I don’t know about you, but the pitching wedge is probably my favorite club in my golf bag. It’s easy to hit, it launches easily, has great spin, and can even be used to get you out of trouble.
The pitching wedge is typically used for a variety of distances, but it’s helpful to understand how far a full swing pitching wedge will travel.
Let’s look at how far you can expect your pitching wedge to go based on skill level.
How far should you be kicking your pitching wedge?
You will probably need to hit the full swing pitching wedge shot several times during a round. Distance in golf is often measured in terms of ball speed. However, skill level can also affect distance.
Beginner
A beginner golfer can expect to get about 100 yards from their pitching wedge. Beginners will often use game-improvement golf clubs that have a large sweetspot and lots of forgiveness.
These clubs also have lower lofts, which allows for new golfers to get a few more yards.
Consistency is the most important issue for beginners when it comes to the distances of their wedges or irons. A beginner might hit a pitching wedge shot 120 feet and another shot 95 yards.
For beginners who want to use the pitching wedge 100 yards club, this will be a great tool. You will be at the 100-yard marker several times during a round.
High Handicap
High handicappers struggle with consistency, the same problem that beginners have. When you can’t strike the center of the clubface on your golf iron, it’s hard to get the same results each time.
High handicappers are more consistent than beginners and often see yardages in between 105 and 115.
The average high handicapper can get about 110 yards from their pitching stick.
This equation will also be affected by the clubs you play. You will get more yards if you use a beginner pitching wedge that is game improvement-type.
Sometimes, the loft of these golf clubs can vary by four to five degrees.
Mid Handicap
Mid handicap golfers will hit their pitching wedge anywhere between 110 and 120 yards. The average is in the 115 yard range.
Mid handicap golfers with very fast swing speeds may get some extra yardage. However, most mid handicappers will keep their pitching wedge below 120 yards.
By the time you reach the mid handicap stage, it’s essential to know how to hit golf shots that are both short and long with the pitching wedge. While hitting the full 115 yard drive is essential, its also important to know how to hit a pitching tool 100 or 80 times.
Low Handicap
Many low handicap golfers are able to swing fast and hit the ball off the center of their clubface. Players can lower their scoring by making contact with the middle of the face. This increases total launch and consistency.
Lower handicap golfers can hit their shots from 120 yards and further. Talk to these golfers and you will find that the 120 yard shot rarely gets used. Instead, they use their pitching stick for shots from 40 to 120 yards.
Professional
Professional golfers have a great swing speed. Professional golfers are extremely precise in making contact with the ball.
Professionals carry a pitching tool that is more similar to an amateurs sand wedge. The pitching wedge will have a higher spin, bounce, and sometimes slightly more loft than an amateur pitching tool.
Professionals can hit their pitching wedges for 130 yards or more. With the players swing speed, extra yardage may not be the most beneficial thing. These players are more concerned with control than total distance.
Best Scenarios to Use a Pitching Wedge
The pitching wedge is a versatile club that can be used by both male and female golfers. A pitching wedge can be used to take full swings or half swings.
Full Swing Approach Shots
The pitching wedge is often used for full swing approach shots. You may be able to use your pitching tool at the correct distance on a shorter par 4. Many players will lay up to a certain distance on a par 5 in order to hit their pitching wand.
Run and Bump
When there is no trouble between the hole and you, the bump-and run shot is used. When you can see your target, and it’s all short grass, sometimes it makes sense to keep the ball lower and roll it up to the green.
A typical bump-and-run shot has a low trajectory and flight. However, the pitching wedge gives you more height and may cause the ball to stop sooner than you think.
Get out of Trouble
Pitching wedges can be used regardless of your level of skill. The pitching wedge can be a great club to use when you are in a bad situation and need to punch out.
A pitching wedge shot can be made contact with the average golfer, even when they are hitting from the rough. Although this shot is not going to help you make a par or a birdie on the hole, at least you end up back in play, and the issues don’t become worse.
Chipping Around The Greens
There are many options for golfers when chipping around greens. You can use lofted clubs such as the 60 degree lob or 56 degree sand wedges, but often the pitching club is the one that leaves the most room for error.
What most golfers love about the pitching wedge is that you don’t need to take too much of a swing to notice some great results.
I wouldnt try to hit a loftier shot with a pitching tool with a pitching stick. The problem with this shot is that you won’t be able to get the pitching wedge to stop in time.
It is likely to roll a significant distance past the hole.
Other clubs can be used to replace a pitching wedge
If the pitching wedge is not for you, it will be difficult to find a replacement. You can replace a four-iron with a hybrid or fairway wood, but the pitching wedge is a unique club with an unique loft.
Some golfers might use a 9-iron and then move straight to their gap wedge. However, this could leave a significant distance in your bag.
Others may be interested in hybrid irons for their golf bag. Although this can be a good fit it is still likely that one of the hybrid irons will be a pitching wedge loft.
7 Quick Tips to Make Your Pitching Edge More Effective
These are my top tips to get the best shots and the best contact from your pitching wedge.
- A great pitching wedge shot. More information about getting the perfect launch angle, trajectory and spinIt is more about getting the distance. Get a 9 iron if you need more distance.
- Play the pitching shot with the wedge! Your middle positionTo ensure consistency in your golf shots.
- Always ensure that you are Hit the ball down and through. This is what compresses your shot and helps the ball stop on the green.
- Keep head movement to an absolute minimum. It can be difficult to hit the ball every time if your head is moving or sliding to one side.
- If you find it helps to hit down and pass the ball, putting is a good option. A little more weight on your left sideIt is completely acceptable to put it down before you swing. Its possible to even feel like you left it there while you swing.
- Choose a Grip neutralThe pitching wedge. Most of the time, you won’t slice or hook your pitching wedge if your fundamentals are good.
- Learn how to hit the pitching swivel Available in 50, 70 and 90 yards.. You will be able to control your distance in the pitching wedge, which will help you lower your scores and make you a better player.
