Are you looking to purchase a wedge, but aren’t sure which you should opt for? Perhaps you have heard that each wedge has a different distance and want to know more?
Or maybe your balls aren’t going as far as you would like and want to know why? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you!
When it comes to golf wedges, we know how confusing the distances can be.
Each wedge hits a different distance and it can be tricky for you to remember the different distances or to know which wedge you need.
Before you know it you can find yourself overwhelmed and unsure what to do.
You search and scroll, but can never get the direct, to-the-point answer that you want. You find yourself stressed, frustrated, and ready to call off your golf game tomorrow.
Well, no more! We are here to give you the answers that you need.
Keep reading to find out how far your ball should go with each different wedge. We have the distances for a 48, 52, 56, and 60-degree wedge to help you select the right wedge today.
How Far Should I Hit My Wedges?
Let’s get straight into it! For amateur golfers, we expect a 48, 52, 56, and 60-degree wedge to travel the following distances:
- Pitching wedge (48-degree) – 120 yards
- Gap wedge (52-degree) – 100 yards
- Sand wedge (56-degree) – 80 yards
- Lob wedge (60-degree) – 70 yards
It’s important to know these distances so you can get the most out of your game.
The more we know about our wedges and the distances we can achieve, the more we can hone our skills. It also helps you to approach the green with more knowledge and confidence, ready to achieve your goals.
Generally, the golf club you choose depends on a few different factors. You will want to consider the terrain, the position of the ball, and its distance to the hole.
All of these factors will vary depending on the course and the hole you are on. But knowing how to assess the situation will be extremely helpful. And that’s what we are here to help you with!
Golf Wedge Distances
Below, we have a super helpful chart that will help you remember the distance your gold wedge can achieve. We have included both amateur and professional distances so you can see the difference and better place yourself based on skill level.
| Wedge | Professional | Amateur |
| Pitching (48 degrees) | 140 yards | 120 yards |
| Gap (52 degrees) | 125 yards | 100 yards |
| Sand (56 degrees) | 110 yards | 80 yards |
| Lob (60 degrees) | 90 yards | 70 yards |
As you can see from the table, there is a little difference between an amateur and professional distance. Don’t let that dishearten you if your ball is not traveling the same distance as a professional!
It takes years of practice to reach that level, so aim instead for the amateur distances and gradually work your way up, improving your swing and drive as you do.
How Far Should Each Wedge Go?
Now that we have had an overview of the distance each wedge should go, let’s take a closer look at each wedge and the distance you hope to achieve.
Remember, these distances are averages, there is bound to be some discrepancy from player to player.
48 Degree Wedge Distance (Pitching)
Your 48-degree wedge usually delivers a distance of 120 yards for amateurs. A professional golfer can expect to see roughly 140 yards instead, giving them roughly 20 yards more than amateurs when using their pitching wedge.
52 Degree Wedge Distance (Gap)
Your gap wedge (52 degrees) can see amateur golfers achieve a distance of roughly 100 yards. Professional golfers will see around 25 yards more and can expect their ball to travel 125 yards.
56 Degree Wedge Distance (Sand)
When using a 56-degree sand wedge, amateurs usually see a distance of 80 yards.
Again, professionals see more and will achieve a distance of around 110 yards. The difference of 30 yards is the largest gap that we have seen with the different wedges so far!
60 Degree Wedge Distance (Lob)
Finally, the 60-degree lob wedge will give amateur golfers a distance of 70 yards. Professionals typically see 20 yards more when using a lob wedge, and achieve a distance of 90 yards.
Why Do Wedges Matter?
Now that we have covered the different distances you can achieve, you might be wondering why they are important? Well, they play a vital role in good golf games with beginners to mid handicappers and low handicappers too. If used correctly, they can be an integral part of a golfer’s bag.
The wedge you choose can be the difference between hitting or missing a shot. It’s for this reason that you should invest in a good quality wedge to help improve your performance and help you achieve the game of your dreams.
Just look at professionals like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson. These leading golfers are experts when it comes to wedges and use them to create their success. Take Johnson, for example, the use of his wedge has helped him improve and achieve his fantastic results.
Wedges are vital when playing the short game and also practice when shooting from 100 yards into the green. They are also incredibly flexible and versatile golf clubs. You can use them for bunker shots, approach shots, pitch, and chip shots around the green.
If you spend the time working on your short game, you can hit wedge shots closer to the flag, resulting in fewer putts, reducing your handicap! In short, if you want to improve your golf game, consider a wedge.
Which Wedge Do I Need?
So, we have established that wedges are important and should be in your golf bag. But which one should you carry? If possible, have a range of wedges that can help you tackle a variety of distances and situations.
Aim for three wedges in your bag, but where possible, we think it’s worth adding a fourth.
You will also want a balance between your wedges so that you have a good level of variety. We recommend including a sand wedge, gap wedge, and pitching wedge.
You might want to swap one out for a lob wedge or add a fourth and include a lob wedge with the other wedges.
Let’s look at the professionals. They carry a range of wedges in their golf bag, ensuring that they are prepared for any situation they find themselves in. there is no right or wrong answer here, instead opt for a mixture of wedges that you think will benefit you and your game.
When deciding what wedges to include, it is worth considering the distance that the different degrees offer you.
A pitching wedge will send your ball the longest distance and comes with a loft of 45 to 50 degrees. However, a lob wedge will send your ball the shortest distance but has a far higher loft of 60 to 64 degrees.
Sitting in the middle are the gap and sand wedges which have a loft of 52 to 54 degrees and 56 to 58 degrees respectively. It is worth considering the loft when making your decision.
The variations in the loft that we have seen here will impact the distance that your shots can travel.
As you can only have fourteen clubs in your bag, you will want to carefully consider what clubs you include. Yes, you want a range of wedges, but still plenty of room for your other golf clubs too.
What Wedge Distances Do Professionals Use? (PGA/LPGA)
We’ve discussed professionals throughout this article, so let’s hone in on them again and see what wedge distances they use. On average, a professional golfer on the LPGA or PGA tour will hit a pitching wedge of roughly 130 to 150 yards.
It is worth noting that the distance will vary depending on the golf professional. Everyone will hit a slightly different distance.
Let’s use Bryon DeChambeau as an example. Thanks to consistent practice and training, he has been able to increase the carry distance of the tee. He has done this by increasing his power and swing speed and is now reeling the results of this hard work.
It is also worth remembering the well-known phrase, “driving’s for show, putting for dough.” A strong wedge game is vital to success on the golf course, so it is worth putting the time in and practicing.
Remember, amateur golfers, are not expected to hit the ball as far as more experienced or professional players.
Avoid comparing yourself to the professionals or the more experienced players on your course. They all started as beginners after all, and we all progress at our own pace!
Also, the distance professionals hit the ball changes depending on the wedge that they use too. A sand wedge can see a ball travel 110 to 130 yards, while lob wedges are best used for swings below 100 yards.
You will always want to consider how far you want the ball to travel before selecting your wedge and taking your shot.
It’s also worth mentioning that professional golfers take preparation to the extreme.
Where most amateur golfers will have a rough sense of their distance, LPGA and PGA tour players will know the exact yardage for a full or partial swing, allowing them to select the correct wedge and swing with accuracy.
Measuring Distances
When it comes to your measuring distances, there are a few ways you can learn more about your golf wedge and its distance. You could treat yourself to an accurate golf launch monitor.
There are plenty of options to suit a range of budgets, and it’s worth doing your research to find one that best fits your needs.
Ideally, you want a monitor that gives you all the details you need to carry distances. Having this will help you learn more about the distance you currently hit your wedges and how you could improve this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute questions answered here!
What Is A 56 Degree Wedge Used For?
A sand wedge or 56-degree wedge is used when golfers are in the bunker. This wedge will help you get the ball in the air with ease and still roll on your chip shots.
Should I Get A 54 Or 52 Degree Wedge?
It can be hard to choose between a 54 and 52-degree wedge. You should consider the yardage gaps with your pitching and sand wedge. Ideally, you want an even split between your wedge degrees, so select the wedge that will do this for you.
What Do I Use A 60 Degree Wedge For?
A lob wedge or 60-degree wedge is used when you are near the green. Thanks to the higher loft, you will be able to land your ball on the green softly.
Should I Get a 60 Or 56 Degree Wedge?
It can be tricky to decide between a 60 and 56-degree wedge. You will want to consider what edge wedge does and choose the one that best suits your play.
For example, if you want your ball to land gently and roll slightly, opt for a 60-degree wedge. However, if you find yourself in the bunker often and need to send the ball further, go for the 56-degree wedge.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, all the distances that the different wedges can achieve. Whether you are an amateur or professional golfer, you can see the average distances your wedges could achieve.
These distances will, of course, vary depending on the terrain of the course, your wing, and your experience. Don’t be disheartened if you aren’t hitting the ball as far as you would like, this takes practice and lots of time.
Be sure to have a range of wedges in your golf bag when making your choice to ensure that you are prepared for any distance and situation.
It is also worth considering investing in a distance measurer to help you play more accurately and hone your skill. Whatever you choose, be sure that you have fun while playing golf!
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