5 of The Best Golf Wedges For Beginners - guest post

Do you know the brand and model of your wedges? Are they one of the best golf wedges for a beginner or high-handicapper?

When you’re just getting started in the game of golf, one of the challenges is how to build your set of clubs. Do you go out and buy them all at once or do you purchase them over time? A full set can be expensive, so most golfers will take the latter approach. Buy new clubs here and there and use borrowed clubs in the meantime.

If this is your approach, where should you invest first? The common answer is, "I want a big, new driver or maybe the putter I see on TV". There is nothing sexy about buying a new wedge, but it will have a larger impact on your score than that expensive driver. Nothing saves strokes more than a great short game; chip it close and one putt. Let's look at 5 of the best golf wedges for beginners.

Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge

The Cleveland CBX 2 wedge is a game improvement club that looks and feels like something a tour professional would have in their bag. It has a hollow cavity design that provides forgiveness if you’re chipping greenside or hitting a full shot from the fairway. The face is designed with Tour Zip Grooves and aggressive face milling to provide you with spin and control.

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Pros:

• Award winning wedge - Golf Digest 2020 Hot list Gold - one of the best golf wedges on the market.

• Proven brand - Cleveland golf has been producing high quality wedges for years

• Unique Offering - a rare combination - a wedge designed for the beginner that could be used by elite players as well.

Cons:

• Premium Club - Premium Price - this wedge will be an investment in your short game.

Callaway Sure Out 2

One of the most difficult shots you hit with your wedge is the bunker shot. Beginners are often petrified of the sand, but the Callaway Sure Out 2 is here is to eliminate that fear. Change your bunker game from a nightmare to a strength. Callaway has designed a sole that easily cuts through the sand and provides playability from all lies. It also has full face grooves, so no matter where you hit the ball, you will have control and spin.

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Pros:

• There are no shortcuts or magic wands in golf, but this wedge will improve your bunker play - one of the best golf wedges if you are learning how to hit sand shots.

• Full face grooves is a nice feature - provides spin even if you strike the ball way out on the toe of the wedge.

• Step Down Grip - standard grip has 3 different lines to help you consistently choke down, depending on the shot you are trying play.

Cons:

• Callaway designed this club to help you from the sand, but the look is a bit unusual and may be more challenging to play from the grass for some golfers.

Pinemeadow PGX Wedge

Pinemeadow provides quality golf clubs at a fraction of the price of other golf manufacturers and the PGX wedge is no exception. The wedge features a wide sole that narrows towards the toe of the club. This allows the golfer to hit a variety of shots from a variety of different lies.

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Pros:

• You can’t beat the price - if you need a new wedge, but aren’t ready to make a significant investment, give the PGX a look.

• You have options - even with the lower price, you can select right-handed or left-handed and choose your loft of 52, 56, or 60 degrees.

Cons:

• If you are looking for the best golf wedge, with the most features, the PGX isn’t that club - this wedge is for the casual golfer looking to make a small investment in their short game.

Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Wedge

If you are a fan of Callaway wedges, but the Sure Out 2 shape is a bit too strange for you, the Mack Daddy 4 is the club you need to try. One of the best wedges on the market, the grooves are designed based on the loft, for maximum playability. You have the choice of 4 different sole grinds and a broad range of loft and bounce options. You can even choose the finish, picking from platinum chrome or black matte.

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Pros:

• Designed for all levels - the Mack Daddy 4 will be used on the PGA tour, but a beginner can also be successful with this wedge

• Options, options, and more options - you have so many choices, it feels like the club is being built just for you

• Great spin, great control from all lies

Cons:

• The Mack Daddy 4 is a significant investment in your short game - you are getting the best golf wedge available, but if you are a true beginner it may be overkill

Wilson Harmonized Classic Wedge

The Harmonized Classic wedge is part of Wilson’s “Super Game Improvement” line of clubs and it has been built with the beginner in mind. These wedges have a simple and classic look that appeal to the eye and you can choose from a high-polish finish or anti-glare black chrome. It has been designed with a sole grind that allows you to easily open the face if you need to execute a higher shot.

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Sharpen Your Wedge Play For Better Scores

Your ability to play a variety of shots with your wedges has a significant impact on the score you shoot. From the bunker, chipping out of the rough, hitting a flop shot when you are short-sided, and playing a pitch shot from the fairway are all done with your wedges. Phil Mickelson once said “The only way to win tournaments is with the short game. Over half of your shots are within 30 or 40 yards….”. Do you spend half of your practice time on your short game?

One of the best ways to work on your wedge game is to play a par 3 golf course. All of the holes are typically between 75 and 130 yards. You not only get to hit different wedge shots off the tee, but you will also be challenged with different types of chips and bunker shots. Unlike the driving range, you are playing holes and keeping score, so it better simulates how you feel when you play a normal course.

You only need a few clubs to play a par 3 course, so grab a Sunday golf bag which is designed for this type of activity. It will perfectly hold your wedges, putter, balls/tees, and a couple of your favorite cold beverages. It won’t feel like practice, but you will quickly get better at the wedge shots that are so critical to your game.

Conclusion

Improving your wedge play will lower your scores and increase your enjoyment on the course. Take some time to find the best golf wedges for your game and spend a few afternoons playing a par 3 course. Your short game will improve, your round will take a fraction of the time, and you will become a better golfer.

Author Bio:

My name is Ray, I’m a writer for Sunday Golf. I have played golf since I was 10 years old – enjoyed playing on my High School and College golf teams. I continue to play competitive amateur golf, but my true passion now is watching my two sons play the game. I also enjoy coaching golf and currently act as an assistant coach for our local high school team.

#ChipShotChallenge for COVID relief...Will You Participate To Help Golf's Unsung Heroes?

While the PGA Tour is back, and many golf courses have reopened, thousands of golf industry workers and their families are still suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Vie, Inc., a new sports and entertainment philanthropy company, has invited golfers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the “Chip Shot Challenge” to support the Golf Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) and provide assistance to thousands of golf industry workers impacted by COVID-19. 

“We intend to launch the Vie brand and proprietary technology later this fall,” said Steven Schwartz, Vie CEO.  “But the increasing severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on golf-industry workers compelled us to act NOW.  So we fast-tracked Vie’s donation engine technology to power the ‘Chip Shot Challenge’ and help bridge the funding gap for these families.”       

Golfers ...your help is needed! TAKE THE CHIP SHOT CHALLENGE! Fuel the fund by sharing a video of your best chip shot, trick shot, or juggling a golf ball, and donating, of course! When you do, you have the chance to win big with great prizes while doing good.

Participation only takes four easy steps and automatically provides an entry for prizes including Titleist golf equipment and apparel with the Grand Prize including a private dinner and a round of golf for two with 2018 Ryder Cup Captain and PGA Legend Jim Furyk at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

#ChipShotChallenge Steps 

1. Donate: at www.giveforgolf.com
2. Capture Your Chip: golfers set the challenge and take the shot, while capturing it on video (watch Suzy Whaley video - click on the link). Creativity and trick shots are encouraged.  

1. Just have fun, and be as creative as you want!
2. Chip in to a cup in your living room, nearby park, backyard trick shot, etc.
3. Or challenge your foursome to a “closest-to-the-pin” wager  – with the loser donating quadruple the bet!    

3. Challenge: someone to match or beat your shot and your donation  
4. Tag/Share: your video and challenge with #ChipShotChallenge and giveforgolf.com.  The best shots will be posted at giveforgolf.com/gallery.

 “On behalf of our 29,000 PGA professionals, and those individuals and families suffering physically and financially from COVID-19, we express our heartfelt thanks to Vie for powering the ‘Chip Shot Challenge,’ said Suzy Whaley, PGA of America President.  Whaley was the first to chip, post, and share a video offering the challenge of the world’s largest sports organization and their customers to participate.  

Suzy Whaley - #ChipShotChallenge

The good doesn’t stop there as your donation may be able to receive a corporate match, courtesy of Vie. And now for the best part, on top of Vie’s fund-matching efforts, the PGA of America has established a $2.5 Million matching pool meaning each donation will be matched dollar for dollar, to the extent funds are still available.

Golf for Beginners asks that you visit www.giveforgolf.com now to learn more and donate to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund.

Golf Game Plan for a Round on a True Links Course - guest post

Picture this scene on a true links golf course with a 25 to 30 km predominant crosswind...let's say, for arguments sake...St. Andrews Links in bonnie Fife, Scotland.

What clubs should you add/take out of your bag for this round of links golf?

This is what you need to do:

Take out of your golf bag (remembering to always keep 14 clubs or fewer at all times):

•    High lofted fairway woods

•    Lob wedge

Add to your golf bag:

•    A 1, 2, 3 iron or low lofted Hybrid

Your entire golf plan for the day will be centred around keeping the ball flight low and reducing spin on the ball.

Let us work through a Par 4 and a Par 5 scenario:

•                Driver -  Firstly we will peg the ball up a little lower than normal.

•                             Take your set-up for the shot on the right of the Tee box. (Left to right wind and vice versa for wind off the other side)

•                        The object is to hit the ball at the left-hand side of the fairway and let the ball drift back to the centre.

•                      On a Reachable Par 4, the plan is similar—aim for the left side of the green and let the ball drift back.  Always assess where the hazards are and plan accordingly.

                    

NOTE: Bunkers are mostly very penal on a Links!!

•    On a Par 5 the plan is to keep your 2nd  shot on the fairway...

•    This is where your long irons come into play.

•    Work your yardage out and try hit the shot to your favourite distance (say 100 yards)

•    Your approach to the green will be different to that of a calm day. (No Lob Wedges)

•    Take a 6, 7, or 8 iron, hold the golf club slightly down the shaft, and move the ball back of centre in your stance.

•    Now the trick is to take a three-quarter or half swing at the ball     

•    Your Target landing area is the front edge or just short of the green, depending on circumstances

•    This will allow the ball to roll out towards the pin

Chipping Tips:

•                Should you miss the green, opt for a 7, 8 or 9 iron and run the ball to the pin. (NO Fancy Lob Shots!!)

•                  On this kind of day, you will miss many greens due to the wind, and therefore this is where you can save your score!!

•                Object is to get the ball on the ground ASAP to negate the wind's influence.

 

Putting Tips:

•                Possibly the most difficult part of the game under these conditions!

•                Widen your stance, make sure you are balanced and set your putter.  Remember, the wind will have an effect on the ball speed and roll, so establish a few factors:

•    Uphill

•     Downhill

•     Slopes 

•     Wind direction

•    The biggest mistake most amateurs make is to rush the putt. (try beat the gusts of wind!!)

•    Select your line (pick up a mark on the green where you want the ball to start out and set the putter for this target)

•     Don't overthink the putt and keep your stroke as smooth as possible

•     When ready, pull the trigger remembering to watch the ball through the strike

•    Your objective is obviously to hole it, but at worst you only want a 2 footer for the next putt

 Putting tip for all conditions on a long putt – Imagine the hole size to be that of a 2 foot drum and try to get the ball inside this every time.

RESULT:  NO 3 PUTTS!!

 

In Summary:

Playing links, or any other course for that matter, requires a pre-round plan and thought process before and on the golf course. 

Your chipping will MAKE or BREAK your round. So do as the Pros do and practice your chipping and putting regularly.

 

A final thought to playing Golf in windy conditions:

DO NOT TRY TO HIT THE COVER OFF THE BALL. This will only add spin and miss directed shots. 

Try to hit every shot at 75 – 80% velocity.

Use a longer iron when approaching the green.

Try to keep your rhythm throughout.

GUEST BIO:

Joel Steenekamp has played golf for over 45 years and participated at Top Class Representative level in South Africa.(current handicap index of 4.5 @ 71 years of age).

As a previous co-owner of one of the largest golf retail businesses in SA, he enjoys sharing his Vast Knowledge and Expertise, with Beginners and Accomplished golfers alike.

Joel believes in keeping Instruction Simple. (KISS). His latest venture,  Golf and Wildlife Experiences, a tour business with a Difference, in SA, has been stalled, due to COVID 19.

The Website is in Development.

Photo: By Chris, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32927609