It’s a recurring nightmare as I stand over my approach shot 95-yards out on the 16th at my home club, as the distance is too far for a full sand wedge and too short for a pitching wedge. At the time, I had no idea a 50-degree wedge existed and could solve my dilemma.

In this guide, I explain what a 50-degree wedge is and when to use it. Additionally, I will share a few of my favorite gap wedge constructions to simplify your decision-making.

If you were unaware of the benefits of this golf club, you are about to be amazed at its effectiveness.

Before we continue, I recommend bookmarking our guide that covers the 54-degree wedge design. This will help determine if the strongest lofted sand wedge suits your swing.

What is a 50 Degree Wedge?

A 50-degree wedge is the strongest lofted gap wedge on the market. A gap or approach wedge bridges the hole between your pitching and sand wedge, ensuring all bases of your short game are covered.

Most golfers use a gap wedge to hit full shots from close range and use it for a chip or bump-and-run shot.

How Far Do People Typically Hit This Wedge?

Golf Monthly suggests that the average male hits a gap wedge 100 yards, while females notch up 85-yards. However, those figures do not offer insight into the handicaps of the players or what conditions they refer to.

In my case, the 50-degree wedge average distance is 95-yards on a flat layout during a crystal clear day. I have a medium swing speed because I swing a driver at approximately 87 mph. Average golfers will likely fit into this category or the slower swingers section.

Best Situations to Use a 50-Degree Wedge?

Full Short Shots

As I mentioned, I average 95-yards when swinging 50 degrees of loft, and I suspect many reading this are there and there about. This is where my gap wedge earns its keep because it saves me from hitting a half-pitching wedge or forcing a sand wedge.

I have ruined many beautiful drives because I didn’t have a gap wedge in the bag, and resorted to a half-struck, overpowered pitching wedge.

Instead, you can swing easy, get the ball airborne and let it land softly next to your target.

Long Bunker Shots

A 50-degree gap wedge is ideal for longer bunker shots, where you feel you’ll leave it short with a sand wedge. Not having to force a sand wedge out of the bunker increases your chances of making a good swing and landing it close enough to drain the one putt.

You’ll find that not every greenside bunker is tiny and pin-high, which is why a gap wedge is an excellent option to carry in the bag.

Chip Shots

Although many golfers automatically opt for a sand wedge on chip shots, a gap wedge is also up to the task. I often employ a gap wedge for mid to long chip shots, where the higher loft will give my ball an added element of the roll.

In these circumstances, the weaker degree lofts on a sand or lob wedge can cause my ball to launch higher than intended, eliminating forward momentum.

Pitch Shots

Another advantage of the 50-degree loft is its effectiveness on short to mid-pitch shots. If I have limited green to work with, the higher loft of the pitching wedge may cause my ball to roll excessively past the cup.

The solution is the weaker loft of a gap wedge. You’ll notice that it generates sufficient spin and control to help run the ball up to the cup.

Recovery Shots

We have all been there. You hit your ball into the woods and have no clear path to the pin. You could punch out down the fairway with a long iron or guarantee your golf ball a safe position by chipping out onto the short grass.

The higher loft of the 50-degree wedge reduces the risk of getting excessively under it and knocking it into the timber.

Bump and Run

Like your other wedges, a gap is suitable for short to mid-gap bump and run shots. A 52-degree wedge carries sufficient loft to slow your ball down on approaches but is not weak enough to turn your bump-and-run into a chip shot.

Do You Really Need a 50-Degree Wedge in Your Bag?

Yes, you really need a 50-degree wedge in your bag. Covering all potential distance gaps in your bag enhances your control and the ability to attack the flag from close range.

In my junior years, the lack of a 50-degree wedge led to numerous wasted opportunities due to an overcooked pitching wedge or a duffed, forced sand wedge. Had I carried a gap wedge, I would have left myself far more birdie opportunities and won more silverware.

Instead of beefing up your long game, add more wedges into the fray to ensure every aspect of your short game is covered. This is the best way to lower your handicap.

The Best 50 Degree Wedges Currently on The Market

Callaway Mack Daddy JAWS 5

The Callaway Mack Daddy JAWS 5 is an affordable, high-spinning wedge with a compact player profile to compliment your pitching wedge and short irons. I find it is ideal for mid-handicappers seeking a versatile sole grind, rampant spin rate, and superb feel.

Callaway crafted the JAWS 5 from 8620 mild carbon steel, which emitted a soft touch and crisp audio at impact. You’ll see that this wedge is available in only one sole grind, which may deter some golfers.

However, I noticed that the medium-width S-grind sole provided clean turf interaction, and sufficient heel relief, to help open the clubface at contact. This enables the average golfer to get under the ball and produce a high shot that lands softly near your target. On top of that, it performed optimally on soft, medium, and firm turf.

Finally, I approve of the hard-working JAWS MD 5 Groove Microfeatures, which increased friction between the clubface and ball to produce incredible spin. This enhanced my control on shorter full shots, chips, and bunker shots.

Pros

• It helps the average golfer get under the ball
• Soft feel
• Moderately affordable
• Clean turf interaction
• Exceptional spin

Cons

• I do not care for the four medallions on the back of the club
• The black finish on the clubface may chip away sooner rather than later

Cleveland CBX2

Cleveland are masters of creating affordable, quality wedges for the mid and high handicappers seeking forgiveness and increased spin. You’ll notice that it features a hollow cavity back design, which may put superior golfers off. However, this design is vital to limit spin drop-offs across the clubface.

Besides providing consistent spin, the hollow cavity enabled engineers to position weight around the clubface perimeter for added stability and higher moment of inertia (MOI). As a result, I noticed that the clubface resisted twisting during my swing to remain square to the target at impact.

Cleveland’s Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology further boosts forgiveness by shifting weight to the toe of the gap wedge. This creates a slight draw bias to combat, right misses for right-handers, and left for lefties.

Furthermore, the CBX2 impressed by eradicating vibrations on off-center shots to maintain a delicate, satisfying feel. In addition, Cleveland constructed this wedge with a V-shaped sole for a higher bounce on full shots, a characteristic ideal for steep attack angles.

Lastly, I felt that the 4th Generation Rotex Face Tech delivered ample spin for a game-improvement wedge. The sharp, tour zip grooves bit into my ball at contact to generate superb drop and stop spin.

Pros

• Forgiving
• Combats right misses for right-handers
• Affordable
• Eliminates vibrations on off-center hits.
• Generates ample spin

Cons

• Oversize profile
• Restricts workability

Titleist Vokey SM9 Tour

The final 50-degree wedge suits superior golfers who demand playability, aggressive spin, and controlled flight. The master, Bob Vokey, treats us to a work of art with the SM9 Tour that looks incredible and performs the way a gap wedge should.

Starting with the trajectory, Vokey and his team shifted the CG marginally forward to control your launch, trajectory, and spin. In addition, I found that this design promoted cleaner contact with the golf ball and workable flight for elevated short-game control.

You’ll find that the Vokey SM9 Tour provides tough grooves which were heat treated to last longer. This longevity and heat treatment helps the gap wedge produce superior friction for increased revolutions per minute.

Finally, Titleist offers the SM9 Tour gap wedge in an F-grind design which delivers mid to low bounce to excel on tight lies and firmer turf conditions. In addition, Vokey suggests that the F-grind suits players with a shallow angle of attack seeking a lower bounce off the turf.

Pros

• Super feel
• Durable grooves
• Exceptional spin
• Controlled ball flight
• Promotes workability

Cons

• Expensive
• Only one sole grind option for the 50-degree wedge

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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While most weekend warrior golfers only carry two wedges in their bags (pitching wedge and sand wedge), the majority of PGA Tour golfers carry four different wedges.
Have you ever wondered what a 56-degree wedge is?

Even if you know what a 56-degree wedge is, do you know the proper times to use it on the golf course?

If you answered no to either of these questions, this article will help you give you a clearer picture of the 56-degree wedge.

A lot of golfers don’t fully understand what a 56-degree wedge is and what it’s used for.

Find out what a 56-degree wedge is and what brands are the best. Our goal is to help you decide which brand of 56-degree wedge is right for you and your game.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:

What is a 56 Degree Wedge?

A 56-degree wedge is often referred to by most golfers as the sand wedge. It provides a high amount of bounce and allows golfers to get out of many sticky situations on the golf course. Every golfer should have a sand wedge in their golf bag for this very purpose.

The sand wedge was invented in the 1930s by a legendary golfer named Gene Sarazen, who won seven major championships. Sarazen is one of five golfers in the game’s history to win the “Grand Slam” (winning each of the four major tournaments).

The sand wedge is usually the heaviest club in the golfer’s arsenal, as it typically weighs around two and a half pounds. The extra weight helps prevent the clubhead from digging into the sand. This leads to fewer of those painful chunk shots out of the bunker.

How Far Do People Typically Hit This Wedge?

As with any other golf club, the yardage distance it will travel depends on a variety of factors like a golfer’s size, skill level, and clubhead speed. Keep in mind that these distances are based on taking full golf swings and not bunker shots.

Beginner-level golfers hit their 56-degree sand wedge around 60 yards. This is because newer golfers usually have slower swing speeds and often don’t hit the ball flush.

Most experienced amateur golfers hit their sand wedge about 80-90 yards. Finally, pro golfers on the PGA Tour typically hit their sand wedges anywhere from 110-115 yards.

Best Situations to Use a 56 Degree Wedge

Out of the Sand

As its name suggests, the 56-degree sand wedge is primarily used for getting out of bunkers and sand traps. The 56-degree wedge has plenty of loft and this allows golfers to dig the golf ball out of those dreaded sandy lies. The club is uniquely designed to cut right through the sand and lift the golf ball out.

The 56-degree wedge can help you still save par even after an unintentional trip to the beach. You no longer have to worry about the sand ruining your great round.

When Chipping Out of Thick Rough

You know that annoyingly thick rough that sits near some greens? The 56-degree sand wedge is the perfect golf club to use when chipping out of that tall stuff.

The high bounce angle will allow you to cut through the thick grass and still get the ball high enough in the air for a soft landing on the green. This means you don’t have to panic when you see a difficult lie in the rough.

Out of the Fairway

This may sound a bit confusing, but the sand wedge can be a great club to hit full shots out of the fairway with. Many folks wrongly assume that you can only hit the 56-degree wedge out of the sand. This could not be further from the truth.

The 56-degree wedge is perfect for those full shots that are in between a pitching wedge and a lob wedge. This makes it a valuable club during those in-between types of distances. Remember that the key to hitting good wedge shots is to never overswing, so keep it smooth and easy!

When Trying to Get Over a Tree

There are several other instances where a 56 wedge can be used on the golf course. Let’s say you’re in the fairway or light rough but are having to hit a high shot over a tree that is in your way. You need a club that can provide the maximum level of trajectory.

This is a great time to hit a 56-degree wedge so that you can safely hit your golf ball over that tree. Most golfers know that sometimes even a pitching wedge doesn’t have enough loft to get over some of the tallest trees on the course.

On the Fringe

This is another perfect time to chip with your 56-degree sand wedge. When your ball is on the fringe on the green, the 56-degree wedge will allow you to pop the ball high enough in the air.

This should allow you to land the golf ball close to the pin with not a lot of rollout. Now, knock in that close par putt!

So… Do You Really Need a 56 Degree Wedge in Your Bag?

Absolutely, every golfer should have a 56-degree sand wedge in their golf bag. Though you can, in theory, chip out of bunkers with a pitching wedge, it is much more difficult because of the lesser amount of loft and bounce. This is especially true in those pesky deep sand traps with a huge lip.

The sand wedge is quite possibly the second most important club for your short game, outside of the putter. A golfer simply will not shoot their best score without a sand wedge in their bag. The 56-degree wedge is the perfect club of choice when a golfer is stuck in one of those elongated greenside bunkers.

Another big reason that golfers must have a 56-degree wedge is the high level of versatility that it brings. Golfers can hit full shots, chip shots, pitch shots, or those low, bump and run shots with the 56-degree wedge.

Just like any other golf club, though, you have to put in enough practice time to feel comfortable hitting the 56-degree wedge. Once you put in the necessary work, you’ll be able to fully utilize this club. Once that happens, you’ll be well on your way to shooting lower scores.

The Biggest Keys to Hitting The 56 Degree Wedge

1. Never Overswing

Any time you are about to hit a wedge shot, remind yourself that you are aiming for precision and not distance. Remember what the great Nick Faldo said about hitting the perfect iron shot. “Never swing with more than 80% effort.” You can apply Faldo’s wisdom to wedge shots as well.

2. Play the Ball Closer to Your Back Foot

Since the 56-degree wedge is a shorter club, you need to make sure to play the golf ball closer to your back foot. This allows for the ideal attack angle on wedge shots. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the buttons of your shirt are in front of the golf ball on all wedge shots.

3. Put a Little More Weight on Your Front Foot

When hitting a 56-degree wedge, you want a short, compact swing. Remember, you are hitting a wedge, not a driver or fairway wood. Aim to keep about 60-70% of your weight on your front foot. This will keep you from having a swing that is too long for wedge shots.

4. Stay Smooth and Controlled After Contact

After making contact with the golf ball with your 56-degree wedge, work on achieving a smooth follow-through. This will keep you from putting too much spin on the ball and losing control.

Best 56 Degree Wedges Currently on The Market

When it comes time for you to buy a 56-degree wedge, there are plenty of trustworthy brands on the market. Here is a shortlist of 56-degree sand wedges that we highly recommend. We hope this list helps aid you in your decision.

1. Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge

Cleveland Golf has been making phenomenal wedges since the late 1970s. Here are the reasons this golf club has a 4.8 rating on Amazon with almost 1,000 reviewers.

• Tour satin color makes this club really stand out
• Highly durable because of the alloy steel material
• Provides plenty of forgiveness thanks to the hollow cavity blade design
• High level of versatility: three different sole grinds allow you to more easily hit full shots, chips, or pitches
• Perfect Feel at Impact- no more uncomfortable vibration
• Maximum spin and control thanks to the Tour zip grooves

2. Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge

Callaway also offers an excellent option for a 56-degree sand wedge. Though Callaway is a bit pricier than other brands, you get to choose whether you want your wedge made out of graphite or alloy steel. Here are a few reasons to consider buying the Callaway Mack Daddy 56 degree wedge.

• Groove in Groove Technology leads to plenty of spin around the greens
• Highly versatile thanks to the four different sole grinds
• Available in a wide variety of bounce combinations
• Crisp turf interaction makes for a great feel
• Large face means a higher level of forgiveness

3. TaylorMade Golf MG2 Wedge

TaylorMade has a stellar reputation amongst golfers of all skill levels. Golfers rave about the nice feel of this 56-degree wedge and how it helps them easily get out of trouble on the course. Here are the best features of the MG2 sand wedge.

• Increased feel and pinpoint precision because of Raw Face Technology
• Maximum spin around the greens thanks to ZTP Raw Groove Design
• Consistent performance regardless of the type of shot or weather conditions
• TPU Insert in the back cavity leads to no vibration and a solid feel at impact
• Weighted perfectly due to the Thick Thin Head Design

4. Wilson Staff Model Men’s Golf Wedge

The Wilson brand has been one of the best in golf for more than 100 years! Wilson Staff irons are responsible for 62 major titles over the last 107 years. It’s hard to argue with that high-level performance and winning tradition. Here are a few reasons to look into buying the Wilson 56 degree sand wedge.

• Soft touch and amazing feel
• High level of control around the greens
• High-density Pattern leads to more consistent contact
• High toe design is perfect for when you want to hit shots with an open face
• Wilson’s PGA Tour players helped with the design
• Available in 3 different styles: Standard, Hi-Toe, or Tour Grind

5. Mizuno T20 Golf Wedge

Though they’re well known in the baseball world, Mizuno has been an underrated golf club manufacturer since 1933. These folks know how to make quality wedges. Here are the top features of the Mizuno T20 56 degree sand wedge.

• Performs well even in wet conditions due to the hydro flow micro-grooves which help keep water off the face of the club
• Great spin and stability because of the tapered blade design
• Forged perfectly to increase softness and consistency
• Made with some of the best CNC milling machines in the world
• Comes in a satin chrome or blue ion finish
• Available in 10 degrees or 14 degrees of bounce

6. Titleist Vokey SM6 Jet Black Wedge

The Titleist Vokey is an excellent choice if you need a new 56-degree sand wedge. Here are a few reasons why you can’t go wrong with this club.

• Jet black color has a sleek look to it
• Generate More Spin than ever thanks to the parallel face texture and consistent groove edge
• High level of Versatility for any skill level or weather condition
• Specifically engineered for a consistent feel
• More custom options than any other brand of wedges
• Easy to control your distance and trajectory because of its precise Center of Gravity

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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If you are new to the game of golf, you may be wondering what a 58 degree wedge is and whether or not you should have one in your golf bag. There are lots of wedge options out there, so learning about each one can be overwhelming.

The 58 degree wedge is one of the most versatile clubs in golf. This article provides information on what the wedge is, when to use it, and the best wedge brands.

What is a 58 Degree Wedge?

Most golfers refer to a 58 degree wedge as a sand wedge (SW). As its name implies, the sand wedge is incredibly helpful when you need to hit a shot out of a sand bunker.

Most sand wedges have between 54 and 58 degrees of loft, which is only slightly less than a lob wedge. The extra loft of the 58 degree wedge is what makes it an ideal choice for hitting out of extra deep sand bunkers.

This club can be used for full shots, chip shots, or bunker shots. Most golfers find that the 58 degree wedge’s versatility is its greatest asset.

How Far People Typically Hit This Wedge

Most golfers on the PGA Tour can hit a sand wedge between 115 and 120 yards. This is because pro golfers can generate lots of swing speed.

The average male golfer can hit a 58 degree wedge between 60 and 80 yards. The average female golfer can hit a 58 degree wedge between 30 and 45 yards.

Best Situations to Use a 58 Degree Wedge

1. When You End Up in the Bunker

Do you ever find yourself in the bunker on the golf course? This is the most common situation to use your sand wedge. The bounce angle of this club will allow you to get the ball up in the air and out of the bunker quickly.

During bunker play, most golfers like to open up the clubface of their 58 degree wedge. This helps them cut through the sand and make better overall contact with the golf ball. The hopeful result will be more opportunities to save par.

2. Chip Shots Near the Green

If your golf ball ends up near the green on the fringe, it could be a great time to bust out your 58 degree wedge. This is especially true if you are needing to hit a high chip shot from a dreadful tight lie. 

Your sand wedge will help you hit a high shot that lands softly near the pin. If you make solid contact with the ball, there shouldn’t be too much rollout on your shot.

3. 80 Yard or Less Approach Shots From the Fairway

Contrary to what a lot of folks believe, the 58 degree wedge can be used for more than just chips and pitches. If you are in the fairway about 60 to 80 yards from the pin, take a full swing with your sand wedge. 

If you strike the ball correctly with a sand wedge from this distance, the result should be a high shot that lands safely on the green with some nice backspin. Learning how to hit approach shots from shorter distances will give you more opportunities to make birdies.

4. When You End Up in the Thick Rough

Some golf courses have roughs that are incredibly thick and hard to get out of. When you wind up in one of those tough situations, think about using your 58-degree wedge instead of your pitching wedge or gap wedge.

The added loft from the 58-degree wedge will help you get up underneath the tall grass and hopefully make solid contact with the golf ball.

Do You Really Need a 58 Degree Wedge in Your Bag?

Yes, you need a 58 degree wedge in your golf bag! While most golfers can survive without a 60 degree lob wedge, every golfer needs a 58 degree sand wedge.

Have you ever tried to hit a golf ball out of a deep bunker with any club other than a sand wedge? It can be done but it’s incredibly difficult. 

Don’t make the game harder than it has to be. Make sure you have a solid 58 degree wedge in your bag!

Best 58 Degree Wedges Currently on The Market

1. Wilson Staff Model Men’s Golf Wedge

Did you know that Wilson has been making high-end golf equipment for well over 100 years? Wilson Staff currently sponsors 37 PGA Tour golfers, so you can rest assured that these folks know how to make high-quality sand wedges.

The engineers at Wilson get constant feedback from the pro players that they sponsor. This type of on-course partnership is one reason why Wilson’s 58 degree wedge is a good choice for golfers of all skill levels.

This Tour Grind wedge is perfect for golfers who prefer to hit their bunker shots with an open clubface. Most golfers who use this sand wedge rave about how much greenside spin they can generate with it. This is remarkably helpful in the short game.

Price: $139.99

Link to Buy on Amazon

2. TaylorMade Golf MG2 Wedge

Need a 58-degree wedge that continues to get great ratings year after year? Check out the TaylorMade MG2 sand wedge, which is offered in a high bounce or low bounce option. The high bounce club is 11 degrees while the low bounce wedge is 8 degrees.

This club features a TPU insert that helps reduce vibration. This is especially helpful to golfers on those cold days on the course. No more wringing your hands in pain after a tough chip shot!

TaylorMade uses their special Raw Face Technology to create deeper grooves on all of their wedges. This allows golfers to get more spin on all their shots. More spin usually results in more precise shots and more chances at making birdie.

Price: $169.95

Link to Buy on Amazon

3. Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 5 JAWS Wedge

You may recognize this brand of golf clubs from our previous article on the best 60-degree wedges. Callaway has been a major player in the golf equipment industry since 1982. After just a few shots with the MD5 58-degree wedge, you’ll figure out why this company is so successful.

When choosing a sand wedge, golfers must look for a golf club that holds up well. This is because the clubface of a sand wedge takes a beating in lots of hard bunkers.

The Callaway MD5 is made out of 8620 carbon steel, which is highly durable. The platinum chrome finish of this club gives it a classy look and helps prevent rusting.

Callaway offers this 58-degree wedge in four different styles: S-Grind, W-Grind, C-Grind, or X-Grind. If you prefer a low bounce wedge, go with either the W-Grind or C-Grind, as both have only 8 degrees of bounce.

If you like a wedge with a high bounce, consider buying the X-Grind, which has 12 degrees of bounce. If you’re looking for something right in the middle, the S-Grind is probably your best bet, since it has 10 degrees of bounce.

Callaway is all about giving its customers plenty of options. With any of Callaway’s wedges, golfers can opt for either a steel shaft or a graphite shaft. 

Price: $159.99

Link to Buy on Amazon

4. 2020 Cobra Golf King Mim Black Wedge

Cobra has been in the golf industry since 1973 and they make fantastic wedges. This 58 degree wedge will help you get out of even the deepest of bunkers. You’ll also like the unique black finish!

Most golfers rave about this club’s fantastic feel and the high spin rate they’re able to generate with it. The clubface and grooves have been precisely cut with a state-of-the-art CNC milling machine.

Rickie Fowler has consistently been one of the best short game players on the PGA Tour and he trusts Cobra to provide him with high-quality wedges. 

Price: $148.95

Link to Buy on Amazon

5. Titleist Vokey SM7 Lob Wedge 58 12 (Tour Chrome, D Grind)

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the Titleist Vokey 58 degree wedge. Titleist considers this golf club a lob wedge, but it can also be used as a sand wedge.

Golfers all over the world trust Titleist for their amazing golf balls. However, this company makes high-quality golf clubs as well. Your confidence will soar while using the Vokey 58 degree wedge because of its iconic consistency.

Titleist spent a lot of time and resources in perfecting the center of gravity location of their wedges. The TX4 grooves will help you take the perfect divot on all of your shots. You’ll also love the low amount of vibration that the Vokey 58 degree wedge gives off.

Price: $199.99

Link to Buy New at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Note: Amazon shows this golf club on their website here, but the only option currently available is used.

 

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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