Best Golf Wedges For Mid Handicapper 2024

Find a model that will suit your game and skill level with these wedges coming in at the mid handicapper level.

Best Golf Wedge For Mid Handicapper
(Image credit: Future)

The best wedges will help mid-range handicappers take their game to the next level and achieve single figures. Though many golfers consider putters to be the most important club in their golf bag. The reality is that your wedges are your scoring clubs—they get you in the position to putt and save you countless shots off your score card.

Of course, the best wedges are the ones that fit your swing-style, provide superb swing and get you out of tricky situations on the course. With this in mind, we've tried, tested and picked what we consider are the best wedges for mid-range handicappers that can aid game improvement.

As you'll see, there's an abundance of wedges for mid-range handicappers to choose from. To help you narrow it down even further we've also created guides on the best wedges for forgiveness, best wedges for chipping as well as a post on what to consider when buying a wedge, where we go into more detail on bounce, grind and loft. 

Quick List

Best Golf Wedge For Mid Handicapper

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Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge

Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
One of the best looking wedges on the market

Specifications

Lofts : 54°-60°
Grinds: 2 (Z & S Grind)
Finishes : 2 (Chrome, PVD Blue )

Reasons to buy

+
One of best looking wedges on the market
+
High levels of spin
+
Upgraded shaft and grip

Reasons to avoid

-
Players with a naturally low ball flight will need additional loft

There's plenty of things to consider when purchasing a new wedge, does it look good, does it perform well from different lies and how forgiving is it? Well the new Callaway Opus Platinum performs well in just about every way. 

Right out of the box, we noticed that the Opus Platinum wedges certainly feel a little more solid and crisp through impact compared to the standard Opus  model. This is thanks to the technology within, such as the bonded tungsten strip that sits high in the top line to create a higher CG, and therefore lower the ball flight for more distance control. This replaces the tungsten holes that were seen in the back of the Jaws Raw wedges, which admittedly we weren't huge fans of.

In testing, creating spin was no issue, thanks to the Spin Gen Face Technology. That said, if you  already hit the ball fairly low with your wedges, we'd suggest slightly higher lofts if you choose to purchase the Opus Platinum wedges. We did find the ball flight, particularly on three-quarter shots was a little too low for our liking but and our tester tends to hit the ball fairly high as standard.

Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge

Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
A market leader from generation to generation

Specifications

Lofts: 46°-62°
Grinds: 6 (F, S, M, K, L, D)
Finishes: 3 (Chrome, Matte Black, Nickel)

Reasons to buy

+
Improved spin performance
+
Lower launch for more control
+
25 lie, loft and bounce combinations

Reasons to avoid

-
Raw finish is no longer a standard offering

Titleist's new SM10 builds on its reputation of designing some of the best wedges available on the market today.

In terms of aesthetic, the SM10 is very similar to it's predecessor, the SM9. Though there are subtle differences, like the 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.  

But don't be put off by minor cosmetic changes. 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 testing, we found that the SM10 did indeed fly lower and spin more than its predecessor.

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
An impressively versatile and forgiving wedge

Specifications

Lofts : 50º-60º
Grinds: 5
Finishes: 1 (Copper)

Reasons to buy

+
Great spin control from the rough
+
Different grind and bounce options
+
Refined looks make for an outstanding looking wedge

Reasons to avoid

-
Some golfers may prefer a straighter leading edge 

The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is the fourth iteration in the Hi-Toe club series. The design follows on from the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge, TaylorMade Hi-Toe Big Foot and the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw.

Starting with aesthetics, the copper finish stays consistent with all the TaylorMade Hi-Toe models. The finish combined with the raw face, helps reduce glare on sunny days and is popular amongst many tour players. We enjoyed the colored groove which helped us align the face to the target. Speaking of which, the face and groove pattern is the same as those found on the TaylorMade MG4 wedges—which we consider one of the best wedges for spin control. 

What really stood out to us was the performance and versatility of the Hi-Toe 4. The Spin Tread technology on the face delivered impressively high levels of spin and control from both the fairway and from the rough. We also noticed the laser etching on the clubface. This repels water from the clubface and creates more friction with the grooves and the ball—ultimately resulting in more spin.

Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge

Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
A superb performing wedge that offers plenty of forgiveness

Specifications

Lofts: 44°-60°
Grinds: 3 (V, S and C)
Finishes: 1 (Chrome)

Reasons to buy

+
Great feel on fuller shots
+
Generous amounts of spin
+
Wide sole helps with strike consistency

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger head size may put some better players off

The Cleveland CBX Zipcore wedges offer a fantastic blend of performance and forgiveness—a great choice for mid-to-high handicappers looking to improve their short game.

Featuring the same Zipcore technology found in some of the best Cleveland wedges, the CBX 4 uses a lightweight and robust vibration dampening material in the hosel. 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 mis hits 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.

Ping S159 Wedge

Ping S159 Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
A forgiving, versatile wedge that offers excellent spin control

Specifications

Lofts: 46°-60°
Grinds: 6 (SS, WS, TS, Eye2)
Finishes: 2 (Chrome, Black)

Reasons to buy

+
Premium looks
+
Produces extremely high levels of greenside spin
+
Mid-sized head will inspire confidence for those who need it

Reasons to avoid

-
Clean look could limit shelf appeal for some

Ping's S159 wedges are designed with mid-low handicap players and follow on from the Glide 4.0 and Glide Forged models. They look as good as any other wedges on the market and have the performance to match with some new technology thrown in...

In testing, we were blown away by the wedge's consistent shots giving a consistent, mid-high trajectory enabling us to attack pins and be aggressive on full shots. The spin created when chipping and pitching was exceptional and the faces gave a soft feel with fuller shots. Even though there was a vibration dampening slot placed on the back of the head, the wedges provided ample feedback.

There's also Ping's WebFit Wedge App, where golfers complete a short questionnaire  and the help provides you with two grind options to suit your game—so there's no no need to pay for a custom fitting.  

PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge

Two stunning PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedges resting on the fairway in two different finishes

(Image credit: Future)
A very forgiving club that comes in two very cool finishes

Specifications

Lofts: 50°-62°
Grinds: 2 (C, BP)
Finishes: 2 (Chrome, Xtreme Dark)

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely forgiving
+
Unique levels of adjustability 
+
Well balanced

Reasons to avoid

-
High-toe design won't suit some

The Sugar Daddy II builds on the successes of its predecessor with a new aesthetic, extra grind option and unique adjustability.

First things first: aesthetics. The visuals of this wedge are striking thanks to an eye-catching adjustable weight housed at the back as well as the introduction of full-face grooves and high-toe design. In fact, these changes were implemented after PXG received feedback from its tour staff.  We weren't fans of how the high-toe design looked but it definitely delivers performance advantages. It also comes in two finishes: Chrome and Xtreme Dark, which is a really nice addition.

Visuals aside, one of the first things we noticed was the balance on offer. It's one of the most forgiving wedges we've ever tested and we believe this is one of the best PXG clubs on the market. There's also 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. When pitching and hitting full shots, controlling the flight was more simple than usual, while the spin was comparable to anything on the market. 

Mizuno T24 Wedge

Mizuno T24 Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
Some stunning finishes match the exceptional performance and versatility

Specifications

Lofts: 46°-60°
Grinds: 5 (S, D, V, X, C)
Finishes: 3 (Chrome, Raw, Denim Copper)

Reasons to buy

+
Super spin control
+
Wide range of finishes available

Reasons to avoid

-
Raw finishes scuffs up quickly

If you enjoy the look and feel of the best golf blades or Mizuno irons, the T24 might be the choice for you. The compact, classic-looking head will naturally suit more competent players, but there's several high bounce options that will suit the needs of all different skill levels.

We tested the T24 around the greens, in tricky lie and with more full shots and were very impressed with the performance. We had no issues producing spin, thanks to the new Quadcut+ grooves that sit slightly closer together on the face than on previous designs. The spin-weighted blade design also 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.

TaylorMade MG4 Wedge

TaylorMade MG4 Wedge Review

(Image credit: Future)
Arguably one of the best looking wedges on the market

Specifications

Lofts: 46°-60°
Grinds: 7 (Low, Standard, High, LBV, SBC, HBW and TW)
Finishes: Two (Chrome and Black)

Reasons to buy

+
High levels of spin
+
Traditional shaping

Reasons to avoid

-
Arguably lacks versatility for the more creative golfers

In testing, we found the MG4 provided excellent control and spin in both wet and dry conditions. This is largely due to the un-plated surface material that rusts over time. The Spin tread technology also pushes moisture away from impact to ensure optimization of spin.

There are seven bounce options on offer—low standard and high, LBV, SBC and HBW along with the TW grind. Visually, 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 including hosel length, toe height, blade length, and offset.

We were big fans of the MG3 wedge's aesthetics, but with the MG4 there appears to be a focus on combining an inviting profile with a players' wedge shape. This is achieved via a rounded top line and a improved hosel blend, not to mention the MG4 has a larger footprint than it's predecessor. That said, the head isn't as large as some of the most forgiving wedges, like the Hi-Toe 3 wedge

Wilson Staff Model Wedge

Wilson Staff Model Wedge held aloft on the green showing its silver club head

(Image credit: Future)
Best wedge to control ball flight

Specifications

Lofts: 48-60
Grinds: 2 (Classic, Tour)
Finishes: 1 (Grey)

Reasons to buy

+
Consistent flight through the loft range
+
Super soft feel at impact

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t generate as much spin as others

Wilson is well-known for its irons, but its wedges often get overlooked. Well, 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.

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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Sam Tremlett
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Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.

This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

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Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 

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