52-Degree Wedge Distance (What Is the Best Golf Wedge Loft?)
When it comes to wedges and their lofts, there is a lot of confusion. And if you’re a beginner, then you’re highly likely to end up owning a collection of inappropriately lofted wedges in your golf bag. That said, many beginners want to know the average 52-degree wedge distance. Along with the distance you can achieve with a pitching wedge and gap wedge.
In this article, I’ve made it a point to discuss not only the average wedge distance. But I’ve also talked about how many wedges to carry and why. There’s a lot more that you, as a beginner, might find extremely valuable. Particularly in terms of getting to understand the concept of wedge loft better.
Best 52 Degree Wedges for Sale
Table of Contents
- 52-Degree Wedge - What Is It Used for?
- 52-Degree Wedge - What Is It Called?
- 52-Degree Wedge - How Far Does It Go?
- 52-Degree Wedge - Do You Really Need It?
- 52-Degree Wedge - Can You Use It In the Sand?
- 52-Degree Wedge - Can You Use It On the Fairway?
- Importance of the Right Loft of Wedges for Short Game
- Should You Carry 3 or 4 Wedges?
- Top 52-Degrees Wedge Reviews - The Most Helpful for Beginners
- Final Thoughts
52-Degree Wedge - What Is It Used for?
52 degrees is a nominal loft, isn’t it? This particular golf club can be a part of almost every shot in golf. Where the player normally uses a pitching wedge. But wants to cover a shorter distance.
When you make a complete swing with a 52-degree wedge, it carries around 90 to 110 yards. Needless to say, this also depends on various inherent factors.
52-Degree Wedge - What Is It Called?
In golf, wedges with a loft between 52 degrees and 56 degrees are known as sand wedges. So a 52-degree wedge also falls in that category. As for pitching wedges, they have a loft of 42-46 degrees.
Then comes the gap wedge; the term is self-explanatory, isn’t it? Meaning a gap wedge fills the gap between a sand wedge and a pitching wedge. It closes the “gap” in the loft between the other two wedges.
52-Degree Wedge - How Far Does It Go?
What about the average 52-degree wedge distance?
- Pitching wedges (46-48 degrees) give you a distance between 80 and 120 yards.
- Gap wedges (50-52 degrees) give you a distance between 70 and 110 yards.
- Sand wedges (54-56 degrees) give you a distance between 60 and 100 yards.
- Lob wedges (58-62 degrees) give you a distance between 50 and 90 yards.
52-Degree Wedge - Do You Really Need It?
Now that you know the 52-degree wedge distance, it’s time to get to know more about this particular loft and wedge.
Beginner golfers, more often than not, carry a pitching wedge and sand wedge. I mean if you have the former, and you’re a beginner. Then you need to add a 52-degree wedge i.e. sand wedge as well to your golf club arsenal. Because as a newbie, you require only these two for learning almost every shot in your short game.
52-Degree Wedge - Can You Use It In the Sand?
After all, a 52-degree wedge is known as a sand wedge. And as the name suggests, the golf club is used the most for bunker shots.
Here’s the general consensus when it comes to carrying wedges. You should have a pitching wedge with a loft of 46 degrees. A gap wedge with a loft of 50 degrees. A sand wedge with a loft of 52 or 54 degrees. And finally, a lob wedge of a minimum loft of 58 degrees.
The golf club with the highest loft, no doubt, is supposed to be your lob wedge.
52-Degree Wedge - Can You Use It On the Fairway?
More often than not, beginners consider their sand wedge as a club that’s just suitable for their bunker shots. Not realizing, therefore, that this 52 degree wedge can also be used on the fairway. After all, the name of the wedge does include the word “sand” in it. So it’s only common for beginners to think this way.
However, a sand wedge is employed by many professional players for greenside shots as well. Especially those that they want to halt quickly.
Importance of the Right Loft of Wedges for Short Game
For lowering your golf scores, it’s very important to use the right wedge loft. Otherwise, it becomes impossible to lower your handicap and avoid double bogeys.
In that context, having wedge loft options at your disposal is extremely beneficial. And so is having a proper gapping between the wedge lofts.
Know Your Distances
How far are you able to hit the golf ball? The answer decides the loft you need for your wedge.
In that case, here’s the breakdown…
- 125 yards - 48-degree pitching wedge
- 115 yards - 52-degree gap wedge
- 100 yards - 56-degree sand wedge
- 90 yards - 60-degree lob wedge
As is evident, you can cover almost every yardage below 130 yards with these wedge lofts. It’s highly recommended for golfers to carry their gap wedges. In order to fill the space between their sand wedges and pitching wedges.
The goal is to own a collection that doesn’t leave large holes or gaps in the loft between the clubs.
There’s No Standard Rule
When it comes to the loft of pitching wedges, there aren’t any standard rules. So YOU get to decide the number of wedges to carry. Along with the loft these wedges should have.
Generally speaking, lofts are getting stronger now more than ever. And this is boosting the distance every golfer hits with his or her pitching wedge.
So a pitching wedge, that once was 48 degrees, is now built with a loft of 44 or 45 degrees. One good example is the Steelhead XR Pitching Wedge manufactured by Callaway. It offers a loft of 44 degrees. No wonder it’s so important to have a gap wedge as well at your disposal on the golf course.
Should You Carry 3 or 4 Wedges?
In my opinion as a professional golfer, I think a minimum of 3 wedges in your golf club arsenal is more than enough. This includes a pitching wedge of course. Let’s say your pitching wedge has a loft of 46 degrees. That way, you can own a gap wedge with a 51-degree loft. Along with a 56-degree sand wedge.
More often than not, wedges you can easily bend a degree weaker or stronger. Just to suit your personal preferences.
As for carrying 4 wedges, it definitely gives you more greenside options. In that case, feel free to include a lob wedge. It’s an excellent way to get the golf ball to fly quickly. That too without feeling the need to maneuver the clubface.
Needless to say, with more wedges, you have the golden opportunity to play a greater range of trajectories and distances.
But before you decide on anything, try to analyze the type of situations that arise during your typical round of golf. And then based on these situations, you can figure out if it seems more logical to have as many as 4 wedges for the kind of shots you end up with.
Top 52-Degrees Wedge Reviews - The Most Helpful for Beginners
With so many different types of golf wedges available. It’s hard to find a reliable and sturdy 52-degrees wedge. You can classify your golf wedge as being a pitching wedge, sand, gap, and lob. But for some golfers, it’s easier to find the best golf wedge based on their angular shape.
That’s when you’ll find that 52-degree wedges are everywhere. And this list proves why they’re so essential in a golf kit.
1. Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 5 JAWS Wedge (Editor’s Pick )
- Due to unprecedented demand across the industry, causing a shortage of shafts and...
- Precisely shaped by Callaway Chief Designer Roger Cleveland for a beautiful look and...
- The new tour-tested w and C grinds are both updated to make it easy to play a wider...
If there’s one wedge that you should buy right away. It should be the Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS Wedge. The reason why Callaway works is that it’s uniquely tailored for performance. Under the guidance of professional golfers and what works for them.
You’ll notice an improvement in swing and distance from 80 yards. Having a 52-degrees may not be necessary for some golfers. But using it can give you a controllable spin. And it’s surprisingly forgiving with an amazing design.
Pros
Cons
2. Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge (Best for Short Games)
- See below for description
The Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge is built to produce high-quality and steady shots. Its hollow cavity design and rote face add forgiveness. And even goes so far as to optimize and elevate the hitting area for golfers.
This is better than your traditional wedge because it’s user-friendly and advanced. And that’s a tough competition to beat. If you want that extra forgiveness, the CBX 2 should be your choice. And it helps amateurs retain the spin and control of the ball that is so important.
Pros
Cons
- None so far.
3. Callaway Golf Men’s Chrome Mack Daddy 4 (Best for Long Games)
- Due to unprecedented demand across the industry, causing a shortage of shafts and...
- Four Sole Grinds to Suit a Variety of Playing Styles, Attack Angles and Course...
- Broad Range of Lofts and Bounce Combinations
This golf wedge from Callaway is simple and reliable. It offers flexibility and consistency with every shot you take. It has a modified sole with a large and comfortable clubface. This improves the spin and bounces quality of the golf ball.
Playing with this 52-degrees wedge really changes your angle of attack. And in a good way because it’s superior and long-lasting. The MD4 has been around for way longer than the MD5. So if you’re looking for something that works 100%, this is your ideal choice.
Pros
- Graphite is strong and long-lasting.
Cons
- Not many options for lefties.
4. Pinemeadow Wedge (Best for Beginners)
- Built standard with high quality Pinemeadow 431 Stainless Steel from Apollo(R), a 125...
- Largest face area of any wedge available making the toughest of lies seem like...
- Available in 52, 56, 60, 64, and the impossible to find 68 degree wedge
Pinemeadow suits the specific needs of golfers. It has been used and recommended by pro golfers everywhere. It has the easiest design. It’s quick to get used to. It’s well-constructed and offers a soft and substantial feel.
The Pinemeadow Wedge is the perfect choice for amateurs. Because it gives you plenty of room for improvement. It’s flexible with amazing loft angles. It’s stylish and durable on a budget. And it makes a great part of any golf kit. If you’re looking to improve swing and distance.
Pros
- Large face area for a smoother delivery.
Cons
- It might feel heavy for some golfers.
5. Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge (Best for Regular Players)
- Classic, high polish finish and classic blade shape
- Perfect club for getting your ball close to the pin
- True Temper steel irons for high performance and reliability
For a polished and sophisticated design, go for this golf wedge. It has a classic blade design but with a few modifications. Such as a sole grind for better and higher shots. A more elevated loft angle so get out of the bunker and sand shots easily.
What comes with this wedge is Wilson’s famous reputation. So the golf wedge stays true to its maker. Offering accurate angles of attack, customization, and flexible shots. It offers a tough combination of classic and traditional. So good that it’s hard for other similar golf wedges to match up to its performance.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve discussed the best 52-degrees wedges, which is your favorite pick?
A stunning pick that gets most of the attention is the Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 5 JAWS Wedge. The design and performance speak for themselves. And it’s a great start for somebody not yet used to playing with a 52-degrees golf wedge.
So now you know more than just the average 52-degree wedge distance. I have also discussed the average pitching wedge distance and gap wedge distance. Along with the effect different lofts have on your short game.
Just keep in mind to fill any large gaps between the lofts. The more loft options you have, the better your chances of succeeding on the golf course. There’s no denying this particular fact.
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