What is an approach wedge?

Answered by Michael Wilson

An approach wedge, also known as an AW, is a golf club that is designed to fill the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge in a golfer’s bag. This club typically has a loft of around 48-54 degrees, although the exact loft can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of the club.

The purpose of the approach wedge is to provide golfers with another option for approach shots into the green. The pitching wedge is typically used for full shots from around 100-130 yards, while the sand wedge is primarily used for bunker shots and shots around the green. However, there is often a significant gap in distance between these two clubs, and that’s where the approach wedge comes in.

The approach wedge is designed to give golfers more control and precision on approach shots from distances of around 80-100 yards. It allows players to make more accurate shots with less power, as the higher loft of the club helps to generate more spin and control the trajectory of the ball. This can be particularly useful when faced with a tight pin placement or a challenging green complex.

I personally find the approach wedge to be a very valuable club in my bag. As a golfer who tends to hit my pitching wedge around 120 yards and my sand wedge around 90 yards, I often found myself in a difficult position when faced with approach shots from distances of around 100 yards. The gap in yardage between my two clubs made it challenging to consistently hit accurate shots into the green.

However, since adding an approach wedge to my bag, I have noticed a significant improvement in my approach play. The additional loft and control provided by the club have allowed me to hit more precise shots from that 100-yard range, giving me a better chance at making birdies or saving pars. It has become an essential club for me, and I have seen my scores improve as a result.

An approach wedge is a club that fits between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge in a golfer’s bag. It is designed to fill the gap in distance between these two clubs and provide golfers with more control and precision on approach shots from distances of around 80-100 yards. The higher loft of the approach wedge helps generate spin and control the trajectory of the ball, making it a valuable tool for golfers looking to improve their approach play.