Golf Tips

Choosing the correct sand wedge to hit bunker shots is as important as proper technique in determining success. Here are some tips for choosing the right wedges:

1- For wet, firm sand or tightly packed sand, use a 60 degree wedge with 4-6 degrees of bounce. A club with minimal bounce will dig a bit more into the sand, and ensure that the club gets into the ground before reaching the ball.

2- For fluffy, lighter sand choose a 56 degree wedge with 12-14 degrees of bounce. This club will skim through the extra sand effortlessly, and will minimize digging. Open up the clubface to allow the bounce to work for you.

3- It's a good idea to make your highest lofted wedge's bounce match the common characteristics of your course. If your course has lots of tightly mowed areas around the green, and wetter, more firm sand, then choose a 60 degree wedge with minimal bounce. If you play on a course that has lots of rough and fluffy bunkers, then get a 60 degree wedge with more bounce.

4- Ideally, carry two wedges in addition to your standard pitching wedge. Most better players have a nice sequence of loft between clubs: 53 and 58 degrees, or 54 and 60. From there, make one of those two wedges higher bounce, and one lower, depending on the type of course conditions you normally play.

5- With two sand wedges, ideally you can then use the higher lofted club for higher and shorter shots, and the other one for longer, lower shots. Just practice with your wedges to determine which ones work best in different situations.