Each month, we tap experts from the equipment industry to answer your most commonly asked questions. In this installment, Roger Cleveland, Callaway Chief Designer of Wedges, explains where golfers go wrong when selecting wedges and how you can avoid the same mistakes.
Q. What’s the biggest mistake that average golfers make when selecting wedges for their game? -Shannon M., Delray Beach, Fla.
The first big mistake is not gapping correctly and not having enough wedges in the bag. Most modern irons are built with stronger lofts. A lot of pitching wedges are now 45 degrees or stronger, leaving a huge gap between PW and SW, which is usually 55 or 56 degrees.
Players need to have a gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge to achieve the gapping that’s required for optimum scoring. I see a fair number of players carrying multiple fairway woods and hybrids, which is fine, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of another wedge that can be used in the scoring area around the green.
Sole grind is another key factor—if you play primarily square-faced shots, a model like our W grind with more bounce and less heel and toe relief will resist digging and yield better results. If you like to open the face, a more versatile design like our C grind would be a better choice. Be aware that different grinds can work for different players, depending on a number of factors. Getting fit is critical if you want the proper design for your swing and playing conditions.
— Roger Cleveland, Callaway Chief Designer, Wedges
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