PHOTO PROVIDED Comparing a 7-iron to a pitching wedge.

The loft increases in each iron by approximately four degrees as the club numbers progress. For example, a 4-iron is approximately 28 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. The higher the number, the more the loft increases, ending up with a 56-degree sand wedge.

Depending on the manufacturer, the pitching wedge has a 46- to 50-degree loft.

An excellent way to see which club goes higher or lower is to place two clubs on the ground, then stand on the face of each club. The shaft angle will indicate the approximate ball flight. The lower lofted clubs are more difficult to hit and require more club head speed.

Most golfers today have three to four wedges in their bags. When choosing utility wedges, use the four-degree rule: if you have a 48-degree pitching wedge, your gap wedge should be 52 degrees, sand wedge 56 degrees, and the lob wedge 60 degrees, four degrees difference between each club.

Don’t forget to enjoy this great game called golf.

Rick Musselman, a golf author and professional, owns Musselman’s Golf in Williamsport.