The advance of design and manufacturing methods means you can spend a lot of time working out what wedges suit your game and in what conditions.
Central to the explosion in customising the shortest of short irons has been Bob Vokey, an undoubted wedge-making master craftsman, who has been concentrating on the club that bears his name since joining Titleist in 1996. That proved a very good move. For the last 20 seasons his has been the most-played wedge on the PGA Tour.
Vokey wedges have an army of devotees all over the world and those, who are very serious about their game, probably have quite a few options in their locker.
That choice has now been expanded with the seventh version of the all-important sole design and the second version of SM9 (available to buy from March 10). The T Grind is not completely new but this year will be widely available, joining the F, S, M, K, L and D.
“Wedge play is an art, and the T Grind brings out the best in the artist,” said Vokey. “The leading edge stays low to the playing surface as the wedge is rotated, which allows the golfer to hit a variety of shots from tight lies.
“This is the wedge that really made Vokey Grinds an important part of our process – and is still a great option to this day.”
The Vokey Grinds and what they specialise in:
• T: Low-bounce for highly-skilled golfers
• F: All purpose for full wedge shots
• M: Multi-purpose for versatility
• S: Narrow and versatile
• D: High bounce
• K: Bunkers
• L: Precision for highly-skilled golfers
Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill added: “The ‘T’ is a very versatile sole. It is low bounce and it frees the golfer up to get under the ball easily when the turf feels firm, or where they are short-sided.
“The last thing you want in those situations is a grind that you don’t feel can help you pull off those shots. That is when the T Grind frees you up to hit those more difficult shots that require that loft.”
The SM9 T Grind, which is available in two lofts (58/60) is essentially a modified version of the L. Both grinds are considered low bounce and require precise delivery but the T features a narrower forward sole (towards the leading edge) and more aggressive heel, toe, and trailing edge grind compared to the L Grind which allows the leading edge to sit closer to the ground, especially on open-faced shots.
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And the top pros have certainly embraced the new T with the likes of Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Cameron Smith, Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young all using them. Such was their popularity that at last year’s Open at St. Andrews, Dill ran out of T heads on the Titleist Tour Van.
You will be able to get the new SM9 in all seven versions of the grind but obviously there is a more to a wedge than just the base of the head.
The new SM9’s Centre of Gravity (CG) has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position – promoting a more controlled ball flight and solid contact.
There is also a new Spin Milled cutting process – it includes tightening allowable tolerances – and the aim is to produce consistently sharper grooves wedge after wedge, resulting in higher, more consistent spin.
However the best part about buying Vokey wedges straight from Titleist is its online
Vokey Wedge Selector tool. It is fantastic fun in helping you select the proper loft, bounce and grind options. However visiting your local pro is probably still the best idea before you buy.
At the end of March, those with slower-than-average swing speeds will be able to get their hands on the new lightweight version of the SM9 with a range of ultra-lightweight shafts that will add mph to your swing and ball speeds.
Club Info
SM9 T Grind
• Loft (with grind option): 58.04T RH/LH; 60.04T RH/LH
• Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
• Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White
• Finish: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black
SM9 Lightweight
• Loft (with grind option) – KBS Tour Lite 95 (Wedge): 50.08F | 52.08F | 54.10S | 56.08M | 56.10S | 56.12D | 58.14K | 60.12D
Tensei AM2 Red (Regular): 50.08F | 52.08F |54.10S | 56.10S | 58.14K | 60.12D
Tensei AM2 Red (Ladies): 52.08F | 54.10S | 56.10S | 58.14K | 60.12D
• Shafts – Lightweight Steel: KBS Tour Lite (wedge). Graphite: Tensei AM2 Red (regular and ladies)
• Grip – men: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White. Ladies: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White Flat Cap U58R
• Finish: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black
UK Prices: £159 (Steel), £173 (Graphite)
Available in Europe – SM9 T Grind: March 10. SM9 Lightweight: March 31
