Wedge Design

Bob Vokey is a true master craftsman that relies on both old fashioned hand skills and high tech R&D to design and develop the game's finest wedges. In developing new wedges Bob uses the Titleist R&D group to develop prototypes and shape masters via CAD/CAM (computer aided design and manufacturing). It is Bob's practice however to always put in the final touches on each wedge by hand at a bench with a toolmaker. To perfect the various sole grind and bounce configurations Bob uses the PGA Tour as his living laboratory along with the Acushnet Oceanside Test Facility in California to conduct specific scientific research on spin and club-turf interaction.

Understanding Wedges

The key to good wedge play is selecting the proper bounce in your higher lofted wedges to match your swing type and the conditions in which you typically play.

Equally important is selecting the appropriate combination of gap, sand and lob wedges to provide you with the proper short game yardage gaps.

Bounce

  • Bounce is built into the sole of a wedge to keep it from digging into the turf or sand
  • The greater the bounce, the more the sole resists digging
  • Bounce helps prevent “fat” shots by keeping the club moving through the turf or sand
  • Having enough bounce is particularly important on sand shots
  • Too much bounce can make shots from firm conditions more difficult to execute

The effective bounce of a wedge is determined by the bounce angle, sole width, sole camber and sole grind.

Bounce Angle

  • The angle between the leading edge of the sole and its lowest point
  • HIGH BOUNCE ANGLE - Increases bounce. Better for soft turf and sand
  • MEDIUM BOUNCE ANGLE - Versatile in all conditions
  • LOW BOUNCE ANGLE - Reduces bounce. Better for firm turf and sand

Sole Width

  • The distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the sole
  • WIDER SOLE - Increases bounce. Better for softer turf and sand
  • MEDIUM WIDTH SOLE - Versatile in all conditions
  • NARROW SOLE - Reduces bounce. Better for firm turf and sand

Sole Camber

  • The amount of curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge
  • REDUCED CAMBER - Increases the effective sole width and bounce. Better for softer turf and sand
  • MEDIUM CAMBER - Versatile in all conditions
  • ENHANCED CAMBER - Reduces the effective sole width and bounce. Better for firm turf and sand

Sole Grind

  • The shape, contour and amount of relief ground into the trailing edge of the sole from heel to toe
  • LESS SOLE RELIEF - Increases the effective sole width and bounce. Better for softer turf and sand
  • MORE SOLE RELIEF - Reduces the effective sole width and bounce. Better for firm turf and sand

Note: More sole relief is good for shotmaking because it allows the leading edge to stay low to the ground when hitting shots with the face open.