Is it the wedge, or the wedger?

[PhilsRHman]

OK, now that I'm getting more active on the site, I notice a big theme is wedges. I've had one Wilson Staff Midsize 56* SW with virtually no bounce that I've always used as an 11 Iron (90-105 yards with a full swing, good around the greens but can't hit it from a bunker). For bunkers, I still carry an old Hogan Radial that I can't hit from anywhere aside from sand (and I'm not very good from the sand with it, to boot). I tried a 60* wedge for a while but found that I could make any of the same shots with my Wilson SW, and that was even when I was playing a lot and down around a 6. I've sort of seen that SW as my "partner in crime" and over 15 years have figured out a way to do just about anything with it.

Question is, it's quite warn and doesn't impart the sort of spin I'd imagine a SW should. It's also far from a precision wedge (it's not even the RM forged, it's the cavity back, which I'm posting a photo of here). So would all those shots I've learned to hit with this club transfer easily to something with fresh grooves and better technology? Would I just be better off sharpening the grooves of this one? Might I keep this one as a 100-yard club, then find something more versatile than the Hogan that I can hit from the sand and inside 70 yards?

I'd love some suggestions from the gang about some wedge combos I should consider as I really concentrate on improving inside 100 yards this season, especially since I've a club to add now. I've got lots of length off the tee, and have never been able to capitalize because I simply don't stick it tight enough with my wedges and I turn too maybe birdies into pars and bogeys. There's the saying it's not the putter, it's the putter. Is this the case on wedges, too? Or am I placing myself at a significant disadvantage playing with what are basically 2 afterthought SWs that I never even considered replacing until now? I can see how you can grow emotionally attached to a putter and make it work for you over 20-30 years, but it seems wedges don't necessarily work the same way thanks to technology and grooves.

Thoughts?

[tricky]

Clearly I'm not fit to lace your boots, in terms of handicap, but something occurs to me immediately from what you say:

You hit the ball well, but have a shonky short game. You only play one knackered old wedge. Most pro's play three wedges. They have very good short games, and it's key to their scoring well.

Like I say, you're a better player than me, but having recently bought a range of wedges, and starting to work on my short game, I'm getting better. I'm sure you would too.

[Leftygolfer]

I think a new wedge would serve you well.

[1par2win]

Your playing off a 12 and been using those clubs as your short game arsenal?!?! Get a 56* Vokey spin milled and enjoy the show.

[Zeph]

If you have the money, a 52º and 56/58º wedge is what I would recommend. The 52º is normally 4º more lofted than the PW, so it would be your 11 iron. If you get the 56/58 with 10-14º bounce it will work great from the sand and fluffy lies.

Putters I don't see the problem in using for decades, but irons, especially wedges will be worn. Grooves, grip etc. Also the technology gets better and clubs are easier to hit.

That said, don't expect wonders to happen. Learning to use a wedge is more important than having a good one. You can do well with your 56º if you utilize it properly, though I'd prefer one with more bounce. If you are not to keen on spending money on wedges, I'd recommend you buy a short game book to learn the proper technique. There are several out there; Stan Utley, David Peltz, Phil Mickelson etc. They got some different ways to hit a wedge and the idea behind the shot, but if you master any of the techniques, the result is usually pretty much the same.

I bought Utley's book and my short game has improved immensely. Now, if I only got my long game in order, perhaps I could make some progress.

[PhilsRHman]

Yeah, I guess it didn't take much convincing. The sad thing is, when I was mid-single digits a decade ago, I was playing with the same wedges. Never thought anything of it.

My plan was to pick up a Vokey Design 60 degree Lob Wedge (260-06) (says in the ad it's virtually new) that I saw on ebay and have my fingers crossed I can get cheap (what would you guys consider cheap? $30? $50? $75?) I'm trying to do my homework quickly, and it seems this isn't a spin milled, but not sure how big a leap it is between the two (titleist.com actually lists the 200-series as more expensive). Thought I could pair this up with my Wilson SW for now, but also thinking of going for the gusto and going right into a 56* Vokey, too.

[PhilsRHman]

If you have the money, a 52º and 56/58º wedge is what I would recommend. The 52º is normally 4º more lofted than the PW, so it would be your 11 iron. If you get the 56/58 with 10-14º bounce it will work great from the sand and fluffy lies.

Man, now you've really got me thinking. I actually have room for a couple wedges, which is why I was thinking 56, then 60. I also just realized I have gap wedge from my Wilson Staff RM forged set, so I'll bring that out of the garage.

[PhilsRHman]

OK, lost that ebay auction, which I'm kind of glad since I rushed in. I hope I'm not being needy asking for so much advice. But I think it's really fun and interesting to open it up to you guys. Like I've said, I was really involved in all facets of the game years ago, and had really scaled back to very casual (couple rounds a year). Now hearing all your different ideas is great and I really appreciate it.

Maybe I can pose this question -- make up my wedge mix. I've got $100 to spend on two wedges (figuring I can live with the Wilson gap wedge). I need something for 85-100 yards as well as greenside to replace my Wilson SW. And I need something to hit out of traps. Thoughts?

[NotAStick]

I used to use just a SW and a LW (about 54 and 58).

I picked up a good set of Cleveland wedges and went with 54* and 60*. That worked alright, but I didn't use the 54 a lot. It was a low bounce and not great out of the sand, or in soft lies. I only used it as the "11 iron" and didn't even do that very well.

Recently, I lost the 54* and bit the bullet on a 52* and 56* Mizuno to compliment the Cleveland. Man am I happy. They have more bounce than my old 54* and I actually took a few hours on a 120-yard short range to work out exact yardages and various different shot trajectories.

I'd say I may have shaved 1-2 strokes off my score. That's a lot for me. It hasn't hit my handicap yet, but I'm expecting to be back to the +2 range pretty soon, judging by my recent soring and confidence.

I got them two weeks ago and have already holed out once from the fairway and had several other kick-in birdies and it just feels like a new world having VERY specific yardages in the 125-80yd range.

I still stick to the 60* mostly around the greens, but I've been practicing a new sort of high-bump shot with the 52* that I expect to use a lot on medium length chips.

[tricky]

.....it just feels like a new world having VERY specific yardages in the 125-80yd range......

I'm in a different world to you, but this is the critical thing that seems to make a big difference to me. I have a range of wedges that I select from to compliment the course and conditions......irrespective of which wedges I choose to put in my bag on a given day the key seems to be that I'm hitting more full shots, known distances. Consequently I'm more accurate, I'm hitting the ball closer, and I'm taking fewer putts. Getting graded options inside 120 yards has seemed to make a big difference to my game - in practice I'm about 5 shots better than before (although obviously I have more shots to work with).

[PhilsRHman]

OK, now I'm on a roll. Bought a Vokey Design 260-06 on ebay last night for $29 (plus 10 shipping). Ad says it's virtually new. I'm pretty sure it's an older model, but seemed like a decent price so I'll have it in a few days and see how it goes. Next up is a Vokey 56* of some sort. I'll be on the lookout on ebay as between this wedge and the mint 906f2 I got for $49, I'm finding what seem to be pretty good bargains.

[Topher]

I had a similar issue... But realized the issue was my SW (56* w/ 19* bounce), once I moved it back in my stance it got some decent trajectory.
But now I am looking to fill the gap between my PW (47* w/ 8* bounce) and SW, thinking something in the 52-54* range with a bounce of about 8-11* of bounce. I'm solid in the LW (60* w/ 3* of bounce) arena.
Was thinking about going with either a Cleveland, Titleist, or Mizuno GW...

[MikeLowry5]

New poster here, been looking around for a few weeks.

Just started playing 6 months ago and finally learning to hit the ball with a little bit of consistency. Part of that consistency is the new equipment (A3 iron set, Speedline Draw D & 3W). I do not have any wedges and just purchased the Wason Set online and it is currently in the mail.

I am hitting the green with good consistency with a pitching wedge from 90yds or so in but frequently find the ball rolling off the green after it lands. Because of this I'd like to have some more bite on my ball so I purchased the wedges (and ya gotta have wedges!).

So to make a long story short should I look into the Vokey wedges and possibly send the Adams set back? Would they make much difference in the hands of a newbie shooting in the 100's when compared to the Watson's?

-Mike

[NotAStick]

I am hitting the green with good consistency with a pitching wedge from 90yds or so in but frequently find the ball rolling off the green after it lands. Because of this I'd like to have some more bite on my ball so I purchased the wedges (and ya gotta have wedges!).

To be honest, if the PW isn't holding, the GW isn't going to hold either.

You need to generate a cleaner contact and more clubhead speed before you will get into the RPM range to get the ball to stop quickly. Keep working on solid contact and making a descending blow on the ball. Take a divot that starts right at the FRONT edge of the ball. You will get more spin. New clubs won't help as much as I think you may be hoping.

[MikeLowry5]

To be honest, if the PW isn't holding, the GW isn't going to hold either.

This is what I was looking to verify... Thanks!