The angle formed between the club’s sole and the ground when the club is held in its address position is a crucial element in wedge design. This angle, measured in degrees, dictates how the club interacts with the turf or sand. A higher degree indicates more lift, preventing the leading edge from digging excessively. As an example, a sand wedge typically features a higher degree to facilitate easier extraction from bunkers.
This design characteristic significantly influences a golfer’s ability to execute various shots, particularly from challenging lies. It affects the club’s performance on different types of ground conditions, ranging from firm fairways to soft sand. Historically, understanding and manipulating this angle has allowed skilled players to control trajectory and spin, leading to improved accuracy and scoring potential.