When you’re just starting out, it can be difficult to identify the right equipment.
Many beginners I know focus too much on their short game and not enough on their distance. In this post, I will rectify that situation and share the 10 best wedges to high handicappers.
You’ll find that the wedges on this list offer a combination of clean turf interaction, forgiveness, consistent spin, and a rapid landing. These features are intended to help you attack and increase the number of putts per round.
(Before you start looking for your next set, I recommend bookmarking our article about the 2 wedges that beginners should have.
What to Look For in a Good Wedge When You’re a High Handicap Player
Different types of wedges
Before you look at wedge features, choose which clubs to add in your bag. The most popular choice for beginners is a pitching and/or sand wedge. However, this can allow you to create distance gaps between the two clubs.
In order to get started, I suggest that you carry at least three wedges, including your pitching, gap, sand, and sand. You should also learn how to control the lower lofted lob wedge.
Lofts
Once you have selected the ideal wedges you need to consider their lofts and how they affect your game. To plug any holes in your pitching wedge, for example, a 43-degree pitching wedge, you should use a 50 degree gap wedge.
A 50-degree gap wedge in your hand, I recommend a 54-degree or 56-degree Sand wedge. These wedges offer enough loft to help players escape bunkers and perform flop, pitch, or chip shots. They are not too weak to be considered lob wedges.
I recommend that you don’t swing anything lower than 60 degrees when playing lob wedge. A lob wedge is a great choice, but too much loft can lead to balloon shots and a loss of greenside control.
Forgiveness
For high handicappers, forgiveness can be crucial for consistency on the greens. For a better moment of inertia (MOI) and a wider sweet spot, I recommend a cavity back wedge. This will help you make straighter shots and limit spin drop-off.
Clean Turf Interaction
You should also look for a sole grind that has good turf interaction. Your wedges should glide across the grass and make contact with your golf ball. This allows you to achieve the best spin, launch, and control with each shot.
10 Best Wedges to Help High Handicappers
1. Callaway Mack Daddy CB – Overall Best Wedge For High Handicappers
Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge (52 Degree)
This club has more spin thanks to the groove-in-groove tech. You can play a variety of styles, attack angles, and course conditions with the four sole grinds.
Pros
- Extraordinary forgiveness
- Moderately reasonable
- Minimizes spin drop off
- Produces maximum spin
- Produces crisp turf interaction
Cons
- Only 2 sole grinds available
- Restricted workability
The Callaway Mack Daddy CBIt is awarded the prize for best wedge for high handicap golfers. It was more affordable than the JAWS Mack Daddy 5, and I found it to be superior in forgiveness.
The Mack Daddy CB was affordable and produced great spin on all shots, pitching through to the lob wedge. You’ll find that this is the work of the Groove-In-Groove technology, which minimizes spin drop-off for consistent revolutions per minute.
Callaway could also have offered more sole grinds. For high-handicap golfers, it is sometimes better to have fewer options. You’ll notice that a full grind is your only pick for Mack Daddy CB pitching and gap wedge. A W-grind, on the other hand, is for the sand or lob wedge.
These wedges have sole grinds that can be adjusted to suit different turf conditions and swings. The wedge’s increased sweet spot and high MOI provided me with more forgiveness. This combination reduces spin drop-off, and keeps your clubface at contact for straighter shots.
2. Wilson Harmonized Black – Best Budget
WILSON Harmonized Black Chrome Chrome golf wedge
A special sole grind allows players the ability to open their club faces for better performance on higher lofted shots. A wide range of golfers will love the traditional shape and its anti-glare black Chrome.
Pros
- Excellent forgiveness
- Incredible value
- Glare resistant finish
- Versatile sole grind delivers clean turf interaction
- Golfers can easily open the clubface to get under the ball.
Cons
- It provides limited feedback and a firmer feeling
- Some golfers might not like the large design.
Who said that you would have trouble finding affordable options on a tight budget? The Wilson Harmonized black wedgerange has a rock-bottom cost, increased forgiveness, and glare resistant. You can buy a set of wedges at a fraction of the cost of individual clubs.
Wilson engineers designed the setup to be simple for beginners by using one sole grind to their gap/lob and sand wedge constructions. It allowed me to open my clubface and get under my golf ball to clear any sand traps or water hazards, and then land my ball softly on to the green.
I also liked the black finish of this affordable wedge. It helped me to see clearly during the address. You’ll find this reduces distractions and allows you to set up and play your shot without interference.
Furthermore, you’ll find that the oversize design of the Wilson Harmonized Black wedge boosts the stability and MOI of the clubface. It helps high-handicap golfers maintain a square clubface at impact for straighter ball flight.
3. Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge – Most Forgiving
Cleveland CBX2 Wedge
The perimeter is lighter and allows for more forgiveness at impact. Three sole grinds provide more versatility for any shot onthe course. GelbackTPU Insert with enhanced feel balancing technology reduces vibration for a pure impact feeling.
Pros
- Extraordinary forgiveness
- Straight shots promote
- Combats misses the right
- Radiate vibrations caused by off-center strikes
- Consistent spin
Cons
- The oversized profile is a pain in the eyes
- It has limited functionality.
A high MOI wedge can be a great choice for beginners golfers who want more forgiveness and flight in their short game. I found the following to be true: Cleveland CBX 2The cavity back wedge held its shape during my swing and was stable at impact for greater forgiveness and accuracy.
Engineers used a large cavity back wedge to place weight around the clubface perimeter. You’ll see that the precise weight distribution increases the MOI of the clubface and expands the sweet spot. You can achieve direct flight and avoid spin drop-off.
The presence of Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology further enhances the forgiveness of this wedge. I noticed that it caused a toe bias profile to combat sidespin, which can cause you to push or slice the shot. You will enjoy straight flight and better accuracy on all strikes.
Game improvement wedges reduce feedback and give a firmer feel. They are not ideal for short-game strokes. Cleveland solved this problem by using a Gelback pad between clubface and cavity to eliminate vibrations and soften every touch.
I was also impressed with the 4th Generation Rotex Face Tech’s performance, which produced impressive spin levels on all strikes. The brand’s sharpest tour zip grooves grip into your golf ball cover and impart rampant revolutions per minute for a drop and stop landing.
4. Cobra Snake Bite Wedge – Highest Spinning
Cobra Golf King Snake Bite Black Wedge
New groove design uses a re-engineered cutting process that tightens the groove tolerances to maximize groove volume and sharpen edges to give the ball maximum spin.
Pros
- Extraordinary spin
- Increased friction
- Launches at the optimal level depending on the loft
- Cobra Connect grips provide insight into each shot
- Glare resistant
Cons
- The over-sized profile won’t appeal to everyone
- For golfers with smaller hands, the wider grips might not be suitable.
Wedges give us the ability to attack the flag, and then try to hold it close for one-putt. You need to have exceptional spin and controlled flight to be able to execute an effective attack. The Cobra Snake BiteDue to an increased dispersion rate, wedge takes the title of highest spinning wedge
The Snakebite Groove Technology performed consistently for me, allowing me full swings and sticking my ball close the target. You’ll notice that its tighter groove tolerance generates advanced spin, causing my ball to stop rapidly on approach.
Cobra wasn’t done with spin support and decided to employ Progressive full-face grooves to deliver the optimal launch, spin, and control with each wedge. In addition, you’ll find three sole grind constructions for the different types of wedges in the set.
For example, the wide sole design suits soft turf and bunker shots well. It is also ideal for golfers with a neutral or steep angle of attack. The set also includes many wedges with a classic and versatile grind.
Lastly, you’ll notice that this edition of the Snake Bite series carries a black finish, which works wonders for glare resistance at the address. The wedges come with Cobra Connect grips that provide insight into each shot so you can analyze it later.
5. Cleveland RTX ZipCore Black Satin – Most Accurate
Cleveland RTX ZipCore Black Satin Wedge
ZipCore’s unique core is low-density and features it in the club’s heart. The new design features a sweet spot and a low MOI to ensure consistency in spin, distance and feel.
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Pros
- Forgiveness
- Straight ball flight promotes accuracy and precision
- Satin black satin is glare-resistant
- Maintain consistency
- Three sole grinds to choose
Cons
- Some players may be put off by its large profile.
- The high MOI hinders workability
The RTX ZipCore is second on our list of top golf wedges for high handicappers. This wedge has the best ball flight and accuracy thanks to its advanced MOI.
Cleveland engineers moved the CG position and added weight around the perimeter to increase MOI. This helped me maintain a square clubface during impact and resulted in higher flight. You’ll find that this suits beginner players struggling to consistently get their ball airborne around the green.
My ball was able to bite into the turf with great speed thanks to the Ultizip grooves. This allowed me to attack the pin more freely, knowing that if the target was missed, the ball would stop quickly.
Cleveland placed the grooves closer to increase friction for each shot. You’ll see that means your golf ball sticks onto the clubface for longer, creating an impressive spin on full shots and chips.
The RTX Zipcore comes with three sole grind options to accommodate every shot, attack angle and turf condition. For players looking for minimal bounce, the low sole is a good choice. Neutral players will prefer the midsole. Golfers with high attack angles may find comfort in the full sole construction.
6. MacGregor MacTec X Series – Best Wedges Set For Beginners
MacGregor Golf MacTec X Chrome Wedge Set
3 wedge set – 52° 56° 60°. Classic head shape with large grooves for enhanced control and optimised spinning. For better traction and feel, premium components such as soft compound MacGregor grip.
Pros
- Super affordable
- It comes with 3 wedges
- Classic profile
- Soft and spongy feel
- You can spin a lot
Cons
- Weighs less than other wedges
- Address: The logo and print on back of club are not appropriate.
MacGregor is often overlooked in the sea of equipment manufacturers. However, they deserve more recognition. MacGregor 5-woods were my favorite guitar for most of my teenage years. I love their work and have nothing but admiration for them. Recently, I have been focusing my attention on their consistent, affordable price. MacTec X Chrome wedge set.
You’ll notice that this is a set of three wedges for less than the price of one wedge from a premium brand. This eliminates the hassle of choosing your short clubs, and provides you with a gap, sand, and 60-degree club. This means you can get everything you need in a single purchase.
The MacGregor MacTecX X set is affordable and features a classic head shape. It is also made of stainless steel. You’ll find it works to provide a moderately delicate touch on all shots for enhanced feedback in your short game.
The full-face grooves are enlarged and more narrow than I expected, resulting in a spin rate that is exceptional. I did find it to be less forgiveness than other golf wedges.
7. Tour Edge Hot Launch E522 – Best Turf Interaction
Tour Edge Hot Launch E522 Wedge
The E522 Wedge’s super-wide sole and heavy head weight help eliminate flubs for better contact. It has been engineered to be versatile by offering extreme performance benefits for chipping, pitch shots and shots out of rough, as well as shots with bump-and run shots.
Pros
- Maximum forgiveness
- Clean turf interaction
- High-powered launches
- Softens the impact of your golf ball
- Straight flight promoted
Cons
- The unattractive profile is too large.
- Some golfers may find it difficult to control their shots due to the high ball flight.
Clean turf interaction is crucial to allow your wedge to glide across the fairway and rough grass to make contact with your ball. The Super Wide Houdini sole is my favorite. Tour Edge Hot Launch E522This aspect is where it excelled. It is therefore the best high-handicapper wedge to crisp turf interaction.
Tour Edge suggests that Super Wide Houdini soles reduce turf friction by 35%. I can’t give an exact figure. Each swing was different. I never felt like the clubhead would dig into turf or cause a mishit.
Next, the deep cavity back design with deep undercut cavities was used at launch. This allowed me to send my ball high and help it land softly. I dislike the increased trajectory in my short game. Slower swingers may struggle to launch their shots due to the lower center-of gravity (CG).
You’ll see that the E522 rocks an extra large face, equipped with an enlarged sweet spot and higher MOI. These features help to improve consistency and promote straighter shots.
The Full-Face Maximized grooves, which generate sufficient spin across the clubface, are the final piece of the puzzle. You can propel your golf ball high and stop quickly on every shot.
8. Ping Glide 4.0 – Best Friction
Ping Glide® 4.0 Wedge
Ping’s Glide 4.0 wedges provide control that you can feel thanks to a precision-machined face, and grooves with new textured facial blasting. The feel is improved by the larger custom tuning port, softer steel construction, and the sleek profile that inspires more confidence at the address.
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Pros
- Soft Feel
- Frustration escalated
- Clean turf interaction
- Maximum spin rate
- There are four sole grinds to choose from
Cons
- Premium price point
- You will be forgiven less than other beginners wedges
Ping has the ability to create game-improvement golf club to simplify the lives and work of average golfers. The Glide 4.0 wedge is a great choice for players of all skill levels, from mid-handicappers to high-handicappers who want a compact, soft feel and maximum friction.
I felt that the Glide4.0 clubface held the ball for the longest time at contact of all the wedges I tested. This increased my spin and dispersion and helped me improve my distance control and spin on short game shots.
I was also a fan of the soft, responsive feel that the 8620 steel material and Elastomer CTP plug provided. They combined to reduce the impact of each strike and increase face contact for superior friction.
You’ll see that the Glide 4.0 carries an attractive, compact profile which is a pleasure to look over at address. It encourages you to workability if you want to add some shape to your shot.
The Glide 4.0 wedges have face-blasted, milled grooves that are extremely durable and improve the impact zone texture. This increases friction and helps your ball stick to the grooves on the clubface at contact. This creates an impressive spin.
9. Powerbilt X-Grind Series – Best For Weekend Warriors
Powerbilt X-Grind Series
The Powerbilt X-Grind is an updated version of the classic wedge. Unique sole grind allows for playability with any lie. Classic satin finish on 431 Stainless Steel construction.
Pros
- Amazingly affordable
- It includes a gap and sand as well as a lob wedge.
- Unique, versatile sole grind
- For an entry-level wedge, soft feel
- They are capable of producing a soft landing and high flight.
Cons
- The durability of the product may prove to be an issue over time
- It does not produce a very high spin rate.
The Powerbilt X-GrindThe series offers weekend warriors three types of wedges in one, which covers every aspect of your short game. Powerbilt offers a gap, sand and lob wedge for as low as $100 These wedges, aside from their low price, offer versatility, a soft feel, soft landing, and versatile playability.
The Xgrind sole is designed to be used in all positions on the golf course. I found it to be most effective in moderate turf conditions and minimal interaction.
You’ll see these wedges carry an oversized profile enabling the engineers to widen the sweet spot and increase the MOI. These wedges promote high shots and a lower spin drop-off, which helps to ensure greater consistency.
Finally, I felt the Powerbilt X-Grind Wedges had a soft feel that was appropriate for entry-level golf clubs. This is due to the 431 stainless-steel materials used by the engineers.
10. Autopilot C3i – Best For Yips
C3i Sand Wedge & Lob Wedge
The C3i lob wedge’s automatic-glide sole cuts through sand without digging or skipping. This sand wedge for men and ladies is a high-loft golf club that lifts the ball quickly to clear the lips and stops it quickly on the green.
Pros
- It assists golfers with yips in striking the ball cleanly
- Promotes high flying
- Soft landing
- Glare resistant
- Clean turf interaction
Cons
- Weak lofts can cause distance gaps at your bag’s lower end.
- It eliminates workability
Although autopilot clubs are not usually my first choice, I cannot deny that they are my second. C3i wedge. My friend has been suffering from the yips for years. She struggles to get the ball out the bunker or make a flop shot.
He decided to give C3i wedge a try. He was impressed by how it would get his ball to the air without changing his setup or opening up the clubface. It was a marked improvement over previous experiences. He has sworn to this extra-wide sole wedge, with no friction, since then.
Although it doesn’t spin at the same speed as other wedges, the high flight makes for a soft landing. The black, red, or white finish reduces glare at the address, making it a more comfortable setup.
My only concern about the C3i wedges’ weak lofts is that they may leave a gap between your pitching and gap. For example, the gap wedge has a weak 55-degree while the sand wedge is at 59 degrees. The lob wedge is extremely delicate at 65 degrees.
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