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What degree wedge is illegal?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 09, 2026

The rules affect clubs with lofts of 25 degrees or more and, therefore, affect wedges of all types. The rules ban clubs with “sharp-edged U-grooves,” according to the PGA Tour, in favor of “the V-groove designs used predominantly in the past.” The groove rules took effect on the PGA and LPGA tours on Jan. 1, 2010.

What wedges are illegal?

A rule that is more important for wedges is the groove rule originating in 2008. This rule affects all clubs with lofts of 25 degrees and more, which basically means it refers to all the wedges. It banned all wedges with U-shaped grooves, allowing only wedges with V-groove design to be officially used.

Are 70 degree wedges illegal?

A 70 degree wedge is totally legal to use according to the USGA. More specifically, 70 degree wedges are valid to use in any casual, high-level amateur, or professional golf match.

What is the highest legal loft wedge?

An ultra lob wedge is used to hit a shot with higher and shorter trajectory than a standard lob wedge. This club is labeled "UL" and has a loft of about 64° and has the highest loft of any golf club. It is used for specialized, extremely high-angle shots such as from the "lip" of a bunker.

How many degrees can a wedge be bent?

When it comes to wedges, almost every manufacturer offers a plethora of options in two-degree increments, meaning you can select from 50-, 52-, 54-, 56-, 58- and 60-degree lofts in a variety of bounces (more on that in a moment) to build your wedge setup.

28 related questions found

What wedge do most pros chip with?

What degree wedge is best for chipping? For most golfers, a gap wedge or a sand wedge with loft of between 52° and 56° will produce the most consistent outcome when chipping. This is because you'll be able to play most short-game shots you're likely to come across out on the course.

What is the lie of a golf club?

The lie angle is a static measurement that is formed between the center of the shaft and the sole of the clubhead when the club is measured in normal playing position with the center of the sole touching the ground line.

Is a 60 degree wedge worth it?

A 60-degree lob wedge is suited for better golfers and is perfect for launching the ball high in the air and having it land softly on the green. This wedge is ideal for hitting shorter chip shots but should not be the choice for full shots from the fairway.

Can I use a 58 degree wedge in the sand?

The 58 degree wedge acts as a sand wedge from the sand and I can open the face to get the same action as on a 60 degree lob wedge.

Do I need a 54 degree wedge?

A 54-degree wedge is ideal for golfers who have a 58-degree lob wedge and another wedge close to 50 degrees. Pretty much all golfers have a pitching wedge and a wedge between 56 and 58 degrees. That leaves a pretty big gap in clubs and that's why you'll want to fill it as soon as possible.

Is a 72 degree wedge illegal?

According to the USGA, a 72 degree wedge is totally legal to use in golf. More specifically, any golfer is allowed to use a 72 degree wedge in all casual, high-level amateur, or professional rounds/tournaments. Believe it or not, the USGA does not have any loft restrictions for wedges.

Are 65 degree wedges legal?

It must be stated at the outset that the Xe1 wedges are legal for tournament play therefore you can continue reading. A combination of 59 degrees and 65-degree lofts and a broad sole helps in creating a high launch angle and eliminates chunks.

Is the hummingbird wedge legal?

The Hummingbird H7 Wedge is USGA approved, and considered tournament legal to play.

Why is wedge blocking illegal?

Rules outlawing "wedge" plays were introduced as early as 1894 (too violent for the 1890s), and eventually forward motion behind the line of scrimmage was outlawed completely to prevent the offense from getting a vicious running start before the play.

Is Bombtech golf legal?

"Are your golf clubs USGA legal?" Yes, all of our custom golf clubs conform to USGA rules.

Is a putting wedge legal?

Many high handicappers benefit from using chippers, especially if they're finding wedges to be detrimental to their short game. But the question is: are golf chippers legal? A golf chipper is legal to use during tournament play provided it is not fitted with a putter grip, or is a two-sided chipper.

What 3 wedges should I carry?

Know your pitching wedge loft.

If it's 45 degrees or less, add three more wedges that are spaced apart by no more than 4-5 degrees each. So generally think about putting in a gap wedge that's 48 or 50 degrees, a sand wedge that's between 54 and 56 degrees, and a lob wedge that's between 58 and 60 degrees.

What is 52 degree wedge used for?

A 52-degree wedge is considered a gap wedge and is used to fill the gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. Golfers who have a 52-degree wedge in their bag typically have a pitching wedge that's between 47-48 degrees.

What club is a 60-degree wedge?

A 60-degree wedge is considered a lob wedge and is mostly used to launch the ball high up in the air and land softly on the green. Examples could be hitting the ball over water or sand and quickly stopping it on the green.

What is a 72 degree wedge used for?

A 72 degree wedge allows you to add an insane amount of backspin to your shots from as much as 40 yards away from the green. However, it's best used for short pitches where you want to have as much control over the ball as possible. Also, you'll be able to pull off incredible flop shots like never before.

What is a 62 degree wedge used for?

Lob Wedge. Lob wedges are the most lofted wedge, with a measurement generally between 58 and 62 degrees. The lob wedge is meant for short approach shots and is best utilized when a player needs to stop the ball quickly on the green or approach a tough-to-reach pin placement.

Do I need a 52 degree wedge?

Do You Really Need a 52 Degree Wedge? Yes, all golfers should eventually add a 52-degree gap wedge to their bags. While beginner-level golfers can get away with not having a gap wedge for a while, eventually they will need to add one when they get their distances dialed in.

Does 1 degree lie angle make difference?

Yes it will make a difference, I play 2 degree upright and +1/2. If your hitting the ball left all the while (I am guessing your right handed) won't be to do with having the lye angle to flat.

What is a mulligan in golf?

The basic definition of mulligan, a term most associated with golf, is a "do-over," a second try after your first has gone awry. Every weekend golfer has taken a few mulligans in their lifetime, and there's no shame in that.