How many wedges do you need?

When it comes to optimizing your golf bag for performance, selecting the right number of wedges is a crucial decision. Wedges play a significant role in controlling trajectory, distance, and spin around the greens, making it essential to have the appropriate variety at your disposal. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ll dive into some key factors to consider when you make this decision with some help from our sponsor at Edel Golf and their SMS lineup of wedges.

A general rule of thumb is that every golfer is likely going to have a Pitching Wedge (roughly 42 - 48 degrees), a Gap Wedge (roughly 48 - 52 degrees), a Sand Wedge (roughly 53 - 56 degrees), and a Lob Wedge (roughly 58 - 62 degrees). However, there are lots of times where players may choose to skip out on one of these wedges, or move their loft structure to eliminate the need for one of these wedges, which allows them to insert a new weapon into the bag at the top end. Now let’s dive in and see if we can figure out how many wedges you should be playing.

Asses your skill level

Your skill level and experience in golf should be the first consideration when determining the number of wedges to carry. Beginners or high-handicap golfers might benefit from a more straightforward setup with fewer wedges. A pitching wedge and a sand wedge could be sufficient for covering most situations around the greens. As you gain experience and improve your skills, you can gradually introduce additional wedges to your bag.

Analyze your game

Take a close look at your typical rounds and evaluate the shots you encounter most frequently. Assessing your game will help you identify the yardage gaps where additional wedges could be advantageous. For example, if you find yourself struggling with shots that are too long for your pitching wedge but too short for your next club, there might be a need to introduce a gap wedge to fill that yardage gap.

Consider loft spacing

Understanding the loft spacing between your clubs is crucial when deciding on the number of wedges. As a general guideline, the loft difference between each wedge should be about 4 to 6 degrees. The standard pitching wedge usually has a loft of around 45 to 48 degrees. From there, you can add a gap wedge with a loft ranging from 50 to 54 degrees, followed by a sand wedge with a loft of 54 to 58 degrees. Finally, the lob wedge, with the highest loft ranging from 58 to 64 degrees, offers versatility for high trajectory shots. By considering the loft spacing, you can ensure that each wedge serves a distinct purpose and covers a specific yardage range.

Evaluate course conditions

The conditions of the golf courses you frequently play on can influence your wedge selection. Consider the firmness of the greens, the type of bunkers, and the rough around the greens. For example, if you often encounter deep bunkers or face challenging shots from the sand, having a sand wedge with a higher loft can be beneficial. Similarly, if you play on courses with firm greens where shots require more spin to hold the putting surface, a lob wedge might be valuable.

Don’t be afraid of what the bottom of the club says

Let’s face it, today’s world of irons and wedges can get a little wild, especially in the 42 - 60 degree category. It seems that there’s wedges with every letter of the alphabet and from one brand to the next, they’re likely not the same structure. What matters here is that your wedge setup works for your game.

Experiment
and adjust

Remember that selecting the perfect wedge setup may require some experimentation and adjustments. Golf is a game of constant improvement and adaptation, so be open to tweaking your wedge configuration as you progress. Try different combinations during practice rounds or friendly games to gauge their effectiveness. Pay attention to how each wedge performs in various situations and adjust your bag accordingly. Always remember… unless you're a PGA Tour Pro reading this, you’re paying to play this game. Feel free to take the rules into your own hands every now and then.

Confidence in Your Game Above All

Choosing the right number of wedges for your golf bag requires careful consideration of your skill level, analyzing your game, understanding loft spacing, evaluating course conditions, and knowing what every tool in your bag does for your game. By taking these factors into account and conducting some experimentation, you can build a wedge setup that enhances your short game and gives you the confidence to tackle any situation from a clutch approach shot in the fairway to scoring shots around the greens. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have a versatile and effective set that’s dialed in for your game.

Thanks to our sponsor Edel Golf for supplying us with the product used to demonstrate this topic. For more information on all Edel Golf products or to find an authorized fitting center near you visit edelgolf.com