Lofty Ideals

Seven decades strong, the wedge maintains its edge

Wedges are for golfers who always think the glass is half full of sand, that is. Those who think par is within their reach no matter where they find themselves on the course. However, there are precise moments at which wedges are the only clubs that can give life to the loftiest of aspirations. No lie is too daunting, no sand is too soft and no bunker is too steep to forestall the acuity of the closer. First introduced to the game in the 1930s, this rumble-ready iron is loved by the everyday duffer and the pro alike—with good reason. Here lies (pun intended) a handful of sticks you would want at your disposal when the chips are down and your score is up.

Cleveland

CG12

What’s worse than a tire that’s lost its groove? Or a pair of shoes with a worn sole? We’ll tell you what: a wedge with conventional grooves—at least that’s what Cleveland thinks. A full 25% larger than the average, the front-running zip groove technology is known to enhance spin and force sand and grass away from the center of the clubface. Beyond the precision milling used to create these grooves, Cleveland’s innovative sand blasting process ensures they will maintain their form and function for years to come.

Callaway

X-Forged Chrome

The world of wedges is all about options, and with this entry you have a dozen possible ways to secure the score of your dreams. With configurations ranging from 48 to 64 degrees, this club is not for the faint of heart or light of foot. After all, Callaway does refer to its grooves as the Mack Daddy, so if you are one of those golfers who doesn’t know their own strength, perhaps this isn’t the club for you. On the other hand, if you are the type who isn’t the club for you. On the other hand, if you are the type who wants to put the strain on the club instead of your lower back and you happen to find yourself in a perilous position on the course from time to time, rest assured that the X-Forged is big on style and performance.

TaylorMade rac

Chrome

Let’s be honest: We’re not all iconoclasts. Some of us value consistency, and TaylorMade had just that set in mind when it introduced the rac Chrome. It subtly embraces the ball every time such that you could use this club blindfolded (though we really don’t suggest that ) and know that the ball is on target. The rac is a lot more like your father’s wedge than you do want to admit, but there is little doubt that your game will reach new heights.

Mizuno

MP-T

Great clubs aren’t simply a question of design; components and construction matter too. While Mizuno’s name doesn’t necessarily inspire brand loyalty, their commitment to using the finest carbon steel and a proprietary forging process make them a top contender. It’s almost as if its engineers were watching the Thriller in Manila when crafting this tool—which floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. Mizuno’s black nickel finish is an option for those with a flair for the dramatic.

Nike

SV Tour Black Satin Wedge

There’s nothing a comeback artist loves more than a wedge, so it stands that the greatest of all time is the face of Nike. Though your dominance may you’ve been waiting for. Perhaps more than any other wedge in your bag, rpms are the name of the game with the Titleist Vokey. Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled So you think the Bush Administration is big on spin and friction? Even it can’t hold a candle to the Vokey Spin Milled, which offers 30% more groove volume than most other wedges in the marketplace. If you find yourself facing greens slicker than those at St. Andrews ( with a little bit of fog to boot), take heart: This is the club CLUBS not rival that of Tiger’s, Nike’s Black Satin Wedge may help you craft a few comebacks that are just as magical. Clean, classic and pristine, the precision of its cnc milled flat face will deliver you from the worst of your short game shortcomings.