The short game in golf is often considered the most crucial aspect of the game.
It can often determine the difference between a good round and a great one.
A well-executed short game can help you save strokes and improve your overall score and one of the most important clubs that can help achieve this goal is the 52 degree wedge.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll discuss the basics of a 52 degree wedge and gap wedges in general, and provide some insight that may improve your overall game.
So if you want to know more about the gap wedge, such as:
Then this post is for you!
Let’s jump in.
Before you read any further, check out my post to see how your score stacks up with other beginners.
Additionally, if you’re a beginner, you may want to read my 18 reasons on why golf lessons are worth it.
What is a 52 Degree Wedge?
A 52 degree wedge, or what most golfers refer to as a “gap wedge” or an “approach wedge”, is one of the three main wedges in a golfer’s bag.
“52 degrees” refers to the amount of loft the club face has, in relation to the hosel.
The main purpose of a 52 degree wedge is two-fold.
One, it fills in the “gap” between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
Two, it provides a higher ball trajectory than a pitching wedge and delivers more distance than a sand wedge.
What is A Gap Wedge?
A gap wedge (GW) is just another name golfers use to indicate wedges with a loft between 48-52 degrees.
Although they vary by a few degrees, the 52 is considered one of the more popular options for amateur golfers and professional tour players.
The term “gap” refers to it’s utility to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
Due to the distance discrepancy between the pitching and sand wedge, there needed to be another full-swing club that had enough loft to cover distance between the two. Hence why manufacturers introduced the gap wedge.
What is An Approach Wedge?
An approach wedge is similar to a gap wedge in that it’s just another name golfers use to indicate a wedge between 48-52 degrees of loft.
Depending on who you talk to, the gap wedge is associated with other types of names such as the attack wedge, A-wedge (meant to indicate “attack” or “approach”), or even D-wedge (meant to indicate a “dual” wedge).
Marketing jargon aside, all wedges listed above are all primarily used for the same purpose.
Is There a Difference Between a Gap Wedge and An Approach Wedge?
No, there isn’t a difference between a gap wedge or an approach wedge. They both provide the same function and utility, which is to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
The difference in names comes down to the marketing material used by manufacturers.
Although the “gap wedge” is the more accepted naming convention between the two, the “approach wedge” is quickly becoming popular as it refers to the utility instead where it resides between two clubs.
How is the Gap Wedge Different From Other Wedges?
With respect to traditional naming conventions, there are technically four “wedges” in golfers bag – the pitching wedge (PW), a gap wedge (GW) or approach wedge, a sand wedge (SW) and a lob wedge (LW).
The main characteristics that differentiate the wedges are their loft degrees and by association, their distances.
See below for the differences between the gap wedge and all the other wedges.
Pitching Wedge
Compared to the other wedges, the pitching wedge (PW) has the least amount of loft which ranges between 44-48 degrees.
Due to the lower loft, the ball’s trajectory will also be lower causing the distance to go further.
Recreational golfers can expect a PW distance between 100-120 yards (91-110m) whereas pros can hit it 140 yards (128m).
A GW, in comparison, can hit between 90-110 yards (82-100m) by an average golfer and 130+ yards (119m) by a professional.
Sand Wedge
In regards to loft, the sand wedge (SW) follows the GW in which it provides 53-57 degrees whereas the GW provides a range of 48-52 degrees.
First appearing in the 1930’s, the SW was strictly meant for golfers to get out of the “sand” or perform “bunker shots”.
Golfers soon realized the utility of the higher lofted club and the advantages it gave them in their short game, which was anything under 100 yards (91m).
In terms of distance, recreational golfers can average anywhere between 75-100 yards (73-91m) which roughly translates to a 10-15 yard (9-13m) difference compared to the GW.
Lob Wedge
A lob wedge has the highest loft of all the wedges ranging between 58-62 degrees.
Due to the loft, it also delivers the highest ball trajectory making it the preferred wedge for flop shots.
When using a lob wedge, recreational golfers can expect to see varying distances between 40-80 yards (37-73m) which roughly translates to a 30-50 yard (27-46m) difference compared to the GW.
For a deeper understanding, check out our overview of one of the more popular lob wedges, the 60 degree wedge.
What is a 52 Degree Wedge Used For?
A 52 degree wedge, or a gap wedge between 48-52 degrees, is meant to provide the coverage between the distances of a PW and SW.
Normally, generating a full-swing on a PW may launch the ball 100-120 yards (91-110m). For some golfers using a SW, they prefer not to do a full-swing and instead opt for a half or 3/4 swing, leaving a distance discrepancy between the two clubs. That’s where the GW shines and provides the perfect solution to cover the difference.
When To Use 52 Degree Wedge?
Since the 52 degree wedge has a higher trajectory than a PW, it can help put golfers in amazing putting positions or get them out of rough situations.
Here are some examples:
- Being on the long side of the green and you need the ball to have a little bit of roll towards the pin. Not a bump-and-run, but can still provide a soft landing.
- On a slight incline hill before the green. Coupled with a 52 degree wedge, a hill with an 8 degree incline, will essentially be 60 degrees of loft. Using a higher lofted club, such as the 60 degree, may end up being too much loft causing a shorter distance.
- Reaching sub 100 yard distances with minimal roll
There are countless ways to use a gap wedge and can help save you a few strokes. That’s why it’s considered a staple, specifically 52 degrees, for many tour players.
52 Degree Wedge Distance – How Far To Hit A Gap Wedge?
Many tour players can hit (carry) their 52 degree wedge between 130-145 yards whereas amateurs or recreational golfers can range between 90-110 yards using a full-swing. Additionally, utilizing a 3/4 swing or even a half swing will greatly reduce these distance numbers.
It’s important to note that even though hitting the ball far is a major flex, being accurate with your distance is even more impressive.
That’s why we always implore golfers to know their carry distances with a full swing, 3/4 swing, half swing, and even quarter swing, as it’s much more valuable.
Do Beginners Need A Gap Wedge?
Depends on the classification of a “beginner”.
We classify beginners as golfers brand new to the game and shoot 120+ on a par 72, 18-hole course.
For these types of golfers, we don’t believe they need a gap wedge specifically.
Instead we recommend beginners to focus on getting consistent contact with the ball and not so much on gear acquisition.
Golfers that shoot under 120 to mid 80’s on a regular 18-hole course, we recommend getting comfortable using one of the three main wedges – GW, SW, or LW.
Using one of those wedge and utilizing the distance control using a full swing, 3/4 swing, half swing, and quarter swing is much more valuable than getting three wedges for the sake of it.
In fact, I’d argue most amateur golfers can break 80 using just one of the wedges mentioned above.
How Will a Gap Wedge Improve My Game?
Having a 52 degree gap wedge will help you understand the process of learning solid contact and distance control. The constant learning will help improve how you see the game as well as help shave a few strokes off your scorecard.
Knowing that a full swing will travel 90 yards, a 3/4 swing 75 yards, a half swing 60 yards, and a quarter swing 50 and below (depending on power), will minimize the chances of missing the green by going short or going long.
Knowing distances can also help landing closer to the pin instead of being on the long side of the green, with a potential 3 putt approach.
Although the 52 degree wedge, specifically, won’t improve your game, the process on learning how to use it and when to use it, will.
What Bounce For A 52 Degree Wedge?
Let’s first understand what bounce is.
Bounce refers to the angle between the leading edge of the club and the ground.
When hitting a shot, bounce helps the club to glide through the turf rather than digging into it which results in a cleaner, more consistent shot.
There are three types of “bounce” or “bounce angles” – low, mid, and high with each having their own advantages and disadvantages.
Low bounce wedges have minimal range, typically between 4-6 degrees of bounce, and is mainly meant for golfers that can cleanly strike the ball.
Mid bounce wedges, or standard bounce wedges, fit in-between 7-12 degrees of bounce and is typically the more popular option due to it’s versatility with normal lies and firm ground.
Lastly are the high bounce wedges that range from 12 degrees of bounce or more. These wedges are used for softer/wet ground, rough lies, or bunkers with softer sand.
For high handicap or even mid handicap golfers, we suggest a standard bounce as it’s the most versatile for most players. Its utility can be applied to a wide range of scenarios and it’s suited for almost all swing types.
Do You Need a 52 Degree Wedge?
Regardless of a golfer’s skill or experience, the 52 degree wedge is definitely needed for amateurs and pros alike, as it can be used for a variety of shots such as pitch shots, bunker shots, and flop shots.
Although beginners (golfers that shoot 115+ or have a handicap of 25+) may not need a 52 degree wedge specifically, they can greatly benefit on having any gap wedge that can be utilized during the short game.
Conclusion of the 52 degree wedge
This wraps up the post.
Hopefully you’ve gained some valuable information on gap wedges and more specifically the 52 degree wedge.
Now it’s your turn.
Did you have any takeaway or maybe you had a question?
Either way, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
