An AW golf club, or Approach Wedge, is a wedge that fills the distance gap between the pitching wedge (PW) and the sand wedge (SW). Sometimes called a gap wedge, it usually has a loft between 48 and 52 degrees, depending on the club manufacturer.
What is an AW Golf Club For?
The AW is designed for shots that are too short for a pitching wedge but too long for a sand wedge.
With a loft slightly higher than a pitching wedge, it creates a high, controlled shot with moderate spin, making it ideal for approach shots that require precision. It's typically used for distances around 80-110 yards, depending on the golfer's swing speed.
When to Use an AW
- Approach Shots: As the name suggests, the AW is often used for approach shots into the green when the golfer is between the distances of a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
- Full or 3/4 Swings: The AW is excellent for full swings when you need a controlled shot that lands softly on the green. You can also use it for 3/4 swings when adjusting for distance.
- Chipping and Short Bump-and-Runs: The AW can also be used for short chip shots and bump-and-run shots, especially if you want a bit of loft but don’t need as much roll as a pitching wedge would provide.
Why You Might Want an AW
Modern iron sets often include stronger-lofted pitching wedges, creating a gap in distance before the sand wedge. The AW fills this gap, helping golfers achieve more consistent distances and better scoring opportunities from mid-range yardages.
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What's a Wedge in Golf?
In golf, a wedge is a type of club designed for short-range, high-precision shots, typically within about 125 yards of the green.
Wedges have higher lofts than other clubs, which help create a high launch angle, allowing the ball to stop quickly on the green or even backspin.
Types of Wedges
There are four main types of wedges, each with different loft angles and specific uses:
- Pitching Wedge (PW):
- Loft: 44-48 degrees
- Use: Short approach shots, full shots from 100-130 yards, and bump-and-run chips.
- Gap Wedge (GW) / Approach Wedge (AW):
- Loft: 48-52 degrees
- Use: Fills the distance gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge, for controlled approach shots within 90-110 yards.
- Sand Wedge (SW):
- Loft: 54-58 degrees
- Use: Primarily for bunker shots, soft approach shots from sand, rough, or soft lies around the green.
- Lob Wedge (LW):
- Loft: 58-64 degrees
- Use: For high, short shots that need to stop quickly, such as delicate chips, flop shots, or shots over obstacles near the green.
When to Use Wedges
Wedges are used for short approach shots, chips, pitches, bunker escapes, and delicate shots around the green that require high control and precision.
Each wedge's loft and design allow golfers to adjust trajectory and distance based on the shot's requirements, giving them the tools to navigate challenging lies and improve scoring opportunities.
Why Wedges are Important
Since wedges are used primarily near the green, they play a key role in a golfer’s short game, which is crucial for lowering scores. Mastering wedge shots helps with accuracy and control, giving golfers more chances to get close to the hole and save strokes.
Related: Best Golf Clubs for Beginners
