Posted by Susan Briske, LPGA on 4/4/2006, 3:55 pm, in reply to "sand, pitching, and lob"
70.104.1.78
Hi Laura Lee, apologies for the delay - as Ann stated I have been up to my eyeballs,fortunately not buried in a sand bunker! The difference in Pitching, Sand and Lob wedges is, for the most part, the degree of loft on the club. Usually the Lob is the highest loft at 60 degrees, the Sand wedge is next at 55 degrees and the pitching wedge is 48 degrees. Some manufacturers offer an additional wedge called a Gap wedge which is approx 50 degrees to "gap" the distance between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. If the swing is constant in length and speed, each club should carry different distances. Remember, the more loft, the higher the trajectory of the shot. An easy way to remember this is "Face to the sky hits sit high." I like to teach my students a wedge swing that is consistent in length and speed and vary the club used to get the result you want. Many specialty wedges sold today have a stiff steel shaft. If you are used to playing with lighter graphite clubs you may have a hard time getting used to the feel of a heavier club. There are specialty women's wedges on the market today that may blend into your existing set...be sure to ask your pro or golf store to let you try it before you buy it to be sure you like the feel and distance it creates. It's also a good idea to practice your sand shots with all the wedges as each will create a different result based on the "bounce angle" built into the sole of the club. It's all about personal preferences! Good luck and good golfing!
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