Looking for a complete guide to golf wedges? You’re in luck because the GolfReviewsGuide.com love nothing more than trying to improve our short game.

If we aren’t on the course or practice area, we’re chipping a little ball around the office and at home.

From pitching wedges to lob wedges, there are many options to get better with approach play and around the greens. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the best golf wedges.

What are Golf Wedges?

The best starting point is to explain what wedges are and how each one differs.

Golf wedges are designed to hit short shots into putting greens and to generate a lot of spin.

Wedges are typically used for shots that require a high degree of accuracy and precision, such as chip shots, bunker shots and approach shots.

With this type of shot, you want a high ball flight and a quicker stopping distance in order to leave your ball as close to the hole as possible.

Different Types of Golf Wedges

There are several different types of golf wedges, each designed for a specific type of shot. The standard models are pitching, sand, lob and gap wedges, all of which have different lofts.

The most common types of wedges include:

Pitching Wedge

A pitching wedge is the most used type of wedge and included in almost every golf club set.

It is designed for shots into greens from fairways or rough, ones which require a moderate amount of loft and spin such as approach shots.

A pitching wedge will typically be sold with a loft of 44-46 degrees, although some sets might sit either side of that.

Sand Wedge

A sand wedge is the second most popular and again features in the golf bag of almost every golfer.

Sand wedges are designed specifically for shots out of bunkers and other sandy areas, although they can be used from fairways, rough or even the aprons of greens.

They tend to have a wide, rounded sole that helps prevent the club from digging into the sand or the turf.

Sand wedges tend to be around 54 degrees or 56 degrees in loft.

Lob Wedge

A lob wedge is designed for shots that require a high degree of loft and spin, such as chip shots over a bunker or to raised greens.

The lob wedge has a very high degree of loft, typically around 58 degrees or 60 degrees.

Gap Wedge

A gap wedge is the newest of the four wedge types and is designed to do as the name suggests – fill gaps in your bag set up when it comes to lofts.

It sits between the pitching wedge and a sand wedge and varies from 48-52 degrees depending on the exact loft needed.

A gap wedge is typically used for shots from around 100 yards out or for low-running approaches on the green.

Golf Wedges Buying Guide

When choosing the best golf wedges, whether for elite players or for high handicappers, there are several factors to consider.

These factors can help golfers make an informed decision about which wedges will work best for their game, the lofts needed and how they can help your short game.

Loft

Loft is the angle between the face of the wedge and the ground. Wedges can help get the ball up in the air quickly and easily, which can be especially helpful for shots around the green.

Bounce

Bounce is the angle between the sole of the wedge and the ground.

Wedges with higher bounce are better for golfers who have a steeper swing or who play on courses with softer turf.

Lower bounce wedges are better for golfers with a shallower swing or who play on courses with firmer turf.

Grind

Grind refers to the shape of the sole of the wedge.

Wedges with a lot of grind are better for golfers who like to manipulate the face of the club to hit different shots.

Wedges with less grind are better for golfers who prefer a more straightforward approach.

Shaft Material

The material of the wedge’s shaft can also be an important factor to consider.

Steel shafts are more common and generally less expensive, but graphite shafts can be lighter and more flexible, which can help golfers generate more clubhead speed.