Should You Use a Lob Wedge, Sand Wedge, or Gap Wedge from 50 Yards?
The 50-yard pitch shot is one of the most awkward in golf. It’s too far for a chip and too short for a full swing.
Most golfers default to their favorite wedge without much thought. But choosing the right club for the situation can be the difference between a tap-in par and scrambling to save bogey.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to hit gap, sand, or lob wedge from this distance, this article will break it down clearly—based on the shot in front of you, not just what’s in your hand.
Understanding What Each Wedge Does
Each wedge in your bag is built for a specific purpose—and understanding how they behave at 50 yards is step one to better results.
- Gap Wedge (50–52°): Launches lower with more rollout. Great for bumpier shots when you have room on the green.
- Sand Wedge (54–56°): Balanced in height and rollout. A versatile choice for most 50-yard shots.
- Lob Wedge (58–60°): Launches high, lands soft, and stops quickly. Best when you need to carry trouble or stop the ball fast.
Loft isn’t the only difference—bounce and sole shape also play a role. More bounce gives you forgiveness on soft turf, while less bounce suits tight lies.
Knowing these traits helps you match the right wedge to the shot—not just what you’re used to hitting.
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How to Choose Based on Green and Pin Location
The layout of the green and the position of the pin should heavily influence your wedge choice. It’s not just about distance—it’s about how much space you have to work with.
If the pin is in the back and you’ve got plenty of green, the gap wedge is often the best option. It flies lower, lands sooner, and rolls out predictably.
If the pin is tucked in the front or behind a bunker, the lob wedge gives you the high flight and soft landing you need. It’s built for carrying trouble and stopping the ball fast.
The sand wedge sits comfortably in the middle. It’s ideal for a center pin or when you’re not quite sure what to expect. It offers a blend of height and rollout—making it the most versatile choice from 50 yards.
Always ask yourself:
- How much green do I have to work with?
- Do I need to carry a hazard or stop the ball fast?
- Can I afford some rollout or do I need it to land and stop quickly?
These questions lead you to the right club more often than habit will.
Lie Conditions and Club Selection
Your ball’s lie is just as important as your target. A clean strike at 50 yards depends on matching the wedge to the turf.
From a tight fairway lie, you may want to avoid the lob wedge unless your technique is sharp. A gap or sand wedge with a shallow strike is usually more forgiving.
On a fluffy or soft lie, the sand wedge or lob wedge can be better. Their bounce helps the club glide instead of dig.
If you’re in light rough or a slightly buried lie, a sand wedge is often the safest play. The lob wedge is usable if you’re confident—but it demands precise contact.
Let the lie guide your choice:
- Tight lie: Gap or sand wedge
- Fluffy lie: Sand or lob wedge
- Rough: Sand wedge for safety, lob wedge for spin and risk
Get the lie wrong, and no amount of swing technique will save the shot.
Personal Comfort and Swing Style
Beyond the green and the lie, one of the most important factors is your own comfort level. No club will work well if you’re unsure how to use it.
If you prefer shorter, controlled swings, the lob wedge is a good option. Its higher loft allows you to swing softer while still covering the distance.
If you’re more comfortable with a longer, smoother motion, the gap wedge might be your best bet. It doesn’t require as much touch or finesse—just good rhythm.
The sand wedge is often the compromise. It gives you margin for error and works well with both swing styles.
Most importantly:
- Choose the wedge you can hit confidently
- Don’t force a club just because it “should” work
- Practice all three so you’re prepared when different lies and pins demand a change
How to Practice With All Three Wedges From 50 Yards
Knowing the theory is great—but to apply it, you need to train with intent. Practicing all three wedges from 50 yards helps you develop instinct, not just technique.
Here’s how:
- Set up targets at 50 yards—cones, towels, or flags.
- Hit 5 shots each with your gap, sand, and lob wedges.
- Track which club gets closest most consistently.
- Note how each wedge reacts: launch height, spin, rollout.
- Then mix it up—rotate clubs shot by shot, simulating different lies or pin positions.
This routine gives you real feedback on how each wedge performs. Over time, you’ll build trust in your decision-making and know when to pull each club with confidence.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the 50-yard shot. But there is a smart approach: match the club to the lie, green, and your strengths.
Practice with your gap, sand, and lob wedges from this distance. Learn what swing length produces what carry, and find the shot shape you trust the most.
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Thanks for reading today’s article!
Nick Foy – Golf Instructor
