Master Your Vokey Wedge Fitting For Lower Scores

Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and today we’re diving into a topic that can truly transform your short game: wedge fitting. We often focus on drivers and irons, but those scoring clubs – your wedges – are where you can shave strokes and gain confidence around the green. The recent insights from a fellow golfer’s experience at the Titleist Performance Institute, where they got fitted for the new Vokey SM11 wedges, offer some fantastic takeaways for all of us.

For years, I’ve seen high-level amateurs and professionals alike benefit immensely from properly fitted wedges. It’s not just about getting the latest and greatest; it’s about getting the *right* tools for your unique swing and the types of shots you face most often. Let’s break down how you can approach your wedge game with the same precision and purpose as a tour pro.

Understanding Your Full Wedge Swings

Just like the golfer in the article, a great starting point for wedge fitting is your full swing. Many golfers overlook this, thinking wedges are only for short shots. But your pitching and gap wedges, especially, need to blend seamlessly with your iron set. This means ensuring proper gapping in distance and consistent performance.

The author found that for his 46-degree Vokey SM11, a higher bounce option prevented the club from digging too aggressively. This is a crucial insight! If you tend to take steep divots, or play on softer courses, a higher bounce can be your best friend. It helps the club glide through the turf rather than getting stuck, leading to cleaner strikes and more consistent distances. Conversely, if you have a shallower angle of attack or play on firm turf, a lower bounce might be more suitable.

“The higher-bounce option accommodated my steep delivery consistently without getting stuck.”

This highlights a key principle: your equipment should complement your swing, not fight it. In my 15+ years of teaching, I’ve seen countless golfers struggle with wedges because they’re using clubs that don’t match their natural swing characteristics. A good fitting will help pinpoint these things.

Try this: The Divot Drill for Full Wedges
Head to the range with your current pitching wedge and gap wedge. Hit 10-15 full shots with each, paying close attention to your divots. Are they consistently shallow and neat? Or are they deep and chunky? If you’re consistently digging deep, it might be a sign you need more bounce, or perhaps an adjustment in your angle of attack. This self-assessment can be a great precursor to a fitting.

Be Honest About Your Short Game Needs

The author’s experience with the 56-degree wedge is a perfect example of being realistic about how you *actually* play. He admitted to taking full swings with it, despite that not being its “intended use.” This honesty led his fitter to recommend the D grind, which performed exceptionally well for both full swings and bunker shots.

“In the bunker, we hit the D grind a handful of times and confirmed it was the right 56-degree choice for my game. Left to my own devices, I never would have selected the D grind.”

This is where a good fitter truly shines. They see past your preconceived notions and help you find the equipment that delivers results. Don’t be afraid to tell your fitter exactly how you use each club – even if it deviates from “textbook” golf. Your game is unique, and your clubs should be too. I tell my students all the time: every golfer is an individual, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Try this: The “What’s My Wedge For?” Game
Before your next round, write down on a small notepad how you plan to use each wedge for the first 9 holes. For example: “PW: full shots, 100 yards. GW: 3/4 shots, 80 yards, bump and run. SW: bunkers, 30-yard chips. LW: flop shots, tight lies.” After the round, review your notes. Did you use them as intended? Did you find yourself wishing one wedge could do something another couldn’t? This mental exercise will reveal your true short game tendencies.

The Lob Wedge: Versatility is King

The lob wedge often demands the most attention during a fitting, and for good reason. As the author notes, it’s the club from which most players need maximum versatility. From delicate green-side chips to bunker blasts and flop shots, its role is multifaceted.

“Most players need more versatility from their lob wedge than any other club in the set, and for me, it anchors my entire short game.”

The idea of “blind testing” during a fitting is brilliant here. It forces you to react to how a club feels and performs, rather than being swayed by marketing or aesthetic preference. The M grind ultimately won for the author’s 60-degree, allowing him to “swing freely with more speed” and hit those high, soft, spinning shots. For me, confidence in a wedge is paramount, and often that comes down to how effortlessly I feel like I can swing it and get the desired result.

Try this: The Blindfold Feel Drill (with a partner!)
If you’re at a fitting, ask your fitter to try this. If you’re comparing your own wedges (or demoing), have a friend hand you different wedges (or even the same wedge at different lie angles/grinds) without letting you see them. Hit a few chips or pitches. Focus purely on the feel at impact and the ball flight. Which one gives you the most confidence? You might be surprised by what your hands and eyes tell you without visual bias.

Finally, remember to pay attention to details like how the wedge looks at address in direct sunlight. A club that glares or distracts you can subtly impact your confidence. It’s a small detail, but in golf, every little bit helps.

Getting your wedges fitted is an investment in your game that truly pays dividends. Whether you’re a high-level amateur or a weekend warrior, anyone can improve by having the right tools for the job. The new Vokey SM11 wedges are now available, and armed with the insights from this article, you can approach your next wedge fitting with knowledge and purpose. Happy chipping!