Equipment

New Looks: Wedges With Sole

Yeah, the grooves on wedges get all the attention, but it's the grind (the sole's general shape and bounce angle) that makes a wedge more likely to take advantage of the technology in its sharp new scorelines. Says Callaway's wedge master Roger Cleveland: "Sole geometry is key because you must use the sole to execute the shot properly." One key, especially with higher-lofted wedges: Pay attention to the heel area of the sole. "You need to have relief on the heel so when you open the face, you have enough bounce that the sole can skid like a ski."

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1. TITLEIST VOKEY TVD

The "tour van design" models feature compact versions of the "M" and "K" grinds found on the SM5 wedges. Compared to the SM5, the TVD-M has more bounce; the TVD-K offers less bounce. $160

2. TAYLORMADE TOUR PREFERRED

The two models include one with a new ATV sole, narrowed from previous versions and designed for multiple lies, and the Classic Grind (shown), built with extra heel relief to aid in open-face shots. $130

3. TOUR EDGE EXOTICS CB PRO S

There's extra heel and toe relief on the narrow sole of the company's first forged wedge. The generous bounce angle is designed to reduce digging. $100

4. CALLAWAY MACK DADDY 2 TOUR GRIND

There's a straighter leading edge for a consistent setup. The heel and toe shaping on the forged head make it more playable from a variety of lies. $130