Exclusive: Send Us Your Questions for Master Craftsman Bob Vokey

When considering new wedges, how does effective bounce influence spin?

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions.

Hi Dave,

Great question. Bounce changes how the wedge interacts with the turf. If you have the right grind and bounce, you will make optimal contact between the 2^nd and 5^th groove more often. This will optimize your spin. If you have too little bounce, the impact may slide up the face, and this will reduce the spin of your shots.

Thanks!

- Bob Vokey

Mr. Vokey, 

When performing a wedge fitting, how important is picking the correct shaft for the use of the wedge?  I have heard that wedges used for more full swings need a similar shaft to their iron set.  How much emphasis is placed on shaft selection in the wedge process?

Also in your own opinion, which wedge has been the most popular of all time with your Tour Fittings?  Which Vokey wedge is is your favorite of all of your designs?  

Thank you for the opportunity!!

- Dan H

Hi Dan,

Picking the right shaft is critical for feel. What you have heard sounds like good advice.

For a gap wedge, which is a full swing most often, staying consistent with your irons set is good advice.

For the sand and lob wedge, I always recommend a slight sub-flex. For example, several of our tour players play X100 in their irons, and play S400 in their wedges for some added feel.

It is also important to consider weight when selecting a wedge shaft. You want a consistent weight from your irons to your wedges.  You wouldn’t want a dramatic difference in weight from your set PW to your Vokey Wedges.

- Bob Vokey

I have a follow-up question to this.  If wedge shaft flex is so important, why are they only available in "wedge" flex or "uniflex" in stores?  Why are they not fitted with regulars and stiffs just like irons?

Hi Dan,

Picking the right shaft is critical for feel. What you have heard sounds like good advice.

For a gap wedge, which is a full swing most often, staying consistent with your irons set is good advice.

For the sand and lob wedge, I always recommend a slight sub-flex. For example, several of our tour players play X100 in their irons, and play S400 in their wedges for some added feel.

It is also important to consider weight when selecting a wedge shaft. You want a consistent weight from your irons to your wedges.  You wouldn’t want a dramatic difference in weight from your set PW to your Vokey Wedges.

- Bob Vokey

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Thank you Mr. Vokey for taking the time to answer my question and your suggestions make perfect sense.  I have used stock shafts in my wedges in the past and think that adding the same shaft from my irons will do wonders for my full shot consistency with my wedges.  Every little bit helps and still from 125 with a 47 degree Vokey SM5, it seems like I could really be losing efficiency with the improper shaft in my wedge.  

Thanks again, 

Dan Hubert

Mr Vokey

I have some small nicks on my SM4 Vokey Wedges that are 3 years old.

Can they be resurfaced or should I just buy new wedges.

Thanks for taking our questions.

Jerry Wood

Bob!

First and foremost, I'm a big fan of the wedges having played a better part of the decade.  

Here's a question for you: as modern technology advances club design (i.e. metals, shafts, etc.) to help golfers achieve better shots, what has been your favorite/least favorite part of implementing technology into the production of wedges.

Thanks,

Jess 

Voke,

Why are there no options for a pre relieved leading edge on any US model Vokey wedges like the Japan issues. Is this something you would consider offering in the WedgeWorks end of your business?

Thanks,

Shawn Elmore

Why dont you make your wedges Forged.

I use to play Vokey wedges until I hit a forged wedge and I no longer play a vokey wedge.

Why are they not forged the feel is softer and seems like forged play better.

Thanks

Wayne Swisher

Although you can quickly educate professionals and those that do the personalized fitting with you, what do you wish the average 5-15 handicapper knew about wedges?  What is the biggest misconception about fitting for wedges.  What difference does a "wedge" shaft have as compared to a normal iron shaft?

Mr. Vokey,

How important is being fit for the right shaft in your wedges? Everyone focuses on the correct loft or bounce for their game, I'm curious how big a role the shaft plays in the performance of a wedge being such a short club.

Thank you!

Mike Walp

Westbrook, ME

Great topic, Mike.  One question that comes to mind relates to the shaft selection on your wedges.  I play an X100 in my iron shafts, but prefer an S200 in my 56 and 60 wedges for better feel as these clubs are generally used for less than full shots.  This setup was also confirmed in a wedge fitting.  Is this a common setup for players?

TM had the replaceable wedge face inserts, there research didn't see any difference between the fixed and removable wedge faces, any thoughts on fixed vs replaceable?

mr vokey,

what brand/model #/size stamps do you use in the shop and on the trailer? thanks matt

Is there any plan to bring back the Oil Can finish?  What other new finishes will be available in the future

Hi Kevin,

Determining the right wedge setup is one of the fastest ways to lower your score. I like to think of wedges as the low hanging fruit in a player’s bag. There are 3 steps we use when fitting wedges on tour or at the Titleist Performance Institute.

First, we look at loft and gap fit your wedges. We start with the 9-iron and evaluate loft and carry distance. I recommend between 4°-6° of loft between your wedges. We like to target 10-12 yard gaps between wedges. If you have trouble with half shots, then I suggest 4°. This will give you more full swing opportunities. 

Second, we evaluate your swing type and ball flight to determine the right bounce and grind. I like to look at whether you’re a digger, neutral or sweeper. In addition, we will evaluate your lie angle, which influences accuracy of your wedges. When you hit the right grind, you will feel it and see it with the ball flight.

Finally, we take your wedges around the green, where you use them most often. We like to evaluate with some simple criteria, did your best shot stay great or get even better? And have we improved your trouble shot? A good wedge fitting will accomplish both.

And don’t forget, critical to fit your wedges with the ball you play every round. We always fit wedges with Pro V1 or Pro V1x.

- Bob Vokey

HI team titleast i was wondering what bounce and grind is best for my game i live in colorado so not to tight of lies and thick rough

Dr. Bob, i currently play 54° and 60° versions of TVD wedges in "K" grind from your WedgeWorks department and I absolutely love the wedges.  The turf interaction of the wedges are nothing short of amazing and I commend you on your craft sir.

My question is more of a statement or a request and perhaps even bewilderment as to why you do not make a 48° pitching wedge replacement in the WedgeWorks K-grind?  I tried the SM5 48° F-grind and wound-up retreating to the prior generation SM4 because of the shape of the head but I would be first in line to purchase a 48° K-grind in Cali-Chrome.  Is there a viable option for a specific "special order" that one might do and that you might create?   I guess (in short) I'm asking why there aren't really any loft options below 54°?

I am a 6- handicap golfer with a moderate angle of attack.  I use mid bounce wedges and they are great for full and pitch shots, but I am a poor green side bunker player with a 10% up and down rate. Would a K grind be appropriate for my lob wedge?  I alternate between 56* and 60* for bunker shots depending upon length of shot.

Thank you so much to Mr. Vokey for answering my question, It means a lot to me!

Thanks,

Davis

Thanks for the great selection. I just wanted to comment on my 58 SM that is the most versatile tool ever. It's wearing out and I've purchased two replacements but keep going back to old trusty. Low bounce, open face, side spin and stop, drawing toward the hole on command or out of a bunker...it's perfect. Congrats on your success and we're hoping you having many more years!

Hi Mr. Vokey. I like the looks and finish of the new SM 6 wedges. I have noticed that another manufacturer has produced wedges that have weight removed from the bottom area. I see that you have added weight to the top of the higher lofted wedges. I assume that this helps when sliding the club under the ball that contact with the upper part of the club face does not result in weaker shots making them more consistant across the whole face. I'm in need of a new 56 and 60 but I'll wait on the release of these, hopefully soon. 

MR Vokey

Why do you not make your wedges Forged? The feel of a forged wedge is so much better than a cast wedge. 

Please tell me why you dont forge your wedges.