- Bryson Bujak
- January 11, 2023
- No Comments
When it comes to golf, having the right club in your bag can make all the difference.
Wedges are a vital part of any golfer’s arsenal, and the small degree variations between them can have a big impact on your game.
The debate between 58 vs 60 degree wedges is a common one, and both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two wedge options and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this!
Table of Contents
What is a 58 degree wedge used for?
1/2 or 3/4 shots
A 58 degree wedge is a versatile club that is often used by golfers in a variety of situations on the course. One of the primary uses for a 58 degree wedge is for half or three-quarter shots.
These types of shots typically involve a shorter swing, which allows the golfer to have more control and precision over the ball’s flight.
The 58 degree wedge is well-suited for this type of shot, as it has a lower degree of loft, which helps to keep the ball on a lower trajectory.
Full shots
Another use for a 58 degree wedge is for full shots. Although the club is more commonly associated with shorter shots, it can be used for full shots as well.
This is particularly useful for golfers who want to achieve a flatter trajectory and more roll on their shots, as the 58 degree wedge provides more control and accuracy than a higher-lofted wedge would.
Chipping
In addition to half and full shots, a 58 degree wedge can also be used for chips from around the green.
This type of shot typically involves a shorter swing and a more upright stance, which helps to keep the ball on a lower trajectory and produce more roll.
The 58 degree wedge is well-suited for this type of shot, as it has a lower degree of loft and a more narrow sole, which allows for a more precise shot.
Bunker shots
Finally, a 58 degree wedge can also be used to get out of bunkers. For bunker shots, you want a club with a lot of bounce.
A 58 degree wedge can be used to hit a shot with a higher trajectory, which can be helpful when trying to hit the ball out of a bunker and onto the green.
It can also be used to hit high shots to clear lip, A 58 degree wedge with a lot of bounce can help to prevent the club from digging into the sand, which can help to keep the shot on a straighter trajectory.
Distance
The distance that a 58 degree wedge can hit can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the golfer’s swing speed, the type of ball being used, and the condition of the course.
However, on average, a 58 degree wedge can hit a full shot from around 80 to 110 yards for an average golfer, depending on their skill and the club’s condition.
The 58 degree wedge is primarily used for shorter shots, like approach shots and for bunkers shots. However it is much easier to use on full shots when compared to a 60 degree wedge.
It can also be used for half or ¾ shots where more control is needed than distance. Since it has a lower degree of loft, it typically produces a flatter, lower trajectory, which can help to achieve more roll and distance on the ball.
Summary
In conclusion, a 58 degree wedge is a versatile club that can be used for a wide range of shots on the course.
Whether you’re hitting a half shot, a full shot, a chip, or trying to get out of a bunker, a 58 degree wedge can be an invaluable tool.
It provides a good combination of control, precision, and accuracy that can help to improve your game and lower your scores.
It most certainly won’t be your farthest hitting club, but a 58 degree wedge does has greater distance than a 60 degree wedge, and it’s easier to hit on full shots.
What is a 60 degree wedge used for?
½ or ¾ shots
One of the primary uses for a 60 degree wedge is for half or three-quarter shots. These types of shots typically involve a shorter swing and a more upright stance, which helps to produce a higher trajectory and more spin on the ball.
The 60 degree wedge is well-suited for this type of shot, as it has a higher degree of loft, which helps to get the ball up in the air quickly and keep it there for a longer period of time.
Harder to use for full shots
However, it is harder to use a 60 degree wedge for full shots due to its high loft. This club is not as easy to control, and it can be difficult to achieve distance and accuracy with a full swing using a 60 degree wedge.
Makes it easier to get up and out of a bunker
A 60 degree wedge can also be used to get out of bunkers. A 60 degree wedge with a lot of bounce can help to prevent the club from digging into the sand, and will hit the ball high with a lot of spin, making it easier to land the ball softly and stop it close to the hole.
Launches the ball very highly, very quickly
Another use for a 60 degree wedge is for shots around the green to avoid objects or hard surfaces.
For example, if you’re trying to clear a tree or a rock, a 60 degree wedge can help you get the ball up and over these obstacles.
The high loft of the club helps the ball to rise quickly, allowing you to clear the obstacle and land softly on the other side.
60 degree wedge distance
The distance that a 60 degree wedge can hit will also depend on a number of factors, such as the golfer’s swing speed, the type of ball being used, and the condition of the course.
However, on average, a 60 degree wedge will hit a full shot from around 60 to 90 yards for an average golfer, depending on their skill level and the club’s condition.
As a high-lofted club, it is not designed for distance but for more control and spin, it will not hit as far as a lower lofted club.
Instead, its main purpose is to help a golfer control the height, spin and trajectory of the ball, especially when playing around the green, such as pitches, chips, and bunker shots.
It will hit the ball higher and with a more significant spin which will help the ball to stop close to the hole when hitting a pitch or a chip shot.
Should you use a 58 or 60 degree wedge?
Key Points:
- 58 degree is easier to hit for the average golfer
- 58 degree wedge is more consistent from farther distances
- 60 degree wedge is better to use for pitches and chips around the green
A 58 degree wedge is a great option for the average golfer, as it is relatively easy to hit and provides good consistency from farther distances.
It is also ideal for full swings, as it provides more control and accuracy than a higher-lofted wedge.
On the other hand, a 60 degree wedge is better suited for pitches and chips around the green.
It is designed to provide a higher trajectory and more spin, which can be useful for getting the ball to stop quickly on the green or for hitting it over obstacles.
Ultimately, the choice between a 58 or 60 degree wedge will depend on your individual swing and the specific shots you need to hit on the course.
44-50-56 degrees wedge setup
Another aspect to consider when choosing whether to use a 58 or 60 degree wedge depends on your current clubs. When selecting your wedges, it’s important to find a sequence of lofts that are symmetric.
For example, if your pitching wedge is 44 degrees, try to get a gap wedge that is 50 degrees, then a sand wedge that is 56 degrees. This evenly spaces out your lofts and will make your distance gaps more consistent.
46-52-58 degree wedge setup
On the other hand, if your pitching wedge is 46 degrees, you may want to go for a 52 degree sand wedge and a 58 degree lob wedge. Again, this makes the lofts symmetrical and will lead to consistent distances.
Using 4 wedges
- Only necessary if you’re an advanced golfer who wants more control or,
- If you have a gap wedge that came with your iron set and it has a lower loft
Having 4 wedges is not a necessity, but there are a couple exceptions. The first exception is if you’re a lower handicap who is looking for more control.
For example, you might have a 44-50-56 degree wedge lineup, but no lob wedge. Using a lob wedge becomes easier and more important as you become more advanced, so incorporating a 60 degree wedge into your game would be a good idea.
It’ll be a difference of 4 degrees rather than 6 degrees, but nonetheless it will provide a variety of important shots you can use.
Another reason you may use four wedges over three is because of your iron set. To explain this, I’ll use myself as an example.
I currently have the Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal iron set (which I love), and it came with a 44 degree PW. The set also offers a 48 degree GW, which I decided to take. Because of this, I decided to go with a 52-56-60 degree wedge set.
This has worked very well for me and has significantly lowered distance gaps with my wedges. However, this isn’t for everyone because using a lob wedge can be very difficult.
I’ve been using it for long enough to say that my 60 degree is my most comfortable wedge, but for most beginners or high handicappers it can just lead to unnecessary strokes.
My personal stance
So we’ve reached the end of this guide, and now it’s time for my personal take. For the average golfer, I have to recommend that you choose a 58 degree wedge over a 60 degree.
A 58 degree wedge is easier to hit for most golfers, and it will make you more comfortable from full-length shots as well as pitches and chips.
Using a 60 degree wedge leaves you with a much bigger chance of fatting or thinning your shot, and this will just frustrate you and add strokes to your scorecard.
Plus, a 58 degree wedge can do everything a 60-degree can. You can still hit flop shots, bunker shots, ½ or ¾ shots, chips, and full length shots, just with more consistency.
The ball might not fly as high as a 60 degree wedge would, but it’ll still have a very high launch.
If you are a more experienced golfer, then go ahead and experiment with it. A 60 degree wedge will give you more spin and land softer on greens, and elements like this become more and more important as you lower your handicap.
It must also be said that above all of this, you should listen to yourself. These are all just general recommendations, but every golfer is different.
You might be like myself, who isn’t the greatest golfer out there but has been using a 60 degree lob wedge for long enough that you’re consistent and confident with it.
Or it could be the exact opposite. Maybe you have a low handicap but have been playing a 58 degree wedge all your life, and it works really well for you.
If you find success with what you have been playing, then don’t change it based on general advice for the average golfer.
If you trust yourself and your play style, you’ll make the decision that is best based on your personal needs.
Nevertheless, I hope this guide gave you the information you were looking for and helps you decide whether to use a 58 or 60 degree wedge. Here’s to lower scores and tighter chips!
Happy hitting!
FAQs
1. Is there a big difference between a 58 and 60 degree wedge?
The difference between a 58 and 60 degree wedge is only 2 degrees, but it can have a significant impact on your short game.
A 58 degree wedge is designed for more precise shots and a 60 degree for more versatility on the green. It ultimately depends on the golfer’s personal preference and playing style.
2. What is a 58 degree wedge used for?
A 58 degree wedge is typically used for more precise and accurate shots, such as lobs, pitches, and chips around the green.
It’s generally considered a higher lofted wedge and is often used for shorter distances, when more control is needed on the ball flight trajectory.
It is a great club to have when you need to get out of tricky lies, bunkers or when you have to hit high flop shots.
3. What is a 60 degree wedge used for?
A 60 degree wedge is typically used for more versatility on the green, such as bunker shots, flops shots and open-faced shots.
It’s generally considered the highest lofted wedge which is good for hitting the ball out of bunkers and hitting the ball high in the air for a soft landing.
It is also good for distance control for shots that need to land close to the hole. This club is often referred to as the “utility” wedge, as it is a very versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots.
4. Should you carry a 60 degree wedge?
Whether you should carry a 60 degree wedge depends on your personal playing style and course conditions.
It can be a very versatile club and it can be used for a variety of shots, such as bunker shots, flops shots and open-faced shots. It can also help with distance control.
It is a good club to have in your bag if you play on courses with lots of bunkers or if you want a club to help you get out of tricky lies.
However, some golfers may find that it’s not necessary for them, and they prefer to carry other clubs instead.
