Just how bad is my wedge game? I putt from anywhere possible within 50 yards of the pin. Not to sound cocky, but I’ve become fairly proficient at it. Still, I wish I could chip. Half my problem is that many wedges just don’t look right to my eye — for whatever reason. However, I’ve started messing around with some of the latest models. They look amazing — with clean shaping. Plus there’s something about the way they line up. Maybe it’s the leading edge or the sole grind, but I’m suddenly able to get the ball up onto the green from those tweener distances. My favorite new models include Titleist’s Vokey Design SM7 ($149 each) that comes in six sole grind options; Cobra’s KING Black Wedge ($149) that sports precisely milled grooves; Callaway’s aggressively grooved Mack Daddy 4 ($150) that’s offered in 21 loft/bounce combinations; and PING’s Glide 2.0 Stealth ($175/graphite shaft, $150/steel) that aim to deliver a soft feel and plenty of spin. Best of all, these all come in dark finish options that reduce glare and make the head look somewhat smaller. Which in my case is letting me gain some much-needed confidence from off the green.
