What is an A Wedge? The Complete Answer!

We at We Are Golf are excited to discuss the importance of golf wedges, precisely the A wedge, and how it can improve your golf game.

Golfers often overlook the role of wedges, but they are some of the most versatile clubs in your golf bag, and mastering their use can help lower your score.

What is an A Wedge?

An A wedge, also known as an Attack wedge, is a type of golf wedge that typically has a loft of between 48 and 52 degrees.

This wedge is sometimes referred to as a Gap wedge (loft), as it fits between the Pitching wedge and Sand wedge in terms of the loft.

Different Types of Golf Wedges

Let’s look at the different types of golf wedges to understand their unique features and benefits.

1) Pitching Wedges

The pitching wedge is the wedge with the lowest loft in the iron set, typically between 44 and 48 degrees.

This wedge is used for approach shots to the green from a distance of around 100 yards. It is also helpful for chipping around the green and making short pitch shots.

2) Gap Wedges

The Gap wedge, also referred to as the Approach wedge, has a golf loft of around 50-54 degrees.

This wedge is used for shots that require more distance than a Pitching wedge but less than a Sand wedge.

The Gap wedge is an excellent club for chipping and pitching around the green.

3) Sand Wedges

The Sand wedge is the classic sand trap wedge in golf, and it has between 54 and 58 degrees of loft.

This wedge is designed to help you get out of the bunker or any other sand trap on the golf course. It has a wide sole that allows the club to glide through the sand and prevent it from digging into the sand.

The Sand wedge can also be used for short approach shots or chipping around the green.

4) Lob Wedges

The Lob wedge, with a loft of between 58 and 62 degrees, is the wedge that has the highest loft of all the golf wedges.

This wedge is designed to produce a high-arcing shot that lands softly on the green. It is the go-to club for golfers who must hit a high, soft shot over a hazard or when dealing with deep rough.

5) The Versatile A Wedge

The A wedge is one of the most versatile clubs in the golf bag.

It has a loft between the Pitching wedge (loft) and Sand wedge, making it ideal for approach shots from a distance of 80 to 100 yards.

It is also an excellent golf club for chipping around the green and making pitch shots.

With a narrower sole width and high bounce angle, it can help golfers get more control and accuracy around the green.

How to Choose the Right Wedge Loft

When choosing the right wedge loft, there are several factors to consider, such as the degree wedge that matches the gaps between the other clubs in your iron set.

Typically, golfers carry at least two wedges, one being the Pitching wedge and the other being either a Sand wedge or a Gap wedge.

Choosing wedges with lofts that fit the distance gap between your clubs and that work well for the golf course you are playing on is essential.

Traditional Wedge Shaping vs. More Traditional Wedge Shaping 

Wedges come in many shapes and sizes, and traditional wedge shaping has evolved over the years.

The more traditional wedge shaping is where the club has a straighter leading edge and sharper grooves, making cutting through the grass more accessible and getting more spin on the golf ball.

The more traditional shaping is where the club has a rounded leading edge and wider sole, which can help golfers get more control and accuracy around the green.

Improving your Golf Game with the A Wedge

Now that we have covered the different types of golf wedges and their unique features let’s discuss the benefits of the A wedge and how it can improve your golf game.

a) Better Accuracy and Distance Control

Firstly, an A wedge can help you achieve better accuracy and distance control on approach shots to the green from around 80 to 100 yards.

As this wedge has a loft between the Pitching wedge and the Sand wedge, it can fill the gap between the two clubs and provide more options for selecting the right club for a particular shot.

b) Chipping and Pitching

Secondly, the A wedge can be a game-changer when chipping and pitching around the green.

Its narrower sole and high bounce angle can help you get more control and accuracy, allowing you to get the golf ball closer to the hole and, ultimately, lowering your score.

c) Best Golf shots

Lastly, choosing the right wedge loft and selecting the right shape for your wedge can also significantly improve your golf game.

By choosing the wedge that best matches the gaps between the other golf clubs in your iron set, you can ensure that you have the right club for every shot.

Additionally, choosing the right shape for your wedge can also provide you with the control and accuracy you need to make those difficult shots around the green.

What Is the Difference Between AW/Gap Wedge and Pitching Wedge?

The loft angle is the main difference between an AW/gap wedge and a pitching wedge.

A typical pitching wedge has a loft angle of between 44 and 48 degrees, while an AW/gap wedge has a loft angle of between 48 and 52 degrees.

This means that the AW/gap wedge will hit the ball higher and shorter than a pitching wedge, making it useful for approach shots from distances of 100 yards or less.

The AW/gap wedge is also useful for chipping around the green, while the pitching wedge is typically used for full shots from longer distances.

Additionally, the AW/gap wedge can fill the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge, providing golfers more options and versatility in their short game.

Final Thoughts

Golf wedges are some of the most versatile clubs in your golf bag, and mastering their use can help lower your score.

The A wedge, in particular, is an excellent club that can help you achieve better accuracy, distance control, and control around the green.

By choosing the right wedge loft and shape for your game, you can take your golf game to the next level and enjoy playing this beautiful game even more.