Wedges! Advice please.....

[RaCs]

Hi all,


Hope you all had a good weekend! I'm sure most of you were out hitting the course. I certainly was and I must say I think I am finally getting used to my new Covert!


Anyways, the point of this post was to ask for some advice on what to look at for when purchasing a new wedge and basically how the mechanics work behind the wedge. My wedge play of late hasn't been particularly good and I know I can be more consistent with my short game however I just don't feel comfortable. I currently play a Nike VR 56 degree sand wedge with 14 bounce.


When I am within about 80-100 yards to the green I often "try" to hit the sand wedge into the green to try and gain more control however when I hit the ball it seems to go quite high but doesn't get that much distance so I end up short of the green most of the time however I know I can hit a wedge further than I do at the moment!! I understand the basic stance and set up of hitting a wedge however for some reason it doesn't seem to turn out quite right! I know that wedges come in certain lofts and bounces and i am beginning to think that perhaps the sand wedge I have is not quite right for me. I understand the loft part of the wedge however I can't quite get my head around the "bounce" part. I don't have an issue with my pitching wedge however as i seem to get the control & distance I want when I hit it.


Can someone please explain to me in basic terms how the mechanics of the wedge works when it comes to "bounce"? I want to be able to enjoy my wedge play from 80-100 yards and be more consistent however I feel that the current sand wedge for doesn't quite cut it. I mean my pitching and scrambling around the green with this club seems to be okay its just from further out where I feel I am suffering. Perhaps I should look at getting a wedge with a lower loft and lower bounce? Or a wedge with higher loft and lower bounce? Or a wedge with lower loft and higher bounce? I am slightly puzzled at what setup would suit my game.


I really want to focus on improving my short game during the next couple of months and I know that my approach wedge play could really do with improvement and tidying up so i just need some advice.


Looking forward to hearing from as many of you as possible!


Thanks guys!

 

[Lump]

80-100yrds IMO is too much to ask from a 56* wedge. Max I'd be hitting mine would be 90yrds, thats with a good full swing. (I'm not a short hitter)
That distance should be more like a 52* wedge.
IMO you need another dedicated wedge.

 

[RaCs]

80-100yrds IMO is too much to ask from a 56* wedge. Max I'd be hitting mine would be 90yrds, thats with a good full swing. (I'm not a short hitter)
That distance should be more like a 52* wedge.
IMO you need another dedicated wedge.

Thanks mate. Thats what I was thinking. I've only got a PW and a 56 SW. I was looking at perhaps getting a 50 degree or a 52 degree. Might go for the 52 degree! What bounce would you recommend?

 

[spawn_ukuk]

The bounce is all about how your club interacts with the ground it wont help you hit it any further
As as i know is, Lower bounce means your a digger hitting down on the ball taking a divot
High bounce means your club will bounce more on the ground not digging but the club bouncing into the ball
I know theres alot more to it then just that

 

[RaCs]

The bounce is all about how your club interacts with the ground it wont help you hit it any further
As as i know is, Lower bounce means your a digger hitting down on the ball taking a divot
High bounce means your club will bounce more on the ground not digging but the club bouncing into the ball
I know theres alot more to it then just that

Thanks for that buddy. I more or less understand how it works now. Just needed to gain a bit more advice!

 

[HawkeyeMS]

As far as how wedges work, try this http://www.titleist.com/vokey_wedge_guide/ for a start.

For distance, I always think it's more important to know how far you hit your wedges rather than "trying" to hit them a certain distance. A wedge will generate more spin the lower lofted clubs and the harder you hit it the more spin you will generate which could cause the ball to balloon up in the air and actually lose distance, especially in windy conditions. Most pro's will rarely hit a wedge at full power.

How much bounce is right for you? That depends on your swing and angle of attack into the ball. Your best bet is going for a fitting to make sure you get it right.