What is an Attack, or “A” Wedge in Golf?

Whether you’re an ardent golfer or simply a passive follower of the game, you’ll know that the technology of golf clubs is constantly changing, and of course, much of the recent changes have targeted wedge technology.

With the demand for higher precision around the green becoming more pronounced these days, golf club makers have now found a way to add me clubs with 50-52 degrees to the usual 48 and 56 degrees of loft on a pitching wedge and sand wedge. The new clubs are mostly called gap wedges or attack wedges. Here’s an article that explains everything you should know about can attack wedges.

What is an Attack wedge? Otherwise referred to as a gap wedge or an A-wedge, an attack wedge is the transition club from your set of irons (4-PW) to classic sand and lob wedges. In the context of A-wedges, the “A” itself stands for “attack.” But in some cases, you’ll see people referring to it as an “approach” wedge.

Whatever name you choose to call, bear in mind that it is ultimately a gap wedge designed to fill the void between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.

When to Use an Attack Wedge?

Now that we’ve explained what an attack wedge is, you’re probably wondering how and when you can use it. Choosing when to use it shouldn’t exactly be a difficult process. There are two common situations in which golfers typically use attack wedges.

1. When The Distance Between Your Ball and The Green Is Between Your Sand Wedge and Pitching Wedge

The first situation arises when the distance between your ball and the green is between your sand wedge and pitching wedge. As a high-level golfer, you know how important it is to fully swing your clubs, and this is where the attack wedge comes into play. The wedge comes with yardage that you won’t find in many other clubs. The yardage is the distance we mentioned above – between the sand and the pitching wedge.

With this club, you can take a full swing in areas where you’d have previously needed to attempt a three-quarter or even half swing with your pitching wedge.

2. When You Are Chipping

Another situation when you should use an attack wedge is when you are chipping. If you’ve tried chipping before, you’ll know that it’s all about loft and club selection. You’ll want to get a suitable loft and clubs for it.

Whether you prefer to hit flop shots or bump and run, you’ll meet many instances on the course where you’ll need the attack wedge to get to the next chip.

The Benefits of Using an Attack Wedge in Golf

We’ve already talked about the role of an attack wedge in filling the gap between a loft and a sand wedge. So that’s it – every golfer would enjoy the additional options it’ll give them for short game chippings.

Another popular benefit of golfing with an attack wedge is the little more distance it gives you over the sand wedge while still putting you in better control. This means more power behind your shots when you try to get up and down on fast greens.

The Disadvantages of An Attack Wedge in Golf

Despite the numerous benefits of an attack wedge, there are still some disadvantages worth noting.

For instance, if you fancy precision when hitting shots out onto the golf course, you must be ready to sacrifice some distance because of the additional loft (angle) they carry.

While it’s easy to see people using their 56-degree sand wedges for short-pitch bunker shots in front of greens, you’ll find that the attack wedge works better for this.

So, yes! You’ll get more control, but not without losing significant distance. So, ensure that you have enough power on your wedge shots to justify your use of an attack wedge.

Attack Wedge/Gap Wedge Vs. Pitching Wedge

At this point, you’re probably eager to know the difference between an attack wedge and a pitching wedge. At least, that will help you make the best choice for your need.

One of the most significant differences is the amount of loft or degrees that each carries. You’ll typically find clubs labeled attack wedge with more loft or degrees than a pitching wedge. This means that a full swing shot with an attack wedge will not travel as much as a pitching wedge. But yes, it’ll travel farther than a sand wedge.

A standard attack wedge features around 51 degrees loft, while a standard pitching wedge has its loft around 46 degrees. On the other hand, sand wedges have their lofts between 54 and 58 degrees.

The best way to differentiate them is to think about a pitching wedge as a 10-iron and an attack wedge/gap wedge as an 11-iron.

So How Should You Choose Between An Attack Wedge and A More Traditional 50 or 52 Degree Wedge?

If you’re in the market to buy a golf club and you’re confused about which of these two to choose, the first thing to look at is shape.

What shape do you prefer?

Your decision should ultimately come down to what you’ll be comfortable with.

Remember that the main difference between an attack wedge and a 50 degree MG wedge, for instance, is construction. For example, when looking at a P790 A-wedge, you’ll find its shaping to be in line with the rest of the iron set, apart from the hollow shape that gives it a little extra distance and forgiveness.

On the other hand, an MG wedge will feature more traditional wedge shaping and a narrower sole width. This means that MG wedges pay more attention to precision, while the P790 pay more attention to performance.

Recap: What is an Attack Wedge?

That’s it; a detailed look at what an attack wedge is. The main point here is that an attack wedge bridges the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. This is why many golfers prefer to call it a gap wedge.

With its loft at 51 degrees, you can tell that it’ll offer more precision on the green, although that will typically mean less distance. We’ve also covered some factors to consider when deciding whether an attack wedge is the best for your game.