Getting fitted for your wedges

Going to see your local PGA Professional for a wedge fitting is one of the smartest ways you can help improve your game. We spoke to PGA Principal Partner Titleist about the importance of wedge fitting and some insight into how it’s done and what difference it can made to your game.

Titleist Vokey wedges are the most played wedges on tour. They are super stylish, high performing and they offer a variety of different lofts, bounces, grinds and finishes to ensure that every golfer has the perfect clubs to improve their short game.

The Titleist Vokey Fitting Process

The goal here is to recommend the best lofts for consistent gapping and the best combination of bounce and grind for the golfer’s technique and course conditions.

Step one:

Evaluate the player’s current wedges

• A player's current set-up e.g. grinds and bounce will be examined and wear patterns will be looked at
• You will hit full shots and carry distances will be recorded
• Titleist will look at the types of shots that you play well and the ones where you typically struggle

Step two:

Determine wedge lofts

• You will hit full shots with your most lofted iron (typically a 9 or PW) and and strongest lofted Vokey wedge
• You want to generate consistent yardage gaps of 10-15 yards which, for most players, is a gap of 4°
• Better wedge players who can mix up their distances could have wider loft gaps
• If you are inconsistent with partial wedge shots then it might be best to reduce your wedge loft gaps
• Consider the whole set-up of your bag to decide what will work best to help you shoot lower scores
• Most players use a highest lofted wedge of 58 or 60° and that club will be tested from the fairway, rough and bunkers
• If you are able to stop greenside shots by adding loft with an open face you may want to use a less lofted lob wedge

Step three

Fit for bounce and sole grind

Titleist offer seven different types of grind. The wedge bounce is the angle created between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole – this is the area of the club that hits through the ground as it contacts the ball. The greater the wedge bounce degree, the higher the leading edge is off the surface at address. Having the proper wedge bounce and grind option promotes optimal contact, control, and ball spin.

• Using a Vokey SM9 54° or 56° mid-bounce wedge, lie tape will be applied to the sole and you will hit two shots off a lie board with a half to three-quarter swing
• Again, your highest lofted wedge will be tested from the fairway, rough, and bunkers
• The sole marks will be evaluated along with your swing style and a bounce/grind combination will be recommended
• Divot shapes are also helpful when looking at your wedge options.
• If you are a sweeper/shallow angle of attack, use mid bounce if you play in normal to soft conditions and use low bounce if you play in firm conditions.
• If you have a neutral angle of attack use mid bounce if you play in normal to firm conditions and high bounce in soft conditions.
• If you are a digger/steep angle of attack use high bounce if you play in normal to soft conditions and mid bounce if you play in firm conditions.