Chipping plays a very big role in the game of golf. Should you miss the green just a little bit, a good chipping can help you get back on track. But if your chipping skill is not that good, you might turn a near miss into a triple bogey. With this in mind, it is important to know which clubs for chipping you should carry in your bag.
The club is the long stick that you use to hit the ball and make the shots. It comes in a wide variety of classes and functionalities. One of the different types of clubs is called a wedge, which has its unique features and uses.
We have made this guide to provide you with information on the best degree wedge for chipping as well as tips to become a better chipper.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is A Wedge?
A wedge is a type of club that has a different function. It is made to help you hit the ball high and also spin it when it lands on the ground. Here are some other details about it so you will have a better idea.
Different Types of Wedges and Their Uses
Below are the four types of wedges and how to use them for chipping and pitching.
Pitching Wedge
The pitching wedge is quite a versatile wedge. You can use it for longer shots where the height and spin of the ball do not matter. This club is also suitable for small bump and low chipping. It has a lower amount of loft compared to other options, which means the ball would fly lower and roll further. The pitching wedge has a loft of between 45 and 49 degrees and is usually included in a standard iron set.
Gap Wedge
Also known as the A wedge, the gap wedge enables you to make a full swing when you are 100 yards away from the hole. It is also great around the green. This club can be used for chipping, and it spins better than the other types. However, you will need to leave room for the gap wedge to roll when it lands. Always make sure to leave room for a bit of roll when you are hitting a shot in the rough.
Sand Wedge
This one is the most useful type of wedge so far. As its name suggests, the sand wedge is used to get you out of the sand, but other than that, it is suitable for a range of more versatile shots. With this club, you can fly the ball fairly close to the pin and expect it to roll only a few feet. The sand wedge is the best for chipping. It has a loft of between 54 and 57 degrees.
Lob Wedge
Last but not least is the lob wedge. It has the highest amount of loft among all other types of wedges that you can find on the market. While this wedge may not be the most used one, it is the wedge you will absolutely need at any time it comes to stand in front of an obstacle. The lob wedge has a loft of between 58 and 64 degrees.
Putter
The putter is not a wedge, yet it is a very useful piece of equipment in the game of golf, particularly when we talk about degrees. While this is not as essential as the two previous wedges we have mentioned in our list; its function depends on the state of affairs that you are facing during your game. If you are in the situation that the ball is just three to five yards off the green and there is not any long grass in between you and the hole, we suggest that you use a putter. The putter is designed to help you play more softly and ensure that the ball goes only inside the hole as much as possible.
How to Become a Better Chipper
Now that we have mentioned the types of wedges for chipping, here are some tips for you to become a more skilled chipper.
Small Stance
Some players will try to chip while standing in the usual address position, but it is not the right thing to do. Standing with your feet closer together as well as making your stance narrower will help you to control your chip shots. This will allow for an easier time to accelerate at impact and hit the shots you plan on.
Planning Shots
It would be great if you already have a plan for every chip you hit. Choose an area of the green where you want your chip to land. Imagine it rolling down all the way. If it seems right, then you should swing the club.
If you are uncertain about how the ball will roll and where you want it to land, then you have a small chance of getting the ball near the hole.
Practice Different
Standing on the green and making chip shot after chip shot will not make a great improvement in your game. You should zero in on different targets and hit various types of shots if you want your drill to shift to the golf course.
One effective practice is to use all four types of wedges and select your target about 15 to 20 yards away. Learn how to hit a sand wedge, gap wedge, lob wedge, and pitching wedge at a distance of 20 yards. When you do this, you will be able to develop a feel, and you will be much more prepared the next time you hit the links.
Tempo
Just like in your full swing, the tempo is also vital to your short game. Consider trying to practice your wedge shots with a metronome. This is going to provide you with a solid beat and enable you to make the shots you are working on perfectly.
Final Thoughts About The Best Degree Wedge For Chipping
Upon analyzing all the information above, we have come to the conclusion that there is no particular degree wherein you can use different wedges. Different wedges come with varying degrees. Not only that, playing golf on a regular basis will help you find the wedge that gives you the confidence you need around the green as well as the degree wedge to use. Once you have found it, then you should keep using the same wedge for your winning shots.
