The length of your wedges is vital for consistency on the golf course. You need control with full approaches, delicate chips, and everything in between.
So, how does the standard wedge length vary from pitching to lob wedge?
Is it specific to the player, or is it a stock number direct from the manufacturer?
The short answer — a little bit of both.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the standard wedge length is, and how you can tell if your wedges are the right length for your swing.
Let’s get into the guide!
What is the Standard Wedge Length?
The standard wedge length for a pitching wedge is 35.75”, gap wedge 35.5”, sand wedge 35.25”, and lob wedge 35”. Although these are standard from the manufacturer, this does not mean you need to play with wedges this length. Height, player ability, and distance capability all play into the equation.
To summarise, here are the standard lengths for each type of wedge:
| Club | Standard Length |
| Pitching Wedge | 35.75 inches |
| Gap Wedge | 35.50 inches |
| Sand Wedge | 35.25 inches |
| Lob Wedge | 35.00 inches |
Typically, shaft lengths get longer as the loft angle decreases. This is because longer clubs generate more speed, to help generate extra distance.
Having said that, the differences are fairly minimal when it comes to wedges.
Should I Play With Standard Length Wedges?
Even though the standard wedge set starts around 35 inches for the lob wedge and increases in ¼ inch increments, it’s not the perfect option for all golfers.
With the amount golf club lofts have changed through the years, there is an even greater need for players to get custom fitted for the right club lengths.
You may find that having wedges of all the same length or increasing the wedge length gaps to .5 inches is a better fit for your game. The key is to have distance control, and the length can be determined in a golf club fitting.
Even professionals don’t all stick to the .25-inch length gap in their wedges.
Why Are Golf Clubs Different Lengths?
In short, golf clubs get longer when the ball is supposed to travel further.
At a longer shaft length, the club head travels a greater distance in the swing arc. This increases the speed of the club, increasing ball speed and distance.
For instance, the driver shaft length is on the totally opposite end of the spectrum to a 60-degree lob wedge. The driver is designed for flat-out distance, while the lob wedge is more about control and distance control.
Let’s take a look at the key factors relating to shaft length.
Club Head Speed
Assuming you have average to above-average strength, it’s easier to generate club head speed with a longer golf club than with a shorter golf club.
Take an average golfer with a 100mph swing speed in their driver and 75mph in their irons. While the driver is a lighter club, the extra shaft length produces a wider swing arc. So, the driver can generate higher club head speeds.
Why does this matter with wedges?
With a wedge that is even just a half inch longer, you may get about five more yards. I typically need to purchase golf clubs about half an inch shorter because of my height. However, I have stock wedges in my bag right now.
This can create a bit of a problem because I can swing my wedges a little faster than I can swing my 9 iron. Luckily, the extra weight slows them down a bit.
Distance
The longer the club, the further you should be able to hit it.
However, there are factors here that come into play, especially with wedges.
The wedges are some of the heaviest clubs in your golf bag. So if you have a very long wedge and you don’t have a ton of strength, it’s hard to get a ton of distance.
Most golfers should be more concerned about distance gapping and control than about the total distance that can be achieved with their wedges.
After all, the wedge is often in hand when you’re pin-seeking.
Shot Making
Ever felt like you’re more in control with a shorter golf club than a longer wood?
You’re not alone!
This is very common for golfers because when the club is shorter, you are standing closer to the ball. As a result, it becomes easier to track where the clubface is and what it is doing. With wedges, this sense of control is imperative.
The pitching wedge is nearly ¾ inch longer than the lob wedge since it’s often used for longer approach shots into the green. Of course, you can control your pitching wedge, but you’ll have more finesse with the shorter lob wedge.
When you have to play a unique or higher-skilled shot around the green, the lob wedge may feel the most comfortable for pulling off the shot. This is simply a matter of comfort brought about by the shorter length of the club.
Single Length Golf Clubs
Some golfers, Bryson DeChambeau included, use one length for all their clubs.
This one-length concept is something that Cobra has persevered with more than any other manufacturer. Effectively, their single-length club sets feature wedges that are as long as 7 irons for golfers seeking consistency in their setup.
The system clearly works quite well for Mr. 58 — but it’s not for everyone.
When wedges have longer shafts, it can be hard to gain the necessary control and feel around the greens. This is largely due to being stood so far from the ball.
Bryson is a practical and scientific golfer, and this setup allows him to generate the consistency he needs to strike the ball the same way every single time.
One-length wedges are not the norm, and most golfers feel that having variation in wedge length helps with distance control, shot-making, and feel.
Final Thoughts
To recap — standard wedge length changes as you progress through the lofts:
- Pitching Wedge: 35.75 inches
- Gap Wedge: 35.50 inches
- Sand Wedge: 35.25 inches
- Lob Wedge: 35.00 inches
In my opinion, the length of your wedges isn’t the most important specification to consider when choosing your new set of wedges.
Rather, golfers should focus on loft and distance gapping more than anything.
Of course, wedge length may play into that to some degree.
Ultimately, make your lob wedge the shortest club in the bag, and go from there.
