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Golf Equipment: Choosing the Right Club

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Written by Clinton Maxwell

Friday, 14 March 2008

There are several golf wedges from which golfers can choose. In fact, you will probably find several in your golf bag. Although there is plenty of golf equipment on the market to discuss, this article will be limited to the sand wedge and the pitching wedge, two of the more useful clubs for any golfer out on the course. I find this to be true while golfing the courses in Costa Blanca.

by ClintonMaxwell

Wedges generally have shorter handles than other clubs because the golfer needs to get closer to the ball to attain the elevation needed for that particular shot. Wedges are used for the shorter shots, usually less than one hundred yards, particularly true of the pitching wedge.

The pitching wedge is primarily used to elevate the ball into the air quickly. Elevation is more important than distance initially, but of course the golfer wants the shot to actually reach the green. Because of the angle of the pitching wedge's head, it is used for such short distances. Its purpose is not to get the ball extremely far down the green but rather just get it quickly into the air. Other clubs are intended to move the ball far down the green.

The primary use of the sand wedge is to get the golf ball back onto the course rather than stuck in the sand traps. When faced with a tricky situation, the sand wedge is probably the best club to which you should turn. The angle of its loft allows a golfer to get the ball over trees and back onto the fairway.

However, all hope is lost if the golfer blades the ball which is when the hits the ball toward the middle as opposed to underneath. Yes, the ball may still get into the air, but it will not go very high and certainly go further than was originally intended. The truth is, though, that this applies to all clubs and not just wedges. Blading is simply more noticeable with the wedge since the ball will fly the green and lose the shot for the golfer.

Both the sand wedge and the pitching wedge can be used instead of a chipping wedge, another golf wedge. Chipping is done when the shot is near the green but not quite onto the green itself. Chipping can take place when the ball is as far out as 100 yards, though this is a difficult chip to attempt to the point that the golfer may be best to opt for a different club.

To substitute the pitching wedge with the sand wedge, the ball should be within twenty-five yards of the green because the shot is more for loft than distance. With the angle of the club head on the sand wedge, it is fairly easy to get under the ball too much preventing distance on the shot, if any distance at all.

Using the pitching wedge to chip is much easier since the pitching wedge's club head is less angled. Your stance and foot placement is important when playing golf in general, particularly when using the pitching wedge.

About the Author:

Clinton Maxwell publishes at large for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an internet site with information about denia golf and blanca costa golf in. His comments on golf courses in costa blanca can be found on his website .