Comments on: Wedge Bounce and Grind: What it is and Why it Matters

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:58:22 +0000

In regard to bounce angles, most better and Tour players will grind relief on the leading edge..to prevent digging and also to help self locate centerline of the ball

They will also grind relief along the leading edge from toe to heel

there are two types of bounce angles, a dynamic and a static.

A dynamic bounce angle is where the angle comes flush with the leading edge and can be a cause for fat and/or thin shots, or needing to chop your way out of the rough

A Dnamic bounce is much like a river barge that must plow its way through water via force

A Static bounce is much like the bow on a speed boat that parts the water and away from the resistance...this grind also reduces skulled, fat and/or thin shots and helps when your ball lands in a divot

A Static grind is a very versatile grind which is used more and more by Tour players..not to be confused with the static bounce angle, even though a static grind begins with a static angle.

The patented sole on Feel Golf's wedges and irons are good example of what a static grind is and what it accomplishes in all types of lie's and agronomy. Can be seen on feelgolf.net

By: Bryan Johnston

Bryan Johnston — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:58:47 +0000

Never thought too much about bounce and grinds until recently when I won a taylormade 56* sandwedge z groove with 8* bounce at a local tournament. The obvious difference to my existing sandwedge is the flange width 25 mm for the existing v. 17mm for the new one. (old one has 12* bounce)WHAT a difference this has made to my short game. Now carry both in the bag. New wedge for tight lies/hard sand old one for fluffy sand and lies. Sorry Chuck I also play off a 4 and never thought I would change what has always worked but, this has made a big difference and boy, does that new wedge spin it!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:04:42 +0000

Nice article, sometimes we forget how much the nuance of the game makes a difference when trying to get from a 10 to a 5, and these little gems help. My only comment is that don't let the tour players be the only ones with "access" to grind. A $50 bench grinder, some safety goggles and an old wedge is the perfect mix for some trial and error grinding. Then you can make your own wedges match your swing, course and preference!!
Go make some sparks!!! and be careful

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:39:52 +0000

whoever said golf isn't competitive. Chuck, I don't golf but my 12y/o hits 210-220 and avg in the 80's from the whites maybe someday he will be as good as you.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:59:01 +0000

Well, 275 on the fly with an old persimmon is pretty good. Chuck - I have some old persimmon woods to sell you if you need any.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:58:12 +0000

I'd like to whack both of you over the skull with your permission drivers. Get back on topic. You both had valid points...

Chuck- that equipment doesn't buy a quality swing. Good point, but nobody is impressed with 275, regardless of the driver. Why don't you tell us your club head speed instead.

Besides, the real Chuck (Chuck Norris) can out drive anyone - using a toothpick.

"A" - that consistent quality ball strikers can benefit from various bounce and grind designs. points taken

But lets face it, 90% of amateur golfers spend too much money on equipment and not enough on lessons or practicing proper swing mechanics.

By: Wondering

Wondering — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:37:34 +0000

How does the width of the sole affect the grind. Is it better if it is more narrow?

By: Greg Clements

Greg Clements — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:21:40 +0000

I absolutely love reading some of these "no holds barred" comments. Apart from being positively hilarious they are very educational. Nice to know what the good golfers think. I am a bit of an equipment junkie myself so I can relate to what Chuck says - he has a good point.

Aussie Hacker

By: tom buthead

tom buthead — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:18:31 +0000

anyone know how to adjust bounce angle on 58 deg 8 deg bounce vokey find myself thinning the ball too much something which i never did with my ping zing 2 sw. play off 7 so can,t afford to squander shots.

By: A

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:36:41 +0000

chuck said on October 11, 2008:

to be honest, its not the paintbrush, its the painter, catch my drift? People buy into the golf market just like they're supposed to, with their wallets open. I have a scoring avg of 73.4, I use 2 wedges, an old Walter Hagen pitching wedge, which I use for bump and run shots around the greens, and my 120 distance, and a vokey 58 degree for 90 and in, and short shots i need spin on. Get to know your equipment, stop buying things thinking it will make you better.

Painter, not the paintbrush

I can probably out drive most of you with an old persimmons driver i have, I hit it 275 on the fly

Well Chuck, if you knew what you were talking about, you'd know that grinds are not about purchasing equipment, they are about getting a WRXer to shape it to your swing style, typical playing conditions, and personal feel and preference.

If a painter is trying to paint a canvas portrait with a fat house painting brush, the likelihood of screwing it up becomes much more realistic. tight lies require a closer leading edge. For those of us who enjoy shooting par, grinds are a great option for revitalizing equipment.

P.S. In his prime, Bobby Jones was whacking a permission driver 230 max...