“AW” stands for “Approach Wedge.” It is a type of golf club that is designed to help golfers with their approach shots onto the green. AWs typically have a loft angle between 50-54 degrees, which makes them ideal for hitting shots from around 100-125 yards away from the green.
Characteristics of AWs
AWs have several characteristics that make them useful for approach shots. These include:
- Loft angle: As mentioned, AWs typically have a loft angle between 50-54 degrees. This loft angle helps to launch the ball high into the air and land it softly on the green.
- Shorter shaft length: AWs typically have a shorter shaft than other clubs, which makes them easier to control for shorter shots.
- Higher spin rate: AWs have a higher spin rate than other clubs, which helps to stop the ball quickly on the green.
Uses of AWs
AWs are primarily used for approach shots onto the green. They are particularly useful for shots from around 100-125 yards away, although they can also be used for shorter or longer shots depending on the golfer’s preferences and skill level.
AWs are also useful for chip shots around the green. Their loft angle and high spin rate make them ideal for hitting shots that stop quickly and don’t roll too far after they land.
Overall, AWs are an important tool in a golfer’s arsenal, particularly for those who want to improve their accuracy and precision on approach shots.
Differences Between AW and Other Wedges
AWs are just one type of wedge in a golfer’s bag. The other two types are the pitching wedge (PW) and the sand wedge (SW). While AWs, PWs, and SWs all have loft angles that help to get the ball in the air, there are some key differences between them:
- Loft angle: AWs typically have a loft angle between 50-54 degrees, while PWs have a loft angle of around 44-48 degrees and SWs have a loft angle of around 54-58 degrees. This means that AWs are a good choice for shots that require a bit more height and distance than PWs, but not as much as SWs.
- Bounce angle: The bounce angle on a club refers to the angle between the leading edge of the club and the ground. AWs typically have a lower bounce angle than SWs, which makes them better for shots from tighter lies.
- Grind: The grind on a club refers to the shape of the sole of the club. AWs typically have a medium grind, which means that the sole is designed to work well on a variety of turf conditions.
Choosing the Right AW
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an AW, including:
- Loft angle: As mentioned, AWs typically have a loft angle between 50-54 degrees. However, there can be some variation between different brands and models of AWs, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs.
- Shaft length and grip size: The shaft length and grip size on an AW can vary depending on the manufacturer. It’s important to find one that feels comfortable and fits your swing.
- Brand and model: Different AWs can have different characteristics, such as the amount of spin they generate or the shape of the clubhead. It’s worth trying out a few different brands and models to find one that works well for your game.
Popular Brands of Approach Wedges
| Brand | Model | Loft Angle | Shaft Length | Grip Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | Vokey SM8 | 50-54 degrees | 35.5-36.5 inches | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo |
| TaylorMade | Milled Grind 2 | 50-54 degrees | 35.5-36 inches | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo |
| Callaway | Mack Daddy CB | 50-54 degrees | 35.25-35.75 inches | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo |
| Ping | Glide 3.0 | 50-54 degrees | 35.25-36 inches | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo |
| Cleveland | RTX ZipCore | 50-54 degrees | 35.375-35.75 inches | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo |
Loft Angles of Different Wedges
| Wedge Type | Loft Angle Range |
|---|---|
| Pitching Wedge | 44-48 degrees |
| Approach Wedge | 50-54 degrees |
| Sand Wedge | 54-58 degrees |
| Lob Wedge | 58-64 degrees |
| Gap Wedge | 48-52 degrees |
Characteristics of Approach Wedges
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Loft Angle | Typically 50-54 degrees |
| Shaft Length | Shorter than other clubs |
| Bounce Angle | Lower than sand wedges |
| Grind | Medium grind for versatility |
| Spin Rate | Higher than other clubs |
Common Distances for Approach Wedges
| Club | Distance Range |
|---|---|
| Approach Wedge | 100-125 yards |
| Pitching Wedge | 80-110 yards |
| Sand Wedge | 40-80 yards |
| Lob Wedge | 0-40 yards |
| Gap Wedge | 90-100 yards |
Popular Shots for Approach Wedges
| Shot Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Swing | A Full Swing with an approach wedge can cover distances of 100-125 yards |
| Pitch Shot | A short, high shot that lands softly on the green |
| Chip Shot | A low, running shot that lands on the green and rolls toward the hole |
| Flop Shot | A high, soft shot that lands softly on the green and stops quickly |
| Bump and Run | A low, running shot that lands on the fringe or fairway and rolls onto the green |
In conclusion, AWs are an important club in a golfer’s bag, particularly for approach shots onto the green. They have a loft angle between 50-54 degrees, a shorter shaft length, and a higher spin rate than other clubs. When choosing an AW, it’s important to consider factors such as loft angle, shaft length and grip size, and brand and model. With the right AW in your bag, you can improve your accuracy and precision on approach shots and chip shots around the green
