand or lob: how loft fills the space below your irons

Wedges are named for the job their loft does. A pitching wedge sits around 44 to 48 degrees, a gap wedge around 50 to 52, a sand wedge around 54 to 56 and a lob wedge around 58 to 60 or more. The aim is a gap of four to six degrees between wedges, so each club flies a different, predictable distance. Check the loft of your pitching wedge first, then add wedges from there.

Lofts in the title are the ones to trust: a wedge listed at 52, 56 or 60 degrees tells you where it fits, while a name like sand wedge can cover a range. A high-lofted 64 degree wedge is a specialty club that is hard to control. Most players carry two or three wedges and choose a shaft similar in weight to their irons.

Bounce and grind: matching the wedge to the turf and your swing

Bounce is the angle between the sole and the ground, which stops the leading edge from digging in. Low bounce, around 4 to 6 degrees, suits firm turf and sweeping swings. Mid bounce, around 8 to 10, is the all-round choice. High bounce, 12 or more, suits soft turf, fluffy sand and steeper swings that take deeper divots. Listings show bounce in degrees or simply as standard.

Grind describes how the sole is shaped around the heel and toe, and a letter such as D names a particular design that is worth reading about in the maker's notes. Most golfers do well with a standard grind. Steel shafts are the norm in wedges, graphite appears in lighter sets, and the hand orientation must match your swing, since right and left are separate clubs.

Questions about Sand, Gap and Lob Wedges: Loft, Bounce and Grind

How many wedges should I carry?

Most players carry two to four wedges. Start from the loft of your pitching wedge and add clubs four to six degrees apart, so each one covers a different distance and no gap opens between them.

What does bounce mean on a wedge?

Bounce is the angle between the sole and the ground when the club sits flat. More bounce stops the leading edge from digging into soft turf or sand, while less bounce helps on firm ground and tight lies.

Is a 60 degree wedge too hard to use?

It is a specialty club. High loft launches the ball steeply and stops it fast, but it demands clean contact, and mishits go short. Many players are better served by a 56 degree sand wedge and one more wedge until their contact is consistent.