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.