How to choose the correct bounce for your wedges?
- ‘Which tour player has the most unusual wedge setup?’
- ‘You’ve got to be prepared to have your heart broken by players’
- ‘Some players may use a wedge for a year, some change every two weeks’
What Bounce is right for your golf wedges?
What Wedges Should you have in your Golf Bag?
- PW (pitching wedge 48 degrees)
- GW (gap wedge 52 degrees) – This one should have low bounce, and medium to high depth.
- SW (sand wedge 56 degrees)
- LW (lob wedge – 60 degrees) – Lastly, you should have a lob wedge with low bounce and low depth. Use SW for fluffy rough and fluffy sand.
What does high bounce mean on a golf wedge?
What Types Of Shots
- High spin shots
- Bunker shots
- Shots from deep turf
- Shots from fluffy lies
How to choose the Best Bounce for your wedge?
Wedges can be divided into four main types:
- Pitching Wedges
- Gap Wedges
- Sand Wedges
- Lob Wedges
Is higher bounce better for wedges?
With a high-bounce angle (10 degrees or higher), the wedge will be less prone to digging through impact, will have more of a bouncing effect in the sand and for most golfers, is an easier club to use than a wedge with low bounce (more on that later.)
Is 12 degrees high bounce?
Clubs with a bounce of more than 10 degrees are considered "high bounce" wedges, according to Publinks Golfer. Sand wedges and some specialty gap wedges usually have high bounce, making them a good choice for light sand, deep rough or a shaggy fairway.
What is the standard bounce for a 56 degree wedge?
The best bounce for a 56 degree wedge for most golfer is about 12 degrees. This is a versatile number right in between the low end of 8 degrees and the high end of 14 degrees. You can play most courses with a 12 degree bounce sand wedge and enjoy your golf.
What does higher bounce on a wedge do?
High bounce wedges have more than 12° of bounce to help prevent the leading edge of the club from digging into the ground. Golfers who have a steep angle of attack and take large divots are a good fit for high bounce wedges. Clubs with high bounce play well on softer turf and lies as well as bunkers with softer sand.
Is 14 degree bounce too much?
Wedges with a mid bounce angle (10 to 14-degrees) are the best all-around wedges for playability in all types of conditions and all golfers.
What bounce should I get on a 60 degree wedge?
What is the best bounce for 60-Degree Wedge? A 5°-8° bounce is considered best for a 60-degree wedge. Bounce refers to the angle formed between the leading edge of the club and the sole (bottom of the club). This angle is visible when your golf club establishes contact with the ground during impact.
How do I choose the right bounce for my wedges?
A quick way to decide the proper bounce is to look at the courses you play most frequently. Where you're playing, whether it's soft fairway conditions or it's firm fairway conditions, can dictate how much bounce you have on your wedges. General rule of thumb: Softer conditions = more bounce.
Is 10 degree bounce good for sand?
Because of its wide sole, lob wedges can be used for high, soft sand shots. Bounce angles of 10 – 13 degrees are preferable.
What is the difference between a 56 and 60 wedge?
A 60-degree wedge has four more degrees of loft than a 56-degree wedge. This extra loft can make a big difference when it comes to getting the ball up in the air and then stopping it on the green. Sixty-degree wedges work well for greenside bunker shots, and they tend to spin quite a bit.
Do pros use high or low bounce?
A club that has a bounce of 10° or above is called a high bounce wedge. PGA professionals commonly use low-bounce wedges as it gives them better versatility in their shots, but these have a smaller margin for error.
Do I need more or less bounce on my wedge?
The best bounce for your lob wedge or sand wedge always depends on your swing type and lie. If you have a shallow angle of attack with minimal divots, stick with low and mid bounce wedges. If you have a steep angle of attack resulting in deep divots, a higher bounce is recommended.
What grind and bounce do I need?
Try a grind that has a bit of relief out of the trailing edge - not an aggressive grind - but just enough for a bit of forgiveness, and a medium bounce (7-10 degrees). These types of wedges are the most versatile; good for full approach shots, bunker shots and for chipping and pitching around the green.
Is 10 degree bounce good for sand?
Because of its wide sole, lob wedges can be used for high, soft sand shots. Bounce angles of 10 – 13 degrees are preferable.
What degree of bounce should I use?
Low bounce wedges are great for firm conditions and players that take very little divot. A low bounce wedge will tend to dig or cut into the turf. High bounce wedges are great for softer conditions and players that take a bigger divot. A high bounce wedge will tend to glide through the turf and resist digging.
What degree of bounce do pros use?
Cleveland said that unlike their predecessors, many of whom favored low-bounce wedges, many of today's PGA Tour pros use wedges with about 12 or 13 degrees of bounce. Opting for sole grinds that remove excess material in the heel, and often in the toe as well, makes their sand wedges and lob wedges more versatile.
How much bounce should a tight lie have?
Low bounce 10 and lower: Ideal for shots from tight lies and firm turf conditions, if you actually keep your ball on the short grass. Less bounce makes it easier for better golfers to get creative with shots such as flop shots around the green because the leading edge is much smaller.
What is a mid bounce wedge?
Mid Bounce (7-10°) Mid or medium bounce wedges range between 7° and 10° in the degree. The average golfer who plays different courses throughout the year will likely rely more on these types of wedges because they won’t know the layout of a course, what the turf feels like, or how the sand is in the bunkers.
Why is wedge bounce important?
Ensuring that you have the proper wedge bounce and grind option allows you to control your shots better to get better contact and spin on shots.
Why do wedges bounce higher when you close the face?
The more you open up the club face, the higher the wedge bounce will be because the leading edge will be higher off the ground. When you close the face, you will lessen the bounce. Golfers will play with the angles of their club face to spin the ball or get a higher loft on it. Loft, grind and bounce work hand in hand to best suit your short game.
How to get better at golf?
Using your wedges for your approach shots to their fullest capabilities is how you’re going to get better at golf. One way to get the most out of your wedges is to understand how the wedge bounce in your clubs affects your game. Making sure you have the correct bounce on your wedges is just as important as the loft angle.
What is a low bounce golf club?
Low Bounce (4-6°) Low bounce clubs are usually between 4° and 6° and typically work best on courses with a tougher turf and harder and coarser sand in the bunkers. These are harder clubs to hit, but they ultimately can reward you if you strike them well. They are perfect for lob and flop shots around the green.
Is grind better for swing?
It’s smart to get grinds that work better for your swing, as certain grinds are better for bounce, and others are better for sweeping types of shots that will lift the ball higher. The existence of grind in your clubs also gives you a better look at your shots when you’re staring downward while lining up your approach.
Can you strike a golf ball with a wedge bounce?
You can still strike the ball properly with wedge bounce even if you make mistakes frequently. Professional golfers will rely not only on the bounce angle that the club comes with but also on their stance, how they address a ball, and how they hold the club to affect the shot. The more you open up the club face, ...
What does higher bounce mean on a wedge?
The more bounce a wedge has—the higher its bounce angle—the better it will resist digging. Another way of saying it: Higher bounce equals smaller, shallower divots . You can also think of bounce as a feature that reduces the drag on a wedge moving through sand, or through longer grass or thicker grass.
What is bounce angle in golf clubs?
The higher the bounce angle, the more the leading edge of the sole is off the ground at address. And different levels of bounce angle (higher or lower) in a wedge lead to slightly different playing characteristics. Bounce and bounce angle are elements present in all iron golf clubs, not just wedges. But the terms are commonly used almost ...
What is the average bounce angle?
Bounce angle can range anywhere from zero degrees to 14 degrees or higher. You can think of bounce angles of four degrees or less as low bounce; 5-10 degrees as medium bounce; and anything above 10 degrees as high bounce.
What is a bounce angle?
Bounce and bounce angle are elements present in all iron golf clubs, not just wedges. But the terms are commonly used almost exclusively in reference to wedges.
What is the lowest part of a wedge called?
Brent Kelley. Updated April 22, 2018. "Bounce" is a golf term referring to the lowest part of the sole of a wedge, that part of the wedge sole that is actually in contact with the ground at address and that causes the front of the sole to be off the ground at address. "Bounce angle" is a measurement, expressed in degrees, ...
Does swing type affect bounce?
Yes, swing type does have an impact on how much bounce will work best for you. "Golf course conditions and the way the golfer swings the wedges down into the ball have a bearing on how much bounce is good or bad for any golfer," says club designer and clubfitting researcher Tom Wishon, founder of Tom Wishon Golf Technology .
Can you schedule a wedge fitting?
Better yet, you can schedule a wedge fitting with a clubfitter. If you're a recreational golfer, an occasional golfer, someone who just wants to get out in the fresh air and enjoy time spent with golf buddies, don't sweat the technical stuff. But next time you buy new wedges, do keep in mind the general rules of thumb about bounce mentioned above.
What is a low bounce wedge?
Low bounce wedges generally have 4°-6° of bounce and are best used on firm turf and bunkers with harder or more coarse sand where the club will tend to skip off the ground on its own. They also are a great fit for golfers with a shallow angle of attack that takes little to no divot on their wedge shots.
What is the bounce angle of a golf club?
Bounce angle is the angle between the ground and the leading edge of the club when the sole is rested on the ground. This is the part of the wedge that hits and moves through the ground when you hit the ball. It’s what helps you achieve the proper contact, control, and spin on your wedge shots. The bigger the bounce angle, the higher ...
What does a divot tell you about wedges?
Your divot can tell you a lot about which wedges you should be playing. Low bounce: Golfers with a shallow angle of attack who take little to no divot. Mid bounce: Very versatile, fits all types of swings but best for golfers with neutral swings and a moderate angle of attack.
Why is wedge bounce important?
Wedge bounce is important to understand, both what it is and how it affects your shots, because the right combination of loft and bounce can make all the difference in your short game.
What is the best wedge for a high flop?
They are a popular choice for shots from tight lies around the green and are particularly useful when hitting high flop shots. Mid bounce wedges usually feature 7°-12° of bounce and are the most versatile wedges.
What is a gap wedge?
A gap wedge is commonly used from shorter distances where you can make a full swing and not be caught between distance gaps trying to hit partial wedge ...
Why is medium bounce good?
Medium bounce is a good choice for golfers who want to create their shot around the greens because they are made for control. They are made to help golfers hit their exact distance and control the trajectory of the ball.
What is the bounce on a wedge?
That number is the bounce. Bounce is the curvy bit on the sole of the wedge that enables the head to ‘bounce’ out of the sand, rough or fringe.
How to tell if a golf club is high bounce?
High bounce 12-18: You can usually tell a high bounce club by its big and curved sole. This is perfect for the bad golfer who has problems with topping and thinning chip shots. The big curved sole creates an easier surface for the club to bounce off the ground giving the ball a lot more lift.
What is a low bounce golf ball?
Low bounce 10 and lower: Ideal for shots from tight lies and firm turf conditions, if you actually keep your ball on the short grass. Less bounce makes it easier for better golfers to get creative with shots such as flop shots around the green because the leading edge is much smaller.
What is the point of bounce in golf?
The whole point of bounce is to prevent the leading edge of your club from digging into the ground. This is where the concept of having it be your backup plan comes into play. One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is that they hit the ball heavy with their wedges. Playing a club with enough bounce, and using it properly can prevent this ...
Why do you need a wedge on a course?
If you are someone who plays on a course with very firm turf, then the rule of thumb is to play a wedge with less bounce. Additionally, players who have a shallow swing arc and who “pick” the ball clean, stand to benefit from a wedge with less bounce. The reason for this is because you will have less of an issue with the club digging into ...
Does bounce help in golf?
Remember, bounce can be your friend, and it will help reduce your margin of error around the greens. That is how you lower scores!
Can you strike the ball with a wedge?
It can allow you to strike the ball properly even if your technique isn’t perfect. If you speak with most club fitting experts they would say that most golfers stand to gain with wedges that have more bounce, but each player is different so it’s important to understand if bounce can help out your game.
What is a low bounce wedge?
Low bounce wedges are designed for clean ball contact, giving you the precision you need in your short game. For instance, low bounce lob wedges can be used to hit high flop shots off tight lies near the green.
Why use mid bounce wedges?
Players tend to choose mid bounce wedges to create shots around the green, as they help achieve exact distance and trajectory control. This wedge bounce type is the most versatile for more players, and can apply to a wide range of course conditions.
Why is bounce important in golf?
In fact, Bob Vokey says that “Bounce is your friend,” because it provides forgiveness on all wedge shots, allowing you to still strike ...
What is the best bounce for a sand wedge?
The best bounce for your sand wedge depends on your swing type and course conditions. If you have a steep angle of attack resulting in deep divots, a higher bounce is recommended. If you are a sweeper resulting in shallow or no divot, low bounce is recommended.
Is there a one size fits all wedge bounce?
There is not a one-size- fits-all wedge bounce. Every player is different and course conditions change. The only way to get the best performance out of your wedge set is to be properly fit for your swing type. We design the best product possible, and take it to the tour.
How much bounce does a lob wedge have?
In general, lob wedges have 0 to 10 degrees of bounce, pitching wedges have 2 to 5 degrees of bounce and gap wedges have 5 to 12 degrees of bounce, according to Learn About Golf.
What is the lowest bounce wedge?
Clubs with bounce of less than 8 degrees are considered "low bounce" wedges, according to Publinks Golfer. Lob, pitching and gap wedges usually have the lowest bounce of all wedges, making them a good selection for tight lies, wet sand and hard turf.
What is the degree of bounce on a golf club?
Bounce on a golf club is measured in degrees. Sand wedges have the highest degree of bounce of any club. Golfers generally know that the loft of a club helps get the ball in the air. But bounce, which according to "The Sand Trap," is the angle of the sole against the ground at address, is just as important to a good golf shot as loft.
What is the difference between bounce and loft?
But bounce, which according to "The Sand Trap," is the angle of the sole against the ground at address, is just as important to a good golf shot as loft. The higher the degree of bounce to a club, the better it runs over the ground rather than cutting into it.
What degree of bounce is best for a sand wedge?
Sand wedges have the most amount of bounce of any wedge, usually between 10 and 16 degrees, according to Learn About Golf.
What is tour sole bounce?
Not usually recommended for the casual golfer, wedges with "tour sole" bounce were created for low-index players and touring pros, who traditionally play on close-cut fairways and firm sand. The soles of these clubs have had some bounce removed from the heel and the toe of the club, as high-level golfers have the advantage of making a clean swing nearly every time. Lob wedges, which require precision, usually have the lowest bounce, as little as 0 degrees, of any wedge, according to Learn About Golf. These clubs, and others with tour soul bounce leave little room for error, but allow a golfer to make a full swing while popping up the ball.
What do the numbers on a wedge mean?
But pretty much every golfer knows what at least one of the numbers on their wedge means. The two-digit number on your wedge that begins with a 4, 5 or 6 (or, God forbid, a 7) is the wedge loft.
What is the number on the bottom of a wedge called?
The other number on the bottom of a wedge is what's called bounce, or bounce angle. The bounce on a wedge is a measure of how much the leading edge of the wedge sticks up off the ground when the club is properly soled at the low point of the grind. In English, that means the bounce is figured out by putting the part of the head ...
How many degrees does a golf club bounce?
The more bounce, well, the more the club bounces. The less bounce, well, you get it. Bounce angles can vary, anywhere from 5 degrees up to 16 degrees in cases. Determining the right bounce for each of your wedges is not as simple as wedge gapping typically is. The bounce on each of your wedges has to help you with how you use the wedge.
What is wedge loft?
Wedge loft is a pretty simple concept to understand. Wedge loft, just like the loft on any golf club, is the angle created by the topline of the golf club, down to the leading edge and then back off the ground. Common wedge lofts are 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees.
Is it better to hit a ball with less bounce?
If you prefer to hit shots -- chips, full shots, whatever -- where you pick the ball clean off the turf, then having less bounce is good. If you prefer to take a divot on your shots, or you come in with a steeper angle of attack, then you want more bounce. That bounce will give you relief getting through the turf.
Do wedges work together?
Wedge loft and bounce do work together, but they only work together properly if you know what you plan to do with a wedge. If you don't know how you use a wedge, it's important to think through how you've used wedges in the past and get fit based on how you play to use them in the future.
Is a higher bounce on a wedge bad?
The bounce on each of your wedges has to help you with how you use the wedge. If you use a wedge for a lot of different types of shots, having a higher bounce is generally a bad idea. You should prefer something more moderate (10 degrees) or lower.
What is a low bounce wedge?
Wedges with low bounce (less than 8-degrees) are ideal for shots from tight lies and firm turf conditions - think links golf and The Open Championship. The small bounce angle lowers the leading edge closer to the ground to put a premium on good ball-striking - most tour professionals will have a low bounce in their wedges.
What is the degree of bounce?
The actual degree of bounce will be a number, usually between 6-12, it can be simplified into three categories - low, standard, and high - with each one great at some things but not so good at others. Below is a guide on how each one will behave to help you pick the right bounce for your game.
What is the best wedge angle for golf?
Wedges with a mid bounce angle (10 to 14-degrees) are the best all-around wedges for playability in all types of conditions and all golfers. These wedges are very versatile for players who like to be creative around the greens.
What is a 14 degree wedge?
Wedges with high bounce angles (14-degrees plus) are primarily designed for soft ground conditions and sand. The combination of the wider sole and higher bounce angle prevents the leading edge from digging in through impact. They work exceptionally well out of (soft) sand for players who prefer to keep a straight face through impact.
What angle of attack do you need to pick a golf ball off the turf?
If you pick the ball cleanly off the turf, barely bruising the ground through impact, then you've got a shallow angle of attack. The sweeping motion through the bottom of the swing drastically reduces the chance of the leading edge digging in, and therefore the need for a higher bounce angle.
What is mid bounce?
Mid bounce is also an excellent choice for players who like to play an open or square face out of the bunker as the dynamic bounce does not change too drastically. However, this is something to be aware off and is the start of the conversation around grind. You can read more about that below and here.
What is the loft angle of a golf club?
Most golfers understand their golf clubs, in particular their wedges, differ by loft - typically from a 45-degree pitching wedge up to as high as 64-degrees for the most extremely lofted lob wedge. But there is also another angle you need to be aware of, and that's a wedge bounce angle. As the name implies, the bounce enables the clubhead to bounce off the sand or grass without digging in before impact.
