Back in the days before the 1990s, golfers had never even heard of an approach wedge, also known as a gap wedge or attack wedge. It was an unknown entity in the world of golf, yet today it’s an essential club, particularly for seasoned players.
Simply put, an approach wedge is used to hit approach shots. One might think that’s exactly what a pitching wedge is for, and you could certainly attempt an approach shot with a sand wedge too. However, the real challenge arises when there’s a noticeable gap between the distances you can achieve with these clubs. For illustration, consider hitting your pitching wedge 120 yards and your sand wedge 90 yards. Now, imagine facing a 112-yard shot. What then?
The old-school golfers might suggest taking something off your pitching wedge. While that’s a solution, it compromises both spin and height, which can be problematic if you’re trying to clear water or a bunker while ensuring the ball stays on the green.
In recent years, another change in equipment design has contributed to the popularity of the gap wedge: the strengthened lofts of irons. Modern pitching wedges often feature the loft once common with 9-irons. Thanks to advancements in design, including lowered centers of gravity, these clubs can launch the ball higher. The result? More distance, a key selling point for golf clubs.
Additionally, while older club sets often included a 3-iron or a three-wood, they’re now becoming a rarity. Fewer golfers carry a 3-iron, and a 4-iron is no longer a given, opening the door for more wedges without breaking the 14-club limit.
Some modern iron sets come with approach or gap wedges included, but many players still prefer to choose their gap wedge separately. So, what should you consider when shopping for one of these clubs? Besides loft, how do they differ from other wedges? What are the crucial questions to ask?
When it comes to gap wedges, there aren’t standardized lofts—pitching, sand, or gap wedges alike. Generally speaking, pitching wedges range from 42 to 46 degrees, while sand wedges fall between 54 and 58 degrees. Typically, you’re looking at around 44 degrees for a pitching wedge and 56 for a sand wedge, leaving a sizable 12-degree gap.
A straightforward solution to bridge this gap is with an approach wedge of about 49 or 50 degrees. Take the earlier example: if a golfer sends their pitching wedge flying 120 yards and a sand wedge 90 yards, a 50-degree gap wedge should be perfect for a shot needing to cover 112 yards.
There’s more to an approach wedge than just loft differences. Its design should closely resemble that of your irons rather than your sand wedge, making transitions between clubs more seamless. Sand wedges, due to their wide flanges and substantial bounce, are built to excel in bunkers. They’re not ideal for full shots, especially off tight lies.
Understanding bounce is crucial. It’s the angle between a wedge’s leading edge and its lowest point. Sand wedges often have a bounce of around 12 degrees, preventing them from digging too deep into the sand. But on grass, too much bounce can be a hindrance, potentially causing a “thin” hit or even topping the ball. In comparison, gap wedges feature less bounce than sand wedges but more than pitching wedges, allowing you to find a middle ground.
One often-overlooked advantage of the gap wedge is its versatility around the green. It excels in chip shots, providing more roll-out than a sand wedge, making it perfect for those longer chips when there’s plenty of green to utilize. For bump-and-run shots, it’s an excellent option due to its lower trajectory. Experimenting with it around the green can be rewarding, offering a wider margin for error compared to a sand or lob wedge.
Even in bunkers, gap wedges can shine—especially on those dreaded 40-yard bunker shots. The approach wedge’s reduced loft allows it to carry farther while still running out upon landing on the green, making it a strategic choice in such scenarios.
