What Wedges Do I Need In My Golf Bag – Choose The Right Ones

Learn about the differences and what type of wedge to choose to get the best long-distance shots, high-lob shots, and more to improve your game.

Wedges are specialized clubs designed to help you navigate tricky shots around the green and get out of bunkers.

The number of wedges you choose to carry may depend on your personal preferences and the bounce angle, degrees of loft, and specific course you are playing on.

This guide will help you in the selection of different types of golf wedges and why they are important for improving your score.

How Many Wedges Should I Carry In My Golf Bag?

On average, golfers with high to low handicaps most commonly need at least three types of wedges: pitching wedge, lob wedge, and sand wedge.

However, according to regulations set by governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), golfers are allowed to bring a maximum of 14 golf clubs with them while playing on the course.

Read More: Types of golf clubs

Wedge system: Two, three, and four wedges

The wedge system in golf is a common technique used by players to segregate the most appropriate wedge for each shot. 

Many golfers usually prefer the three-wedge system that includes a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, and a sand wedge. This system allows golfers to quickly and easily select the right club for their next shot.

Pitching wedges: These wedges are typically used to hit longer chip shots from the fairway or rough, while gap wedges are great for accurately reaching the green. The typical pitching wedge loft ranges between 46 and 48 degrees.

Sand wedges: The sand wedge is perfect for navigating out of bunkers or other hazards on the course.

Lob wedges: These are used to hit full shots, bunker shots, flop shots, and the best for overcoming obstacles. 

Two wedge System

Choosing two wedges instead of three isn’t just about convenience, but it’s also about safety. Therefore, opting for a pitching and sand wedge is highly recommended in the case of two wedge systems. 

The distance that a pitching wedge carries is, on average, 116 yards, though the yardage length can vary from 100 to 140 yards.

While the average recreational golfer can hit 88 yards with a full shot with a sand wedge, the distance can range from 70 to 110 yards. But, if you consider a lob wedge, it can add variety to your short game. 

(Note: It’s important to remember that this type of wedge system takes time and skill to master.)

Moreover, for those who play golf in tricky weather conditions, lessening our loft can be beneficial for preventing injury. Always consider safety when selecting your two wedges before overestimating your skillset.

Three wedge system

For club golfers, three wedges are a popular choice for maximizing your chances of success on the fairway.

A pitching wedge of 46 degrees, a lob wedge at 58°, and a gap wedge at 52°are ideal as they come with an even 6° gap between golf clubs, giving you all the options you need.

When creating your three-club system, you also need to ensure that the grind on each of your wedges is suited for the type of wedge shots you intend to hit.

The bounce angle of a wedge’s leading edge plays a significant role in this decision; those with a steep angle may do better with a wide sole and more bounce, while golfers with a shallow swing will benefit from the narrower soles and less bounce.

Consider your style of play and environment to ensure that you’ve chosen the best golf wedges for your setup.

While three wedges give you more control over your short game, it’s worth remembering that two fairway woods can be just as important, especially to those who lack shooting power, compared to tour professionals.

Four wedge system

If your drives are consistently over 280 yards, a three-wedge system is the best way to go. For those more comfortable with full swing instead of half swing, however, more wedges may be necessary for greater control.

For loft gaps between your clubs, start with a 46° pitching wedge and then add a gap wedge of 50°, a sand wedge at 54° and a lob wedge at 58° for 8-12 yard gaps that should work for most golfers.

This variety of wedges will give you the options you need to perfect your short game.

Therefore, if you are struggling to find consistency on the golf course, adding an extra wedge or extra fairway wood to your setup can be a great way to help fix any swings and drive capacity issues.

Having four wedges in your system is particularly wise if you need the extra space after removing an extra-long iron or another club that is not regularly used.

This could be especially helpful if you’re trying to hone in on specific yardage, as bringing a fourth wedge with you will help you experiment. Keeping track of your statistics can also provide helpful guidance when it comes to delineating your swing variations.

What degree of wedge should you have in the bag?

Having the right wedges in your golf bag is vital to ensure optimal performance on the course. Generally, a gap wedge between 48 and 50 degrees, a sand wedge between 54 and 56 degrees, and a lob wedge between 58 and 60 degrees are recommended. However, consulting with your fitter will help you get the best gapping for your unique style of play.

Do pros use 3 or 4 wedges?

On the PGA Tour, four wedges are more common than three. Among the top 10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, 80 percent use a pitching wedge, a 50/52-degree wedge, a 56-degree wedge, and a 60-degree wedge for optimal results.

As a beginner, what should you prefer, a 54 or 56 wedge?

For beginner golfers, a 56-degree sand wedge is often a better option because it provides a similar outcome while being far easier to manage. Not only will a lower lofted wedge help you avoid bladed shots, but you’ll also have more control over distance.

Conclusion

The number of wedges you should include in your golf bag depends on your skill level and style of game. Beginners may find it helpful to carry a few basic clubs, such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge.

Experienced golfers can add additional wedges to their bags if needed, customizing their sets according to their playing needs. Ultimately, the decision of what wedges you need in your golf bag is based on individual preferences.