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I had this shot--a standard one from 105 out--at least two times during my last round.

The first time I used a 56 and left it just short.

The second time I used pitching wedge and was long.

It seems I need to "go hard" if I use the 56 or really "back off" with the PW, so I'm just wondering what others think/do...

Maybe there's too much of a gap between my PW and 56?

Mahalo!

Depending on the lie, wind, elevation, and how I'm hitting on any given day, I use a strong 56, a medium PW, or occasionally a soft 9 iron from 105 yards, though I admit that sometimes it comes down to a gut feeling or a confidence thing...

If it was on a links course i would hit a pitch and run with my 6 iron.

Thanks, Guys

I see your point(s). Even the "standard" shot can be played many ways.

I guess some other questions would be: Is there a club that fits between the PW (which is 45 degrees, I think) and the 56? Should I be thinking about a 52?

Grip down on the PW and hit the same shot you did before...gripping down to the shaft will take 5 yards off easily. Don't step on the SW because you'll pull the shot every time.

Shade

I agree shaderunner!

I carry a gap wedge so at 105 yds it's a 3/4 Gap Wedge. If I didn't carry the gap wedge I would choose my pitching wedge over my sand wedge for the shot. I would grip down on a PW with a 3/4 backswing.

I find that when it comes to wedge shots I'm more accurate when I overclub, grip down, and 3/4 swing it versus underclubbing and swinging hard at it. The other problem with high lofted wedges is that the harder you swing the higher they fly, which can leave you short of the target.

If I absolutely had to hit the sand wedge, I would play the ball a little back in my stance and make sure my hands lead the clubface at impact. This basically delofts the club helping keep the trajectory down.

Thanks, Shade & BP

BP: What degree is your gap wedge?

There you go...my sentiments exactly!

I have a 51* Mizuno wedge that is currently in my bag. I'll probably go to a 52* Gap Wedge next time I buy one to better fill in between my PW and SW. Or I guess I could have my current wedge loft bent 1*

At what distance would u use an AW?

I use a full pitching wedge for 105 yards. If there is a strong crosswind, I'll huit a knock down 9 iron.

I would suggest choking way up on the Pitching Wedge and make a full swing.

It is not a good idea to try and hit the 56 harder than you are comfortable with.

I have to agree with most of these guys. grip down on the pw take an easy 3/4 shot. I always get better results when i take a little off my gap wedge than when i try and muscle the sw in there.

Sounds like PW distance to me - though if its into the wind then a half-swing 9 iron with the ball position midway between the heels does the job.

I go with the 9 iron......but I'm still very new at the game. But I've had success with the 9 at that distance.