Golf Wedges

What is Bounce? + Golf Wedge Grind Guide

A well-fitted wedge can make all the difference in your short game. Understanding bounce and grind helps you choose the right wedge for your swing and course conditions. This guide will break down what bounce is, why it matters, and how different wedge grinds affect your shots around the green.

Understanding Wedge Bounce

What It Is and Why It Matters

What is Wedge Bounce?

Bounce refers to the angle between the leading edge of the club and the ground when the club rests naturally at address. It determines how the club interacts with the turf and sand, preventing the wedge from digging too deep.

How Bounce Impacts Your Short Game

  • Higher bounce helps players who take deeper divots by preventing excessive digging.
  • Lower bounce is ideal for players with a sweeping motion, allowing for better precision on firm lies.
  • The right bounce selection helps improve consistency, control, and versatility around the greens.

Finding the Right Bounce for Your Game

Your swing style and the course conditions you play on most frequently should guide your bounce selection. Steep swingers benefit from higher bounce, while shallow swingers do better with lower bounce.

Wedge Bounce Categories: Low, Mid, and High Bounce Explained

Low Bounce (4°-6°)

  • Best for firm turf and tight lies.
  • Ideal for players with a shallow attack angle who sweep the ball off the turf.
  • Provides maximum versatility for skilled players who manipulate clubface angles.

Mid Bounce (7°-10°)

  • A balanced option that suits most golfers.
  • Provides versatility across various lies and conditions.
  • Works well for players with a neutral angle of attack.

High Bounce (10°-14°)

  • Best for soft turf and fluffy sand.
  • Ideal for players with a steep angle of attack.
  • Helps prevent the leading edge from digging too much, ensuring cleaner contact.


Wedge Grind Guide: Matching Your Wedge Sole to Your Game

What is Wedge Grind?

Wedge grind refers to the shaping of the sole, affecting how the club interacts with different playing surfaces. Various grinds remove material from specific areas of the sole to enhance versatility.

Why Wedge Grind Matters

Different sole grinds allow players to execute a variety of shots by adjusting the clubface. The right grind helps optimize performance in bunkers, rough, and tight lies.

Types of Wedge Grinds and Their Benefits

Full Sole Grind

  • Best for full shots and soft conditions.
  • Provides maximum bounce and stability.
  • Ideal for players who prefer a square clubface at impact.

Mid Sole Grind

  • A balanced option for versatility.
  • Works well for players who use a combination of open-face and square shots.
  • Suitable for most course conditions.

Low Bounce Grind

  • Designed for precision and tight lies.
  • Allows skilled players to manipulate loft and face angle.
  • Best for firm turf and shallow swings.

Heel and Toe Relief Grinds

  • Provides enhanced shot variety.
  • Ideal for players who like to open the clubface around the greens.
  • Helps execute flop shots and high-spin shots from tricky lies.


How to Choose the Right Bounce and Grind for Your Game

Consider Your Swing Type

Match your wedge's bounce and grind to your angle of attack. Steeper swings benefit from higher bounce, while shallow swings work better with lower bounce.

Assess Course Conditions

If you regularly play on soft turf or deep bunkers, opt for a high-bounce wedge. For firm courses, a low-bounce option may be more effective.

Wedge Set Composition

Having a mix of bounce and grind variations in your wedge set allows you to handle different shots more effectively.

Golf Wedge Fitting

Find Your Ideal Setup

Why Custom Fitting Matters

Professional fittings ensure your wedges are optimized for your playing style, improving control and shot consistency.

What to Expect in a Wedge Fitting

During a fitting, experts analyze your swing style, typical playing conditions, and shot preferences to recommend the best bounce and grind setup.

PGA TOUR Superstore’s Top Wedges for Every Player

Not all wedges are created equal. The right choice depends on your playing style, shot preferences, and short-game needs. Below, we’ve categorized wedges into three main types to help you find the best fit.

Blade Wedges (For Precision & Shot Shaping)

Blade wedges offer the most control and shot versatility. They are best suited for skilled players who rely on precision around the greens.

  • Titleist Vokey SM10 – A tour-proven wedge with multiple grind options for ultimate shot control.
  • Cleveland RTX ZipCore – A high-spin wedge with a soft feel, great for players who manipulate face angles.
  • PING S159 – A clean, compact wedge offering maximum greenside precision.

Cavity Back Wedges (For Forgiveness & Versatility)

Cavity back wedges are designed for players who want extra forgiveness while maintaining playability in a variety of conditions.

  • Cleveland CBX 4 – Blends a forgiving design with spin control for all-around performance.
  • Callaway CB Wedge – Provides a solid mix of playability and forgiveness for mid-handicap golfers.
  • Mizuno Pro T-3 White Satin Wedge - Offers slightly increased head length for added stability and forgiveness. 

Specialty Wedges (For Bunker Play & Unique Shots)

Specialty wedges are built for specific short-game needs, such as bunkers, chips, or rough escapes.

  • PING BunkR – Designed for easy bunker shots with a wide, forgiving sole.
  • PING ChipR – A hybrid-style wedge for simple bump-and-run shots.
  • Cleveland Smart Sole 4 – A game-improvement wedge ideal for simplifying the short

FAQ: Bounce, Grind, and Wedge Selection

What’s the difference between bounce and grind?

Bounce is the angle between the sole and the ground, while grind refers to the shaping of the sole to influence shot versatility.

Can I use one wedge for all short-game shots?

While a single wedge can be used for multiple shots, having a selection of wedges with different bounce and grind options gives you more versatility.

How often should I replace my wedges?

Wedge grooves wear out over time, reducing spin and control. Most golfers benefit from replacing their wedges every 75-100 rounds or once a year for frequent players.

Find Your Perfect Wedge at PGA TOUR Superstore

Choosing the right bounce and grind can transform your short game. At PGA TOUR Superstore, we offer expert wedge fittings and a wide selection of top-performing wedges from top brands such as TaylorMade, PING, Titleist, and more. Whether you need a precision low-bounce wedge or a high-bounce option for bunker shots, our experts will help you find the perfect fit for your game.