Help...What wedges for a high handicap player?

[Lizzyboy]

Hello,

I serious about learn to play properly.

I shoot 100 so obviously i'm a new player but getting there.

I'm taking some lessons to work on my swing and get good habits.

I got Phil Mikelson's dvd (shortage).

It's simple and it really makes sense to me.

I have 4-GW.

I want to get a  sand and lob wedge (60 degrees...which he says he uses for all chipping)

Any suggestions which wedges I should buy?

I want to grow into something but also be able to hit it well now.

Is there a big difference between a forgiving wedge and a pro wedge?

I used Phil's technique for a basic chip shot at the range using my gap wedge and it worked

well for the first time.

Thanks for your input!

[jeffrey r]

First of all, I love that Phil Mickelson short game DVD.  Made a big difference for me.  As to wedges, generally speaking, Cleveland is a great place to start.  Going back to their 588 wedges, and through their current offerings, I've hardly read a bad thing about their wedges, CG10, CG11, etc.  Some are bit more forgiving than others, some have a different look, but they are generally all good.  Of course, Titleist Vokey wedges are very popular as well, and Nike, Mizuno, etc. all make good wedges.

That said, I would suggest you pick up some new or used Cleveland CG14 wedges.  I haven't played a ton of wedges, and I am by no means an expert at the short game, but I find the CG14's (I have the Black Pearl versions) to be forgiving (as far as wedges go), and very comfortable to use.  I have 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60* in the CG14's, though I generally play the 54* and 58*.  These should run you about $40 and up in nice used condition.  I've acquired all of mine within the past month or two from the used websites.

I also have a full set of Ping iWedges, and those are very forgiving as far as wedges go.  The iWedges are totally out of production though, so you'd have to do some work building a collection of those.

[inthehole]

http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/adams-golf-watson-pearl-satin-steel-wedge.html

I'm about where you are & can't justify buying high end gear at this point of my game - the Watson wedges are plenty good enough for me.

[Gerald]

Very few golfers have the same qualities Phil has, so for 95% and maybe even more using a 60* wedge for all chipping is asking for trouble.

Besides that I would advise not to look for wedges for a mid handicapper like you, but to go for the best you can afford ....... there is no difference between wedges for a 25 capper and wedges for a scratch player, we all want good wedges.

Most golfers end up with Cleveland or Bob Vokey wedges, while really low handicappers mostly use Bob Vokey wedges, while some prefer the Mizuno forged wedges.

What wedges to chose ..... depends a bit on the conditions and the loft of your GW.

A 58* is also a great wedge and it is less critical than a 60*

Browse the forum ..... there is a huge info on wedges !

[Paradox]

using a 60 or any other wedge is only trouble if you don't put in the time to practice and learn the club.  Its no different than hitting the 7 iron bump(which I can't do..no practice) but I can use a 60 and hit any kind of shot I want around the green with moderate to perfect success.

Point being..with any degree wedge..its all about practice..can't expect to just pick them up and everything work great.

[brightonrock]

A lot of it is personal - how you feel with the wedge yourself. Try some out on your local range, see what feels a good weight and balance, looks nice and you feel confident with at address, and that has a nice feel/sound off the clubface. Generally you can't go too far wrong with manufacturers, the technology nowadays makes little difference to high handicappers like you or I - I have 52/56/60 Nike SV wedges but as mentioned already, the 60 may take a little practice - I mostly use it when I need to hit a high, soft lob or when I've not got much green to work with from a bunker etc. - my 56 sand wedge is my go-to club for 95% of chips/pitches around the greens. Talk to your local pro shop about bounce on the wedges, which will I would say will affect you more than the loft itself.

[WUTiger]

Previous responders have hit all the major points.

As noted, 60* is difficult for a lot of people to use. I  found that a 58* is more forgiving. Also, make sure you understand bounce in wedges, and what bounce you need for your swing. (Just search "Wedge and Bounce" and you'll find plenty of Sand Trap info on it).

Also, managing four instead of three wedges takes a lot of practice time. Last season I played with PW, GW and SW. I dumped the 56* SW, and now have a 54* and 58*, and four wedges is a lot to keep track of. I may dump the last two and go back to a 56* for sand and pop shots around the green.

[Lizzyboy]

Thanks for all the replies and great info.

Many thing to learn.

I think I will focus on the proper swing etc and learn more about wedges.

[Texas solo]

I needed a new wedge after buying my new irons. After speaking with my fitter, I went with Vokey 56/11.  I've learned 3 different shots with it rather quickly.

I can lay it open for more loft and bounce, play it straight  for a bit longer shots to the green, or close it up for those little bump and run shots. I love this club !!

For me, the 56/11 gives me the ability to hit different shots with ease.

[beachgolfer]

We have the same handicap and I have a Vokey SM 56/11. As I get better it's becoming my best friend :-)

[Bpurc22]

I tried to make a thread about this yesterday but i couldnt. So basically i am just wondering if the label on the wedge is as big a deal as other clubs. Im a mid-high capper who has only been playing for a couple momths (im not a bad player by any means i hit beautiful shots frequently) and im interested in getting new wedges. Currently i have the adams tight lies plus 52'/56' and a cleveland cg60' and im thinking about selling them and going with something cheaper (the only one i use consistently is the 60 anyway). I was thinking about getting this set http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Affinity-Golf-REVO-3-Piece-Wedge-Set-52-56-60-/380350179525?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash;=item588ea328c5#ht_2179wt_922 For just $50 i love the white coat on the back and i highly doubt the quality is just terri le, so im thinking for probably my worst area of my game, might as well get something cheap, that looks good, and i like. Any suggestions?

[Lizzyboy]

I went with the Vokey 56/11 and 60/7.

I love chipping and short game shots so this is all great.

Over the weekend, I actually made a 20 yard shot out of the sand......

and I also mishit many shots.

It true, its the rare great shots that keep you coming back.