Not everyone can drive the ball 300 yards, or consistently flush irons close to the hole. But everyone can own a good short game, and with the skills learnt in Golf Australia, the wedges featured here will help that cause.
Here are the latest and greatest short game tools on the market, plus some fitting guidance from the two biggest names in wedge design and the most influential models made.
CALLAWAY JAWS RAW
Callaway’s wedges have the distinct advantage of legendary designer Roger Cleveland heading up the category for the brand, the new Jaws Raw are no different.
Featuring what Callaway calls “the most aggressive grooves in golf”, the Jaws Raw has a face, that as the name suggests, is without a plating to add more spin and uses tungsten for the first time in the wedge for optimal balance, feel and control.
Offered in 17 loft/bounce options in both Black Plasma and Chrome finishes, the Jaws Raw have grooves with sharper edges for stopping power, as well as ‘Offset Groove-in-Groove’ technology that places milled micro-grooves on an angle for more spin on partial shots.
CALLAWAY JAWS RAW FULL TOE
Take the above performance and add more face area and grooves covering the entirety of the face and you get Jaws Raw Full Toe.
The shaping combines with a specially designed J-Grind to make short shots around the green easy to hit, especially bunker shots and high flops. This wedge is built to perform on mid and full wedge shots too, with a pre-worn leading edge for great turf interaction.
CALLAWAY CB
The newest Callaway wedge, the CB stands for cavity back with this wedge offering forgiveness as well as the spin and control that every short game needs.
The cavity back design couples with a larger head that creates a more player friendly shape designed for heightened playability on any, and every wedge shot.
Grooves across the face provide increased spin, while the CB is the first Callaway wedge to utilise its microspheres behind the face for improved sound and feel.
CLEVELAND RTX 6 ZIPCORE
Cleveland are one of the big names in wedge making, the RTX 6 ZipCore the latest Tour style model from the brand.
Built for extremely high spin on every shot, no matter the lie, the model uses a new ‘HydraZip’ face, ‘UltiZip’ grooves, and upgraded ‘ZipCore’ technologies.
HyrdaZip uses dynamic face blasts and laser lines for maximum friction in all conditions, testing at 43 percent more spin in wet conditions.
ZipCore is a low-density core which expands the sweet spot, increases moment of inertia (MOI) and places the centre of gravity (CG) behind the middle of the face.
UltiZip grooves are sharper, deeper and closer together, while the RTX 6 ZipCore is offered in three sole grinds and a new LOW+ grind on sand wedge lofts.
CLEVELAND CBX ZIPCORE
Moving from a set of cavity back irons to a bladed wedge doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, and that is where a cavity model like the CBX ZipCore comes in.
The third generation of the CBX utilises ZipCore technology and UltiZip grooves, while the ‘Hollow Cavity Design’ features a hollow area near the heel and more weight towards the toe for higher MOI.
To improve feel, a gel TPU insert sits behind the face and saves weight that can be pushed further to the perimeter.
CLEVELAND CBX FULL-FACE 2
Once again, the name here is a giveaway as to what is on offer with this wedge.
Featuring a full face of grooves from the heel to the toe of the larger face, there is high levels of spin created across the entire face, equalling short game forgiveness that is heightened by ZipCore.
The spin is created by the HydraZip face and UltiZip grooves of the RTX 6 ZipCore, combined with a cavity back design similar to the standard CBX.
CLEVELAND SMART SOLE 4
The Smart Sole 4 is not simply a wedge, but more of a simplified short game system that any player can grasp, and excel with.
The C (42°) designates its purpose as a chipping club, G (50°) for approach shots and finally the S (58°) to be used from the sand.
As you would expect from a club bearing the Cleveland name, sharp grooves create plenty of spin from all lies, while extra wide three-tiered soles have higher leading-edge bounce for forgiveness and ‘Feel Balancing Technology’ moves CG towards the centre of the club for greater consistency and better feel.
COBRA SNAKEBITE
COBRA Golf’s latest wedge, SNAKEBITE, features the brand’s sharpest ever grooves that are CNC milled, 11 percent deeper, with 40 percent sharper edges … that is a lot of spin creating power.
The notch design of back and sole of the wedge is a classic COBRA look but also works to deliver enhanced versatility from a variety of lies, while higher lofted wedges are available will full face grooves.
Three different sole grinds are available in the SNAKEBITE line, which is offered in standard and ONE LENGTH shaft options.
MIZUNO T22
Feel and versatility are at the forefront for Mizuno’s Tour style wedge, the T22 is one-piece Grain Flow Forged using HD Boron and offered in in three finishes and four sole grinds.
A teardrop head shape is compact and actually creates a more penetrating and consistent flight, while ‘Quad Cut’ milled grooves deliver ideal performance in specific lofts.
Lasting and spinning longer thanks the Boron infusion, the T22 wedges also feature a layer of copper for improved feel and laser-etched ‘HydroFlow’ micro grooves for better wet weather performance.
MIZUNO S23
Extreme backspin, players shape combined with forgiveness, that’s a pretty good combination.
The S23 features a toe-weighted design with a shorter hosel and heel side cavity to push weight towards the toe and centre the CG. That creates longer time on the face at impact and greater stability that both increase spin on every shot all in a one-piece Grain Flow Forged head offering Mizuno feel.
PING GLIDE 4.0
PING are another company with a long history in wedges, the Glide 4.0 combining its design capabilities with focus on fitting.
Offered in four sole grinds and two head sizes, the new model is made from soft 8620 carbon steel with an activated elastomer insert that helps keep the ball on the face for longer and encourage a softer feel.
Precision milled faces and grooves offer spin enhanced by an Emery face blast, while the ‘hydropearl 2.0’ finish improves wet weather performance.
Across the lofts and soles there are 17 combinations, including the Eye2 inspired E Grind.
www.ping.com or www.americangolf.com.au
PING GLIDE FORGED PRO
Forged from 8620 carbon steel, Glide Forged Pro features milled faces, loft specific milled grooves and an Emery face blast all in a compact Tour-inspired shape.
Also incorporating the hydropearl finish that enhances looks as well as performance, the Glide Forged Pro is available in a variety of sole grinds for versatility.
www.ping.com or www.americangolf.com.au
PING CHIPR
For some, versatility is less important compared to simplicity, and PING’s ChipR is just that.
The new model was inspired by the Chipo created by company founder Karsten Solheim in the 1970s to help golfers who struggle with blade and duffs around the green.
Measuring the length of a putter and carrying a loft similar to a 9-iron, the ChipR is to be used inside 40 metres and produces consistent and reliable shots in the mould of a bump and run in a compact head design with a shallow face and milled ‘MicroMax’ grooves.
www.ping.com or www.americangolf.com.au
TAYLORMADE MG3
TaylorMade’s third generation Milled Grind wedges feature a CNC milled leading edge and sole for consistency and raw faces
that will rust over time to increase friction at impact.
‘Raised Micro-Ribs’ lie between the grooves for more spin, while the ‘Thick-Thin’ head design and progressive hosel lengths optimally place the CG in each wedge.
Offered in three standard, and a custom Tiger Woods, grinds, golfers can find the best match for their technique and regular playing conditions.
TAYLORMADE
HI-TOE 3
Another of the expanded toe designs with a full face of grooves, TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe 3 delivers great versatility, forgiveness and very high levels of spin.
Perfect out of bunkers and for flop shots, the Hi-Toe uses Raised Micro-Ribs and a raw face for spin creation in an antique copper finish.
TITLEIST VOKEY DESIGN SM9
Bob Vokey has long been a legend of wedge making, and his latest offering, the Vokey Design SM9, only adds to that status.
Titleist’s most complete offering of loft, grind and bounce options, there are more than 23 different SM9 wedges in lofts from 46° to 62°, six Tour proven grinds and four finishes.
‘Progressive Centre of Gravity’ sets the CG hovering in front of the face to help it square at impact and improve feel, the CG moving higher thanks to more density towards the topline form the tapered toe pad.
A new version of the ‘Spin Milled’ groove cutting process increases maximum spin and consistency, with tighter tolerances and 100 percent inspection on every wedge, ‘Micro-Grooves’ producing even more friction on partial shots with the wedges that are heat treated for versatility.
TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH E523
Looking for an extremely forgiving wedge? This might be the one for you.
An undercut cavity, larger face and full face grooves are part of that equation, but it is the ‘Houdini Sole’ that does the heavy lifting.
A raised steel mass area at the rear of the clubhead, as well as a curved leading edge under the face make up the Houdini sole, which lessens the amount of sole to reduce drag and turf interaction by 35 percent and shifts CG.
TOUR EDGE EXOTICS EXS PRO BLADE
Forged from Japanese carbon steel these are built for maximum spin and versatility.
The centre of the head is milled out to move the CG higher for more control and improved flight, while the flared toe design further optimises weight placement.
The EXS sole features relief in the heel and toe to make it more playable from all lies, while the grooves are loft specific to offer optimal performance on every wedge shot.
YURURI WEDGES
No one does forging like Japan, and these wedges are some of the best examples of that craft perfected over many years.
A forged wedge offers unrivalled feel and Yururi wedges are forged in the Kyoei Factory in Japan and offered in a variety of soles, as well as some options with more offset than most wedges to help square the face and hit your best approach and chip shots.
Featuring a raw finish to maximise spin, aggressive grooves place plenty of zip on the ball at impact with these quality wedges that are more than just a pretty face.
www.angusandgracegogolfing.com
WHAT THE WEDGE WIZARDS SAY
If you’re looking for new wedges, who better to consult than Bob Vokey and Roger Cleveland, the two standout designers in the field ever.
Talking with both the Titleist and Callaway master wedge makers will reveal one commonality when looking at your wedge setup, fitting matters.
“We do have within the line with each model and each loft, we have the versatility for the average player like a pro,” Vokey told Golf Australia. “He may not be able to hit say the M Grind but he sure as heck could hit the D Grind or the K Grind. It’s there for them, they just have to be fit for the right sole for their particular technique, course they play, greens they play, bunkers they play from, what are his strength and weaknesses, we can fit the player.
“And that is where it is so very important. I hate to see a player run into the pro shop and buy a club just because it looks good.”
Cleveland also believes in the art of fitting, and when approaching that task looks at lofts and goes from there to get an ideal setup.
“I like to start with the highest loft and work down,” Cleveland told this publication. “To me your highest lofted wedge is the most critical. The gapping through that from the pitching wedge on up is typically a wedge where you hit like a gap wedge, you’re hitting most shots golf ball first.
“When you get to higher loft, you start to expose your technique and that’s where your technique really comes into play.
“I would start with loft, and if the person knows what they want, terrific, if not, you question. You might want to talk people out of certain things.”
THE WEDGE HALL OF FAME
These are the latest and greatest wedges on the market, and many take design leads from some of the greatest wedges in the history of the game.
The PING Eye2 irons were more than just wedges, but the sand wedge of the set was something special due to its sole design that offered improved performance from all lies, while the high toe design has been recreated by many wedges here.
In the modern game, Titleist’s Vokey wedges and Cleveland models, with some personal preferences for which one, have the place as game changers and any list of wedge GOATs (greatest of all time) would be incomplete without them, so too the one that started it all. See our equipment guru’s top-five below.
• Gene Sarazen’s original sand wedge
• PING Eye2
• Cleveland 588
• Titleist Vokey Design 200 Series
• COBRA Phil Rodgers ‘Trusty Rusty’
MOISTURE MATTERS
You might have noticed mentions of wet weather performance amongst plenty of the wedges featured over these pages. There’s a good reason for that.
Nothing kills spin like moisture on the face, it causes the ball to slide up the face and not engage the grooves in the same way they work in dry conditions. All of which stops the ball spinning in a consistent manner and at the highest possible revolutions per minutes (RPM).
Average golfers don’t have the access to a caddie armed with a towel to remove any dampness at the last minute, so wedge design plays an important role.
Many new models now incorporate smaller micro grooves that help raise friction no matter the conditions, while some finishes channel water away.
But like the caddies, remember to use your towel in the rain and dewy conditions to make sure your wedges are performing at maximum capacity. And replace your wedges more often.
Related Articles
Game changers: the best irons designed to help your game
Sexy Beasts
