Everything You Wanted To Know About The 52-Degree Wedge

A wedge plays a vital role in a golf game and having the right wedge can win you a game by covering an extra 100 yards. Not using the right wedge for your game will lead you to trouble as you can struggle around the greens. One of the first things that a beginner might want to know is the 52-degree wedge distance.

Choosing the right wedge is a bit confusing, especially if you are a beginner. In this article, we’ll explore everything you wanted to know about the 52-degree wedge. We’ll discuss why the use of a 52-degree wedge? Also, how far it goes, when do you need to use it, and the differences between a 52-degree wedge and other wedges.

The Purpose

The 52-degree wedge or the gap wedge is one of the widely used wedges in golf. Many golfers consider the 52-degree wedge as a specialist club as it is usable for close-distance shots as well as a putter to hit long-range shots.

The 52-degree wedge is uniquely positioned between a sand wedge and a pitching wedge. While the sand wedge is for hitting a shot at a lower angle but longer shots, the pitching wedge produces a shot that makes the fly higher and longer.

Golfers wanting to hit a 100 yards shot would normally prefer a wedge of 52-degrees. This wedge is for golfers looking to hit a chip shot on the greens. The 52-degree angle allows players to enhance their short game skills as it provides good precision when compared to the 54 and 56-degree wedges.

What Is It Called?

Wedges that have a loft between 52 and 56 degrees are commonly called sand wedges. Hence, the 52-degree wedge is also classified as a sand wedge.

Wedges having a loft between 42 and 46 degrees are pitching wedges. As the name suggests, gap wedges fall in between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge as it fills the gap between the two wedges. The 52-degree wedge is commonly called a gap wedge too.

How Far Does A 52-Degree Wedge go?

Generally, gap wedges can cover a distance anywhere between 70-110 yards. When it comes to

the 52-degree wedge, you can cover as long as 85-100 yards. While a beginner can easily cover up to 85 yards, a professional can hit a shot up to 100 yards.

Do You Need A 52-Degree Wedge?

If you are a beginner, then you need to carry a sand wedge and a pitching wedge. When it comes to the sand wedge, the 52-degree wedge will be the best option for a beginner-level player. These two wedges are enough for you to learn all kinds of shots in the game.

Often people find it difficult to gauge the distance and fail to choose the right club for the shot. Hence, choosing a gap wedge will be the best option in these circumstances and especially a 52-degree  wedge.

Can You Use It In The Sand?

It is commonly called the sand wedge and as is perfectly suitable for bunker shots. For successful sand bunker shots, it is important to have a good bounce on your shot. A low bounce on shot largely helps in getting the ball out of the bunker with heavy sand, easily. In bunkers with soft sand, there’s the use of heavy bounce.

Can You Use It In The Fairway?

Most people believe that the wedge of 52-degrees is highly preferred only for bunker shots.

Since the 52-degree wedge is also referred to as a sand wedge, it made people believe that the 52-degree wedge is only good for the sand.

But it can prove its worth around the greens as well. Especially, if you need to have the ball top quickly.

When Do You Need A 52-Degree Wedge?

The 52-degree  wedge proves to be helpful in the following situations:

• When you require to hit a longer bunk shot around the green
• In situations where you need to hit a shot right into the wind from around 100-120 yards
• Looking for a chip shot with less loft
• When the shot distance is between a sand wedge and a pitching wedge

How To Hit A 52-Degree Wedge?

Before knowing how to hit a 52-degree wedge, it is important to understand what distance works best for you. While hitting the ball, it is important to make good contact and ensure you manufacture enough backspin from the shot.

In case, if the ground is not too strong, then it is wise to employ the bounce angle technique to get enough purchase from the shot. The recommendation is to narrow your stance a bit so that there is less resistance when hitting the ball.

Should I Get A 52 or 54 Degree Wedge?

When it comes to golf, you should choose golf clubs according to the course requirements. Hence, the 54-degree wedge is generally classified under the sand wedge category and is commonly used for bunker shots.

The 52-degree wedge on the other hand is a gap wedge and usable for longer flights as well as short shots.

If you are looking for some extra yards from your 52-degree  wedge, then you need to fine-tune your technique a little bit as explained below:

• To gain additional power in your shot and distance, you need to just open up your stance a bit in such a way that your bent knees enable you to open the clubface
• For shorter shots, you need to narrow your stance a little and close the clubface while going for the shot
• Every player will have their own set of techniques to achieve longer and short distance shots, but the more you practice and perfect the technique, it will take your game to the next level
• Players also vary the spin required in the ball by opening the blade on the address.

What Is The Difference Between A 52 And 54-Degree Wedge?

When it comes to choosing wedges, players mostly carry golf clubs with a difference of four degrees in between them. Like a 52, 56, and a 60-degree wedge.

Some golfers even go for 50, 54, and a 58-degree wedge pairing. When compared with the 52-degree, the 54 degree provides you greater control around the greens and the ball has a lower rollout on the ground as well.

What Is The Difference Between A 52 And 56-Degree Wedge?

The main difference between the 52 and 56-degree wedge is the 4-degree loft. Both provide a lot of flexibility in short-distance shots along with the approach shots as well.

When compared to the 56-degree wedge, the 52-degrees will be much helpful if you need to lower the loft chip shot. The 56 degree is the best option for higher chip shots where you need to get the ball over the mounds and bunkers. The shots from a 56-degree trip short provide a higher flight than the 52-degree one.

What Is The Difference Between A 52 And 60-Degree Wedge?

When compared to the 52-degree wedge, the 60 degree comes with a higher loft. People looking to clear a tree should choose the 60-degree wedge. But when it comes to short-distance shots, the 52-degree is more useful than the 60.

When you face a situation where you need to work around a lot of green and if the higher lofted wedges don’t help, the 52-degree wedge might come in handy. But if you need a fast green shot, the 60 degree is always the best wedge.

Closing Thoughts

Hope we have discussed every bit of detail about the 52-degree wedge including its uses, its distance, differences, etc. The 52-degree wedge is the best option for people looking to take short-distance shots.

But this wedge is not limited only to short shots as it is equally beneficial in all stages of the game. It is a popular one as it can be good on both the fairway and sand.

The wedge of 52-degrees is also considered to be the best option for beginners as it will be quite comfortable to handle and practice before opting for higher lofted clubs like the 58 and 60-degree wedges.

Please feel free to add your comments and suggestion in the feedback section along with your experience with the gap wedge.