Best Golf Wedge For Mid Handicapper: Quick Menu
1. The Quick List
2. How We Test
3. What You Need To Consider
4. FAQs
Getting the best golf wedges for your game could see your handicap improve drastically. While many consider the putter to be the most important club in their bag, your wedges are your scoring clubs. They put you in the position to putt and when fully dialled in, they can be a critical weapon that can save countless shots off your score card. If you're a mid-range handicapper looking to get down to single figures, getting the correct wedges for your swing-style can go a long way in helping you do that.
For that reason, we've listed below some of the best wedges for mid-range handicappers that can help with game improvement. These wedges generally boast a variety of features but are all forgiving, provide excellent spin and help golfers get out of tricky situations around the course. This guide will also walk you through what you should look out for when purchasing a new wedge, but we also recommend you read our post on what to consider when buying a wedge, where we go into more detail on bounce, grind and loft.
There is plenty of choice for mid-range handicappers when it comes to picking the best golf wedges for you. But why not also use our guides on the best wedges for forgiveness and the best wedges for chipping to help you make your decision more informed.
Quick List
Subtle yet effective changes have been made to the Vokey SM10 wedge over the previous model, such as higher spin and lower launch plus longer groove life and improved feel. Multiple grind options are available in the range.
A brilliantly balanced wedge that has a high centre of gravity for easy trajectory and distance control. The raised micro-ribs positioned between the grooves produce brilliant levels of spin, while the hi-toe shape delivers forgiveness.
These sleek wedges are packed with technology to increase spin in wet conditions and offer incredible versatility for a wide range of shots. The wedges are refined, simplistic and easy on the eye.
The Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore wedges are a really solid blend of performance and forgiveness. Predominantly at the mid-to-high handicap golfer, but better players looking for help in their short game should also consider them.
The Ping S159 wedges look as good as any other on the market and have the performance to match. The spin produced when chipping and pitching was exceptional and they also produced a strong consistent ball flight when firing from a little further out.
The MacGregor V Foil Wide Sole Sand Wedge is not for everyone. It is designed for those who struggle to chip well, or who lack confidence doing it. For these golfers, it offers clear benefits.
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With such a wide variety of lofts (they go all the way up to 64°) and five grind options to choose from, a fitting is a must. Go through that process and you’ll leave happy in the knowledge you are equipped with the best possible tools to hit those scoring shots into and around the greens.
There’s no doubt the Sugar Daddy II is an improvement on its predecessor. The extra grind option as well as the unique levels of adjustability make it a highly versatile wedge and one that would stack up against any on the market.
A classic looking wedge that is designed to be extremely versatile and please golfers of all abilities. The compact head will certainly suit the eye of the better player.
A great looking wedge that spins at a consistently high level regardless of conditions. A raw face is contrasted nicely by the outer body of the wedge to boost confidence behind the ball.
The Wilson Staff Model wedge looks very classic behind the ball and delivers a lovely soft feel at impact. It was stable and went through the turf nicely on full shots and offered a good amount of versatility and finesse around the greens.
Best Golf Wedge For Mid Handicapper
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Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge
Titleist has designed the new SM10 wedge to build on the well-earned reputation of being considered the best wedge and continue to be the most used wedges in professional golf. The previous SM9 definitely fit into that category as well so how have they improved it?
Well the aesthetics of the SM10s have changed very little at first glance, but there are a few subtle differences. For example it features progressive shaping which means the stronger lofted wedges are a little smaller and feature a straighter leading edge, whereas the higher lofted wedges are larger and slightly more curved.
While the Vokey SM10 wedges offer only minor changes cosmetically, under the hood Bob Vokey and the engineers at Titleist have been hard at work to make these the best performing wedges they have ever created. They have been designed to fly slightly lower, spin more and have improved feel over SM9. In our testing this was confirmed as the SM10 did indeed fly lower and spin more than its predecessor.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge
Perhaps one of the best wedges on the market right now, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge is the third generation Hi-Toe club and expands on the consistency and spin on offer in this excellent range. Its design follows on from the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Big Foot and the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw and it really moves the user experience to another level.
On first impressions, this wedge really does look stunning. We love the rusted copper look that will blend in with the Raw face as it rusts over time and you'll notice the face that comes with raised micro-ribs that adds to the spin traction you can put on the ball. These are some of the best lob wedges we've played with, and thanks to their higher full-faced grooves, you'll be able to take advantage of the extra forgiveness and spin on off-center strikes.
On shorter shots, you can feel the four-way cambered sole interact with the ground and that delivers a lot of bounce and forgiveness, without the leading edge sitting too high off the ground on square-faced shots. That makes it one of the most versatile wedges out there and is an excellent option if you're looking to play a variety of shots.
- Read our full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Review
Cobra Snakebite 2023 Wedge
One exciting club to drop in 2023 was the Cobra Snakebite 2023 Wedge a stunning option that boasts a cool satin chrome finish that will suit the eye of many players. While Cobra may not necessarily be the first brand you think of when looking to buy one of the best golf wedges, we really loved playing with this golf club that offers tons of performance in wet and dry conditions. That made this a real winner when we took it out on the course for a couple of testing sessions.
It offered us a lot of spin. That is down to the CNC-milled grooves which are both sharp and have great volume. Mid handicap golfers will benefit from having a lot of traction on their wedges and in this model, you'll really enjoy the high lofts and ball flights you can generate with this club's forgiving face. While some may not be big fans of the full-face grooves on the Snakebite, we found them to be really useful when playing shots from the sand and from thicker lies. Distance control here was impressive too and we think these clubs would also match up to the performance on offer in some of the best gap wedges on the market.
- Read our full Cobra Snakebite 2023 Wedge Review
Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge
Next up we have the CBX 4 Zipcore from Cleveland. These wedges are definitely suited to mid handicappers and in fact a wide range of abilities too. Due to the size and feel of the head we think higher handicappers will reap rewards in their short games, whilst lower handicap players looking for more assistance around the greens could benefit from the spin performance on offer.
The CBX 4 Zipcore wedges feature the same technology found in some of the best Cleveland wedges. Chief among which is the Zipcore technology which allows for a heavier steel in the hosel to be replaced with a lightweight but strong vibration dampening material. The weight saved from the heel is then redistributed across the toe and higher on the face which improves MOI and gives optimum CG placement. As a result they are very forgiving with mishits barely punished during our testing, and yet the cavity back design also felt great off the face.
We think this is due to a vibration dampening insert on the back of the head which we thought still offered enough feel and feedback for better players around the greens.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore Wedge Review
Ping S159 Wedge
Following on from the Glide 4.0 and Glide Forged models, Ping has now released the S159 wedges, which are targeted at mid-low handicap players, as well as good ball-strikers who want a classic looking wedge, with some technology thrown in.
It is no exaggeration that these wedges blew our socks off in testing. Shots had a really consistent, mid-high trajectory, which allowed us to attack pins and be really aggressive on full shots. Spin around the greens, especially on pitch and chip shots, was excellent, and the feel from the face, particularly with fuller shots, was soft. Additionally, despite a vibration dampening slot placed on the back of the head, these wedges offered plenty of feedback.
Ping have created the WebFit Wedge App which allows golfers to complete a questionnaire online (it takes less than two minutes) about their wedge game. Based on the answers the app will provide one or two grind options that will suit your game best so you know that you are playing the right grind and bounce options for your game, while avoiding the need to pay for a custom fitting!
- Read our full Ping S159 Wedge Review
MacGregor V Foil Wide Sole Sand Wedge
Marketed towards players who see chipping as a weakness in their game, this club is a great way to help improve consistency and eradicate both thin and fat shots. It features a wide sole that is designed to reduce the amount of dig into the turf. That helps the clubs instead glide over the grass and strike fluidly, with loft, through the golf ball. The club also only comes in a 66º loft, which helps to get the ball into the air and clear the lips of bunkers.
Another advantage of the club's wide sole is that it prevents turning the club over, which keeps the face open and allows players to hit straighter, more accurate shots while adding more spin onto the ball. It also features grooves across its full face and that helps to keep miss-hit shots on line. While it is not designed for every golfer, it is an excellent piece of equipment for players who struggle with chipping or lack confidence when doing so. If you're a mid-handicapper in the market for one of the best lob wedges and are looking for a club that can give you a little more confidence from less than 100 yards out, then the MacGregor might be the right club for you.
- Read our full MacGregor V Foil Wide Sole Sand Wedge Review
Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
Not only is the Jaws MD5 one of the best gap wedges out there, but we believe that you’ll struggle to find a better all-around wedge offering because it has no obvious weakness. The MD5's really excel at creating spin on longer pitch shots and full shots where the extra speed can generate backspin in excess of 11,000rpm in some cases. That makes it one of the best gap wedges to use from over 100 yards out giving you more precision and control over the shots you're hitting.
Everyone will enjoy that buttery soft feel on all lengths of shot, which is down to the mild carbon steel used to create the club heads on these wedges. The muscleback design and the soft and tacky Lamkin UTX grip also add to the quality on offer here, with this club coming with a premium finish. It also features the classic circular weights on its back that Callaway Jaws wedges have boasted for some time.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge Review
PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge
The visuals of this wedge are striking thanks to a weight that's been added at the back of the head as well as the introduction of full-face grooves and a high-toe design. Believe it or not, all that was done after PXG received feedback from its tour staff. One of the first things we noticed was the balance on offer. It is one of the best PXG clubs on the market and makes playing all lengths of shot very easy.
In addition, there is a new bounce and grind option for 2022, meaning golfers have more options to tailor the set-up to their unique delivery and turf conditions. For us, that meant switching into the higher 13-degree bounce model. Although the high-toe design wasn't to our liking aesthetically, it worked to make this one of the most forgiving wedges we've ever tested. When pitching and hitting full shots, controlling the flight was more simple than usual, while the spin was comparable to anything on the market. It also comes in two finishes: Chrome and Xtreme Dark, which is a really nice addition.
- Read our full PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge Review
Mizuno T24 Wedge
If you are a competent ball striker who likes the look and feel of the best golf blades or Mizuno irons and are looking to upgrade your wedges, then the Mizuno T24 may just be what you have been looking for. Featuring a classic looking head, that is reasonably compact, the T24 is one of the best looking wedges on the market, especially in the variety of finishes you can get them in. Of course the compact head may suit the better player, but there are several high bounce options so that a wide variety of golfers are catered for.
Moving on to performance, we tested this wedge extensively around the greens, in tricky lies and with more full shots and we were extremely impressed with the performance on offer. The T24 features new Quadcut+ grooves that sit slightly closer together on the face than on previous designs which ultimately helped us produce plenty of spin. Additionally it has a spin-weighted blade design which means the upper portion of the head is flared, which then produces a lower, more penetrative flight, one we really enjoyed when trying to control distances.
- Read our full Mizuno T24 Wedge Review
TaylorMade MG4 Wedge
The MG4 is a great looking wedge that spins at a consistently high level regardless of conditions. A raw face is contrasted nicely by the outer body of the wedge to boost confidence behind the ball, while multiple bounce and loft options mean that golfers can get fully dialed in.
Raw face technology remains with the MG4 featuring an un-plated surface material that rusts over time to maintain consistently high spin generation in wet conditions. TaylorMade has also added Raised Micro-Ribs between the grooves to aid spin and precision around the greens. As a result the spin on offer in testing was excellent and we liked the Spin tread technology as well which pushes moisture away from impact to ensure optimization of spin.
There are now seven bounce options - low standard and high, LBV, SBC and HBW along with the TW grind. From a looks perspective, we really liked these wedges in both the chrome and the black finishes. The profile is very traditional and the wedges are progressive through the lofts in lots of ways - hosel length, toe height, blade length, and offset.
- Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedge Review
Wilson Staff Model Wedge
Wilson has revamped its short-game offerings with the introduction of the Staff Model and the Staff Model Hi Toe wedges. One of the best Wilson golf clubs on the market, the Wilson Staff Model wedges have been constructed with soft-forged 8620 steel and machine-engraved scorelines to create Tour-calibre spin and control.
Meanwhile, the Hi Toe model combines a high toe and wide sole with a 431 stainless steel head and a precision-milled face for ultimate creativity around the green. The scorelines also stretch right across the face to ensure consistent contact at impact, too, making this a great wedge for chipping.
- Read our full Wilson Staff Model Wedge Review
How we test wedges
When it comes to wedges, we take the testing process very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put everything through its paces to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good wedge.
As far as our methodology goes, we review all wedges properly, which means we have used each one across multiple rounds and in practice to assess every aspect of performance in all conditions. For example, if a wedge claims to be the ultimate chipping club, we will test that theory from any and all lies possible. Specific to this guide, we tested every club thoroughly to assess the level of spin, feel, turf interaction and how suitable they would be to a mid-handicap golfer. We were also keen to find out how forgiving each model was and if there were any differences in flight. Our comprehensive testing methodology is not just exclusive to wedges as we test with the same level of thoroughness across all categories of golf gear and equipment.
What you need to consider when buying wedges
Your wedges are your scoring clubs and any mid-range handicapper looking to reduce their scores should really consider buying a set of wedges that are tailored to their swing. Its worth noting that there are a lot of different styles of wedges available on the market, many of which have different features and attributes and that can sometimes be overwhelming if you're not the most knowledgable when it comes to club technology. It is important to get the club that suits your abilities and swing style, and for that reason, we've put together the below list of considerations that will help you find the right gap wedge for your swing.
1. Gapping
Measure your current wedge yardages and how often you are in between clubs to help decide if what clubs you want to carry. Golfers will typically have around three wedges in their bag which will include a lob wedge, sand wedge and a pitching wedge but many also like to carry a gap wedge too.
2. Bounce
Low bounce wedges are more suited to hard fairways and tight lies, while high bounce wedges are better for softer ground conditions and bunkers. The most bounce you will ever see on a wedge is about 18°, but it can be as low as 2°. The type of bounce you opt for should largely depend on things like your normal angle of attack, the firmness of your fairways and the type of shots you like to hit around the greens.
3. Forgiveness
Every golfer knows the pain of hitting an immaculate drive down the fairway, only to chunk your approach shot into the green. Wedges are perhaps one of the hardest clubs to use when it comes to consistently hitting sweet golf shots on different lies. But you can save yourself a lot of shots, by using a wedge that provides greater forgiveness.
Particularly if you are a beginner or a high-handicapper, a more forgiving sand wedge can help you become much more clinical around the greens. When looking for more forgiving wedges, look out for clubs that have cavity-backed heads, wedges that have a center of gravity closer to the sole and wedges that have a higher MOI to improve the quality and consistency of shots your hitting. For more information on wedges that can help you hit consistently sweeter golf shots.
4. Grooves
While grooves are now tightly regulated, it is still well worth keeping up to date with the latest designs, which use new milling processes and groove shapes to help move water and dirt away from the ball at impact to create extra spin and improve control.
5. Testing
At Golf Monthly, we recommend players take the time to test a variety of different wedges at a club fitting. As they can come in a variety of lofts, grinds and bounce degrees, it is important to ascertain which type of wedges can help you perform the best depending on your swing and the type of terrain you're playing on.
For more advice on the types of wedges you may also want to add to your bag, take a look at our guides on the best lob wedges, best sand wedges and best pitching wedges.
FAQs
What degree wedges should a mid-handicapper carry?
While this is subjective to your playing style, mid-range handicappers should generally carry three wedges. Those include a pitching wedge of around 46º in loft, a gap wedge set at 50º in loft and finally a sand wedge at 54º in loft. You can also carry a lob wedge at 60º in loft which can provide assistance from trickier lies on the course.
Who is a mid-handicapper in golf?
Mid-handicappers are usually players with a handicaps between 10 and 21. They are typically quite experienced golfers who play on a regular basis, looking to break into single figures.
Should mid-handicappers use a lob wedge?
Absolutely, if you feel it might improve your game. It's advisable to carry three wedges, with the classic three being a sand wedge, pitching wedge and a gap wedge. That combination covers a good range of yardages and allows you to hit shots from a variety of lies. The addition of a lob wedge does extend the range of yardages, but does allow you to hit higher lofted shots from different terrains.
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