What Is a 60 Degree Lob Wedge Used For? Shots, Setup and Tips

Updated November 2026

A 60 degree lob wedge is used for high, soft shots that stop quickly on the green. It is the club you reach for over bunkers, tight pin placements and short grass around the putting surface. This guide explains the shots it suits, how to set up for them, and the common errors that waste strokes.

What the 60 Degree Loft Does

Loft is the angle of the clubface, and a 60 degree face launches the ball higher and with more spin than a pitching wedge or gap wedge. The extra height means the ball comes down steeply, which lets it hold its line and stop within a few feet of where it lands. Players typically carry it for shots of roughly 20 to 60 yards, though distance depends heavily on swing speed and contact.

Shopping for one? See our guide: What Is a Lob Wedge Degree? Typical Loft vs Gap Wedge (2026).

Shots the Lob Wedge Handles Best

The 60 degree wedge works best when you need height and softness at the same time. Common uses include:

• Flop and lob shots over a bunker lip or short rough to a pin cut close to the edge.
• Greenside bunker shots where the ball sits up and you need it to rise quickly and stop.
• Delicate chips from tight lies or thick grass where a lower-lofted club would skip or dig.
• Short shots around the green when you need the ball to land soft with little roll.

How to Set Up for a Soft, High Shot

A lob shot is more about setup and tempo than raw swing speed. Follow these steps:

1. Open the clubface slightly to the target line, which increases loft and helps the ball rise.
2. Stand with a slightly wider stance and let your weight favor your lead side, around 60 percent.
3. Place the ball forward in your stance, roughly even with your lead heel for most lob shots.
4. Keep your hands ahead of the ball at address so the leading edge does not dig too early.
5. Swing your arms and body together on a smooth, unhurried tempo, and let the clubhead slide under the ball.

Adjusting Your Swing for Different Lies

The setup changes with the lie. From a tight lie, a slightly narrower stance and a shallower swing path help you avoid thinning the shot. From a fluffy lie or sand, open the face more, widen your stance, and aim to enter the ground an inch or two behind the ball. The bounce on the sole controls how the club interacts with turf, so choose a bounce that suits your typical lie and swing style. For more on that, see Lob Wedge Bounce Degree: How to Pick the Right Bounce for Your Swing.

Start with a few practice swings at different distances to learn how the ball flies. Many golfers find that a half-swing with a firm lead wrist gives more control than a full, aggressive motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Decelerating through impact, which causes the ball to come up short and fly erratically.
• Gripping too tightly, which restricts the wrists and makes the face hard to control.
• Playing the ball too far back, which can lead to a steep, digging strike.
• Trying to force height with a scooping motion, which often produces thin, skidding shots.
• Skipping practice, since lob shots reward feel and repetition more than anything else.

Recommended Gear

• Wedge practice mat: A small hitting mat lets you rehearse short shots at home without damaging turf. View on Amazon
• Foam practice balls: Lightweight balls let you work on feel and height in a small backyard space. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a 60 degree lob wedge hard to hit?

It can be harder than a pitching wedge because the small margin for error is greater. Consistent practice with a simple, smooth tempo makes it much easier to control.

How far should I hit a 60 degree lob wedge?

Distance varies widely with swing speed and contact, but many players carry it roughly 20 to 60 yards. Test it on the range to learn your own numbers.

Can I use a lob wedge for full shots?

It is designed mainly for short, high shots rather than full swings. Using it for long shots usually results in lower consistency and less predictable distance.

Conclusion

A 60 degree lob wedge is built for high, soft shots that stop quickly near the green. Set up with an open face, a forward ball position and a smooth tempo, and it becomes one of the most useful clubs in the bag. Practice a few distances regularly, and you will save strokes around the green.

Related reading

• What Is a Lob Wedge Used For? Shots, Tips and Uses
• What Is a Lob Wedge Loft? Typical Degrees and How to Choose
• Warrior 60 Degree Lob Wedge: What You Need to Know Before Buying

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