super game improvement...wedge?

cmc#5 · January 26, 2010

I just got into the game. I've played several rounds after picking up a used set of TM Burner Plus irons after much research and a couple of trips to the stores to take swings with different clubs. Of course the set only goes through a pitching wedge, aka 10 iron, so I'm on the hunt for some wedges. My question to you that know infinitely more than I...how come I read so much about "game improvement" vs "super game improvement" vs "tour" etc on the irons and even drivers, but nothing on the wedges? I understand fully that many shots with a wedge arent full swing, but isnt there still something to be said for a head designed for less accuracy on behalf of the golfer? What suggestions do you have for a guy just starting out?
Thanks

**WUTiger** · January 26, 2010

Some of the iron sets in SGI range and above come with stock wedges. The PW is usually OK, but higher stock wedges in these sets - GW, SW, LW - can be a little klunky. These stock wedges get the ball up, but often don't have the feel wanted by someone who wants precision in their short game.

If you're interested in wedge options, here's link to an online article The 5 Types of Wedges by club designer Ralph Maltby:
http://www.ralphmaltby.com/47

If you're just getting started, a PW plus a SW (sand wedge) will be plenty for the first year or two.

**Dub** · January 26, 2010

Numerous iron manufactures offer wedges that are extensions of the iron set.

I've been quite pleased with my G5 wedges, for instance. I love the sole design and the way they set up behind the ball...so easy to open up, if desired and flop with full swings.

I've had the specialty wegdes before but these are working great for me at this time...can't see changing.

The high loft of a wedge makes it much more forgiving so don't be overly scared of the muscle back design that's common in many wedges.

Golf is all about what works for YOU.
Borrow a buddy's wedge and try it out. You'll be able rule clubs out/in very easily

**marpr** · January 27, 2010

i know that iacas has strong view on this. I know in his not too recent interview with bob vokey, the man himself suggests that your mid to high handicapper leave out a 60 degree wedge.

I would have to agree with him on that one. In short, the higher the loft the harder to hit consistently. I would suggest picking up a 54 and 58 wedge combination. or even a 52 and 56 combination to start with.

As many guys will mention, a lot of the wedges these days look almost ideal. with Clevelands CG's, Mizunos MP-Ts, Vokeys and Taylor Made RAC TP's looking almost identical in DNA as each other. I have recently hit a set of ping tour w wedges and immediately noticed that they were a touch bigger than the wedges above.

**FHopper** · January 27, 2010

To the point of the question, I don't think wedges really come in improvement or super improvement designs. Wedges are so short that most of the swing and club head forgiveness of those designs are not relevant. Wedges are about sole grinds and bounce so I bought a Vokey 200 56 for sand and a Vokey SM 60 for rough around the green, lots of bounce in the sand and very little bounce through the rough. I play Burners so I added a Burner A wedge, but Burners have such strong lofts that I consider both the PW and A as fairway clubs.

**LaPuzza** · January 27, 2010

I would suggest AGAINST going to a wedge that is part of a set. I'm a high handicap, and I picked up a new set of max game improvment clubs. The set had no SW. My SW being about 30 years old, I went online and replaced the SW with the closest thing I could find to my set.

I hate it, never swing it, and am looking to replace it. While I will take all the help I can get on an iron, my personal preference is for a thin top-line, traditional wedge. Many game improvment wedges have huge clubheads to carry momentum through the grass/sand. Preference wise, I hate that, because I feel like I'm swinging a hammer on a shot that is about feel. Again personally, I also feel like it is harder to play a wedge like that when trying to open or close the face for different shots, because I just can's see the angle or feel the club as well.

I ended up with a cheap RAC wedge that I love. Ultra traditional, but I play it almost as much as any other club in my bag.

TL:DR - get a good wedge and ignore your set.

**Gordon McTavish** · January 27, 2010

The first proper sand-wedge I bought was a Vokey 58-12. Sure, I'm a high-handicapper but these Vokeys are nothing short of awesome.

I've since added (Vokey) Pitching, Gap and Lob wedges to my set. While this might fly in the face of traditional advice, I love these clubs. There's a lot to be said about actually liking the tools you use for the job.

You might be a high-handicapper, but don't be afraid to try something that might actually be marketed towards "better players." I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not try and get a demo of some Vokey or Cleveland wedges before committing to a purchase.

**WUTiger** · January 28, 2010

You might be a high-handicapper, but don't be afraid to try something that might actually be marketed towards "better players."

The pro I take lessons from said that I could use some of the more precision wedges - as long as I was willing to put some practice into learning to use them. Having shorter shafts, the wedges are easier to hit than the longer clubs.

Had good luck from the start with my 56.14 SW - that's one reason I never added a LW. Also, I dumped a stock X20 AW (way too much bounce) at Christmas time in favor of a the CG14. In comparison test hits, CG has a much tighter shot pattern - line and distance - than the X20.

cmc#5 · January 28, 2010

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll head down to a shop and take a few swings and see what happens. I'm still on the fence, but used purpose built wedges are a lot easier to find than used burner plus wedges so that might tip the balance.

**tweaky** · January 28, 2010

My 2cents-
If you play on courses that have velvet sanded bunkers like they do "on Tour" then a 12* bounce sand wedge is fine since THAT much bounce helps to keep the head from "digging in". HOWEVER if you play (as most of us do) on courses that have course sand, wet sand, or barely any sand then 12* bounce will KILL your game. You only need that much bounce in soft lies. Most of us only need about 8-10* bounce at most. I've grinded (ground) the bounce out of many wedges, including my own, and made them "game improvement" wedges. So say my clients who play tournaments and one who plays in the Nationwide. Not bragging, just facts.

**ET-Taylor** · January 28, 2010

any advice that 60° that high handicappers should have them is rubbish

**FHopper** · January 28, 2010

any advice that 60° that high handicappers should have them is rubbish

Huh? I am sorry but I do not understand what you are saying.

**wolverine_man** · January 28, 2010

^^ I don't understand that statement either. When I think of game improvement wedges, I tend to think of cavity back wedges and PING. As far as bounce, that's a whole 'nother topic. I personally find 10* bounce to be plenty for my swing style, played shots, and type of sand that I regularly play.

**jamo** · January 28, 2010

Huh? I am sorry but I do not understand what you are saying.

I think what he meant to say was "any advice that high handicappers should have 60* wedges is rubbish." The grammar was not perfect.

I completely disagree with the statement BTW. I do all of my chipping with my 60*, and it has given me a whole new level of consistency with my chipping, especially with distance. Plus, it has made me experiment with different ways to hit chips hight and, spinny and not, short and far. This is just made me practice more, which is always a good thing. What i do may not work for everyone, though i don't see why not.

**James_Black** · January 28, 2010

I think what he meant to say was "any advice that high handicappers should have 60* wedges is rubbish." The grammar was not perfect.

Same with me.

But you do have to practice a lot with the 60* before you can get much out of it.

**jamo** · January 29, 2010

Same with me.

Yup. And it's exactly that practice that makes you a better golfer.

**ET-Taylor** · January 29, 2010

what i really meant to say was they should have them because i love mine and look at my HI

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