The standard pitching wedge loft is 42-47 degrees.
The exact amount of loft will depend on the manufacturer and type of golf clubs.
Titleist has seven distinct lines of irons, and the PW loft ranges from 38 degrees in their game improvement T400 irons to 47 degrees in their 620 MB/CB irons.
Taylormade pitching wedge lofts range from 43 degrees in their Stealth irons to 47 degrees in the P7TW irons, while Callaway pitching wedge lofts range from 41 degrees in the Paradym X irons to 46 degrees in their Apex MBs.
As you can see, game improvement irons will be stronger lofted (less loft) than player distance irons which will be stronger lofted than muscle back irons which will be stronger lofted than player’s irons, etc.
For example, here are the pitching wedge lofts for the six different types of irons that TaylorMade makes:
| Stealth | P790 | P770 | P7MC | P7MB | P7TW |
| 43° | 45° | 46° | 47° | 47° | 47° |
As the clubs go from high handicapper (Stealth) down to plus handicapper (MC, MB, TW), the loft of the pitching wedge gets weaker (more loft).
This is because better players can make up for the increase in loft (which leads to a loss in distance) with a higher club head speed and better angle of attack.
Note the difference in size.
Average Pitching Wedge Distance
The average distance an amateur hits a pitching wedge is anywhere from 80-120 yards, while the average carry of a PGA pro with a PW is 135-145 yards.
Pros sacrifice distance (loft) for workability.
If PGA pros used game improvement-type irons, they would hit every iron about 10% further, but it would be much more difficult to shape their shots and hit draws, fades, and flighted irons.
When To Use A Pitching Wedge
A pitching wedge is typically used on approach shots of anywhere from 80-140 yards, depending on how far a player hits it.
Pitching wedges are also used around the green for short game shots such as bump and runs.
Pitching wedges are easier to hit full shots with than sand wedges or lob wedges (particularly for amateurs).
Other Wedges
Many game improvement sets come with a pitching wedge, approach (gap) wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge.
Most player distance irons will also come with an AW, but most better players will choose to purchase wedges (other than PW) separately.
Players will typically carry 2 or 3 wedges in addition to a pitching wedge:
- Approach (or gap) wedges are typically 48-52 degrees of loft.
- Sand wedges are typically 54-58 degrees of loft.
- Lob wedges are typically 58 or 60 degrees of loft but can be up to 64 degrees.
The exact loft of wedges you choose to buy is dependent on the loft of your pitching wedge.
Proper gapping of your wedges is essential.
If your PW has a loft of 43 degrees, you will want a gap wedge with a loft of around 48 degrees but if your PW is 47°, you will want a gap wedge of around 52°.