🏅 The Best Wedges of 2021

My Dad handed me a Vokey golf wedge before my first bicycle. The SM8 is Titleist's annual release of high-quality Wedges. They have some big technical changes for this year.

Titleist claims to have improved the consistency of their wedges. By pushing the center of gravity forward. These wedges offer high levels of spin and continue with their trademark milled grooves.

They are a beautiful looking, traditional wedge. These wedges will always perform and there are some key reasons but don't get all caught up in wanting to spin it all the time.

Having a consistent trajectory and flight will improve your score more than the ability to rip one in there, loaded with spin. I played my best golf when I could keep my wedges low and control the flight into the green. It allowed me to control how far the ball went, it didn't matter if the pin was way in the back corner of the green. I was still flying it back there. Don't get me wrong, a little jazz and spin is still fun though!

Back to the Vokey, the change in weight and center of gravity in the wedge achieves what I was talking about. It lowers the trajectory in which the wedge flies. The benefit to players is a more consistent flight and increased distance control. Particularly if you have a little wind blowing into you. For a low handicapped golfer that strikes the ball solid, I would recommend this wedge. The reason is you will be able to control your distance better, because of the lower ball flight.

My best friend and PGA Professional Freddie Meikle was a Sales Rep for Wilson. This guy would not stop telling me how good Wilson’s sand wedge and lob wedge has been for his short game. He mentioned the Wedges on more than one occasion. Fast forward to 2021 and Rick Shields even shouts from the hilltops that Wilson Staff clubs are as good as the big boys (and he doesn't even get paid to say that!).

I have used them for a season and I thoroughly enjoyed their performance around the greens. I am not sure if it was a placebo effect that made me stop!

This is the softest wedge made thus far from Wilson Staff, so probably better wedges than the previous model I was using. Wilson uses carbon steel to give more feel around the greens, due to the softer metal. Wilson Staff also features their machine-engraved “score lines” on the clubface. The benefit to players is more opportunity to create spin on the ball. Giving you more around the greens.

 The MD stands for Mack Daddy, I thought it sounded silly when I tried these out, but I soon changed my mind. I have a low-ball flight and I found that Callaway mack daddy 5 wedges span the nuts off the golf ball. The production and improvements on the Callaway mack daddy 5 (MD) grooves continue with the JAWS MD 5 Raw wedges.

MD grooves are a feature on Callaway wedges that are designed to increase spin and lower the impact position on the ball. This will benefit players that strike the ball well off tight lies.

I don’t know about you but when I think of KING COBRA, I just think of a Driver with a loud noise when you strike it. I also think of Rickie Fowler in an orange flat cap swaggering down the fairway. However, the previous wedges I owned were the “Trusty Rusty” Cobra wedges and they were good. The only issue I had was the shafts were painted black and the paint fell off, making the club look ghastly!

I didn’t find them as soft as my Vokey’s. Although, there is some new tech in the MIM wedges which I know will make them as soft as butter.

KING COBRA boasts about their new method. By injecting steel powder into the mould of the club, then heating the club to crazy temperatures, COBRA believes they have the softest wedge, ever.

What this means for players is that this is a truly forged club. When you strike the ball, you will feel the strike-through your palms and fingers. The benefit is an improved short game through greater control over the ball. You will also enjoy increased feedback from the strike of the shot.

Remember my friend Freddie? Well, he is now a stocker of PXG products in the UK, and these sticks are gaining momentum over here. I know in the USA they have taken market share rapidly. PXG thrives from having a no-nonsense approach to golf club design and their wedges are no different. They have created a wedge that performs well in all the tests. It will suit players that have a “tight lie” preference design. A traditional looking wedge that has burst onto the professional scene. Me being me, I didn’t suit these wedges. I prefer to hit the ball off a tight lie, and I like a grind that sits really low on the ball. It suits my short game better than a wedge high bounce. Basically, remove all bounce and grind me into the ball with a cheese knife covered in grooves. So, these do not suit me. I believe they will suit a golfer who is a mid-high handicapper. Someone who has had a full set SW- 4 Iron but wants to introduce some new wedges into the bag.

I’m sorry PING, I know these wedges are great. I had a set of PING wedges a few years ago that had similar technology, and to be honest, I struggled with them. The reason was the bulky, heavy feel of the clubs, which later on you will find is a feature and a possible benefit. I certainly preferred a lighter club that was a little thinner. The PING Glide 3.0 could almost be an extension of a full set of clubs. Don’t get me wrong, there is no doubt they will be great for the majority of golfers, even low, mid to high handicappers. However, for me, they were too heavy. The Ping Glide 3.0 wedges have been described as a big step up since previous versions of PING wedges. There isn’t anything to be said about the grooves. They perform well and they will give you opportunities to spin the ball. The main feature in the PING glide 3.0 wedges are the “Custom Tuning Port." This is a cover that is inserted into the back of the clubface. The result for players is more forgiveness with off-center hits. Meaning that you will be more consistent with the distance you hit, pitch, and chip with your wedge. Even if you don't find the middle of the club.

Taylor Made continues to produce a variety of golf clubs, and their wedges are no different. The Hi-Toe wedge gives golfers a better opportunity for difficult lies or when in the rough.

This wedge’s design purpose is to help golfers with chipping, flop shots, and “explosion shots” from the greenside bunkers. One of the simple ways this is achieved is by offering higher lofts of the wedge to players. Including a 64-degree lob wedge that gets the golf ball straight up in the air!

This wedge would suit players that struggle with chipping and bunker shots. The wedges have high degrees of bounce and a “cut design” found in the sole of the club.