What Is the Difference Between Golf Wedges? PW vs GW vs SW vs LW Explained

In golf, scoring well often comes down to what happens inside 120 metres, and no clubs influence that part of the game more than your wedges. While they may look similar at first glance, the pitching wedge (PW), gap wedge (GW), sand wedge (SW), and lob wedge (LW) each play a very distinct role. Understanding how they differ in loft, bounce, shot purpose, and trajectory is essential for building a balanced wedge setup that gives you confidence from any position around the green.

As you explore these differences and evaluate your own setup, you can also browse our range of used golf wedges, where you’ll find quality options to help you fill the loft gaps that may be holding back your short game.

The Pitching Wedge (PW): The Transition From Irons to Wedges

The pitching wedge is typically the first “true scoring club” in the bag. Sitting between roughly 43° and 48° of loft depending on the iron set, it bridges the gap between mid-irons and the more specialised short-game wedges. Unlike the other wedge types that focus heavily on finesse, the pitching wedge is built for fuller swings and controlled approaches into greens.

Because modern irons have strengthened lofts, many golfers now hit their pitching wedge further than ever, often treating it as a scoring iron rather than a purely short-game club. This creates natural gaps between the PW and the next wedge in the bag, which is why the rest of the wedge family has become so important. If you're looking to align your iron set with your wedge distances, take a moment to browse used iron sets that integrate smoothly with modern PW lofts.

The Gap Wedge (GW): Filling the Distance Void Created by Modern Loft Design

The gap wedge and its alternate name, the approach wedge was created out of necessity. As pitching wedges got stronger in loft, the distance gap between PW and sand wedge became too large. The gap wedge, typically between 48° and 54°, perfectly fills that space.

The GW offers a blend of versatility and distance control that many golfers underestimate. It still works well with partial shots and knockdowns, but its primary value is removing guesswork between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. For full swings inside 100 metres, it provides a comfortable trajectory that sits neatly between the penetrating flight of a PW and the softer, higher launch of a SW.

A well-fit GW doesn’t just add another club to your bag, it refines distance consistency. When choosing one it's best to consider loft gapping carefully, between the other shorter clubs in your bag.

The Sand Wedge (SW): Built for Bunker Play and Soft Landings

The sand wedge has long been a staple in every golfer’s bag, and for good reason. Featuring lofts usually between 54° and 56°, and traditionally carrying the highest bounce among your wedges, the SW is purpose-built for bunker play and for shots that demand a soft, controlled landing.

Bounce plays an especially significant role in sand wedges. Higher bounce prevents the club from digging into sand or soft turf, allowing it to glide under the ball more effectively. But the SW isn’t just for bunkers. Many players rely on it for delicate pitch shots, mid-range chips, and controlled approaches that require plenty of spin.

As course conditions vary from firm summer lies to softer winter fairways, you may find that experimenting with different bounce profiles brings major benefits. 

The Lob Wedge (LW): Precision Height and Spin When You Need It Most

The lob wedge is the most specialised member of the wedge family, designed for high, soft shots that stop quickly. With lofts between 58° and 64°, it produces the steepest launch and the fastest stopping power of any club in the bag. This makes it ideal for tight greenside lies, flop shots over bunkers, delicate pitches to short-sided pins, and controlling spin on firm greens.

However, the LW requires more skill than the other wedges. Because of its extreme loft, it magnifies swing variations, which is excellent for skilled players looking for versatility but potentially challenging for beginners who struggle with consistent contact. Still, with the right practice and technique, the lob wedge can be one of the most confidence-boosting tools in your short game.

How the Four Wedges Work Together as a System

The real value of understanding PW, GW, SW, and LW differences isn’t in the clubs individually, but in how they work as a system. A well-designed wedge setup ensures evenly spaced lofts (usually 4° to 6° apart) giving you predictable carry distances, consistent spin rates, and more shot-making confidence.

For example, a typical modern configuration might look something like:

• A strong PW around 44°
• A GW at 50°
• A SW between 54° and 56°
• A LW between 58° and 60°

This even progression eliminates large distance gaps, reduces the need for tricky half-swings, and gives you the right tool for every short-game scenario. When one wedge is missing from the sequence, the rest of your scoring clubs become harder to use effectively, which is why many golfers see dramatic improvements simply by correcting their loft spacing.

If you're assessing the gaps in your current bag, you can explore our full range of used golf wedges to fine-tune your setup and optimise your scoring performance.

Choosing the Right Combination for Your Game

Selecting the perfect mix of wedges depends on your skill level, swing style, and the courses you typically play. Steeper swingers often benefit from higher-bounce options, while players who face firm, links-style lies may prefer lower-bounce or specialised grinds. Beginners often fare better with a three-wedge system – PW, GW, SW, while more advanced golfers may gain value from the added precision of a lob wedge.

It’s also important to consider how your wedges interact with your putter and irons. A balanced scoring setup starts with the clubs you use most frequently, from your 9-iron to your putter. So, if you're refining your short game overall, you may want to explore our used putters or used iron sets alongside your wedge adjustments.

Final Thoughts

The pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge may share a similar shape, but their differences in loft, bounce, and shot purpose completely transform the way each club performs on the course. Together, they create a scoring toolkit that can save strokes on the golf course – whether you’re hitting a controlled 100-metre approach, a bunker escape, a soft-landing pitch, or a high, delicate flop shot.

If you’re ready to dial in your wedge lineup, explore our range of used golf wedges to find the ideal combination of lofts and bounces for your game. We've also put together a extensive wedges buying guide for more detailed information around what else to look out for when buying a wedge.