Do I really need a lob wedge?

[RGDave]

"the basic full shot is where you start from"

Disagree entirely, and certainly from 100yds in. It's as much about feel for the shot.

I agree.

Full shot with lob wedge is only any good when you have exactly the yardage over a bunker or something.

f.w.i.w. I recommend learning to hit just 2 shots with each wedge (not including a LW) and see what happens.

With just 2 shots (call them full and half, or full and 3/4 if you prefer) and work out how far each one goes.
For me I can hit 115/100 (PW) 95/80 (GW) and 85/70 (SW).....that's 6 different distances only learning 1 shot, as I can already play the full shot (obviously).

Under 70 yards, I use my imagination depending on the situation. If I did have 60-65 yards, I'd rather take a SW than some sort of 7/8ths lob!!!!

 

[SandyBalls]

I only use my lob wedge - 60 degree from short distances and from sand. I find trying to knock a ball 70 yards with it is very tricky. I would rather take a bit off a sand iron.

 

[pokerjoke]

if you say you never play a lob wedge full shot,ow is it the pros are always trying 2 leave a full shot in watever the club.my 60% lob goes 85yrds full shot if ive got a shot of 85yrds left why would i want 2 take any other club, thats wat yardages are all about.

 

[Macster]

I've rarely got 100yds or less in to a green, so its not a shot I worry about.
If I have, its more likely 40/50yds, which isnt flat out with anything.
ie.
We have some long par 4's, and if I dont hit the green with my 2nd, I'm somewhere close, needing a running chip with an 8iron, or a floaty lob over a bunker.
The only hole I may have 100yds in is our 1 Par 5, and thats rarely a 'flat out' shot.

Pokerjoke: I dont know what you play off, but I think you should maybe work on feel rather than worrying about exact precise yardages so much .
Just a thought.

 

[Screwback]

I never hit my 60* Vokey flat out, its in the bag for those deft little up & downers around the green, and I wouldnt be without it tbh.

This is spot on IMO.

Its only for little shots and never for long shots.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would never consider hitting my LW with a full swing. It isn't designed for that use. I do love mine especially when bunkered and not much green and knowing I can hit a commited shot and it'll pop up spin and stop. I haven't really practiced with it enough this year to do it justice around the greens which is costing me shots and why I've taken it out. Maybe its something to work on this winter

 

[brendy]

Being the shortest iron in the bag, I honestly dont think it is designed for a full shot, ie lob wedge by definition means to toss, since when do you lob things as at full tilt?
Pros usually leave themselves 100 yards etc, not many leave a full 80 yard shot in as the lob wedge is too open and prone to fat/thin shots, especially under pressure.
There are obviously the odd exception to every rule but hitting a good sw, statistically speaking, is going to be more accurate than a full shot higher into the air with more scope for mis-hits and direction.

 

[Region3]

I can't agree with the logic in your definition Brendy.
Do you only use your PW for pitching, or you SW out of sand?

The game is about getting down in as few shots as possible. If player A has 75yds to go what does it matter if his best chance of getting close is hitting a LW with a full swing rather than a 3/4 SW?

It all boils down to what you're comfortable with imo.

 

[RGDave]

The game is about getting down in as few shots as possible. If player A has 75yds to go what does it matter if his best chance of getting close is hitting a LW with a full swing rather than a 3/4 SW?

This is true, but good players (and I don't include myself) all seem to avoid the full LW. One has to ask why?

I have the odd go with mine (full shots) and just find it goes crazy-high and isn't even reliable for distance like a 3/4 SW. One time, it'll go 60 then next 70.....that's more variation than my 8 or 9 iron.

The kids use them and sometimes hit magic shots (60-70 yards) which make me think "wow"....but then next time, they stick it in the bunker from exactly the same distance and spend half a day getting out.....once it's landed vertically and got poached egg syndrome.....

 

[Imurg]

I use the same set-up as Fylde and Murph and I have to say that I'm in both camps. I'll use my 58 for the delicate chips and lobs but if I've got 80 yards to the pin I've got more chance of getting close with a full shot than a 3/4 one.

I've got 14 clubs in the bag and I'll use each of them anyway I can to get the ball close - ever used a driver on a ball that's sitting up high in the rough?

I don't intentionally leave 80 yards - we all have our prefered yardage - mine's about 95-100.

So I'd say - if its already in the bag then keep it. If you havn't got one - get one and learn how it works, then put it in your bag and keep it there.