How to space my wedges?

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By Keano26

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  1. Keano26

    Keano26
    Port Jervis, NY

    I am in my second year of golfing, 23, and I normally shoot in the 80s. I have the AP1s 4-9 irons and 46*, 52* and  60* Vokey wedges. I hit my 46* between 115 and 125yds, my 52* between 95-105yds and my 60* anything below 95yds; however, I really have to hit the ball right on the nose with my 52* in order to fill that gap (105yds) between my 46 and 60.

    So my question is, am I okay with a 8 degree difference between my 52 and 60? Is a 56* necessary? Or a 50*? My wedges are definitely the most consistent part of my game, but keep second-guessing myself having nothing between the 52 and 60. Should I revamp my wedge selection into something like 50, 54, and 58?

  2. Michael H

    Michael H
    Burnley, +2

    Keano,
    Easy way to sort it.......
    I appreciate you not been playing long. So, try this for an idea, I'm a + handicap golfer and have used this for some years now.
    I play Ap2's 3 - 9 and then I have the following all vokey 46, 50, 54 and 58. I generally speaking leave out the 50 unless I feel I need playing a particular course etc.
    I use the clockwork system, which in theory fills all the distances I may need from 137 yds down to a little chip. So, from a 'full-out' swing if you will with a 46 goes about 135-137yds. This 'full-out' will be parallel at the top of swing. Then I will have different swing lengths using the clock as my guide. So I call parallel at the 3 o'clock, then I have a distance for 2,1,12,11,10 and 9 o'clock (9oclock been parallel with my hip pointing away from target)
    Do this and hit and average 15 balls at each distance, pace out and write the distance down. Now do the same, however hold the club further down the grip near the shaft,some people call choke down. Do this again with each clock movement and write then down.
    Notice how they come off the face lower, they may skid more and release more. 
    Do this with each wedge you have and before you know it you will have a lot of distances for each type of shot you may want to play. Some will come out lower and some higher, but the more you practice them, the more you will know as you walk to a shot what type of shot you may want ie low running, high lob or 1 bounce and check etc etc etc.
    With my 4 wedges I have about 50 yardages to work with from under 135yds, they work so, so well under pressure. It will take time to calculate all the distances etc and you will hit alot of balls, but once you have done this you will know ALOT more about your yardage gaps if you will and the you may decide to fill with another club.
    I can't say enough about thus system, try it and let me know how you get on.
    Regards,
    Michael.
  3. Jeff L

    Jeff L
    Cheyenne, WY

    I personally am a "feely"  type of wedge player. I understand that the "golf by numbers" approach works well for many players, many of them are on tour.  I will tell you you could do alot worse than to go with his advice. However, you should know the answer to your question better than anyone. Do YOU truly feel that you need to fill that gap? I used to play 56* and 60* wedges after my PW.  That left me with a terrible gap that I found I had consistency trouble with. Another manufacturer's web site has a wedge fitter system. It told me that if I wanted to keep the same number of wedges and optimize my yardage gaps, to try 54* and 58*.  I tried their advice. I bought Vokey wedges in those lofts, but only after trying it first. You know your game the best. You seem to be playing respectable golf. If you feel that a change is necessary, then I would encourage you to do so. But do not "mess up a good thing" just because some "expert" says you should. Many people are nothing more than "equipment whores" , and many experts are trying to sell you something. That being said, I would have a problem playing your current set up. Consider a change, but don't drink an expert's koolaid with trying it first at your local range at least.   

  4. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Keano26 said:

    I am in my second year of golfing, 23, and I normally shoot in the 80s. I have the AP1s 4-9 irons and 46*, 52* and  60* Vokey wedges. I hit my 46* between 115 and 125yds, my 52* between 95-105yds and my 60* anything below 95yds; however, I really have to hit the ball right on the nose with my 52* in order to fill that gap (105yds) between my 46 and 60.

    So my question is, am I okay with a 8 degree difference between my 52 and 60? Is a 56* necessary? Or a 50*? My wedges are definitely the most consistent part of my game, but keep second-guessing myself having nothing between the 52 and 60. Should I revamp my wedge selection into something like 50, 54, and 58?

    I have an AP1 PW, SM4 52-12 (bent to 51*) and 60-10 (bent to 59*).  This just about approaches an old school setup, given than 9 irons used to be 45-48*, PW were around 50-52 and SW were 57-59.

    I hit my PW about 110, my 52 around 95-100 and my 60 about 70 yards.  I can completely grip down on the 52 and hit it between 75-80.   My choked full swing shot with the PW is 90 yards and my full pitch is 80 (if I fully choke down I hit 60 yards).   I seldom hit full golf shots (square stance full swing).

    You can also choke down on your PW 1/2" (about halfway down the grip) or so to hit it 105 yards and if you fully choke down, you have 95 yards.  The only hole with your PW is between ~80-95 yards (assuming your full pitch is 80). 

    Check out Dave Pelz' website about distance control with wedges. 

  5. Keano26

    Keano26
    Port Jervis, NY

    Michael, Jeff and Lou:

      Thank you all for your advice. I found myself choking down with my 46* and taking 75% swings, and 50% swings (just a different wording of the clockwise idea Michael was suggesting). Lou, my yardage with my PW, 52 and 60 are very similar to yours, so I can also relate with what you're saying. I am in NY, so unfortunately, I have to wait until the end of March or so to get on the course. I'll definitely take all of your advice into consideration. Now only if I could putt!!!

  6. I would probably try a 56 degree, and I would suggest maybe an SM4.

    Hope it helps!

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