Wedges Buying Guide
Choosing the right golf wedges can be a daunting task; there are so many factors to consider. First, there are club attributes to consider when buying wedges:
- Size and shape
- Sole grinds that affect how the clubhead gets through the turf
- Textured clubfaces with precisely-engineered grooves to impact spin
- Shock-absorbing materials that play a role in feel and sound
Of course, selecting the right lofts to achieve consistent distance gaps between clubs is also important. It also helps to understand how you swing the club. Many players hit down steeply on the ball with a wedge and take deep divots (they’re referred to as “diggers”), while “sweepers” take shallow divots or no divot at all. In addition, the condition of the course (soft or firm) matters to what type of wedges you should play. There’s a lot to think about!
Having a basic understanding of the “ins and outs” can help the selection process, particularly since the top companies in golf build their wedges to complement specific swing types, shots, and playing conditions. Keep this in mind: Wedges have different sole curvatures and weight distribution. Many higher lofts, for example, have extra weighting positioned high in the head (hidden in plain sight) to produce a lower, flatter ball flight that’s easy to control in windy conditions. Regardless of loft, the proper tool for the job moves through the turf in an efficient manner, leading to solid contact and a repeatable trajectory.
The point is, there’s no shortage of wonderful wedge designs to choose from. Do some research before buying, because having an ill-fitted wedge means you won’t get all the benefits from these high-tech instruments. Go ahead and talk to the team members at your local DICK'S Sporting Goods store. Learn what you can about the best models and get fitted for the ones you choose. Soon enough, you’ll be a short-game wizard saving strokes from anywhere on the course.
