Sure having the latest and greatest driver is fun to show off and a great accessory for the bag, but the tools best able to help produce the lowest scores possible are found at the bottom of the bag. Even the best players in the world do not hit all eighteen greens in regulation, so especially for amateurs, having the correct wedges for your game is vital for improved play. The proper hierarchy for fitting the right wedges for your game, are produced by matching up the right lofts, bounces, and grooves in that order.
The first step is more commonly referred to as finding your numbers. Every club is designed to help golfers hit a specific target or better referred to as landing distance. Each club is measured in lofts. Although these lofts are the same to describe each club, they produce different landing distances from each individual player. This is important to be honest with one’s self because the more players can realize score cards do not ask what club was used, rather just the amount of strokes it took to complete the hole. During this process, the main goal is to produce the best desired “distance gapping” needed for your most common targets. Preferably there will be around 10-15 yards between each club and the distance it can be hit consistently.
After finding the best distance gaps for your lofts, the next step is matching the correct bounce to help with impact. The term bounce refers to the bottom part of the clubface that “bounces” on the ground on impact. The higher the bounce number, the longer the club will stay grounded during impact. Proper bounce and grind needed for your club is based on player’s individual swing and most common course condition. If playing more firm conditions and more of a sweeping impact, a lower bounce is recommended. If mostly playing is softer conditions with a deep digging divots, a higher bounce is recommended. These adjustments added to your wedges help you gain more consistent contact, extra spin control, and advance adaptability in shot making execution. So next time one of your buddies shows you his new driver off the rack, show him your new wedges that were perfectly tailored for your game.
