If you are new to the game of golf there is a lot to take in. Things can get quite confusing when people start talking about shaft types or when you realise that there are a breath-taking number of different types of putter available on the market.
And high up on the list of confusing things is lofts – especially wedge lofts.

Lofts – the basics

Generally speaking, the lower the loft the lower and longer the ball will travel. So, for distance shots you need to choose irons with a low loft.

Wedge lofts

Of course, when you are out on the course, it isn’t all about distance. Indeed, putting and wedge ability are probably more important – on balance – than being able to drive the ball a massive distance.
Generally speaking, a wedge is needed when you need to get the ball to go high but not necessarily a long distance. For example, you need to get the ball out of a bunker or the rough – or you need to chip from the fairway onto the green.
Wedges tend to have a loft of 45 degrees and above.

Pitching Wedge (PW)

A pitching wedge often comes with a set of irons. Typically, pitching wedges have a loft of 45-50 degrees. This type of wedge is mainly used for longer shots onto the green. For example, a pro might hit 120 yards with a pitching wedge.

Gap Wedge (GW)/Approach Wedge (AW)

These are wedges that are slightly more lofted than standard pitching wedges. You ‘approach’ the green with one of these wedges, hence the name. Similarly, they fill the ‘gap’ between a pitching and sand wedge and have a loft of between 50 and 55 degrees.

Sand Wedge (SW)

Typically, sand wedges are used for bunkers and have a loft of between 54-58 degrees.

Lob Wedge (LW)

Finally, a lob wedge – with a loft of 60 degrees and above – are used to get the ball very high from only a short distance.