Best Lob Wedge (the best in 2023)

The lob wedge is a club every guy wants to be able to use. We've all seen a video of Phil Mickelson as he flawlessly takes a full swing from just 2 feet away from some unfortunate soul, magically propelling the ball over their head. Equally captivating are the moments when Tiger Woods skillfully launches the ball from thick rough, soaring it high into the air, only to have it land as softly as a pillow, gracefully stopping right next to the hole. 

You want that right? The best lob wedge could help you become a better golfer so lets look at how you can get maximum spin and enhance your bunker shots and recovery play. 

My first lob wedge was a Vokey. I got it second hand and it was bashed up but I loved it. I have a soft spot for these clubs but they do the job.

Vokey deservedly has a stellar reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, technological innovations, and top-notch golf wedges. Their journey towards perfection and advancement began in 2008 with the introduction of the original Spin-Milled (SM) line, which has since evolved into the cutting-edge SM9 line.

When contemplating a Vokey lob wedge, you'll encounter significant choices, as they offer five distinct sole grind options: L grind, M grind, S grind, D grind, and K grind.

The L grind, boasting a 60-degree loft, is tailored for precise players who excel in firm conditions, providing the lowest bounce. The versatile M grind, also at 60 degrees, suits players who enjoy manipulating the clubface to create various shots and have a shallower swing. Crafted for straightforward shots with a square clubface, the S grind (60 degrees) caters to another category of players. The D grind (60 degrees) is ideal for those with a steeper angle of attack and a tendency to take larger divots. Finally, the K grind offers the highest bounce and is highly regarded as Vokey's ultimate bunker club, offering exceptional forgiveness.

Once you've made your grind selection, the decision-making process becomes simpler. You can pick from three finishes: Brushed Steel, Tour Chrome, and Jet Black. Furthermore, you have the option to choose either a True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft or the stock graphite shaft. Demonstrating Vokey's commitment to innovative technology, the SM9 line incorporates a forward-shifted center of gravity for enhanced ball flight control, consistent distance, and precise strike repeatability. For higher lofted SM9 wedges, the grooves are wider and shallower, specifically tailored to suit the needs of a lob wedge, while an added heat treatment enhances durability.

With Vokey's relentless efforts on the SM9 line, it undoubtedly stands as a top contender for the best 60-degree wedge available in today's golf gear market. Considering their focus on crafting a versatile lob wedge, adding a Vokey SM9 to your golf bag is undoubtedly worth contemplating.

Callaway's Paradym line of drivers and woods has made a significant impact in the world of golf equipment, but their Jaws Full Toe wedges are equally deserving of attention.

Unlike the Mizuno and Titleist Vokey options, Callaway takes a straightforward approach by offering their 60-degree wedge in a single grind (C) and one bounce option (10 degrees). The "C grind" boasts a rounded sole that extends around the heel and toe, resulting in exceptional versatility. Callaway claims that the "C grind" performs exceptionally well in their 60-degree wedge, making bunker shots and flops much easier to execute.

What sets Callaway apart from its competitors is the unique full face groove design of the Jaws Full Toe wedge. Unlike traditional wedges with grooves only on the heel and toe sections, this wedge features grooves that extend across the entire face, ensuring maximum spin regardless of the point of impact. Additionally, the clubface incorporates Callaway's patented Jaws grooves, now enhanced with offset groove in groove technology. Tiny ridges engraved between the grooves create extra contact points for the ball, generating more spin upon impact. The vertical extension of the toe section also provides a larger face area and more grooves, facilitating better contact with the ball.

Available in "Satin Black" or "Chrome Finish," the wedge employs raw face technology, encouraging rusting over time to maintain high spin rates throughout its lifespan. Callaway further differentiates itself with the "variable weight port system." This involves drilling four holes on the backside of the club to varying depths and filling them with different weights, effectively shifting the center of gravity away from the hosel and enabling more centered contact.

The Jaws Full Toe 60-degree wedge offers a choice of a "True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner" steel shaft or a "Project X Catalyst" graphite shaft. Additionally, Callaway backs its products with a 2-year warranty, ensuring repair or replacement in case of any issues during use. With their innovative features and dedication to performance, the Callaway Jaws Full Toe wedge stands out as an exceptional choice for golfers seeking top-notch performance from their wedges.

TaylorMade integrates raw face technology into their wedges, featuring an unplated surface material that develops a rusted patina over time. This deliberate rusting ensures consistent and reliable spin performance, particularly in wet conditions. Enhancing spin and precision around the greens, TaylorMade introduces Raised Micro-Ribs between the grooves. These micro-ribs create an abrasive surface, augmenting the friction between the ball and the clubface for exceptional spin control.

For utmost precision and accuracy, TaylorMade employs the Milled Grind Sole process. Each leading edge and sole grind undergoes individual CNC milling, guaranteeing remarkable accuracy and consistency across all their wedges. To accommodate different playing styles and course conditions, the wedges are available in three bounce options - low, standard, and high, offering versatility to golfers. Additionally, for those seeking a more aggressive grind, TaylorMade offers the TW (Tiger Woods) grind, specially designed for the 56° wedge.

TaylorMade's wedges truly shine with their raw face technology, Raised Micro-Ribs, and the meticulous Milled Grind Sole process, all working harmoniously to deliver optimal spin, precision, and versatility for golfers' short game needs.

PING's wedges boast a tour-inspired design that places a strong emphasis on achieving high spin, making them an exceptional choice for players seeking precision and control to lower their scores. With two grind profiles and multiple loft options available, golfers can easily find the perfect fit for their individual game.

The smaller heel-to-toe head of the wedge is meticulously forged from 8620 carbon steel, creating a visually appealing look when addressing the ball. This design not only inspires confidence but also empowers players to deftly manipulate the head, allowing them to execute any shot they encounter with utmost precision and control.

To further enhance the wedge's performance, PING combines a precision-milled face and grooves with their innovative Emery face blast technology. The Emery face blast adds texture to the hitting surface, resulting in heightened friction and interaction between the club and the ball. This increased friction generates remarkable spin and a lower launch trajectory, providing players with the desired control and shot-stopping ability they seek around the greens. With PING's wedges, golfers can confidently tackle any short game situation and take their scoring game to new heights.

Mizuno, renowned for their exquisitely crafted forged irons, is set to challenge perceptions with their innovative T22 golf wedges.

In contrast to their Vokey counterparts, Mizuno takes a more streamlined approach to fitting a 60-degree wedge into your bag, offering two distinct grinds: the "C grind" and the "X grind." The "C grind" boasts significant heel and toe relief, catering to skilled players and firmer course conditions. On the other hand, the "X grind" provides extreme heel and toe relief, designed for even more accomplished players or what Mizuno refers to as "short game artists." The wedges showcase a modified teardrop head shape, slightly smaller to exude a tour-inspired aesthetic. Crafted from 1025 Boron Steel, a new material for Mizuno, the T22 wedges exhibit enhanced resistance to wear and dulling, elevating their durability to new heights.

Mizuno impresses with their T22 lob wedges through the incorporation of "HydroFlow Micro Grooves." These laser-etched grooves minimize spin drop-off and effectively eliminate moisture at impact, resulting in optimal spin performance. Moreover, Mizuno offers an extensive selection of twenty-eight different shaft options, allowing golfers to personalize their wedges to suit their preferences and needs.

Lastly, Mizuno presents the T22 wedges in three distinct finishes: "Denim Copper," "Satin Chrome," and "Raw." Mizuno incorporates a copper layer beneath the face of their wedges, enhancing the already exceptional soft feel that Mizuno is renowned for.

With the T22 wedges, Mizuno seeks to redefine expectations and showcase their expertise in wedge design and craftsmanship, offering golfers exceptional control, spin, and versatility that exceed industry standards.

The PXG Sugar Daddy II 60-degree wedge is a precision-crafted club, featuring a 100% milled construction and a full face groove design reminiscent of the Jaws Full Toe. The full face grooves, accompanied by a slightly vertically extended toe section, allow for increased clubface contact and enhanced forgiveness. High toe weighting, which is adjustable, enables players to optimize the center of gravity for open-faced shots, resulting in greater forgiveness and improved consistency at impact. Moreover, a sizable adjustable weight in the clubhead's center offers further customization, allowing players to fine-tune the club's characteristics to match their swing and preferences.

What sets PXG apart is its two unique sole options. The "BP Grind" caters to lush turf conditions, deep sand traps, and golfers with a steeper attack angle, providing maximum forgiveness. On the other hand, the "C Grind" suits firm conditions and skilled golfers seeking versatility around the greens. The Sugar Daddy II is available in an "XTREME Dark" finish and a "Chrome" finish. PXG also offers multiple shaft options, including two "True Temper" steel shafts and five graphite shaft options from brands like "Accra," "KBS," "Mitsubishi Golf," and "Project X." Crafted from triple forged 8620 soft carbon steel, the Sugar Daddy II delivers a soft and responsive feel at impact.

Although the PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II is highly regarded for its quality, its placement is influenced by its price. While the exceptional craftsmanship justifies its inclusion as one of the best 60-degree wedges, its retail price exceeds that of many competitors. Nonetheless, some users swear by its performance and would not switch back to other brands. If the opportunity arises, it is highly recommended to personally experience the PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II and determine if it is the perfect addition to your golfing arsenal.

When Do You Use A Lob Wedge?

A 60-degree wedge, commonly known as a lob wedge, is a high-lofted club designed to hit shots with a steep trajectory and a shorter distance. Here are a few situations where a 60-degree wedge is commonly used:

1. Short approach shots: When you're close to the green but still need to carry the ball a short distance with a high trajectory, a 60-degree wedge can be a useful club. It allows you to hit shots that land softly and stop quickly, which can be beneficial when the pin is tucked near the edge of the green or there are obstacles to carry.
2. Greenside bunker shots: The 60-degree wedge is particularly effective for bunker shots near the green. Its high loft allows you to get the ball up quickly and out of the sand, while the steep angle of attack helps you generate the necessary height and spin to control the shot.
3. Flop shots: When you need to hit a high, soft shot that goes over an obstacle, such as a bunker or a tree, and lands softly on the green, the 60-degree wedge can be a go-to club. The high loft and open face of the club help you get the ball up quickly and create a high-arcing shot with minimal roll upon landing.
4. Short-sided shots: If your ball is located on a slope or near the edge of the green, leaving you with limited green to work with, a 60-degree wedge can be handy. Its high loft allows you to hit a high, soft shot that stops quickly, giving you better control over the ball's landing and spin.

Could a lob wedge wedge be your missing link to lower scores?

While a lob wedge can be a valuable tool in a golfer's bag, it is important to understand that no single club alone can guarantee lower scores. Lowering scores in golf involves a combination of factors, including skill development, course management, mental approach, and practice.

That being said, a 60-degree wedge can certainly contribute to improving your short game and potentially lower your scores in specific situations. It provides the ability to hit high, soft shots, perform delicate bunker shots, and navigate challenging greenside situations. If you find yourself frequently facing shots that require a high trajectory and a short carry with quick stopping power, a 60-degree wedge can be a useful addition to your arsenal.

However, it is essential to note that effective use of a 60-degree wedge requires practice, skill, and a good understanding of how to control distance and trajectory. It's not a magic solution, and simply adding it to your bag won't automatically lead to lower scores. You must spend time practicing with the club, developing a feel for its shot-making capabilities, and understanding when to utilize it effectively.

To achieve lower scores, it is beneficial to work on all aspects of your game, including driving, iron play, putting, and short game. Improving your overall golf skills and having a well-rounded approach will have a more significant impact on your scores than relying solely on a single club. Additionally, seeking guidance from a golf professional or coach can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas of improvement that will contribute to lower scores.

Sand Wedges (SW) – What is the degree of a sand wedge?

I've written a full article on sand wedges which you can check out here. The degree of a sand wedge, also known as the loft of a sand wedge, can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. In general, sand wedges typically have a loft between 54 to 58 degrees. However, it's important to note that different golf club manufacturers may offer variations in loft angles for their sand wedges, so the exact degree can differ slightly. The most common sand wedge loft is 56 degrees. What Are The Types Of Golf Wedge Degrees?

Golf wedges come in various degrees of loft, and the most common types include:

• Pitching Wedge (PW): The pitching wedge typically has a loft between 44 to 48 degrees, although the exact loft can vary among different iron sets. It is commonly included as part of a standard iron set and is primarily used for approach shots from the fairway or rough.
• Gap Wedge (GW): Also known as an approach wedge or utility wedge, the gap wedge fills the loft gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. It usually has a loft ranging from 50 to 54 degrees. The specific loft can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific iron set.
• Sand Wedge (SW): The sand wedge is designed to help players get out of sand bunkers effectively. It has a higher loft, typically ranging from 54 to 58 degrees, which allows the club to glide through the sand and lift the ball quickly. It is also useful for short greenside shots and pitch shots with a high trajectory.
• Lob Wedge (LW): The lob wedge is the highest lofted wedge in a golfer's bag. It generally has a loft between 58 to 64 degrees, with 60 degrees being a common loft for lob wedges. The lob wedge is primarily used for shots that require a high, soft trajectory, such as flop shots, bunker shots, and shots over obstacles.

Is a 60 degree wedge hard to hit?

A 60-degree wedge can be more challenging to hit compared to lower lofted clubs due to its high loft. Here are a few reasons why some golfers may find it difficult to hit a 60-degree wedge:

1. Increased sensitivity to mishits: With the high loft of a 60-degree wedge, even slight mishits can have a significant impact on the shot. It requires a precise strike to avoid thin or fat shots. This means that it can be unforgiving if your ball contact is not clean and centered.
2. Higher trajectory and shorter distance: The extreme loft of a 60-degree wedge results in a high trajectory and limited distance compared to lower lofted clubs. This requires a good understanding of how the ball will fly and land, as it can be challenging to control both distance and accuracy.
3. Difficulty with full swings: Due to the high loft, hitting a 60-degree wedge with a full swing can be more challenging than with a shorter swing. The increased loft makes it easier to hit the ball high but can also lead to overhitting or losing control over the shot.

How Far Should You Hit a 60 Degree Wedge?

The distance you can expect to hit a 60-degree wedge can vary depending on several factors, including your individual swing speed, technique, and the specific characteristics of your wedge. However, on average, most golfers can achieve the following distances with a full swing using a 60-degree wedge:

1. Low Handicap Players: A low handicap player with a faster swing speed may hit a 60-degree wedge between 80 and 100 yards.
2. Mid-Handicap Players: Mid-handicap players with moderate swing speeds can typically hit a 60-degree wedge between 60 and 80 yards.
3. High Handicap Players: High handicap players with slower swing speeds may hit a 60-degree wedge between 40 and 60 yards.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and your actual distances may vary. Factors such as your swing mechanics, club selection, course conditions, and even weather conditions can affect how far you hit your 60-degree wedge.

To determine your personal distances with a 60-degree wedge, it's best to spend time practicing and experimenting on the driving range or during rounds of golf. By consistently hitting shots with your wedge and noting the distances achieved, you can gain a better understanding of your own capabilities and make adjustments accordingly. Additionally, working with a golf professional or coach can provide personalized guidance and help optimize your wedge play.

Which wedge is best for chipping?

When it comes to chipping, the best wedge to use can depend on various factors such as personal preference, the specific shot at hand, and the playing conditions. However, two common wedges that are often favored for chipping are the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. Here's a breakdown of each:

• Pitching Wedge: The pitching wedge is typically included in a standard iron set and has a loft ranging from 44 to 48 degrees. It offers a lower trajectory and provides good control over distance. The pitching wedge is suitable for chip shots that require a moderate carry with some roll, especially when the ball is on the fringe or just off the green.
• Sand Wedge: The sand wedge has a higher loft, usually between 54 and 58 degrees. It features a wider sole and more bounce, making it ideal for shots from greenside bunkers and situations where the ball needs to be lifted quickly with a high trajectory. The sand wedge can also be effective for chipping when you want the ball to carry over a short distance and stop quickly without much roll.

Is a 60-Degree Wedge Worth It?

Whether a 60-degree wedge is worth it or not depends on your individual playing style, skill level, and the specific situations you encounter on the golf course. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a 60-degree wedge is worth adding to your golf bag:

• Shot versatility: A 60-degree wedge offers a high loft, allowing you to hit high shots with a steep descent angle. It excels in situations where you need to clear obstacles, hit flop shots, or make shots with a short carry and quick stop on the green. If you frequently encounter these types of shots or play on courses with challenging greenside bunkers, a 60-degree wedge can be a valuable addition.
• Skill and practice: Hitting a 60-degree wedge effectively requires practice and skill. Due to its high loft, it can be more challenging to control distance and accuracy compared to lower lofted wedges. If you are willing to invest time in practicing with a 60-degree wedge and develop a feel for its shot-making capabilities, it can be a useful tool in your arsenal.
• Personal preference: Some golfers prefer to have a wider range of wedges in their bag to address various shot scenarios. If you enjoy having different loft options to fine-tune your short game, a 60-degree wedge can provide you with additional versatility and shot-making options.
• Course conditions: The layout and conditions of the golf course you typically play on can influence the usefulness of a 60-degree wedge. If the course features heavily contoured greens, deep bunkers, or requires high, soft shots, a 60-degree wedge can be beneficial. On the other hand, if your regular course has relatively flat greens and fewer obstacles, you may find less need for such a high-lofted wedge.

Whether a 60-degree wedge is worth it or not depends on your specific needs and preferences as a golfer. It's a club that can offer unique shot-making capabilities, but it requires practice and adaptation to maximize its effectiveness. If you believe it will complement your short game and you're willing to invest the time to become proficient with it, a 60-degree wedge can be a valuable addition to your golf bag.

Should a High Handicapper Use a 60 Degree Golf Club?

For high handicappers, the decision to use a 60-degree golf club, such as a lob wedge, can be more nuanced. Here are a few factors to consider when determining if a high handicapper should use a 60-degree wedge:

• Skill level and experience: High handicappers typically have less experience and may still be working on developing consistent ball striking and control. The high loft of a 60-degree wedge requires a good amount of skill and control to hit effectively. If a high handicapper feels comfortable and confident with their short game and has practiced extensively with a 60-degree wedge, it can be a useful tool. However, if their short game skills are still developing, it may be more beneficial to focus on mastering the fundamentals with lower lofted wedges first.
• Shot versatility: A 60-degree wedge provides versatility for specific shots, such as flop shots, high lobs, and short carries with quick stops. While these shots can be advantageous in certain situations, high handicappers may not encounter them frequently on the golf course. Therefore, it may be more beneficial for a high handicapper to focus on mastering shots that are more commonly encountered, such as chip shots with lower lofted wedges.
• Consistency and control: High lofted wedges, including the 60-degree wedge, require precise contact and control to achieve the desired results. High handicappers may struggle with consistency in their ball striking, leading to unpredictable outcomes when using a 60-degree wedge. It may be more effective for them to focus on using wedges with lower lofts, such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge, that provide a larger margin for error and are easier to control.
• Course conditions: The playing conditions of the golf course can also influence the decision. If the course has firm greens, less undulation, and fewer situations requiring high, soft shots, a 60-degree wedge may not be as necessary for a high handicapper. Evaluating the typical course conditions can help determine if a 60-degree wedge will be advantageous or if other wedges would be more suitable.

High handicappers should carefully consider their skill level, shot versatility needs, consistency, and the typical course conditions before deciding to use a 60-degree wedge. It's important to prioritize skill development and focus on mastering lower lofted wedges before progressing to higher lofted ones.