How to Use Lob Wedge

By Jackson Lewis

The lob wedge is used when you need to hit a ball high or have it stop quickly on the green. The normal loft of the club is typically between 58 and 64 degrees. Depending on the amount of bounce that your lob wedge has, it can be used from varying locations on the course. If the club has a high bounce (think the look of your traditional sand wedge) it can be used in the rough or from a bunker. If it has low bounce (think traditional Pitching Wedge) it can be used from the firmer lies of the fairway.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Place the golf ball in the middle of your stance when setting up to hit the ball with your lob wedge. Your weight distribution should be the same on both feet.

Step 2

The amount of distance that you want to hit the ball will determine the amount of backswing to use with your lob wedge. Many instructors will tell you not to go further back than a ¾ swing with your lob wedge for a maximum distance shot. The only way for you to tell the difference in distance in a ¾ versus ¼ swing with your lob wedge is to determine the average length of shot for varying backswing lengths with your club.

Step 3

Swing through the ball, or, as other pros will say, accelerate through impact. When you start "chopping" at the ball, mis-hits will occur.

Step 4

Lead the lob wedge through impact with your hands. This will help you accelerate through the shot and hopefully get off clean impact!

Tips & Warnings

Practice hitting your lob wedge at known distances before playing it on the course the first time. Practice hitting your pitching or gap wedge from the same distances as your lob wedge for windy days on the golf course.

Practice hitting your lob wedge at known distances before playing it on the course the first time.

Practice hitting your pitching or gap wedge from the same distances as your lob wedge for windy days on the golf course.

Resources

About The Author

Based in Memphis, Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008. Lewis holds a Master of Science in computer science from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.