Understanding Wedges


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



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.

For more wedge design terminology, be sure to visit the glossary.

Selecting the Proper Bounce


SLIDER-SWEEPER STYLE PLAYER

  • Shallow angle of attack
  • Minimal ground contact
  • Shallow divots and less sand displacement
  • Able to slide the club under the ball with the face open

SLIDER-SWEEPER WEDGE SELECTION:

Choose wedges with medium bounce for versatility or choose wedges based on the typical course conditions in which you play. For firm conditions choose a wedge with less bounce. For soft conditions, choose wedges with more bounce.


Slide-Sweeper Tip:

Consider having additional wedges available to vary your set composition based on the course conditions.



Determine Your Set Composition


Selecting the proper combination of gap, sand and lob wedges will provide you with the following:

  • The proper yardage gaps between clubs
  • The benefit of being able to hit more full shots into greens
  • A playable trajectory and the proper spin to stop the ball without excess roll or backspin


  • Establish your preferred high lofted wedge for shots around the green. This could be a 58˚, 60˚, 62˚ or 64˚ wedge.
  • Calculate your full shot distance from the turf with your preferred high lofted wedge.
  • Calculate your full shot distance from the turf with your pitching wedge.
  • Subtract the two numbers to determine the yardage gap between your PW and your preferred high lofted wedge.
  • Fill in gaps in 4° to 6° increments so the yardage gaps between clubs are 10 to 15 yards.


Selecting the Proper Wedges

WHEN DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF WEDGES YOU CARRY IN YOUR SET, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

  • Having a reliable club for greenside sand shots is of primary importance.
  • Full wedge shots can be hit with more spin and precision so consider adding more wedges to your set composition.


TYPICAL FOUR WEDGE SET COMPOSITIONS



  • Try this test: Hit three-quarter and half shots with all your wedges.
  • If you can't generate enough trajectory or spin with this kind of shot, consider adding more wedges to your set composition


TYPICAL THREE WEDGE SET COMPOSITIONS



SET 1PW52°56°
SET 2PW54°58°
SET 3PW54°60°
SET 1PW52°56°60°
SET 2PW52°58°62° or 64°
SET 3PW50°54°58° or 60°

Pitching and gap wedge models

For complete details on the Vokey Design SM4 wedges, including features and specifications, be sure to check out the SM4 product page.


 

Loft:46°
Effective Bounce:8°
Sole Width:Medium
Sole Camber:Slightly Enhanced
Sole Grind:Full

Sand wedge models


 

Loft:54°
Effective Bounce:8°
Sole Width:Narrow
Sole Camber:Moderate
Sole Grind:Full

Lob wedge models


 

Loft:60°
Effective Bounce:4°
Sole Width:Narrow Forward
 Bounce Surface
Sole Camber:Reduced
Sole Grind:L