Understanding the basics of wedge terminology and grinds

A golf bag with several golf clubs protruding from it

Understanding the terminology behind picking the right wedges can help make you a better golfer

Ryan Barath/GOLF

Knowing which wedges to carry in your bag can be confusing, but what can be even more intimidating for golfers is understanding the terminology used when describing wedges — especially when it comes to grinds and bounce.

Although it might sound very complicated, once you break down wedge lingo into its individual components, it actually becomes a lot easier to understand the elements of wedge design and what is likely to work best for you and your golf game.

TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Custom Wedge

$179.99
Milled Grind 4 utilizes laser etched Spin Tread and a raw face to provide better bite around the greens and superior spin in wet conditions. Refined shaping creates a smooth aesthetic that inspires creativity around the greens, while improved mass distribution provides a solid feel. IMPROVED SPIN IN WET CONDITIONS Spin Tread technology utilizes laser etching to channel away moisture and help retain spin in wet conditions. The same way that tire treads help your car stay connected to the road, Spin Tread redirects water at impact and creates more friction between the club face and golf ball to impart more spin than prior generations. REFINED SHAPING MG4 features refinements in shape and visual appeal with a focus on what players perceive at address. Details from the hosel blend, offset and leading-edge straightness were all inspired by the insights and preferences of the best players and most experienced designers. Compared to the previous MG3, MG4 showcases a slightly larger footprint that provides players with a sense of roundness, smoothness and improved ease of use. RAW FACE & NEW FINISH There’s a reason raw wedges are preferred by the game’s best players. The unplated material will rust over time to preserve consistent spin while also delivering better performance in wet conditions. A new refined finish with a slightly darker tint minimizes glare and blends seamlessly with the raw face for a unified appearance.
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From the fundamentals of sole grind to the details of sole shaping and geometry, being able to grasp the basics allows you to select a grind that is going to work best for the way you play shots around the green, and it also helps you select wedges based on your normal playing conditions.

Below is a video that explains the basics of wedge terminology and how to understand how and why certain wedge soles are shaped the way they are.

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Ryan Barath

Golf.com Editor

Ryan Barath is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s senior editor for equipment. He has an extensive club-fitting and -building background with more than 20 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. Before joining the staff, he was the lead content strategist for Tour Experience Golf, in Toronto, Canada.