What Is a Gap Wedge Used for?
Development The gap wedge evolved as the pitching wedge decreased in loft, becoming more like a 9-iron and leaving a larger gap between pitching wedge and sand wedge. Closer in function to the pitching wedge The gap wedge is usually used out of the fairway and rough like the pitching wedge, leaving the work from bunkers to the sand wedge and lob wedge. Equally distant in loft The gap wedge is lofted directly between a pitching wedge and sand wedge, usually at 52 degrees. Range Most amateur men use a gap wedge for shots from 60 to 80 yards, compared to 50 to 60 yards for women and as far as 100 to 110 for professionals. New name, old club In a sense, the gap wedge is the same club that used to be called a pitching wedge, as the name “pitching wedge” has been ascribed to less lofted clubs.
