One of the most difficult areas of your golf game to master is the short game. This is where easy shots can be picked up on the course and is often why your wedges are known as your scoring clubs. And we all know how hard it is to be consistent around the greens. Some of the best golf wedges are designed to be playable off all kinds of lies, but we all know that every now and then there is a chance that you might chunk a chip shot, hitting your club into the ground before bottoming out on the golf ball. If you're prone to doing that, that's where wedge bounce wedge can help you.
If you didn't already know, some of the most forgiving wedges in the game deliver a degree of bounce that will vary depending on what lie you want to use that club from. If we're talking technically, wedge bounce is the angle created between where the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole strikes the ground. The higher the degree of bounce, the higher the leading edge will be off the surface at address, meaning that there is less chance your clubface will drag in the ground when you bottom out.
The Quick List
With higher spin and lower launch, our top pick offers predictable performance and control. Longer groove life and improved feel are additional wins for golfers who will already be impressed with the look and multiple grind options available in the range.
The ultra-forgiving CBZ wedges from Cleveland are great for those who are seeking a high bounce wedge for play on softer golf courses, for those who have steep attack angles or both.
The Pro T-3 wedge provides a little more forgiveness than the Pro T-1 wedge whilst maintaining the high standard aesthetic that Mizuno are notorious for.
The 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.
A top quality wedge that combines pretty looks with effective performance. Six different grind options options allow for every player to find an option perfect for them, allowing for excellent spin control.
The CB 12 wedge is the perfect option for those wanting a forgiving wedge with a soft, responsive feel. The large head will inspire confidence while the new tri-sole design and Opus groove design offer versatility and control.
Best High Bounce Wedges
Top pick
Despite being released in 2024, the SM10 retains the title for our top pick in 2025. The stronger lofts in these wedges come with a smaller head shape compared to the more lofted ones, they also come with a straighter leading edge compared to the likes of the sand and lob wedge.
When you compare the SM10 to last year's model you can see the lofted clubs have a sharper look when behind the ball, even with the more rounded leading edge. The higher lofts come with a bigger footprint, which helps to give them a more confidence-inspiring look which is going to help when over those tricky chips on tight lies.
In testing we saw that the wedges were only slightly better on the spin from 50 yards out, it wasn't until we tested them from 75 yards that you saw the big difference to the SM9 with nearly 200rpm more. It should also be noted that Titleist sets the standard when it comes to wedge set-up options with 25 different combinations of loft, bounce and grind.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
Best for steep attack angles
The CBZ wedges are one of the most forgiving models in this guide, thanks in part to the larger, rounded profile of the head that will inspire confidence at address to those who need it.
Many players think that if you opt for a more forgiving wedge (or any other forgiving club, for that matter) then you are sacrificing performance, but the CBZ wedges prove that theory incorrect. Admittedly, the rounded head is a little trickier to slide under the ball from tight lies on firmer lies for both pitch and chip shots but still allowed for creative shots to be played during testing.
This wedge is a particularly good fit for players who tend to have steep attack angles into the ball thanks to that rounded leading edge I mentioned - if you tend to take hefty divots when chipping, pitching or hitting full shots, or tend to play a lot of golf on golf course where playing conditions are soft under foot, the CBZ could be a great weapon for you to have in the bag. Throughout my testing, the CBZ wedge proved to offer the exceptional feel you would expect from a premium bladed wedge, but with the ease and forgiveness of some of the best wedges for mid handicappers and we can safely conclude they're one of the best Cleveland wedges on the market.
- Read our full Cleveland CBZ Wedge Review
Best looking
If you enjoy the look of Mizuno irons, you'll almost certainly love the visual package on offer from the Pro T-3 wedge. The shallow cavity-back design allows for a little more forgiveness on full swings whilst the longer blade length is designed to help with turf interaction, helping players create better contact off those skinny greenside lies.
When we tested the Pro T-1 wedge, the further we got from the green the less forgiveness we seemed to have. We're happy to say the same issue does not appear with the T-3 in hand. It’s by no means intrusive or as large as some of the most forgiving wedges but more so offers greater leeway on strike that not all of the best wedges for low handicappers do.
Unsurprisingly, this is a fantastic looking golf club and looks identical to the beautiful Pro S3 irons released earlier this year. As far as wedges go, the Mizuno Pro T-3 is like a Swiss Army Knife. It was excellent out of the rough and uneven lies and is available in three different grinds o no matter what turf type you regularly play on, there will be a Pro T-3 wedge to accommodate it.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro T-3 Wedge Review
Best for high launch
If you are looking for a wedge that has a slightly larger footprint than something like the SM10 then the S159 wedges from Ping are perfect. They have a bladed look, so they look great and suit the eye of a better player but have a larger footprint to inspire more confidence at address.
When we tested these wedges we found them to be mightily impressive. The feel from the face was soft and despite a vibration dampening slot placed on the back of the head, these wedges offered plenty of feedback. You also get a nice consistent mid to high launch and the spin performance is absolutely outstanding, especially on chip and pitch shots.
While these wedges aren't some of the most forgiving wedges or best wedges for beginners, that isn’t what they were designed for. They are targeted towards the more confident ball striker who is looking for a classic looking wedge, but with a bit of technology to help performance.
- Read our full Ping S159 Wedge Review
Best in wet conditions
Golf is a game in which we have to battle a multitude of things - the golf course itself, our opponent(s), our own mental discipline and, of course, the weather. Some days you'll get a lovely sunny day with little wind, meaning perfect scoring conditions. However, most of the time you'll be battling some sort of weather of conditioning variable be that wind, rain or moisture on the ground. If you enjoy an early morning round in which the dew hasn't quite burned off yet or tend to play often in rainy conditions, you'll know it's harder to keep control of the ball with wedge in hand - the best wedge to cope with moisture is the MG5 wedges from TaylorMade.
While I loved the TaylorMade MG4 wedges, I was hoping the shape of the MG5 wedges would be different, specifically the leading edge being more rounded. I'm happy to report that this is indeed the case, with the leading edge now sitting beautifully on the ground behind the ball. It helps sell the look as though I can slide the club under the ball, whether I’m opening or closing the face. This curvature is also replicated on the top line, which now flows much better into the hosel.
The softened face on the MG5 allows the ball to remain on the face for longer, leading to more spin and as a result, more control - this is particularly important in wet conditions when the moisture strips us some spin. The new Saw-Milled grooves are as close as possible to the legal limit, boasting steeper walls and sharper radii to help grip the ball and produce plenty of spin. For the mid-to-high handicappers out there, I would note that there are more forgiving options on the market, especially in the lower lofts like 52° or 50° - check out our guide for the most forgiving wedges if you need a bit of help in this department.
- Read our full TaylorMade MG5 Wedge Review
Most confidence inspiring head
Callaway CB Wedge on a grassy background
Speaking of forgiving wedges, the CB 12 from Callaway take our top spot in our most forgiving wedges guide, so if you're in need of an injection of confidence into your wedge game then these are more than likely the best option for you.
The large footprint and thicker top-line will inspire confidence in any player, as will how square these wedges sit behind the ball at address. What's also pleasing is there isn't an insane amount of offset visible which can put many punters off. During testing the thing that stood out was the forgiveness, helped a lot by the stability of the head through impact. It didn't get caught in the turf on shots where I was a little too steep with my attack angle, instead giving me a pleasant feel and turf interaction.
The new wide tri-sole is to thank for this - it really does feel like a game changer in the wedge department suited to those seeking forgiveness. Finally, the Urethane Microspheres included behind the face work to provide exceptional acoustics and feel on this very consistent wedge.
- Read our full Callaway CB 12 Wedge Review
How we test
When testing wedges, we play with the clubs during multiple rounds and also use them in practice to assess how each club perform. If a wedge has a particular characteristic or if it claims to be the ultimate bunker club, we'll put that theory to the test and use that club across a variety of different lies.
Specifically, when reviewing sand wedges, we assess a number of different factors on the club. For example, we will look at how forgiving that wedge is, how easy it is to generate spin with that club, how the club feels, how much control the wedge provides and the overall aesthetics of the club. For more information on how Golf Monthly tests products, take a look at our methodology here. Wedge testing is headed up by Golf Monthly Staff Writer Sam De'Ath, a former competitor on the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tours.
As we do for all clubs, when testing the best golf wedges we try them both at the range or using an indoor simulator as well as out on the course. The former allows us to compile data using one of the best launch monitors, while the latter gives us that vital real world feedback. It’s here we can see how the numbers translate into on-course performance across a range of conditions.
We also want to reiterate our commitment to you, the reader. All of our reviews are centered around delivering sound, impartial and informative buying advice - it's what has helped us build a level of trust with our readership over 10+ years of reviewing the best (and sometimes the worst...) golf equipment on the market. No brand ever gets preferential treatment over another, nor can a manufacturer 'buy' a good review - we simply call it how we see based on our extensive knowledge of the game and its equipment, and that will never change.
How to choose wedges
1. Gapping
Measure your current wedge yardages and how often you are in between clubs to help decide if you need to carry extra options. This is an important part of your bag setup to get right across the entire bag too, because knowing your gaps can allow you to fill out your bag correctly whether that be carrying two, three, or four wedges, which can then impact how many clubs you can carry at the top of the bag. The opposite is true as well. We have also created a guide on the best gap wedges as well so check that out for more information.
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. Sometimes it may be best to have a range of wedges with different bounce degrees in your bag. For example, I'd go for a lob wedge with a lot of bounce to help me keep the clubface out of the ground and get the ball up in the air. You may then perhaps opt for a lower bounce pitching wedge to help dig the ball out of tougher lies!
3. Finish
Options like black PVD and copper are becoming increasingly common. The difference is mainly cosmetic, but dark finishes can help reduce glare. Alternatively there are classic chrome and silver designs as you can see above so it is a case of picking a design you like the look of not just at address, but in the bag as well.
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. Additionally there are several brands that have brought out wedges with grooves that stretch across the entire face. Admittedly this does take a little bit of time to get used to, but for those players who may struggle with strike, a full faced wedge might do you some favors when creating spin towards the toe.
5. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new set of wedges. Many golfers struggle with consistency around the greens and often find themselves chunking chip shots on a regular basis. That can often be eliminated by playing with a wedge that delivers a decent rate of forgiveness. That comes largely back to the weighting of the club and where the centre of gravity sits on the back of the club head. The lower and further back it is, the better chance you have of making a decent connection on the ball and lofting it up into the air - reducing the chance of hitting it fat. Check out our guide on some of the most forgiving wedges for more details!
For more advice on what wedges to buy, check out our guides on the best wedges for chipping, best sand wedges and best golf wedges for beginners.
FAQs
Who should use high bounce wedges?
High bounce wedges are better suited to players who take a lot of divots in their swing and have a steep angle of attack on the ball. A steep angle of attack can sometimes drive the club face down into the turf, meaning you're more likely to hit the ball fat - but a high bounce wedge combats this by preventing the club face from dragging in the ground.
Are high bounce wedges better?
That depends on your swing and the lie you're playing from. Yes, high bounce wedges tend to perform better on fluffier lies and can add more spin and height to your wedge game. But low bounce wedges can also be effective on tighter lies and in areas where you may need to dig the ball out of firmer ground.
Are high bounce wedges more forgiving?
Yes, high bounce wedges tend to be the most forgiving. That is because of the way the club head is designed to ensure the club face stays clear of the ground as much as possible. The loft angle on the club means that its toe will bounce clear of the turf and stay clear to strike the ball, allowing players to hit cleaner, fuller chips.
