9-Iron vs. Pitching Wedge: Which is Better and Why?

For delivering the perfect shots choosing the right club is quite essential. Irons and wedges both are your companions to send your ball high and make a soft landing. But there are several differences between 9-iron and wedges. You can decide which club is best for which shot based on these differences. This article will help you understand both 9-iron and wedges.

Furthermore, we will be discussing which club is best for your full swings, chip shots, and pitches. We aim to give you the best insights about these clubs and help you understand how to use them. The loft is the most important difference between a 9-iron and a pitching wedge. 9-iron has less loft than the pitching wedge. The loft decides on your shot’s backspin, angle, and distance. Further differences and how to properly use these clubs will be discussed in detail in this article.

Significant differences between 9-iron vs. Pitching wedge

S.No	9-Iron	Pitching Wedge
Loft	38-39 degrees	43.5-44 degrees
Length	35.5 inches	35.75 inches
Weight	Lighter than a pitching wedge	Heavier than 9-iron
Yards coverage	120-140 yards	100 or less

On the basis of Construction

1. Loft

Firstly, the 9-iron and pitching wedge have different lofts. The loft of a golf club refers to the angle between the clubface and the ground. The 9-iron typically has a loft angle of around 38.5-39 degrees, while the pitching wedge has a higher loft angle of around 43.5-44 degrees. This means that the pitching wedge will launch the ball higher in the air than a 9-iron, making it an ideal club for shorter approach shots to the green.

2. Lengths

Secondly, the 9-iron and pitching wedge have different lengths. The length of a golf club can impact a golfer’s swing and the resulting shot. The 9-iron is typically shorter than the pitching wedge, making it easier to control and providing a more accurate shot. Conversely, the longer length of the pitching wedge can result in a greater distance but may be more challenging to control.

Also, Read this guide to find out whether Your Golf Clubs are Too Long or Too Short.

3. Weights

Thirdly, the 9-iron and pitching wedge have different weights. The weight of a golf club can affect a golfer’s swing speed and shot trajectory. The 9-iron is typically lighter than the pitching wedge, making it easier to swing and providing a faster swing speed. The lighter weight of the 9-iron also means that it can generate less spin, resulting in a lower trajectory and more roll. In contrast, the heavier weight of the pitching wedge can produce more spin and a higher trajectory, making it an ideal club for stopping the ball quickly on the green.

4. Distance

With the 9-iron, you can cover more distance, around 130-140 yards; with the pitching wedge, the average distance you can cover is 116 yards. Different golfers can cover more or fewer distances using different types of golf clubs. I mainly cover 130 yards with a 9-iron and around 120 yards with a pitching wedge.

On the basis of uses on the Golf Course

The 9-iron and pitching wedge have different uses on the course. The 9-iron is typically used for approach shots from distances of 120-140 yards, while the pitching wedge is used for approach shots from shorter distances of around 100 yards or less. The higher loft of the pitching wedge makes it easier to hit a high, soft shot that will land softly on the green and stop quickly. In contrast, the 9-iron is better suited for long shots that require less spin and more roll.

On the basis of Stance and Hitting

There is a significant difference in handling both golf clubs. And taking the right position and stance is important to deliver the perfect shots. Further below, we will discuss how to get in the best position to hit from a 9-iron and pitching wedge.

1. For 9-iron

Step 1: Get into Position

Before you begin your swing, getting in the correct position is vital. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed between your feet. Your left foot should be slightly ahead of your right foot, and your knees should be slightly bent. Align your shoulders with the target, and place the ball in the center of your stance.

Step 2: Take Your Stance

When you are ready to hit the ball, take your stance by placing the club head behind the ball. Your hands should be positioned slightly ahead of the club head, with your left hand positioned slightly higher than your right hand (for right-handed golfers). Make sure that your grip on the club is firm but not too tight.

Step 3: Swing the Club

The most important step in hitting a 9-iron is the swing itself. Start by taking the club back slowly and smoothly, keeping your hands and arms relaxed. As you begin your downswing, shift your weight to your left foot and bring the club down and through the ball in a smooth, fluid motion. Keep your eyes on the ball throughout the swing, and make sure to follow through to a complete finish.

2. For pitching wedge

Step 1: Set Up

The first step is to set it up correctly. Start by standing behind the ball and lining up your shot. You should aim your clubface directly at your target. Once you have lined up your shot, stand parallel to your target line with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, and your knees should flex slightly. The ball should be positioned in the middle of your stance, and your hands should be placed ahead of the ball.

Step 2: Take Your Backswing

The second step is to take your backswing. Start by turning your shoulders and hips away from the ball. Keep your left arm straight (for right-handed golfers) and your wrists firm. As you reach the top of your backswing, pause briefly and make sure that your weight has shifted onto your right foot. Your clubface should be slightly open, and your left shoulder should be under your chin.

Step 3: Downswing

The third step is the downswing. As you begin your downswing, transfer your weight from your right foot to your left foot. Your left arm should remain straight, and your wrists should remain firm. Keep your eyes on the ball and your head down. As you swing through the ball, your hands should lead the club head, and your hips should rotate toward the target. Your clubface should remain open, creating a spin on the ball.

Step 4: Follow-Through

The final step is the follow-through. Your weight should be fully transferred onto your left foot as you finish your swing. Your hips should be facing the target, and your chest should be facing slightly left of the target. Your arms should be extended, and your club should be pointing toward the target. Your head should remain down until after the ball has been struck.

What to use according to the situation: 9-iron vs. pitching wedge?

For some shots, 9-iron is the best option, while for others, a pitching wedge can prove beneficial. Below is the discussion of shots where you can use a 9-iron vs. pitching wedge.

Shots for which 9-iron should be Used

1. Approach shots

The 9-iron is a mid-range iron that is typically used for approach shots to the green. Its loft angle is around 39 degrees, which means it produces a relatively high ball flight and a shorter distance than the longer irons. The 9-iron is ideal for shots that require a more delicate touch and a higher trajectory, such as when trying to hit the ball over an obstacle or when the pin is located at the front of the green.

2. Short par-3 hole

One of the most common situations in which a golfer might use a 9-iron is when faced with a short par-3 hole. These holes typically require a tee shot that lands on the green, and a 9-iron is an excellent choice for this shot as it produces a high, soft landing that can help the ball stop quickly on the green.

3. Chipping around the green

Another situation in which a golfer might use a 9-iron is when chipping around the green. Its loft angle and short shaft length make it an ideal club for hitting a high, soft shot that stops quickly on the green.

Shots for Which Pitching wedge should be Used

1. Best for chip shots, pitch shots, and bunker shots

On the other hand, a pitching wedge is a short-range club designed for shots close to the green. Its loft angle is around 44 degrees, making it ideal for producing a high, soft landing with many spins. The pitching wedge is used for a variety of shots, including chip shots, pitch shots, and bunker shots.

2. For shots that land softly on the ground

A golfer might use a pitching wedge when they need to hit a shot that lands softly on the green but has a lot of spins. This type of shot is ideal when the pin is located at the back of the green, and the golfer needs to stop the ball quickly to avoid rolling off the green. A pitching wedge is also a good choice when chipping from the rough or hitting a shot out of a bunker. Let’s find out the list of Best Wedges for Chipping

In conclusion, the decision to use a 9-iron or a pitching wedge comes down to the distance and trajectory of the shot. If the shot requires a high, soft landing with a lot of spins, a pitching wedge is the better choice. However, if the shot requires a more delicate touch and a higher trajectory, a 9-iron is the way to go.

Benefits of using a 9-Iron Golf Club

1. Short distance, High Trajectory

The 9-iron is generally used for approach shots to the green from a distance of 120-140 yards. It is also used for chip shots around the green and shots out of the sand trap. The club head of the 9-iron is relatively small, with a loft angle of around 39 degrees. This means that the ball will travel a relatively short distance but with a high trajectory, allowing it to land softly on the green.

2. Accuracy

One of the reasons why the 9-iron is such a vital club is because it allows golfers to control their shots with a high degree of accuracy. Because of the loft angle of the club, golfers can make the ball stop quickly on the green, reducing the risk of it rolling off the back or sides. This makes it an ideal club for approach shots where the golfer needs to hit the ball high and stop it quickly on the green.

3. Chip Shots

The 9-iron is also helpful for chip shots around the green. Because of the loft angle of the club, golfers can hit the ball high and make it stop quickly on the green, even if they are only a few yards away from the pin.

4. Sand Trap

Another important use of the 9-iron is for shots out of the sand trap. The loft angle of the club allows golfers to hit the ball high and get it out of the sand trap quickly, reducing the risk of getting stuck in the sand. This can be especially important in challenging courses where there are a lot of bunkers.

Benefits of using Pitching Wedge Golf Club

1. Medium-high Trajectory

The pitching wedge is designed with a loft angle that ranges from 44 to 50 degrees. This angle is higher than that of a 9-iron but lower than that of a sand wedge. This means that the pitching wedge is ideal for shots that require a medium-high trajectory, such as approach shots to the green. The clubface of a pitching wedge is also designed with a bounce angle, which helps to prevent the club from digging into the turf and produces a cleaner strike.

Also, find out Best 60 Degree Wedges

2. Versatility

One of the most important reasons the pitching wedge is so essential to golf is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of shots, including full swings, chip shots, and bunker shots. This means that a golfer can use the same club for multiple shots around the green rather than having to switch between different clubs.

3. Precise Shots

Another reason why the pitching wedge is so essential is that it allows golfers to be more precise with their approach shots. Because the pitching wedge is designed to produce a medium-high trajectory, it is ideal for hitting shots that need to clear obstacles. It also allows golfers to control the spin and distance of their shots more effectively, which can help them to get the ball closer to the hole.

4. Best for beginners

In addition, the pitching wedge is an important club for beginners who are just learning the game. Its versatility and forgiving design make it easier for new players to learn how to hit approach shots to the green. As they develop their skills and confidence, they can then progress to using other clubs for more specialized shots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 9-iron and pitching wedge are two of the most commonly used irons in a golfer’s bag, and they have significant differences that can affect a golfer’s shot. The 9-iron has a lower loft, shorter length, and lighter weight and is typically used for longer approach shots. The pitching wedge has a higher loft, longer length, and heavier weight and is typically used for shorter approach shots. Understanding these differences and selecting the right club for the shot is essential for success in golf.