When to Use a 60 Degree Wedge

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If you want to take your short game to the next level, mastering a 60-degree wedge (lob wedge) can be a game-changer.

This club is designed for high-lofted shots, soft landings, and extreme spin, giving you more control around the greens.

But when should you use a 60-degree wedge? Is it the right club for every golfer? How can you execute shots with confidence and precision?

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:

• What a 60-degree wedge is and why it’s important
• The best situations to use a 60-degree wedge
• How to hit different shots with a lob wedge
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• How to choose the right 60-degree wedge for your game

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to use your 60-degree wedge effectively and lower your scores with better wedge play.

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What Is a 60-Degree Wedge?

A 60-degree wedge, also known as a lob wedge, is the highest-lofted wedge in most golfers’ bags. It is designed for:
✔️ High, soft-landing shots
✔️ Extreme spin control
✔️ Short-distance precision shots
✔️ Bunker shots where height is needed

Without a lob wedge, you might struggle with high-lofted shots around the green, especially when you need the ball to stop quickly.

🔹 Typical Distances:

• Pitching Wedge (44-48°) – 110-140 yards
• Gap Wedge (50-54°) – 90-110 yards
• Sand Wedge (54-58°) – 70-90 yards
• Lob Wedge (60°) – 30-70 yards

A 60-degree wedge is useful when:
✔️ You need height and spin to stop the ball quickly.
✔️ You have little green to work with and need a precise landing.
✔️ You want to get out of deep bunkers easily.

Now, let’s explore specific situations where the 60-degree wedge is the best choice.

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When to Use a 60-Degree Wedge

Flop Shots Over Obstacles

One of the best times to use a 60-degree wedge is when you need to hit a high, soft shot over an obstacle like a bunker, tree, or rough.

🔹 Why?

• The high loft helps the ball get up quickly and land softly.
• You can clear obstacles without the ball rolling too far.

🔹 How to Play It:

• Open the clubface to increase loft.
• Play the ball slightly forward in your stance.
• Take a smooth, full swing with a wrist hinge.
• Follow through completely to ensure a soft landing.

✔️ Best Used For: Getting over bunkers, trees, or other obstacles near the green.

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Short-Sided Shots (Little Green to Work With)

If your ball is just off the green but there’s very little space between you and the hole, a 60-degree wedge allows you to stop the ball quickly.

🔹 Why?

• A pitching or gap wedge would roll too far.
• The lob wedge lands softly with minimal rollout.

🔹 <strong”>How to Play It:

• Take a short backswing with minimal wrist action.
• Accelerate through impact to create spin.
• Land the ball just on the green and let it stop quickly.

✔️ Best Used For: Tight pin positions where you can’t afford rollout.

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Greenside Bunker Shots (Deep or Soft Sand)

If you’re in a deep greenside bunker or the sand is soft and fluffy, a 60-degree wedge helps you get out easily.

🔹 Why?

• The loft allows the ball to pop up quickly.
• The bounce prevents the club from digging in too much.

🔹 How to Play It:

• Open the clubface and stance slightly.
• Play the ball forward in your stance.
• Focus on hitting 2 inches behind the ball, splashing the sand out.
• Follow through with a full, high finish.

✔️ Best Used For: Escaping deep or soft greenside bunkers.

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Chipping When You Need More Loft

If you’re chipping onto an elevated green or need extra loft to get over rough, your 60-degree wedge is ideal.

🔹 Why?

• A lower-lofted club might roll too much.
• A lob wedge pops the ball up softly, preventing excessive rollout.

🔹 How to Play It:

• Use a putting-style stroke with minimal wrist action.
• Land the ball <strong”>closer to the hole and let it stop quickly.

✔️ Best Used For: Chipping when you need the ball to stop fast.

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Hitting Out of Thick Rough

If your ball is buried in thick rough, a 60-degree wedge helps you escape with height and control.

🔹 Why?

• The sharp leading edge helps cut through the grass.
• The high loft gets the ball airborne quickly.

🔹 How to Play It:

• Keep the clubface square (don’t open it too much).
• Take a steeper angle of attack to avoid getting stuck.
• Accelerate through the grass to ensure solid contact.

✔️ Best Used For: Escaping thick rough near the green.

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Common Mistakes When Using a 60-Degree Wedge

❌ Using It for Full Swings Too Often

🔹 A lob wedge is not designed for full swings—it’s harder to control and leads to inconsistent distances.

✔️ Solution:
Use it for shorter, controlled shots rather than full swings.

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❌ Not Accelerating Through the Shot

🔹 Slowing down at impact leads to chunked or thin shots.

✔️ Solution:
Always maintain smooth acceleration through the ball.

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❌ Opening the Clubface Too Much on Standard Chips

🔹 Overdoing it can cause too much loft and not enough distance.

✔️ Solution:
Use a neutral clubface unless you’re hitting a flop shot.

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How to Choose the Right 60-Degree Wedge

Bounce Angle

• Low Bounce (4-7°): Best for tight lies and firm turf.
• Mid Bounce (8-10°): Good for versatile conditions.
• High Bounce (10-14°): Ideal for soft sand and fluffy rough.

Grind Options

Different sole grinds affect turf interaction. Choose a grind that fits your playing style and course conditions.

Shaft Type

• Steel shafts: Offer more control and stability.
• Graphite shafts: Lighter and better for slower swing speeds.