Ben Hogan "Sure Out" Sand Wedge

[beachgolfer]

I have been eyeing this club for a while. Does it really do what it says? I use a 56* and am ok but, if it really works "as advertised" then I want to get one in good condition. If not for me, then for my gf who really struggles in sandtraps.

Lastly, if they were so good then why don't they make them today? I know they are old but, if they work, is it worth trying?

Thank you in advance for your help.

PS - Since they stopped making these are the grooves beyond their use?

[newtogolf]

My instructor uses them and suggested I pick a few up as well.  He believes they are one of the best wedges ever made because of the sole design.  According to him they are non-comforming, but not an issue for me since I don't plan on going pro right now.

[jeffrey r]

It's a big, chunky forgiving wedge, kind of like going with a SW and LW from a GI/SGI iron set (Ping G series for example).  You'll gain forgiviness, and lose finesse as compared to a more traditional wedge like a Cleveland CG or Titleist Vokey.  Different strokes for different folks.  I've gotten rid of my Sure Out and other SGI wedges in favor of more traditional wedges, but that's my personal taste.  And I do keep a full set of Ping iWedges around, which are sort of in between a traditional blade-type wedge and a GI/SGI wedge.  I see Sure Outs available used all the time.

Not sure what you mean by their grooves being "beyond their use", but they are obviously non-conforming due to their age, but if the grooves are in good shape, then nothing wrong with using them today as long as you don't do competitions and such that require conforming grooves.

[WUTiger]

I saw a new Sure-Out wedge in the golf section of a local sporting goods store. Callaway bought Hogan, so you could contact Callaway if you're concerned about the grooves.

It was a "hot stuff" club back in its day, and I still see the Sure-Out on occasion in the bags of senior golfers.

[beachgolfer]

Wow. What a lot of great feedback! Since they are non-conforming can you use them to play rounds that you keep in your handicap index? Or, is that cheating? I think I may pick one up for the girlfriend. She is all about getting out as opposed to finesse :-)

Quote:

Not sure what you mean by their grooves being "beyond their use", but they are obviously non-conforming due to their age, but if the grooves are in good shape, then nothing wrong with using them today as long as you don't do competitions and such that require conforming grooves

I just meant are the grooves shot after 25+ years :-)

[WUTiger]

Unless you qualify for a PGA or other pro event, or a national-level U.S. Amateur event, the old-style grooves are legal until 2024.

Here's an article and a video clip by putting guru Frank Thomas in which he discusses the groove change:

http://www.franklygolf.com/golfclubgrooves.aspx

[Stretch]

If you have trouble finding a decent condition Sure Out, you can also try the Wishon PCF Micro Wide Sole -- which is pretty much the same thing.

[cobras7]

Found an old "sure out" in my garage the other day and took it up to my course to hit a few chips with it. Not to bad actually i'm thinking about getting it re-gripped and using it again! Nothing wrong with going back to the classics right?

[ettsn]

I've got a Cleveland 588RS 60* in my bag. It's a great sand escape club! Looks like this:

...so similar in concept to the old Hogan club you're looking at.

[beachgolfer]

Hm? Both the Wishon and Cleveland wedges look pretty nice. I imagine it's that flat, wide sole that allows for the "sure out?"