60 Degree Wedge: What It Is, When To Use It, How To Hit

Struggling to get your golf ball to stop quickly on the green? You’re likely wondering if a 60-degree wedge is the magic wand you need for those tricky, short-sided shots. This high-loft club can be a game-changer, but it also creates confusion.

A 60-degree wedge is a specialty golf club, also called a lob wedge, featuring 60 degrees of loft—one of the highest lofts available. It is designed to hit the golf ball on a very high, steep trajectory over a short distance, causing it to land softly on the green with minimal roll. It is primarily used for delicate “finesse” shots around the green, such as flop shots and pitches over bunkers.

Based on data-driven analysis of club performance and PGA professional usage, this guide demystifies the 60-degree wedge. You’ll discover exactly when to use it, who should (and shouldn’t) have one in their bag, and how it compares to other wedges. We’ll cover the essential techniques to help you master this scoring club.

Key Facts

• Designed for Experts, Risky for Beginners: Data shows that while it’s an essential tool for scratch golfers, the 60-degree wedge is unforgiving for high-handicappers, often leading to more mishits.
• A Finesse Club, Not for Distance: Its primary purpose is to hit high, soft-landing shots from inside 40 yards, demonstrating its role in control rather than length.
• The Flop Shot Specialist: The 60-degree wedge is the go-to club for hitting a “flop shot” over obstacles like bunkers when you have very little green to work with.
• Low Bounce is Standard: Most 60-degree wedges feature low bounce (4-8 degrees), making them ideal for firm turf conditions but less forgiving from soft, fluffy sand.
• PGA Tour Staple: The vast majority of PGA Tour pros carry a 60-degree wedge, relying on it for creativity and precision around the greens.

What Is a 60-Degree Wedge and What Is It Used For?

A 60-degree wedge, commonly known as a lob wedge, is a high-loft golf club designed for very short, high-arcing shots that land softly and stop quickly on the green. Its primary purpose is to provide maximum height and spin on shots from 5-40 yards, especially when needing to clear an obstacle like a bunker or when faced with a tight pin location. Imagine your ball is just over a bunker, with only a few feet of green between you and the hole. This is the exact situation the 60-degree wedge was made for.

This club is a “scoring club,” meaning its value comes from helping you save strokes around the green, not from hitting the ball a long way. The extreme loft [the angle of the clubface] is what allows skilled players to hit impressive, towering shots that seem to drop out of the sky. Understanding this high loft is fundamental to knowing the club’s role. It complements other wedges in your bag, like a pitching wedge (around 46°), gap wedge (around 52°), and sand wedge (around 56°).

The main uses for this specialty wedge include:

• High, Soft Pitch Shots: Getting the ball over an obstacle and stopping it quickly.
• The “Flop Shot”: An extreme version of a pitch shot that goes almost straight up and down.
• Delicate Chips: When you have very little green to work with and need the ball to stop immediately.
• Steep Bunker Escapes: Getting out of bunkers with very high lips.

What Are the Key Attributes of a 60-Degree Wedge? (Loft, Bounce, and Grind)

The three key attributes of a 60-degree wedge are its high loft, low bounce, and versatile grind. These technical specifications work together to determine the club’s performance from different lies and for different swing types. While loft gets all the attention, understanding bounce and grind is what separates a good wedge player from a great one.

Loft

Loft is the angle of the clubface relative to the shaft, and a 60-degree wedge has one of the highest lofts of any club. This extreme angle is what produces the signature high trajectory and significant backspin. The purpose is simple: to maximize the launch angle of the golf ball, helping it fly high and land softly with minimal rollout.

Bounce

Bounce is the angle between the ground and the leading edge of the wedge when the shaft is vertical. Think of it like the hull of a boat; it helps the club glide through turf or sand without digging in. A 60-degree wedge typically has low bounce (4-8 degrees). This is ideal for players who “sweep” the ball and for playing from firm turf or tight lies. A steep angle of attack, where the player “digs” at the ball, usually requires more bounce.

Grind

Grind refers to the shaping of the sole of the wedge, where material is “ground away” to enhance versatility. Different grinds (like C-Grind or M-Grind) allow a player to open the clubface for a flop shot without the leading edge lifting too high off the ground. This makes it easier to slide the club under the ball. The grind is a crucial attribute for creative shot-making around the green.

Attribute	Typical Specification	Primary Function	Best For…
Loft	58° – 62°	Maximum Launch Angle & Spin	High, soft shots over obstacles
Bounce	4° – 10° (Low Bounce)	Prevents digging on firm lies	Firm turf, sweepers of the ball
Grind	C-Grind, M-Grind, etc.	Shot-making versatility	Opening the face for flop shots

When Should You Use a 60-Degree Wedge?

You should use a 60-degree wedge for short-range shots (under 40 yards) that require maximum height and minimum rollout. It is a specialty club for specific situations, not an all-purpose tool for every chip and pitch. Using it correctly can save you strokes in tough spots, but using it at the wrong time can lead to costly mistakes.

Here are the four primary situations where a 60-degree wedge is the optimal choice.

The Flop Shot

This is the signature shot for a 60-degree wedge. You should use it when you are close to the green but must hit the ball very high to get over an obstacle like a bunker or mound, with the pin located just on the other side. The goal is to make the ball land like a butterfly with sore feet—softly and with no forward momentum.

Steep-Faced Bunker Shots

When you find yourself in a greenside bunker with a high, steep lip, the 60 degrees of loft is your best friend. It helps get the ball up and out of the bunker quickly without needing a long, powerful swing. For bunkers without a high lip, a 56-degree sand wedge is often a more reliable choice.

Chipping from Thick Rough

From thick grass around the green, the sharp leading edge and high loft of a 60-degree wedge can be very effective. The club helps cut through the dense rough and “pop” the ball up and onto the putting surface with some control, whereas a lower lofted club might get tangled.

Downhill Chips

When you are chipping from a slope that runs downhill toward the hole, the ball naturally wants to run out a long way. Using the extreme loft of a 60-degree wedge adds height and spin to the shot, helping to counteract the effect of the slope and prevent the ball from racing past the hole.

Who Should Use a 60-Degree Wedge (And Who Should Avoid It)?

A 60-degree wedge is best suited for skilled, low-handicap golfers who practice regularly and have precise control over their wedge shots. For many amateur golfers, especially beginners and high-handicappers, this club can be difficult to hit consistently and may cause more problems than it solves. Data-driven analysis from sources like Arccos shows a clear difference in success rates between scratch golfers and higher handicap players with this club.

Player Skill Level	Recommendation	Rationale	Better Alternative
Beginner / High-Handicap (20+)	Avoid ❌	Unforgiving on mis-hits, requires precision that is not yet developed. Leads to frustration.	56° Sand Wedge
Mid-Handicap (10-19)	Consider with Caution ⚠️	Can be a useful tool if the player has a consistent short game and is willing to practice.	58° Wedge
Advanced / Low-Handicap (0-9)	Recommended ✅	An essential “scoring club” for shot-making versatility, executing complex shots, and saving strokes.	N/A

For beginners, the high loft and low bounce create a very small margin for error. This often results in “thinned” shots that fly across the green or “fatted” shots that go nowhere. A 56-degree sand wedge is a much more versatile and forgiving option for players still developing their short-game fundamentals.

How Does a 60-Degree Wedge Compare to a 56° or 58° Wedge?

A 60-degree wedge has more loft than a 56-degree (sand wedge) or 58-degree wedge, which produces a higher, shorter shot with more spin but less forgiveness. The primary goal of “wedge gapping” is to have consistent yardage gaps between your clubs, and choosing between these three often comes down to filling the final gap in your bag and matching your skill level.

Here’s how they stack up side-by-side:

Feature	56° Sand Wedge	58° Wedge	60° Lob Wedge
Primary Name	Sand Wedge (SW)	Lob Wedge (LW)	Lob Wedge (LW)
Typical Full Swing	80-100 yards	70-90 yards	60-80 yards
Trajectory	Mid-High	High	Very High
Typical Bounce	Mid-High (10-14°)	Mid (8-12°)	Low (4-10°)
Primary Use	Bunker shots, full shots	Versatile short game	Finesse shots, flop shots
Ease of Use	Easiest for amateurs	Moderate	Most Difficult
Best For…	Golfers wanting one versatile wedge for sand and chipping.	Players wanting high loft with more forgiveness than a 60°.	Skilled players needing maximum height and stopping power.

For most amateurs, the 56-degree sand wedge is the most versatile choice, excelling from bunkers and being forgiving enough for general chipping. The 58-degree wedge is an excellent compromise, offering high-loft performance while being slightly easier to control on full swings than the 60-degree. The 60-degree wedge remains the ultimate specialty tool for players who have already mastered their other wedges.

How Do You Hit a 60-Degree Wedge for Different Shots?

To hit a 60-degree wedge effectively, you must adjust your setup and swing based on the shot you want to play. Unlike an iron, you don’t use the same swing for every shot. Mastering this club means learning distinct techniques for a standard pitch, a high flop shot, and a bunker shot. From years of practical implementation, the key is committing to the swing and letting the club’s loft do the work.

How to Hit a High Pitch

This is your standard shot with a 60-degree wedge, used when you need height but not the extreme trajectory of a flop shot.

1. Stance: Take a narrow stance, about the width of your hips.
2. Ball Position: Place the ball in the center of your stance.
3. Weight: Favor your lead foot, with about 60% of your weight on it.
4. Swing: Make a smooth, controlled swing, focusing on accelerating through the ball. The length of your backswing will control the distance.

How to Hit a Flop Shot

This is the high-risk, high-reward shot that makes the 60-degree wedge famous. It requires confidence and practice.

1. Stance: Widen your stance for stability and open it by aiming your feet left of the target (for a right-handed golfer).
2. Clubface: Open the clubface so it points toward the sky before you even take your grip.
3. Ball Position: Play the ball forward in your stance, off the heel of your lead foot.
4. Swing: Commit to a confident, U-shaped swing. Swing along your body line and feel like you are sliding the club directly underneath the ball. Do not decelerate.

How to Hit from the Bunker

The technique for a steep-faced bunker shot is similar to a flop shot.

1. Stance: Open your stance and dig your feet into the sand for a stable base.
2. Clubface: Open the clubface wide.
3. Ball Position: Play the ball forward in your stance.
4. Swing: Aim to hit the sand about two inches behind the ball. Swing confidently and follow through, letting the “splash” of sand carry the ball out.

FAQs About what is a 60 degree wedge

How far should a 60 degree wedge go?

The average amateur male golfer typically hits a 60-degree wedge between 60 and 80 yards with a full swing. Female golfers average around 40-60 yards. However, this club is not designed for distance; it is a “finesse” club for control on shots under 60 yards. Distance can vary significantly based on swing speed and quality of strike.

Is a 60 degree wedge necessary in a golf bag?

For beginners and high-handicappers, a 60-degree wedge is not necessary and can often be detrimental. A more forgiving 56-degree sand wedge can perform most of the necessary shots. For skilled, low-handicap players, it is considered an essential specialty club for creative shot-making and saving strokes in difficult situations around the green.

Why is a 60 degree wedge so hard to hit?

A 60-degree wedge is hard to hit because its high loft and typically low bounce offer very little margin for error. If your swing is slightly off, it’s very easy to slide the club directly under the ball (a “fluffed” shot) or strike the ball with the leading edge (a “skulled” shot). It requires a precise angle of attack and consistent ball striking.

Can you use a 60 degree wedge for chipping?

Yes, you can absolutely chip with a 60-degree wedge, but it produces a high, soft chip with very little rollout. This is ideal when you have little green to work with. For a standard chip where you want some release, a club with less loft like a pitching wedge or 56-degree wedge is often a better and more reliable choice.

What is the difference between a 58 and 60 degree wedge?

The main difference is 2 degrees of loft, which makes the 60-degree wedge launch slightly higher and travel a few yards shorter than a 58-degree wedge. The 58-degree is often seen as a good compromise, offering high-loft performance while being slightly more versatile and forgiving on full shots than a 60-degree. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

Is a 60-degree wedge good for bunkers?

A 60-degree wedge can be effective from bunkers with very steep faces or from firm sand, where its low bounce helps the club slide through. However, for most normal bunker shots from fluffy sand, a traditional sand wedge (56-degree) with higher bounce is more forgiving and effective at “bouncing” through the sand without digging.

Should I get a 56 or 60 degree wedge?

If you can only carry one, a 56-degree sand wedge is the more versatile and recommended choice for most amateur golfers. It is easier to hit on full shots and more effective from a wider variety of bunker conditions. Only add a 60-degree wedge if you are a skilled player who needs a specialty club for advanced shots.

What is the standard bounce on a 60 degree wedge?

The standard bounce for a 60-degree wedge is low, typically between 4 and 8 degrees. This low bounce is designed to work best on firm turf, tight lies, and for players who have a “sweeping” motion rather than a steep, digging swing. Some manufacturers offer mid-bounce options (10-12 degrees) for more versatility.

How do you stop hitting a 60 degree wedge thin?

To stop hitting thin shots, ensure your weight is forward and you are hitting down on the ball, not trying to “scoop” it into the air. Practice with a narrower stance and the ball positioned in the middle. Focus on a descending blow and making contact with the ball first, then the turf. A common cause of thin shots is trying to help the ball up; trust the loft to do the work.

Do PGA Tour pros use 60-degree wedges?

Yes, the vast majority of PGA Tour pros carry a high-lofted wedge, with the 60-degree being the most popular choice for a lob wedge. They rely on it for precision and creativity around the greens, especially for flop shots and escaping difficult lies. Players like Phil Mickelson have famously demonstrated the incredible utility of this club.

Key Takeaways: 60 Degree Wedge Summary

• A Specialist’s Tool, Not a Cure-All: The 60-degree wedge is a “scoring club” designed for high, soft shots like the flop shot. It is not an all-purpose wedge and should not be used for every shot around the green.
• Skill Level Matters Most: This club is highly recommended for low-handicap, skilled players but should be avoided by beginners. Its lack of forgiveness punishes mis-hits, making a 56° sand wedge a much safer choice for most amateurs.
• Loft, Bounce, and Grind Dictate Performance: It’s defined by its high loft (for height), low bounce (for firm turf), and versatile grind (for opening the face). Understanding these three attributes is key to selecting the right one.
• Use Is Situational: The best times to use a 60-degree wedge are for shots over obstacles to tight pins, from steep-faced bunkers, or out of thick greenside rough. For standard chips and bunker shots, other wedges are often better.
• Technique is Non-Negotiable: To hit it well, you must practice a specific technique that often involves opening the stance and clubface. You cannot swing it like a 7-iron; it requires a confident, committed swing to let the club’s design work properly.
• 56° and 58° are Key Alternatives: For most golfers, a 56° sand wedge is more versatile. A 58° wedge offers a great compromise, providing high-loft capabilities with slightly more forgiveness than the 60°.

Final Thoughts on The 60 Degree Wedge

Ultimately, the 60-degree wedge is a powerful but demanding tool. In the hands of a skilled player with a consistent short game, it can be a weapon that saves strokes and opens up new possibilities around the green. For the developing golfer, it can be a source of frustration that leads to skulled shots and lost confidence.

The decision to add one to your bag should be based on an honest assessment of your current ability and your willingness to put in the practice time required to master it. If you’ve mastered your 56-degree wedge and are looking for that extra bit of magic for the toughest lies, the 60-degree might be your perfect next step. Which approach will you try first?

Last update on 2026-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API