Experts from HIO Fitting explain how the right wedge setup improves spin, control, and consistency in the short game.
Wedges are among the most frequently used clubs in a golf bag, yet many golfers often overlook their importance. They play a crucial role in key shots during a round, such as bunker shots, approach shots from 60–80 meters, and delicate play around the green. In our fitting experience at HIO, we repeatedly encounter common issues: unsuitable lofts and sole grinds, improperly assembled sets, or significantly worn grooves. Our experience shows that the right wedge setup can significantly enhance consistency, spin, and control in the short game. Therefore, it’s worth taking a closer look at these scoring clubs.
HIO Guide: When Full-Face Grooves Really Make Sense
Many golfers deliberately open the clubface on bunker or lob shots, causing the impact point to shift toward the club’s toe. Traditional wedges often lack grooves in this area, which can lead to noticeable spin loss and less control. Full-face wedges, however, have grooves across the entire clubface, offering much greater forgiveness—especially on open shots.
Grind and Sole Width for Better Turf Interaction
The sole of a wedge largely determines how the club interacts with the ground. A wider sole can provide more stability and forgiveness, particularly on soft turf or in bunkers. However, it should not restrict the ability to open the clubface. Modern wedge designs combine wide soles with targeted heel relief, allowing players to easily execute open clubface shots, low chips, or high flop shots even under challenging course conditions.
Loft Management: Often a 56° Wedge Is Enough
Many amateurs carry both a 56° and a 60° wedge in their bag. In practice, this is often unnecessary. A properly fitted 56° wedge can be opened to produce similar height and spin characteristics as a 60° wedge, while providing greater control and consistency. The freed-up space in the bag can then be used for an additional wood or a mini-driver.
Higher Center of Gravity for More Spin
Compared to irons or drivers, wedges should have a higher center of gravity. A higher center of gravity promotes a lower yet spin-rich ball flight, resulting in more control when landing and stopping the ball on the green—a key factor for approach shots from medium and short distances.
Gapping – Uniform Distances for Clear Decisions
An effective wedge setup only works optimally when the distance gaps between clubs are evenly distributed. Too large or too small gaps cause uncertainty and complicate club selection. Gapping is often underestimated with wedges; even small loft deviations can cause significant distance differences. In many cases, adjusting clubs by 1–2 degrees to create uniform gaps is beneficial. A professional gapping session with subsequent club bending is the best method.
Gap Wedge: Wedge Model or Iron Set?
For gap wedges (typically 48–50°), many players automatically choose a traditional wedge. However, a matching iron from the set at the corresponding loft can often be a better option. Irons tend to be more forgiving and better match the weight, shaft