Today, a player who only had a half set asked me, if she should buy a Pitching Wedge? She felt that the 9-iron was hitting the ball too long, and the Sand Wedge not far enough.

Yesterday I played golf with someone who said that he used the Sand Wedge all the time - for every pitch - he just changed the strength and the length of the swing. That is not my way of playing.

First of all, I think it is a good idea to buy a full set and to learn when to use each club. Says I, who so far has never used the 5-wood?. Nevertheless, I think it makes sense to have all the usual clubs in the bag.

My experience is that when I get close to the green I have problems getting the "usual" length with my irons. My swing with the different irons gets shorter as I get more careful. Further away from the green I can make a full swing with the Sand Wedge and hit the ball maybe 50-60 meters, but 50-60 meters from the green, the SW lands the ball 30 meters away from the green. I tell you, I get too careful.

So, which club do I use to pitch the ball? I have found that my Sand Wedge only gets me that far, but a Pitching Wedge with the same swing that I am comfortable with - can get me maybe 10-15 meters longer. Is it further away, I reach for the 9-iron.

Therefore my answer to the question is that, "Yes, do buy the Pitching Wedge." It is not enough to have only the 9-iron and the Sand Wedge in the bag.