Are all wedges created equal? We’ll be talking about how the bounce and grinds available in today’s equipment can affect performance, contact, and spin which was especially in this past US Open at LA Country Club. The concept of bounce angle, often inscribed on your wedge alongside the loft, is not a fixed measurement. Instead, it fluctuates depending on the shot you’re attempting and your setup before striking the ball. Moreover, the type of sole grind employed can influence the variability of your bounce angle.
When you open the face of your wedge, the leading edge increases or is higher off the ground, thereby increasing the bounce angle.
Conversely, closing the face decreases it.
Additionally, various sole grinds, such as cambers, can impact the performance of the club. Certain grinds minimize the increase in bounce when employing an open face, while others add or reduce bounce depending on the specific chips, pitches, or even full shots being hit. Consequently, selecting the appropriate sole grind is just as crucial as choosing the right loft/bounce angle combination.
With that, bounce serves a valuable purpose by facilitating a forgiving interaction with the turf. When the club head strikes the ground slightly before the ball, lacking bounce would result in a “fat” or “chunky” shot that travels a short distance. On the other hand, with the appropriate amount of bounce, the club has a better chance to glide along the turf which then makes the margin for error bigger and a better result in distance control and height.
To sum up, it is crucial to ensure that your wedges are properly fitted. This will allow you to take full advantage of their forgiveness and increase your chances of successfully getting up and down around the greens.
