Wedge Bounce: What You Need to Know

For many golfers out there, the approach shot with a wedge is far scarier than swings off the tee. The wrong wedge bounce can make you rip out your hairs for a missed shot in a very short distance. The precise calculation of the shot and the correct bounce is the only way to success.

In this post, we are going to cover everything there is to know about wedge bounce. What it is, why do you need it, how do you get the right bounce, and so many other areas. We request you to stick around to enrich your knowledge of wedge bounce and improving your short game play.

What is Wedge Bounce?

The concept of wedge bounce is not clear to many rookie golfers. In layman’s terms, wedge bounce is the angle between the leading edge of your wedge and the lowest point of the sole. The lowest point is also known as the trailing edge.

As your club approaches the ball to hit it, the trailing edge is the area that contacts the green. The angle will change depending on whether you are on the green or sand.

To get consistent contact with your ball and absolute control over the ball spin, you must get the wedge bounce correct.

Remember, bounce angle was introduced with the sole purpose of stopping the wedge from digging into the turf and ruining the momentum of the swing. Picking the right wedge bounce can help you hit more consistently and less chunks, skulls, and digging.

Why Does Wedge Bounce Matter?

We all know that the wedges are one of the most important clubs in the golf bag, being used on almost every hole when you miss the green on approach shots and must chip on.

The right choice can set you up for success while the wrong choice will go horribly wrong at the course. So, let’s take a look at how different wedge bounce angles play out under different circumstances.

Resource: Golf Training Plans with Drills, Routines, Worksheets

High Bounce Angle

Anything over 10 degrees is considered a high bounce angle for golf wedges. These are generally the primary choice for new players because they are easier to use than the low bounce ones.

The more angle between the lowest point of the sole and the leading edge means less possibility of digging on impact. These wedges have a bouncier feel in the sand. However, if you want to avoid thin or bladed shots, you should go with square face angles.

On the other hand, if your regular course has more sand and soft turf, a higher wedge bounce will help you control the shot.

Medium Bounce Angle

Golf irons that have a wedge bounce between 6 and 10 degrees are classified as a medium bounce. Compared to high bounce or low bounce counterparts, medium bounce wedges are more versatile for beginners.

You also get the option to use either a square face or an open face for your shot.

Another big advantage of medium wedge bounce is that it plays well with both beginners and pros. Beginners can take the square shots while the pros can benefit from an open face. Open faces introduce more bounce to the shot but in a controlled manner.

Low Bounce Angle

Wedge irons with less than 6 degrees of bounce are considered low bounce wedges. These are the most difficult to use. Mostly seasoned players and professionals use a low wedge bounce for their shots.

You might think if these are so hard to use, then why do players use low bounce angles? Well, they also offer the highest versatility out of all three. And veteran golfers don’t like to limit their options when on the course.

If you’re going with a square face shot with a low wedge bounce, you cannot make any mistakes. But if you’ve mastered the art, the cleanliness of the shot is bound to astonish you. If you follow tour players, you’ll notice that they use low bounce wedges to take even high lob shots!

Resource: Golf Training Plans with Drills, Routines, Worksheets

Is the Written Wedge Bounce on the Club Correct?

Let’s be honest. Golf is a confusing sport. It’s swarming with terms and minuscule yet important details. Wedge bounce is one of them. And you might feel the urge to read the angle readings on the packaging of your wedge and call it a day. But this is where the confusion begins.

As much as we like to address different angles and wedge bounces, it’s not a static value. The actual wedge bounce changes with your shots and how you are addressing the ball.

For example, with an open face, you are getting a higher bounce angle. Why? Because your leading edge is higher than it was. The opposite happens when you close the face. The sole grinding, rocker radius, and even cambers on your club affect the wedge bounce.

The best way to tackle all of these technical difficulties is to start with your loft, then picking the bounce, and finalize the decision with sole grinding.

Do not hesitate to take more time than you thought to make the purchase. The right decision at this time will make you a better player in the long run.

How to Choose the Right Wedge Bounce?

Choosing the right wedge angle can be a pain if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we’re here. We will guide you through the process step by step.

Consider Your Loft

Before you choose the wedge bounce, think of the loft. The wrong pairing between loft and bounce is a recipe for disaster at the course.

The loft is simply the angle between the face of your wedge and a vertical line in front of it. The more the loft, the higher the ball will go. And the less distance it will cover. Professional players tend to carry 3 or 4 wedges and use the one that matches the scenario.

Resource: Golf Training Plans with Drills, Routines, Worksheets

Consider Your Sole Grindings

Sole grindings refer to the additional shaping manufacturers perform on the toe of the wedge. Different types of sole grindings play out differently on turfs.

The term ‘grinding’ literally refers to the process of grinding where the material is removed from the heel or the toe of the wedge.

It can come in very handy if you want your clubface to sit lower to the ground. But sole grindings are also connected with the wedge bounce. When you change your sole grinding type, you change your bounce angle as well.

How Does Wedge Bounce Interact with Different Turfs?

Now that you have a precise idea about how the bounce angle and loft matter for your face or chip shots, we can look at different turfs and cover which wedge bounce to use.

Fairways

In general, fairways at golf courses have thinly cut grass and you may notice lines on the grass as well. Under such circumstances, you should stick to low or medium bounce angles on your wedge. You may also want to stick to a lower loft.

Rough

Areas outside of the fairways are considered rough on a golf course. The grass is thicker and taller. It’s not meant to be maintained. You only play a shot from the rough when you miss the fairways. And it happens to the best of players.

If you ever find yourself in the rough and in need of a wedge, stick to medium bounce. If the grass is taller than average roughs, you can switch to a high wedge bounce.

Resource: Golf Training Plans with Drills, Routines, Worksheets

Tight Lies or Hard Sand

You will barely find a rookie player trying to take a shot from the tightly mowed lies. It’s very easy to miss align the shot and send the ball into rough if you’re not careful.

As scary as it may look, you should approach it with confidence and with a low bounce wedge. As we’ve already mentioned, low bounce angles offer greater control and versatility, something you want when there’s nothing to guide your ball.

Soft Lies or Sand

It’s even tougher than tight lies. The shots are often unpredictable and even the professionals think twice before taking a shot. In terms of wedge bounce, stick to the highest angle you can manage.

Which Wedge Bounce Should I Have On my Wedges?

There is no single answer to this question. And you should know why if you’ve read our post so far. You need to carry multiple combinations of wedge bounce, loft, and sole grindings to get out of tough situations.

You should also consider the condition of your golf course. If it’s mostly fairways and greens, you can get a medium bounce wedge. If there are more roughs that you may have to encounter, get a set of high bounce wedges.

The bottom line is, you need to carry multiple wedge bounces with you for a variety of shots. And always invest in good quality wedges to minimize the room for error.

Final Words

If you’ve read so far, it means you are very passionate about getting the perfect wedge bounce for yourself. And you’ve also understood that it’s a very hard goal to achieve. The only realistic way to handle these issues is to go with multiple wedges with variable angles, lofts, and sole grinds.

And don’t forget to use our guide as your stepping stone to the perfect wedge bounce!

Wedge Bounce Explained: Golf Equipment Guide

Wedge Bounce: What You Need to Know

What is Wedge Bounce?