what are different grinds on golf wedges

Grinding the sole of a wedge accomplishes the same thing without maneuvering the club face. There are many different types of grind, designated by letters (L, S, M, etc.) that take on the many duties of the wedge – pitch shots, sand shots, low punch shots, and lob shots. Wedge Bounce Angles, image: golfsouthhills.com

Full Answer

What grind should I have on my wedges?

Types of Bounce on Wedges

• Low Bounce Wedges. Low bounce wedges are typically between 4-6° like the lob wedge in my bag. ...
• Mid-Bounce Wedges. Mid bounce wedges range between about 7°-10° degrees of bounce. These wedges are played frequently on firm to normal turf.
• High Bounce Wedges. The last type of wedges are the high bounce wedges that tend to have more than 10° of bounce. ...

Which wedge Grind is right for You?

The F grind is ideal for full shots from turf and for players with a steep aggressive swing type. A full compliment of lower lofts means you’ll find an F Grind solution to cover off your gap to sand wedge play. Suited to swing type: Shallow/Sweeper, Neutral, Steep/Digger.

How to choose bounce on wedges?

What Types Of Shots & Lies

• Hardpan bunkers
• Flop shots and clean contact shots
• Tight lies

What is a 50 degree wedge?

It is better suited for use on grass surfaces and open areas with only a few trees. A 50-degree wedge is also known as a gap wedge. It is a relatively new entry to the wedge series and It essentially bridges the gap between pitching and a sand wedge, which is how it got the name gap wedge.

What does grind mean in golf wedges?

the manipulation of removal of material“Grind is the manipulation of removal of material from the sole of your golf club to improve it visually behind the ball and more so to improve contact with the turf.” Once you move a wedge from its normal address position in most occasions, opening the blade presents more bounce, closing it down less bounce.

What wedge grind is most forgiving?

K-GrindK-Grind. The highest bounce wedge in the lineup, the K Grind is the ultimate bunker club and the most forgiving wedge in the lineup for all shots.

What does 12 W grind mean on a wedge?

The W grind also comes in a mid-to-high bounce option (12° Bounce) which prevents digging without increasing bounce and keeps the leading edge close to the turf at impact. Before you go and just buy a wedge, make sure you are in the correct loft and bounce.

Is s grind or W grind better?

The S Grind has a medium width sole with slight camber at the back and moderate heel relief to keep the leading edge low through impact. The W Grind should offer the most forgiveness through its wider sole and extra bounce. There's gene rough front to back camber to prevent digging.

Which wedge is best for chipping?

What degree wedge is best for chipping? For most golfers, a gap wedge or a sand wedge with loft of between 52° and 56° will produce the most consistent outcome when chipping. This is because you'll be able to play most short-game shots you're likely to come across out on the course.

What is the most popular wedge grind?

C grinds are (generally) the most common The most common would be a “C grind” which has the toe and heel sections of the sole shaved off a bit to make the sole more rounded. This allows the wedge to play a bit more versatile from different lies and face orientations (open face, shut face, etc.).

What is C grind s grind W grind?

The Mack Daddy 3 Milled wedges are built around a choice of three different grinds, the C-Grind for firmer turf and sand, the universal S-Grind, and for the first time the W-Grind, featuring a wider sole for softer conditions.

What is r Grind wedge?

New R Sole Grind It has a defined crescent shape and mid bounce that helps make a broad range of greenside shots easier to play, from square-faced low chip-and-runs to open-faced flops and everything in between.

What bounce is best for wedges?

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.

How do you pick a wedge?

The key in choosing a set of wedges is to make sure that there are no big gaps in loft between the lowest lofted iron in your set and the first wedge and then also between edge wedge. Try to keep the lofts gaps to around 4 degrees between each club.

What is the best 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.

How do I choose a sand wedge?

If you play on golf courses with firm sand in the bunkers, then you should choose a wedge with a lower bounce from 2 to 8....The ranges tend to be:Gap wedge (52°) – 50° to 53°Sand wedge (56°) – 54° to 58°Lob wedge (60°) – 59° to 68°

What is wedge grind?

Andrew Tursky, Senior Equipment Editor: A wedge grind refers to the shaping of the bottom part of the wedge. It’s the part of the club that actually impacts the ground, so the particular shape of the grind has a huge impact on how your club interacts with the turf. The most common would be a “C grind” which has the toe and heel sections of the sole shaved off a bit to make the sole more rounded. This allows the wedge to play a bit more versatile from different lies and face orientations (open face, shut face, etc.). The only thing you really need to know, though, is that you probably need more bounce on your wedge. More bounce makes the wedge more forgiving and will keep you from hitting those embarrassing chunks and skulls around the greens. Just know that it’s basically impossible to pick out a wedge from a retail store and have it be the perfect wedge grind for you. That’s why I highly, highly recommend a wedge fitting. You need to try different grinds and bounces to figure out what’s best for you.

Can you pick out a wedge from a retail store?

Just know that it’s basically impossible to pick out a wedge from a retail store and have it be the perfect wedge grind for you. That’s why I highly, highly recommend a wedge fitting. You need to try different grinds and bounces to figure out what’s best for you. 2. It helps off different kinds of turf.

What is a grind on a wedge?

In layman’s terms, the “grind” on your wedge is the geometry of the sole, which can be manipulated by removing (grinding off) material from the heel, toe, trailing edge and leading edge to perfect how the club interacts with the turf. (This is a process that should only be done by a certified clubmaker, so don’t get any ideas of grinding your wedges at home. You’ll ruin them.)

What wedges does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger Woods has a very specific sole geometry on his TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 wedges.

How much bounce does a Taylormade wedge have?

For example, Tiger Woods’ TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 lob wedge has an overall bounce of 11 degrees when it’s square to the target, but with a shaved down heel, it’s possible for him to open the face to hit extreme flop shots with a bounce that measures just four degrees. All of this is possible thanks to the grind.

What is the best wedge for a steep angle of attack?

If you want to do your own research before seeking out a fitter, follow this general rule of thumb: a wide-soled wedge with more bounce and camber (the curvature from the leading to trailing edge on the sole) is a good option if you tend to have a steep angle of attack and take significant divots.

Can a wedge be used for a shallow swing?

Depending on where material is removed from the sole, a particular wedge can benefit a golfer with a steep or shallow swing. If you’re unsure of the grind needed for your swing, get a certified clubfitter involved. It’s the easiest way to guarantee you’re not paying for something that’s ill-fitting.

How many grinds are there in wedges?

Some brands have a ton of grinds. Others have only a few. For every major brand that we looked into, their wedges have at least three grind variations. Some brands have more than a half dozen.

What is wedge grind?

To make things easy, we’ll keep our answer to what is the grind on a golf wedge simple. Wedge grind refers to sole shape. To get more specific, it’s how much material gets shaved off the bottom of the club to make it easier to hit different types ...

Is wedge grind important for beginners?

Knowing about golf wedge grind isn’t all that important for a new golfer. As you advance past beginner status, your swing, approach, and skills will change. What might have been good for you in the first season you play probably won’t suit your game in the following years.

Do all golf clubs have different grinds?

We mention this slightly in the section above, but every brand of golf clubs has different grinds for their wedges. Unfortunately, there is no uniform system that allows you to easily transition from brand to brand. Let’s be honest, every brand varies with every type of club – why would wedges be any different?

What matters when it comes to golf?

When it comes to golf, all that matters are results (and having fun, I guess). What some might see as ugly or unconventional won’t matter if every chip you hit gets within 10 feet. Do your research, put in practice time, and then do what works for you.

Is it important to know the gold wedge grind?

Let’s walk it back a little. Knowing the ins and outs of gold wedge grind isn’t all that important right now. However, understanding the concept is key to advancing as a golfer. The more you know about your game, your equipment, and how things work on a golf course are key to mastering your short game (and everything else).

Can you grind your wedges?

It is undeniable that grinds lend themselves to certain types of shots, but they are not locked into a single method. By opening or closing your clubface, you can hit your wedges with more or less spin and on a different flight path. The same could go for hand position and weight distribution.

How many wedges does a golfer carry?

Have you ever noticed in the bag of a PGA Tour golfer, they always carry between three and four wedges, and in some cases, even five wedges! The fact is, without proper bounce and loft combinations, you cannot become a master of the wedge game ever. For example, Jordan Spieth has a very specific composition of wedges in his bag.

Which wedges get the most bounce?

Overall, I believe that the sand wedge and the lob wedge are the most influential wedges to get the bounce right on because they will be used, most frequently around the greens.

What is the highest bounce in the titleist wedge?

The K Grind Vokey SM7 is the highest bounce choice in the Titleist Wedge queue. If you're a golfer who struggles from the bunkers, then the K Grind is for you.

How many degrees does a Jordan wedge bounce?

Like we saw in Jordan’s set, he had bounces varying from 4 degrees (his lob wedge – 60) to 10 degrees (his sand wedge – 56).

What is a D grind SM7?

The D Grind Vokey SM7 is a fresh entrant to the Titleist wedge lineup.

What is the F Grind Vokey SM7?

The F Grind Vokey SM7 is for those who favor a classic design. Interestingly, the F Grind is the most famous option on the PGA Tour as well.

How much bounce does a sand wedge have?

If you play in an environment where the ground is always soft and lush, it may be wise to wear a sand wedge with 12 degrees of bounce and a lob wedge with 8 degrees of bounce. Also, if you play somewhere where there are lots of hardpan and tight lies, you might carry a sand wedge with 10 degrees of bounce and a lob wedge of 4 degrees of bounce.

Why do wedges have different finishes?

Once a wedge has been made, it is given a finish to offer a distinct look and colour. This is purely down to personal preference and taste as different finishes will have almost identical levels of feel. However it is important to know how each finish will wear over time.

Why are wedges important in golf?

It is essential that the wedges you carry, improve your game and assist scoring.

What is a gap wedge?

Gap Wedges (GW) As the name suggests these wedges fill the ‘gap’ between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. Occasionally referred to as an attack (AW) or utility wedge (UW), these wedges tend to carry a loft of around 50 to 53 degrees.

What is a pitching wedge?

Pitching Wedges (PW) The first and most common wedge is the pitching wedge. Typically, with a loft between 44-48 degrees it is used primarily for full shots into greens and some longer chip shots.

How many degrees are sand wedges?

In the old days that was okay because most pitching wedges were around 51 degrees. But now they're 45 to 47 degrees while the sand wedge has stayed at 56. That's a two-plus club difference because now the pitching wedge is essentially the loft of a 9-iron.".

What is the importance of a wedge in golf?

Research shows that around a quarter of all shots are played using a wedge so clearly, they are a vital part of every golfer’s game. They can create birdies or save pars but can also cause problems for those of us who struggle around the greens if we are not using the right type of wedge for the shot.

What is the bounce of a wedge?

The ‘bounce’ of a wedge is the area of the club that hits the turf, hence ‘bounces’ the club through the surface under the ball at impact. The term "bounce" covers many of the elements involved in sole design: the bounce angle, sole width, leading edge, rocker and camber of a wedge.

What is the L grind?

It is the lowest bounce option available and great for players who want to be able to open the face up and hit a wide variety of shots around the green.

What degree is the T grind?

Who it suits: The T-Grind offers a versatile low bounce option in both 58 and 60-degree. Ideal for a shallow angle of attack in firm conditions, it has proven popular with players in Europe, who are more often faced with links-style conditions but is also used by PGA Tour players such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

What is the best bounce option for a mid high handicap?

Who it suits: K grind is the highest bounce option and also the most forgiving making it great for mid-high handicappers. If your bunkers have really fluffy sand or you dig and aren’t the best from bunkers this is a great option. Having said that is is also used by some of the world’s best players.

Can you use wedges on the PGA Tour?

You can use it for all types of players. They are very versatile wedges – you can use them for a lot of different distances.”. Who it suits: This is the most popular grind on the PGA Tour which you can use in all different types of conditions. It is best used for full pitch shots into the green.

What is a grind on a wedge?

A grind is the contouring around the sole, heel and toe areas of a wedge. A grind can vary the width and camber of the sole.

How do I know what the bounce angle of a wedge is?

The bounce angle is the number that comes after the loft of the wedge. For example, if a wedge has 60/8 printed on the sole, it means the wedge has 60 degrees of loft and eight degrees of bounce.

Is more bounce better for wedges?

A golfer that plays in wetter conditions and has a steeper angle of attack would benefit with a greater bounce degree. However, a player that tends to sweep the ball (shallow angle of attack) and hardly takes a divot would gain improved spin, control and contact with a lower wedge bounce.

How to pick a golf ball off the turf?

If you tend to brush the turf rather than send a divot flying forward, then grab a broom - you’re a sweeper. A low bounce wedge (4-6 degrees) with a flat grind will get the leading edge spot-on through impact, so you can precisely pick the ball off the turf.

What wedges are good for bunker shots?

If the ground is spongy and the bunkers fluffy, a high bounce wedge with a wide and forgiving cambered sole grind will make bunker shots simple while guarding against chunky strikes on the fairway and around the greens.

How does bounce work on a golf club?

Bounce can provide a level of forgiveness by stopping the leading edge from digging in and grabbing the turf too much, instead "bouncing" the club through the turf. Bounce is also intertwined with sole grinds and loft - a grind that changes the sole camber or takes relief out of the heel or toe will alter the bounce and loft significantly.

Why is the bounce higher in golf?

The higher the bounce, the more likely the wedge will slide through the sand - maintaining club head speed.