Beyond Bounce: Why Wedge Selection is Getting More Personal in 2026
For years, golfers have relied on bounce angles as a primary factor when choosing wedges. But a shift is underway, driven by insights from experts and a deeper understanding of how individual swing styles interact with turf conditions. The conversation is moving beyond numbers and towards a more personalized approach to wedge fitting.
The Limitations of Bounce Numbers
Traditionally, bounce refers to the angle of the sole that prevents the leading edge from digging into the turf. But, co-hosts Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow of GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast are challenging this conventional wisdom. Morrow recently discovered that a wedge’s stated bounce doesn’t always reflect its actual performance.
“I was hitting the Opus T, and I was on the very left side of a two-weeks-without-rain ECPC range, which is the tightest lie they have,” Morrow explained on the podcast. “And with the T grind, which they say on paper and in the forums and everything, that should be the one that works, right? Due to the fact that it’s super tight. You’re going to be able to nip it, but whatever. Well, the problem is for me as a steeper player, it just turns into a knife and then it doesn’t come out of the ground.”
The Rise of Blind Wedge Testing
This experience highlights a crucial point: a wedge that works wonders for one golfer might be ineffective for another. Morrow advocates for “blind” wedge testing, a method pioneered by Titleist for its Vokey wedge lineup. This involves testing wedges without knowing the bounce angle, allowing golfers to focus solely on feel, and performance.
“I’m almost at the point where I wish the bounce number would just be eliminated from wedges,” Morrow stated. “Like I just desire to put the shape of the sole, whatever the grind is from each manufacturer on the bottom of them. And the blind test that Vokey does is probably the best way to do it.”
Focusing on Sole Shape and Grind
The emphasis is shifting from bounce *numbers* to bounce *shape* and grind. Different manufacturers offer a variety of grinds designed to suit different swing types and playing conditions. The key is finding a grind that complements a golfer’s natural delivery, rather than trying to force a wedge to perform in specific conditions.
As Wunder put it on Fully Equipped, 2026 is a year where “you kind of can’t go wrong anywhere” with novel golf clubs, as many manufacturers are producing high-quality options. This suggests a wider range of choices and a greater opportunity for golfers to identify the perfect fit.
TaylorMade’s Qi4D Custom Driver, for example, features a 60x Carbon Twist Face™ designed for improved ball speed and consistency, demonstrating the advanced technology being incorporated into 2026 gear.
The Future of Wedge Fitting: A More Holistic Approach
The trend suggests that future wedge fitting will be less about chasing specific bounce angles and more about understanding a golfer’s swing mechanics and how they interact with the turf. This requires a more holistic approach, considering factors like attack angle, club path, and divot depth.
Expect to see more manufacturers adopting blind testing methods and offering a wider range of grind options. The goal is to empower golfers to find wedges that feel comfortable and perform consistently, regardless of the course conditions.
Titleist Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Wedge
Titleist Vokey Design’s new SM11 wedges feature a new precise CG position across each grind in a loft, meaning every wedge will now perform the same way with the same strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is bounce on a wedge? Bounce is the angle of the sole that prevents the leading edge from digging into the turf.
- Why is bounce not always the most important factor? Individual swing styles and turf conditions significantly impact how a wedge performs, making bounce alone an insufficient metric.
- What is blind wedge testing? Blind wedge testing involves trying different wedges without knowing their bounce angles, allowing golfers to focus on feel and performance.
- Where can I get a professional wedge fitting? True Spec Golf offers club-fitting services to help you find the perfect wedges for your game.
Ready to elevate your short game? Explore the latest wedge technology and consider a personalized fitting to unlock your full potential.
