Does Wedge Grind Really Matter to the Average Player

[JB]

Here is a question I am throwing back to those saying bounce matters more than grind.
If that were the case, why do so many saying that believe that they must be fit outdoors on grass? The biggest change on grass is the design of the sole.

 

[vman]

For mid to high handicappers technique is where it’s at. Whilst improving one’s technique an S grind type sole will do the job.

 

[MikeG]

It absolutely matters. I don't care what your handicap is, and bad fitted wedges is just as bad as a bad fitted driver or irons. Once you know the grind and bounce that works for your game and normal conditions, it can help lower scores and pick up the slack where irons or other parts of your game are not so good.

 

[smgoldstein]

Sure. It is like chicken soup: doesn't hurt.

 

[Hitsnmisses]

I think the average golfer probably could. You typically know the type of shots you have at your "home" course and with a little reading could find 1 or 2 that would perform pretty well for those conditions.

That’s ok , if you’re a single course player. If you play multiple courses where you encounter , differing conditions . And further , if your an all year round player v one who has finite period of time in uniform conditions
The equation becomes more complex .

 

[Hitsnmisses]

They don’t know , what they don’t know .
It maybe, not the rigt right tool for the job but it will do the job …

Now when you’ve been committed to the asylum with other lunatics …or you’ve got a skill set / knowledge of the game . Club , selection should be the sum of individual swing and conditions.

Which their maybe multiple solutions .

Does the average player care ? Not if they are infrequent or just want a hit with mates . It bears minimal interest .

I would also , say that if you gave them a club that was most beneficial to them v the one they had and saw the improvement . That would open eyes lol

 

[checkered]

I think it can matter for sure. Fepending on your delivery the right grind can really hwlp turf interaction. Also, if you like to try to manilulate the face at all for different shots the right grind can make a difference. I do think some people can learn to deal with whatever they have, but the right grind can make a world of difference.

 

[JB]

That’s ok , if you’re a single course player. If you play multiple courses where you encounter , differing conditions . And further , if your an all year round player v one who has finite period of time in uniform conditions
The equation becomes more complex .

The course has less to do with grind than people think compared to how they deliver the ball and how they will use the sole of the club for various shots.
Regardless of changing courses, no two lies are identical.

 

[Luchnia]

Another part of this equation with wedge grinds/bounces etc., is the different types and conditions of grass on course with seasonal weather conditions such as a rainy year versus a dry year thrown in the mix. In my area we have everything under the sun from your "cow patch" courses to your pristine courses and what may work on one course won't always work the same on another. I try to keep a comfortable wedge or two that I can hit fairly good in most situations. When I play on pristine grass conditions I could hit the ball with a tobacco stick and it would be fine

 

[rlb4]

If bounce and grind are so important(for average to high HDCP golfers), what about the Cleveland CBX wedges which are pretty well regarded and come in specific bounce and grinds depending on the loft.

 

[Hitsnmisses]

The course has less to do with grind than people think compared to how they deliver the ball and how they will use the sole of the club for various shots.
Regardless of changing courses, no two lies are identical.

Equally though , given that the individual “plays” the same shot ( and that as a average player , would be subject to more variability lol )

I would” guess” that, most would have any deliberate control or accidental control of club face … unless they were , above average ?

Also agree with your comments )))

And as observation , the wedge game itself , is a game within the game ))

 

[amarkabove]

The course has less to do with grind than people think compared to how they deliver the ball and how they will use the sole of the club for various shots.
Regardless of changing courses, no two lies are identical.

There's also changing conditions depending on season and location. It's why I like having different grinds in my different lofts. If the course is wet and soft, I want a grind that's going to get thru that without digging, and if the course is baked out I want a grind with a lot of relief up front to slide under the ball.

 

[BigMac]

There's also changing conditions depending on season and location. It's why I like having different grinds in my different lofts. If the course is wet and soft, I want a grind that's going to get thru that without digging, and if the course is baked out I want a grind with a lot of relief up front to slide under the ball.

Definitely depends on season. Our lies right now are wet and soft, bordering on sloppy in some places. We don't get much rain and dew is almost unheard of because our humidity is so low, but the irrigation water they put on the course never fully dries out. In the dead of winter our Bermuda goes dormant and you get essentially bare/hardpan lies in the "rough", but they can still be soft. During the summer, our lies are rock hard and baked - 180° opposite from winter. Then in Spring and Fall, you get a lot of everything in between. So when an online wedge fitting asks me about course conditions, I kinda scratch my head and just want to check "Yes".

 

[Pops]

Have read some comments in other threads on the site about wedge grinds. Ithink it's possibly the least understood part of golf equipment by the average player. The guy going into a Big Box retailer to buy a new wedge probably has no idea the difference between say a T or M grind. And there is a very good chance the part time sales guy there may not either, other than maybe reading off a sales chart.

So my question do you think the differnce in grind really matters to the average mid to high handciap pl;ayer. If you have a 52 degree, will it matter if it's a F or M grind to most. I'll sepak for myself as lifelong 16 to 20 handicap. I thiink the only one I can tell a difference in is the Wide grinds, like a W grind for Vokey, I do know it's easier to get out of a bunker or deep rough. Beyond that, I'm not sure a F or M really makes a ton of difference at my level.

I have been through a wedge fitting at TPI and went with the fitters suggestions and have pretty much stuck with those grinds each time I buy wedges.

Did you during fitting have that moment when you thought wow. That’s when you know it’s the right grind. Or made it easier to pull off a certain shot?

 

[LeftyGolferWI]

I definitely think it matters as it plays a role in how you can manipulate the clubface for a variety of shots. It also, as I saw firsthand last week, affects the flight window of said club. The 52* S grind Opus SP I have in the back comes out drastically lower than the 52 F grind SM10 I have in the bag. Similarly, the 56 W grind Opus SP I felt comfortable hitting full wedge swings with, whereas I really struggled with the 56 D grind SM10 in that specific category.

I think maybe it comes down to AMs needing to have a better understanding of how the divot they take and swing they make can determine what may be more ideal than just grabbing something they've always played.

 

[Pops]

I’m a firm believer that bounce and grind both matter. With my 54° from say 70 to 100 yards I’m pretty steep. I need the bounce and grind that works for that angle of approach. My 12° D works well actually very well. No way I could swing a 4° bounce wedge and get same results.

 

[joshparker]

That’s ok , if you’re a single course player. If you play multiple courses where you encounter , differing conditions . And further , if your an all year round player v one who has finite period of time in uniform conditions
The equation becomes more complex .

There are always variations and changes in this scenario. I do think that most could figure out some of the information needed with not a lot of effort.

 

[Hitsnmisses]

There are always variations and changes in this scenario. I do think that most could figure out some of the information needed with not a lot of effort.

I think it depends on - starting point of golf knowledge & the amount of interest & time one is prepared to commit to it …

Most would , I imagine in today’s society not have application or drive too

 

[joshparker]

I think it depends on - starting point of golf knowledge & the amount of interest & time one is prepared to commit to it …

Most would , I imagine in today’s society not have application or drive too

Fair enough statement. Can't even deny anything in it.. Ha

I retract my previous point of view.

 

[Raiderboost]

Have read some comments in other threads on the site about wedge grinds. Ithink it's possibly the least understood part of golf equipment by the average player. The guy going into a Big Box retailer to buy a new wedge probably has no idea the difference between say a T or M grind. And there is a very good chance the part time sales guy there may not either, other than maybe reading off a sales chart.

So my question do you think the differnce in grind really matters to the average mid to high handciap pl;ayer. If you have a 52 degree, will it matter if it's a F or M grind to most. I'll sepak for myself as lifelong 16 to 20 handicap. I thiink the only one I can tell a difference in is the Wide grinds, like a W grind for Vokey, I do know it's easier to get out of a bunker or deep rough. Beyond that, I'm not sure a F or M really makes a ton of difference at my level.

I have been through a wedge fitting at TPI and went with the fitters suggestions and have pretty much stuck with those grinds each time I buy wedges.

I think when combined with the bounce it really does make a huge difference. Will it make you drop 2-3 strokes? No, but it might help you limit the amount of balls you chunk or thin. More people should take the time to do a true wedge fitting. Once you have done it you kind of know what type of grind and bounce you get along with and can carry that over to newer sets.

 

[cmon man]

Yes it does. Try a couple of wedges with the same loft and grinds that are far apart. You will see for yourself.

 

[CAA_Beat]

The course has less to do with grind than people think compared to how they deliver the ball and how they will use the sole of the club for various shots.
Regardless of changing courses, no two lies are identical.

Recently witnessed a wedge fitting by an OEM rep where he couldn’t get the player to understand this. He was thinking he needed 2 of each wedge in different grinds for playing different courses.

 

[CAA_Beat]

Did you during fitting have that moment when you thought wow. That’s when you know it’s the right grind. Or made it easier to pull off a certain shot?

Yes, on the short chip shot from 10 yards off the green to a front pin. That was where i saw and learned the 60.08 in M grind could be opened up and just clip it to get that nice low shot that bounces 1 or 2 times then trickles to a stop. I had previously thought someone of my handicap had no business with a 60 or trying such a shot. Now its one of my go to shots.

 

[Pops]

Yes, on the short chip shot from 10 yards off the green to a front pin. That was where i saw and learned the 60.08 in M grind could be opened up and just clip it to get that nice low shot that bounces 1 or 2 times then trickles to a stop. I had previously thought someone of my handicap had no business with a 60 or trying such a shot. Now its one of my go to shots.

I play the 58.08 M and love it.

 

[Scooby45]

I wish more time was spent educating golfers on grinds, but get the ROI likely isn’t there.