How to choose a wedge - loft and bounce options explained

Understanding bounce angles on wedges

There are two key factors to take into consideration when deciding on a wedge or wedges for your bag:

1. Club loft

2. Bounce angle

Most golfers understand the higher the degrees of loft (60°) the more open the club face is. This results in the ball going higher, covering a shorter distance. Most golfers carry a PW (typically 46°) and a SW (typically 52°).

Wedges are available in increments of 2 degrees, ranging from 46° (for the new Cleveland 588 RTX CB) up to 60°. Mizuno's new MP-T4 starts at 50° to 60°. Nike's VR Pro DS wedge covers 56° to 60°. Ping's George Tour from 47° - 60° and Titleists Vokey Design SM4 from 46° to 64°.

However bounce angles are less familiar with golfers. The bounce angle is essentially the distance between the sole of the club and the ground (the area shaded in green below).

 

 

Which bounce angle best suits my game?

That depends on a number of considerations such as:

- The size of the divot you make - do you take a full or half swing with your wedges?

- The firmness of the course you are playing

For our guide we're going to split up golfers into two categories, diggers (make a large divot) and sweepers (don't make much of a divot)

For Diggers

- You take a full swing with your wedge: Mid bounce

- You don't make a full swing with your wedge:

For softer ground (Ireland and the UK): High to mid bounce

For firm ground: Low to mid bounce

For Sweepers

- You take a full swing with your wedge: Low bounce

- You don't make a full swing with your wedge:

For softer ground (Ireland and the UK): Mid bounce

For firm ground: Low bounce

Low bounce is: 4° to 10°

Mid bounce is: 8° to 12°

High bounce is: 11° to 14°

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