The Best Wedges for High Handicappers

Bombing a 300-yard drive is a blast, but all golfers know that their real score comes down to their short game. There is no reason why a weekend hacker with a high handicap should not enjoy every part of the game as much as the better players. With the right clubs in your bag, you can begin to work on your game, and someday have a lower handicap. If not, at least you will have a good set of wedges to play your best short game.

  1. Sand Wedges

    • Sand wedges should be at least 55 or 56 degrees loft. The sand wedge works best if it is 4 to 6 swingweights heavier than your irons and 1/2-inch shorter than the pitching wedge. Any wedge is suitable for playing out of the traps, so if your sand wedge is not working, consider using a longer wedge like the pitching wedge.

    Pitching Wedges

    • Use a pitching wedge that is 1/2-inch shorter than your 9 iron. Some manufacturers make their pitching wedges only 1/4-inch shorter than the 9 iron. Learn the average distance you get with each of your clubs and determine where the gaps are. Then add clubs that bridge these gaps in distance and take out any redundant clubs in your bag.

    Gap Wedges

    • Gap wedges are designed to bridge the gap in distance and loft between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. High handicappers are advised to avoid a gap wedge in favor of another iron to fill the 14-club maximum. A hybrid club is another alternative. If you choose to use a gap wedge, it should be 1/2-inch shorter than your pitching wedge and 2 to 3 swing weights heavier than your irons.

    Lob Wedges

    • High handicappers need a lob wedge with at least 8 degrees of bounce angle, and a 10-to-13 degrees bounce angle is even better, because the higher loft is easier to play without taking huge divots. The higher loft also works better out of the sand trap. Use a lob wedge no more than 60 degrees in loft, because it is harder to learn to play the higher degree lob wedges, such as the 65-degree lob wedge.

    60-Degree and Higher Loft Wedges

    • The very high 60-degree and above wedges play well for some, but are disastrous for others. High handicappers are usually better served by another iron or wedge in the bag because most golfers lack the level of skill to play the high loft wedge. These wedges are available with wider soles, which helps some players. It is a good idea to practice with a 60-degree or higher loft wedge before playing a round if you are unsure how it works for you.