Wedges are one of the most versatile clubs that you’ll find in your golf set. Golfers use them for various purposes. They use the wedge for chipping, pitching, to get the golf ball out of a rough lie or sand bunker, and for making a full swing shot off the fairway.
But, when it comes to buying clubs, most of the golfer doesn’t pay much attention to wedges. Golfers mainly focus on choosing drivers, putters, and irons. Wedges come last in their priority list. The reality is that the wedges are the only clubs that can get you out of a tough spot. They come in use more often then we think. In case of beginners too, wedges are the clubs that can improve their short game score.
So, as a beginner, you need to understand the importance of a wedge and make an informed decision. To help you out, in this post, we will get you acquainted with the best wedges for beginners and help you make an ideal wedge purchase through our buyer’s guide.
Top Wedges for Beginners
Cleveland Golf Men’s 588 RTX 2.0 Muscle Back Standard Bounce Satin Wedge
Cleveland is one of the golf market leaders. You know that you can have peace of mind and don’t have to worry about the quality if you are purchasing Cleveland’s product. If you are looking for a wedge for high handicappers than nothing can beat the Cleveland Golf- Men’s 588 RTX 2.0 Muscle Bounce Satin Wedge.
During our research, we read all the reviews about the product. It has got a majority of positive review and that’s why we bought his wedge. It was a good decision as the wedge has not let us down, thanks to its outstanding performance.
What makes this Cleveland wedge attractive is its simple but manly look. It is a wedge with a black finish and a white colour brand name on it. Those golfers who love the black and white combination, this wedge will definitely match your style. The black colour even makes the wedge look new for a longer period.
The manufacturers equip this wedge with 588 RTX 2.0 technology which results in smooth control. There is also the use of laser milling for adding extra texture and consistency to the clubface. You will also notice micro-roughness which helps in getting additional spin during chip as well as pitch shots.
This Cleveland wedge comes with tour zip grooves and has also got a Rotex 2.0 Face Pattern. In addition to this, the club’s face comes with 2-pass micro-milling pattern too.
The perfect weight balance of the Cleveland wedge is what I like the most. It is heavy enough to dig the golf ball easily and light enough to make adjustments conveniently.
You will find a number of loft options along with a user-friendly dot system. It helps the golfer to determine which wedge will suit his/her game the most. The loft option includes 46 degrees, 52 degrees, 54 degrees, 56 degrees, 58 degrees, 60 degrees, 60 degrees, 62 degrees, and 64 degrees.
The steel shaft wedge comes in both right as well as for left-hand orientation. Overall, this Cleveland wedge is a high performing club which will not disappoint you at all.
Pros:
- Variety of loft options available.
- Provides additional spin as well as control.
- Comes with a rough face.
- A number of grind options available.
- Perfectly balanced.
- Simple and classic appearance.
- Great performance and quality.
Cons:
- The black finish may wear out with time.
Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind Wedge
Callaway is a reputable name in the golfing world. The company is known for its quality products and that’s why we added Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind Wedge to our list. While researching different golf wedges, we noticed that this wedge was on the best-seller list of various E-commerce platforms. This shows the trust of golfers on the Callaway Wedge.
Majority of golfers like this wedge because of its versatility as well as control while making a swing. What I like the most about this Callaway wedge is the three unique grinds along with a modern milled Progressive Groove Optimization system. The system optimizes the shape and design of the wedge to provide sufficient spin for each loft.
The wedge is attractive looking showing a perfect example of great craftsmanship. It has got a Satin Chrome finish which looks appealing to all the golfers.
The wedge is so good that even the Tour players like it. When it comes to investing in a nice wedge then Callaway Mack Daddy 3 is a smart choice. It is available in a variety of custom options.
The wedge is available in both right as well as for left-hand orientation. It comes with a steel shaft which professionals like the most. There are several loft options available too, which includes 52 degrees, 54 degrees, 56 degrees, 58 degrees, 60 degrees.
Pros:
- Attractive looking wedge with a strong and modern appearance.
- Ease in controlling.
- Plenty of forgiveness.
- High-end performance.
- Variety of loft options.
Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge
When it comes to wedges, Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge is a strong contender. It is a classic looking wedge with a muscular appearance. The wedge has got a smart design with blade shape, fabulous body finish, and aggressive grooves.
This Wilson wedge comes with a black outlook. If you are a golfer who is a traditional lover then you’ll like this wedge a lot. It is because this wedge comes with a traditional looking design which brings the previous era of traditional wedges back to life.
It’s not only the black outlook which makes it attractive, but there are also a lot of amazing features too which makes this wedge a must-have club. The manufacturers equip this wedge with a special type of sole grind which opens the clubface. This wedge is perfect for the golfers who love to have extra spin. The good news is, the Wilson wedge has a blade shape and comes with a modified bounce angle. It also comes with aggressive grooves which help in the additional spin.
From the price point of view, this wedge is an affordable choice which makes it a good option for beginners.
It is a right-hand orientation wedge which comes in three loft options, i.e., Gap (52-degree), Sand (56-Degree), and Lob (60-Degree).
All in all, this wedge is a suitable option for newbies or the golfers who like to have traditional or classic-looking wedges. Those who have a tight budget and still want a wedge with nice quality can also go for Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Aggressive grooves offer additional spin.
- Unique sole grind.
- Good quality product at an affordable price.
- Anti-glare finish.
Cons:
- The grip is small in size and slim too.
- Prone to scratches.
Pinemeadow Wedge
For Americans, Pinemeadow is not a new name. The company is amongst the top ten golf club makers in the United States. After years of manufacturing and distribution of quality golf products, Pinemeadow is now a trustworthy name in the golfing industry.
The company offers a variety of products to its customers including individual wedges, hybrids, putters, drivers, woods, full Golf sets, Women’s,golf accessories, bags, etc. Almost all the Pinemeadow products provide satisfaction to the customers because its products are perfectly balanced. They offer a perfect balance between design as well as quality and the Pinemeadow wedge is a perfect example of this.
The Pinemeadow wedge offers five loft options to the golfer to choose from. One can opt from low to ultra-high loft (50 to 68 degrees). It is a unisex wedge which means both men, as well as women golfers, can use it.
It is an appropriate wedge for beginners as it comes with a large face area with a lot of forgiveness. This makes it easier for the golfer to swing the wedge and get a nice shot. You will find the use of high-quality steel shaft from Apollo for offering the highest pleasure possible. Overall, it is a nice wedge for newbies who are looking for a wedge at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly product.
- Highly forgiving.
- Comes with a large face.
- Easy to control.
- Both men and women can use this wedge.
- Available in both right and left-hand orientation options.
Cons:
- Not a good option for low handicappers.
- You may experience a quick wearing of the face.
Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge
Wilson wedges have always been great companions to golfers and never fail to get their attention. And, this Wilson wedge is not an exception at all. It is a high performing wedge with all the necessary features.
The wedge has got aggressive grooves which offer maximum spin. For maximizing the spinning ability to the fullest, the design of the blade shape is such to provide a modified bounce angle.
The Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge has the finest build quality. To maintain its durability, manufacturers construct this wedge using durable stainless steel.
If we look at the steel shaft, then it features a regular flex along with the 35-inch long head. it ensures a stiffer axis of rotation. This feature of the wedge results in improvement of the golfer’s performance and takes the game to the next level.
In addition to this, the wedge comes with a nice grip which provides a nice feel and also boosts the confidence of the player. The sole grind of the wedge allows the golfer to open the clubface. Also, it enables the golfer to hit high shots with better accuracy.
The company takes care of both right-handed as well as left-handed golfers as the wedge is available in both hand orientations. It is available in various loft options too which includes 50 degrees, 52 degrees, 56 degrees, 60 degrees, 64 degrees.
All in all, the Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge is like a true friend to a golfer. It not only assists the golfer to improve his/ her performance but also increases the inner confidence of the player.
Pros:
- Amazing looking classic blade style wedge.
- High performing wedge.
- The grind sole is terrific as it helps in hitting a precise shot.
- The price is reasonable.
- Aggressive grooves add to the spin ability.
Cons:
- The grip is thin and small.
- The wedge’s sandblasted finish may cause scratches to the balls.
PING Glide 2.0 Wedge
When it comes to a nice wedge, we can’t miss the Ping Glide 2.0 wedge. It is a quality wedge with slightly big as well as round clubhead. This is the reason why it is more appealing to beginners. The wedge comes with a large sweet spot which makes it easier to hit for the newbies.
The construction of the wedge is also great. There is the use of soft 431 Stainless Steel for its construction. This means you will experience a buttery feel while making a shot. It also generates high strength/weight ratio which results in high MOI.
You will find Loft-specific Precision Milled Grooves on the wedge which performs well in wet as well as dry conditions. There is chrome plating on the wedge too which makes it moisture repellent. It results in better friction to improve the spin along with consistency while playing in wet conditions and rough lies.
The wedge comes with a thin and tapered hosel design. This enables it to glide through the sand and high grass conveniently which enhances the overall performance.
The grip of the wedge is nice too as there is the use of Dylawedge grip. It is a long grip which offers soft shaft tapering which results in enhanced control.
Pros:
- Soft 431 Stainless Steel construction.
- Loft-specific Precision Milled Grooves.
- Tapered hosel design.
- Highly forgiving with a large sweet spot.
- Four sole grind options available (SS, TS, WS, ES).
Cons:
- Not a good option for better players.
Conclusion
In this article, we have tried to provide every bit of information about wedges. We hope that the article has provided you with useful insight into the wedges and helped you with the ability to choose the right one. In our opinion, the best wedges for beginners is the Cleveland Golf Men’s 588 RTX 2.0 Muscle Back Standard Bounce Satin Wedge. It has got a simple design and is loaded with a lot of essential features. There is the use of 588 RTX 2.0 technology for smooth control and laser milling for additional texture. It offers great spin using the tour zip grooves. All in all, it is a great addition to your golf set which won’t disappoint you in any golfing situation.
Buyer’s Guide To Choose The Best Wedges For Beginners
Before taking a look at the best wedges for beginners, we should first dig a little bit deeper and gain some knowledge about different wedges. If you’ll have a better understanding of your equipment, then you’ll be better equipped to tackle any type of situation. So let’s start.
Understanding Wedges
Just like a driver comes under the category of a fairway wood, wedges are also a type of specialized irons. This is the reason why many irons sets include pitching wedge or other types of wedges in their kit. What makes wedges a little bit different from the usual irons, is the loft. If we look at the loft of 9 irons, then it is around 44 degrees. Any club which has a loft of above 45 degrees comes under the category of wedges.
One can use the wedge for making fuller shots of around 140 yards. However, it depends on the swing speed of the golfer. Many experienced golfers advise to not hit wedges with full power. The main reason behind it is, wedges are for making controlled shots and not for power shots. They are not for hitting long-distance shots. Instead, the aim behind using a wedge is to get you closer to the hole.
Wedges come with high loft. It is because high loft means higher ball flight and better spin too. It helps in getting you out of a bunker or a tough spot. You can easily chip or make a shot of 30 to 100 yards using the wedge. Wedge helps you to hit the golf ball high into the air and the spin produced by it helps in landing the ball softly on the surface without much of a roll.
Types Of Wedges
There are mainly four types of wedges:
Pitching Wedge
Pitching wedge (PW) is one of the oldest wedges and is a scoring club. Golfers main use this wedge to land the golf ball on the green with a minimum roll. As a beginner, this is the first wedge that you need to learn to use and master. As the name suggests, this wedge is good for making pitch shots. You can even use it for making full shots and even for longer chips to get the golf ball nearer to the hole. It has a loft of around 44 to 48 degrees.
Sand Wedge
In addition to pitching wedge, another one among the oldest wedges is the sand wedge (SW). The main use of the sand wedge is to hit the ball high in the air to get it out of a sand bunker or thick grass. The sand wedge comes with a thick clubhead and minimal spin. The thick underside assists in gliding the club through sand and long grass and to get the ball airborne. The role of minimal spin is to avoid too much bouncing of the ball when it lands on the ground. High spin may result in the ball rolling away from the cup. The sand wedge comes with a loft of around 24 to 28 degrees. You can also see fat sole on this wedge with a bounce of 10 to 12 degrees. It is essential for playing perfect bunker shots within a range of 100 yards.
Gap Wedge
Initially, golfers mainly used to use PW and SW clubs. But, with time, the gap between the lofts of both clubs grew bigger. So, in the 1990s, a new type of wedge was introduced to fill the gap between the two, i.e., Gap wedge, which is also known as utility wedge or attack wedge. It helps you to play a shot where you don’t need the distance of PW nor the SWs loft. With the loft angle of 50 to 54 degrees, you can use the gap wedge to assist you in playing a tricky shot which you cannot play using a PW or SW.
Lob Wedge
Lob Wedge is the only club in the whole golf set which has the highest loft. It comes with a loft of 59 to 65 degrees. It is mainly for professionals as it needs the skill to control it. It is the club that can help you lob the ball high into the air to overcome tall obstacles. You can even use it to play full swing shots within 100 yards. It produces minimal bounce and experienced player can control its spin to make the ball roll minimum. In short, you can use the lob wedge to hit the ball high and make it land softly on the green near the cup without much of a roll.
Factors To Consider While Choosing The Best Wedges For Beginners
Bounce
It may seem to be a little technical, but it is essential to understand. Bounce is actually the angle between the face of the club and the sole. When we hold the club perpendicular to the ground then the angle between the leading edge and the sole of the club touching the surface is the bounce.
When the bounce of the wedge is high then the elevation of the leading edge for the ground is also higher. The reverse will be in the case of low bounce. In the low bounce, the leading edge will be less elevated. The bounce of a club varies between a range of 0 to 14 degrees. It prevents the club from digging into the turf and also helps in gliding through the sand.
Low bounce wedge with a bounce angle of 4 to 6 degrees is suitable for golfers who tend to sweep the golf ball. Low bounce is also suitable for firm grass, hard sand, tight lies, as well as hardpan.
Mid bounce wedge of bounce angle between 7 to 10 degrees is a versatile option. It can accommodate a variety of conditions as well as swing types.
High bounce wedge which comes with a bounce of 10 degrees or above is suitable for fluffy sand, soft fairways, and deep rough.
Grind
We can understand grind as the shape of the club’s sole. It’s a kind of additional shaping on the sole which modifies the sole to allow the golfer to open or close clubface without making any change to the bounce. Different grinds allow the golfer to play different varieties of shots. However, for beginners, it is not a thing of primary concern. As an amateur, the main aim is to get the ball on the green with the least strokes possible.
Finish
The finish is not a thing which affects the performance, it is more about the looks of the club. There are mainly three types of finishes that you’ll find in case of wedges:
- Chrome Finish: It offers a shiny and glary look which is long-lasting and do not rust early.
- Matte/Skin Finish: it is not as shinier as the chrome. It is more of a dull finish and offers a softer feel in comparison to chrome.
- Raw: As the name suggests, this one looks unfinished and rust over time. It increases the friction that results in an additional spin.
We suggest you choose a finish which makes you feel more confident and appeals to you more.
Grooves
Grooves are the key feature which improves the accuracy and control as it is responsible for the spin of the ball. Understanding how the ball will react (amount of backspin) when it touches the green is an essential element that can get you closer to the cup.
Every manufacturer puts in different technology to offer grooves that can provide an ideal spin. Some add extra grooves, others add few grooves to different wedges. Some manufacturers even utilize some proprietary knowledge to upgrade the level of the grooves.
So decide the grooves as per your preference. Just keep in mind to keep the grooves clean while hitting a stroke.
Shaft
Majority of the wedges comes with steel shafts. It is because steel shafts provide better accuracy than the graphite shafts and also provides a great feel.
As we know, the role of wedges comes in when we are within 100 yards from the hole. At such a short distance, accuracy is of high priority. So, in our opinion at PG Golf Links, steel shafts are the best for wedges because of their accuracy and tighter shot dispersion.
However, the golfers with slow swing speed can go for graphite shafts.
