Champions Tour: Glen Day hits his tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the American Family Insurance Championship. (Photo: Getty)
The American Family Insurance Championship, part of the Champions Tour, concluded its first round at the University Ridge Golf Club in Madison, Wisconsin. The tournament offered a total prize fund of $2,400,000.
Glen Day (USA) and Boo Weekley (USA) share the lead, each finishing with a total score of 68, placing them at -4 under par. Duffy Waldorf (USA), Thomas Bjorn (DEN), Lee Janzen (USA), Jerry Kelly (USA), David Duval (USA), and Steve Stricker (USA) were tied for the third position, all concluding the round with a total score of 69, which put them at -3 under par.
The top three daily scores of the final round were achieved by Glen Day (USA), Boo Weekley (USA), and Duffy Waldorf (USA). Each of these players managed to score -4 under par for the day, contributing significantly to their total scores.
Glen Day and Boo Weekley secured the top position with their total scores of -4. Following closely behind were Duffy Waldorf, Thomas Bjorn, Lee Janzen, Jerry Kelly, David Duval, and Steve Stricker, all tied with a total score of -3.
The American Family Insurance Championship Highlights can be viewed below in a video that features a compilation of the key moments and best plays from the final round. For fans and followers, the Champions Tour Highlights provide an in-depth look at the competitive play throughout the event.
These American Family Insurance Championship Highlights spotlight the skill and precision displayed by the competitors at this prominent Champions Tour event.
HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN - JUNE 06: Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden plays his second shot on the 18th hole during day one of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed at Vasatorps Golfklubb on June 06, 2024 in Helsingborg, Sweden. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, part of the European Tour, concludes with the final round at Vasatorps Golfklubb in Helsingborg, Sweden. The tournament, featuring a diverse field of competitors, has a prize pool of 2 million US dollars.
Sebastian Soderberg from Sweden leads the leaderboard with a total score of 129, sitting at 15 under par. In second place is Scott Jamieson from Scotland, who has a total score of 132, 12 under par. Julien Guerrier from France stands in third place with a total score of 133, which is 11 under par. Four players share the fourth position with a total score of 135, 9 under par. These players are Jorge Campillo from Spain and three Swedes: Linn Grant, Jesper Svensson, and Jens Dantorp.
Highlighting the best performances of the round, Sebastian Soderberg, Scott Jamieson, and Julien Guerrier had the lowest daily scores. Soderberg, maintaining his lead, had a remarkable performance that cemented his position at the top of the leaderboard.
This event is a significant stop on the European Tour, and fans can now view the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed Highlights video, which showcases the notable moments from the final round. The compilation includes key shots and crucial putts, providing a comprehensive overview of the competition’s climax.
As the event wraps up, the focus shifts to the European Tour Highlights for upcoming tournaments, continuing the excitement for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed: The European Tour round 2 highlights
About the European Tour
The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) is the largest European professional golf tour. With 45 events, the tour’s tournament calendar is packed with highlights. In addition to the majors, the DP World Tour organizes other co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour. The European tour is also a guest in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, hosting at least one tournament in a total of 25 countries. The prize money on the DP World Tour is lower than on its American sister tour, but with the basic salary introduced in 2023, players who have played at least 15 tournaments will receive at least 150,000 dollars. The season finale of the overall earnings ranking, the “Race to Dubai“, will be held in a play-off format after five “Global Swings” and the “Back 9”. The final DP World Tour Championship will determine the winner of the season in Dubai in November.
Bubba Watson will play in the DJ Khaled Charity Golf Classic. (Image: Getty)
The newly crowned Champions League winner Vini Jr. and the former Masters champion Bubba Watson are among the participants in the “We The Best Foundation Jordan Golf Classic hosted by DJ Khaled”. The tournament takes places on June 13th in Miami. Other notable stars competing in the charity event are: Golfers Michael Block and Mina Harigae, NFL players Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins), Odell Beckham Jr. (Wide Receiver for the Miami Dolphins) and musician Luis Fonsi.
DJ Khaled: “We Are Making Bless Moves For a Great Cause!”
In one of his many promotional videos DJ Khaled presented the field for his charity golf event in Miami. The field includes a lot of star power. For fans of golf, Bubba Watson is definitely the highlight. The two-time Masters Champion Watson is not exempt for the 2024 US Open and therefore able to compete in Khaleds event. In the announcement from this week, the musician DJ Khaled wrote: “Unity is strength! Great Golf for a cause. Here in my home, the 305 Miami, where we are not just hitting the green, we are making bless moves for a great cause! Picture this: A day fillled with swings, birdies and giving back, all under the shining sun.”
The 48-year-old musician and producer is known to be an avid golfer. Khaled regularly posts videos of him golfing. In an interviev with the US sports talk First Take, Khaled spoke about Rory McIlroy teaching him “Swing thoughts” and his handicap, which according to his quote is “a seven on a great day”. He also made a hilarious comment about his competitiveness: “When it is competitve time, I go against the best of them – it can be Tiger Woods.” The full interview including an announcement for the charity event here:
PGA Tour highlights: Adam Hadwin from Canada leads at the Memorial Tournament. (Image: Getty)
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, part of the PGA Tour, is currently taking place at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. This prestigious tournament features a total prize money of 20 million US dollars. As we review the highlights of Round 1, the competition on the leaderboard is intense.
Topping the leaderboard is Adam Hadwin from Canada with a total score of 66 after a daily score of -6. He is followed by Scottie Scheffler from the USA, who holds the second position with a total score of 67 and a daily score of -5. Tied at third place are Xander Schauffele (USA), Ludvig Åberg (Sweden), Corey Conners (Canada), and Collin Morikawa (USA), each with a total score of 68 and a daily score of -4.
For fans interested in the PGA Tour Highlights and specifically the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Highlights, videos showcasing the notable moments from this round are available. These highlight videos provide a comprehensive look at the top performances and significant shots that defined the day.
Stay tuned for further updates and detailed coverage of this key event in the PGA Tour.
the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday: The PGA Tour round 1 highlights
About the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.
HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN - JUNE 05: Sebastian Söderberg of Sweden plays a shot prior to the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed at Vasatorps Golfklubb on June 05, 2024 in Helsingborg, Sweden. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, part of the European Tour, is currently taking place at Vasatorps Golfklubb in Helsingborg, Sweden. This tournament features a unique format where male and female golfers compete alongside each other.
As of the completion of the fourth round, the leader of the tournament is Sebastian Soderberg from Sweden with a total score of 63, achieving a daily score of -9. Tied for second place are Dylan Frittelli from South Africa and Alex Fitzpatrick from England, both with a total score of 65 and a daily score of -7. In fourth place is Gavin Green from Malaysia with a total score of 66 and a daily score of -6. Tied for fifth place are Linn Grant from Sweden, Scott Jamieson from Scotland, David Law from Scotland, and Lauren Walsh with total scores of 67 and a daily score of -5.
The players with the best rounds for the day were:
1. Sebastian Soderberg with a daily score of -9
2. Dylan Frittelli and Alex Fitzpatrick with a daily score of -7 each.
The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed offers a total prize money of 2 million US dollars.
For more information, you can watch the highlights of the day in the video above, capturing the key moments from the fourth round of the tournament.
The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed Highlights video provides a summary of the exciting actions and helps in understanding the progress of the players in the tournament. This article has covered the significant European Tour Highlights from the fourth round at the Vasatorps Golfklubb.
Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed: The European Tour round 1 highlights
About the European Tour
The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) is the largest European professional golf tour. With 45 events, the tour’s tournament calendar is packed with highlights. In addition to the majors, the DP World Tour organizes other co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour. The European tour is also a guest in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, hosting at least one tournament in a total of 25 countries. The prize money on the DP World Tour is lower than on its American sister tour, but with the basic salary introduced in 2023, players who have played at least 15 tournaments will receive at least 150,000 dollars. The season finale of the overall earnings ranking, the “Race to Dubai“, will be held in a play-off format after five “Global Swings” and the “Back 9”. The final DP World Tour Championship will determine the winner of the season in Dubai in November.
Roger Federer finds joy in his new hobby: Golf. (Image: Getty)
After officially announcing his retirement in 2022, some time has now passed. He undoubtedly ranked among the greatest in tennis and defined an era. We are talking about Roger Federer, who, as seen in a video on X (formerly Twitter), has found a new hobby.
Roger Federer Picks Up Golf
The short video on social media shows the Swiss athlete playing golf. Even though the title “Roger Federer picking up a new hobby” teases that Federer is learning golf as a new sport, it quickly becomes evident, that it is not the first time he has held a golf club in his hand.
His impressive golf swing is causing a stir on the internet and is also receiving positive feedback from golf professionals. LPGA Tour player Nelly Korda seems eager to show Federer a few things. “Do you need a coach?” she commented under Federer’s video.
The Golf Club Goiburu in Spain. (Image: GC Goiburu)
Club de Golf Goiburu is located in Andoain, Gipuzkoa, Spain. This golf club is known for its location and the unique atmosphere it provides to players of all skill levels. With strategic planning being a key element of playing here, the course offers a suitable challenge without the emphasis on long shots.
Club de Golf Goiburu: Strategic Play in a Friendly Atmosphere
One of the highlighted features of Club de Golf Goiburu is the friendly, family-oriented environment that it promotes. This creates an inviting setting for both casual golfers and more serious players. The club values strategy over sheer power, encouraging players to think about their shots in a more calculated manner. This aspect is particularly evident at Hole 5, which is consistently ranked as the most challenging hole on the course.
Players at Club de Golf Goiburu can benefit from a variety of agreements and discounts offered by the club. These include group discounts and golf packages that come with lunch at the club’s restaurant. The restaurant is noted for its views of the golf course, adding an enjoyable dining experience to a day of golf. Such packages aim to provide a comprehensive golfing experience, merging sport and leisure.
The course’s design and the amenities available make Club de Golf Goiburu a notable destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether players are local or visiting from other areas, the club ensures that the overall experience is both fulfilling and strategically engaging.
Lighting Ceremony in ancient Olympia and arrival of the Olympic flame at Costa Navarino.
(Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Olympia casts a spell over me
I am eagerly awaiting this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, having managed to buy tickets for several events. I am all the more delighted when I receive an invitation to go on a press trip to Greece, which includes getting to know the golfing destination of Costa Navarino and taking part in the official ceremony to light the Olympic flame.
Gripping moments
The atmosphere in the ancient stadium of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, captivates me from the very first moment. The entry of the Greek presidential guard, the raising of the flags, and the impressive voice of the world-famous American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, who performs the Olympic anthem, move me deeply.
March-in by the Greek’s Presidential Guard. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After the official speeches, the Olympic flame is lit in the ruins of the approximately 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera. From there, the flame is transferred by an actress, who takes on the role of the high priestess Hestia, to the torch of the first of more than 550 torchbearers. In doing so, she also hands over the traditional olive branch. Dancers in traditional antique dress accompany this atmospheric process with a performance whose choreography completely thrills me.
Handing over of the Olympic Flame by the High Priestess. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Over the next 11 days, the torch is carried from Olympia through Greece to the ancient Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. From there, it will continue its journey by boat to Marseille in France.
Arrival at Navarino Bay
The following morning, the symbolic flame arrives at the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course at Navarino Hills. This is very close to the town of Pylos, which is a two-hour drive south of Olympia.
It is the first golf course in the Mediterranean to feature the Olympic symbol, and the 18-hole signature golf course symbolizes the link between golf and Olympia. Its name reflects the shared values of the International Olympic Academy, the Greek Olympic Committee, and Costa Navarino – namely sustainability, personal well-being, education, and growth.
Participation in the ceremony on the 11th green in front of the clubhouse is extremely atmospheric and is carried out with the participation of young athletes from the golf academy, with two of them acting as torchbearers.
The Olympic Flame reaches the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Development from golf hotel to Destination Costa Navarino
I first traveled to the five-star hotel The Westin Resort in 2012. At that time, The Dunes Course, designed by Bernhard Langer in 2010, and The Bay Course, developed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened the following year, were only known to a few golfers in Germany. I was immediately fascinated by this beautiful spot, the hotel, and the two golf courses during this trip, and I’ve always been delighted by this destination. The last time I visited prior to this year was in November 2021, and my impressions from that time are attached.
This is the fifth time I’ve been here. The entrance area of The Westin and its lobby are now very familiar to me, so much so that I almost feel at home.
Entrance and lobby of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Once again, I relish my stay in a spacious room with sea views and the sweet treats to welcome me.
Sweet delicacies from local beekeeping in the Deluxe Sea View Room . (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The day couldn’t start better than with a hearty breakfast on the terrace of Moriās Restaurant. The freshly squeezed orange juice and savory omelette contribute to a perfect start to the golf day.
EThe perfect start to a great golfing day. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From the initial two hotels, The Westin and The Romanos, and the two golf courses with The Dunes Clubhouse, Costa Navarino has now developed into a destination with a wide range of sports, wellness, and leisure activities.
With a five-day sports camp for children and teenagers aged between five and 15, the destination aims to bring them closer to the Olympic idea in ten different sports in July and August 2024. Professional coaches, such as those from the FC Bayern Munich Football Academy, will be on hand. In addition, the NBA Basketball School will be returning to Costa Navarino from May to September to share the special NBA experience with young and adult participants.
The three areas of Navarino Dunes, Navarino Bay, and Navarino Hills currently have four signature 18-hole golf courses. Their three exceptional clubhouses not only impress me with their architectural creativity and diversity, but also with their first-class catering offer.
An impressive golf quartet
The four courses are a maximum distance of 13 km apart and no more than 20 minutes by car. Hotel shuttles offer perfectly organized, free transfers to the various courses.
The state of maintenance of the tee boxes, greens, and bunkers on all courses is beyond criticism. Only the fairways of The Dunes Course showed potential for improvement in some places during my visit. However, according to the management, this is being addressed as soon as possible.
The latest jewel: Navarino Hills
A new experience for me this year is the visit to The Hills Clubhouse and a round on The Hills Course. I am delighted with both. The clubhouse sits enthroned on a hill with fascinating 360-degree views from the inviting terrace.
The Hills Clubhouse: straightforward design and fantastic views from the terrace. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From here, you can see over the course, the bay, the huge practice facilities, and the impressive mountain backdrop in the distance on the opposite side. It serves as the clubhouse for both The Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.
I like its clear lines, its open design, and the use of stone materials from the region. The transparent, discreetly integrated glass lift fits in with the concept of simple elegance. The 2,500 m² clubhouse was built with the aim of achieving energy efficiency class A+. It has photovoltaic panels.
Our group enjoys a meal at Piqantro, which is a restaurant, café, and bar all in one. It offers contemporary Iberian/Western Mediterranean cuisine, drawing on traditional recipes but also incorporating modern influences. There is a wide selection of dishes on offer. I enjoy the pasta with cherry tomatoes and prawns.
Leading by example
I am particularly interested in a screen that I discover both here and in the pro shop at The Bay Clubhouse. Among other things, I can use it to determine my course handicap by entering my personal HCP. The annoying search for this value in hard-to-read tables, which is often necessary on other courses, has come to an end here.
The system also offers a lot more information, such as the current speed on the greens, the pin positions, the grass used, the weather forecast, and the hotel shuttle schedule. What a step forward.
Equipment and service at its best
The buggies equipped with state-of-the-art GPS impressed me just as much as the quality of the rental clubs. Ball pyramids are available free of charge on the generously designed driving ranges. Not only here, but in all areas of the destination, I encounter attentive, friendly, and competent service staff who enjoy their work.
The golf cloverleaf in a cutshell
Navarino Dunes: The Dunes Course
Designed by German golf legend Bernhard Langer in collaboration with European Golf Design, it was the first signature golf course in Greece. Opened in 2010, this 6,018-meter championship course from the back tees leads through a varied natural landscape, past the two hotels The Romanos and The Westin. With spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, it features links-style elements along the waterfront fairways. The fairways, which run through the hinterland past olive groves and orchards, are more reminiscent of a parkland course.
Since my last visit in 2021, exclusive villas have been built along the first nine holes, although they are a long way from the fairways and do not come into play. Construction work continues on individual holes.
Early morning on the #18 . (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Navarino Bay: The Bay Course
Most of the tees on the par-71 The Bay Course offer a marvelous view of the sea. Some holes run directly along the historic Bay of Navarino. The course measures 5,536 meters from the back tees. The holes lead through extremely hilly terrain with considerable differences in altitude in places. Not only are its five par-three holes fun, but they are also challenging at the same time.
The Bay Course offeringImpressive views across the course to Navarino Bay. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Navarino Hills: The International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course
The two newest 18-hole golf courses, designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal, are located above the coastline. Officially opened in 2022, they offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the Bay of Navarino, and the Ionian Sea.
Stop playing and simply enjoy the views. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The International Olympic Academy Golf Course has a length of 6,366 meters. Details can be found in my report mentioned above.
The Hills Course is a par 72 with a length of 6,280 meters. It is also situated in complete tranquility, surrounded by mature trees and leads through rural Messinia with beautiful views of the rugged mountains and small villages. Its fairways are generously designed and offer sufficient landing area for placing drives. The bunkers are numerous but not very deep. I enjoy the round on this new course, which makes for relaxed golfing.
Each of the courses has its own character, which for me makes the quartet a four-leaf clover that gives me feelings of happiness. To single out one as the best course would not do justice to the others.
A pictSurrounded by unspoiled nature. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Destination Costa Navarino is world champion
With such variety and high quality, it comes as no surprise to me that Destination Costa Navarino was recognized as the ‘World’s Best Golf Venue 2023’ at the tenth World Golf Awards.
David Achington, previously director at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal and Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort near Girona in Spain, took over as director of golf at Costa Navarino last year. He and his team were delighted to take the coveted award with them to the Peloponnese.
Quality has its price
The green fee is standard on all courses. In the most favorable of four periods, it is €193 for hotel guests and €233 per 18 holes in the high season.
Always a great pleasure
Visiting Destination Costa Navarino is always a special experience for me. The constantly expanding, exclusive offers and the top quality found in all areas are unrivaled.
The Connemara Golf Links in Ireland. (Image: Connemara Golf Links)
Connemara Golf Links, located in Galway, Ireland, within the region of Connaught, is a site renowned for its pristine condition and year-round playability. The golf course offers extensive facilities, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Its location, surrounded by scenic views and rugged landscapes, adds to the allure of this golf destination.
Irish Links Golf: Connemara Golf Links
The course caters to all levels of golfers, providing a fair challenge for low handicap players while remaining accessible to high handicappers. This inclusive approach makes it a popular choice for families, groups, couples, and individual players. The welcoming nature of the club enhances the overall experience, contributing to its reputation as a friendly and accommodating golfing venue.
When navigating Connemara Golf Links, players are advised to allow extra consideration for their approach shots on the back nine holes. The course’s signature hole, the 13th Par 3, is particularly notable. This hole requires a 200-yard carry from the White markers and is surrounded by rocky outcrops, making it a unique and demanding part of the course. The combination of these features makes playing at Connemara both a challenging and memorable experience.
Connemara Golf Links hosts an Open Competition every Friday, with the exception of July and August. This regular event provides an opportunity for golfers to test their skills in a competitive environment. For those interested in long-term engagement with the club, membership options are available. Inquiries can be directed to the pro shop via email at [email protected].
Arguably the most important part of your game: Golf Wedges. (Image. Getty)
Golf wedges are the scoring clubs. 70 percent of all shots occur within 100 yards of the green, making wedges essential for every golfer’s game. Wedges are crucial for creating birdie opportunities from the fairway or saving par after missing the green, but they can also cause significant trouble for golfers who struggle within the 100-yard range. Therefore, it is crucial that the wedges you have in your bag suit you and support your game.
Even though golf wedges may seem to have undergone less technological development compared to irons or drivers, this is not true upon closer inspection. There are many different wedges with unique specifications, making the search for the right club to enhance your game a worthwhile endeavor. The following explanations are intended to expand your knowledge of golf wedges and help you make a decision for or against a wedge to improve your game.
There are basically four different types of wedges:
Pitching Wedges (PW)
The first and most widely used wedge is the pitching wedge. It generally has a loft of 44 to 48 degrees and is primarily used for full swings into the green and longer chips. Many club sets today tend to give the pitching wedge a lower loft, making it “longer”. This suggests to the player that they have more distance in their shots, but it also creates a gap in the shot distances, necessitating a gap wedge.
As the name suggests, the gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. The loft usually ranges between 50 and 55 degrees. In terms of use, it is very similar to the pitching wedge, but the gap wedge is used from slightly shorter distances and offers a wider range of options from the fairway and around the green.
Sand Wedges (SW)
Typically, sand wedges have a loft of around 56 degrees and are primarily used to escape green-side bunkers or for short pitches. Due to the design of the sole, they are specifically tailored for these shots but also offer additional options for approach shots.
Gradually, the lob wedge has gained increasing popularity and significance in golfers’ club selections. As the name suggests, the lob wedge has the highest loft – usually 60 to 62 degrees, sometimes even up to 64 degrees – to allow the player to achieve extreme heights on the ball with pitch and chip shots. It is mostly used as a short-game club around the green rather than for approach shots. For shots from deep rough or sand, it is often more suitable due to its high loft, though it is more challenging for the less experienced golfer to play compared to wedges with lower loft.
The loft of a golf wedge is simply the angle at which it lifts the ball off the ground. As mentioned above, wedges range from about 44 to 64 degrees. Most professionals, as well as many amateur golfers, have three to four wedges in their bag to have the widest possible range of options for short shots. The higher the loft of a wedge, the higher the ball flight will be, with a correspondingly shorter distance.
The bounce of a wedge refers to various characteristics of the club’s sole. The bounce focuses on the part of the club that touches the ground during a shot, causing the club to ‘bounce’ through the ball. Bounce is the overarching term for the elements involved in the design of the club’s sole: the bounce angle, the width of the sole, the leading edge, and the camber (the curvature of the sole). Finding the right bounce for your wedge will especially improve your chipping and pitching.
Golf wedges come with different bounces. The bounce refers to the sole of the club.
For firm ground, such as that found on links courses, a lower bounce wedge is generally more suitable. This produces a “sharper” ball contact because less surface area of the club interacts with the ground due to the flatter angle, resulting in a shallower divot. In contrast, a standard bounce is more appropriate for softer ground as it allows the club to dig deeper into the ground after impact, enabling a steeper, more aggressive swing.
Finishes of Wedges
Wedges are crafted from various materials and thus come in different finishes, which refer to the various surface treatments of a club. Here’s a selection of common coatings and their benefits.
The traditional coating in which most wedges are delivered is chrome. It provides the classic look, a soft, solid feel, and simultaneously protects the club from corrosion.
Black Nickel
Black Nickel is a special color variant of the classic chrome coating. It offers the same durability and the same soft, solid feel as traditional chrome coating.
Similar to the Black Nickel finish, Nickel provides a blend of the alloy’s soft characteristics with the steadfast properties of the surface. Additionally, the matte color of nickel reduces potential reflections that can occur with shiny materials, giving the wedge a traditional appearance.
Rusty/Raw
These untreated steel wedges are designed to rust over time. The corrosion on the surface provides the player with a more immediate feel and increases the spin imparted on the ball. These wedges are also matte but have the shortest lifespan of all finishes and are typically used by better players.
This finish is offered by some companies and is created through a special heat treatment. This process produces a non-reflective appearance as well as a soft feel. Over time, the Oil Can finish will evolve more and more towards a Rusty/Raw finish.
This finish shares the characteristics of both the Oil-Can and Rusty/Raw variants, producing an extremely soft feel. The difference from the aforementioned options lies in the material composition. Over time, the Beryllium Copper finish will darken as oxygen reacts with the metal.
Wedge shafts are mostly made of steel
Nearly all golf wedges come with steel shafts, except for clubs that are part of a graphite shaft set or have a custom fitting option. Additionally, most wedges come with a standard wedge flex in stores. This flex is similar in flexibility to a steel shaft with a stiffness rating of ‘stiff’, but tailored to the length – or rather, the shortness – of a wedge. It is designed to provide maximum feel and accuracy, but flex is generally less critical in short clubs like wedges.
