Need Wedges, What to buy?

[cldale]

Hi,

I currently play my rounds without any wedge higher than my CG2 PW. I know that I need at least one more wedge, probably 2, but I am hesitant to buy because I am not sure what I should get and don't want to throw money down the toilet.

What I really need is a club that will get me out of greenside bunkers and something that will also allow me to play those awkward 20-30yd approach shots to the green.

What would you guys recommend? What I am really looking for here are recommended lofts and bounces.

[Flog]

what's the loft of your pw? You don't want too much of a gap between clubs, and you only want one or two wedges, so I'd say go for a 52 and 58 degree set.

[cldale]

what's the loft of your pw? You don't want too much of a gap between clubs, and you only want one or two wedges, so I'd say go for a 52 and 58 degree set.

Its a stronger wedge, 45 I think.

What about bounce? Should both have same bounce, or is it more usefull to have different bounces between the sand/lob wedges?

Which is another question (I am full of them). Pitching wedges tend to be in a general range of lofts, but when you see an actual SW as part of a set, what range is the loft (usually)? is it usually 52/54 or higher (58/60)?

[leftintherough]

I was thinking more of a 3 wedge set up. Newer golfers are served well with a high bounce 56* sand wedge. However, newer golfers can get in trouble with the wrong type of 60* lob wedge.

Cldale;

A sandwedge around 56* will meet your objectives. Except if 20-30 yard shots on a tight fairway the 56* wedge will have trouble o n tight lies unless if has some relief in the sole.

Higher bounce wedges are for diggers.

[swaaain]

I have 3 Ping wedges for sale here in the shop. They are Ping Tour, 52, 56, 60 with 5.0 Rifle shafts, not spinners. I would give them a conservative 8.5/10 condition and the client is asking $150 for the set.

Just thought I would throw it out there.

Jeff

[cldale]

I was thinking more of a 3 wedge set up. Newer golfers are served well with a high bounce 56* sand wedge. However, newer golfers can get in trouble with the wrong type of 60* lob wedge.

Cldale;

A sandwedge around 56* will meet your objectives. Except if 20-30 yard shots on a tight fairway the 56* wedge will have trouble o n tight lies unless if has some relief in the sole.

Higher bounce wedges are for diggers.

If I am understanding correctly, I would likely want the 56* high bounce just for the sand shots, with a 52+58 with regular bounce for rough and tight lies?

fwiw: I have room for 3 wedges in my bag, I don't carry anything between my driver and 3iron... so with D,3-PW,Putter I still have room for 3 wedges and whatever I eventually settle on as my long range fairway club.

[Tyger]

I believe the CG2 pw is 46*...I've been doing ok with a single 56* wedge but if you're looking for a 2 wedge set up, try the 52 and 58 pairing...I prefer my wedges to have a low bounce just because I think they're a little more versatile...It all depends on your game and what your yardages are though.

[SoNgMaN]

i'd go for 4 degrees of seperation, so if you were going to go with the 56 get a 52 and 60 to round that out

[ontario]

I used to carry a 49* PW, a 52, 56 and 60. After a season of this, I realized I hit the 52* maybe twice a round and the 60 even less. When I did pull out the 60, I had no confidence because I used it so little. I hit hundreds of practice balls with it but found it didn't carry over to the course.

Then I read somewhere that Seve Ballesteros carried a PW and SW in his heyday and that sealed the deal for me. Out came the 52 and 60. This was about mid-July and I haven't missed those clubs one iota. Wedge game got a whole lot simpler.

[hoganapexplus]

Get a SW at about 54,56 and if you feel comfortable with it a 60 is a great club as well. When you make your purchase, you can also start working on a swing for the distances you want to cover like Pelz recommends. ie 3/4 with a PW covers 80yd, 1/2 swing 60 yard etc. I have found that system really takes the guess work out of the distances that I have inside 100yds.

[nevermind]

I also use to carry four wedges for two seasons... 47,51,56,60 and it did more to hurt my wedge play than help. For some guys carrying four wedges works very well. I now carry a 47, 53 and 58 and its been perfect.

[laxgolf]

I used to carry a 49* PW, a 52, 56 and 60. After a season of this, I realized I hit the 52* maybe twice a round and the 60 even less. When I did pull out the 60, I had no confidence because I used it so little. I hit hundreds of practice balls with it but found it didn't carry over to the course.

Then I read somewhere that Seve Ballesteros carried a PW and SW in his heyday and that sealed the deal for me. Out came the 52 and 60. This was about mid-July and I haven't missed those clubs one iota. Wedge game got a whole lot simpler.

I have a 52, 56 and 60. The 52 and 56 are used equally, while the 60 rarely gets out of the bag because it's like trying to use a machete to hit a golf ball. It's really only in there because I'm allowed to carry 14 clubs and has some sentimental value. It's an old Cleveland 588 RTG with 3 degrees of bounce that I've had since I started playing and the only club to have survived multiple bag makeovers. I'll be on the lookout for an X-Tour 60 MD at the Golftown demo sale though.

I'm a digger, so I went with as much bounce as I could get. My 52 has 11 degrees and 56 has 14, with some grind relief so I can open it up. I found that when I went from 10 degrees bounce to 14 in my SW, I became much more consistent with pitches.

[cldale]

I have a 52, 56 and 60. The 52 and 56 are used equally, while the 60 rarely gets out of the bag because it's like trying to use a machete to hit a golf ball. It's really only in there because I'm allowed to carry 14 clubs and has some sentimental value. It's an old Cleveland 588 RTG with 3 degrees of bounce that I've had since I started playing and the only club to have survived multiple bag makeovers. I'll be on the lookout for an X-Tour 60 MD at the Golftown demo sale though.

I'm a digger, so I went with as much bounce as I could get. My 52 has 11 degrees and 56 has 14, with some grind relief so I can open it up. I found that when I went from 10 degrees bounce to 14 in my SW, I became much more consistent with pitches.

From what i am hearing, a good first step might be a 56* sandwich with high bounce, and figure out what I need (if any) from there?

[Biffm1]

From what i am hearing, a good first step might be a 56* sandwich with high bounce, and figure out what I need (if any) from there?
You might want to try a sand wedge, instead of a sandwich...The sandwich might get your appetite under control for a few holes but I'm pretty sure it would be useless in a sandtrap.

I would buy a sand wedge first...incorporate that into your bag, learn how to use it, and when...I have 60 degree lob wedege that I only use when I want to skull a shot 30 yards past the green :( However my sandwedge will do it all from about 75 yards and in....

[Tyger]

I dont know, a sandwich might be more sastifying..

[3whack]

i'd go for 4 degrees of seperation, so if you were going to go with the 56 get a 52 and 60 to round that out

I always thought that it was 6 degrees of separation.

Oh, maybe that's something different...

[JEBS]

Chad

with those CG2's you will probably want to look at a 52 since the PW is a 46* after that I would either do the 56* 60* combo or a 58.

Since you are starting out again if you only got 1 wedge I would suggest a 56* with maybe a mid bounce to let you learn a little of both.

so if three wedges 52* (low-mid bounce) 56* (mid-high bounce) 60* (low bounce)

if two wedges 52* (low to mid) 58* (low to mid) ..or a 56* mid-high (SW)

one wedge 54 or 56 (mid bounce)

Just my opinion.

I am glad those CG2's are working out for you... my bag is sad without them:(

[xander.uk]

I used to carry a 49* PW, a 52, 56 and 60. After a season of this, I realized I hit the 52* maybe twice a round and the 60 even less. When I did pull out the 60, I had no confidence because I used it so little. I hit hundreds of practice balls with it but found it didn't carry over to the course.

Then I read somewhere that Seve Ballesteros carried a PW and SW in his heyday and that sealed the deal for me. Out came the 52 and 60. This was about mid-July and I haven't missed those clubs one iota. Wedge game got a whole lot simpler.

If it works for you thats great but in Seve's heyday they hadnt invented the 60* wedge!

He was also possibly the greatest wedge player we have ever seen.

I find the 52 ( gap wedge ) extremely useful..............the 60 can be more of a handicap than a useful club unless you hit it correctly.

Most people i see dont commit to the shot with the 60* wedge and end up fluffing it.

Because its so lofted you have to trust the club and swing positively with a good full finish.

Its quite useful in deep deep bunkers :)


Cldale: i would also look at the gap between your driver and 3 iron!

Thats a big gaping hole there!

[cldale]

Cldale: i would also look at the gap between your driver and 3 iron!
Thats a big gaping hole there!

To be honest, I have never stood in front of a shot and said to myself "I wish I had my fairway woods in the bag". When they WERE in there, I would see the pin 250yds in the distance on a par-5, reach for my 3-wood, and then complete flub the shot and end up in trouble. Better to lay up with a 4,5 iron and then wedge myself onto the green. I think I reach more GIR that way.

I am a 30 handicap (first year back in the game), and I reach at least half my greens in reg already. I lose my strokes around the green, in bunkers, and putting. Once I am happy with my short-game and can say to myself "I am losing strokes because I lack a 220-250 club that I trust" then I will look at adding something on that side. Until I feel the need, why bother carrying an extra club in my bag? its just more weight :)

[danscustomgolfshop]

Sounds like a short game fitting is needed. The scoring clubs are absolutely the most important clubs to have fit to length and lie. If the lie is out 1 degree on a PW form 100 yards you will miss the intended target by 22 feet!!

[3whack]

anyone playing with a 64 degree wedge?

Dave Pelz is pushing it, and a number of pga players have made the leap.

[JEBS]

anyone playing with a 64 degree wedge?

Dave Pelz is pushing it, and a number of pga players have made the leap.

nope.. drove right past the 64* into a 73* .. its a great spatula for pancakes or for flippin burgs.

[ontario]

To be honest, I have never stood in front of a shot and said to myself "I wish I had my fairway woods in the bag". When they WERE in there, I would see the pin 250yds in the distance on a par-5, reach for my 3-wood, and then complete flub the shot and end up in trouble. Better to lay up with a 4,5 iron and then wedge myself onto the green. I think I reach more GIR that way.

I am a 30 handicap (first year back in the game), and I reach at least half my greens in reg already. I lose my strokes around the green, in bunkers, and putting. Once I am happy with my short-game and can say to myself "I am losing strokes because I lack a 220-250 club that I trust" then I will look at adding something on that side. Until I feel the need, why bother carrying an extra club in my bag? its just more weight :)

I'm with you. Keep it simple. I ditched the 3 and 5 woods last season. Now I carry a 18 and 22 degree hybrid. You might want to consider hybrids. Very easy to hit.

I played with a guy this week who had 15 clubs in his bag and he was a 25 handicapper. Why?

[cldale]

I'm with you. Keep it simple. I ditched the 3 and 5 woods last season. Now I carry a 18 and 22 degree hybrid. You might want to consider hybrids. Very easy to hit.

I played with a guy this week who had 15 clubs in his bag and he was a 25 handicapper. Why?

Yeah, I am thinking of looking at a 19deg hybrid in the future, but right now I am most concerned with just getting my swing consistent enough since its my first year back in the game.

The reality for me is that I am more consistent with my 3 iron than I was with my 5 wood and hit them about the same distance (the 5 a little further if I really hit it well, but I'd say on average I hit further with my 3 iron).

Whatever club I pick to fill that gap (if anything) I will want to audition many. I had a hybrid 3 in my last set and i had great difficulty hitting it with any reliability from tee or turf. I hit the regularly 3 iron of my newer set (Cleveland CG2) much more consistently.

So I will be leary of hybrids or fairway woods in the future...

nope.. drove right past the 64* into a 73* .. its a great spatula for pancakes or for flippin burgs.

Haha, what do you get with a full swing? 20 yards?

[JEBS]

Haha, what do you get with a full swing? 20 yards?

sometimes I close my eyes thinking the ball it going to go straight up into my face. It is a great wedge to learn how to juggle the golf ball with, a la Tiger

[xander.uk]

73*....didnt know 1 existed...................wow

i reckon you could hit it backwards over your head like mickelson with 1 of those :D

I think 60* is enough for me :)

[ondadl]

i reckon you could hit it backwards over your head like mickelson with 1 of those :D


Bit off topic, but do you have any idea where I can find some footage of this? I saw it a few years back somewhere, and have been looking all over for it ever since.

Bit off topic, but do you have any idea where I can find some footage of this? I saw it a few years back somewhere, and have been looking all over for it ever since.

Already found one, but the one I was referring to was from the sand and during game play.

LEFTY (http://www.tourgolfblog.com/2007/08/phil-mickelson-back-flip.html)

[hoganben]

Most people i see dont commit to the shot with the 60* wedge and end up fluffing it


Try a Ping Eye 2 Lob Wedge. If I can hit it you can hit it. Nothing sweeter.

[Tyger]

Bit off topic, but do you have any idea where I can find some footage of this? I saw it a few years back somewhere, and have been looking all over for it ever since.



Already found one, but the one I was referring to was from the sand and during game play.

LEFTY (http://www.tourgolfblog.com/2007/08/phil-mickelson-back-flip.html)

That's sick shot!

[xander.uk]

I wonder if he would even consider that shot in tournament play?

[leftintherough]

I have a 52, 56 and 60. The 52 and 56 are used equally, while the 60 rarely gets out of the bag because it's like trying to use a machete to hit a golf ball. It's really only in there because I'm allowed to carry 14 clubs and has some sentimental value. It's an old Cleveland 588 RTG with 3 degrees of bounce that I've had since I started playing and the only club to have survived multiple bag makeovers. I'll be on the lookout for an X-Tour 60 MD at the Golftown demo sale though.

I'm a digger, so I went with as much bounce as I could get. My 52 has 11 degrees and 56 has 14, with some grind relief so I can open it up. I found that when I went from 10 degrees bounce to 14 in my SW, I became much more consistent with pitches.

I found the same thing this year. I experimented with a couple of different wedge/ bounce set up and went back to my 56* with a bounce of 14 and its money for me. I love the club from the sand and its money at 100 yards. I went to a wishon pcf 60* with heel relief. I bent it to 58 and its my club for lies in the rough around the green.

I use my 52* for long chips around the green.

[cldale]

Thanks for the help guys, I went out and picked up a new CG10 56* 3-dot (high bounce) wedge. I will play with this for a while and then figure out from there if I need anything else.

On a different subject but one that was mentioned, I also currently carry nothing between my Driver and 3i. Part of the reason is that I cannot hit woods from the fairway very well, and part of it is want to know master the clubs i have before i add something else.

But that said, I was looking at the Cleveland launcher Driving irons today, specifically the 19* 2i. Has anyone tried these? How do they compare to regular irons and hybrid irons? These are tagged as "driving irons", can they be hit from the fairway as well?

[golferboy]

Pick up a hybrid, much easier to hit off the fairway/rough than a driving iron..which is meant for tight holes when you need a straight, low, boring shot.

[leftintherough]

Thanks for the help guys, I went out and picked up a new CG10 56* 3-dot (high bounce) wedge. I will play with this for a while and then figure out from there if I need anything else.

On a different subject but one that was mentioned, I also currently carry nothing between my Driver and 3i. Part of the reason is that I cannot hit woods from the fairway very well, and part of it is want to know master the clubs i have before i add something else.

But that said, I was looking at the Cleveland launcher Driving irons today, specifically the 19* 2i. Has anyone tried these? How do they compare to regular irons and hybrid irons? These are tagged as "driving irons", can they be hit from the fairway as well?

If you hit your irons better than your woods you may have a swing type which favours irons ( could be a more upright type plain, but there is way more than that to it.) If your happy with your 3 iron and can hit it, then stick with that.

Also, a 3 wood off the deck can be a tough shot, especially with a stiffer shaft. You may want to look at a 4 or 5 wood in place of a 3 wood.

For Hybrids, if you hit irons better, then a hybrid thagt looks and feels more like a iron than wood could be off help.

For me, I carry a driver and 3 wood and a 3 hybrid. My distance is pretty good and my challenges are with the short game so I carry more wedges.

I do have a 5 wood and two other types of Hybrids that will sometimes make the rotation into the bag depending on the course, the conditions, and where my swing is at.

[cldale]

Definately have a more upright swingpath, being 6'3".

What is the distance gap between a 5w and 2i? (Typically, I understand indivual mileage may vary).

If you hit your irons better than your woods you may have a swing type which favours irons ( could be a more upright type plain, but there is way more than that to it.) If your happy with your 3 iron and can hit it, then stick with that.

Also, a 3 wood off the deck can be a tough shot, especially with a stiffer shaft. You may want to look at a 4 or 5 wood in place of a 3 wood.

For Hybrids, if you hit irons better, then a hybrid thagt looks and feels more like a iron than wood could be off help.

For me, I carry a driver and 3 wood and a 3 hybrid. My distance is pretty good and my challenges are with the short game so I carry more wedges.

I do have a 5 wood and two other types of Hybrids that will sometimes make the rotation into the bag depending on the course, the conditions, and where my swing is at.

[leftintherough]

Definately have a more upright swingpath, being 6'3".

What is the distance gap between a 5w and 2i? (Typically, I understand indivual mileage may vary).

A 5 wood will be either 18* or 19*. 2 hybrid around 17*, 3h 19-21*, 4h 24-24*. However typically the shaft of a wood will be longer 41 1/2" to 43" whereas a hybrid will be the same or slighter longer length of the equivalent iron.

I had my 3 hybrid built inbetween the two lengths.

[cldale]

Well, I picked up the CG10 (56* High Bounce) and played a round with it in the bag, and I was very happy with it. Shorter chips were much much easier, and my lone sand shot of the day went well, I actually was able to "blast" from the sand opposed to my usual sand escape which is pretty much just rolling the ball out of the bunker :)

q: if you are hitting from the rough and you need to stop the ball fast, how do you normally setup yoru shot (forward or back in your stance)? Is it possible to generate a lot of spin when you are only 10yds from the pin?