Many players in the golf community know the basics regarding wedges but are not familiar with wedge bounce.
Using the wrong bounce for your swing can seriously impact your results so it’s critical that you learn the fundamentals to avoid adding unnecessary shots to your round.
Below, you will learn what type of golfer is suited to each bounce and the best bounce degree for each wedge in your bag.
What does bounce mean on a wedge?
The bounce on a wedge is an angle made between the leading edge of the club and the bottom point of the sole (also known as the trailing edge). When you strike the ball this is the part that hits the ground as you make contact.
The higher the number for the degree of wedge bounce, the higher the leading edge is from the surface when you address the ball.
📋 Keep in mind: If you figure out what wedge bounce is right for you, you’ll have better spin and control.
Types of Bounce On A Wedge
There are three types of bounces on a wedge: Low bounce, mid bounce, and high bounce. Each can be used in different situations.
Low Bounce Wedges
Wedges that have low bounce are ones with six degrees or less. The most common low bounce number is four degrees and can be found on many lob wedges (60 degrees).
These bounces are great for hitting from tight lies or where the ground is hard. Links golf courses are a great place to use low bounces such as at a course like St. Andrews.
The low amount of bounce moves the leading edge nearer to the ground which helps with solid contact.
💡 Golfible Tip: Low-bounce wedges are recommended for players with a shallow attack angle during their swings. For example, if a golfer isn’t making large divots and digging into the ground but just barely touching the turf they have a low attack angle.
Mid Bounce Wedges
Mid-bounce wedges fall in the 7-10 degree range. They’re suitable for a variety of conditions in relation to the turf and weather.
They work well with firm and standard turf and can also be used in spongier conditions. Their versatility makes them extremely employable.
Gap wedges are some of the most popular mid-bounce wedges. It’s easy for players who like to open up the club face to make good contact with a medium 10-degree bounce.
Eight-degree bounces are also great for players who keep their face square.
Golfers can garner a lot of control with a mid-bounce wedge and try creative shots around the green or from out on the fairway. These degrees of bounce help with more precise distance control as well as maintaining a consistent ball flight.
📢 Need To Know: Medium bounce wedges are great for golfers with neutral swing styles and a standard angle of attack. They can be used by any swing style since they’re in the middle.
High Bounce Wedges
Wedges with more than 10 degrees of bounce are considered to have a high bounce. They were created to be hit off softer grass and fluffier ground like rough or from sand traps.
The leading edge on a high bounce club was made to not drag too much into the sand. That is why they are ideal to hit from the bunker and perform well when opening the face.
Golfers with a steep angle of attack and who dig in on impact with large divots can largely benefit from hitting clubs with high degrees of bounce.
📢 Need To Know: Players can have massive control and spin in their short games when playing clubs with high bounce so they are great for chipping close to the green and generally produce less rollout.
What Wedge Bounce To Use In Different Course Scenarios
Below we will explain when one type of bounce is better to play than others.
Light/Heavy Rough
If you find yourself in light rough, you can use just about any bounce of wedge that you’re comfortable hitting with.
Light rough is usually short and just a bit longer than fairway grass.
If you’re in the deep stuff, a medium bounce wedge such as eight degrees or a high bounce wedge can help you cut through the rough and make sufficient contact when you strike the ball.
Soft Sand/Hard Sand
High-bounce wedges do well for shots out of soft sand. The leading edge doesn’t dig too deep and you can open the face and splash it out of the bunker onto the green.
It’s recommended to have at least 10 degrees of bounce when hitting out of soft sand.
Low-bounce wedges are fit to hit out of hard sand or bunkers with very little sand because you are picking the ball right off the surface instead of slicing through and under the sand.
It would take a lot of effort and you’d probably end up with a poor result if you attempted to hit a ball out of hard sand the way you would from soft sand.
Tight Lies
Low-bounce wedges are great for shots from tight lies. Lower-to-medium bounces like eight-degree wedges also work just fine.
Since the sole width is smaller on low-bounce wedges, it is easier to get creative and hit a flop shot onto the green from a tight lie with a 60-degree wedge for instance.
Wedge bounce chart
The following chart from Titleist’s Vokey website showcases what bounces to use depending on the firmness of the ground.
Credit vokey.com
A four-degree bounce is recommended for low-bounce firm turf.
A medium bounce from 8-10 degrees is ideal for standard-length turf.
A higher bounce ranging from 12-14 degrees is the way to go for softer and fluffier ground.
The first number is the degree of the wedge itself (60), the second number is the degree of bounce (04) and the letter is the grind of the clubhead (L).
Wedge grind is defined by Vokey as: “The manipulation or removal of material from the sole of the club, helping to improve contact with the turf.”
Best 50-Degree Wedge Bounce (Gap Wedge)
The best bounce for a gap wedge is going to be eight degrees. This medium bounce will be versatile in various turf conditions.
You’ll feel comfortable putting it in play whether it’s raining and soft or if it’s dry and firm.
Best 54-Degree Wedge Bounce (Sand Wedge 1)
For a 54-degree sand wedge, the bounce we recommend at Golfible is 10 degrees.
The medium bounce is close to eight degrees on a standard gap wedge.
10 degrees gives a golfer enough leeway to open up the face and splash it out of the bunker similar to a high bounce as well as be creative around the green and generate spin.
Best 56-Degree Wedge Bounce (Sand Wedge 2)
A 12-degree bounce is an excellent choice for a 56-degree sand wedge. It is considered the standard and most popular bounce for a 56.
This number makes it very easy to hit out of soft-sanded bunkers as well as dig through deep greenside rough.
Best 60-Degree wedge bounce (Lob Wedge)
The 60-degree wedge can be a difficult wedge to hit for many amateurs. It’s easy to hit too far underneath the ball and land it extremely short of the target.
A 4-8 degree of bounce is a good option because it’s unlikely mid-high handicappers (most golfers) will be trying to hit the ball out of thick rough with a 60.
If there is too much bounce on a wedge for an amateur it can lead to disaster.
For example, if a player opens up the face and the leading edge is raised too much off of the ground it becomes a lot easier to thin it or try and drastically hit down on the ball which both lead to grave errors and blowup holes.
FAQ
What Is Standard Wedge Bounce?
There isn’t a standard wedge bounce that suits all players. It depends on the kind of turf someone usually plays on, the skill level of the golfer, and what type of attack angle they have during their swing.
What wedge bounce is best for chipping?
The best wedge bounce for chipping depends on the player’s swing and the course conditions. Generally, a wedge with a low bounce angle of 4-8 degrees is best for tight lies and firm conditions, while a higher bounce angle of 10-14 degrees is better for soft lies and fluffy conditions.
