Dialing in your wedge distances is one of the most important data points you can collect as a golfer. Our friends at Shot Scope have shared the average carry distance with each wedge based on handicap. Keep in mind that your personal swing speed, strike location (centeredness) and launch conditions will affect these numbers but they’re a great starting point if you are looking to dial in your wedge distances in 2025.
Pitching wedge distance
The average pitching wedge distance for golfers ranges from 90 to 140 yards. One important factor to consider when reviewing these pitching wedge distances is that loft can vary significantly between models.
For example, the pitching wedge in a Titleist 620 CB set has a loft of 47 degrees while the T200 pitching wedge is 43 degrees. As you work through your distances, always consider your specific wedge lofts, especially if you notice larger-than-expected gaps between clubs.
| Handicap | 0 hcp | 5 hcp | 10 hcp | 15 hcp | 20 hcp | 25 hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry (y) | 141 | 126 | 127 | 121 | 108 | 90 |
Gap wedge distance
The gap wedge fills the distance gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. At roughly 50 degrees of loft, the average gap wedge distances are between 79 and 126 yards. You’ll notice that, on average, the distance between the pitching wedge and gap wedge for most players is about 15 yards.
| Handicap | 0 hcp | 5 hcp | 10 hcp | 15 hcp | 20 hcp | 25 hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry (y) | 126 | 109 | 110 | 104 | 94 | 79 |
Sand wedge distance
The sand wedge typically has an average loft of about 54 degrees. It is designed for bunker shots, greenside play and approach shots from roughly 80 to 105 yards. With the sand wedge, the distance gap between lower- and higher-handicap golfers tends to narrow.
At this point in the bag, precision and control become far more important than total distance. It’s also why you will see five-handicap golfers having less yardage than the 10-handicap player who is likely using game-improvement equipment built for greater distance.
| Handicap | 0 hcp | 5 hcp | 10 hcp | 15 hcp | 20 hcp | 25 hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry (y) | 105 | 86 | 98 | 84 | 85 | 80 |
Lob wedge distance
The lob wedge is usually the highest-lofted club in your bag. Some golfers call it the “60-degree wedge.” It’s the go-to for high-spinning, soft-landing shots. The goal with a lob wedge is not to generate maximum distance. You’ll notice the same trend among the five-handicap golfers who use a more performance-based wedge, sacrificing some of the distance that the 10-, 15- and 20-handicap golfers achieve.
While it can help to understand the lob wedge distances, don’t get too hung up on how far you can hit a lob wedge. A full swing lob isn’t the most reliable shot in the bag.
| Handicap | 0 hcp | 5 hcp | 10 hcp | 15 hcp | 20 hcp | 25 hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry (y) | 86 | 71 | 79 | 75 | 78 | 49 |
How to dial in your wedge distances
To get your own wedge distances numbers, use a launch monitor (like at your fitting studio or with a portable unit) to record carry and total distance for each wedge on full, three-quarter and half swings.
Log the data so you know, for example, that your 50-degree gap wedge carries exactly 98 yards on a three-quarter swing. This personalized chart serves as a roadmap for selecting the right club and controlling distance on the course.
Tips for improving wedge distance control
More important than your maximum distance on your wedges is your ability to control the distance of each wedge. Here are some tips for developing better distance control with your wedges.
Ball position and stance width
Center your ball for full-swing wedges. Narrow your stance slightly for shorter swings to cue a half- or three-quarter swing.
Rotate, don’t slide
Feel like you’re turning around a braced front leg. Excessive lateral slide results in either fat or thin shots. Feeling extra weight on the lead side when hitting wedge shots can make you more consistent.
Maintain forward shaft lean
For a full-swing wedge shot, ensure the hands are in line with the golf ball with a slight forward shaft lean. You want to use the loft of the wedge to gain height on your shots but also ensure that you strike the ball with your hands leading.
Clean your grooves and play with a quality ball
Wipe your clubface before each shot. If you’re looking for extra spin, consider using a urethane ball, known for its higher spin rates, to maximize wedge spin.
Final thoughts
Now it’s time to head to the range and start dialing in your personal golf wedge distances. Remember, there is no “normal” in golf! These are averages only and yours will very likely differ. Don’t assume your sand wedge goes 80 yards and your gap wedge 90. The key to having more makeable birdie putts is to dial in your wedge distances.
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