What is an approach wedge? This is a question that we hear a lot. Let’s have a comprehensive understanding of what this wedge is all about!
An approach wedge is one of the most important golf clubs in your bag. It is used to help you get the ball onto the green and keep it there. In this blog post, we are going to discuss what an approach wedge is, how to use it, and some of the benefits that come with using one!
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What Is An Approach Wedge?
Approach wedges are also referred to as “gap wedges,” and are the wedges in the progression of loft that fit between a golfer’s pitching wedge and sand wedge. The approach wedge is designed to help golfers hit the ball higher and stop it more quickly on the green.
Gap wedges first became popular in the early 1990s, when golf course architects began to create longer holes with more challenging greens and smaller landing areas. The gap wedge gave golfers an extra option for shots longer than a chip but still shorter than the distance of a full swing pitching wedge..
Today, almost all golfers carry at least one approach wedge in their bag. The most popular approach wedges are between 47 and 54 degrees of loft. That is why if you see a golfer hitting their approach shot with a high trajectory and it stopping quickly, they are likely using an approach wedge.
If you are new to golf, or just getting back into the game after taking some time off, you might want to consider adding an approach wedge to your bag. They can be very helpful when playing around the green.
Another interesting read: How Many Wedges Should You Carry?
How To Use Approach Or A Wedge?
Now that we know a little more about what an approach wedge is, let’s discuss how to use it!
There are two basic ways to use an approach wedge: from the fairway and from the rough.
From The Fairway
When you are playing from the fairway, your goal is to hit the ball onto the green and have it stop as close to the hole as possible. You want to make sure that you hit the ball with enough force so that it doesn’t roll too far after landing.
To use an approach wedge from the fairway, set up like you would for any other golf shot. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and position the clubface behind the ball. When you are ready to hit, take a few practice swings to get a feel for the shot, and then swing through in one smooth motion.
Remember to keep your wrists firm and let your arms do the work. You don’t want to use too much force or you will end up hitting the ball too high and it will fly right past the green.
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From The Rough
If you are playing from the rough, your goal is to get the ball onto the green with as little damage to the turf as possible. This can be a bit more difficult than hitting from the fairway, but an approach wedge can help you get the job done!
When you are playing from the rough, make sure you take a few practice swings to get a feel for the shot. This is because the grass will slow down your club and cause the ball to fly differently than it would if you were hitting from the fairway.
To use an approach wedge from the rough, set up with the ball slightly back in your stance. This will help you hit the ball more solidly and keep it from bouncing too much after landing.
Make sure to take a smooth swing and let your arms do the work. Don’t try to use too much force or you will end up hitting the ball too high and it will fly right past the green.
What Are The Benefits of Using Approach Wedge?
Now that we know what an approach wedge is and how to use it, let’s discuss some of the benefits of using one!
One of the biggest benefits of using an approach wedge is that it can help you hit the ball closer to the hole. This is because they have a lot of loft, which gives the ball a high trajectory. This high trajectory will cause the ball to land softly on the green, resulting in a closer shot.
Another benefit of using an approach wedge is that they can be very helpful in getting out of tough situations. If you find yourself in a bunker or rough, an approach wedge can help you get back onto the fairway. They have a lot of bounce, which helps them to get over any rough terrain.
This is just a small taste of some of the benefits that you can enjoy when using an approach wedge! Be sure to check out your local golf pro shop to find the perfect one for you.
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What Are Some Factors To Consider Before Buying An Approach Wedge?
There are a few factors you need to consider before buying an approach wedge.
Think About Holes
Think about the courses that you regularly play. Are there gaps in your bag? Do you have shots that are too far for a sand wedge but under a full swing pitching wedge? There is a short par 4 at my local course where I can get my drive about 120 yards away from the hole. For me, I hit my pitching wedge around 135 and my sand wedge can only get about 110. My gap wedge is perfect for this shot and I use it almost every time I play that course.
Distance Is Everything
Second, think about the distance you need to hit the ball. If you’re playing a short chip shot around the green, you can use a lower lofted wedge. However, if you need to hit the ball further than 100 yards, you’ll need a higher lofted wedge.
Type Of Shots
Third, consider the type of shots you’ll be hitting with your approach wedge. If you’re mostly hitting full shots into the greens, you’ll need a club with more bounce. But if you’re going to be hitting a lot of flop shots and partial shots around the green, you’ll need a club with less bounce.
Finally, think about your budget. Higher lofted wedges and wedges with more bounce tend to be more expensive. However, they can be worth the investment if you’re going to be using them a lot.
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for an approach wedge, and you’ll be sure to find the right club for your game.
Final Words
Approach wedges are a great way to improve your short game. This is because they help you get the ball up in the air and closer to the hole, which gives you an advantage when putting. In this article, we will discuss what approach wedges are and how to use them correctly on the golf course.
When using an approach wedge, make sure that you take into account the slope of the green. If the green slopes towards you, then you will want to open up your clubface; if it slopes away from you, then you will want to close your clubface. You also need to consider how fast or slow the green is playing. If it’s playing quickly, then you will want to hit down!
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