Need a 54 degree wedge, any suggestions?

[HitAndGiggle]

My pro, in trying to teach me the short game, insisted that I acquire a 54. I have a 60, then PW so I have been operating in denial on this for a while - haha. I don't want to break the bank. Was looking online at a couple Tour Edge models that looked good. Went to the local supershop today and they had only a few wedges in my price range, and none at 54. Plenty of $140 big name brand models. But, I feel unusually tight-wad-like on this. Any suggestions? I did the math and this will be my 14th club in my bag...that's a relief...for my wallet.

[MrGolfguy67]

You definitely need a 54 to fill the large gap between your 60 and PW (probably about 48*). You likely know that you can get a quality used one online for a fraction of the cost, that's the route I would probably take. I'd also recommend Titleist or Cleveland, I have one of each and they are both great (also, bought both second hand for very little $ compared to new).

[Rip62]

I have a Tour Edge CB pro that I picked last year. It has really helped me.

[Gator Hazard]

Don't overlook a trip to play it again sports either. You might find one there as well. 

[Jakester23]

Ping glide wedges are very nice. You can probably get the first version for pretty reasonable now that the 2.0 has been out for a while.

[Typhoon92]

Good call on getting last year's model wedge.  Glides are nice, I didn't get along with mine but that's just me.  Plenty of good press on them.  Personally I like the Callaway wedges. Classic shape designed by Roger Cleveland and plenty of spin.  U could probably find the cally tour grind wedges cheap.

I'm contemplating a 54 myself.  My gap wedge is 50 and then I have the Callaway pm grind wedges at 56, 60 and 64.  I might end up bending to 54, 58 and 64.

[Dannyhansen88]

I'm in love with the Mizuno wedges. They even come in blue if you're into that sorta thing

[ZappyAd]

12 hours ago, Jakester23 said:

Ping glide wedges are very nice. You can probably get the first version for pretty reasonable now that the 2.0 has been out for a while.

 

+1 on the v1 Glides.  I had some vokeys before I moved to Glides and have found them to be really consistent.  I'm thinking of replacing them as I've had them a while and might even buy another set of v1s instead of the v2s.

[klineka]

15 hours ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

You definitely need a 54 to fill the large gap between your 60 and PW (probably about 48*). You likely know that you can get a quality used one online for a fraction of the cost, that's the route I would probably take. I'd also recommend Titleist or Cleveland, I have one of each and they are both great (also, bought both second hand for very little $ compared to new).

Have you or anyone that has bought used wedges noticed any affect with regards to spin or control due to them being used? Or would a groove sharpener take care of that? Or am I overthinking the impact that the grooves would have for consistency and spin? I have no problem buying used clubs, my driver and 3 wood are preowned and I got great deals on them, but I've always been hesitant for wedges since I thought that the groove depth and cut was important for stopping ability/spin. 

[rehmwa]

Wow, I have TWO wedges between my LW and my PW.  You certainly do need at least one.

I have a 56 and a 60 Mizuno JPX for sale....I'll see if I can find the link in the marketplace forum.

 

But you can get some nice wedges used.  Play it again, etc.  2nd Swing.  But careful with wedges, makes sure they are 'like new' condition or the sort.  Seems like wedges are the worst for used one with the grooves nearly worn away.

 

I found my Mack Daddy 2's at a local course.  Since they were a couple years older models, I negotiated a great price for brand new wedges.  You can do that too.  Clearance bins are the best way to get 'new' condition clubs IMHO.

Edited April 26, 2017 by rehmwa

[WUTiger]

19 hours ago, Rip62 said:

I have a Tour Edge CB pro that I picked last year.

RockbottomGolf has this in 54°/14 for $90, and the TE Rally in 54°/13 for $70.

If you can find one, Nike Engage wedges (various sole grinds) go for about $70.

An Adams New Idea 54° costs about $50.

[MrDC]

There's nothing wrong with a beat up wedge, plenty of good ones on eBay cheap, as long as the grooves are good the club is just fine and it takes a lot to hurt the grooves on a wedge, people with money don't like to see scratches so they sell them quick for a shiny new one, total waste IMO.

Also you should ask your Pro about bounce, if your 60 is low you may want a high bounce 54, lots of bounce works well in fluffy sand and deep rough.

Edited April 26, 2017 by MrDC

[1badbadger]

I will echo what @MrDC mentioned about bounce...there are many 54* wedges out there, and the amount of bounce will vary. Talk to your pro about the main job this wedge will be used for, and ask him for a recommendation for bounce.  For example, if you happen to get a low bounce wedge and it's to be used for bunker shots in fluffy sand, you'll struggle.  The bounce/sole grind will make a big difference in how your wedge performs in its role in your bag.

[PirateJim]

I'm a big believer in wedges, and at the same time I do understand than golf clubs can be budget busters. I'd watch ebay. I'm guessing you will find more lightly used wedges (with not too badly worn grooves) there than on most store used racks since that is a good place for new club tinkerers to dump failed tries. 

IMHO you really need the granularity more on the short end of the bag than on the long end, and a single gap wedge between the PW and 60 LW isn't overkill by any stretch.  Don't cheap out too much. 

[Denny Bang Bang]

On 4/25/2017 at 2:57 PM, HitAndGiggle said:

My pro, in trying to teach me the short game, insisted that I acquire a 54. I have a 60, then PW so I have been operating in denial on this for a while - haha. I don't want to break the bank. Was looking online at a couple Tour Edge models that looked good. Went to the local supershop today and they had only a few wedges in my price range, and none at 54. Plenty of $140 big name brand models. But, I feel unusually tight-wad-like on this. Any suggestions? I did the math and this will be my 14th club in my bag...that's a relief...for my wallet.

Maybe look out for a lightly used SM5 or something.  Might cost $75.

Also, one of my buddies has a couple of the newer Top Flite Tour wedges.  They're actually pretty nice, and only $40 I think.

[hilmar2k]

I have a Harry Taylor 54* (along with a 58*) out for delivery as we speak. They look like really nice wedges and are currently inexpensive. 

https://www.harrytaylorgolf.com/collections/series-305-wedges/products/ht-series-305-wedge-satin-finish

[HitAndGiggle]

Thanks for the advice, everybody. 

[HitAndGiggle]

There was a huge golf expo out at our local focal - Haggin Oaks, this weekend. I found on clearance a club I really like the look and feel of. It's probably last years Ping Tour S 54/12. Really what I was looking for. $60. May not have been a steal but I'll be able to rob my buddies with this one.