This is going to shock you, but I’ve overthought this topic!
I currently carry 4 wedges, 2 set wedges and 2 “specialty wedges”…
Here’s my overall thought breakdown:
Specialty Wedge #1: 58 degree low bounce wedge… this is for around the green use, though I’ll occassionally use it for 50-60 yard pitches. It’s job is basically to get the ball up quickly off any surface. No real finesse with this club, I can open it up if needed, but rarely do that anymore. It’s mostly just a straight up, straight through, get the ball on the green club.
Specialty Wedge #2: 53 degree 12 degree bounce wedge. This is my all around club. Out of the rough, short bump and runs, 100 yards in pitching club… If I’m thinking “oh, I need a wedge” I grab the 54. It’s basically my default wedge around the green and on pitch shots under 100 yards.
Set Wedge #1: Gap Wedge. This one compliments the 54. It’s for anything 100-130 yards, and I’ll use it for a longer bump and run if necessary. Mostly 3/4 swings, but will occasionally get hit full… really only when I need more loft than
Set Wedge #2: Pitching Wedge. This goes about 140 with a full swing. I will use it for anything from 140 to 120, but it’s MOSTLY just a 10 iron. I don’t use it around the green at all, but might need to reconsider… it’s probably the least hit of the 4.
So 58 is my trouble club… if I just need to get up and over, it’s my go to… If I want a pitch shot to hit and drop, I’ll use it there too. 54 is my workhorse from 100 yards and in. 50 gap wedge is my “setup up” club to get me on the green from distances I can’t cover with my 54. 46 PW is a glorified 10 iron.