The end result was this gap in distance between the sand and pitching wedge.įor a while golfers had no problem filling in the gap with older wedges, but clubs do wear over time. So the angles of pitching wedges decreased over time, but could only go so far. This would give them an edge over their competitors, at least until their rivals followed suit.

Competing golf club manufacturers slowly started changing the angles of their clubs to give a bit less loft and more carry. It’s a very interesting story the way the whole gap wedge came to be. Read: Get the Best Driver for Low Swing Speed The Industry Created Need to Add an A Wedge It’s necessary to attack the ball when laying in the rough. Perhaps the label ‘attack’ came from those times the A wedge is called for to get golfers out of a jam. With the addition of an A wedge in their bag, golfers are better able to plan their approach to the green. It makes sense that the use of the word ‘approach’ developed with respect to gap wedges. You might see a G (for the gap) on some brands or even U for utility wedge. When shopping for these clubs it is common to see the letter A displayed. For general purposes, it’s safe to say that an A, attack, approach and gap wedge are all the same kind of club, and range from 50°-54°. Golfer testaments seem to belay the same variations in opinion. While some manufacturers maintain that an attack wedge holds a 50°angle, others lump attack, approach, and gap wedges altogether. There appears to be some disparity here within the golf club industry. Why a Gap Wedge is also Called an A WedgeĪn A wedge is often heard called an approach, or attack wedge. Without having an A wedge or gap wedge, you’re in for a rough hole. Not only in your way but also right between that gap where neither a pitching nor sand wedge will work. The problem with the gap comes into play when you inevitably find yourself with water, or a sand trap in your way. There can be a difference in ball travel of up to (or over) 40 yards when considering whether to hit a pitching wedge or a sand wedge. If you’re not, don’t worry about asking the embarrassing question. You’ve picked up your new set of clubs, and you’re well aware of the gap between your pitching and sand wedges.

But what is an A wedge able to do that fills that gap? Close the Gap – Complete your Set The gap wedge is aptly named because it fills that “gap” in the typical golf set between the pitching and sand wedges. One and the same.įor those still in the dark we must raise the question, what is a gap wedge? Simply put, an A wedge is a gap wedge, is an A wedge. The majority of golfers that haven’t ever heard of an A wedge already know what it is.

Attack angle for irons