Is Playing with a 70 Degree Wedge Legal?
Like any other game abiding by the rules in golf is a must. USGA is known for establishing rules regarding all golf games and equipment aspects. Regarding equipment, wedges are the highest degree club that offers maximum distance with sturdy shots.
Yet some players who struggle to generate distance on a regular wedge opt for a 70-degree wedge. You might wonder if a 70-degree wedge exists; if it does, then playing with a 70-degree wedge is legal. A 70-degree wedge can be a dream come true, but USGA sure has something to say about a 70-degree wedge and its use.
In this article, we will explore the legality of the 70-degree Wedge by USGA’s guide and other technicalities you need to consider before using it.
The Legality of 70-Degree Wedge:
According to USGA, a player must follow some rules while bringing clubs to the competitive golf grounds. The body provides a defined rule for club head shape, grooves, loft angles, etc. Keeping these dimensions in mind, golf clubs are categorized as legal or illegal to play with.
The club’s loft shapes the shot by inducing trajectory into the ball flight. Traditional wedges range from 46 to 64 degrees, depending on their ideal usage requirements.
Yet some players prefer a 70-degree wedge with extremely high loft, designed to provide extra loft and spin around the greens, making it ideal for delicate shots that require a high trajectory and quick stopping power.
USGA and R&A Rulings:
The rule book of USGA and R&A for golf has no points regarding the club with certain loft angles, including a 70-degree wedge. One must consider the overall rules for the design of a club with dimensions like club head, grooves, performance characteristics, and exaggerated technology.
USGA doesn’t allow clubs that feature over-the-board characteristics like penetrating grooves designed to aid the player’s skills extraordinarily. In professional golf terms, using such privileged equipment is considered unfair.
Using 70 Degree Wedge:
The 70-degree Wedge is considered a lob wedge for effective chipping and launching high shots. The enhanced angle allows the ball to be lifted quickly into the air compared to other wedges.
Many professionals use a 70-degree lob wedge to hit flop shots. The angle is adjusted to lift the ball quickly against obstacles like bunkers or water directly into the air.
When the ball falls into some trap, a bunker shot is needed, and with the help of a 70-degree lob, a wedge golfer can take it out. It especially comes in handy for high handicappers who struggle with their swing on bunker shots.
Most Famous 70-Degree Wedge:
There are very few options for 70-degree wedges. A few companies have a club with this loft angle. The most famous producer of 70-degree wedges is Golf Knack. The company is now only a few years old in the golf industry, offering good-quality clubs.
We have listed some good 70-degree wedges in our article which is all about the best golf wedges.
Their world-famous 70-degree Wedge is Hummingbird H7, popular among those who prefer a 70-degree wedge. There is a misconception that Hummingbird H7 is illegal, but it is not.
If you wish to add this one to your club bag, go ahead; it is not illegal by any golf governing body. Other options in 70-degree wedges perform up to the mark on the golf course and are used by many professional players.
Company | Model | Key Features |
Cleveland | CBX 2 | Cavity back design for forgiveness |
Callaway | Sure Out 3 | A wide sole and higher bounce for bunker play |
TaylorMade | MG2 Hi-Toe | High-toe design for versatility |
Titleist | Vokey SM8 (Custom) | Custom grinds for personalized performance |
Controversies and Opinions:
Using a 70-degree wedge in legal games and tournaments has a lot of controversies. The players’ opinion is divided into two groups; one supports this club’s use and holds that a 70-degree wedge allows one to take a shot with a good grip and elevated ball distance in the bunkers.
The other group is the one who is against using 70-degree wedges in any golf game. According to them, a 70-degree wedge oversimplifies a tricky shot, which is unfair to judge the proper skills of a golfer. According to them, it overshadows the talent of talented players, making them at a level with less talented ones.
Conclusion:
You are now aware that if 70-degree Wedge is legal or not. All golf associations agree on the legality of a 70-degree Wedge as it doesn’t break any rules considering design, shape, and size. Playing with a 70-degree Wedge in any national or international tournament is legal.
Hummingbird H7 is the most famous 70-degree lob wedge used by many professional players, which you, too, can add to your golf bag.
FAQs:
1. Can you have a 70-degree wedge?
According to the USGA, using a 70-degree wedge is legal, making Hummingbird Wedge legal to play on the course. It is extremely helpful in bunker and flop shots during the golf game.
2. Are there illegal wedges in golf?
According to the USGA, a club with not conforming head shapes or having deep grooves is illegal. In addition, golf clubs with weight adjustment or enhanced performance functions are also unlawful.
3. What is an illegal golf wedge?
Wedges that are categorized in non-conforming head club design are considered illegal wedges. A wedge should be plain in shape, according to the USGA.