Benefits of an Approach Wedge
It's common for some players to need a club to fill the gap between their standard pitching wedge and high-lofted wedges (sand wedge and/or lob wedge). A pitching wedge for shots near the green is often too much club, while a sand or lob wedge isn't enough. That is where the approach wedge, or gap wedge, as it is also known, comes in. Simply stated, an approach wedge is one club shorter than a pitching wedge and one longer than a standard sand wedge.
An approach wedge is also used as a chipping club. Its significantly higher loft than a pitching wedge often makes for better feel and control on short shots. Some players find it easier to put spin on the ball with an approach wedge than with a pitching wedge.
Callaway FT Head Specs
The Callway FT 50-degree approach wedge consists of a three-piece head with a stainless steel body, cavity-back insert (thermoplastic urethane) and titanium face. The notch-weighted head connects to its shaft with a modified version of Callaway's signature Bore-Through design, where the end of the shaft is tip-plugged at the bottom of the hosel to reduce vibration. The club features a 65-degree lie and 7-degree bounce angle.
Shaft Options
Shaft options for the Callaway FT approach wedge include the Nippon NS Pro 1100 steel shaft (available in standard flexes), True Temper Dylnalite shaft, Callaway Golf FT Iron Graphite shaft (light, regular, stiff) and the custom CG M75i Tour Graphite shaft (regular,stiff, extra stiff).
Performance
The Callaway FT approach wedge is comfortable at impact and gets the ball up quickly. With 50 degrees of loft, it plays somewhat like a pitching wedge (although shorter) from a set with weaker or standard lofts. It is a nice pitching club from short distances and places nice spin in the ball. As a chipping club, the FT approach releases well with soft feel.
Stronger players looking for maximum feel and control fare better with the Nippon steel shaft, while the graphite shafts are perfect for slower swing speeds, even in the stiffer flexes.
Price
The Callaway FT 50-degree approach wedge is available at most golf retailers. Considered a specialty club when purchased individually, the wedge is usually sold in the $130 to $165 range, depending on the retailer. The FT approach is also available through several used club retailers, such as Callway's pre-owned online outlet.
About The Author
Jim Hagerty is a freelance writer and journalist. In addition to the hundreds of Web-based articles to his credit, he's a staff writer for "The Rock River Times," where he covers arts and entertainment, outdoors and human interest news events. Hagerty holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations and journalism from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
