Pitching Wedge

• A pitching wedge generally has between 44 and 48 degrees of loft. It is generally regarded as an integral part of an eight-iron set of golf clubs. A pitching wedge can be used for full swings as well as chips and pitches around the green.
  
  

Gap Wedge

• A gap wedge fills in between a pitching wedge and sand wedge. Typically, there is a difference of four degrees between each club. A pitching wedge typically has around 46 to 48 degrees of loft. A sand wedge typically has between 54 to 56 degrees of loft. Therefore, it is possible to have a gap of nearly 10 degrees of loft. This is the difference of two clubs, and could account for a difference of 30 to 40 yards on the golf course. This could be considered a specialty club to carry in the bag. In the past, sets were sold with a 3 iron. However, it is becoming more common for a set not to include a 3 iron and include a gap wedge.
  
  

Sand Wedge

• A sand wedge is typically thought of as a club to hit out of bunkers. However, it can be much more versatile throughout a round of golf. Many golfers use a sand wedge as the most lofted club they carry in their bag. It is typically 54 to 56 degrees. It also features bounce on the sole. The bounce of the club aids in getting out of bunkers but can make it more difficult to hit from a tight lie.
  
  

Lob Wedge

• A lob wedge is the most difficult wedge to hit consistently. It will typically have anywhere from 58 to 64 degrees of loft. This is a specialty club that allows you to hit the ball high and stop quickly on the green. Due to the high loft, it takes practice and a good amount of skill to hit the shot successfully. In fact, Phil Mickelson has been known to carry a 64-degree lob wedge in his bag.
  
  

Characteristics

• The wedges are the shortest irons in a golf bag. In addition, they have the most loft of any iron in the bag. Wedges feature what is called bounce. Bounce will keep the leading edge from digging into the ground. In a bunker, this is very beneficial. Bounce is measured in degrees and is the angle from the leading edge of the sole to the point that rests on the ground at address. If you are playing a ball from a tight lie in a fairway, the bounce will not be beneficial.