What Wedges Should a Beginner Carry? Our Complete Guide

Selecting the right wedges can make a significant difference in a beginner golfer's game, especially when it comes to improving short game performance. Wedges are essential clubs designed for precision shots around the green, and having the right set can help beginners navigate various situations, from sand traps to tight lies. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming for a new player to decide which wedges to carry. In this guide, we'll break down the essential wedges every beginner should consider, focusing on how each wedge can help improve accuracy, control, and confidence on the course.

TaylorMade milled grind 4 wedge set 52-56-60 degrees

Understanding the types of wedges and their specific uses is crucial for beginners who want to build a solid foundation for their short game. From the pitching wedge to the lob wedge, each has unique characteristics that cater to different shot requirements. By selecting the right combination of wedges, beginners can cover a wide range of distances and situations, making it easier to approach the green with confidence.

If you’re ready to start improving your golf game, let’s begin!

Why Carry More than One Wedge?

As a beginner golfer, it might seem sufficient to start with just one wedge, often a pitching wedge, especially since you're still learning the basics of the game.

You might even wonder why you need more than one wedge. Can’t you just use the same club for every shot? 

NO. You can't use the same wedge for every shot around the green. Different wedges are designed with varying lofts, which means they are used for different types of shots. 

• Pitching Wedge (44°-48°): Ideal for full shots from the fairway or rough, typically ranging from 100-140 yards depending on your swing speed.
• Gap Wedge (50°-54°): Fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge, perfect for approach shots that are too short for a pitching wedge but too long for a sand wedge.
• Sand Wedge (54°-58°): Designed for bunker play and short approach shots, it has a higher loft to help get the ball airborne quickly from the sand or thick rough.
• Lob Wedge (58°-64°): Used for high, soft shots that need to stop quickly on the green, particularly useful for getting over obstacles like bunkers.

Having multiple wedges allows you to select the right club for the specific shot you need to make, whether it's getting out of a bunker, making a precise chip, or hitting a high-arching shot over a hazard. This versatility is key to managing different situations on the course and improving your overall performance.

BUT....

For beginners, learning the game can be overwhelming due to the variety of clubs and shots. Offering just one or two wedges simplifies the decision-making process and allows new golfers to focus on mastering a smaller set of clubs. This reduction in complexity helps beginners gain confidence without being confused by too many options.

By limiting the number of wedges, beginners can concentrate on learning the fundamentals of the game, such as proper swing mechanics, grip, and stance, rather than worrying about which wedge to use for different shots. This approach helps build a solid foundation before introducing more specialized clubs.

As a beginner you do not need all four wedges. Many complete golf sets for beginners will have either one or two wedges- usually a pitching wedge (PW) and perhaps a sand wedge (SW). A pitching wedge and sand wedge are usually sufficient to cover the typical situations a beginner might encounter, such as approach shots and bunker play.

As you become more proficient, you will probably find that you will want to add a gap wedge and perhaps a lob wedge. Having multiple wedges allows you to select the right club for the specific shot you need to make, whether it's getting out of a bunker, making a precise chip, or hitting a high-arching shot over a hazard. This versatility is key to managing different situations on the course and improving your overall performance.

 Pitching Wedge | Sand Wedge

Wilson Staff Model ZM wedges 50-52-54 degrees

What’s the Difference?

Pitching Wedges – A pitching wedge is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots. It’s often used for tee shots, as well as approach shots when you’re close to the green. Pitching wedges typically have a loft of between 46 and 48 degrees. 

When using a pitching wedge, you should keep a few things in mind:

• Pitching wedges are designed for medium to long-distance shots. If you’re already quite close to the green, you may want to use a different club.
• Pitching wedges have a lot of loft, which means they can be difficult to control. If you’re new to golf, you might want to practice with a pitching wedge before using it in a game.
• Pitching wedges can be used for a variety of shots, but they’re often used for approach shots. Therefore, if you’re trying to get the ball closer to the hole, you might want to use a pitching wedge

Though it may take time to perfect for technique with a pitching wedge, with some practice, you’ll soon find that it’s exactly what you need to get your ball as close to the pin as possible.

Sand Wedges – A sand wedge is a specialized club that’s designed for shots out of bunkers. It has a wide sole that helps prevent the club from digging into the sand. Sand wedges typically have a loft of between 54 and 58 degrees. Compared to a pitching wedge, the sand wedge is specifically designed for hitting balls out of sand traps. It has a wide, flat sole that helps to prevent the club from digging into the sand, and the clubface has more loft than a standard wedge, which makes it easier to hit the ball out of deep sand.

However, when using a sand wedge, remember to keep these points in mind:

• Sand wedges are designed for shots out of bunkers. If you’re not in a bunker, you might want to use a different club.
• The wide sole that makes a sand wedge ideal for a bunker shot can also make the club difficult to control. As with the pitching wedge, if you’re new to golf, you might want to practice your stroke before using it in a game.
• When using a sand wedge, open the clubface slightly to help prevent the club from digging into the sand and use a smooth, sweeping motion to hit the ball. Aim for a spot just behind the ball, and make sure to follow through after impact.

You’ll need to use a little more force than you’d use on the grass to get your ball out of a sand trap, but the more you practice making these shots, the sooner you’ll master the technique.

Benefits of Using the Right Type of Wedge

Callaway Womens Reva (right) Mens Strata Sand & Pitching Wedges

Even professional golfers know that they need the right tools to make the perfect shot.  Picking the wrong wedge can spell disaster for your game but knowing which club to use can result in a great golf day.

Benefits of using the right wedge:

• More Control – Picking the wrong club can cause you to slice or hook the ball, making it more difficult to control your shot. The right wedge will offer more control over the ball, which is especially important when you’re trying to make a precise shot.
• Increased Distance – With the right club, you’ll also hit the ball further. The right wedge will add more spin and lift to the ball, making it travel further. It can also help you hit the ball higher, which will add more distance. This can mean the difference between making or missing a shot.
• Better Accuracy – With more control over the ball, you’ll be more likely to accurately hit your shots. This is especially true as you master the techniques needed to use each type of wedge.
• Improved Score – All of these factors can lead to an improved score. And, at the end of the day, that’s what the game is all about. You’ll soon be knocking strokes off your game and walk away the victor in no time.

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As a beginner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the different types of available golf clubs. 

However, choosing the right wedges is an important step in developing a well-rounded golf game, particularly for beginners who are still learning the nuances of short game play. By carrying a pitching wedge, sand wedge, and possibly a gap or lob wedge, beginners can equip themselves with the tools needed to tackle a variety of shots around the green. Many complete golf sets for both men and women beginner golfers will include at least a pitching web amd in some sets a sand wedge.

As you progress and become more familiar with your game, you can adjust your wedge setup to include a gab wedge and/or a lob wedge.

Ultimately, the key to improving your short game lies not just in the equipment but in consistent practice and gaining experience on the course. As you spend more time with your wedges, you'll develop a better understanding of how each one performs and how to use them to your advantage. With the right wedges in your bag and a commitment to honing your skills, you'll be well on your way to lowering your scores and enjoying the game even more.