Let’s get started with some easy questions. How many wedges do you carry in your bag? What brand are they?
Easy, right? Now explain, what is bounce on a wedge?
Most golfers can explain the flex in their shaft, but ask them why they are using a “high bounce” wedge and they will be stumped.
What is bounce on a wedge is one of the most confusing topics when it comes to golf club technology, but we can help.
Our goal is to eliminate the confusion and help you pick the best wedge for your golf game.
Selecting the correct bounce when you buy a wedge can improve the consistency of your short game and help you lower your golf handicap.
What Is Bounce On A Wedge?
Wedge bounce is the angle that is created by the leading edge of your club and the lowest point of the sole (or trailing edge).
Wedge bounce is measured in degrees. The greater the angle, the higher the leading edge is off the surface at address.
This is the part of the wedge that hits the ground (turf, sand, etc.) when you make contact with the golf ball.
If someone asks you “what is bounce on a wedge?”, the answer will be between 4 degrees and 12 degrees.
Bob Vokey, the designer of Titleist wedges, has an alternative definition. If you ask him “what is bounce on a wedge?”, he will simply answer “your friend”.
The bounce provides forgiveness on all types of wedge shots. It allows you to make solid contact even when you make a mistake.
The key is that you want the bounce on your wedge to be working with you. The amount of bounce you need depends on turf conditions and your swing.
What Is Bounce On A Wedge: Wedge Bounce Chart
Now that you can answer “what is bounce on a wedge?” we need to talk about the options.
Lob wedges, sand wedges, and gap wedges are all built with different levels of bounce. Most brands and models will come with three different options.
You may have to research the bounce on your current wedges. It will either be listed as a number (degrees) or as Low, Mid, or High.
Here is a simple chart that defines these options and talks about turf conditions.
| Type | Amount | Ideal For |
Low Bounce | 4-6 degrees | Firm turf conditions |
Mid Bounce | 7-10 degrees | Firm to normal turf conditions |
High Bounce | 10+ degrees | Softer or fluffy turf conditions |
We have covered “what is bounce on a wedge” and discussed your options. Up next, let’s talk about why a specific bounce will work better for your versus another.
What Is Bounce On A Wedge: Factors To Consider
The most important factor for wedge performance is turf conditions. Firm ground versus soft ground and hard sand versus fluffy sand.
Since the bounce is the part of the club that first interacts with the turf during a shot, you want this part of the wedge to be designed for the turf you most frequently encounter.
Another key factor when you are deciding on your wedge bounce is your golf swing.
Do you like to sweep the ball off the turf or do you go down after it? Your angle of attack will also help dictate the best wedge bounce for you.
Finally, do you want all of your wedges to have the same bounce? You might think the answer is “yes”, but we would argue it “depends”.
We explore below how to find the correct bounce for you, but it is possible the best setup for you is a low bounce lob wedge and a mid bounce sand wedge!
Keep reading to learn the characteristics of low, mid, and high bounce wedges.
When Do You Want A Low Bounce Wedge?
A low bounce wedge will have 4 to 6 degrees of bounce. They are designed to work well on firm ground and in bunkers with packed down sand.
Low bounce wedges are built with precision in mind. Have you ever seen Phil Mickelson hit a crazy flop shot off a tight lie? He would want a low bounce wedge to hit that shot.
Thinking about the golf swing, a player that tends to sweep the ball off the turf would want a low bounce wedge.
What type’s of divots do you take on your wedge shots? If you leave smaller divots, a low bounce wedge makes the most sense.
When Do You want A Mid Bounce Wedge?
A mid bounce wedge will have 7 to 10 degrees of bounce. They are designed to work on normal turf conditions. Not firm and not soft.
Being in the middle (between low and high) means these wedges will be the most versatile. They will work on most ground conditions and for most players.
Mid bounce wedges are perfect for players with a normal attack angle. Not shallow and not steep.
If the entire concept of “what is bounce on a wedge” is simply too complicated for you, the safest choice is a mid bounce wedge.
When Do You Want A High Bounce Wedge?
A high bounce wedge will have 10+ degrees of bounce. They work well in soft conditions and when playing from bunkers with fluffy sand.
Are you a digger? Do you take large divots with your wedge shots? If so, you may want to try a wedge with high bounce.
The other advantage of a high bounce wedge is spin. They can give you more control around the greens by adding more spin to your shots.
How Can You Make the Correct Wedge Decision?
You have already taken the first step. You have learned the answer to the question “what is bounce on a wedge?”
Now, how are you going to use this information? Go through the below process:
- Learn About Your Current Wedges – what clubs are you currently using? What amount of bounce do they have?
- Assess Your Game – do you take large divots or tend to sweep the ball off the ground?
- Do You Need New Wedges – is it time to buy new wedges? Are your clubs older or do you think the bounce is wrong for your game?
- Research Before You Buy – never buy a wedge without checking the bounce. Be sure it is designed to be “your friend”.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help – did you know that you can get a custom fit for your wedges? Or, if you don’t want to pay for a fitting, use an online wedge selection tool.
Does “what is bounce on a wedge” really matter to your game? If you are still trying to break 100 for the first time it isn’t the most important thing.
On the other hand, you don’t have to be a scratch golfer to take advantage of the benefits of having the appropriate amount of bounce on your wedges.
It is always a good idea to understand your equipment and to get the most out of your golf club investment.
