As the head golf instructor of Tell Me More Golf, I’ve received many questions regarding the sand wedge’s loft and how far you should hit it. To make you an expert on the club, I’ll cover both of those questions and much more in this article.
Sand Wedge Loft Degree
A sand wedge typically has between 54 and 56 degrees of loft. However, some sand wedges go up to 58 degrees, and some go as low as 53 degrees, depending on the player’s needs.
Sand Wedge Bounce
The standard bounce for a sand wedge is between 10 and 14 degrees. Some golfers play with a significantly lower bounce than that, and to determine which bounce is best for you, you should get a professional wedge fitting.
However, when simplified, a golfer with a steep attack angle who takes large divots should get a higher bounce, while a more shallow player sweeping the golf ball should get a lower bounce.
The conditions you play in can also be a factor, as a high bounce suits wet fairways and vice versa.
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How Far Does The Average Person Hit a Sand Wedge?
The average sand wedge distance for a male golfer is around 80 yards. For female golfers, the average is around 55 yards.
Nevertheless, how far you hit your sand wedge depends on many factors, so it’s not uncommon to see distances significantly longer and shorter than the ones mentioned.
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Sand Wedge Average Club Head Speed
The average clubhead speed for male golfers hitting a sand wedge is around 65 mph.
However, as many golfers don’t hit their wedges with a full swing, it’s difficult to get an accurate number.
In comparison, professional golfers hit a sand wedge over 80 mph, which is close to an amateur’s driver speed.
Standard Sand Wedge Length
The standard sand wedge length is approximately 35.5 inches.
Tips On Hitting a Sand Wedge for Distance
The biggest factors impacting how far you hit the golf ball with a certain club are clubhead speed, smash factor, and launch. To hit any golf club further, your best bet is to increase clubhead speed and improve the quality of the strike.
With a high-lofted club like a sand wedge, you can also deloft the club to hit it longer. This works as the launch lowers and the spin reduces, resulting in greater distances.
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When Should I Use a Sand Wedge?
There are many situations out on the golf course where a sand wedge can come in handy. Unlike some of the higher lofted golf wedges, a sand wedge is relatively easy to use, and we recommend considering it for chipping, bunker shots, and approach shots into green when you want a high shot that stops quickly at the hole.
When Should You NOT Use a Sand Wedge?
The sand wedge is very versatile, but there are places where it’s not the best choice. For easy chip shots on the fringe, it’s often better to pick a slightly lower lofted club, such as a 9 iron or pitching wedge.
When hitting into greens, it can also be much more manageable to hit a soft pitching wedge or a knock-down 9 iron instead of a sand wedge. This is the case since the slightly lower loft with a shorter swing will give you more control.
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TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions
Sand Wedge Distance?
The average sand wedge distance for a male golfer is around 80 yards, while it’s about 55 yards for females.
Can I use a 60 degree as a sand wedge?
A 60 degree wedge is classified as a lob wedge, but for many amateur golfers switching it out for a sand wedge can make a lot of sense. A sand wedge has a lower loft, which makes it more forgiving and accurate.
Is a 52-degree wedge a sand wedge?
A 52 degree wedge is most often called a gap wedge, but some call it an a-wedge or approach wedge. Sand wedges can get their loft reduced to 52 degrees, but at that point, it’s no longer a sand wedge.
Is a sand wedge 54 or 56 degrees?
Sand wedges come in many degrees of loft, normally ranging from 54-56 degrees. This means that a sand wedge can be both 54 and 56 degrees, depending on what the golfer needs.
What degree wedge is best for sand shots?
The right wedge loft for bunker shots depends on many factors, including the need for height and spin. If you’re on a challenging greenside bunker, opting for your wedge with the most loft is often best. On the other hand, if you’re facing a less challenging shot, a sand wedge can require less effort to get the job done.
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Conclusion:
The sand wedge is very versatile and one of the highest lofted golf clubs, with a loft typically ranging from 54-56 degrees. The average male hits his sand wedge around 80 yards, and females hit theirs around 55 yards.
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