GI Wedges?

**Jtjohns** · June 7, 2010

So... After a long debate in another thread, I decided I'm picking up some Ping G10 Irons in the next day or so. Currently, my wedges are pure blades and I must admit, this is the part of my game where I struggle. I hit my irons pretty well, especially after going through a few lessons and practicing constantly, but from 100yds in.... It gets bad!! I tend to make one GREAT shot putting the ball within 4ft. of the pin, but the next 5 wedge shots aren't even on the green or even a duff. These shots have caused me to put away the long ball off of the tee box and start attempting to leave myself a full PW+ into the green just so I don't have to pull the SW and AW out of the bag.

This leads me to my question. Is there a such thing as a GI Wedge? If so, what would you recommend for a high handicapper, such as myself?

**delav** · June 7, 2010

Wedges are a club of compromise. Most wedges are "traditional" looking for playability purposes. Unlike thick soled GI or SGI irons, even amateur players can use a club with a versatile sole for a variety of approach and greenside shots.

I'd recommend a few things. Most GI sets offer an approach (A) or gap wedges (usually 52) and a sand wedge. These will play more like a GI iron than a true traditional wedge. I'd keep a 56 or 58 traditional style wedge in your bag for versatility, but adding a GI approach or gap wedge might make those 100 yard shots a bit more comfortable.

However, my thought is that this is a swing mechanics and psychological thing. Looking down at something that doesn't look like your GI irons probably doesn't exude confidence. As a result, I'd be willing to be you swing it differently, and likely with a fair bit more hesitation.

Wedges are short clubs, and unlike the longer clubs the technology in a GI club isn't going to help you as much. The most important thing in wedge shots is proper contact and position at impact. The wedge will do most of the work for you. I'd work with a pro on approach shots and proper impact before swapping clubs, as this problem is likely between your ears!

**Jtjohns** · June 7, 2010

Wedges are a club of compromise. Most wedges are "traditional" looking for playability purposes. Unlike thick soled GI or SGI irons, even amateur players can use a club with a versatile sole for a variety of approach and greenside shots.

Thanks for the response. I will look into getting a GI AW/GW with my new set. My next lesson is scheduled to be focused on scoring shots 100yds and in. Before I began my lessons, I was told by an instructor to not take full back swings as with other irons and that helped a ton. I feel that I my miss hits with wedges often comes from deceleration because I am trying to finesse the shot vs. focusing on just making solid contact and rotating through as with my irons.

**delav** · June 7, 2010

Thanks for the response. I will look into getting a GI AW/GW with my new set. My next lesson is scheduled to be focused on scoring shots 100yds and in. Before I began my lessons, I was told by an instructor to not take full back swings as with other irons and that helped a ton. I feel that I my miss hits with wedges often comes from deceleration because I am trying to finesse the shot vs. focusing on just making solid contact and rotating through as with my irons.

Exactly. Similar to putting, deceleration is bad and will make you do very funny things in an attempt to move the golf ball. If anything, (as you know) reduce your backswing but make an aggressive move through the ball.

**Jtjohns** · June 7, 2010

Exactly. Similar to putting, deceleration is bad and will make you do very funny things in an attempt to move the golf ball. If anything, (as you know) reduce your backswing but make an aggressive move through the ball.

Thanks. I'll work on that today. Just set up my next lesson for Wed!

**WUTiger** · June 7, 2010

Game improvement wedges are the stock wedges which come with Game Improvement (GI) or SGI iron sets.

The GI wedges tend to have a lot of bounce, and also have larger heads like the rest of the GI or especially SGI sets. A clubfitter told me that most PW that come with GI sets are OK, but the stock GW, SW and LW can be pretty clunky. That said, some golfers like all their irons and wedges to match for common feel.

My X-Forged SW is great: a smaller clubhead, and can be used in bunker shots, approach shots, and greenside lob shots (I have tried true LWs, but they are just too risky in my hands). I have to practice with it, but the payoff has been great.

I played most of last year with an X20 AW (gap wedge), 50* loft with 118 bounce. I just couldn't get any consistent distance out of it. I went to the current CG14 GW with lower bounce, and had immediate improvement. In a recent scramble, I set up my team for three birdies with GW shots dropped inside 10 feet.

Bounce and sole grind options are two things you can get with your better wedge models. Also, find out if you are a sweeper, digger, or in between. See the Wedge Selection Guide on the Vokey website for details (good info for understanding any wedges):
http://www.vokey.com/

**NYJetsfan** · June 7, 2010

Game improvement wedges are the stock wedges which come with Game Improvement (GI) or SGI iron sets.

Where did you get the x20 gw? Was it steel? I'm trying to find one and so far i haven't had much luck.

**WUTiger** · June 8, 2010

NYJetsfan,

In summer 2009, I got one w/ steel Uniflex shaft at a local golf shop. Majority of X20 AWs in this area were Uniflex shaft. This spring, only X20 AWs I've seen were graphite.

My AW is in good-very good condition. Contact me PM if interested.

----------
Correction from earlier post: AW has 11* bounce, not 118*.

**motteler621** · June 8, 2010

il give you a piece of advice that can really help your wedge shots if you dont do it already. Most peoples legs are too far apart on their wedge shots. bring your stance closer together.

**Jtjohns** · June 8, 2010

il give you a piece of advice that can really help your wedge shots if you dont do it already. Most peoples legs are too far apart on their wedge shots. bring your stance closer together.

I think my legs may be too close at times.... I gets to the point where my feet are almost touching depending on the distance I want from the shot. It's just gonna take a ton of practice!

**Harry SasQuatch** · June 8, 2010

So... After a long debate in another thread, I decided I'm picking up some Ping G10 Irons in the next day or so. Currently, my wedges are pure blades and I must admit, this is the part of my game where I struggle. I hit my irons pretty well, especially after going through a few lessons and practicing constantly, but from 100yds in.... It gets bad!! I tend to make one GREAT shot putting the ball within 4ft. of the pin, but the next 5 wedge shots aren't even on the green or even a duff. These shots have caused me to put away the long ball off of the tee box and start attempting to leave myself a full PW+ into the green just so I don't have to pull the SW and AW out of the bag.

Whatever you do, don't mention anything about a clone since the TST forum police will only let you play clubs from a certain manufacturer list. According to some you should be ashamed to be an American for supporting companies other than Taylor Made, Calloway, Titliest, Mizuno, etc.

I'd echo what others have said about getting some to match your set. You can get a UW, SW, or LW in a G10. Check out the specs here . Whatever you do, don't purchase the below club since you will face the wrath of a TST member with nothing better to do than have an e-aneurysm when someone mentions a club not on the approved list.

**Jtjohns** · June 8, 2010

Whatever you do, don't mention anything about a clone since the TST forum police will only let you play clubs from a certain manufacturer list. According to some you should be ashamed to be an American for supporting companies other than Taylor Made, Calloway, Titliest, Mizuno, etc.

LMAO, Got it!!

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GI Wedges?

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