
Normally, generating a full-swing on a PW may launch the ball 100-120 yards (91-110m). What is a 52 Degree Wedge Used For?Ī 52 degree wedge, or a gap wedge between 48-52 degrees, is meant to provide the coverage between the distances of a PW and SW. When using a lob wedge, recreational golfers can expect to see varying distances between 40-80 yards (37-73m) which roughly translates to a 30-50 yard (27-46m) difference compared to the GW.įor a deeper understanding, check out our overview of one of the more popular lob wedges, the 60 degree wedge. Lob WedgeĪ lob wedge has the highest loft of all the wedges ranging between 58-62 degrees.ĭue to the loft, it also delivers the highest ball trajectory making it the preferred wedge for flop shots. In terms of distance, recreational golfers can average anywhere between 75-100 yards (73-91m) which roughly translates to a 10-15 yard (9-13m) difference compared to the GW. Golfers soon realized the utility of the higher lofted club and the advantages it gave them in their short game, which was anything under 100 yards (91m). In regards to loft, the sand wedge (SW) follows the GW in which it provides 53-57 degrees whereas the GW provides a range of 48-52 degrees.įirst appearing in the 1930’s, the SW was strictly meant for golfers to get out of the “sand” or perform “bunker shots”. Recreational golfers can expect a PW distance between 100-120 yards (91-110m) whereas pros can hit it 140 yards (128m).Ī GW, in comparison, can hit between 90-110 yards (82-100m) by an average golfer and 130+ yards (119m) by a professional. Pitching WedgeĬompared to the other wedges, the pitching wedge (PW) has the least amount of loft which ranges between 44-48 degrees.ĭue to the lower loft, the ball’s trajectory will also be lower causing the distance to go further. See below for the differences between the gap wedge and all the other wedges. The main characteristics that differentiate the wedges are their loft degrees and by association, their distances. With respect to traditional naming conventions, there are technically four “wedges” in golfers bag – the pitching wedge (PW), a gap wedge (GW) or approach wedge, a sand wedge (SW) and a lob wedge (LW). How is the Gap Wedge Different From Other Wedges? The difference in names comes down to the marketing material used by manufacturers.Īlthough the “gap wedge” is the more accepted naming convention between the two, the “approach wedge” is quickly becoming popular as it refers to the utility instead where it resides between two clubs. They both provide the same function and utility, which is to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. No, there isn’t a difference between a gap wedge or an approach wedge. Is There a Difference Between a Gap Wedge and An Approach Wedge? Marketing jargon aside, all wedges listed above are all primarily used for the same purpose. What is An Approach Wedge?Īn approach wedge is similar to a gap wedge in that it’s just another name golfers use to indicate a wedge between 48-52 degrees of loft.ĭepending on who you talk to, the gap wedge is associated with other types of names such as the attack wedge, A-wedge (meant to indicate “attack” or “approach”), or even D-wedge (meant to indicate a “dual” wedge). Hence why manufacturers introduced the gap wedge. The term “gap” refers to it’s utility to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.ĭue to the distance discrepancy between the pitching and sand wedge, there needed to be another full-swing club that had enough loft to cover distance between the two.
#52 wedge golf professional
What is A Gap Wedge?Ī gap wedge (GW) is just another name golfers use to indicate wedges with a loft between 48-52 degrees.Īlthough they vary by a few degrees, the 52 is considered one of the more popular options for amateur golfers and professional tour players. Two, it provides a higher ball trajectory than a pitching wedge and delivers more distance than a sand wedge. One, it fills in the “gap” between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. The main purpose of a 52 degree wedge is two-fold. “52 degrees” refers to the amount of loft the club face has, in relation to the hosel. 52 Degree Wedge Distance – How Far To Hit A Gap Wedge?Ī 52 degree wedge, or what most golfers refer to as a “gap wedge” or an “approach wedge”, is one of the three main wedges in a golfer’s bag.

