There’s a great line that goes roughly: the better wedge player you are, the better putter you’ll be. Of course this makes perfect sense. The closer you hit the ball to the pin, the shorter your putts will be, and hence, you’ll likely make more of them. It’s no mystery why they call the wedges your scoring clubs.
So how do you find a wedge that helps you score better?
The wedge has not seen as many technological innovations as other clubs. However today’s wedges are not short on science and engineering. There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedge, but it always comes down to finding a model that inspires confidence in order to execute a clean chip off a tight lie or the unmistakable thump of a soft bunker shot.
Whether you are looking for a traditional-looking wedge or a non-traditional looking wedge, remember there is more to a wedge than its look and shape. The loft to bounce relationship is very critical, and today’s wedge lines offer multiple loft/bounce combinations, giving players the ability to select the proper wedge without having to manipulate the clubhead for different shots.
Another factor to pay attention to is the clubhead material, which can affect playability and spin, typically determined by groove size, shape and finish. If you prefer moderate spin, a chrome finished or stainless steel wedge would be a good option. If added spin is desired, you might look at a rusted or raw finished model or carbon steel model.
Look into your bag to see what you are missing in the scoring zone (125 yards and in) and remember you will save more shots with more wedges than with that long-iron in your bag. (Refer to the chart below for possible additions to your scoring clubs.)
Bounce is a big consideration when choosing a wedge. If you tend to play courses where the turf is soft, choose higher bounce angles to prevent less digging and a lower bounce angle for firmer conditions. As a general rule of thumb, a sand wedge with a higher bounce angle will make it easier for the average player to get out of bunkers and greenside rough.
The pitching is typically about _ inch longer than the gap wedge (50 to 52 degree loft). The gap wedge, sand wedge and the lob wedge (60 degree loft) are generally all the same length. You can’t go wrong by keeping these wedges all the same length.
There’s nothing really creative about choosing a wedge. The only way to find your magic wand is to try out as many as you can get your hands on. A few of our testers ran some of the hottest wedges through their paces. Below are some general considerations for you to think about before you buy.
Loft Angle: Loft angle affects both distance and trajectory, the more loft, the higher your ball will fly and the less distance it will travel.
The loft/distance relationship commonly is as follows:
Pitching wedge: 46º to 50º, 100-125 yards;
Gap wedge: 50º to 54º , 85-110 yards;
Sand wedge: 54º to 58º, 65-95 yards;
Lob wedge: 58º to 62º , 50-75 yards.
Bounce Angle: Bounce relates to how the club interacts with the ground. The higher bounce angle your wedge has the less it has a tendency to dig into the turf. This makes it a good club for bunker play and for shots from the rough. Look for a sand wedge with around 10 to 12 degrees of bounce. This is the same reason you likely will want less bounce in your pitching and gap wedges. These clubs are normally hit from the fairway and a higher-bounce club is predisposed to jump off the turf rather than take the divot you need.
Adams Puglielli
www.adamsgolf.com | 800-709-6142 | $149
Unique Features: Discover one of the best secrets on the Champions Tour -Max Puglielli has developed this premium wedge that the pro’s are not only using but winning with as well. The , fly-cut face with milled grooves provides for more consistent shots with high spin. Available in two models- Sweep or Steep. One model is for the sweeper (shallow divots). The other is for the golfer who swings with a steep angle (deep divots).
Testers Comments: “The “Steep” was great from tight fairway lies. All-around very versatile.” Ken Anderson (9)
“Solid feel on all shots.” Rich Jansen (12)
Bridgestone J33TM Forged
www.bridgestonegolf.com | 800-359-6319 | $159
Unique Features: The new J33 Wedges boast U-grooves for maximizing spin and control on approach shots. The double cut sole design provides golfers with the ability to effectively use the wedges from a variety of sand and turf conditions. One of the most unique features of the Bridgestone J33 Forged Wedges is the long hosel, which is used to raise the center of gravity and produce a high spin, low trajectory shot for optimum control. The wedges have been designed with a leading edge grind to reducing digging.
Testers Comments: “Nice sharp look, cuts through heavy rough around greens easily.”
Anthony Tobias (10)
“Good feel, designed for a better golfer. My mis-hits lost quite a bit of distance.” Roger Gelston (14)
Callaway X-Tour
www.callawaygolf.com | 800-228-2767 | $135
Unique Features: Legendary clubmaker Roger Cleveland has designed the best looking, best performing wedges Callaway Golf has ever produced. The forged 1020 carbon steel features a precision-milled face and the sole is ground to lower the leading edge. When clubface is open, sole remains on the ground, reducing the chance of blading the ball. Grooves are aggressively sized for maximum spin, trajectory and distance control.
Testers Comments: “Nice weight to the head, made it easy for bunker shots and pitches.” Dave Wilson (15)
“Real solid feel, was able to hit some nice flop shots easily with these.” Todd Walsh (8)
Cleveland 588 DSG RTG
www.clevelandgolf.com | 800-999-6263 | Graphite $159 / Steel $135.
Unique Features: When opening the face at address, the Dynamic Sole Grind allows the leading edge of the 588 DSG to remain closer to the ground than the original 588. This gives you more versatility to hit high and soft flop shots around the green. With adequate dynamic bounce, the 588 DSG remains effective out of soft sand or from soft turf conditions as well. The RTG+ finish provides an initial rust-like appearance without having to wait for the rusting that will take place over time. This type of finish is designed to reduce glare at address.
Testers Comments: “Easy to hit flop shots with these from most any lie around green.”
Michael Boston (8)
“Impact is soft and I could really control spin and trajectory.” Scott Riggins (10)
Feel Golf Satin Series
www.feelwedges.com | 877-934-7387 | $119
Unique Features:Each standard wedge has the same Balance Point-Kick Point-Frequency-Swingweight-Total Weight, Length and above all the same feel from wedge to wedge. The only change in any of the Feel wedges is the loft. The soft face and U/V grooves add ball spin and the consistent trajectory.
Testers Comments: “Good around green, a little tougher from tight fairway lies.”
Gary Eastman (10)
“Mis-hits felt more solid than most – minimal vibration on mis-hits.”
Don Unwin (12)
KZG Forged 9500h Series
www.kzgolf.com | 800-200-8800 | $89 / $99 Graphite
Unique Features: These wedges are designed for mid to low handicappers who want maximum feel, accuracy and control. These wedges are double forged, handcrafted from S20C carbon steel and each wedge is engineered with the ideal bounce and leading edge for optimal performance from all playing conditions; tight fairway lies, rough and bunkers. The wedge delivers maximum feel, accuracy, control and trajectory. Each forged wedge is available in both a high polish nickel chrome or ‘raw’ finish.
Testers Comments: “Solid feel and good looking wedge – lots of good shots.” Mike Harmon (6)
“Excellent form the sand, really splashed through the sand.” Jim Burke (10)
Magique Golf Low Bounce System
www.magiquegolf.com | 800-247-2452 | $75
Unique Features: Designed to excel from tight lies and firm turf conditions, Magique LBS Wedges feature a proprietary Low Bounce System™ which promotes crisp contact on every shot. Magique’s GMS method matches each component and achieves perfect balance between the shaft, grip and clubhead — right down to the gram. The LBS Wedges combines state-of-the-art technology, classic design and custom-fitting to provide real short game improvement.
Testers Comments: “I was pleasantly surprised by these. Handled every situation I tried them from easily.” Tim Kramer (12)
“Great on finesse shots.” Tom Monihan (8)
Miura Golf Wedge Series
www.miuragolf.com | 866-GO-MIURA | $149
Unique Features: Miura’s forging techniques rearrange the molecular structure of the mild steel in a pattern that is uniform throughout the hitting area of the club in a manner that is unique to his clubs. Miura also uses a proprietary “spin welding” process to produce the industries’ most consistent hosel. This unique procedure ensures that the bore depths and hosel heights are identical on every Miura made head and the shaft of every club will be perfectly centered.
Testers Comments: “Very accurate and great balance to this wedge.” Kevin Hutchinson (12)
“These are a player’s wedge, mis-hits gave up distance and accuracy.” John Grenier (14)
Mizuno MP R Series Forged
www.mizunousa.com | 800-966-1211 | $120
Unique Features: Mizuno continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s best forged wedge companies by adding a new style of wedge, the Mizuno MP R Series Grain Flow Forged™ wedges, which offer a round face shape with a new, versatile tour inspired workshop-grind sole. Mizuno MP R wedges utilize their patented Grain Flow Forging process to offer a solid, soft, and consistent feel and feature CNC Max-milled, deep square grooves for optimum spin and a lie responsive sole design for consistent ball striking from any lie on the course. Available in Chrome and Black Nickel finishes.
Testers Comments: “Face really grips the ball and fires it at target. Good from tight lies.” Roger Dyer (8)
“Distance control was great – could really feel the ball on the clubface.”Steve Kelley (10)
Nickent Genex ARC Wedge
www.nickentgolf.com | 888-642-5368 | $119
Unique Features: These wedges feature Accelerated Rebound Core® (ARC) technology consisting of an internal core of compressed high-rebound elastomer positioned directly behind the strike zone. At impact, the compressed elastomer produces a dampening effect, virtually eliminating vibration and delivering a lively, solid feel, even on off-center hits. And because the internal cavity is engineered to significantly expand the sweet spot, less-than-perfect shots hold their line and stay on target. The modified U-grooves and lively face action combine to deliver an exceptionally high spin rate and a controlled trajectory.
Testers Comments: “Nice soft feel and good trajectory control. Ball sits nicely on approaches.” Stacey Humphries (12)
“Unique feel, pitch shots floated softly onto green – awesome”
Stan Zalewski (14)
SMT Golf Durometer Series
www.SMTGolf.com | 888-693-4001 | $39 (head Only)
Unique Features: The Durometer Series Wedge features a rubber shock-absorbing insert in the hosel of the club. Shock, vibration, or feel as vibration is often called, is transferred up the shaft to the hands. SMT effectively dampens the transmission of impact vibration where it begins, at the hosel. The Players Series wedge absorbs up to 14 percent of the shock felt when the clubface hits the ball while the Tour Series absorbs up to 4 percent of the shock felt when the clubface hits the ball. The wedges come with the standard SMT lifetime warranty.
Testers Comments: “Minimal vibration and great distance control. Ball seemed to know where to go.” Wil Young (8)
“Easily handled even the tight lies in the fairways.” Bob Johnson (12)
Taylormade rac TP Satin
www.tayormadegolf.com | $140
Unique Features: Tour-proven Y-cutter grooves are 100% individually CNC milled after the face is milled flat, resulting in clean, sharp, consistent groove edges that grip the ball better, and a perfectly flat clubface. The sole is ground low on the trailing edge and at the toe and heel allowing players to open the clubface wide to play high, soft chips and pitches. Also, the leading edge is radiused, enhancing players’ ability to hit low, controlled shots without digging. The versatility made possible by both the C-grind sole and radiused leading edge make it possible to hit an extraordinarily wide variety of approach and greenside shots with one bounce configuration.
Testers Comments: “Really sharp looking and great feel. Handled every situation I tried them in wonderfully. Stephen Lindquist (10)
“Seemed like shots were seeking the pin. Great accuracy and distance control.” Gary Abram (6)
TaylorMade r7
www.tayormadegolf.com | $105 steel / $135 graphite
Unique Features: A large, thin clubface with a substantial unsupported area in the center, results in increased flexibility and increased COR. On the back of the clubface is a revised version of TaylorMade’s Inverted Cone Technology, which increases the size of the COR zone. A distinctive shock absorption web in the cavity absorbs harsh vibration at impact to promote great feel.
Testers Comments: “Very forgiving wedge. Cut through rough easily. Face was a little firm feeling.” Jay Skeen (14)
“Not as soft feeling, more of a game improvement wedge design. Mis-hits felt solid.” Bill Smitt (12)
Tour Edge JMAX Bounce
www.touredge.com | 800-515-3343 | $ 69
Unique Features: JMAX wedges are available in high bounce (HB), mid bounce (MB), and low bounce (LB) models. The high bounce models are designed for soft turf conditions and players with a steep angle of attack. The mid and low bounce models are suited for players who take a shallow divot and play on firm turf conditions. Two materials are available: The 304-stainless is a silver-chrome finish. The 8620-carbon steel has a softer feel in a non-glare, no rust, black nickel finish.
Testers Comments: “Felt like I could attack pins with the low bounce model from fairways.” Larry Ventura (8)
“Solid feel – even toe mis-hits had good distance and direction.”
Edward Bass (12)
Vulcan Golf Tour Professional Grind
www.vulcangolf.com | 800-842-1836
Unique Features: Vulcan Professional Grind Wedges are forged of soft carbon steel to promote the very best feel and consistent shot making. They are hand ground and feature classic styling with a modern variable width sole design and mid bounce for maximum playability. These wedges have a Tour-preferred teardrop head shape and multiple loft/bounce combinations. The maximum allowable groove width generates excellent spin and controllability.
Testers Comments: “Very reliable from the bunkers, head has nice weight balance.” Bob Daughtry (12)
“Forgiving wedge for low-handicapper, ball stops where it drops on green. Nice high soft pitches.” Brian Fitzgerald (8)
Wilson Staff Fw6
www.wilsonstaff.com | 800-GO-WILSON | $129
Unique Features: Built on the legacy of the first Sarazen model wedge in 1931, the Fw6 wedge series has classically shaped designs, combined with modern advancements that deliver confidence-building accuracy. The Fw6’s Tour Grooves and slightly lower lofts help create more spin and control around the green. The exclusive bore-through shaft repositions weight behind the face to optimize trajectory. The urethane plug in the heel is designed to dampen vibration.
Testers Comments: “Easy to control distance, good spin on full shots.” Andy Gingrich (9)
“Great feel, impact is soft, ball seems to go exactly where I was aiming.” Joe Murphy (11)
