Left Hand Lob Wedge: A Step-by-Step Guide for Left-Handed Golfers

By Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

A left hand lob wedge gives left-handed golfers a high, soft-landing shot for tight lies, tucked pins and short carries over bunkers. This guide walks through how to pick the right model, set up for a lob, and make a smooth swing that stops the ball quickly. Most of the work comes down to setup and tempo rather than raw power.

Choose the Right Left-Handed Lob Wedge

Start by confirming the club is built for left-handed play. A right-handed lob wedge swung from the left side will not sit correctly at address and will feel awkward at impact. Most major manufacturers offer left-handed versions of their lob wedges, and the loft is usually the same as the right-handed model, typically in the 58 to 62 degree range.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Lob Wedge Loft Degree vs Gap Wedge: Which Should You Choose?.

Check the bounce as well. A moderate bounce of about 8 to 10 degrees suits most lob shots from normal turf, while a lower bounce works better from tight lies. For more on loft choices, see What Is a Lob Wedge Loft? Typical Degrees and How to Choose.

Set Up for a High, Soft Shot

Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, slightly open to the target line. Your left foot should be pulled back a few inches so your body faces a bit more toward the target. Place the ball forward of center, roughly opposite your left heel, and open the clubface before you grip.

Open the clubface so the leading edge points left of the target.
Set your weight about 60 percent on your left side.
Grip the club a little softer than you would for a full swing.
Keep the hands ahead of the ball at address.

Make the Lob Swing

A lob is a longer, more upright swing with the wrists hinging early. Swing the club along a path that moves left of the target line, then accelerate through the ball with the face staying open. The ball should come off the face softly, so keep your rhythm smooth rather than forceful.

Tempo and Finish

Count “one” on the backswing and “two” on the downswing. Finish with the club high and your chest facing the target. A full, balanced finish is a good sign that you let the loft do the work.

Adjust for Lie and Distance

From a good lie, you can use a full swing with a longer backswing. From a tight lie, shorten the swing and keep the ball just forward of center. Use a three-quarter swing for mid-range shots, and remember that the open face means the ball will fly shorter than the loft suggests. Practice a few distances with the same swing length to build a reliable yardage.

Common Mistakes

Flipping the wrists at impact, which sends the ball into the ground.
Playing the ball too far back, which causes thin contact.
Forgetting to open the face, which makes the shot run out.
Swinging too hard. A lob rewards smooth acceleration.
Using a lob wedge from a deep lie without adjusting the setup.

Recommended Gear

Left-handed lob wedge with moderate bounce: Gives you a versatile club for lobs from fairway and rough. View on Amazon
Practice chipping net: Lets you rehearse lob swings at home with a clear target. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a lob wedge hard for left-handed golfers to hit?

It is no harder than for right-handed golfers once the club is fitted correctly. The main challenge is setting up properly, so practice your address position before attempting full shots.

How far should I expect a left hand lob wedge to fly?

Distance depends on swing length and lie. Most golfers find a full lob carries noticeably shorter than a standard wedge, so test your distances on the range before relying on them on the course.

Should I open the face on every lob shot?

Yes, opening the face is the core of a lob, since it adds loft and height. Keep it open for the entire swing and avoid rotating the club closed through impact.

Conclusion

A left hand lob wedge pays off when you set up with an open face, stay smooth through impact and adjust for your lie. Practice a few distances until your swing length and yardage feel reliable. With steady repetition, the lob becomes a dependable shot for tight pins and tricky lies.

Ready to choose one?

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our putting & short game guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher writes reviews and buying guides for Putting For Par.