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The sand wedge is one of the loftiest clubs you’ll have in your bag. There are a few reasons why sand wedge loft is vital to help you get out of the bunker and tricky grass lies. It is designed to pop the ball up and out of the hazard without too much resistance from the thick, sandy lie.
The average sand wedge loft is between 54 and 58 degrees. This is the optimal loft for popping the ball out of the sand and will give your shot a decent amount of lift on the fairway too.
If you have less than the standard sand wedge loft angle of 54-58 degrees, you may not get the lift you need to exit the hazard. More loft, and you could end up popping it up too high without the bounce you need to propel the ball forward.
When someone mentions the sand wedge loft angle, they are typically talking about the loft of the club. So, many times, they are the same. However, sand wedges also have a bounce angle, which we will discuss later.
Cleveland golf’s sand wedges are generally between 56 and 58 degrees of loft, putting them in the middle of the pack for loft angles.
Callaway wedges also typically range from 56-58 degrees. Optimal for popping out of the bunker and tough lies near the green.
The Ping Eye 2 sand wedge has a loft of 56 degrees. It sits on the lower end of lofts for sand wedges but will still provide the lift you need to exit the hazard.
The TaylorMade M2 sand wedge is the lowest on our list as far as lofts go. It sits at 54 degrees. It is still useful for sand shots as it has a bounce angle and swing weight for sand shots.
However, it will give you a little less lift than some comparable wedges.
Along with loft, sand wedges also have a couple of other specifications that make it suitable for sand traps.
They have a bounce angle and heavier swing weight.
The bounce angle refers to the angle of the bottom of the wedge head. It is designed to allow the club to glide through the sand more efficiently instead of getting caught, causing a “fat” shot.
Bounce angles are typically between 10 and 16 degrees.
Sand wedges have heavier swing weights for a similar purpose. The heavier weight allows the momentum from the swing to carry the clubhead through the sand without getting caught up.
Hitting the ball with a sand wedge is much different from that of a pitching or lob wedge. Here is a clip of the most effective way to hit a sand wedge
Sand wedges can be finicky, but they can also help you out of a tough spot on the course. If you have any remaining questions about sand wedge loft and bounce angles, please leave them in the comments section.
Lawrence Smelser is part of the Golfible editorial staff and is a freelance golf writer. Smelser has covered the PGA Tour and most recently the 2019 Masters. He holds a journalism Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M and a Master’s journalism degree from the University of North Texas
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