For years I have grappled with this question. There is nothing nicer than a well struck-high floating lob wedge that checks next to the pin. However, more often than not I have been prone to the 200 yard L-Wedge skull over the green, the chunk, etc. For the last six months I have only used a 56 degree sand wedge and just opened the face up for shots that need to go higher/stop quicker. I still am questioning if I am missing out. Should I add another lob wedge or should I add a hybrid or even 3 iron? (I know Tom has talked about the much maligned 3 iron before and I suddenly love my 4-5 irons for the first time ever.) Curious if others have gone through this question as well.
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my philosophy is to keep the ball close to the ground I'm a 16hcp and if I can bump and run with an 8iron i will. put the ball back in the stance and run it up. If there is not enough green or going over an obstacle I'll open up my 54 degree Ping and get it up in the air. If i have to chip over a bunker just remember... "it's a hole, not a wall. Keep the ball as close to the ground as you can". again, that's my general approach. Usually my high lofted clubs end up short.
Years ago I wanted to buy a 60 degree. On a special day I could test the 60 from most manufactures bu I was quite unhappy.
Ping gave me a 64, that I could hit perfectly. I love it for playing from (deep) bunkers or if there is a tree between the ball and the green.
30 yards far but (felt) 100 yards high.
If you think about a 60, try a 64.
I've had a lot more success since switching my 60 out for a 58.
I use a 52, 56 and 60 degree wedge. 52 at 100 to 110 ,expecting it to run. Under 100 I adjust my swing, full or half , depending what I'm looking for. My 60 degree for easy shorter swing, picking a spot on the green. With the 60 I have found that on shorter shots I keep my hands neutral. If I dig into the ground I know my hands were not neutral. Always weight forward. 60 is my sand wedge. It's almost 20 years old, Cleveland.
While I am a high handicap so no expert for sure (19 index) I have used the 60 with a bunch of effectiveness using Tom's approach to pitch and chip. On my 50 to 65 yard shots I am able to "fluff" if up there. My putting has been my nemesis. When I tried using my 56 I tend to try to help it up or over hit the ball. Try that 60. You might like it.
Personal preference, @Matt Kelton, which is oftentimes built upon personal performance and confidence. You can get plenty of versatility out of a 56 with sufficient bounce, but a 60 can also be fun if you know how to wield it.
Anyway, it's a good question, so why not tag some of the "regulars" and elicit their thoughts on the topic?