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CHIP SHOTS
The test: Testers played chips of 50 to 84 feet from (1) a clean lie to an easily accessible pin; (2) a clean lie with very little green between the fringe and the flagstick; (3) an uphill lie in the rough; and (4) a downhill lie in the rough over a bunker. Again, each shot was hit only once to simulate the pressure of having to hit a good shot on the first swing.
The results
The sand wedge is the pick for chip shots unless you have to carry a bunker or other obstacle. In that case, the extra loft of the lob wedge makes it easier to clear the danger and stop the ball quickly.
Why the sand wedge won
According to our testers, a sand wedge is easier to control on delicate short shots. "It has to do with the bounce angle," says Top 100 Teacher Jerry Mowlds. "More bounce gives you more room for error in situations beyond sand shots. Opening the face makes your sand wedge play like a lob wedge, but with a touch of extra forgiveness due to the bounce."
On Tour: Aaron Baddeley
"My lob wedge is the most used club in my bag. I hit it from inside of 90 yards, from bunkers, and chipping around the green. David Leadbetter told me from an early age that I should try to get really good with one club, and I have a lot of trust in my LW." — Aaron Baddeley is ranked second (97.6%) on Tour in getting up and down from the fringe
THE TEST
USE YOUR SAND WEDGE TO HIT CHIP SHOTS CLOSER
From the rough, from an upslope and to a tight pin, chip shots hit with a SW by our testers landed an average of 4 feet closer to the hole.
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Pitch Shots | Bunker Shots
Spot the difference: SW vs. LW
How to pitch with your lob wedge
Why you should try a 64-degree wedge
