Golf Wedges Buying Guide
Wedges are speciality irons, designed for accuracy and used to hit precise shots, usually in close proximity to the green and where the player is targeting the pin. For this reason, wedges are often referred to as the "scoring clubs" and are sometimes talked about as if they were a golf club separate from the irons.
A typical set of golf clubs usually includes at least a pitching wedge and sand wedge, with skilled players adding a lob and gap wedge to their set as well.
Pitching wedges can be used both for fuller shots from the fairway or the rough, or for chipping shots on, and around, the fringe of the green. Many golfers use them as recovery clubs, helping them get out of trouble in rough ground.
Sand wedges are heavy, thick-soled clubs which makes them best suited for use from the bunker, sand trap, or rough where a delicate shot needs to be played. This is usually the heaviest club in the bag.
Lob wedges have a thick sole to enable a golfer to play lob shots from thick grass or high approaches from around the green, although they can be used from the fairway, rough or bunker - wherever the player needs to hit the ball high but make it stop quickly. These are the most lofted clubs in a golfer's bag.
Gap wedges are a combination of pitching wedges and sand wedges, making them versatile clubs that can be used for approach shots that require steep trajectory with little to no roll. Sometimes known as an "approach wedge" the gap wedge is used mainly from the fairway and works best for a firm line.
Wedge Heads
Steel is the most common material used to manufacture wedge heads, but they are also made with chrome, gunmetal, copper, nickel and other steel-based alloys. Although many of these different metals allow for a softer feel and maximum feedback, they wear more quickly than steel-based wedges.
Wedge heads are also made with different finishes, mainly to combat glare and flashing from the sun on the open face of the club. A non-chrome finish is extremely helpful for preventing this distraction. In addition, wedge heads are made with various types and styles of groves on the face, for optimal spin and control.
In manufacturing the wedge head, two methods are generally used: forging and casting. Because manufacturing a forged head is time consuming and labour-intensive, forged wedges are more expensive than cast wedges, but offer a better feel for some golfers. Cast wedges are, however, more durable and consistent due to their heavier weight and are less expensive.
Take note also of the back of the wedge and see what kind of style it is. Most are blades, giving improved feel and a club that's easier to line up and hit, but some are available with cavity backs, which are more forgiving and make it easier for the player to get the ball airborne, although there is less feedback.
Wedge Shaft
The majority of wedge shafts are made of steel which makes them stiff and durable with minimal flex. The steel shaft also makes the club heavier, which is crucial for a wedge shot where accuracy and consistency is very important.
Wedge Bounce
A common variable often discussed in reference to wedges is the amount of "bounce" that the club has. Bounce refers to the angle of the club's sole from the front to the back of the club head. A club with bounce has a downward sloping sole when viewed horizontally, while the sole of a club without bounce is flat. Bounce in a wedge helps minimise the effect of hitting behind the ball, by encouraging the ball to bounce forward when it hits the ground or sand.
The amount of bounce you need on a wedge is dependent on the type of shot and course being played, as well as your own level of expertise. Sand wedges, for example, have a moderate amount of bounce to help the club head hit through sand in a bunker shot. In general, clubs with a small degree of bounce suit drier, faster courses while those with more bounce perform better on rougher, slower terrain.
When buying wedges, as with any other golf club, remember this rule of thumb: the more expensive the club the better the quality and the longer it will last. Higher quality wedges produce better spin and have greater forgiveness, so if you're avid about golf it's better to aim for the top of the range, as far as your budget will allow, rather than go cheaper and risk being disappointed with its performance.