My PW is a 43, AW 48, GW 52, SW 56, LW 60. My short game is one of my strengths from 150 yards in. This is how I keep my score down. I use all my wedges but I know what works best for me.
Agreed. I run a 50, 56 set up and have for yearsss. Usually it’s more feel then club at this yardage anyways! Never could play with a 60. Just felt too lofted.
Your channel has quite possibly become my favorite golf channel on TH-cam. I appreciate the topics you discuss and your very unique perspective on them, which more times than not also leave me pondering. Keep up the great work!
My last wedge is a 58*, next is 52* and my iron set PW is 48*, 9 iron is 44*. I learned to not get hung up in the name of the wedge. Also, I don't need anything lower than 58* base on the courses I play and my swing speed.
I'm 73, and my long game isn't even close to what is was in the past. Therefore, in conjunction with our club pro I now work with four wedges, 43° as part of my iron set, sm7's 48.08, 54.10, and 58.4. The lob wedge is like a spatula, as we have some hard sand and hard turf where it helps a lot. I'm able to save strokes with this set up that I've lost in distance. I use the Byron Nelson approach of practicing the shots that got me into trouble, so, I'm less dependent on recover shots.
I have a 50 56 and 60. The 60 I hardly ever use but when I do its a real stroke saver when short sided or from a steep bunker with no green to work with.
I added a second gap wedge two weeks ago - a 48 to go with my 52, 56, 60. Two gap wedges sounds crazy and then you realise that it's 4 degree gaps between clubs, which is actually really traditional. On Saturday I used the 48 four times in what was an awkward around 100 yard space and ended up breaking 80 for the first time off my home course's back tees. As ever, it depends on the golfer and the course.
I'm playing P790 irons which are strong lofts. This leaves me putting 50deg 56deg and 60deg in the bag. My gap at the top moves 4 iron Gapr 3 mid then into 3 wood and driver. Early day's but it's working well. Great topic for those planning for next season.
This is why i subscribed. "Play your strengths not mine". I'm currently hunting for a wedge. I'm aiming to either use a 54° or 56° for around the green and my irons for more running shots. If i get into trouble, that's when the mini putt skills comes in😉
Wow! This reconfirms what I have worked out for myself. I am 68 years old. I have certain physical limitations, from a lifetime of getting to 68. Up until a few years ago, my short irons were down to, 9, p-w, and a "sand wedge". As a younger man I packed everything my bag would hold. (I wore out a lot of walking carts). Today I still carry mid irons (7,8,9) for bump and runs. But I live and die on my wedges. PW outside 75 yds, 52, and 60. I only recently added the 52. Of course the 60 is great in the bunker, or up close and personal, but the 52 is fabulous when you fall a little short on the fairway (or rough) , and you need that little bit more. In the last 3 or 4 months I have lowered my handicap into single digits. Not because of the clubs, but because I have found clubs that work for ME, and I have practiced, practiced, practiced!! Plus I have the opportunity to play 3 to 4 times a week. Like any other skill, you can't use it once or twice a month (or year) and expect great results.
James, good vid as always. I think your wedge idea makes sense for a better player that has the ability to alter shots as needed. However, for a higher hcp player (11 hcp) vs yourself I need more wedges to simplify. So, I know my distances and need the wedges to avoid tricky half shots and altered shots. Full shot clubs: PW (110 m), UW (100 m), 52 (90 m), 56 (80 m) and 60 (70 m). Around the green I always try to chip with an 8 iron if possible and otherwise 56 if I need to get the ball up in the air.
48, 56, 60. I don’t like hitting full wedge shots from precise yardages. Also, with strong lofted irons (AP1’s) my set PW is 43 degrees so I need to fill the gap between 43 and 56. I also feel that creating a shot by shutting down my sand wedge or choking down on a PW is more successful for me. Great question James.
I’m definitely someone that wants more options at the top of the bag. Being able to have my 2 iron in there at the expense of an extra wedge has definitely helped me out but do think it comes down to your own game and also the typical courses you play… I’m moving to PW/52/58 in time for the new year 👍
Three now...used to carry four but I dumped the 60° for a 2iron/5wood. It's all personal preference. My 56° is actually a 58° that I've bent to play at 56° and deal with the 2° change in bounce angle.
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Thanks fella. I go to see surgeon today as it happens so hopefully I'll be given the OK to start practicing again...then we need to sort out the AimPoint :-)
I have Wilson V6's so the PW is at 47. Previously I've used 52,56,60 but I've gone now to 52,58 with the 58 being a PM grind due to its versatility. It's taken out a lot of the thought process for which one to reach for and I feel like it's improved my skill with the ones I do use so I'm happy. Now if only I didn't blow so hot and cold with my putter. Great job, recent subscriber and loving all the videos you're producing👍
I took my set pw out of the bag and I play a 48, 56, & 60 degree wedges in my bag. Although where I play locally in my region I could drop the 60 degree wedge out of my bag. I am decent at just opening my 56 degree if I need to. So I would be comfortable dropping tp just 2 wedges. I have tried all sorts of combinations in the last 2 years and keeping it simple is best for me. I am looking for an iron set since I didn’t win James, lol
I disagree a bit. Having the 4 wedges can allow for different bounce for different conditions. I play on a links course and in the summer my 55 degree sand wedge has too mouch bounce to chip off rock hard ground, so I use a 60 lob wedge with less bounce. Vica versa in the winter when the coure is a little softer I find the bounce of the sand wedge helpful. You could argue that I just need to alter between the 3 different wedges at different times of the year but in between seasons I may need less bounce for a tight lie or more if in some rough. I think you need for but not for the lofts.
Your disagreement is a great example for one of the reasons I switched to 3 wedges I use the ATV sole in my GW and LW I'm able to use my 60 for any shot within 90 yards like James it's now my favorite club in my bag because how versatile it makes my short game so much easier! Instead of playing 4 one dimensional wedges makes it so much more complicated having to make sure you have the right wedge with right bounce for the right Condition to play the right shot jeeeezzz hahaha way too much thinking for me switching improved my short game by so much instead of being a liability its now my best asset.
Think gunna take out my 56 and add a 2 hybrid or 5 wood because I feel like there a gap from my 3wood to my 3 iron like what you have and really confident with the 52 open and closing the face. 60 from the ruff and sand is my favour shoots.
I use a 4 wedge system, all vokey sm6's. 48 (PW), 52 (GW), 56 (SW), and 60 (LW).The gapping is nice, around 15 yards per club. Don't normally have to play any partial shots.Love my 60 (LW) the most, feel like I can do anything I need to with it. So it gets used the most.Josh
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I use pw 46 a 52 and 56 deg also have a 60 but ditched it as can play a 56 open for the higher shorter shots. In addition use 7/8/9 depending on ground conditions for run up shots
Pw, 52, 56 and 60 for me. Love my 60 around the greens but also happy to play chip and run when it makes sense. Also enjoy playing my pitch shots in with a lower trajectory with plenty of spin.
I played the first 30 years with a 56 sand wedge and the gaps worked out well wedge 9 etc- but the lob wedge/60 degree has been such a huge advantage that you really need this club in your bag IMO - So I am a 4 wedge guy. If I need an extra long club I leave out the 7 iron. Actually if you play one course a lot it will become obvious which clubs depending on the conditions you really need.
I carry four. 44 from the set. 50 Vokey as the gap. 54 TM for longer sand shots and chipping. 60 TM for bunkers and lobs. Our course is well bunkered and has small greens so a variety of wedges are a must. If the PW was weaker I could possibly drop the 50.
Running with four - pw, 50, 54, 58. Changed last three from 52, 56, 60. Better distance fit for my game with new wedges and, boy, does the new grooves make a difference.
I carry 4 wedges because I have strong lofted AP3s in my irons and because I play in Southern California where the fairways and greens are dry and firm for long stretches of the year. So....spin and bite on the greens aren't easy to come by a lot of the time. As result I play a ground game now! I try hard to get the ball rolling to the hole as fast as possible. I have found that ever since I took on this approach, about a year ago, that my Putting stats have changed quite a bit! My GIR Putting stat is now quite a bit higher than my scrambling putting stat. I attribute that entirely to the fact that I am getting the ball much closer to the pin on my scrambling chips/pitches than I used to. I also use my 8i & 9i around the greens a lot more than I used to and have come to think of the 9i as a wedge as well. This is my set: 1) 35* - Titleist 718 AP3 8i with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped) 2) 39* - Titleist 718 AP3 9i with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped) 3) 43* - Titleist 718 AP3 PW with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped) * All with 13g TourLock counter balance weights 4) 48° - Titleist Vokey SM7- F Grind, 8° Bounce, KBS Tour 130g X Flex Shaft (1X Soft Stepped)With 13g TourLock counter balance weight 5) 54° - Titleist Vokey SM7, F Grind, 14° Bounce, KBS Tour 125g S+ Flex Shaft With 14.5g TourLock counter balance weight 6) 58° - Titleist Vokey SM7, M Grind, 12° Bounce, KBS Tour 125g S+ Flex Shaft With 14.5g TourLock counter balance weight
I’m quite new to golf, the irons that I bought went down to the PW. My PW is 47 degree, as I was new to golf I looked for advice online and most said to have a consistent gap between the wedges and having never heard of the gap wedge before last year I did more googling. As I’m new to golf and on a budget I bought a used set of 3 Cleveland Rtx 2.0 wedges in 52,56,60. I struggle with the 60 but probably don’t use it right, as I’m quite new to the game I tend to thin the shots a lot so I’ve stopped using it round the greens. I find myself really confident with short pitch shots using the 52 and 56 wedges and I’m happy using the 56 out of most bunkers, and the 52 is really nice to hit 90/100 yard approaches.
I have a AW, 51, Volkey SM6 58 & 54. I use the 58 like a lob wedge. My 51 is my best wedge. My favorite club in my bag by far is my 7 iron. That is my ultimate confidence builder.
No 3 and 4 irons. I carry 5-9, my 5 wedges, driver with 3 and 7 fairways. Love the wedges. What’s your setup, there all different I’ve seen over the years? Whatever gets the job done. Oh, and a putter.
Have 4 wedges, 44, 50(bent to 49), 54 and 58. I do not have a gap issue at the top end. Driver 8, 3W 12, 5W 17, 3H 20, 4H 22, 6i 25.5, 7i 29, 8i 33.5, 9i 38.5. I love the 54 deg wedge for its versatility from sand, rough or fairways and I can hit my 4H anywhere from 130 to 172 metres
Not sure how to respond to this thorny question... My set pw is AP2 at 46. l have used Vokey sm’s all summer at 50, 54 & 60. However, I have fallen for TM Hi-toe and have the 52 & 64 so the Vokey’s are in the cart bag in the loft until next summer. For the first time in my life I can get controlled backspin on a wedge (64) and I ain’t letting go of that!
I operate a 5 wedge system. PW- bent down to 43 for 135-150yd shots 47 for 135-120yds 51 for 120-105yds 56 for 80-105yds 60 for Hollywood shots that often cause a dropped shot, but look epic when I get it right. With all the wedges I play about with swing length for various shorter pitch shots depending on how I expect it to run out or what ball flight I'm aiming for! (theory is sound in my head, in practice...... 🤔)
I play Titleist AP1. Very strong lofted with PW at 43 degrees. I therefor have two AP1 gap wedges, 48 and 53 degree. Finally my old 60 degree that will be upgraded to the 58 degree SM 7 K-bounce next year.
My iron set came with P wedge- 45 and S wedge which is 55. So I got two gap wedges 50 and 60. I have the same hi toe 60 as you have and also use it the most getting out of sand bunkers and chipping.
Another good vid James, kudos to you for bring al of us another video in the wind, what a giver you are. I have 4 wedges, P; 48; 52; 56. Idk why I got the 48, my pitch is 46, so not a big gap difference. I could have gotten a 60 instead, but I had an old one in my bag, but hardly ever used it. If I need something more lofted I'll just use the 56 and lay it open a bit. It all depends on the lie and flag placement. And if I need to bump and run a shot, I'll use either a 7i or 8i. Heck I have used a hybrid for B&R on occasion.
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Its a rather mixed bag. Driver and 3W are Calloway Fusion; Hybrids are Calloway Big Bertha (3h & 4h). Irons are Thomas irons with Graphite shafts (5-PW); Wedges are Calloway Milled MD3's (S grind) and the putter is a Taylormade Mullen (which I like a lot). I bought them off the "Bargain Rack" so I never really had them fitted. I don't play that much and am around a 12,15,20ish handicap depending on numerous factors( like what side of the bed I got up on, did I put my pants on the right way, etc....things like that). BUT I do like to have good (decent) clubs, even though they may not make my game better, but it definitely helps with the confidence level.
i can crank drives 300 into the fairway pretty consistently (86.9% FIR average), and also being a longer player with my irons i don’t rely on the longer ones too much (3i, hybrids), so i go 56°, 52, 48, and 45(pw), distances being respectively 100, 110, 125, and 135 yards. it’s a nice setup
I took out my 5 wood and 3 iron for another wedge and a hybrid. There’s a massive gap at the top end of my bag but it’s unlikely I’d hit a green with those clubs anyway. So I thought it made sense to get a gap wedge. Glad I did
I agree 100% with you, I feel like I have a gap (would love too fill with a GAPR-mid) in the top end of my bag between my 3w and my 3i, think the 60 is gonna come out of the bag and for now my 5 wood will go back in cause I just never use my 60, I am more comfortable with my 56 and 52.
I got 5 wedges in my current bag! Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 46*08 Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 50*12 Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 54*14 Taylormade MG Tour Chrome 58*11 Taylormade MG HiToe RAW 60*10
Used to have 4 wedge system but since this year I have a 3 wedge system and it suits me better, because I don’t miss having a fourth wedge in the bag. Wilson V6 PW 47 degrees, Mizuno T7 52 degrees gap wedge and a 58 degree Callaway Mack Daddy PM grind . Can do every with the PM wedge....bunker, flop shots , low with stop. Instead of a fourth wedge I now can carry a 2 iron in the bag 😎🏌️👍🏽
46, 52, 58 is my way to go ( no need for 56, 60 ). top of the bag 2 iron, 3 wood, Driver and of course putter. i'm an iron set collector, so i can change set every time i want. and not affecting my score too much.
My favourite club is my Scotty circa 62 No.1 It’s a thing of beauty The wedges I use are PW (47) 53 & 60 I’m shat with them so it wouldn’t be worth having more :)
I carry 4 and wouldn’t change. The PW is just another iron, the 56 is the Sand iron and my go to for anything that doesn’t require a lob wedge. The Lob wedge is for short sand shots and lob shots. The gap wedge is for the giant hole the club manufacturers left between their new spec PW and my old spec SW. Since practice is a luxury these days I decided to make the 56 my best friend. It’s for anything between a chip and a lob and anything out to around 100 yards. If you don’t have time to master all your wedges, I figure it’s best to master one.
Right now my iron set has a pitching wedge that's 47 degrees and my wedges go 50, 54, 58. I find the 47 and 50 and too similar and will go 52, 56, 60 with my next wedges when I get fitted.
Good subject James, I'm at the moment trialing having an old hybrid back in the bag between a longer hybrid and my 4 iron, have taken out a 50 degree wedge to make room so now am using PW, 54 & 60 but I'm also thinking about taking the 4 iron out putting the 50 back in and choking down a little on the hybrid for a 4 iron distance when needed. Keep up the good videos mate, cheers.
PW 52 56 and 60 SM7, but I am thinking of taking out the 60 to allow me to have a 3 hybrid at the top of my bag. I will just open up the loft on my 56 as and when I need it.
I play pitching wedge,52 and 58 degree wedges and my favourite is my pitching wedge,the amount of times I have chipped in with it is amazing and that brings confidence. Another cracking video you just better and better 👏👏
Great info James. I've been saying for years that you can take 1/3 of the clubs out of the bag if you learn to use the clubs wisely. Other than my driver and putter, I have at least two shots for every club. Don't need all 13 when I only use 7 or 8. Be creative with your scoring.
I use cobra f8 one length irons 4 through PW. My pitching wedge is 45 degrees at 7 iron length. I also have a 52 GW and a 60 LW at standard length. I tried the one length LW and GW and didn't like the feel of them at the 7 iron length. But I did like the PW at 7 iron length. So all that to say I have 3 wedges 45 , 52, and 60 and I don't feel like I'm missing a club.
I currently use a 3 wedge system; W, SW & 60 LW. Just added the 60 degree club a couple of months ago. Could you do a video on how to properly utilize the LW and when it can be used in the bunkers?
One thing I didn’t understand is the “huge gap” from 3 wood to 3 iron. I hit my 3 wood maybe 20-30 yds max farther than my 4 iron. I don’t even carry a 3 iron. For me I just love the control I feel that I get from my wedges. Personally, I like having every gap filled once i gets close to the green. PW, GW,SW and LW is what will stay in my bag. As for the longer clubs, I feel if you’re good with your driver 3wood and irons you don’t need to sacrifice a wedge for a longer club. Just shot 86 on Sunday.
right now. I have 3 wedges. PW 43.5, GW 48.5, and a SW 56. I am in the market to get a LW 60. I have a buddy I play with that has a sweet Cleveland 60 that he flops all over the greens.
I used to carry three R wedges 52, 56 and a 60 degrees and my Pitcher but now my 60 had to stay at home becauce I needed to pick in my lefty faiway again. I do both right and lefty strokes. For a while I tested two right 52 and 56 and one left 60 degree wedge. Some times you just must use the left club. Must have this little helper lefty fairway again. So now I have Wilson Pitcher, the 52 and 56 where the 56 is King for me. If I had only one it would be the Cleveland 56, my bunker King.
I play T100s irons which have a 44 degree pw. So I play the pw at 44, 48, 52,56 and 60. If I decide I need more on the top end I would take out the 52 and 56 and put in a 54
This is exactly why I switched to 3 wedge. My pw is now 46, so I grabbed a 52 and a 58. In the past I almost always reached for my 56 when I had 4 wedges. Now I chose my wedge based on how I want the ball to react to the green.
I have 48, 52, 56, 60 & 64 degree wedges Each wedge has 3 distances ie 48 deg is 120yd, 105yd & 90yd Plus if chipping I don't have to worry about loft as I choose the wedge best suited to the type of shot I am looking for ie low runner, high & stop etc. I don't have an issue with distance so find that I can be far more versatile with more wedges.
Apart from the pitching wedge that came with the clubs I use 3 others a 50 a 56 and a 60 ,I use the 60 all the time ,probably too much ,but my green side bunker play is so much better since I have been using the lob wedge to get out the sand .Comes down to practice and what you get comfortable with so having a go to wedge is probably not a bad thing .
Besides a Pitching Wedge, as I’m a longer hitter. I have a 50, 55, 60 and BOOM 💥 BABY a 64. Love them all!!! My setup in DriverM1 (back in the Bag) 3 wood M1, 3 GAPR 5-PW and wedges, Putter. I really have no need for a 4 iron as I do have one but I never use it.
Great video. I think another thing to consider is the players length. I am a pretty strong player, and so I will take the option of having another wedge all day over having another long club to hit from 200+ away. I think it is important to be able to manipulate the loft and bounce, but adding a 62° to my bag has added a lot of shots (and spin) to my game.
My 9 iron is 40, I carry a 46, 50, 54, 58(low bounce) and high bounce 64. I mostly use the 54 around the greens but have a lot of versatility inside 125yds. More so than the extra wood would have given me. The 58 and 64 only get used when the conditions and lie are perfect for them.
I have 3. The pitching wedge, part of my iron set, is a 47 degree. I also have a 50 degree. I got that to see how it would compare with my pitching wedge. Though only 3 degrees apart they feel similar but, are made by different manufacturers. And finally I have a 60 lob wedge. I like it and I suppose if the face of a bunker was high I might be able to squeeze one out. I guess I should practice more but sand is hard on forged wedges and I hate seeing them get all scratched up especially since they are not cheap. Also I wonder if I am the only person who rakes the bunker afterwards. I am about ready to bring my yard shears to trim invasive grass creeping into the bunkers too. Bugs the heck out of me.
I have a 45* PW, a 55* SW and 60* LW. 90 percent of the time I use the PW around the green. The SW and LW are specialty clubs for me. The real difference between them is the bounce. Both are for flop shots or bunker shots and pretty much nothing else. For me, two wedges are more than enough
Not sure that a gap from 3 wood to 3 iron is a problem as a players accuracy with these often means the next shot will be a wedge anyway!. Some great stuff on this by Dave Pelz and his work with players like Tom Kite.
I game Miura's PW 46, then 52, 56 and 60, could probably do with straightening the 52 to to 50 or 51, otherwise good combo, the 56 is HB 14 the others are 10 bounce. Favourite club probably 7 or 8.
I use 58, 54, 50. Then pitching wedge is 46. Great yardage gapping. Top end is driver. 5 wood. 4 fly hi and 5 clk. Yes Mizuno. Your right find what works for you to make the game he most fun
as a longer hitter i do not carry fairway or hybrids. I go driver straight to my AP3 3 irons all the way to my AP3 48 which is really a PW plus i cary 52 56 60. I prefer more options around the green , longer clubs im not accurate anyways.
Using feel or instinct can work well, until it’s crunch time. In pressure situations, feel is the first thing to go. So I like to rely on full swings rather than part swings or feel. For me, 4 wedges is worth missing a 3 wood as my hybrid covers that.
I'd rather have more approach shot options than top of the bag distance. Between my 3 wood and 2 hybrid, I'm confident I can reach all but the longest par 5s after my drive. I play 4 wedges that let's me really attack the pin inside 120 yards. For chipping, I keep it to only two clubs 90% of the time, however. 52 and 56. Only exception is for bump and runs, in which I use the rule of 12 method.
Wedge play is situational for each player. Every hole requires a different trajectory to match up with the desired landing spot. Wind, green speeds, turf/fringe conditions all play a factor, but taking a simple mental approach is always best, no matter what statistics say. If you are just off the green, learning how to chip one of your mid irons just on, and letting it release, is statistically always going to be better than taking your 60 out and trying something cute. It might not look as cool, but you will find yourself near the cup more often than screaming one 40 yds off the back, or chunking it 2 ft ahead. Find 1 wedge and 1 mid iron you are most comfortable with, play around with ball positioning and learn to hit EVERY shot around greens with them. (I recommend practicing w/ something between 52-60 for wedges and 7-9 for irons) Try to mirror your 7 iron running chip, with say, your 52 by putting ball back in your stance. It will teach you how to hit different shots w/ the same club and diversify your options with EVERY club. I am currently using JPX forged PW 46* and ping glide 52/56/60 wedges around greens. But for my first 3 years I learned how to hit every shot with just a 56 and some crap 7i/PW. To all 15+hcp players...Find your Billy Baroo and GET GOOD WITH IT! GLHF!
Interesting video James as its one of my current thoughts for the coming season. I only had a P wedge (46°ish) in my bag in till 2 years ago as I felt I could do everything with it lol. But my game changed so added a 56° which I love and am comfortable with. But I have now noticed the gap at the bottom of my bag so am swaying towards the 4 wedge system P wedge 50° 56° 60° but it's along way till April so that will most likely change again.
Pw 45 aw 49 sw 56. My favorite club has to be my putter ( just because I use it 3 times per hole) lol
I carry a driver, hybrid, 9 wedges, a chipper and a putter. It’s all you really need for these modern golf courses.
Four. When I put 4 wedges in my bag and learned to use them well my scores dropped from 108 to the mid 80's.
A drop in scores like that surely has more to do with the "learning to use them well" rather than the fact you had 4 of them ;)
No way adding clubs caused a 20 stroke improvement, it's called getting better overall
My PW is a 43, AW 48, GW 52, SW 56, LW 60. My short game is one of my strengths from 150 yards in. This is how I keep my score down. I use all my wedges but I know what works best for me.
Agreed. I run a 50, 56 set up and have for yearsss. Usually it’s more feel then club at this yardage anyways! Never could play with a 60. Just felt too lofted.
Your channel has quite possibly become my favorite golf channel on TH-cam. I appreciate the topics you discuss and your very unique perspective on them, which more times than not also leave me pondering. Keep up the great work!
My last wedge is a 58*, next is 52* and my iron set PW is 48*, 9 iron is 44*. I learned to not get hung up in the name of the wedge. Also, I don't need anything lower than 58* base on the courses I play and my swing speed.
I'm 73, and my long game isn't even close to what is was in the past. Therefore, in conjunction with our club pro I now work with four wedges, 43° as part of my iron set, sm7's 48.08, 54.10, and 58.4. The lob wedge is like a spatula, as we have some hard sand and hard turf where it helps a lot. I'm able to save strokes with this set up that I've lost in distance. I use the Byron Nelson approach of practicing the shots that got me into trouble, so, I'm less dependent on recover shots.
I have a 50 56 and 60. The 60 I hardly ever use but when I do its a real stroke saver when short sided or from a steep bunker with no green to work with.
I added a second gap wedge two weeks ago - a 48 to go with my 52, 56, 60. Two gap wedges sounds crazy and then you realise that it's 4 degree gaps between clubs, which is actually really traditional. On Saturday I used the 48 four times in what was an awkward around 100 yard space and ended up breaking 80 for the first time off my home course's back tees. As ever, it depends on the golfer and the course.
Agree adrian!
I use a 3 wedge system too 46/52/58 sm7s
Nice!
I have now set on a 46, 50, 60 and 64 for distances between 120 yards to 70 yards, stepping about 10-15 yards per club.
I'm playing P790 irons which are strong lofts. This leaves me putting 50deg 56deg and 60deg in the bag. My gap at the top moves 4 iron Gapr 3 mid then into 3 wood and driver. Early day's but it's working well. Great topic for those planning for next season.
Thanks Paul. Sounds like a well worked bag
This is why i subscribed. "Play your strengths not mine". I'm currently hunting for a wedge. I'm aiming to either use a 54° or 56° for around the green and my irons for more running shots. If i get into trouble, that's when the mini putt skills comes in😉
Wow! This reconfirms what I have worked out for myself. I am 68 years old. I have certain physical limitations, from a lifetime of getting to 68. Up until a few years ago, my short irons were down to, 9, p-w, and a "sand wedge". As a younger man I packed everything my bag would hold. (I wore out a lot of walking carts). Today I still carry mid irons (7,8,9) for bump and runs. But I live and die on my wedges. PW outside 75 yds, 52, and 60. I only recently added the 52. Of course the 60 is great in the bunker, or up close and personal, but the 52 is fabulous when you fall a little short on the fairway (or rough) , and you need that little bit more. In the last 3 or 4 months I have lowered my handicap into single digits. Not because of the clubs, but because I have found clubs that work for ME, and I have practiced, practiced, practiced!! Plus I have the opportunity to play 3 to 4 times a week. Like any other skill, you can't use it once or twice a month (or year) and expect great results.
James, good vid as always. I think your wedge idea makes sense for a better player that has the ability to alter shots as needed. However, for a higher hcp player (11 hcp) vs yourself I need more wedges to simplify. So, I know my distances and need the wedges to avoid tricky half shots and altered shots. Full shot clubs: PW (110 m), UW (100 m), 52 (90 m), 56 (80 m) and 60 (70 m). Around the green I always try to chip with an 8 iron if possible and otherwise 56 if I need to get the ball up in the air.
48, 56, 60. I don’t like hitting full wedge shots from precise yardages. Also, with strong lofted irons (AP1’s) my set PW is 43 degrees so I need to fill the gap between 43 and 56. I also feel that creating a shot by shutting down my sand wedge or choking down on a PW is more successful for me.
Great question James.
I’m definitely someone that wants more options at the top of the bag. Being able to have my 2 iron in there at the expense of an extra wedge has definitely helped me out but do think it comes down to your own game and also the typical courses you play… I’m moving to PW/52/58 in time for the new year 👍
Three now...used to carry four but I dumped the 60° for a 2iron/5wood.
It's all personal preference.
My 56° is actually a 58° that I've bent to play at 56° and deal with the 2° change in bounce angle.
Sounds good Kent! Good thinking! Hope your on the mend!
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Thanks fella. I go to see surgeon today as it happens so hopefully I'll be given the OK to start practicing again...then we need to sort out the AimPoint :-)
I have Wilson V6's so the PW is at 47. Previously I've used 52,56,60 but I've gone now to 52,58 with the 58 being a PM grind due to its versatility. It's taken out a lot of the thought process for which one to reach for and I feel like it's improved my skill with the ones I do use so I'm happy. Now if only I didn't blow so hot and cold with my putter. Great job, recent subscriber and loving all the videos you're producing👍
Thanks Chris. Really appreciate that mate. Welcome to the channel
I took my set pw out of the bag and I play a 48, 56, & 60 degree wedges in my bag. Although where I play locally in my region I could drop the 60 degree wedge out of my bag. I am decent at just opening my 56 degree if I need to. So I would be comfortable dropping tp just 2 wedges. I have tried all sorts of combinations in the last 2 years and keeping it simple is best for me. I am looking for an iron set since I didn’t win James, lol
I disagree a bit. Having the 4 wedges can allow for different bounce for different conditions. I play on a links course and in the summer my 55 degree sand wedge has too mouch bounce to chip off rock hard ground, so I use a 60 lob wedge with less bounce. Vica versa in the winter when the coure is a little softer I find the bounce of the sand wedge helpful. You could argue that I just need to alter between the 3 different wedges at different times of the year but in between seasons I may need less bounce for a tight lie or more if in some rough. I think you need for but not for the lofts.
Your disagreement is a great example for one of the reasons I switched to 3 wedges I use the ATV sole in my GW and LW I'm able to use my 60 for any shot within 90 yards like James it's now my favorite club in my bag because how versatile it makes my short game so much easier! Instead of playing 4 one dimensional wedges makes it so much more complicated having to make sure you have the right wedge with right bounce for the right Condition to play the right shot jeeeezzz hahaha way too much thinking for me switching improved my short game by so much instead of being a liability its now my best asset.
I use a 4 wedge system. 45/50/54/60
Can’t live without my 54! 100 yards in and that’s my go to club 👍🏻
Think gunna take out my 56 and add a 2 hybrid or 5 wood because I feel like there a gap from my 3wood to my 3 iron like what you have and really confident with the 52 open and closing the face. 60 from the ruff and sand is my favour shoots.
I use a 4 wedge system, all vokey sm6's. 48 (PW), 52 (GW), 56 (SW), and 60 (LW).The gapping is nice, around 15 yards per club. Don't normally have to play any partial shots.Love my 60 (LW) the most, feel like I can do anything I need to with it. So it gets used the most.Josh
I use pw 46 a 52 and 56 deg also have a 60 but ditched it as can play a 56 open for the higher shorter shots. In addition use 7/8/9 depending on ground conditions for run up shots
Pw, 52, 56 and 60 for me. Love my 60 around the greens but also happy to play chip and run when it makes sense. Also enjoy playing my pitch shots in with a lower trajectory with plenty of spin.
I played the first 30 years with a 56 sand wedge and the gaps worked out well wedge 9 etc- but the lob wedge/60 degree has been such a huge advantage that you really need this club in your bag IMO - So I am a 4 wedge guy. If I need an extra long club I leave out the 7 iron. Actually if you play one course a lot it will become obvious which clubs depending on the conditions you really need.
I carry four. 44 from the set. 50 Vokey as the gap. 54 TM for longer sand shots and chipping. 60 TM for bunkers and lobs. Our course is well bunkered and has small greens so a variety of wedges are a must. If the PW was weaker I could possibly drop the 50.
Running with four - pw, 50, 54, 58. Changed last three from 52, 56, 60. Better distance fit for my game with new wedges and, boy, does the new grooves make a difference.
I carry 4 wedges because I have strong lofted AP3s in my irons and because I play in Southern California where the fairways and greens are dry and firm for long stretches of the year. So....spin and bite on the greens aren't easy to come by a lot of the time. As result I play a ground game now! I try hard to get the ball rolling to the hole as fast as possible. I have found that ever since I took on this approach, about a year ago, that my Putting stats have changed quite a bit! My GIR Putting stat is now quite a bit higher than my scrambling putting stat. I attribute that entirely to the fact that I am getting the ball much closer to the pin on my scrambling chips/pitches than I used to. I also use my 8i & 9i around the greens a lot more than I used to and have come to think of the 9i as a wedge as well.
This is my set:
1) 35* - Titleist 718 AP3 8i with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped)
2) 39* - Titleist 718 AP3 9i with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped)
3) 43* - Titleist 718 AP3 PW with with KBS Tour 130 X Flex Shafts (1X Soft Stepped)
* All with 13g TourLock counter balance weights
4) 48° - Titleist Vokey SM7- F Grind, 8° Bounce, KBS Tour 130g X Flex Shaft (1X Soft Stepped)With 13g TourLock counter balance weight
5) 54° - Titleist Vokey SM7, F Grind, 14° Bounce, KBS Tour 125g S+ Flex Shaft With 14.5g TourLock counter balance weight
6) 58° - Titleist Vokey SM7, M Grind, 12° Bounce, KBS Tour 125g S+ Flex Shaft With 14.5g TourLock counter balance weight
I’m quite new to golf, the irons that I bought went down to the PW. My PW is 47 degree, as I was new to golf I looked for advice online and most said to have a consistent gap between the wedges and having never heard of the gap wedge before last year I did more googling. As I’m new to golf and on a budget I bought a used set of 3 Cleveland Rtx 2.0 wedges in 52,56,60.
I struggle with the 60 but probably don’t use it right, as I’m quite new to the game I tend to thin the shots a lot so I’ve stopped using it round the greens. I find myself really confident with short pitch shots using the 52 and 56 wedges and I’m happy using the 56 out of most bunkers, and the 52 is really nice to hit 90/100 yard approaches.
I have a AW, 51, Volkey SM6 58 & 54. I use the 58 like a lob wedge. My 51 is my best wedge. My favorite club in my bag by far is my 7 iron. That is my ultimate confidence builder.
I use 5. 46 pitch, 50, 52, 56 and 60. Love having this selection, always in different situations around the green.
Good work!
Wow. What clubs are you removing in exchange?
No 3 and 4 irons. I carry 5-9, my 5 wedges, driver with 3 and 7 fairways. Love the wedges. What’s your setup, there all different I’ve seen over the years? Whatever gets the job done. Oh, and a putter.
Have 4 wedges, 44, 50(bent to 49), 54 and 58. I do not have a gap issue at the top end. Driver 8, 3W 12, 5W 17, 3H 20, 4H 22, 6i 25.5, 7i 29, 8i 33.5, 9i 38.5. I love the 54 deg wedge for its versatility from sand, rough or fairways and I can hit my 4H anywhere from 130 to 172 metres
I played with four wedges PW (46), GW (50), SW (54), LW (58)
Not sure how to respond to this thorny question... My set pw is AP2 at 46.
l have used Vokey sm’s all summer at 50, 54 & 60.
However, I have fallen for TM Hi-toe and have the 52 & 64 so the Vokey’s are in the cart bag in the loft until next summer.
For the first time in my life I can get controlled backspin on a wedge (64) and I ain’t letting go of that!
I use 3 wedges but, as you said, learned to hit a variety of shots with them. Feel more confident from
I operate a 5 wedge system.
PW- bent down to 43 for 135-150yd shots
47 for 135-120yds
51 for 120-105yds
56 for 80-105yds
60 for Hollywood shots that often cause a dropped shot, but look epic when I get it right.
With all the wedges I play about with swing length for various shorter pitch shots depending on how I expect it to run out or what ball flight I'm aiming for!
(theory is sound in my head, in practice...... 🤔)
I play Titleist AP1. Very strong lofted with PW at 43 degrees. I therefor have two AP1 gap wedges, 48 and 53 degree. Finally my old 60 degree that will be upgraded to the 58 degree SM 7 K-bounce next year.
Sounds good Jens!
I thought an AP1 PW was 47
My iron set came with P wedge- 45 and S wedge which is 55. So I got two gap wedges 50 and 60. I have the same hi toe 60 as you have and also use it the most getting out of sand bunkers and chipping.
Another good vid James, kudos to you for bring al of us another video in the wind, what a giver you are. I have 4 wedges, P; 48; 52; 56. Idk why I got the 48, my pitch is 46, so not a big gap difference. I could have gotten a 60 instead, but I had an old one in my bag, but hardly ever used it. If I need something more lofted I'll just use the 56 and lay it open a bit. It all depends on the lie and flag placement. And if I need to bump and run a shot, I'll use either a 7i or 8i. Heck I have used a hybrid for B&R on occasion.
Thanks Tye! Sounds like a good bag to me!
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Its a rather mixed bag. Driver and 3W are Calloway Fusion; Hybrids are Calloway Big Bertha (3h & 4h). Irons are Thomas irons with Graphite shafts (5-PW); Wedges are Calloway Milled MD3's (S grind) and the putter is a Taylormade Mullen (which I like a lot). I bought them off the "Bargain Rack" so I never really had them fitted. I don't play that much and am around a 12,15,20ish handicap depending on numerous factors( like what side of the bed I got up on, did I put my pants on the right way, etc....things like that). BUT I do like to have good (decent) clubs, even though they may not make my game better, but it definitely helps with the confidence level.
I currently bag 4, The PW and GW that came with the APEX CF19 Set and a 54° Mack Daddy and a 58° PM Grind which I can use as a 56 or 60 as well.
i can crank drives 300 into the fairway pretty consistently (86.9% FIR average), and also being a longer player with my irons i don’t rely on the longer ones too much (3i, hybrids), so i go 56°, 52, 48, and 45(pw), distances being respectively 100, 110, 125, and 135 yards. it’s a nice setup
Why the 48 and 45 ! Seems a bit to close ,great that it works for you by the way just wondering why tho .
tryNtryAGAIN 45 carries 130 and 48 120, it’s a strange gap but it works. i’m going to make a change to 60 56 52 46 this summer though
I carry a 45 PW, 50 GW, 56 SW, 60 LW. I could never hit my old Slazenger LW and now I have a Mizuno T7 and I love hitting it.
I took out my 5 wood and 3 iron for another wedge and a hybrid. There’s a massive gap at the top end of my bag but it’s unlikely I’d hit a green with those clubs anyway. So I thought it made sense to get a gap wedge. Glad I did
I agree 100% with you, I feel like I have a gap (would love too fill with a GAPR-mid) in the top end of my bag between my 3w and my 3i, think the 60 is gonna come out of the bag and for now my 5 wood will go back in cause I just never use my 60, I am more comfortable with my 56 and 52.
Got to be comfortable Jonathan don’t we! Thanks mate!
I got 5 wedges in my current bag!
Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 46*08
Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 50*12
Titleist SM6 Tour Chrome 54*14
Taylormade MG Tour Chrome 58*11
Taylormade MG HiToe RAW 60*10
Used to have 4 wedge system but since this year I have a 3 wedge system and it suits me better, because I don’t miss having a fourth wedge in the bag. Wilson V6 PW 47 degrees, Mizuno T7 52 degrees gap wedge and a 58 degree Callaway Mack Daddy PM grind . Can do every with the PM wedge....bunker, flop shots , low with stop. Instead of a fourth wedge I now can carry a 2 iron in the bag 😎🏌️👍🏽
46, 52, 58 is my way to go ( no need for 56, 60 ). top of the bag 2 iron, 3 wood, Driver and of course putter. i'm an iron set collector, so i can change set every time i want. and not affecting my score too much.
PW, 52*, & 56* have always played those. No need for anything else if you just practice. Always vokeys. Nice vid sir
My favourite club is my Scotty circa 62 No.1
It’s a thing of beauty
The wedges I use are
PW (47)
53 & 60
I’m shat with them so it wouldn’t be worth having more :)
I carry 4 and wouldn’t change. The PW is just another iron, the 56 is the Sand iron and my go to for anything that doesn’t require a lob wedge. The Lob wedge is for short sand shots and lob shots. The gap wedge is for the giant hole the club manufacturers left between their new spec PW and my old spec SW.
Since practice is a luxury these days I decided to make the 56 my best friend. It’s for anything between a chip and a lob and anything out to around 100 yards. If you don’t have time to master all your wedges, I figure it’s best to master one.
46/9 and 52/10 Mizuno T7s and a 56/13 Mac Daddy PM. I've always chipped greenside with everything in he bag.
I use three wedges too... 52, 56 and 60 Titleist SM7’s. The bounce I use is low, because the courses I play in have hard fairways and bunkers.
Right now my iron set has a pitching wedge that's 47 degrees and my wedges go 50, 54, 58. I find the 47 and 50 and too similar and will go 52, 56, 60 with my next wedges when I get fitted.
I have four. the 43.5* PW that came with the set. 54*, 58* and 64* PM grind the 64* is for 30-50 yards, any shorter is the 54*.
Good subject James, I'm at the moment trialing having an old hybrid back in the bag between a longer hybrid and my 4 iron, have taken out a 50 degree wedge to make room so now am using PW, 54 & 60 but I'm also thinking about taking the 4 iron out putting the 50 back in and choking down a little on the hybrid for a 4 iron distance when needed. Keep up the good videos mate, cheers.
PW 52 56 and 60 SM7, but I am thinking of taking out the 60 to allow me to have a 3 hybrid at the top of my bag. I will just open up the loft on my 56 as and when I need it.
Sounds a good idea to me Ben! Get practicing with that 56
I play pitching wedge,52 and 58 degree wedges and my favourite is my pitching wedge,the amount of times I have chipped in with it is amazing and that brings confidence. Another cracking video you just better and better 👏👏
Tommie Thatcher
Same wedge gapping than me😎
Great info James. I've been saying for years that you can take 1/3 of the clubs out of the bag if you learn to use the clubs wisely. Other than my driver and putter, I have at least two shots for every club. Don't need all 13 when I only use 7 or 8. Be creative with your scoring.
I only have one wedge besides my PW. And my 58* cobra king wedge is my fav club in the bag. Only club I’ve bought new!
Great video, and your absolutely correct. In the end you ultimately have to play to your strengths.
I use cobra f8 one length irons 4 through PW. My pitching wedge is 45 degrees at 7 iron length. I also have a 52 GW and a 60 LW at standard length. I tried the one length LW and GW and didn't like the feel of them at the 7 iron length. But I did like the PW at 7 iron length. So all that to say I have 3 wedges 45 , 52, and 60 and I don't feel like I'm missing a club.
I currently use a 3 wedge system; W, SW & 60 LW. Just added the 60 degree club a couple of months ago. Could you do a video on how to properly utilize the LW and when it can be used in the bunkers?
10 handicap. 47, 53, 60. Added a 16 deg 40.75" hybrid. I'm an old guy
One thing I didn’t understand is the “huge gap” from 3 wood to 3 iron. I hit my 3 wood maybe 20-30 yds max farther than my 4 iron. I don’t even carry a 3 iron. For me I just love the control I feel that I get from my wedges. Personally, I like having every gap filled once i gets close to the green. PW, GW,SW and LW is what will stay in my bag. As for the longer clubs, I feel if you’re good with your driver 3wood and irons you don’t need to sacrifice a wedge for a longer club. Just shot 86 on Sunday.
right now. I have 3 wedges. PW 43.5, GW 48.5, and a SW 56.
I am in the market to get a LW 60. I have a buddy I play with that has a sweet Cleveland 60 that he flops all over the greens.
I used to carry three R wedges 52, 56 and a 60 degrees and my Pitcher but now my 60 had to stay at home becauce I needed to pick in my lefty faiway again. I do both right and lefty strokes. For a while I tested two right 52 and 56 and one left 60 degree wedge. Some times you just must use the left club. Must have this little helper lefty fairway again. So now I have Wilson Pitcher, the 52 and 56 where the 56 is King for me. If I had only one it would be the Cleveland 56, my bunker King.
Nice world Ralf!
Hi James another great video. I carry a 52 and a 56 . But favourite club in the bag is my putter.👍
Thanks Paul! Nice work
Good video James, makes you think what you’re carrying!
PW 43, G 48, SW 54, LW 60. New irons though, so still need to see how this plays out.
I play T100s irons which have a 44 degree pw. So I play the pw at 44, 48, 52,56 and 60. If I decide I need more on the top end I would take out the 52 and 56 and put in a 54
This is exactly why I switched to 3 wedge. My pw is now 46, so I grabbed a 52 and a 58. In the past I almost always reached for my 56 when I had 4 wedges. Now I chose my wedge based on how I want the ball to react to the green.
How do you like this set up?
I have 48, 52, 56, 60 & 64 degree wedges
Each wedge has 3 distances ie 48 deg is 120yd, 105yd & 90yd
Plus if chipping I don't have to worry about loft as I choose the wedge best suited to the type of shot I am looking for ie low runner, high & stop etc.
I don't have an issue with distance so find that I can be far more versatile with more wedges.
My PW is 45 degrees. My Cleveland RTX3 wedges are 50, and 54. Callaway PM 60 degrees
Nice Juan!
Apart from the pitching wedge that came with the clubs I use 3 others a 50 a 56 and a 60 ,I use the 60 all the time ,probably too much ,but my green side bunker play is so much better since I have been using the lob wedge to get out the sand .Comes down to practice and what you get comfortable with so having a go to wedge is probably not a bad thing .
Great questions James, I think that this winter I will try to use one or two wedges and see if it makes any difference to my short game.
Good man Tony! Let me know how it goes!
Besides a Pitching Wedge, as I’m a longer hitter. I have a 50, 55, 60 and BOOM 💥 BABY a 64. Love them all!!! My setup in DriverM1 (back in the Bag) 3 wood M1, 3 GAPR 5-PW and wedges, Putter. I really have no need for a 4 iron as I do have one but I never use it.
Eric Hurt - I sacrifice my 4 iron too. I hate to do it, but it makes the most sense.
Great video. I think another thing to consider is the players length. I am a pretty strong player, and so I will take the option of having another wedge all day over having another long club to hit from 200+ away. I think it is important to be able to manipulate the loft and bounce, but adding a 62° to my bag has added a lot of shots (and spin) to my game.
My 9 iron is 40, I carry a 46, 50, 54, 58(low bounce) and high bounce 64. I mostly use the 54 around the greens but have a lot of versatility inside 125yds. More so than the extra wood would have given me. The 58 and 64 only get used when the conditions and lie are perfect for them.
Top end of the bag is Driver, GAPR mid, 4 Hybrid, 5i to 9i then the 5 wedges. Oh. And a putter 😂
Mine is 45*PW 52*GW 54*SW 58*LW
I just love my wedges with correct bounce for short game and recovery from bad shots .
Be interesting to see how many wedges i end up with in tonight's bag fitting. I have 4 currently - all the Cobra One Length: PW, GW, SW, LW
Enjoy bill! Let me know!
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Ended up with the Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal in the Recoil Graphite shaft (Stiff). Best numbers! Was between that and the AP3.
Bill Kendall nice work Bill! Enjoy them
I have 3. The pitching wedge, part of my iron set, is a 47 degree. I also have a 50 degree. I got that to see how it would compare with my pitching wedge. Though only 3 degrees apart they feel similar but, are made by different manufacturers. And finally I have a 60 lob wedge. I like it and I suppose if the face of a bunker was high I might be able to squeeze one out. I guess I should practice more but sand is hard on forged wedges and I hate seeing them get all scratched up especially since they are not cheap. Also I wonder if I am the only person who rakes the bunker afterwards. I am about ready to bring my yard shears to trim invasive grass creeping into the bunkers too. Bugs the heck out of me.
22 year old golfer here. Replaced my 3&4 iron with a hybrid, using 3 wedges. I think 13 clubs is fine by me lol
I have a 45* PW, a 55* SW and 60* LW. 90 percent of the time I use the PW around the green. The SW and LW are specialty clubs for me. The real difference between them is the bounce. Both are for flop shots or bunker shots and pretty much nothing else. For me, two wedges are more than enough
A PW is really a #9 iron from a 10-15 years ago. I currently have a PW @ 46* - 51* - 57*.
I love the convos and play type videos
Thank you James for your videos, it is greatly helpful to me 👍
46, 52, 58 and 64 degree, and my irons are retro lofted as well.
Not sure that a gap from 3 wood to 3 iron is a problem as a players accuracy with these often means the next shot will be a wedge anyway!. Some great stuff on this by Dave Pelz and his work with players like Tom Kite.
I game Miura's PW 46, then 52, 56 and 60, could probably do with straightening the 52 to to 50 or 51, otherwise good combo, the 56 is HB 14 the others are 10 bounce. Favourite club probably 7 or 8.
I use 58, 54, 50. Then pitching wedge is 46. Great yardage gapping. Top end is driver. 5 wood. 4 fly hi and 5 clk. Yes Mizuno. Your right find what works for you to make the game he most fun
as a longer hitter i do not carry fairway or hybrids. I go driver straight to my AP3 3 irons all the way to my AP3 48 which is really a PW plus i cary 52 56 60.
I prefer more options around the green , longer clubs im not accurate anyways.
Using feel or instinct can work well, until it’s crunch time. In pressure situations, feel is the first thing to go. So I like to rely on full swings rather than part swings or feel. For me, 4 wedges is worth missing a 3 wood as my hybrid covers that.
I'd rather have more approach shot options than top of the bag distance. Between my 3 wood and 2 hybrid, I'm confident I can reach all but the longest par 5s after my drive. I play 4 wedges that let's me really attack the pin inside 120 yards. For chipping, I keep it to only two clubs 90% of the time, however. 52 and 56. Only exception is for bump and runs, in which I use the rule of 12 method.
Wedge play is situational for each player. Every hole requires a different trajectory to match up with the desired landing spot. Wind, green speeds, turf/fringe conditions all play a factor, but taking a simple mental approach is always best, no matter what statistics say. If you are just off the green, learning how to chip one of your mid irons just on, and letting it release, is statistically always going to be better than taking your 60 out and trying something cute. It might not look as cool, but you will find yourself near the cup more often than screaming one 40 yds off the back, or chunking it 2 ft ahead. Find 1 wedge and 1 mid iron you are most comfortable with, play around with ball positioning and learn to hit EVERY shot around greens with them. (I recommend practicing w/ something between 52-60 for wedges and 7-9 for irons) Try to mirror your 7 iron running chip, with say, your 52 by putting ball back in your stance. It will teach you how to hit different shots w/ the same club and diversify your options with EVERY club. I am currently using JPX forged PW 46* and ping glide 52/56/60 wedges around greens. But for my first 3 years I learned how to hit every shot with just a 56 and some crap 7i/PW. To all 15+hcp players...Find your Billy Baroo and GET GOOD WITH IT! GLHF!
Favorite club- ping g25 5w (18*)
Wedges- SM4 50,54,60
PW, GW (G400s), 52 and 56 (Mizunos) for me. Learning how to be a bit more versatile.
Interesting video James as its one of my current thoughts for the coming season. I only had a P wedge (46°ish) in my bag in till 2 years ago as I felt I could do everything with it lol. But my game changed so added a 56° which I love and am comfortable with. But I have now noticed the gap at the bottom of my bag so am swaying towards the 4 wedge system P wedge 50° 56° 60° but it's along way till April so that will most likely change again.