Understanding the type of wedge you have, the range you can hit shots at with different approach wedge lofts, and the spin you can generate will significantly improve your game. The term “A-Wedge” / “approach” has only recently entered the golfing lexicon. Many people frequently want to know: what degree is an approach wedge.
A loft of 51° – 53° is typical for the approach wedge, also known as the Gap wedge / A-wedge. When the golfer’s approach to the green calls for more club than a pitching wedge can provide, they will add this club.
Some of these clubs have lofts as low as 46 degrees, making them ideal for long, accurate drives that land softly. But there’s more for you to know, so please keep reading!
What is an Approach Wedge?
Before you accurately know what degree is an approach wedge, you must know the concept of it. Now, for shots taken from within a short distance of the green, golfers use a particular club called an approach wedge. Shots taken within a hundred yards of the hole often call for this club.
The approach wedge has a smaller head and less loft than a pitching wedge. So, golfers with a high handicap typically play with this style of the club.
Using an Approach Wedge Correctly
Now, knowing what degree is an approach wedge isn’t sufficient. You need to understand how to use it properly. So, around the green, you can use an approach wedge for a wide range of shots. Here’s some advice on making the most of your approach wedge:
- Keep your posture wide and your grasp light to increase your control.
- Before you take your shot, practice swinging the club back & forth a few times to gauge the distance.
- A downward blow will impart a great deal of backspin on the ball.
- In order to be ready for anything that may come up on the course, we recommend that you practice a variety of strokes with your approach wedge.
The Advantages of Using an Approach Wedge
Now, to what degree is an approach wedge necessary, but the advantages of an approach wedge are equally important. So, no matter your golfing prowess, an approach wedge is indeed an essential club. It can assist you in refining your short game and creating a more consistent swing, which is crucial to becoming a better golfer.
It could also help you escape sticky situations while out on the greens. So, some of the advantages of employing an approach wedge are as follows:
- As a first step toward bettering your short game, try using an approach wedge. Why? Because you’ll have to take shorter, more deliberate shots. If you use this method, you can improve the short game accuracy and consistency.
- Since an approach wedge requires you to hit shorter, more regulated strokes, you’ll be able to polish your swing and become more consistent. A stronger golf game is a direct outcome of a more consistent swing; thus, this is crucial.
- An approach wedge may be a game-changer when you’re in a messy situation and somewhat on course. So, you can use it to go back into the fairway after hitting the rough.
- You can also raise your score by working on the short game & swing consistency.
When to Use an Approach Wedge?
Along with knowing what degree is an approach wedge, you must know when to use it. How you play the course with an approach wedge is up to you. When using a gap wedge, some golfers believe it is necessary to perform a full swing to get the distance they require.
Others may prefer it as a “knockdown” club rather than a sand or lob wedge due to its lower loft.
Around the green, approach wedges are effective for any pitch shot that requires forward momentum. Thus, an approach wedge seems to be a terrific method to fill a gap in the golf bag for a particular shot/distance.
What Degree is an Approach Wedge in Golf?
You are ready to know what degree is an approach wedge. Now, to start, it is important to dispel any misunderstandings that may have arisen regarding the nature of what exactly an “A” wedge is.
This is a term in the sport of golf that has only been around for a couple of years, making it a comparatively recent concept that calls for additional elaboration.
Depending on who you ask, the letter “A” in “a wedge” can mean either “Approach” or, less frequently, “Attack.” The most common meaning is “Approach,” though.
The “A” wedge is intended to bridge the gap in loft between the pitching wedge, around 48 degrees, and the sand wedge, 56 degrees.
The loft degree of an A wedge can range anywhere from 49 degrees to 55 degrees, and it’s nearly identical to the gap wedge in terms of the sort of club it is.
The standard loft degree associated with the “A” wedge is 52 degrees. Checking the manufacturer’s specifications is something you should always do if you want to be sure about the degree of the “A” wedge. So, congratulations! You now know what degree is an approach wedge.
What is the highest-degree wedge in golf?
First, let’s go over how the degree of loft impacts the path the golf ball takes after it’s been hit. The higher the degree of loft, the further the golf ball would travel after being struck by a player. This indicates that a wedge with a loft of 56 degrees will launch the ball higher than a wedge with just a loft of 48 degrees.
There are four main varieties of wedges, each of which possesses unique qualities; one trait is the loft degree. Thus, we now examine the loft degrees of the four main types of wedges, which are as follows:
- The typical loft of a pitching wedge is between 46 and 48 degrees, making it the club with the least amount of bounce.
- The gap wedge, aka the approach or A wedge, has a loft that ranges from 51 degrees to 53 degrees. It closes the gap between the sand wedge and the irons.
- As its name suggests, the sand wedge is utilized in sand conditions and has a loft that ranges from 54 degrees to 58 degrees.
- Finally, there is the lob wedge, which has the maximum loft of all the wedges. Its loft typically ranges from 58 degrees to 60 degrees. However, some manufacturers make lob wedges with lofts as high as 64 degrees and sometimes even higher.
Thus, you must always carefully examine which wedge to employ in any golfing situation. The motion of the ball after it leaves the club would be highly affected by the loft degree of wedge you choose to use. And you’ll want to keep this in mind at all times. It’s the only method to ensure you get the most incredible shot possible, given the current conditions. Therefore, you now know the intricacies of what degree is an approach wedge.
How high do you need to shoot an approach wedge?
A chart from Trackman illustrates the height at which Tour players of PGA strike the ball. Although it does not include approach wedges, still you should estimate that this value is somewhere in the range of 30 yards.
The vertical leap will determine how skillfully you hit the ball and how forcefully you swing the rope. So, if you’re unsure of the trajectory, you should ask the club expert to look at it. The club pro will also be able to assist you in improving it if it is necessary.
Approach Wedge VS. Pitching Wedge
So, in pair with learning what degree is an approach wedge, you must also have the concept of pitching wedge. A pitching wedge allows you to drive the ball beyond an approach wedge while also producing slightly less spin with the ball. Therefore, a pitching wedge is indeed a club more potent than the approach wedge.
The pitching wedge is around 4 degrees shorter in the loft and somewhat longer overall if everything is set up correctly. Both of these clubs are excellent for attacking targets. And carrying them in the bag will provide you with a wider variety of alternatives to choose from while approaching the green.
How to Buy an Approach Wedge
So, now that you’ve learned what is an approach wedge why not buy one? If you need to add an approach wedge to the kit, you should first measure the lofts of the wedges you already own. In particular, the sand wedge and the pitching wedge, since you will need a gap wedge to bridge the space between the two.
Your sand wedge probably has the loft etched into the club. You may easily get the pitching wedge loft by searching online for the specifications of the specific model of irons. Using a loft & lie machine, most golf shops can do this as well.
Please note how far you can drive a pitching wedge once you find its loft. And the sand wedge also requires the same treatment.
Let’s say the sand wedge stands 54 degrees, and you can hit it 70 yards. And in the case of the pitching wedge (43 degrees), you can hit it 110 yards. Thus, you know you need an approach wedge around 49 degrees and will preferably go about 90 yards to cover that yardage gap.
An approach wedge may have been included in the original offering of your set if it is an older model. If that’s not the case, many online stores offer second-hand golf clubs.
If you’re in the market for a new set of clubs, you’ll be able to select either the approach wedge that comes standard with the set / any other wedge model from the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Golfers often overlook the approach of a wedge, but it could be a beneficial tool if used properly. You can use an approach wedge to get you off the fairway & onto the green if you discover yourself in such a situation.
You will be hitting approach shots perfectly in no time if you remember to concentrate on the form & aim for the middle of the green.
To answer the question “What degree is an approach wedge’’ we have to say since the loft of an approach wedge is typically between 49 and 54 degrees, it is more useful as a transitional club among a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
FAQ
What degree is a Nike approach wedge?
The loft degree of approach wedges ranges from 50 to 52 degrees, which can go much lower sometimes. When opposed to other approach wedges, a Nike Approach wedge with a loft angle of 40 degrees offers the best golf stance.
What is bounce on a wedge?
A modern wedge’s amount of bounce is a rather precise specification.
It’s a measurement that determines the angle that the club’s leading edge makes with the ground while the shaft is held in a vertical position.
During the swing, this characteristic prevents the wedge from sinking into sand or other soft terrains, which gives a significant advantage.
Which wedge lofts should golfers use?
You may start slicing strokes off the game & open up new strategies by rewarding yourself with a set of high-quality golf wedges. It’s simple to make a poor selection of wedges with the abundance of mediocre options on the market.
The master of the short game, Dave Pelz, recommends having as many wedges as possible on hand and says four / five is optimal.
We agree that you need at least three wedges, but we also think you should have more.
Standard golf bags often include a sand wedge, an approach wedge, and a pitching club, all with lofts of 48 degrees, 52 degrees, and 56 degrees, respectively (56 degrees as standard).
What’s the difference between a gap wedge & an approach wedge?
An approach wedge is identical to what is more often referred to as a gap wedge. The various manufacturers use varied marketing strategies, reflected in the variety of names and terminology used to refer to such wedges.
It makes it difficult to differentiate between the many wedges and their functions. As a result, some authorities have suggested that the loft degree refers to wedges instead of various other terminologies.
What wedge lofts do pros use to get their shots?
Every professional golfer has a variety of wedge lofts in their bag, and they switch between them often depending on the course and the weather.
The pros swap out their wedges regularly; some do it nearly every month or even more frequently.
