Oversize vs. Regular Wedges

By Staff Reports

It can be argued that wedges are the second most important clubs in your bag. They are used so often in a round they can really make a difference in the improvement of your game. Some players will carry up to five wedges but it is more common for players to only have one to three depending on what suits their game. It is very common that an assortment of wedges will be used for every type of shot depending on your lie and what is needed for the situation.

With so many things to consider when purchasing the right wedge for you it is important to make sure that you have chosen the best wedge that is going to work for your game. Different wedge types and lofts are coming more and more popular. When wedges were originally made they were designed with traditional/regular club heads but the technologies and the game has changed so much you are finding more and more oversize wedges to go along with the standard regular wedges that have always existed.

With this is mind it is important for you to decide what type club head size you want on your wedge. Having an oversize versus a traditional is not better and vice versa it just depends on what you are looking for. Here are some things to take into consideration when you are making your decision.

The advantages of an oversize wedge:

• Added Face Height
• Larger Sweet Spot
• Increased Forgiveness

Depending on the golfer the added face height can be an advantage. If you have problems getting under the ball on shots out of the rough or in the deep sand the additional height will improve ball striking because you don't have to worry about digging to deep. That extra face height will be used to improve to make sure you make contact.

Most oversize wedges also have a larger sole than usual. The design concept of the wide sole is to lower the center of gravity (LCG) making it easier to get the ball in the air. The LCG helps reduce topping the ball. See our article about Game Improvement Clubs for more information about the (LCG).

Of course when you have a larger club face you are going to have a larger sweet spot. Like we mentioned the bigger the sweet spot the more room for error on miss hits which can be an advantage on any type of shot. This will give you assurance that you are going to make good contact on every shot. Larger sweet spot results in increased forgiveness.

The disadvantages of an oversize wedge and why some people prefer to have a traditional/regular wedge:

• Harder to shape certain shots
• Wedge doesn't get caught while approaching impact

Traditional size wedges give you more control. You do lose a little forgiveness and size of the sweet spot but you have the capability of shaping your shot. You should be at the point in your game where you are confident in sacrificing some forgiveness to gain control we would suggest using a traditional wedge. Another disadvantage of an oversize wedge is that they can easily get caught up in the grass and sand a little easier and it will result in losing a little distance. Since you are using a bigger club head it is really easy for the club head to grab to the grass in your swing.

The Pinemeadow Staff Writers are made of what we like to call "golf gurus" who specialize in a variety of subjects in golf. The team is comprised of employees of PinemeadowGolf.com, a website that builds and sells custom golf clubs to thousands of golfers worldwide.

January 1, 2000