There are different wedges to choose from when it comes to golf, and it’s good to know the differences between them. One type of wedge is a lob wedge. 58 and 60-degree wedges are both lob wedges, but what is the difference between them?
58 and 60-degree wedges are primarily used for hitting balls shorter distances and over bunkers. However, a 58 wedge travels slightly further than a 60 wedge and is generally more versatile. It’s also possible to use both a 58 wedge and a 60 wedge in the sand.
If you need to buy a new lob wedge and wonder which one to go for, this article will help you make an informed decision. So, keep reading to learn more about the differences between a 58 and 60-degree wedge and when you should choose one over the other.
What Is the Difference Between a 58 and 60-Degree Wedge?
The difference between a 58 and 60-degree wedge is the distance the ball can travel. The lower the wedge degree, the further the ball will travel. In general, a 58 wedge is easier to hit, so it’s better for beginners.
Besides lob shots, a 60 wedge works well with chipping and hitting the ball greenside. You can also use it in the sand as long as it has a high bounce.
Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each wedge in a bit more detail:
58 Wedge
Pros
- The 58 is more versatile since you can use it for lob shots, chipping, and hitting the ball from the sand more easily than a 60 wedge.
- It’s more straightforward for beginners to use.
- It’s a decent middle-ground between a sand wedge and lob wedge.
Cons
- It has slightly less distance control than a 60 wedge.
- Although you can use it as a sand wedge, it may not always be the best choice.
60 Wedge
Pros
- It gives excellent control, and it’s less likely that you’ll hit the ball too hard with a 60 wedge.
- Highly accurate for short-distance shots.
Cons
- Not as versatile as a 58-degree wedge.
- It can be difficult for beginners to use.
- It generally won’t work well for long-distance bunker shots and only works well for short bunker shots.
When To Use a 58-Degree Wedge
You should use a 58-degree wedge when hitting the ball over a bunker or a body of water. However, you can also hit balls out of bunkers and chip the ball greenside more easily with this wedge.
So, in most cases, you will use a 58 wedge when the ball needs to go up high and not travel a far distance. Still, if you are looking for other uses and more versatility, the 58 wedge club should greatly benefit you.
You can use a 58 wedge in the sand, but it depends on the specific conditions. If the sand is light and dusty, you’ll want to ensure your wedge has a high bounce. A low bounce will work better if the sand is firm (the same goes for a 60-degree wedge).
The average distance you should hit a ball with a 58-degree wedge is between 75 and 110 yards (68.58 and 100.58 meters). With this wedge, you’re hitting it too hard if your ball travels any more than 110 yards (100.58 meters). Don’t do a full swing to avoid hitting the ball too far. For many golfers, a half swing will suffice.
When To Use a 60-Degree Wedge
You should use a 60-degree wedge when hitting a ball over a bunker. You can also use it for chipping greenside. However, its primary purpose is to hit a ball up high and land close by on the green.
You should use a 60-degree wedge if you want to hit your ball high while not having it travel too far. Since the optimal traveling distance of this wedge is slightly less than a 58, it’s perfect for keeping the ball near the hitting point.
Between 70 and 100 yards (64 and 91.44 meters) is the average distance for a 60-degree wedge. Anything above this means your swing is too strong.
Generally, lob wedges are not the best fit for chipping, but this can depend on the individual. Some golfers like to use a 60-degree lob wedge for chipping due to the level of distance control.
Which Is Better: 58 or 60 degree wedge
When choosing your wedges, you need to experiment with what works best. While one golfer might strictly use a 60-degree wedge for lob shots, someone else might use it for lob shots and chipping. The same goes for a 58-degree wedge.
The most important thing to remember is that both a 58 and 60 wedge are only ideal for lob shots.
However, a 58-degree wedge will give you more distance in your shot and is a better choice for overall versatility. If you’re new to golf, it’s best to hold off on buying a 60-degree wedge for now.
Many people can use a 58-degree wedge to do what they could do with a 60, plus much more. So, keep this in mind when choosing a wedge.
Is a 60-Degree Wedge Necessary?
A 60-degree wedge is not necessary unless you’re a more professional golfer who would benefit from one. If you’re a beginner and trying to decide between 58 and 60 wedges, you would likely benefit more from a 58.
Since a 60-degree wedge lacks versatility, most amateur golfers don’t need one. A 58 wedge does what a 60 wedge does. However, it offers other uses on top of that. So, it’s likely a better choice overall for beginners.
Conclusion
58 and 60-degree wedges are lob wedges, meaning their primary use is to hit a ball high up over a short distance. Still, they also have their differences.
The main difference between them is that a 58-degree wedge offers more distance and is better for most amateur golfers.
You can use 58 and 60-degree wedges in bunkers once they have a high bounce. 60-degree wedges work better for shorter distanced sand shots, whereas 58 wedges are slightly more flexible, and you can use them for slightly longer distances.