In the game of golf, a good score is always built from 100 yards and in; smacking big drives down the middle of the fairway is fun, and hitting towering iron shots is great, but it’s the wedges that are key to a tidy scorecard. A good set, then, is essential for players looking to take their game to the next level.
They’re hit more than any other clubs, too – especially if people regularly practice at their club’s driving range and short game areas – and grooves will naturally wear down over time, and clubs will need replacing. In fact, some tour pros change their sets every few tournaments, but for regular golfers, it’s thought to be good practice to change them out every 75 rounds or so.
Spin, feel, versatility and looks are just some of the qualities that players will prioritise when picking a new set of wedges. With so many brands producing good products, though, it can be difficult to know where to start.
We took samples out for our usual rounds at our local course and on a number of weekend trips and golf tours throughout the spring and into the golf season.
We also tested them out at the range and recorded spin numbers and stopping power, while also spending a lot of time around the short game area. Numbers were important for testing, but we placed the most emphasis on feel and clubs that made us feel confident around the greens and when hitting pitch shots – and focused on finding clubs that would appeal to all manner of players, from weekend warriors to scratch and below.
Best golf wedges at a glance: