What is an AW Golf Club ?
An AW golf club is an Approach Wedge that is specifically designed for shots when a pitching wedge is too much club. They are used by golfers when they need to get closer to the green, but don’t want to use a pitching wedge which might be too much for the distance. The creation of the AW golf club has given golfers an extra option when it comes to their wedge game and has helped them to improve their scoring.
As the number of golfers has increased, so too has the need for more clubs to help with different shots around the green. Wedges are a type of club that have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide golfers with a way to get the ball up and out of difficult situations. There are now four types of wedges in use: the pitching wedge (“PW”), the gap (or approach) wedge (“AW”), the sand wedge (“SW”), and the lob wedge (“LW”). Each type of wedge serves a different purpose, and golfers can choose which one to use based on the situation they are in. The short game in golf is all about finesse and feel, so having multiple wedges gives golfers the best chance to produce great results.
It’s all about the loft
There is a big difference between the four types of wedge, and that’s their loft. The loft angle of a club face in relation to the shaft is what controls ball trajectory and distance. Wedges with a higher loft will send the ball flying higher in the air. The approach wedge usually has a loft of between 50 – 54 degrees, which is why it’s sometimes also called a 9-iron (the next club in a traditional set after the 8-iron).
Loft (degrees) of golf wedges and their distances
| Club | Loft angle (degrees) | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching wedge | 45 – 53 | 80 – 120 yards |
| Approach wedge | 46 – 54 | 70 – 110 yards |
| Sand wedge | 54 – 58 | 60 – 100 yards |
Lob wedge | 58 – 65 | 50 – 90 yards |
The different wedges in a golf set each have a specific purpose, as shown in the table above. The “Distance” column reflects the average distances that each wedge can hit the ball. However, actual distances will depend on other factors, such as swing speed and angle of attack.
The pitching wedge is basically a 10-iron and can be used from the fairway or rough when the golfer is 80 to 120 yards from the hole. The approach wedge is designed for shots that are almost to the hole. The sand wedge is used when the golfer is in a bunker and needs plenty of loft to escape, requiring a distance of between 60 and 100 yards from the hole. The loft wedge is used when the golfer is close to the hole (40-90 yards) and needs a sky-high shot that will drop to a dead stop upon landing.
What is an Approach Wedge?
An approach wedge is a type of golf club that is used to hit the ball high and land it softly on the green. This club can be used to hit the ball over obstructions like bunkers, water hazards, and trees. A well-struck shot with an approach wedge should land the ball near the flag and stop quickly or even spin back. Putting backspin on the ball can be very useful when hitting the ball onto a green where the flag is positioned right behind a bunker.
An approach wedge is so named because it is generally accepted as the transition between your irons and the sand and lob wedge. It fills that gap which is why it often referred to as a gap wedge. Therefore, an approach wedge can be a very useful tool for golfers of all levels.
How far do you hit a pitching wedge?
Pitching wedges can be hit anywhere from 80 to 120 yards, depending on the person’s swing and strength. However, the best pros can hit their pitching wedge 150 yards or more. This leaves most golfers with a comfortable 60-yard shot to the pin. In this case, using an approach wedge with more loft can allow for an aggressive shot to the green. This is a great way to improve your game and increase your chances of success.
A little more bounce
When it comes to bounce and your golf clubs, it’s important to understand what it is and how it can affect your game. Bounce is the angle between the leading edge of a club and the ground. This angle determines how easily the club will penetrate the ground. A low- or zero-bounce club has a streamlined profile and will cut into the ground easily. However, this isn’t always desirable.
Instead, a club with more bounce will cause the sole of the club to impact first, keeping the wedge from digging into the surface. This ‘bouncing’ effect across the surface can be much more helpful for your game. So, when you’re looking at an approach wedge, know that it has a bit more bounce than a pitching wedge. This can be a big advantage on the course.
Use an Approach Wedge for accuracy
When it comes to your wedge game, accuracy is key. Most average golfers can usually get within 100 yards of the hole. Consider how many of your golf shots are played from 100 yards in and you will quickly realize that improving your wedge game and improving your accuracy could be a very important strategy for lowering your score.
There are a number of ways to improve your accuracy with your wedges, but one of the most effective is to use an approach wedge. An approach wedge is a great tool for golfers of all skill levels because it can help you hit the ball closer to the hole and improve your accuracy.
How to use an Approach Wedge correctly
It can be tricky to use an approach wedge correctly, but following these tips will help you nail your shots every time. The main mistakes that people make with this club are:
- Plane angle variability from backswing to impact
- Up and down motion of the body
- Sideways motion below the waist
- Sideways motion above the waist
- Arm swing out of sync with body motion
- By avoiding these common errors, you’ll be able to make much better use of your approach wedge and improve your game overall.
Also read:
Final thoughts
The Approach Wedge is a versatile golf club that can be used to hit the ball over water hazards, bunkers, or trees. It’s typically considered as the transition between your irons and lob wedge because it fills in that gap. This means an approach wedge could be very useful for golfers of all levels who want better accuracy with their wedges.
FAQs
What are the benefits of an approach wedge?
Some of the benefits of using an approach wedge include:
- improved accuracy around the green
- increased distance control
- better ball striking
- improved bunker play
How do you maintain your club’s bounce?
Maintaining your club’s bounce is important in order to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your wedge game. Here are a few tips on how to do so:
- Keep the clubhead clean and free of dirt and grass. This will help the clubhead to glide smoothly through the air and make contact with the ball more consistently.
- Make sure the clubface is square to the target. This will help you to hit the ball straighter and improve your accuracy.
- Be sure to practice with a variety of different shots. This will help you learn how to control the club and make adjustments when necessary.
When should you use a pitching or lob wedge?
When deciding which wedge to use, there are a few factors you should consider:
- The distance to the hole
- The lie of the ball
- The type of shot you need to hit
Is it better to have less or more bounce on my clubs?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to bounce and your golf clubs. It really depends on the type of shot you need to hit and the conditions of the course. However, a club with more bounce can be a big advantage on the green.
