Most golfers use sand wedges or pitching wedges on the golf course. A few of them know about 52 degree wedge in detail. You may be wondering about what is a 52 degree wedge and when to use it. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

If you’re an avid golfer, then you must have heard of the term “52 degree wedge.” But what exactly is it, and how can it help your game? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this popular wedge and explore its features, benefits, and how to use it to improve your golfing skills.

What is a 52 Degree Wedge called?

A 52 degree wedge is a type of golf club that is designed to help golfers with versatility in their short-scoring shots. It’s also known as a gap wedge, as it bridges the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. 

The club has a loft angle of 52 degrees, which makes it ideal for hitting shots that require a bit more height and spin. It is perhaps one of the least carried wedges in a golfer’s bag.

As a specialist wedge, the gap wedge is either part of a set of irons to add to your bag, or you can select & purchase it separately.

From Cleveland Golf to TaylorMade, all of the major iron and wedge manufacturers offer a wide range of wedges between 52 degrees and 65 degrees so that you can find what suits you best.

There are gap wedges and sand wedges that look similar but have a loft that is four degrees less. Approximately 37.5 inches is the length of the shaft. 

In most gap wedges, the shaft is still made of steel, but more and more golfers who have slower swings are opting for graphite shafts with their wedges as they become more popular.

What Is A 52 Degree Wedge Used For?

Overall, the 52 degree golf club is a versatile club that can be used in a variety of situations on the golf course. Its loft angle, design, and features make it a great choice for golfers who are struggling to find a gap between their sand wedge or pitching wedge for their short game.

1. Approach Shots: 

The idea that what is a 52 degree wedge used for is quite important. The 52 degree wedge can be used for approach shots to the green when the golfer is between 60 and 80 yards away from the pin flag.

You have two options to choose from in this scenario one is a sand wedge and the other is a pitching wedge. If you go with the SW then you may miss the pin and choosing PW can cause the shot to cover more distance and miss the flag.

In this tough situation, gap wedges can be helpful. This is because the club’s loft angle allows for a higher trajectory and spin on the ball, making it easier to land the ball softly on the green and stop it quickly. 

You can use a full swing or a three-quarter swing with this club to achieve the desired distance.

2. Bunker Shots: 

When you find yourself in a bunker, the 52 degree wedge can be a useful club to use. 

This is because the club’s loft angle allows the golfer to hit the ball high out of the sand, helping the ball to clear the bunker’s lip and land softly on the green. 

When playing from a bunker, the golfer should open the clubface and take full swing to achieve the necessary height and distance.

3. Short Game Shots: 

The 52 degree wedge can also be used for short game shots around the green, such as chip shots or pitch shots. 

If you find yourself near a green and need to pull off an excellent chip shot with plenty of rolls on the ball, then your gap wedge is also a fantastic tool to have at your disposal.

You’re usually going to get too much air under the ball when you chip with a sand wedge or a lob wedge. As a result, it won’t be able to roll out as far as it should.

It is quite common for those who chip around the greens to use the 52 wedges rather than a traditional wedge because the gap wedge has less loft and will allow you to get more of a rollout of your shot.

When playing on a course with fast greens or firm conditions, using a 52 degree wedge for these shots can be particularly useful as it helps prevent the ball from rolling too far past the hole.

4. Punch Shots:

 In certain situations, a golfer may need to hit a low-trajectory shot that rolls out more than it flies. In this case, a 52 degree wedge can be a useful club to use for a punch shot. 

By placing the ball back in its stance and making a three-quarter swing, the golfer can hit a low, penetrating shot that stays low to the ground and rolls out towards the target.

This can be useful when playing in windy conditions or when trying to avoid obstacles like trees or bunkers.

52 Degree Wedge Distance – How Far Should a 52 Degree Wedge Go?

How far does 52 degree wedge go depends on several factors, such as your swing speed, the conditions of the golf course, and the type of ball being used. However, on average, the distance for 52 degree wedge is between 90 to 110 yards for a full-swing shot.

When determining how far should you hit a 52 degree wedge, it’s important to consider your swing characteristics and the specific conditions of the shot.

For example, a golfer with a slower swing speed may not be able to achieve the same average distance for 52 degree wedge as a golfer with a faster swing speed. Similarly, playing on a course with a headwind can cause the golf ball’s distance to become shorter than playing on a calm day.

To determine the ideal 52 degree wedge distance for shots, golfers should practice and experiment on the driving range or during practice rounds.

Ultimately, the goal of using a 52° golf club is to hit shots that have a medium yardage and land softly on the green and stop quickly. By focusing on accuracy and precision instead of distance, golfers can improve their short game and lower their scores on the course.

What Is the Best Bounce for a 52 Degree Wedge?

The bounce for a best 52 degree club can vary from around 8-12 degrees which is often considered a good choice for a 52 degree wedge.

A bounce of 8-12 degrees on a 52 degree golf club can help provide versatility and control for a variety of shots. 

This amount of bounce can help prevent the club from digging into the ground too much on softer turf, while still providing enough of a sole to glide through the grass on tighter lies.

Frequently Asked Questions