Wedge...  IMO, short game is the most important part of your game..    

Hi Joseph, 

The important question to ask when determining if you need another wood or wedge is, where is the gap? I always felt it was important to make sure all gaps were covered in the short game. Golfers can succeed with a gap of 13-18 yards in the woods and hybrids, it is difficult to score with such a gap in the wedges. Also, take note of the typs of courses you play. Some individuals play courses that require a specific shot on multiple occasions and this helps guide their decision. 

Hope this helps. 

Bubba

Sometimes the wood or wedge that you need may vary on the course that you play on. I keep a varity of clubs on hand for that reason. Do what you can afford and pick the club most important to you. A wedge is used alot and may be the club to fill your extra needs.

Joseph,

The answer is it depends.

I was at the same decision you were in High School.  I ended up putting 3 wedges in play.  Looking back, that was the right move for me.

But, the things to really keep in mind and I will give you a little background into my decision.  I was a long hitter even back in the day, so I did not need to add extra long irons or woods to keep up.  And I had a lot more time to practice.

When having 4 wedges in the bag (PW, 52, 56, 60) or (PW, 50, 54, 58), you need to be able to practice and know how to use each one for the shots that you need.  Like me now, I do not have time to practice, so I have only 3 wedges and use the 58 for everything.  That just works the best for my game.

But it really does depend on what you need them for.  It depends on your game and what works best for you.  

Hope that helps.

Joey R.

Wedge - always

another wood may help one or two times a round.  The wedge may be played multiple time in a round.  It offers so many more shot possibilities.

I would suggest making a mental note when you don't have the club you want while on the golf course.  You might find that 6-9 holes could be played better with another (or different) wood.  Or you might find that you need more versatility with your wedges.  For me personally, I'm better at hitting a 3/4 wedge than I am a 3/4 wood.  So I feel I can do more with less when it comes to wedges.  I added a second hybrid and haven't regretted it yet.  But that's just for my game.  Your game (and your iron setup) is most likely different than mine.  So analyze where you think you would get the most use and go for it!

According to DP (Author of Short Game Bible), it's better to have at least 4 wedges (PW, SW, GW, LW).. In some cases, add X-Lob wedge(64 degree) too like a PM. However, SU (Author of "The Art of The Short Game") likes to use 58 degree lob wedge for every shots around green. First of all, you need to find out what type of short game player you are.. If you are a feel player, go for SU way... If you are more mechanic player...go for DP's way.. In my opinion, check your PW's loft (46 or 47 degree)and then find a GW(Gap Wedge 50,52)and SW(Sand Wedge 56,58). That's good wedge sets to start with. Hope this may help your decision making.. Thx, Nathan Kang, PGA

I think that is up to the individual and what they feel comfortable with.  I once saw SS hit shots and this man was the master.  I heard a story about him doing a demonstration with a five iron.  He threw down a few balls.  He hit the five iron 50yds, 75yds, 100yds, 125yds, 150yds and 175yds all on his numbers.  Someone yelled out, "S. how come you did not hit the right club for those distances?"....and his response was "I did"......point is does not matter what you have in your bag if don't know how far you can hit it......now back to your question...I choose to carry a PW (46*), a 50.8*, and a 56.10*, because I have my yardage pretty much dialed in and I work with that....learn to work with your yardage......I had a 60.08* and sold it to a young lad who felt he had to more than I did....I very rarely used it.......PM is a master with the wedges and not many people can do what he does with them, including others on the tour......stick to the basic wedges unless you are prepared to hit about a thousand balls a day with those high lofted wedges to become really proficient.....make sure you have the right clubs to get you in position to use the wedges....cheers and with respect....chuck  :-).