How Far Should You Hit a 60 Degree Wedge?
For people new to golf, just how far you can hit that 60-degree wedge might not be front and center in their minds—but it doesn't take long for that question to appear.
With some pros hitting it over 125 yards, it can be tempting to strain every sinew in your body and thrash the ball as hard as possible, but this isn't necessarily the best option.
Golf is not a game based simply on brute strength and distance. A shorter, more accurate hit is often preferable to throwing all of your might at it, only to watch it sail serenely into the trees miles off the fairway.
So how far should you hit a 60-degree wedge? We offer a deep dive into that pertinent matter here.
What Is a 60-Degree Wedge?
Seasoned pros might carry two or three wedges in their bags, but the 60-degree wedge is without question one of the most popular and versatile.
Wedges are lofted iron clubs typically used within 100 yards of the tee. They come in various styles and degrees in which the club's face slants. The wedge degree will often dictate the exact purpose of the shot.
There are pitching wedges between 47 and 53 degrees, sand wedges between 54 and 58 degrees, gap wedges between 50 and 54 degrees, and lob wedges between 58 and 62 degrees.
A 60-degree wedge is a more advanced club, and most people agree that average golfers can do with a 58-degree wedge. But that's not to say that those extra 2 degrees won't come in handy. A 60-degree wedge is a versatile option for anybody looking to take their game to the next level.
Using a 60-degree wedge properly should mean that you can quickly get your ball high up into the air before coming down softly, with little movement after it hits the ground.
How Far Should a 60 Degree Wedge Go?
It can be tempting to try and heave that shot with the 60-degree wedge as far as possible, but distance won't necessarily guarantee a great shot.
Pros can typically hit a well-placed 60-degree wedge shot between 100 and 125 yards, but that will generally be between 30 and 80 yards for amateurs.
It's important to remember that this isn't a driver, and you shouldn't be looking to use the 60 degrees to gain maximum distance. A 125-yard full swing wedge shot is no good for anybody if you don't have the accuracy at the end to bring it down close to where you need it.
As a general rule of thumb, try and hit a shot with a 60-degree wedge between 60 and 90 yards. This range provides enough distance to be useful while retaining enough creativity and accuracy.
When Should You Use a 60 Degree Wedge?
This club serves particular purposes, usually in and around the greens. While the club might be the same for each of these shots, the exact method of using the 60-degree wedge might well be very different. While many assume the 60-degree to be more of a pro's club, it is a versatile piece of kit that should eventually be part of every golfer's repertoire.
Full Swing
An accurate full swing shot using a 60-degree club is a technique that often takes years to perfect. Like any golf shot when you are using a full swing, the promise of greater distance often comes hand in hand with a more significant margin for error.
In reality, you will rarely need to use a full swing with a 60-degree wedge as the shot comes with a high chance of blading across the green and going much further than initially planned.
Sand
When you find your ball nestled comfortably in the center of a large bunker, many golfers immediately go for the traditional sand wedge between 54 and 58 degrees. Still, those extra 2-6 degrees can make a huge difference.
A sand wedge will almost certainly do the required job most of the time. But if you find yourself facing a high bunker and need plenty of height very quickly, the 60-degree wedge might well be the better option. It should allow you to clear the lip of the bunker and hopefully minimize any movement on the green after the ball lands.
Rough
Finding your ball in the rough and close to the green requires a very specific shot. While some might choose a 9-iron, you risk getting the club tangled in the long grass.
In this situation, your 60-degree wedge could well be your best friend as it will allow you to dig your ball out of the rough and gain plenty of height quickly. The extra weight on the club should allow you to cut through the grass quickly and place a shot back on the fairway or green.
Clearing Obstacles
Sometimes you just find things in your way, and the best way to approach them is to go straight over. A well-hit 60-degree wedge should easily be able to clear a tree or a small hill and is, therefore, the perfect option if you need plenty of height.
Fast Greens
Another significant benefit of using a 60-degree wedge is the speed at which you can make the ball stop once it lands on the green. It is handy for fast greens where balls tend to zip across them before you've even had time to scratch your head and wonder what happened.
By using a wedge that provides plenty of loft, you give yourself the best opportunity for the ball to drop straight down and minimize any movement on the green.
Tips for Using a 60 Degree Wedge
If you're considering using a 60-degree wedge for the first time, it's worth remembering that this is usually considered a more advanced club. That's certainly not to say that amateurs can't make the most of them, but it is a club that requires plenty of practice.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Set-Up & Stance
Hitting a shot with a 60-degree wedge doesn't necessarily use the same method as with other shots. For example, you will most likely use a nice wide stance that allows for greater power and balance when teeing off. With a 60-degree wedge, you don't need the same because you're hitting the ball with significantly less power.
Try narrowing the width of your stance and placing the ball towards the middle back of your position. You'll notice that it's much harder to hit the ball at full strength in this position, but it dramatically improves accuracy.
Force Isn't Everything
One of the biggest mistakes made by those new to using a 60-degree wedge is hitting it as hard as possible. While there are instances where you might use a full swing, this wedge is generally considered a mid-length club. You should only need to be at around 50% to get what you need out of the shot.
Hitting a shot too hard might lead you to top or thin the ball because there isn’t enough time for proper weight transfer during the downswing. On the other hand, a shot that isn't hard enough might lead to a fat shot which will likely not get the required height needed.
Try to limit your swing to between 50% and 75% and accelerate slightly at the last second. It should reduce your chance of blading the shot.
Hit Down & Through
Once you've got your speed and force sorted, it's time to think about your connection with the ball.
Ideally, you want to square your clubface and hit down on the ball at impact and follow-through. In theory, the ball should pop straight up with plenty of spin, which often looks great when you get it right on the green.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a High Handicapper Use a 60 Degree Wedge?
As mentioned earlier, the 60-degree wedge is often considered more advanced. Most high handicappers might find that using a 58-degree club provides more accuracy and is usually easier to make a decent connection.
But while handicappers might not strictly need the 60-degree wedge, there's absolutely no reason that somebody with a high handicap can't eventually learn to use it with great effect.
Should I Use a 60-Degree Wedge for All My Chipping?
If you are concerned about how many and what clubs to take out onto the golf course, you might be puzzled about all of the wedges available and how varied your selection needs to be.
A 60-degree wedge is incredibly versatile, able to meet almost all your chipping needs. While there might always be other clubs that you could use in particular instances, the benefit of really getting to know a single club certainly pays off.
Using a 60-degree wedge for all your chipping will allow you to develop your game while fine-tuning your technique with a club that can take some practice.
Conclusion
The 60-degree wedge is not a beginner's club, but it is one that even those with a high handicap can eventually master. It is an excellent all-around wedge that you can use whether you need to clear a high obstacle, claw your way out of the rough, hoist yourself clear of a tricky bunker, or simply use it as a versatile club whenever you're near the green.
For all of your golfing needs, be that apparel or golf gear, head over to Stitch Golf. We'll get you prepared for that all-important 60-degree wedge practice in no time.
