SM8 Now in Stores: Ask Bob Vokey Q&A (Sweeps Inside)

I know everyone is different, but is there a rule of thumb about the specs of wedges. For example, if my irons are 2 degrees up, +1/2”, should my wedges match those specs, or be slightly less?

Lie angle is one of the most overlooked part of a wedge fitting, and it’s so important to the accuracy of your shots. I like to see sand and lob wedges a little bit flatter than your set. So, if you’re 2° upright, you may want your wedges to only be 1° or even standard. Many years ago, working with Seve, he would tell me: “Vokey, short shot, short club.” And when you grip down, and lower your hands, the toe comes up. With the low swing path, a flatter lie angle helps the grind do its job.

Bob,
I have grown up playing in the Northeast. I have played the same bounces for the past several seasons. I have recently relocated to the Florida with Bermuda grass. Is there any recommendation/suggestion with different bounce/grinds that is more appropriate for Bermuda as opposed to Bent grass?

What is the biggest mistake amateurs make with their wedges?

First, go get fit. When I spend time with our team, the number one thing we see is that most amateurs have not been fit for their wedges. They get fit for drivers and irons, but not the wedges. These are scoring clubs. Make sure you get fit.

Once you’re fit, you’ll solve two of the biggest issues I see, one is players don’t know how far they hit their wedges. Two, players don’t take advantage of the full sole grind design. Start working on using the bounce of the club. The sole is where the forgiveness is in a wedge.

I need a wedge to replace my 10 yr old 60 degree Vokey that I use out of the sand. Which grind do you agree for mainly using out of the bunker?
Thanks very much for your advice on this...

I converted from swoosh wedges to Titleist 2 years ago. Becoming a fanatic of the Titleist brand. I struggled with grinds and loft. I’m 6’2” and recently had a club assessment. Turns out I need 3/4 inch added to my shafts. Would this new finding have any impact on the club design/performance? Also admire the new “jet black” how will the finish wear?

How does cg in sm8 improve over sm7 and how did you accomplish this with noticeably different shapes?

Mr Vokey,

If you had to recommend one wedge loft/bounce around the green which would be your go to, regardless of conditions?

Hi Bob,
Some YouTube experts say that rusty wedges produce more spin. Is that true, and if it is, which SM8 finish rusts the fastest? Thanks!

No. Rusty wedge do not produce more spin. Our Raw wedges will rust the fastest, and in the past, Raw would spin more than a chrome wedge. But it wasn’t because of the rust, it was because the groove edge would be dulled by plating over the top with chrome.

I’ve asked me team to look into this, and when we launched SM7, continued to this day, we cut the Tour Chrome and Brushed Steel grooves different than the Jet Black and Raw. We do this to make sure that all finishes produce maximum spin.

Stocked up on SM2s back in 09.. Besides new grinds, why switch? still love the SM2s.

Mr. Vokey,
Are the grinds the same on the SM8 as they were on SM7?

Bob,
As a product Specialist here in Dallas I take all my fittings very personal with each member I have. This especially goes for your wedges as I follow the process I learned first hand by you from a fitting we did at TPC Four Seasons...shots on the range, greenside and bunkers. My question to you sir is this; Does your fitting process change from a tour pro to higher handicapper and or do you change the process at all with different skill levels to ensure a proper fitting? Would love to hear your thoughts and thank you.

Are the news irons forged?

I'm 6'7" tall. My swing has a long arc. How does this effect my bounce recommendation?

Hey Bob,
When designing a new wedge do you work with a team of designers and engineers throughout the process or do you come up with most of the design yourself and then go to manufacturing?

When you were designing your wedges how did you know what grind was perfect for each wedge? Also, is there a story behind lettering your grinds and do you still tweak with the grinds or are they set in stone? Thank you for everything you do for the game of golf.

We spend time every year evaluating the grinds and making changes based on what we learn from the worldwide tours. I have a representative on most major tours to help us learn what changes are being made. Originally, the grinds came from working with tour players. It all started with a traditional F Grind. Then we remove a little heel, remove the trailing edge, and then one player sees it, wants the same club as the guy they just played a practice round with.

If enough players put the same club in play, we make a master, and that’s where the grinds come from. Some grinds like the S and K are connected to a single player. While others, like the M and D are connected to a group of players who all asked for little pieces. We are constantly learning and experimenting with new ideas. The 54° and 56° D grind are new this year, and the early feedback has been great.

With the change in thought and engineering for CG manipulation in SM8, how does the feel and sound compare to SM7 in higher lofted clubs due to the loss of the additional mass high on the toe?

Hi. I use a 56° 14 vokey sand wedge right now. I have trouble getting out of (beach) sand. Suggestions? Thanks

I am struggling with my 60 degree wedge. Any tips or tricks to help a novice get out of the sand with a high ridge??

Which grind are you playing? The K Grind (www.vokey.com/.../sm8.aspx is our ultimate bunker club. It works well because of the wide, cambered sole. The width helps with bunker shots, the camber keeps such a wide sole versatile.

If your strike is inconsistent with the 60°, try a 58°. Sometimes a bit less loft can be easier to hit more consistently. I’m a big believer in going all the way back to a 56° for most shots, and only use the 60° when it’s absolutely necessary.

Hey Bob!
When designing a new wedge do you work with a design and engineering team throughout the process or do you do most of the design work yourself and them later work with engineering and manufacturing?

Bob, you won me over years ago the first time I put one of your wedges in play on the course. I’ve had a hard time keeping up with the changes from generation to generation, but I’ve always been able to trust you when buying a new wedge. When did you know you had the next big thing with the SM8? What are you most excited about vs. the previous 6 and 7 generations?

Thanks for your tireless effort!