top of page

Golf Wedge Distance Chart: How Far Should Each Wedge Go?

Your wedges are scoring clubs. If you want to hit it closer, save strokes, and lower your handicap, you need to know exactly how far each wedge travels. That’s where a golf wedge distance chart comes in.


This guide breaks down average wedge distances by skill level, explains how to find your personal numbers, and shows how to set up your wedge gapping for maximum consistency.


Average Golf Wedge Distance Chart

Below is a chart showing typical carry distances for pitching, gap, sand, and lob wedges across beginner, intermediate, and advanced golfers.

Wedge

Beginner (yards)

Intermediate (yards)

Advanced (yards)

Pitching Wedge

85–100

100–120

120–135

Gap Wedge (50–52°)

75–90

90–110

110–125

Sand Wedge (54–56°)

60–80

80–100

100–115

Lob Wedge (58–60°)

50–70

70–90

90–105

💡 Note: These are averages. Your distances will vary depending on swing speed, loft, strike quality, and ball choice.


Why Knowing Wedge Distances Matters

  • Consistency: Avoids guessing on 50–120 yard shots.

  • Gapping: Prevents big yardage holes in your set.

  • Confidence: Standing over a wedge shot knowing you’ll cover the distance.

  • Scoring: Wedges are used for birdie chances and saving par—precision matters.


How to Find Your Wedge Distances

  1. Use a Launch Monitor

    • A personal launch monitor like PRGR or Garmin R10 gives exact carry distances.

  2. Track On-Course Shots

    • Use a GPS app (like Arccos or 18Birdies) to log real-world yardages.

  3. Build a Personal Chart

    • Hit 10 shots per wedge, remove mishits, and average the rest.

    • Write down the yardages on a card for your bag.


Wedge Gapping Strategy

A smart wedge setup ensures consistent 10–15 yard gaps between clubs.

Common Wedge Setups:

  • 3 Wedges: PW (46°), SW (56°), LW (60°) – simple but may leave gaps.

  • 4 Wedges: PW (46°), GW (50°), SW (54°), LW (58°) – tighter spacing, more versatility.


🎯 Pro Tip: If you struggle inside 100 yards, carrying an extra wedge (4-wedge setup) will help you dial in more precise distances.


Factors That Influence Wedge Distances

  • Loft: Higher loft = shorter carry.

  • Swing Speed: Faster swings = longer distances.

  • Shaft Type: Heavier wedge shafts promote more control, slightly less distance.

  • Ball Type: Tour balls spin more, sometimes carrying shorter than distance balls.

  • Turf/Sand Conditions: Wet turf and fluffy lies reduce carry.


Practice Drills for Wedge Distance Control

1. 3-Swing System

  • Take 3 different backswing lengths (half, ¾, full).

  • Learn carry yardages for each wedge and log them.

  • This gives you 3 reliable distances per wedge.


2. Ladder Drill

  • Pick a target at 50 yards, then 60, 70, 80.

  • Try to land balls progressively at each target.

  • Builds feel and touch.


3. Random Target Drill

  • Use a rangefinder to call out random wedge yardages.

  • Practice hitting to exact numbers, not just full swings.


Final Thoughts

If you want to lower your scores fast, stop guessing with your wedges. Build your own golf wedge distance chart, practice with purpose, and set up your bag with proper wedge gapping.


👉 The result? More greens hit, shorter putts, and fewer wasted shots inside 100 yards.

Golf Wedge Distance Chart

bottom of page