Wedge Fitting On Mats Worth It?

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By JHamrick

  • 1 Like
  • 20 Replies
  1. JHamrick

    JHamrick
    Hurricane, WV

    I’ve been piecemeal getting fit and building my bag as times gone on and the wedges are the last step

    That said, wedge grinds being so important, is it even worth getting fit if the only places near you have only mats for their fitting bays?

    There is a true spec and CC both in Columbus but both are mats only, and I wasn’t sure if that was even worth it then since turf interaction is so different with wedges?

  2. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    JHamrick said:

    I’ve been piecemeal getting fit and building my bag as times gone on and the wedges are the last step

    That said, wedge grinds being so important, is it even worth getting fit if the only places near you have only mats for their fitting bays?

    There is a true spec and CC both in Columbus but both are mats only, and I wasn’t sure if that was even worth it then since turf interaction is so different with wedges?

    You can’t tell how a wedge will react on soft sand or hard pan. Mats would get your swing style (do you “dig” or “slide”). I’m neither a “digger” nor “slider”; my style is “shot maker”.

    You still want to do a lie board with wedges. My 46 (44 loft) are 66* lie. The other 3 are 66.5 lie.
  3. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    It actually takes shots out of sand (both soft and hard) and various lies (hard pan, average lies, thick grass, etc) to get a good fit.

    My setup:

    48-10F (46*)
    54-10S (52*)
    58-12D (56*)
    60-04T
    PM Grind 64/10 (aka “Phil”)

    Reserve:
    50-04F
    58-14K (56*)
    Wedgeworks 64W

    Where the S grind wins out vs the F is long bunker shots.

    I do better out of most bunkers with the D grind vs K. Also a bit deadlier with the D.

    I use the T grind out of hard bunkers. Does open face flop shots on firm lies.

    The “Phil 64” is mainly deep greenside bunkers. Since I got the 60-04T, I put the 64W away.
  4. Corey T

    Corey T
    Tyrone, GA

    Military

    Lou G said:

    It actually takes shots out of sand (both soft and hard) and various lies (hard pan, average lies, thick grass, etc) to get a good fit.

    My setup:

    48-10F (46*)
    54-10S (52*)
    58-12D (56*)
    60-04T
    PM Grind 64/10 (aka “Phil”)

    Reserve:
    50-04F
    58-14K (56*)
    Wedgeworks 64W

    Where the S grind wins out vs the F is long bunker shots.

    I do better out of most bunkers with the D grind vs K. Also a bit deadlier with the D.

    I use the T grind out of hard bunkers. Does open face flop shots on firm lies.

    The “Phil 64” is mainly deep greenside bunkers. Since I got the 60-04T, I put the 64W away.

    Lou, just curious as to why you why you play the wedges bent 2 degrees strong as opposed to simply playing the wedges at those standard lofts (46,52,56)? Is it because you needed to drop the bounce some??

  5. Corey T

    Corey T
    Tyrone, GA

    Military

    Lou G said:

    It actually takes shots out of sand (both soft and hard) and various lies (hard pan, average lies, thick grass, etc) to get a good fit.

    My setup:

    48-10F (46*)
    54-10S (52*)
    58-12D (56*)
    60-04T
    PM Grind 64/10 (aka “Phil”)

    Reserve:
    50-04F
    58-14K (56*)
    Wedgeworks 64W

    Where the S grind wins out vs the F is long bunker shots.

    I do better out of most bunkers with the D grind vs K. Also a bit deadlier with the D.

    I use the T grind out of hard bunkers. Does open face flop shots on firm lies.

    The “Phil 64” is mainly deep greenside bunkers. Since I got the 60-04T, I put the 64W away.

    I agree with everyone! A fitting outside on grass is the best option for any club in my opinion!!!
  6. Barry M

    Barry M
    Reno, NV

    The only fitting that works on a mat is hitting off a tee. There is no true club sole interaction with a mat. Getting fit on a mat only works for people who play golf on a mat. Wedges are the worst.
  7. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I would think it have to do with the "experience" of the fitter. You have to ask yourself; "are they salesman or a fitter". My guy has over thirty years experience and will not put you in something just to make a sale. Of course nothing like hitting a wedge on mother earth and getting that feedback. Most fitters are using Trackman whether inside, outside, on mats or on turf. Guess the choice is yours, mine is the guy I am heading out to see today for a new Scotty. My trusted fitter.
  8. TUser

    TUser

    Chuck I’m in your general area. Who is the fitter you speak so highly of?
  9. Jason R

    Jason R
    Ottawa, ON

    I agree with Chuck - I prefer getting for wedges on the course. My Pro takes me out to hit full shots, chips form different lies (rough, tight lie etc.) and out of the sand both greenside and at range. I am sure that a very good fitter can get a good feeling from your swing but I am firmly of the opinion that you need to be out on the course (with a Trackman ideally) to really get what works for you, your swing and most importantly your course conditions.

    My 2 cents.
  10. Fred G

    Fred G

    At my course they have a fantastic range that they fit on, along with a great short game area. last time i got a fitting it took 2 hours.. from matt, grass, bunker and chipping. probably helps i know them really well
  11. JHamrick

    JHamrick
    Hurricane, WV

    I wish there was something local I could do that all at. Sort of limited on fitting options around here but I believe Titleist does come to our club once a year
  12. GMcClanahan

    GMcClanahan
    Pinehurst, NC

    For wedges used around the green, do not get fit on mats. If you are getting a Vokey to fill a gap and will use it for full swings or mostly full swings then a mat is fine IMO. That’s how I settled on a 52 degree Vokey to gap between my 48 degree T200 and 56 degree Vokey. I hit indoor with a launch monitor to confirm distance I wanted.
  13. Pars and Stripes

    Pars and Stripes
    Midwest

    I highly recommend doing a fitting on grass. The interaction with the grass and ground is invaluable when testing different grinds and bounces.
  14. Tyler H

    Tyler H
    Appleton, WI

    I wouldn’t recommend a wedge fitting off of a mat. When I did my fitting outdoors, I was also able to test different grinds out of the bunker which I feel it a key component of the fitting.
  15. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    I would only be fit out of turf and sand…mats will not give you accurate results

    IMHO
  16. JHamrick

    JHamrick
    Hurricane, WV

    Chris92009 said:

    I would only be fit out of turf and sand…mats will not give you accurate results

    IMHO

    Do you happen to know anywhere around Ohio that does it on grass? I’m down in WV but near OH and no where around here even does fittings
  17. RBall

    RBall

    No chance for me I would do any iron fitting on a matt. Just not realistic. I did the full bag fitting a couple years ago in San Diego and we went out to the short game area and hit at least 50-60 wedges utilizing each different bounce and soil conditions. Found that incredibly useful and has made a difference in my short game. Skip the matt would be my advice.
  18. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    In another month or so, Titleist fitters will start having outdoor fittings at least around Columbus, if not Lexington or Ashland. Follow fittings in those areas under Fittings - Clubs
  19. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    Outdoors and off the turf is the only way I'll ever get fit for golf equipment. I'm fortunate to be at PGA Golf Club where we have an outstanding practice facility.
  20. jsh_golf

    jsh_golf
    Wisconsin

    Hey there! I was fitted for my wedges two years ago on mats. However, I have come to realize that it would have been better to be fitted on grass. Being fitted indoors on mats is a completely different experience, especially since I live in Wisconsin. I hope to have the opportunity someday to be fitted on grass and see how different my wedge fitting would be.
  21. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    Lots of good answers here. I can't imagine that not having actually turf and sand to interact with would be the best way to find the right club. Interesting to think about.

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