What wedge are you playing around the greens for different shots?

[HeathS16]

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie- 54 open face carrying it to a spot with a short runout. If I have the yips (which is often lol) its 8 iron bump and run. 

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie- 60

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough- PW or 8 Iron

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough- 54 (just getting it onto the green and putt it)

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green- 60 

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided- WAAAAAAY Open 60

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green- 54

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided- 60 not as open

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway- 54

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough- 50

[cnosil]

17 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

Interesting.  Do you then pick the ball with the LW when the pin is on the other side of the green?  

There is also the amount and type of sand in the bunker to consider.  Some of our bunkers have considerable soft sand, but some have literally no sand due to wind blowing it out in spots.  A basic bunker shot is not an option with no sand, so picking the ball like a tight fairway lie is the play.

Also, I was assuming for a long bunker shot that the bunker was either not near the edge of the green or if it is, then the ball in the bunker is a long carry to get it out.  We have both situations at my course.  Most of the time there is a high lip (like 4-5 feet) to cover.  I use my 60º to get out on all bunkers close to the green, but if the carry distance to get out of the bunker or to get to the pin is 20-30 yards, then I use my 54º.

Most of the bunkers in my area have firmer sand so getting distance isn't really an issue.  My lob wedge is probably more of a sand wedge 58/12* and based on how long and fast of a swing I make I can hit it 20-30 yards.  

[550025KV]

I use 2 wedges exclusively around the greens. Learn these 2 terms. "Leading edge or bounce".  Ask yourself is it a leading edge shot or a bounce shot? Choose accordingly.  
52° for any low runner with some green to work with. Relatively flat lie or slightly uphill.  Hands forward and use the "leading edge" or the club.  

58° If I need some loft, flop shot over a bunker, all sand shots or severely short sided.  Also any severely downhill chip.  Hands neutral and use the "bounce" of the club.  

[Lacassem]

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie

52 for the most part depending on how much I can run maybe a 48

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie

52

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough

52

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough

60

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green

60

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided

60

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green

60

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided

60

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway

52/60 depending on if I want to run it or get some more lift 

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough

52/60 most likely 60

i can pretty much do anything needed with the 48/52/60 but 52 is my go to for a majority of any necessary wedge shot

[Kenny B]

2 hours ago, cnosil said:

Most of the bunkers in my area have firmer sand so getting distance isn't really an issue.  My lob wedge is probably more of a sand wedge 58/12* and based on how long and fast of a swing I make I can hit it 20-30 yards.  

Yeah, my lob wedge is 60/12 but it's only good for maybe less than 10-12 yards out of our sand, unless its very firm, but I have to get up over high lips, so not much run out.  My SW is 54/14 is better for longer distances and fluffier sand, but a really long shot out of fluffy sand is the hardest, and I'm happy if I just get it on the green somewhere.

[bens197]

2 hours ago, Lacassem said:

 

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie

52 for the most part depending on how much I can run maybe a 48

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie

52

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough

52

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough

60

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green

60

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided

60

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green

60

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided

60

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway

52/60 depending on if I want to run it or get some more lift 

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough

52/60 most likely 60

i can pretty much do anything needed with the 48/52/60 but 52 is my go to for a majority of any necessary wedge shot

I agree with this philosophy and for a very long time, this was exactly how I approached it. M

Keeping one solid go-to as a Jack-of-all trades is a solid play. 

[Lacassem]

7 minutes ago, bens197 said:

I agree with this philosophy and for a very long time, this was exactly how I approached it. M

Keeping one solid go-to as a Jack-of-all trades is a solid play. 

I think it’s more the grind but I do love that 52. Checks beautifully.

[GolfSpy_BOS]

Alright lets see... 

First a few caveats... if I can putt it I'll probably do that.  the first 2 would likely be a putt.  But lets pretend for some reason I won't... its too fluffy, grain going into the ball, uphill, sprinkler head, etc.  If I'm not putting:

 

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie. | This is likely going to be a 52*.  It's a super comfortable chipping club for me where I feel like the ball is still coming off soft enough for control.  I also get some good spin with it if its a shot I want to try to put a little more into.  If there's a tier to the green I may adjust based on how far I want to carry, so maybe a 56* too.

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie. |  Same story as above, I'll start with the 52* and work my way up to the 60* depending on just how quickly I need to stop the ball.

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough.  |  If the rough is not too thick I'll start with the 52* and move to the 56* or 60* if I feel like I need to use more speed to get through the rough.  Generally this ends up being a 56*.

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough.  |  Since we're shortsided we're probably talking 56* to 60* territory, I'm also not afraid to lay the face open for a small flop shot if needed.

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green.  |  Very lie dependent, but likely a 56* here.  This is where my game needs some practice

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided.  |  Very lie dependent, but likely a 60* here.  This is where my game needs some practice

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green.  |  Very lie dependent, but likely a 56* here.  This is where my game needs some practice

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided.  |  Very lie dependent, but likely a 56* here.  This is where my game needs some practice

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway.  |  I'll see if the 52* allows for the best shot or move to the 56* if I need more carry or stopping power.

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough.  |  I'll see if the 56* allows for the best shot or move to the 60* if I need more carry or stopping power.  Flop shots for show in this situation after a few drinks or during a scramble.

[RPJR]

The OP's questions are really good questions. 

It would be great if people would include what kind of bounce and grind they have on their wedges to play particular shots.  Wedge bounce angle and grind, and how you match wedges with your technique and angle of attack are helpful information...(particularly for those of us in the market for new wedges!)

Example:

A.  Short sided, bunker to carry, tight or hardpan lie

B.  Same shot as A, rough.  

Anyone able to use a high bounce wedge to pull off shot A?  For example, I know I can execute shot A with a Vokey M grind, but am wondering if I could pull it off with the D grind.  Anyone?

Edited July 7, 2022 by RPJR

[KGL]

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie : 52, 7i

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie : 52, 7i

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough : 52

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough : 56

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green : 56

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided : 56

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green : 52

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided : 56

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway : 52

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough : 52

 

[Philip_R]

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie - Down hill I would go with a putter, level or up hill anything from a 8 iron to a 54º

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie - Putter

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough - 54º or PW

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough - 60º

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green - 60º

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided - 60º

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green - 54º

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided - 60º

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway - 60º

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough - Depending on the lie and what the fringe looks like before the green. No fringe I would go 60º and if there is some room to pitch and run it a bit I would go with a 54º just to limit the chance of it not coming out of a fluffy lie. 

Edited July 8, 2022 by Philip_R

[revkev]

Intriguing question and interesting array of answers - mine will come in the form of my stock from this distances, changes in lie, turf conditions, etc might change the choices - here goes:

 

1.  9 iron

2.  Putter

3.  54

4.  59

5.  59

6.  59

7.   54  (if it were a low lip I could go 8 iron)

8.   59

8.   GW bump and run - I’m very good at these with anything from 8 iron to GW

9.   59 

 

I think a lot of our answers speak to where we play as much as what we are best at. 
 

I see wedges on 15 yard shots in the fairway and think, “chunk.” You even see your players shy away from that shot on the Florida swing. 

[Kenny B]

9 hours ago, RPJR said:

The OP's questions are really good questions. 

It would be great if people would include what kind of bounce and grind they have on their wedges to play particular shots.  Wedge bounce angle and grind, and how you match wedges with your technique and angle of attack are helpful information...(particularly for those of us in the market for new wedges!)

Example:

A.  Short sided, bunker to carry, tight or hardpan lie

B.  Same shot as A, rough.  

Anyone able to use a high bounce wedge to pull off shot A?  For example, I know I can execute shot A with a Vokey M grind, but am wondering if I could pull it off with the D grind.  Anyone?

I practice these shots because I get them a lot.  

A.  Most all my shots are with my 60/12º Callaway PM Grind; 

B.  60/12º but I might use my 54/14º Callaway PM Grind depending on what the rough looks like.

[Shapotomous]

4,5,6,7,8 are all 57* (SW) shots for me unless the "long" bunker shot is more than 40 yards, then I'll use the 53*.

1 is an 8 or 9 bump & run

2 is a putter or 57* depending on how much fringe, grain direction, etc makes the putt roll too chancy.

3, 9, 10 will most likely be a 53*

[cnosil]

10 hours ago, RPJR said:

The OP's questions are really good questions. 

It would be great if people would include what kind of bounce and grind they have on their wedges to play particular shots.  Wedge bounce angle and grind, and how you match wedges with your technique and angle of attack are helpful information...(particularly for those of us in the market for new wedges!)

Example:

A.  Short sided, bunker to carry, tight or hardpan lie

B.  Same shot as A, rough.  

Anyone able to use a high bounce wedge to pull off shot A?  For example, I know I can execute shot A with a Vokey M grind, but am wondering if I could pull it off with the D grind.  Anyone?

There are so many things to consider.   I personally believe you can pull off most shots with any bounce and grind and that technique trumps all.   Bounce and grind may make specific shots easier based on the technique we use.   We would also have to consider ball position (how shot sided) and what results you expect from the shot.  In your example A, is 20 feet past the hole a good shot?  Depending on all the factors getting the ball inside 6’ may be a 1 in 1000 type shot and not something I am expecting even if I have the “perfect” club and “perfect” technique.   In A and B I am probably playing my 58/12 (highest loft bounce in my bag); for A it will be stock pitch maybe a ball back and for B it will depend on how much club I can get on the ball so it could be back 2 balls to 2 balls up. 

[Middler]

 

From a higher HI player (13+) who seems to do better practicing fewer wedges/clubs vs many (depends on slope, traps/hazards and consequences of miss):

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie putter, GW downhill or 9i uphill or slow greens

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie putter or GW

3-4 GW

5-6-7-8 56, high bounce inside 70 yards

9-10 GW or 9i

I only use my 60, low bounce when shortsided with a hazard between me and the pin, so I don't practice with my 60 as much.

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

11 hours ago, RPJR said:

The OP's questions are really good questions. 

It would be great if people would include what kind of bounce and grind they have on their wedges to play particular shots.  Wedge bounce angle and grind, and how you match wedges with your technique and angle of attack are helpful information...(particularly for those of us in the market for new wedges!)

Example:

A.  Short sided, bunker to carry, tight or hardpan lie

B.  Same shot as A, rough.  

Anyone able to use a high bounce wedge to pull off shot A?  For example, I know I can execute shot A with a Vokey M grind, but am wondering if I could pull it off with the D grind.  Anyone?

I have vokey sm8 s with F grind in my 50 and D grind in 54 and 58. 
 

Different grasses require different techniques and angle of attack. Someone who is used to lots of shaft lean and hitting down on the ball with bent grass is going to struggle on Bermuda. Thick rough vs not so thick rough is going to change it but also what works for one in that situation may not work for another. Some like to cut their wedges and others draw them.

I can use the same wedge and hit 3 different shots with them altering the height of each and where they land simply by changing swing tempo. Low shot that lands quickly and runs out just use a shorter and faster stroke. Want to do a medium height with landing the ball further then use a medium speed swing and for a higher longer carry use a slower speed swing. 
 

If anyone wants some easy to use steps for playing wedges get Monte scheinblums use the bounce (this one is free) and/or use the bounce 2.0 series (best $24 you will spend) on his website. 

[BMart519]

15 hours ago, Lacassem said:

 

1 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, fairway lie

52 for the most part depending on how much I can run maybe a 48

2 - Just off the green, shortsided, fairway lie

52

3 - Just off the green, lots of green to work with, rough

52

4-  Just off the green, shortsided, rough

60

5 - Short bunker shot, lots of green

60

6 - Short bunker shot, shortsided

60

7 - Long bunker shot, lots of green

60

8 - Long bunker shot, shortsided

60

9 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, fairway

52/60 depending on if I want to run it or get some more lift 

10 - 15 yards short of the green, average pin accessibility, rough

52/60 most likely 60

i can pretty much do anything needed with the 48/52/60 but 52 is my go to for a majority of any necessary wedge shot

Do you still game the 56* wedge in your signature? If so, what do you use it for? 

[JohnSmalls]

48 minutes ago, jlukes said:

Simple is good. I hear what you are saying about your D7s and a hot face.  I even struggle with my 9i/PW of my JPX Tours because the ball seemingly comes off a bit quicker (obviously some of that due to the lower loft).  Tiger Woods, for as good as he is, uses his SW for most of his short game shots because he manipulates the face as needed.  Based on what I see with the random people I get paired with, I think amateur golfers rely far too much on their highest lofted wedge around the greens.

I can't remember where I read it, either here or elsewhere online, but my short game improved dramatically when I simplified club selection.  Even though I use my highest lofted wedge often, I agree with you 100%.  One of the primary reasons that I don't carry a 60* any longer is because I realized that I was losing too many strokes around the green and that my 56* was a much better club for me.  Simplify and take the temptation away.  I rarely find a time that I wish I had a 60* back in the bag because I know my 56* can handle the job. 

Putter from off the green is highly underutilized and underrated by many amateurs IMO. 

[Shapotomous]

43 minutes ago, JohnSmalls said:

I can't remember where I read it, either here or elsewhere online, but my short game improved dramatically when I simplified club selection.  Even though I use my highest lofted wedge often, I agree with you 100%.  One of the primary reasons that I don't carry a 60* any longer is because I realized that I was losing too many strokes around the green and that my 56* was a much better club for me.  Simplify and take the temptation away.  I rarely find a time that I wish I had a 60* back in the bag because I know my 56* can handle the job. 

Putter from off the green is highly underutilized and underrated by many amateurs IMO. 

I agree, I improved when I simplified club selection which allowed me to practice those clubs more.  When I see a short side or sand shot the 57* is used;  lots of green with a good lie its bump & run time, if its in the rough and not short sided then its the 53*.