You have a player who wants a new wedge. What is the best way to fit this player?

To me, step one is to examine the players Iron set. What are the lofts of the clubs he is keeping? How many wedges will he be adding in?

Step two? Examine the players current wedges. What is he using? At the same time, discuss what he wants to accomplish from a new set. How worn are the grooves on his current wedges? As a rule, We recommend replacing wedges every 100 rounds or so – that keeps the spin good. If a player is coming to you to re-grip their wedges, it’s time to replace them.

As you examine the wedges, look at the soles and examine the bounce and grind of each wedge. As you do this, ask him how he uses each wedge. Focus on what wedge(s) is a bunker club, which ones does he chip and pitch with, are they full swing clubs or not? Start to formulate a loft and grind plan in your mind.

Step three. Have him hit some 7-irons. Look at his attack angle. This tells you how steep he is on full swing shots. No launch monitor? Use your eyes and look at his divots.

Now, it’s discussion time. At this point, you need to explain bounce, sole grinds, and how those influence the shot that results. The player needs to understand HOW bounce works – how it can help or hurt, and what types of lies or conditions are best for what types of sole grinds/ bounces. When I tell you that NO ONE knows what bounce does, I mean no one. Some have heard of bounce. Some even know what it is. Very few know what it’s for. And yet… Bounce is critical in selecting a wedge for a greenside shot.

I’ve explained bounce several times over the years. If you haven’t read one of those pieces, look here:

Jim Yeager – Blog

I say having different grinds and bounce combinations within a set of wedges is critical. It gives the player options.

As you hand the player wedges to try, have him hit chip and pitch shots. I see a LOT of players play the ball back in their stance, lean the shaft forward and chop down on the ball. That eliminates the bounce on the sole by turning a 56* wedge into a 7 iron. At this point, explain and demonstrate how bounce can HELP. Allow the player to feel the bounce. Watch his hands – explain how that early release/ flip is ADDING bounce. Do you need to adjust the wedge to accommodate for the players hand action? The answer is probably yes.

By giving a player an explanation of the bounce and how it works, you are teaching him how to use the tool. That step can be a game changer for many players.

Happy Fitting!!!

Jim Yeager, PGA