Lob wedge
A lob wedge is a type of golf club specifically designed for hitting shots with a high trajectory and minimal roll after landing. It is a specialized wedge used primarily for getting the ball over obstacles, such as bunkers or trees, and landing softly near the hole.
Characteristics:
- Loft: Lob wedges typically have a high loft angle, generally between 60 and 64 degrees. This high loft is the key factor in producing the steep ascent and descent of the ball.
- Bounce: The bounce angle on a lob wedge can vary, but is often chosen to suit the golfer's swing and the typical course conditions. Higher bounce angles are useful for playing from soft sand or thick rough.
- Usage: The lob wedge is most effective from short distances around the green. It's a finesse club that requires practice to master, as mis-hits can result in short or thin shots.
- Limitations: Due to its high loft, the lob wedge is not ideal for longer shots or situations where controlling distance and minimizing air time are priorities. Other wedges, such as sand wedges or gap wedges, are often more appropriate in those circumstances.