Experts from HIO Fitting explain how the right wedge setup increases spin, control, and consistency in the short game.
Wedges are among the most frequently used clubs in a golf bag. Despite this, many golfers neglect them. Yet, they are essential for numerous crucial shots during a round: from bunkers, approach shots from 60–80 meters, or delicate play around the green. Still, in daily fittings at HIO, we often see the same issues: unsuitable lofts and sole grinds, poorly matched sets, or heavily worn grooves. Our experience shows that the right wedge setup significantly improves consistency, spin, and control in the short game. Therefore, a closer look at these scoring clubs is worthwhile.
HIO Guide: When Full-Face Grooves Really Make Sense
Many golfers purposely open the clubface on bunker or lob shots, which often shifts the impact point toward the club’s toe. Classic wedges frequently lack grooves in this area, causing noticeable spin loss and less control. Full-face wedges, however, are grooved across the entire clubface, offering much greater forgiveness, especially on open-faced shots.
Grind and Sole Width for Improved Turf Interaction
The wedge’s sole mainly determines how the club interacts with the ground. A wider sole can provide more stability and forgiveness on soft turf or in bunkers. However, it must not restrict opening the clubface. Modern wedge designs combine wider soles with targeted heel relief, enabling open-faced shots, low chips, and high flop shots even in challenging course conditions.
Loft Management: Often a 56° Wedge Is Enough
Many amateurs carry both a 56° and 60° wedge, but for most players, this is unnecessary. A well-fitted 56° wedge can be opened to achieve similar height and spin as a 60° wedge, but with greater control and consistency. The saved space in the bag can be better used for an extra wood or a mini-driver.
Higher Center of Gravity for More Spin
Compared to irons and drivers, wedges should have a higher center of gravity. A higher CG promotes a flatter but more spin-rich ball flight, resulting in better control when landing and stopping the ball on the green—crucial for approach shots from mid and short distances.
Gapping – Consistent Distances for Clear Choices
A proper wedge setup only works optimally when the distance gaps between clubs are well balanced. Too large or small gaps cause uncertainty and complicate club selection. Gapping is often underestimated with wedges. Even small loft differences can create significant distance changes. Often, adjusting lofts by 1–2 degrees and professional bending sessions are the best way to achieve even gaps.
Gap Wedge: Dedicated Wedge or Iron?
Many players automatically choose a traditional wedge for the gap wedge (usually 48–50°). However, an iron with the appropriate loft can sometimes be a better choice. These irons tend to be more forgiving and match the feel, weight, and shaft of the iron set better, offering more consistency, especially on full approach shots.
Wedges Are Wear Items – Take This Seriously