Carry Gaps and Set Composition: Fit the Neighbours, Too

An individual iron can perform well and still leave an awkward transition in the set.

That is why a promising 7-iron result is not the end of an iron fitting. Its neighbours need testing.

Start with carry, not just the number on the sole

Trackman distinguishes carry from total distance. Its carry parameter references where the flight returns to launch elevation; total includes the calculated resting position.

For an approach that must clear a hazard, airborne coverage is a different question from final resting distance. Keep carry and total separate in the gapping record.

An arithmetic illustration—not a fitted recommendation

Suppose representative carry averages were:

If needed, scroll this table horizontally. Keyboard users can focus the table region and use the arrow keys.

The adjacent gaps are 12 yards.

If a candidate 7-iron averaged 161 yards, the gaps would become:

• 6-iron to candidate 7-iron: 4 yards
• Candidate 7-iron to 8-iron: 20 yards

That does not prove the candidate is unsuitable. It shows that selecting it changes the set-level question. The averages also leave shot-to-shot variation unanswered.

Loft spacing is a starting point

Titleist’s wedge-fitting process begins by evaluating the existing equipment, including the 9-iron and pitching wedge specifications. It then tests distance gaps and selects wedge lofts.

Bob Vokey recommends 4–6° of loft separation between wedges. This is a fitting guideline—not a guarantee of equal yardage gaps.

Loft spacing and carry spacing are different measurements. The player’s shots must establish whether the proposed arrangement provides useful coverage.

The same principle applies at the long end of the bag: test the transition between irons, hybrids, and fairway woods rather than assuming the club labels produce the required distances.

A practical gapping record

Our recommended record includes:

• Club identity and relevant specifications.
• Carry average and variation.
• Lateral pattern and flight.
• Ball, conditions, and shot-selection notes.
• The shot each club is intended to provide.

For wedges, test intended partial shots as well as stock swings. Titleist’s fitting process also checks greenside and bunker performance; full-swing spacing is not the only job a wedge must do.

The next test: Retest a candidate beside its neighbouring clubs before finalizing the recommendation.

Fit the club. Then fit its place in the bag.

Sources & editorial note

• Trackman: Practice — Trackman Data Parameter Definitions
• Titleist: The Titleist Wedge Fitting Experience
• Titleist: Golf Carry and Total Distance
• Titleist: Dial In Your Distance Wedges

Source-backed educational guide. Fitting suggestions are editorial guidance, not FORJ test results or an expert-approved fitting protocol. Numerical illustrations are labelled where they appear; reference-chart values are not results from a FORJ fitting. Links identify the original publishers and do not imply their endorsement.