A 64 degree wedge is not typically considered a sand wedge. A sand wedge is usually between 54 and 57 degrees of loft, while a 64 degree wedge falls into the category of a lob wedge.
The loft of a golf club refers to the angle of the clubface relative to the ground. The higher the loft, the higher the ball will launch into the air. The purpose of a sand wedge is to help players navigate through bunkers, where the sand can be soft and the ball can easily get buried. The higher loft of a sand wedge helps to lift the ball out of the sand and onto the green.
On the other hand, a lob wedge is designed for higher, shorter shots. It is often used when players need to hit the ball high to clear obstacles or stop it quickly on the green. The higher loft of a lob wedge allows for a steeper angle of descent, resulting in a higher, softer landing.
In terms of specific loft angles, a lob wedge typically ranges from 58 to 64 degrees, while a sand wedge is generally between 54 and 57 degrees. These loft angles may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model of the club, but these ranges are the most common.
It’s important to note that there is some overlap in the loft angles of different wedges, and some players may prefer to use a higher lofted sand wedge or a lower lofted lob wedge depending on their personal playing style and the specific conditions of the course they are playing on. Golfers often experiment with different club combinations to find the ones that work best for their game.
While a 64 degree wedge falls within the range of loft angles typically associated with lob wedges, it is not considered a sand wedge. The distinction lies in the intended purpose and design of the clubs, with a sand wedge being specifically designed to help players navigate through bunkers, while a lob wedge is used for higher, shorter shots.