Stupid Golf Question
What do wedge loft numbers mean?
Your wedges say 50, 54, and 58 but none of them explain the assignment
Plain answer first
The plain answer
The number on a wedge is its loft in degrees. A lower-loft wedge generally launches lower and goes farther, while a higher-loft wedge generally launches higher and goes shorter. Your actual distances vary with the club design, strike, swing, and shot.
The NPG answer
The numbers are launch-angle clues, not guaranteed yardages stamped onto the club.
When it matters
It matters when choosing wedges that cover useful shots without assuming every golfer gets the same distance from each loft.
What to do next
Write down your normal carry with each wedge using the same comfortable swing, then look for useful gaps instead of chasing a universal chart.
Do this next
What is club loft?
Club loft is the angle of the face that helps set launch, spin, and distance.
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