Equipment
Five Wedges To Help You Hit Better Sand Shots
Photo by Mark Hooper
According to statistics from Game Golf, the in-round stat tracker, the average 90s-shooter gets up and down from the sand less than one in 10 times. The average 100-shooter converts less than one in 20 times, and the average 110-shooter is successful about one in 100 times, or about as often as a tour player rakes a bunker. So what's the problem? Well, maybe our putting isn't so great, but the real culprit is what's happening in the sand. Or more likely, what's not happening, as in the ball getting out of the bunker. We certainly encourage you to work on your technique, but immediate help is available. The five specialty wedges on this page have heavy soles and high lofts. That lets you take a normal setup and make your regular swing, blasting the ball out on the green with a regularity that defies those stat lines. Just remember to hit the sand first. Seriously.
Pictured above clockwise from left
TOUR EDGE ONE OUT PLUS
Yes, it has a wide and heavy sole, but a 90-gram weight at the end of the grip counterbalances the club for a more stable swing.
PRICE: $60
CALLAWAY SURE OUT
Offered in lofty 58- and 64-degree options, this wide sole model's extra curve on the bottom improves speed through the sand.
PRICE: $120
CLEVELAND SMART SOLE 3
Now in its third edition, this wedge has a three-stepped sole that improves ground contact from three lies: sand, rough and fairway.
PRICE: $120
C3I C3I 65 WEDGE
This infomercial fave has 65 degrees of loft and a two-inch wide sole with extra bounce toward the back for maximum help.
PRICE: $100