Jackson Reid
Golf wedges are clubs used for shorter and more accurate shots. The AW or 'Approach Wedge' is a versatile club that fills the distance gap between the Pitching Wedge (PW) and the Sand Wedge (SW). It typically has a loft between 48 and 52 degrees, and is used for controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW is needed but less than a SW.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full name | Approach Wedge |
| Other names | Gap Wedge, Attack Wedge, Auxiliary Wedge |
| Loft | Between 48 and 52 degrees |
| Loft compared to PW | More |
| Loft compared to SW | Less |
| Bounce | No more than 14 and no less than 4 |
| Distance | Travels shorter than a PW but further than a SW |
| Use | Controlled, high-accuracy shots |
| Use case | When more loft than a PW is needed but less than a SW |
| Ideal for | Controlled approach shots from 90-110 yards |
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What You'll Learn
Approach Wedge (AW) is a versatile club
The Approach Wedge (AW), also known as the Gap Wedge (GW), is a highly versatile golf club. It is designed to fill the distance gap between the Pitching Wedge (PW) and the Sand Wedge (SW). The AW typically has a loft between 48 and 52 degrees, although it can be as low as 47 degrees or as high as 54 degrees. This wedge is ideal for controlled, high-accuracy approach shots from 90 to 110 yards, depending on the player's swing. It is also useful for shots where more loft than a PW is required but less than a SW.
The AW is an excellent club for golfers who want to improve their short game and lower their scores. It is often included in iron sets for mid to high-handicap golfers, while bladed iron sets usually stop at PW. Golfers using game-improvement irons or cavity-backed irons will typically want to add an AW to their set to ensure they have the right club for a variety of shots.
When choosing an AW, it is important to consider the loft and how it fits with the rest of your iron set. The AW should provide a good distance gap in relation to your 9-iron and PW. For example, a full swing with an AW should carry 9 to 15 yards shorter than a PW. Additionally, the bounce of the club, which refers to the degree of the angle between the leading edge of the club and the ground, is an important factor to consider.
While the AW is a versatile club, it is not the only option for approach shots. Golfers can also use a PW or SW for these shots, depending on the distance and level of control needed. Ultimately, the choice of club depends on the player's skill level, swing speed, and personal preference. Some golfers may prefer to use a chipper, which is a lofted putter that can provide more consistency in their short game.
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AW fills the distance gap between PW and SW
Golf wedges are specialised clubs with high loft designed to produce high-trajectory shots that stop quickly on the green. The most common and versatile golf wedge is the Pitching Wedge (PW), which typically has a loft ranging from 44 to 48 degrees. It is used for approach shots to the green and for chipping around the green, providing a good balance between distance and control.
The Approach Wedge (AW) or Gap Wedge (GW) has more loft than a PW, typically between 48 and 52 degrees. This wedge fills the distance gap between the PW and the Sand Wedge (SW). It is ideal for controlled approach shots from 90-110 yards, depending on the player's swing. A full swing with an AW should travel shorter than a PW but further than an SW.
The AW is a versatile club, allowing golfers to make controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW is needed but less than an SW. It is also common for golfers to refer to this club as an "Attack Wedge". An AW typically has between 48 to 51 degrees of loft, with 50 to 51 degrees being the most common.
The SW has even more loft than the AW, usually between 54 to 58 degrees. It is primarily designed to help golfers escape bunkers and execute shots from the sand. The SW is also effective for short approach shots and chip shots that require more loft and softer landings.
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AW has a loft between 48 and 52 degrees
Golf wedges are specialised clubs with high loft designed to produce high-trajectory shots that stop quickly on the green. They are used for approach shots, chips, pitches, flops, and bunker play. The primary golf wedge types are the Pitching Wedge (PW), Approach Wedge (AW), Gap Wedge (GW), Sand Wedge (SW), and Lob Wedge (LW). Each offers different lofts and characteristics to handle various short-game situations.
The AW, also known as the "Gap Wedge", typically has a loft between 48 and 52 degrees. This wedge fills the distance gap between the Pitching Wedge (PW) and the Sand Wedge (SW). It is ideal for controlled approach shots from 90-110 yards, depending on the player's swing. A full swing with an AW should travel shorter than a PW but further than an SW. The AW is a versatile club, allowing golfers to make controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW is needed but less than an SW.
Approach Wedges designed for low-handicap golfers usually have 50 to 52 degrees of loft. Depending on the golfer's skill level and how fast they swing their clubs, they should hit their Pitching Wedge 9-15 yards shorter than a 9-iron on a full swing. A full swing A-Wedge should then carry 9-15 yards shorter than their PW. The loft required for proper distance gaps will depend on the design of the irons and the lofts throughout the set.
Game-improvement irons sets aimed at beginner and high-handicap golfers typically have stronger lofts (less loft) than more traditional sets aimed at higher-skilled players. Better players may want to choose a more specific 50/52-degree wedge that fits their iron set and complements their swing and the course conditions they typically play.
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AW is used for controlled approach shots
Golf wedges are clubs used for shorter and more accurate shots. They are designed to produce high-trajectory shots that stop quickly on the green. The AW or approach wedge is a versatile club that fills the distance gap between the pitching wedge (PW) and the sand wedge (SW). It is used for controlled approach shots from 90-110 yards, depending on the player's swing. The AW has between 48 to 52 degrees of loft, with 50 to 51 degrees being the most common.
The AW is ideal for golfers who want to make controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW is needed but less than an SW. It is an excellent option for mid to high handicappers who want to use wedges that offer maximum forgiveness and help prevent fat or thin shots. These clubs provide more margin for error and help the golfer achieve better contact, especially in softer conditions or from bunkers.
The AW is also known as the Gap Wedge (GW), which fills the gap in loft between the PW and the SW. It is perfect for shorter approach shots from around 80-100 yards, where the player needs more loft than a PW but less than an SW. The GW is also great for controlled shots, pitches, and longer chips.
When choosing a golf wedge, it is important to consider the loft and bounce of the club. The loft of the AW is between 48 to 52 degrees, which is more than a PW but less than an SW. The bounce of a wedge refers to the degree of the angle between the leading edge of the club and the ground. A higher bounce wedge, such as a 56-degree SW or a 52-degree AW, can provide more margin for error and help golfers achieve better contact.
By understanding the different types of wedges and their degrees of loft and bounce, golfers can choose the most appropriate club for any situation that may arise on the course. The AW is a valuable club for golfers who want to make controlled and accurate approach shots, especially when they need more loft than a PW but less than an SW.
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AW is also called Gap Wedge (GW)
Golf wedges are used in the scoring zone of golf, and the right ones can help you make birdie or get out of a tricky situation with par. Wedges are the clubs used for shorter and more accurate shots in golf. These include approach shots, chip shots, pitch shots, bunker shots, and lob shots.
The AW, or approach wedge, is a versatile golf club. It allows golfers to make controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW (pitching wedge) is needed but less than an SW (sand wedge). The AW is also called a Gap Wedge (GW) because it fills the distance gap between the PW and the SW. It is ideal for controlled approach shots from 90-110 yards, depending on the player's swing. The loft of an AW is typically between 48 and 52 degrees.
The GW, or gap wedge, is designed to cover the gap in loft between the PW and the SW. It is perfect for shorter approach shots from around 80-100 yards, where the player needs more loft than a PW but less than an SW. The GW is also excellent for controlled shots, pitches, and longer chips. The loft of a GW typically ranges from 50 to 54 degrees.
Golfers playing game-improvement irons or even less extreme cavity-backed irons will generally want to choose a Gap/Approach Wedge that fits with the rest of their iron set. It is common to find iron sets made for mid to high-handicap golfers that include GW/AW options, while bladed iron sets usually stop at PW.
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Frequently asked questions
AW stands for Approach Wedge.
An approach wedge is used for controlled, high-accuracy shots when more loft than a PW (pitching wedge) is needed but less than an SW (sand wedge).
The loft of an approach wedge is typically between 48 and 52 degrees.
A pitching wedge typically has a loft ranging from 44 to 48 degrees and is used for full shots from around 110-130 yards. An approach wedge has a higher loft and is used for shorter shots of 90-110 yards.
A sand wedge has a higher loft than an approach wedge, typically between 54 and 58 degrees. It is used for shots from bunkers and shorter shots from around 70-90 yards.
