Many golfers now are carrying two of three and even sometimes
four wedges in their set. To many, this may sound dumb; however, to
others this is the sure way to lower scores and increase
versatility around the greens.
Many golfers now are carrying two of three and even sometimes four wedges in their set. To many, this may sound dumb; however, to others this is the sure way to lower scores and increase versatility around the greens.
Often times the set make-up may vary depending on the golf course you are playing. Let’s look at this in respect to the wedges you carry.
If you play a course with no elevated greens, then the need for a high lofted wedge (60 degrees) is probably not very necessary. Most of your chip shots will be at the same level as the hole so there isn’t the need for additional loft.
If the green is large and flat, you will most often have plenty of room for the ball to land and roll, so a 48-52 degree club will work great. If you play a course with small, undulating greens, 60-degree and 56-degree wedges will be your favorite clubs. With these, you can land the ball more vertically, and it will create a softer shot that doesn’t roll very far. Remember, if the green is small, you don’t have much room for the ball to roll.
Most courses have a combination of both these types of greens. That’s why an array of wedges helps. You can always take a higher lofted club and de-loft it by putting it back in your stance to achieve a lower shot. Adding loft to a wedge by laying it open is more difficult and risky.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
