Bounce Factor

Let's put it in simple terms.

With today’s wedges you can vary the amount of bounce factor, slide effect, divot depth, sand projection or dig effect, depending on what the club will be used for. More bounce is very forgiving on sand shots but not so good for tight lies around the green.

Good players may vary the bounce depending on their skill and style. Some may vary bounce depending on course conditions. Dry, hard courses with a lot of tight lies, may mean they will need wedges with less bounce.

Besides sand shots bounce is helpful for lies in deep rough. The bounce helps the club get through the grass. Many times a shot from a bad lie in the rough must be played as if it were a sand shot. In the sand and the rough, having the right tool for the job is important.

The typical swing weight for men's irons is D1 but for most wedges swing weight is around D5. My opinion is that feeling the clubhead is important for every club but for the wedge it’s critical.

Many advanced players often add lead tape to their wedges to make sure they can feel that clubhead.

Now what most golfers don't realise is that when you have a wedge with a high bounce (11-12°) you must swish the grass/sand with the back edge.

For the tight lies a club with less bounce (6-8°) should be used and the leading edge of the sole would be used to allaw the club to dig under the ball.

Return to perfect pitching from the bounce factor