Understanding Wedge Lofts: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Wedges are usually labeled by their loft, which is the angle of the clubface. The higher the number, the higher (and usually shorter) the ball will fly. A smart wedge setup gives you versatility for all kinds of short game situations. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Pitching Wedge (PW): 44°–48°
  Comes standard with most iron sets. Great for full approach shots and bump-and-run chips.
• Gap Wedge (GW) or Approach Wedge (AW): 50°–52°
  Fills the distance gap between your PW and SW. Ideal for half-swing shots and controlled approaches.
• Sand Wedge (SW): 54°–56°
  Designed for bunker shots, flop shots, and chips that need to stop quickly.
• Lob Wedge (LW): 58°–60°
  Great for high, soft shots over hazards or when you have very little green to work with. Not essential for beginners, but useful for intermediate players working on finesse.

A common beginner-friendly wedge setup:
Pitching Wedge (46°), Gap Wedge (50°), Sand Wedge (54°), Lob Wedge (58°)
You don’t need all four right away, but having at least a PW and SW gives you solid coverage. You can always add a GW or LW as your skills grow.