For many players, the pitching wedge is a tried and true club, and one of their favorites to reach for. The pitching wedge is likely one of the most important golf clubs in the set, because it can be used on approach shots, short greenside chips, and more.
If you want to learn more about when to use your pitching wedge and why it’s such a valuable club for beginners to get comfortable with, you are in the right spot!
What is a Pitching Wedge?
A pitching wedge is a golf wedge that typically has between 44 and 48 degrees of loft. The pitching fits between the nine iron and the gap or sand wedge in the set. It has a higher loft to help golfers hit more precise approach shots to a hole on the green.
When is the Pitching Wedge Used?
A pitching wedge is used for approach shots (typically from 120 yards and less), hitting chip shots onto greens, getting the ball out of the rough, and hitting pitch shots from less than 100 yards. It is a very versatile wedge, and one that all golfers will want to use at some point.
Full-swing approach shots
The pitching wedge is a common club for full-swing approach shots from any lie. Most golfers can hit their pitching wedge anywhere from 90 to 130 yards. For best results, play the pitching wedge in the middle of the stance and stay more centered with your head over the golf ball as you swing.
This chart will give you a better understanding of the average pitching wedge distance based on golfer skill level, then you’ll know where you stand and how you can improve.
| Golfer Skill Level | Average Pitching Wedge Distance (yards) |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 90 |
| Intermediate | 110 |
| Advanced | 120 |
| Tour Player | 135 |
Escaping from the rough
With the loft the pitching wedge has, it’s easier to get the ball out of a very difficult lie. Using a pitching wedge instead of a long iron or mid iron can produce better results. If you are playing a golf course with thick rough, use the pitching wedge to escape from the rough by taking a ¾ swing and focusing on making clean contact.
Longer pitch shots inside 100 yards
For shorter pitch shots onto the green, a higher lofted club like a sand wedge or lob wedge is a smart play. However, when you have longer pitch shots to hit in that 40 to 80-yard range, a simple pitching wedge shot can be just as effective.
Use a half swing with a slightly narrow stance, and practice using your shoulders and core instead of your hands and wrists to hit this shot.
| Shot Type | Description | Adjustments for Distance | Average Distance (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Swing | A full, normal swing with the pitching wedge. | No adjustments needed. | 90-135 yards (depending on skill level) |
| 3/4 Swing | A shorter, more controlled swing. | Focus on a controlled tempo and slightly less follow-through. | 75-100 yards |
| 1/2 Swing | A more compact swing is often used for approach shots where accuracy is key. | Use a controlled, smooth tempo with a shortened follow-through. | 50-75 yards |
| Chip Shot | A very short swing, usually from around the green. | Focus on a soft touch with minimal wrist action. | 15-30 yards |
Greenside chips
The greenside chip is the perfect place to use the pitching wedge. A greenside chip is a low shot hit close to the green, allowing space for the ball to roll towards the hole. With a greenside chip, you can take a narrow stance, choke down on the club, and take a simple pendulum-type swing with your arms.
The goal is to hit the ball first, then the turf, and get the ball on the green with room for it to roll to the pin. (For more on these chip shots, scroll down to the YouTube video featured below for helpful visuals!)
Have the Right Pitching Wedge in Your Set
Every golfer needs wedges they can trust when hitting shots around the green. Having a great wedge in your bag means you’ll be able to get the ball close on the shots that matter most from a scoring perspective.
If your current golf club set does not have a pitching wedge, a well-rounded alternative could be the ONE Wedge by Performance Golf.
ONE Wedge Pitch Control Technology
The ONE Wedge is the world’s first wedge with Pitch Control Technology, designed to accelerate through proper contact for you. This wedge makes it simple to hit shots out of difficult, rough, tight lies or even perfect spots in the fairways.
Learning to adjust a standard pitching wedge to respond to different lies takes some time and work, but the ONE Wedge does it for you without the time consuming process of trial and error, making the adjustments yourself.
If you struggle with your current wedge, the ONE Wedge is a smart alternative to consider adding to your golf bag.
Techniques for Using the Pitching Wedge
Looking to hit better shots with your pitching wedge? Here are some of the most important tips to improve your technique and get more consistency.
Narrow stance for shorter shots
As you move closer to the hole, take a narrower stance. The narrow stance will help you adjust for shorter distances and control the shot with less chance of hitting the ball thin or fat.
Keep the stroke simple around the greens
With the pitching wedge in your hand, there is no need to take big swings, hinge the wrists or feel a lot of movement. Keep the swing very similar; some professionals say it’s more like a putting stroke and try to focus on making clean, crisp contact with the ball.
Lean a little on the lead side
To hit great pitching wedge shots, you’ll need to hit the ball first and the ground second. To ensure you can do this, be certain you are learning on the lead side (left side for right-handed players). This little extra weight on the lead side helps create a steeper angle of attack and better turf interaction.
It might seem a bit awkward at first, but this movement is essential to making accurate pitches.
Complete Pitching and Chipping Video Series
If you learn better through watching videos, this one from Eric Cogorno and Derek Deminsky can help you get fast results in your short game and hit better chip and pitch shots. Derek mentions the trouble with amateur players using their highest lofted clubs a bit too often; the pitching wedge tends to be a safer and smarter golf club to pull out of the bag.
Make Pitching & Chipping Your Strongest Shot Yet
If you’re a golfer who reaches for the sand wedge and lob wedge without thinking about using the pitching wedge, you might just want to consider adjusting your strategy.
The pitching wedge is the perfect chipping club and allows you to make a simple movement yet see impressive results on the course. If your pitching wedge is not working for your game, consider the ONE Wedge with its Pitch Control Technology.
The key is utilizing the right equipment and techniques to take the guesswork out of your pitching and chipping game.
