Dec
19
2007

Keeping Sharp Wedge Grooves

Posted by Double Eagle in Equipment

Stack and Tilt Golf Swing Videos by Medicus Golf

I think we all sort of intuitively know that new, sharp wedge grooves are best for getting spin around the greens. Well, that fact was scientifically verified in the January 2007 issue of Golf Magazine (p 99).

Hot Stix Golf, an independent club fitting lab, conducted an experiment to show just how much worn grooves affect ball spin on wedge shots. They tested two 56-degree sand wedges. One, a new Titleist Vokey Spin Milled wedge, and the other, a Wilson Staff wedge, circa 1987.

The results were somewhat surprising to me. Well, the magnitude, anyway.

They showed that on a 25 yard pitch, the ball spin from the new wedge was close to double the spin of the old wedge. It went from nearly 5000 rpm to less than 2500 rpm.

This directly translates to stopping power on the greens. With short pitches, higher spin means more control and shots check and stop more quickly, meaning you have an easier time pinpointing a target.

I’ve noticed this effect myself, but to see it in actual numbers makes it feel more real. I typically practice my wedge play a lot (except for last season, but that’s another story). Normally, my wedges get very worn. When I bought three new wedges this summer, I immediately noticed the difference in spin, especially on shorter shots.

This is just more proof that, as players we need to maintain our equipment to see that it performs for us.

Sometimes clubs become like an old favorite pair of shoes, worn but very comfortable. It’s hard to make a change. But things like worn grooves and worn grips take away some of the effectiveness.

Keeping on top of those things is a good idea. If you value short game precision, then keep an eye on those wedge grooves. You could be losing valuable spin and not even realize it.

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There are currently 11 responses to “Keeping Sharp Wedge Grooves”

  1. 1

    Gary Potter said:

    We re-grip clubs because we don’t have club sponsors that give us new stuff because we get a dings from rocks and such. And, a new wedge is about $120 - times 3 is $360. That’s a tidy sum. I’d never thought about re-grooving. I’ll look into it.

    Posted on December 19th, 2007 at 12:51 pm

  2. 2

    Double Eagle said:

    I agree, Gary, new wedges are expensive. I felt that in my wallet last year, for sure.

    I’ve heard about regrooving, but have never tried it myself.

    You have to look at wedges in the sense that they have a life span, just like anything else. They can only handle so much wear before they start losing effectiveness. If the spin from worn grooves is good enough, then most people don’t need to worry about it. But it’s something to at least be aware of.

    Incidentally, I saw a tour pro on TV this summer (I forget who) that said that he rarely practices with his sand wedge from turf lies because the grooves wear so fast. That surprised me because those guys can get new stuff any time.

    Posted on December 19th, 2007 at 2:28 pm

  3. 3

    Ottawa Golf Blog said:

    Can the average golfer re groove his/her own wedges or is this something to leave for the professionals. Just picked up some use Titleist SM wedges so I’m curious, the grooves seem ok. I’m just a wedge ho!

    Posted on December 19th, 2007 at 5:39 pm

  4. 4

    Double Eagle said:

    I’m not sure that’s something for the average player to try, Ottawa. I’ve heard that clubsmiths can do it, but I’ve never pursued it so I’m not really sure how it’s done. I’d have to guess there’s a special tool or machine involved.

    Posted on December 19th, 2007 at 7:26 pm

  5. 5

    TP Golf Online said:

    There are tools you can get from golfsmith. Now I not tried them myself so I cannot comment on their effectiveness.

    One thing that bugs me in the study is that they used two different makes and models of wedge. I used to play with Wilson Staff’s and their grooves were V shaped and not very deep in comparison to the Vokey wedge. I would have rather seen them compared the same make and model with one brand new and how the spin is affected after 1000, 2000, or what ever number you want to choose and see how the spin rate decreases of time.

    Posted on December 20th, 2007 at 11:28 am

  6. 6

    Double Eagle said:

    I definitely agree with that, TP. Very good point. My gut feeling is that the result would be the same, though maybe not to the same magnitude.

    Posted on December 20th, 2007 at 12:25 pm

  7. 7

    Saturday Golfer said:

    I have noticed the decrease in wedge spin just oer the the last year in my Taylormade TP 54 degree. I have only had the club for about 6 months and have noticed a decrease in spin. The other surprising thing about my decresein spin is that I play most of my golf in the Seattle area where the courses are soaked this time of year.

    I will defenitely have to look into the regroovign option.

    saturdaygolfer.com/blog

    Posted on December 23rd, 2007 at 8:24 pm

  8. 8

    The Golfaholic said:

    You make some very good points, most people don’t look after their equipment. I was in a consignment shop today and most of the old clubs in there still had the origanal grips on them. They were 30 year old clubs.

    Posted on January 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

  9. 9

    Nick Fogelson said:

    If you want more spin and decide to get more wedges, definitely get something with the new box grooves. The Taylor Made TPs (”Y Cutter Grooves”) have them, as do the Cleveland CG12 and 14s (”Zip Grooves”), and Titleist has them (”Spin Milled”). They will scuff the crap out a pro-line ball with a well struck shot, but man will that thing check when it hits.

    Posted on January 27th, 2008 at 12:37 am

  10. 10

    Golf Wedge said:

    I replace my wedges fairly frequently cos I’m a wedge ho too. I get a lot of stuff off of ebay and some of it is used(but cheap)Regrooving would be a great idea if you could do it in the workshop at home.

    Posted on June 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 am

  11. 11

    Martin Jess said:

    Thanks for making our golfing colleagues aware of this test. For too long - it seems to me - the OEM’S have all encouraged us to buy new wedges when the grooves become beat up ! They have always - surprise surprise - discouraged the use of a groove sharpener tool which will rejuvenate the groove edges.

    Do the math - you the golfer save $$$ - they the manufacturer lose $$$.

    Posted on August 6th, 2008 at 11:46 am

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