Golf is tough enough already. And not understanding a major factor in club fitting, like wedge bounce, can only add to the confusion. Wedge bounce can make a huge impact on your short game. And one easy way to shave off strokes is to be properly fit, and a major factor to your Vokey Wedge fitting is bounce.  In fact, Bob Vokey says that “Bounce is your friend,” because it provides forgiveness on all wedge shots, allowing you to still strike the ball properly even if you make mistakes.  Continue below to learn more about what is wedge bounce, the importance of wedge bounce, and the tools for finding the right bounce for your game. 

Much like the nose of a surfboard or the turned-up tips of skis, both are used to prevent the front edge from digging. Wedge bounce is the angle created between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole or trailing edge.  This angle forces the club to “bounce” or skip out of the turf, quicker, and easier as it contacts the ball.  The greater the wedge bounce degree, the higher the leading edge is off the surface at address.  Having the proper wedge bounce and grind option promotes optimal contact, control, and ball spin.  

Wedges can be categorized into three distinct models: Low, Mid and High bounce.  Low bounce wedges are typically between 4°-6°, ideal for firm turf conditions and bunkers with harder or coarse sand. Low bounce wedges are designed for clean ball contact, giving you the precision you need in your short game. Mid bounce wedges range between about 7°-10° and are most played on firm to normal turf. Players tend to choose mid bounce wedges to create shots around the green, as they help achieve exact distance and trajectory control.  This wedge bounce type is the most versatile for more players and can apply to a wide range of course conditions. High bounce wedges are those with more than 10° of bounce, designed for softer turf, fluffy lies, and bunkers with soft sand.  High bounce sand wedges are ideal for preventing the leading edge of the club from dragging too much in the sand, and high bounce lob wedges are beneficial to those who take deep divots with a digger swing style and steep attack angle.  High bounce golf wedges help generate a lot of spin, giving players more control over their short game.

Now does wedge bounce make more sense?  If you need a bit more information, head on over to Vokey.com for an in-depth explanation of wedge bounce from the master craftsman himself, Bob Vokey.  If you’re all set, use the Vokey Wedge Selector Tool to determine which wedge bounce, grind, and style fit your game.