Why this small addition to Vokey’s latest wedge is significant

The latest wedge offering from legendary wedge designer Bob Vokey expands upon one of his more popular grinds.

The post Why this small addition to Vokey’s latest wedge is significant appeared first on Golf.

The latest wedge offering from legendary wedge designer Bob Vokey expands upon one of his more popular grinds.

The post Why this small addition to Vokey’s latest wedge is significant appeared first on Golf.

Sift through the bags of the tour’s elite and you’re bound to come across an “A+” stamp that only recently started appearing on Vokey scoring tools. To be clear, you didn’t miss the memo regarding a new grading scale for grinds. The A+ has nothing to do with mastering the perfect grind — although some pros might disagree.

Peruse Vokey’s extensive grind lineup and you’ll find the A-Grind was released as a WedgeWorks limited option with SM8. The grind came about through conversations between Vokey Tour rep Aaron Dill and former U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy, who wanted a specific option for “firm links-style” conditions.

“I spoke with Geoff, and we got on the topic of Australian golf courses and how they compared to courses in America and around the world,” recalled Dill. “I asked him some specific questions which resulted in an idea to design another lob wedge grind option that complemented the firm links-style conditions that players face — not just in Australia and Europe — but globally. Geoff has always been a low-bounce player in his 60 degree, so I took his 60-04L wedge and removed the ribbon, resulting in a grind that moves through the turf quickly with very little resistance.”

vokey wedgeworks a+ grind wedge
The A+ remains a great option for golfers who “favor a smooth, fast-feeling wedge” but prefer to play it with a neutral angle of attack in a variety of conditions.  Jonathan Wall/GOLF

The current A-Grind in Vokey’s SM10 lineup is a WedgeWorks-only offering featuring 4 degrees of bounce with a smoothed-out sole that allows the leading edge to slide under the ball with little effort. It’s the kind of sole geometry designed for elite hands. Even legendary wedge designer Bob Vokey noted “the wedge requires precise delivery at impact, especially in soft conditions.”

In other words: Bring your “A” game.

The beauty of working with the best players in the world is the quality feedback that emanates from Tour once a grind is introduced. In some cases, the feedback turns into a new grind — like the A+. The “plus” designation at the end of the letter denotes a few key changes to the popular A-Grind, most notably more sole width and bounce.

Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks SM10 Low Bounce K Custom Wedge

$225
Inspired by Voke’s original K Grind, the Low Bounce SM10 K grind is among the most popular of all the available Vokey options, especially with amateur golfers who favor its wide, cambered sole, providing maximum forgiveness on greenside shots and out of the bunker.
Adding Vokey Design® SM10 Wedges to your bag opens a world of scoring opportunities. Between the crisp contact, optimal flighting, incredible spin – and those magical Bob Vokey grinds – they give you everything you need to grow your short game skill. From the simple to the sensational, SM10 are made to make great shots happen.
Improved Flighting & Feel
Get lower, more attacking flight in a wedge that feels amazingly solid at impact with SM10. A precise shift in the center of gravity gives you even more control and stability for greater confidence over every shot.
Ultimate Shot Versatility
Your swing is unique and requires the right tools. Finding your ideal mix of grinds will provide you with flawless contact and maximum versatility so you can be prepared for everything the course demands.

View Product

In the past, Dill smoothed out the grind lines of an M-Grind, rather than the L-Grind that Ogilvy gamed, to create the A+ look and feel. But not anymore.

“On Tour over the years, we started seeing some loyal M Grind players who were finding that sole to be a little too bouncy for their liking,” said Dill. “A+ comes from taking their gamer M Grind and removing the ribbon from the center of the sole. Those players found the leading edge of the A+ sat a bit lower, and the wedge moved faster through the ground. That helped to unlock a bit more versatility for some based on how they deliver the club to the ball.” 

The A+ remains a great option for those who “favor a smooth, fast-feeling wedge” but prefer to play it with a neutral angle of attack in a variety of conditions

For golfers who’ve often wondered what it would be like to play the A but didn’t have the hands to execute the deft softs, the A+ is a viable option worth pursuing.

The WedgeWorks A+ Grind ($225) is available in 58-degree and 60-degree lofts (right-handed only) and a raw finish.  

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why this small addition to Vokey’s latest wedge is significant appeared first on Golf.