Which wedges do you actually need?

Most golfers carry two or three. Which ones depends on one number you already have.

Start with your pitching wedge

Look at the pitching wedge in your iron set. It is probably between 43 and 47 degrees. From there you want roughly four to six degrees between each wedge, so the yardage gaps come out even and you are never stuck between clubs.

The three common setups

Two wedges (56 and 60). Simplest setup. Works if your pitching wedge is 45 or 46 and you are happy hitting it a bit soft for the in-between yardages. Good for higher handicaps who would rather carry another hybrid.

Three wedges (45, 56, 60). What most players end up with. Covers full shots, standard greenside and the high soft shot without big gaps. This is our Scoring Set.

Four wedges. If you are a low single digit and you know your carry numbers cold, you may want a 50 or 52 in there too. We do not currently make one. When we do, you will hear about it.

What bounce actually does

Bounce is the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole. It is what stops the club digging.

Low bounce (8 and under) works on firm turf and tight lies. It lets you open the face and slide under the ball. It punishes a steep swing on soft ground.

High bounce (12 and up) works in soft sand and thick grass, and it forgives a steep angle of attack. It can feel like it skips on very firm turf.

Rough guide: if you take a big divot, go higher. If you pick it clean, go lower.

Our 45 and 60 are 8 bounce. The 56 is 12, because that is the one you are using out of sand.

What grind means

Grind is material removed from the sole so the club sits and moves the way you want when you open or lean the face. M grind is versatile, the all-round choice. K grind has more sole width and is built for sand and softer conditions.

When is a wedge worn out?

Grooves wear. If you play a lot, a wedge you use every round starts losing spin somewhere around 75 rounds. The tell is that your greenside shots stop checking and start releasing. The 60 usually goes first because it takes the most abuse.