Gap wedges are some of the most commonly used wedges on the market. They can be sold in iron sets as an A wedge, G wedge or D wedge.
They are more commonly sold individually as blade-like wedges by many manufacturers with the most prominent being Titleist, Callaway, Cleveland, Ping, Cobra, Mizuno and Taylormade.
Different companies vary the loft in their gap wedges so it is important to research before purchasing.
What Loft Is A Gap Wedge?
The most typical gap wedge lofts are between 50 and 54 degrees. Many golf brands design their wedges between those two lofts and leave it up to the buyer’s preference when choosing a loft.
Gap wedges are often considered dual or “D” wedges because their loft allows players to open up the club face and use them similarly to a sand wedge or close the face and use them like a high-lofted pitching wedge.
They are also called approach or “A” wedges by some companies.
Importance Of Having A Wedge Between Your Pitching Wedge Loft And Your Sand Wedge Loft
It’s important to have a lofted club between your pitching wedge and sand wedge. Most standard pitching wedges are 45 to 48 degrees. For sand wedges, they are usually around 56 degrees.
If you have an 11-degree difference between sand wedge and pitching, there will be yardages on the course where you will be between clubs which could definitely pose problems.
Golfers have the option of pairing their 50-52 degree wedges with 54, 56, 58, or 60-degree sand and lob wedges. It is often recommended to pair them four degrees between each club for wedges.
In your bag, if you have a 46-degree pitching wedge and your next club up is a sand wedge at 56 degrees and you ask yourself, do I need a gap wedge? Then yes, you probably do.
What Is The Loft Of A Mizuno Gap Wedge
Mizuno makes many different types and models of wedges. Two of their most recent models are the JPX919 gap wedge and T20 Blue Ion wedge. The JPX919 comes in a 50-degree loft. The T20 Blue Ion comes in 50, 52, and 54.
What Is The Loft On A Cobra Gap Wedge
Cobra King’s black gap wedge comes in two options on their website: in 50 degrees or 52 degrees.
Their Tour Trusty Mustache Wedge which is used and inspired by professional golfer Rickie Fowler, also comes in both 50 and 52 degree options for the gap wedge.
What Is The Loft Of A Callaway Gap Wedge
Callaway has created many different gap wedges throughout the years. Their recent PM Grind wedges and Jaws wedges come in at 54 degrees for their lowest lofts. The Mack Daddy wedges are available in 50, 52 and 54 degrees.
When To Use A Gap Wedge
Golf gap wedges are ideal clubs to use around the green for chipping. The ball rollout from the gap wedge will be more significant than a sand wedge or lob wedge.
Since you can open up the face some people prefer to use gap wedges out of sand traps.
You can play a multitude of greenside shots with a gap wedge thanks to its loft.
Depending on the golfer’s length, gap wedges are also great for approach shots from between 80-110 yards. The average male golfer will hit a gap wedge between 75-100 yards.
It is important to know the loft of your gap wedge and the distance you hit it. Before purchasing a wedge, go to your local golf store or golf course and try out different gap wedges with different lofts to see which are suitable for your game.
Bounce
Loft is extremely important in a gap wedge but knowing the bounce of the club and if you are comfortable with it is also vital to shooting low scores.
The bounce is the rounded curved part of the head of the wedge. The bounce is created to help players from getting their club stuck in the ground when swinging. If the club digs in a bad shot will more than likely be the result.
If you place a wedge flat on the ground the leading edge will be barely off the floor. The higher that the edge is from the floor the higher the bounce will be on the club.
If the bounce of a club is 0-10 degrees then it will be easier to hit off tighter lies and firmer, harder grounds.
If you play on wet courses or during a rainy day the wedges with bounces of 10-16 degrees will be easier to hit and will have a lesser chance of getting stuck in the ground during a swing.
It’s ultimately up to the golfers’ swing style to decide on what kind of bounce they prefer playing with their wedges.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a gap wedge or buying a new set of clubs, sometimes the wedge will have a letter on engraved on it rather than the actual loft. It’s imperative to know what loft you’re buying so you know how to utilize it on the course.
There’s a big difference between having a 50 degree gap wedge versus a 54 degree. Be sure to share your thoughts on gap wedges and their lofts in the comments section.
FAQ
Is a 56 degree a gap wedge?
No, a 56 degree is not a gap wedge. It is a sand wedge. Gap wedges are usually 50-52 degrees. Lob wedges are 58-62 degrees.
Do you really need a gap wedge?
You don’t really need a gap wedge but they are highly recommended. Gap wedges provide more spin around the greens and a higher trajectory than using a pitching wedge. The blade-like design also helps cut through rough when faced with sticky situations.
Should high handicappers use a gap wedge?
Yes, high handicappers should use a gap wedge. The club can be used in a variety of scenarios from chipping to approach shots. Most golfers hit their gap wedges between 85-105 yards.
