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PITCH SHOTS
The test: Study participants played 25- to 30-yard pitch shots from the fairway, rough and hardpan. The pitches were hit in random order and only once to simulate real-life playing conditions. In each case, the hole was cut in the center of the green, that is, there was plenty of green available to land the ball.
The results
Testers fared better with the sand wedge from hardpan, but hit the ball much closer to the hole from the rough and a normal fairway lie with the lob wedge.
Why the lob wedge won
Most of the testers felt the lob wedge allowed them to make a fuller swing, instead of an in-between one with the less-lofted sand wedge. Top 100 Teacher Anne Cain says that's a good thing. "Short-game spin and control come from accelerating through impact. Since a lob wedge has more loft and doesn't travel as far, you'll naturally be more aggressive and create the spin needed to land pitch shots close."
On Tour: Ernie Els
"I've been trying to incorporate my sand wedge and my pitching wedge a little more because I have more variety with those clubs. But if I need to stop the ball quickly, I'll always opt for the lobber." — Ernie Els is fifth (66.7%) on Tour getting up-and-down from 20-30 yards
THE TEST
USE YOUR LOB WEDGE TO LAND PITCH SHOTS CLOSER
From the rough and the fairway, pitch shots hit by our testers with a lob wedge stopped an average of 11.5 feet closer to the hole.
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Chip Shots | Bunker Shots
Spot the difference: SW vs. LW
How to pitch with your lob wedge
Why you should try a 64-degree wedge
