Best Golf Clubs Of 2010 Part 5 - Wedges

These are the scoring clubs. It is like a free-kick in soccer just outside the penalty box. You have to put it on for a solid chance to convert. When golfers do not put it on the green with a wedge by over hitting, it is like blasting a free-kick into row Z in the stadium seat or when hitting under then it is like ramming a free-kick into the human wall. Just that in golf and the repercussion is often more serious as you have to play from where your ball lies. In soccer, you just get a throw in for either side. I think it is time for golf to change the rules to allow throw ins when the ball is outside by too much. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0GESlaVNdE (David Beckham)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LsbH7OssnI (Phil Mickelson)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KQ3PDDhFuw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGRXJgBgxy0


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZWPee66M1s

When you play from a standard set of irons, they often or at least some would include a Pitching Wedge (PW), a Sand Wedge (SW) and maybe an Approach Wedge (AW). They look and feel similar to the rest of the set. Some of us like me, like to use sharper tools like individual wedges and the usual suspects are the Vokeys from Titleist (designed exclusively by wedge master Bob Vokey), Cleveland (now owned by SRI a subsidiary of Sumitomo) and others like Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway (the original Roger Cleveland who gave us Celevland is at Callaway).

USGA Rules


The USGA prohibited manufacturers from producing and selling aggressive "U' grooves on their wedges. The original grooves were "V" but became "U" to give more spin ant bite to the ball. They can't produce U grooved wedges from 2011 but what you are using if they were "U" shall remain conforming and legal until 2024. Please understand this clearly that is no more U-shaped grooves are to be produced after 2010 but you can still buy them and use them until 2024. It has been a mistaken notion by many just like how many foreigners were mistaken about chewing gums in Singapore. No sales of chewing gums allowed in Singapore but when you use it for you own consumption and dispose of considerately there is no problem. The funny thing is that so many foreigners are nervous coming to Singapore because they have the mistaken notion that if they were caught chewing gum here, it will be caning with the rotan. Ha ha. If I were in charge I will whack you with a U-shaped grooved wedge to send you spinning.

Importance Of Wedge Play

The wedge is like a magic wand. Any golfer worth his salt should realise it. You drive for show and putt for dough but you will rule supreme from a 100 yards when you can nail your shots magically onto the green and up close to the pin. Allow me to recommend a few in alphabetical order which I think can help you ace your game.

Callaway X Series Jaws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFif6h8VoI

It has an unique design at the back, a C-grind sole for turf interaction. Forged form 1020 carbon steel, it provides greater spin and feel. Not a great looker but hey this was fashioned by Roger Cleveland.

Cleveland CG 15


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KA-qG3hBMI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMb8wvxQRJA


Everybody should love Cleveland wedges being one of the most popular around. Roger Cleveland made the famous 588 gun metal version which I still have one even though one was lost but he is now with Callaway. Cleveland continued with the CG10, Cg12, CG14 and the latest CG15.

Mizuno MP-T10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VoY90UDr08


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxq--8pDMCs


Mizuno makes great irons so do wedges. This is forged for better spin in a teardrop shaped using their patented "grain-flow" mild carbon steel for soft feel. Looks good and sure to perform well. Sharp tools but maybe better golfer should use it.

Ping Tour -W

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb7r8CrttwQ

Made from 17-4 stainless steel and a tungsten toe weight. There is also a polymer insert at the cavity for swing weight optimisation and to dampen vibration. Most golf magazines except a couple didn't give it top marks for looks because it is different or perhaps feel is subjective but I think the world of this wedge now that I am using one. I certainly think it looks and feel great and it gives a great spin. Play from the bunker with confidence as the sand do not seem to be of any hindrance. This one can spin plenty but doesn't cut your ball as much.

TaylorMade TP xFT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8P11G1oAMM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1IZMR0GdYc

It has to be TaylorMade always having something new to dabble with. It looks like a modern day weapon from space. I think this could be the world's first wedge or club that allows you to change a worn out club face. How cool is that? Super cool! xFT means Exchangeable Face Technology. Get it? It is claimed to have a 10% higher groove volume to channel debris and maintain maximum spin. Looks good and high performance like previous TP wedges. I use one (older TP version) and I can vouched for its effectiveness.

Titleist Vokey Spin-Milled


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmTnS1P939A


How To Spin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv4Fv3PjfQQ

Most of us are just contented to get the ball onto the green but we will not only shank it at times or top it. Being confident is the first step. With hands forward and ahead of the ball during set up, feet in a slightly open stance and hitting down letting gravity takes the club down onto the ball would get it up and about. With the right ball and wedge you too can generate spin perhaps not as much as having the ball spun and rolled back but at least with some bite and stopping power.

We must avoid thinking that we could put the ball near the pin by slowing down and decelerating as this action is in itself is one of the core and common problems of approach play going awry. Usually you will have sufficient green to work on if we were just to have a nice follow through in the swing. You saw how Phil Mickelson did it in the other video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkB5bp3mybA

Good luck!

Golf as in life, play as it lies.