The Best Wedges for Beginners in 2021? 5 Easy to Hit Wedges for High Handicappers

This article reviews common wedges on the market to find the best wedges for beginners in 2021.

I get it.

Early on, when you are still grappling with the basics of proper swing and stance, wedges are not a priority.

But these are the clubs you turn to when your relative lack of accuracy as a beginner gets you into sand bunkers and all sorts of nasty lies.

So instead of finding the best wedges overall, we’ll have a look at what type of wedge is perfect for you as a beginner.

Let’s dive right in.

The Best Wedge Options for Beginners are:

At a glance: Out top picks of best wedges for high handicappers

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Wedges Buying Guide

What Are Wedges and which wedges exist?

Just as a driver is a type of fairway wood, wedges are a sort of specialized irons. This is why most standard iron sets offer at least a pitching wedge (PW) as part of the package.

Some manufacturers offer an option to include multiple wedges along with their irons. So you can either buy wedges individually or have some as part of an iron set. Wedges are the highest lofted irons, with loft angles above and beyond the short irons. There are four main types of wedges:

Pitching Wedge (PW)

The lowest lofted wedge is considered a scoring club since it is used most often to land the golf ball onto the green with the minimal forward roll. This is the first wedge you must master as a beginner. You  can use these for full shots and some of the longer chips towards the hole.

Loft angles: 44-48

Gap Wedge (GW)

The need for these newer wedges arose in the 1990s. At the time the decreasing lofts on iron sets and their Pitching Wedges created a gap between that club and the Sand Wedge (SW). Gap wedges are also called utility wedges or attack wedges. When you are in a lie that doesn’t need the distance of the PW or the loft of the SW, you can use a GW with your natural swing. Before, you had to use either of those other wedges with a light or heavy swing.

Typical Loft angles: 50-54

Sand Wedge (SW)

The oldest among wedges along with the PW, the sand wedge is used for hitting the ball high into the air from a sand bunker/tall grass. They are designed with a thick head and minimal spin. Low spin is essential if you want to prevent the ball from bouncing too much and rolling away from the cup.

Typical Loft angles: 54-58

Lob Wedges (LW)

These highest lofted wedges are also the newest kids on the block. As their name suggests, they are used to lob the ball high into the air, over and above tall obstacles. You can also use these wedges from a bunker near the green to land the ball softly on the green with minimal roll or bounce, much like a sand wedge.

Typical Loft angles: 59-65

YouTube is a great place to learn about the different wedge types and how to hit each. Here is an informative video about the best ways to hit wedges:

The Importance of Proper Gapping

The maximum range/yardage of a golf club is related to the loft angle. When designing an iron set, manufacturers ensure there is an even spacing between the loft angles of each club in the set. This way there no distance range uncovered.

The optimum gap between irons is considered to be around 4 degrees. To identify the ideal loft angle when shopping for your wedges, start with PW you get with your iron set. If it has a loft angle of 48 degrees, get a GW with 52 degrees, and an SW with 56 degrees, and LW of 60 degrees of loft for optimal spacing.

How Many Wedges To Carry?

If you are focusing a lot on the shorter game closer to the green, it might make sense to get all four wedges into your 14 club set.

For example, a set including a driver, 3-5 wood, 4-5hybrid, 6-9 irons, and a putter, will leave you with the slots to include all four wedges. But if you want to bring along extra long clubs, you can switch to a three wedge combination and leave out the LW. For instance, there are some who believe that the best lob wedge for high handicappers doesn’t exist.

They argue that it is important for beginners to learn the lower lofted wedges first.

Most Tour Pros focus a lot on their short game and bring at least the regulation three, if not the full complement of all four wedges.

Suitability and Handicap?

Wedges have no very clear indicators about player handicaps when compared to other clubs like drivers, woods or irons.

Unlike game improvement irons or max game improvement drivers, you will not usually find a list of the best wedges for high handicappers.

The reason is that wedges are the shortest clubs and pose fewer challenges for beginners when compared to longer clubs.

But, you will still find particular wedges with added forgiveness. These wedges belong are often some of the best wedges for high handicappers.

Other Features To Look Out For

Bounce

The Bounce is the angle at which the leading edge of a wedge sits when the club is held perpendicular to the ground with its sole touching surface. The bounce of a wedge is usually within the 0-14 degree range. Bounce prevents the wedge from digging into the turf. The best wedges on the market will have a multitude of bounce options to choose from. Lower bounce (4-6) is ideal for firmer turfs and coarser sand, while high bounce (above 10) is for softer turf and finer sand.

Sole Grinds

These days, wedges are available with additional shaping on their soles, either at the heel or toe. This can improve the way you shape shots with a wedge. To learn this , you should ask a professional trainer/club fitter to choose the ideal sole grind to suit your individual play style.

Finish

This is almost entirely a subjective issue since it affects the looks of the club more than the performance.

Raw finishes are an exception since they can rust over time, increasing friction and improving the chances of adding extra spin. Other than that, painted finishes might wear down faster while chrome and nickel finishes tend to last longer.

The best wedges golf clubmakers produce in the higher price ranges will have more durable finishes.

Our Top Picks for the Best Wedges for High Handicappers

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DETAILS

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  • Strong value for money
  • Decent finish in both black and chrome
  • Contains additional grooves for that extra spin
  • Simple design and playability
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  • Improved COG
  • Adoption of feel balance technology has improved club performance
  • Rotex grooves give it that extra spin
  • Cavity back design allows for improved forgiveness
  • Three options to choose from high, low, medium bounce
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  • Improved forgiveness as a result of increased sole width
  • Very good-looking design
  • Offers good control
  • Improved performance with varying spin in each wedge
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  • Offer solid performance for the price
  • Available in right- and left-hand orientation
  • Relatively affordable as compared to other brands
  • Simplistic design that improves forgiveness for learners
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  • Very affordable making them ideal for beginners
  • Dark finish that is very eye catching
  • Offer a decent amount of spin while working on your short game
  • Consistent with good feedback
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5 Best Wedges for Beginners in 2021

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Pros

  • Outstanding value for money at a low price point
  • Available in durable chrome finish or a less durable black finish
  • Tour grinds help with various lies
  • The grooves on the head provide decent amounts of spin

Cons

  • Some players found the wedges to be too heavy
  • Doesn’t have the performance comparable to the (more expensive) big brands

Description

As a beginner, you don’t have pay top dollar to get a competent set of wedges that suit your handicap level.

Wilson has built their reputation around providing quality clubs at very affordable prices.

The Harmonized Wedge series has earned a devoted following for their classic chrome design and easy playability.

These are very reliable clubs that will stand you in good stead as you learn the intricacies of the short game.

Verdict

The Wilson Harmonized Golf Sand Wedge offers all the essential features of a wedge built for beginners.

The most notable ones include quality construction with beautiful chrome finish, large sweet spot for ample forgiveness, balanced weight for practicability, well-grooved to offers ball spin and tour grinds for different lies on your shots-all at an affordable price.

It is easy to use and offers you outstanding amounts of accuracy to boost your performance. If you are in search of an all-rounded golf sand wedge to help you get out of sand bunkers easily, this is the product for you.

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Pros

  • The black satin finish looks great and is more durable than similar finishes from other manufacturers.
  • The Feel Balancing Technology has improved the Center of Gravity and the overall feel and feedback from the clubs.
  • Laser milled Rotex grooves add additional spin.
  • Comes in three sole options, with low, medium and high bounce.
  • Their 60-degree wedge is probably the best lob wedge for any high handicapper, due to added forgiveness from the cavity back design.

Cons

  • Expensive when compared to other options.
  • Finding the right grind will require expert assistance.

Description

Cleveland is the acknowledged leader in the short game.

Many avid golfers consider their popular 588 series some of the best golf wedges ever. But they have ditched the famous 588 monikers for the more modern Rotex Face brand, or RTX.

These wedges incorporate a lot of cutting edge technology, and it makes a difference. Beginners can look at the bigger cavity back (CB) model offering:

  • improved CoG,
  • V sole grinds
  • better spin

from the Rotex face.

The wedges are available in both steel and graphite shafts, and in three finish options.

Verdict

The Cleveland RTX-3 VMG Golf Wedge has a lot to offer including a very reasonable price tag. You get a high-quality golf wedge that is extremely easy to use, offers optimal forgiveness, accuracy, feel, and feedback on your shots.

The Feel Balance Technology improves the CoG and overall feel and feedback when taking shots. It is available in three bounce options (low, standard and high) and both graphite or steel shafts. If you are looking for a lob wedge that helps you perform better and guaranteed value for money, you might want to consider this product.

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Pros

  • Increased width on the soles improves forgiveness
  • Looks classy in chrome
  • The groove optimization improves the performance of the specialized wedges
  • Three sole grinds and many loft angles offer an array of choices

Cons

  • The price is on the higher side
  • Though a very solid club, the performance is not game changing

Description

Featuring different versions of the high spin grooves that prompted the legendary Phil Mickelson to call them “Mack Daddy”.

These wedges from Callaway offer a different rate of spin with each wedge.

Other than the variable spin levels, Callaway has also improved the balance. By shaving off excess weight from the back of the clubhead they offer great control.

The four holes created as a result add to the good looks of this series.

Verdict

The Mack Daddy 3 Milled Golf Wedges are the most ideal for beginners looking for maximum balance and increased ball spin. They come with quality construction, eye-catching design and attractive chrome finish.

With decreased overall weight, groove optimization and increased soles for forgiveness, you benefit from good balance, control and improved accuracy on your shots. If balance, forgiveness, control and accuracy are major considerations, this is the right golf wedge.

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Pros

  • Very affordable club, great for beginners and casual golfers
  • Offers good performance for the price
  • Available in both left and right-hand specifications
  • Classic design with large clubface gives added forgiveness for beginners

Cons

  • Not the best in class with looks or build-quality
  • Fewer loft angle choices when compared to other brands

Description

They are not the best wedges for mid handicappers, but Pinemeadow is a decent option if you want dirt cheap wedges to practice as a beginner.

Available in both left and right-hand orientations, these wedges as available in the GW, SW and LW loft angle. They are ideal if you already have a 48 degree PW along with your iron set.

Though they don’t offer any fancy technological innovations, they are cheap and solid performers.

Verdict

The Pinemeadow PGX Golf Wedge comes with an affordable price tag without compromising on quality. You get a wedge with both left and right-hand orientation, quality build, large sweet spot and a classic design. If you are on a tight budget and want to make the most out of your money, the PGX Golf Wedge is a worthy option.

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Pros

  • The dark paint finish looks good while it lasts
  • Affordable set of wedges, ideal for beginners and high handicap casual golfers
  • Sharp grooves bring a lot of spin to your short game
  • Decent feel and feedback, with good consistency despite the extra spin

Cons

  • Not available in many loft angles
  • The spin can be an extreme
  • The finish is not durable, and the clubs are on the heavier side

Description

If you are not worried about looks or brands, and want a set of wedges to have casual fun on the course, this set of three from Texan Classics should suit you well.

Though they don’t look half bad with the dark paint coating, don’t expect it to last for a long time.

You will get high amounts of spin thanks to the sharp grooves, which can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on your situation and lie.

The price is what these wedges have going for them, and when getting a full set at under $20 per wedge, that is a great deal any day for a beginner golfer.

Verdict

The Texan Classics Gun Metal Wedges are ideal options for beginners who dont intend to hit professional levels in the game. They come with all features of an ideal wedge and offers decent amounts of accuracy, balance and forgiveness. These are the right options for golf newbies and beginners who play the game for fun or leisure only.

Conclusion and Editors Choice

Recommending the best golf wedges for mid-handicappers and beginners is not a difficult task.

Particularly for beginners, the best golf wedges on the market need not be the best-performing ones.

If you buy the latest wedges from golf manufacturers with all the bells and whistles, you get great looks and technology.

But a lot of that doesn’t matter for beginners.

For a fraction of their price, beginners can get cheap wedges that give more value for money and get you started.

But if you want still want to spend top dollar, the Cleveland RTX 3 comes from a series famous for some of the best golf wedges ever and is highly recommended.

Meanwhile, the Callaway Mack Daddy 3 is one of the best golf wedges for mid-handicappers.

But if you want the best beginner wedge, our vote would go for the Wilson Harmonized series. They provide a solid build quality, excellent performance and good choice of loft angles all at an unbeatable price.

Before we go though, it would be incomplete if we failed to mention the Power Play Friction Face Wedge by Hireko Golf. They offer great custom fit wedges at a very appealing price point.

If you want even more affordable beginner wedges, go for the Power Play Friction Face Wedge. They are available in a wide variety of club lengths, shafts, and grips.