Gap wedge decisions

[FloppedBalls]

First post!

Anyway, I recently lost my 64º Vokey SM wedge. At first I was a bit pissed but then I realized I can just open up my 60º for those types of shots. I cam to the conclusion it makes the most sense for my 14th club to be a gap/approach wedge since I don't really practice the 64º enough and I found that the gap range seems to come up more frequently for myself.

So my question is, should I be looking for a 50º or 52º? It seems that most new iron sets that include a gap wedge are 50º. Any thoughts/suggestions.

As far as a brand goes, I'm would still like to go with Titleist vokeys but I'm new to the SM4 discussion. It appears that the older ones are non-confirming and hence illegal. The new ones are now legal but offer less spin. I could care less if they are conforming or not so should I try to get an older model to achieve more spin?

Thanks for the help!

[nickel_aTm]

I expect this could vary from player to player, but since putting a gap wedge in the bag (50*), I use it more than my most lofted wedge (58*).  I trust the gap wedge will do you some good -- not only 100 yard range but also around the greens.

[WUTiger]

Some more info would help:

• What loft is your PW? is it from your iron set?
• Including your PW, are you planning on 3 wedges, or 4 wedges?
• Are  you looking for 6* loft gaps, or 4* ?

As for wedges and grooves...

Actually, the "new grooves" rule applies to all irons with a loft of 25* or more (approx. a 5 iron) manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010.

The wedges/irons with the old, non-conforming grooves can be used by everyday golfers until 2024.  The people who must use "new groove" wedges are professional tour/pro USGA event golfers starting in 2010, and amateurs who play in national-level USGA competitions after Jan. 1, 2014.

So, you are safe to use the spinnier wedges if you so desire (until you turn pro, at least).

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The last year or so, however, the club makers have dreamed up ways to improve the grooves, but still keep them conforming. So, it will be interesting to see (maybe in 2018) what the "new groove" rules really accomplished. And, one study said a golfer needs driver clubhead speed of about 100 MPH to get noticeable benefit from the non-conforming wedge grooves on shots from the rough.

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