How Far Should You Hit a Sand Wedge?

Whether you're new to the sport or consider yourself a veteran, the number of wedges available to your golfing arsenal can sometimes feel daunting. One of the most important is arguably the sand wedge, but just how far should you be hitting the ball when you make a shot?

Well, that's what we'll answer with this guide! It all depends on your golf handicap level, but don't worry, we're going to walk you through everything you need to know. 

How Far Should You Be Hitting a Sand Wedge?

Your sand wedge is likely to be one of the most used wedges in your golfing arsenal, so understanding how to use it and what to expect from a swing is essential.

Beginners

Estimated Distance: Between 70-80 yards

As a beginner, you can expect your sand wedge to send your ball roughly 70-80 yards, although this will depend on the specific kind of wedge you're using and how fast your swing is. Due to how unpredictable full-swing sand shots can be, beginners should only use them for shorter shots as they learn how to control their trajectory and distance. 

The primary mission for beginners should be learning how to strike the center of the clubface whenever using your sand wedge. This will elevate your game, giving you the foundation for stronger shots later on. Don't worry about your distance at this stage. Instead, focus on making solid shots with some consistency. 

High Handicappers

Estimated Distance: 80 yards

High-handicappers should start to see a little more consistency with their sand-wedge swings than beginners, especially if you aren't using blade-style wedges. Blade-style sand wedges don't have as much forgiveness as improvement-style wedges, though they excel at shorter shots across the course. 

Although it's estimated that high-handicappers can get the ball to travel 80 yards with a sand wedge, using a blade-style wedge could change all of that. If you've recently switched to blade style and find the ball is only traveling 60-70 yards, don't worry. This is completely normal if you're new to the less forgiving blade wedge. 

Mid Handicappers

Estimated Distance: 90 yards

With a mid-handicap, golfers should be able to send their ball roughly 90 yards using a sand wedge. 90 yards is a fairly common distance in golf, and it's an essential part of many games. You need a wedge that can get you in this range, and a sand wedge is a perfect solution. Having said this, the most important part for mid-handicap players will be the ability to make 75-yard (or even 50-yard!) shots with confidence. This takes practice, but it's an important goal to set.

At the mid-handicap level, players have the option to choose between improvement-style wedges and blade-style wedges. Improve-style, as their name suggests, is designed to improve your play style and is perfect for practicing. Blade-style wedges are a little harder to control, but having at least one lob or sand wedge in this style is helpful during your game. 

Low Handicappers

Estimated Distance: 90-100

For low-handicap golfers, you can expect the ball to travel roughly 90-100 yards. However, this is a much higher range than most players ever use. Although low-handicap players often have higher swing speeds and more power behind their hits so can send the ball further, they mostly choose to stay between the 60-90 yard range to get the most out of their game. 

What's most important for low-handicappers with their sand wedge is less to do with distance and more to do with spin. Low-handicappers will experience more precision with their swings because the ball will roll much less. This precision is what helps take their game to the next level. 

Professionals

Estimated Distance: 100-120 yards

At the professional level, as you would expect, your sand wedge will take your ball much further. However, similarly to low-handicappers, players at the professional level are more concerned with precision than distance. Total distance isn't a priority at the professional level. The primary concern is getting the ball where you want it to get with exact precision. 

How To Measure How Far You’re Hitting a Sand Wedge

There are three key ways to track how far you're hitting the ball with your sand wedge. Let's take you through them.

1. Do it the old-fashioned way by going to a field and trying your wedges on different shots. You can then use a rangefinder to accurately record where your balls are landing.
2. During a social game or casual run of the course, use a GPS watch to track the distance you're walking between shots.
3. Find a Trackman bay either indoors or at a driving bay and record your play information as you go. This should include a variety of metrics, including the distance your ball travels.

4 Tips To Improve Your Sand Wedge Shots

1. Focus Your Weight on Your Left

Although golf is often regarded as a lower-energy sport compared to others, that doesn't mean you should get careless with your posture. Not only is it important for your health, but leaning on your left side during a sand wedge shot helps connect the clubface and the goofball. This ultimately benefits your swing.

2. Ensure the Ball is Positioned Correctly

If you place the ball too close to you, your shot will be thin (lacking power). If you place it too far away, your shot will be fat (too much power). In golf, it's all about balance, so ensure your ball is correctly positioned. For sand wedge shots, this often means in the center or slightly behind the center. 

3. Keep a Narrow Stance

Although ordinarily, it's wise to keep your legs shoulder-width apart when taking a shot, this isn't the case for sand-wedge shots. Keeping your feet closer together allows you to have more control over your backswing, giving you greater accuracy over how far the ball travels. 

4. Keep Your Head Stable

Finally, it isn't uncommon for golfers to move their heads during a full-swing shot. However, the more stable you stay during a sand wedge shot, the more likely it is to achieve a precise swing with a clean strike. Try to keep your head positioned over the golf ball with minimal movement.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it - a complete guide to how far your sand wedge should send your ball and how to make the perfect shot. Remember, your performance on the course isn't merely about how you're using your equipment; you also need to have the right gear and apparel. Shop our full range today at Stitch Golf for only the very best products.