When to Use 52, 56, and 60 Degree Wedges

Golf wedges are essential but often misunderstood tools in your bag. Wedges offer versatility and precision when you’re near the green but also can be used in different ways, from full swings, to partial pitch shots.  Among the most commonly used wedges are the 52°, 56°, and 60° clubs. Each has its own unique role, and understanding when to use them can help you lower your scores and master your short game.

Let’s break down the best ways to use these clubs and how they can improve your performance on the course.

The 52° Wedge: The "Gap" Wedge

The 52° wedge, also called the gap wedge, is perfect for filling the distance gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. This club is ideal for shots from the fairway when you need precision and a controlled carry distance.

• Full Shots: Learn your full shot distance with the 52° wedge using an 80% swing rather than hitting it hard. Wedges are finesse clubs, not power clubs. For many golfers, this distance is around 105–110 yards, but it’s personal to you.
• Around the Green: The 52° wedge is also useful for chips when you need a slightly lower loft to carry the ball onto the green and let it roll out.

Pro Tip: On windy days or when you’re not feeling confident, you can adjust your swing to shorten the distance. Consistency is key—focus on hitting the same distance every time rather than maximizing power.

The 56° Wedge: The Sand Savior

The 56° wedge, commonly referred to as the sand wedge, is your go-to club for getting out of bunkers. It’s designed with just the right amount of loft and bounce to handle a variety of sand conditions.

• Bunker Shots: Open the clubface slightly, put 80% of your weight on your front foot, and hit an inch behind the ball. The bounce will help glide the club through the sand, popping the ball out effortlessly.
• Fairway Shots: For shots around 90–100 yards, the 56° wedge provides a consistent and controlled distance.
• Chipping: When you’re closer to the green, the 56° is great for a 50/50 carry-to-roll ratio.

The 60° Wedge: Loft for Tight Spaces

The 60° wedge, also called the lob wedge, has the highest loft of the three and is perfect for high, short shots.

• Chipping: Use the 60° when you need a long carry but less roll-out, such as when there’s only a short distance between the fringe and the hole.
• Short High Shots: This wedge is ideal for popping the ball up quickly when you have a short shot and need the ball to stop faster. For example, if the carry is 15 yards and the green is only 8–10 yards deep, the 60° is your best bet.

Important Tip: Avoid adding extra loft to your 60°. It already has plenty of loft, and the bounce is designed to help the ball get airborne with minimal effort.

The 60° Wedge: Loft for Tight Spaces

The 60° wedge, also called the lob wedge, has the highest loft of the three and is perfect for high, short shots.

• Chipping: Use the 60° when you need a long carry but less roll-out, such as when there’s only a short distance between the fringe and the hole.
• Short High Shots: This wedge is ideal for popping the ball up quickly when you have a short shot and need the ball to stop faster. For example, if the carry is 15 yards and the green is only 8–10 yards deep, the 60° is your best bet.

Important Tip: Avoid adding extra loft to your 60°. It already has plenty of loft, and the bounce is designed to help the ball get airborne with minimal effort.

Partial Shots: Same Swing, Different Distances

One of the best features of these wedges is their ability to create different distances with the same swing. For example, using a 9:00 swing (where your arm stops at 9:00 on an imaginary clock face):

• A 52° might carry the ball 50 yards.
• A 56° might carry the ball 40 yards.
• A 60° might carry the ball 32 yards.

This versatility makes wedges great tools for partial shots. Practice your swings to dial in the distances with each club.

When to Use Each Wedge Around the Green

• 52° Wedge: Best for longer chips and situations where you want a lower loft and more roll-out.
• 56° Wedge: Ideal for balanced carry and roll. This is a great all-around wedge for most chip shots.
• 60° Wedge: Use for short, high lofted shots where you need the ball to stop quickly.

As you get closer to the hole, you can even switch to lower-lofted clubs, such as pitching wedges or 8- or 9-irons, for a more predictable roll.

The Bottom Line

Mastering the use of your 52°, 56°, and 60° wedges can drastically improve your short game and lower your scores. Focus on learning the distances for each wedge and practicing consistent swings. Remember, wedges aren’t about power—they’re about finesse, precision, and control.

Whether you’re escaping a bunker, hitting a partial shot, or chipping around the green, these clubs offer the versatility and accuracy you need. Take them to the course, and you’ll see why they’re absolutely money!

Watch my full video on these wedges here.