Updated June 27, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
A new wedge can transform a golfer’s game around the greens, helping them reduce the distance of their par putts or increase the number of birdie chances per round.
The best wedges for mid handicappers offer premium features such as a milled grind, bounce options, and different grind options to produce the shot shape that you are after for your golf game.
These five wedges are sure to help you make the jump to becoming a low handicapper while creating the skills you need to tackle the toughest situations on the golf course.
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Last updated on 2023-11-21. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
What To Look For When Buying a Wedge
Loft
The loft in a wedge helps propel the golf ball higher off the face of the club. Located along the face of the club, the loft is important in determining how high the ball will travel after impact.
Finding a lofted club with a low center of gravity is important to generating high spin with yardage control. In lob and sand wedges, the loft will be higher when compared to pitching and gap wedges.
When trying to lift the ball from sand or while exiting the rough, high loft makes it far easier for the golfer to achieve a quality shot.
Grind
A wedge grind is determined by the amount of material on the bottom or sole of the club. Some golf wedges reduce the material to provide more forgiveness and shotmaking ability.
On wedges like the Titleist Vokey edition, the company offers several types of wedge grinds to help golfers craft the shots they want for their game.
Bounce
The bounce of a wedge is the angle created from the leading edge of the wedge to the back of wedge’s sole. The larger the degree of bounce a wedge has, the farther the leading edge is off the ground.
The more bounce a wedge has, the more forgiving it can be. For a mid-handicapper, a sole grind that accommodates your style of swing can be very beneficial to shortening the distance of your following shots.
Grind and bounce also work hand in hand to help improve turf interaction.
Low Bounce
Low bounce wedges provide roughly 4-6 degrees of bounce. Made for courses with firm turf, a low bounce wedge offers clean contact with high accuracy. For golfers using a sweep-style swing for their greenside game, a lower bounce wedge provides minimal divots with maximum contact.
Mid Bounce
Mid bounce wedges run from 7-10 degrees and can be played on normal turf courses. These clubs offer higher trajectory with premium versatility. Great for a mid handicapper, a mid bounce wedge prefers a neutral, straight forward attack angle.
High Bounce
A high bounce wedge is ideal for sand and deeper rough lies. With more than 10 degrees of bounce, these club need the leading edge to be higher to prevent digging and skidding into the turf. These wedges produce high levels of spin, great for high, soft shots that generate plenty of stopping power.
Grooves
Grooves on the face of a wedge generate back spin that determines distance, stopping power, and control of the shot. Professional golfers love sharp, fresh grooves because of the backspin they generate for their game.
In contrast, a mid handicapper needs a wedge where the grooves will wear down slowly over time so they do not have to replace the wedge often. Manufacturers create wedges with advanced groove systems to help amateurs hit the golf ball higher and with more spin off the club face.
Designed to provide total control, a well-made groove system will improve the short game of a mid handicapper.
Spin Milled
A spin milled wedge offers precision milling on the face of the wedge. Milling creates texture on the face that generates spin onto the golf ball. High quality wedges usually offer detailed milling on their clubs to increase spin rates, especially on higher lofted wedges like the lob and sand models.
The best wedges on the market typically offer spin milled faces for better control to go with the top spin rates. For a mid handicapper, a spin milled face keeps the ball under control and improves their spin over a lesser set of wedges.
Distance Control
The distance control in a wedge allows the golfer to dial in the perfect yardage for their shot. Since most wedge shots aim to reach an area close to the cup, the player must have the ability to properly gauge the distance their shot will provide.
Distance is controlled in a wedge by the loft, swing speed, and lie of the golf ball. All three factor into the result of a shot. When you add rough or sand into the mix, the yardage control is even more affected since the type of wedge you play will change, potentially adding more loft to the shot.
Turf Interaction
Turf interaction is measured by how the wedge interacts with the soil that rests underneath the golf ball. Most golfers have a preference for how they want the club to enter the turf. Some golfers like the club to take a shallow divot to help the golf ball find the sweet spot on the face.
Other golfers prefer a deeper cut into the soil for a higher launch. A club with premium turf interaction slides easily through the grass and into the dirt without snagging or digging. Turf interaction should provide for a smooth shot for a mid handicap golfer.
Top 10 Best Wedges for Mid Handicappers
Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge
Best Overall Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 46°-62°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
- Swing Weight: D3, D5
Pros
- Milled grooves generate spin and trajectory control
- Stunning tour-level design
- Progressive CG optimizes ball flight
Cons
- Expensive wedge for the casual golfer
Titleist’s Vokey SM9 wedge remains the best in the industry, with PGA Tour golfers loving everything about these outstanding golf clubs. The SM9 wedges offer total spin and trajectory control from the fairway, rough, and sand.
When it comes to craftsmanship, nothing can match the SM9 wedges. Titleist has given the SM9 line several grind and bounce options, helping you get the customization you need for your short game.
It’s impossible not to see how outstanding these wedges are once you play them for the first time. I love challenging these wedges with different ball positions in my stance to see how they respond, and every time I’m blown away by the performance of the Vokey SM9 wedges.
Ideal for serious golfers but accessible enough for weekend warriors, the Vokey SM9 wedges are wonderfully crafted and offer magnificent results.
Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge
Best High Launch Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 46°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
- Swing Weight: D2, D3, D4
Pros
- Hollow-body design generates distance on full swings
- Wider sole offers premium turf interaction
- Broad sweet spot provides forgiveness and high launch
Cons
- Not ideal for low handicappers wishing for more sophistication
From the masterminds at Cleveland Golf, the CBX 2 Wedge is an excellent option for a mid handicapper. Featuring a hollow cavity back with terrific perimeter weighting and incredible feel, the CBX 2 model line is one of the best golf wedges on the market.
Cleveland makes wonderful high bounce golf wedges and their offerings from 54-60 degrees meet the high standards for this best golf wedges list.
The best feature of the CBX 2 is the different shaped smart sole grinds. Up to 52 degrees, the wedge offers a V-shaped sole. A S-shaped sole highlights the 54-and 56-degree options. Finally, a C-shaped sole features on the 58-and 60-degree models.
What’s truly spectacular with these golf wedges is the hollow cavity sole. Offering a lightweight feel, the cavity back lowers the CG and creates high launch for tall arcing shots that land with high spin around the greens.
These Cleveland golf wedges get the ball up in the air with ease, great for golfers looking to create consistency in their green game.
Read the Full Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge Review
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge
Best High Spin Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 50°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
- Swing Weight: D3, D5
Pros
- Completely milled face offers total spin control
- Wide hitting area delivers impressive forgiveness
- Hi-toe design offers a lower, more controllable launch
Cons
- The full-face milling remains distracting for casual golfers
TaylorMade’s unique and impressive Hi-Toe 3 wedge offers full-face milling that generates easy spin with a lower, more pro-preferred trajectory that helps stop shots on the green. The wedge also comes with several grind options that customize the type of shots you can hit at your favorite courses.
While everyone will immediately notice the full-face milling, the best features are subtle with the Hi-Toe wedge. TaylorMade has given the wedge a centered CG that improves feel and optimizes launch and spin.
The wedge also provides raw grooves that increase friction at impact for improved feel and trajectory control.
I really enjoyed how much fun this wedge is to play from various lies and situations on the course.
Although the wedge takes some time to understand, the Hi-Toe wedge remains one of the most enjoyable and versatile golf clubs for improving your short game.
Read the Full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Review
Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
Best Wedge for Accuracy and Precision for Mid Handicappers
Specs
- Loft: 50°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
- Swing Weight: D0, D1
Pros
- High spin with trajectory control
- Outstanding performance from rough and sand
- Smooth turf interaction on full swings
Cons
- Busy, inconsistent design and appearance
The Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Wedge is a highly ranked best wedge that allows golfers to hit the ball easily and with elevated spin.
Our choice for the best premium option, the Mack Daddy 5 features the JAWS groove system, multiple grind options for improved turf interaction, and satisfying feel on full swings.
The primary reason why this club earns its place on the best golf wedge list is its JAWS groove system. The machine milled grooves are ridiculously sharp to increase friction against the outer layer of the golf ball for maximum spin.
Callaway enhances the channels on the face with their own proprietary groove-in-groove technology. The innovative technology increases spin for better control.
The club has five hand-crafted grinds with each different loft option that golfers can choose from for their bag. The sole grinds create creative types of wedges that offer various ways to attack the green from the fairway.
Each golf club gives a player an impressive avenue for improving their game with a wedge. Pros, especially, love playing with the Mack Daddy 5.
Mid and high handicappers can vastly increase their accuracy from inside 120 yards with the Mack Daddy 5 Wedge.
PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge
Best Luxury Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 50°-62°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.5”
- Swing Weight: D5
Pros
- Hi-toe weighting helps with open-face shots
- Outstanding forgiveness with productive consistency
- Different grind sole options for tight and thick conditions
Cons
- Funky design that stands out in the bag
The Sugar Daddy II utilizes its unique design by providing lower trajectory on shots that rival what you’d normally see from a tour-level wedge. PXG’s top wedge line delivers exceptional full-face grooves that produce spin with balanced weighting that produces accurate shots.
The SG II offers two innovative sole grinds that can play in tight or loose turf conditions. The BP-grind works best in lush grass that plays better with an open face, while the C-grind delivers excellent performance from firm turf conditions.
I played with both versions of the wedge, and they are impressive from either condition. I like to play with firmer wedges, and the SG II offers tight spin with superb trajectory control.
For mid handicappers that want a luxury wedge that provides accuracy, distance, and high spin rates, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better short-game club than the PXG Sugar Daddy II wedge.
Mizuno T22 Wedge
Best Turf Interaction Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 45°-62°
- Lie: 63°
- Shaft Length: 35.25”-35.5”
- Swing Weight: D5
Pros
- Modified teardrop design with larger club head
- Outstanding wet weather performance
- Precision grooves that produce exceptional spin rates
Cons
- Bulkier head design won’t appeal to golfers that want forged wedges
Mizuno’s T22 wedges offers four different sole grinds that offer an array of options for golfers that want to customize their short game. The wedge also performs beautifully in wet weather, helping golfers in all climates generate the crisp contact they need for their short game.
Along the face, Mizuno has installed HydroFlow Micro Grooves that grip the outer layer of the golf ball to produce the spin necessary to stop shots on the green quickly and efficiently.
I really like the size of the T22 wedges, and that could be a controversial take for golfers that like slender forged wedges. The wider, heavier feel of the wedge offers outstanding performance from within 50 yards.
The Mizuno T22 remains one of the most attractive wedges that look great in the bag and deliver exceptional all-around performance.
Cobra King Snakebite Wedge
Best Value Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 48°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35.25”-35.75”
- Swing Weight: D3, D4
Pros
- Sharp grooves generate exceptional spin rates
- Progressive face grooves maximize spin and distance
- Three different sole grinds offer total customization
Cons
- Doesn’t dazzle like other top-tier wedges
Cobra’s new wedges with Snakebite grooves are built for producing spin with three different grinds and progressive grooves that help with open-face shots.
Powering the new Cobra wedge is the new Snakebite groove system. The new technology tightens the groove and sharpens the edges to produce maximum spin on full swings and shorter, more typical short-game shots.
I felt that the Cobra wedge worked extremely well the more trouble I had on the course. From the sand, the wedge provided spin with excellent trajectory control, while from the deeper rough, I could lay the club open and easily pop the ball out of trouble.
While I wasn’t dazzled by the gameplay of the Snakebites, if you are in the market for clubs that fit into a budget and will certainly improve your short game, these are flawless.
Cleveland RTX4 Wedge
Most Forgiving Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 46°-64°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35.625”-35.875”
- Swing Weight: D3, D4, D5
Pros
- Razor sharp grooves generates high spin
- Multiple unique sole grinds for total customized shotmaking
- Wide sole offers premium turf interaction
Cons
- Wider sole isn’t for golfers that like forged wedges
One of the best high-end golf wedges on the market, the Cleveland RTX4 Wedge offers golfers several wonderful features to improving their green game. With a wide sole that offers outstanding turf interaction, the RTX 4 is one of the best wedges for mid handicappers.
The best feature of the RTX 4 is the feel balancing technology. Cleveland Golf has repositioned the CG of the wedge lower and more to the center of the face. After impact, the wedge produces a high, soft shot shape that lands softly on the green.
Ideal for golfers with swings that attack the ball from steep and neutral positions, the RTX 4’s V-shaped sole helps produce that crisp contact that golfers crave.
Available in a lower bounce, mid bounce, and extra lower bounce options, the RTX 4 wedge is an easy choice for a best wedge for golfers at this skill level.
Unlike the company’s other popular wedge, the Cleveland Smart Sole, this club is made for full swings from the fairway. Designed to provide excellent launch that helps get the ball into the air quickly, this is a great wedge for high handicappers as well.
Whether you decide to add a lob, sand, or pitching from this Cleveland set, you’ll find the group of Cleveland RTX 4 golf wedges as worthy to be placed alongside the best.
Cobra King Black Wedge
Best Budget Wedge for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 50°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-36”
- Swing Weight: D3, D4, D5
Pros
- CNC-milled face produces spin and trajectory control
- Three different grinds provide versatility with exceptional turf interaction
- Exceptional appearance offers a clean look in the golf bag
Cons
- Doesn’t have the forged design most advanced players want
The Cobra King Black Wedge ranks among the best due to its premium construction, low price, and muscle back construction that reduces vibration and enhances feel. With three grind options, the King wedge offers a great wedge that provides wonderful flexibility and consistency.
The golf club features a DBM finish, otherwise known as diamonized black metal. The finish reduces glare, wears well over time, and increases durability.
The King is available in three different wedge grinds. The versatile grind offers flexibility with sharp leading edge for smooth entry into the turf for improved contact. A classic grind provides golfers with a progressive sole that runs from heel to toe. Finally, the wide low sole has a reduced bounce for cleaner contact around the green.
The CNC milled face features excellent texture for high friction that produces consistent spin. The grooves are accurate for high spin that stops the ball cold on the green.
A great budget wedge set that works well for high handicappers as well, the Cobra King Black Wedge is a terrific option for golfers looking to improve their game around the green.
TaylorMade MG2 Wedge
Best Groove System for Budget Wedge
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Specs
- Loft: 48°-60°
- Lie: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35”-35.75”
- Swing Weight: D3, D5
Pros
- TPU insert improves feel and responsiveness
- Milled sole helps with turf interaction
- Thin face delivers distance and ball speed
Cons
- Unique design may turn off traditional golfers
Our final choice on the list is the TaylorMade MG2 Wedge. This club offers a thick-thin design from the upper to the lower section of the club. The low CG also creates precise flight with improved feel and response.
Another feature worth noting on the MG2 is the raw face technology. The face ages over time to create a raw face that enhances spin with increased friction upon the outer layer. The face works in concert with the sharp groove system for more greenside spin.
A milled grind sole increases turf interaction for cleaner, crisper contact that climbs up the face in the middle of the sweet spot. The milling on the grind also increases consistency and performance with this wedge. Pros on the PGA Tour routinely play with these wedges on the golf course.
The TPU insert along the back cavity dampens vibration at impact to increase feel and help with touch on greenside shots.
A wonderful wedge that is available for an affordable price, the TaylorMade MG2 is an impressive short game upgrade for a mid handicapper looking to take the next step in improving their game.
How to Create the Wedge Set That’s Perfect For You
Building the perfect wedge set comes down to four main factors; number of wedges, bounce, sole grind, and the quality of grooves of each club.
Number of Wedges
Most golfers carry 2-3 wedges in their bag with the set consisting of a pitching, sand, and either gap or lob wedge.
Advanced golfers, like low handicappers and professionals, routinely choose to go with four wedges to provide a full array of options for thorny situations around the green such as sand or deeper rough.
Bounce
The bounce degree of a wedge is the measurement between the leading edge of the club and the lowest point of the trailing edge. This area comes into contact with the ground during the swing, making it vital to the success of the shot.
The more “bounce” a wedge has the higher the club’s leading edge is from the ground. More bounce provides more forgiveness to the golfer, leaving amateurs to get high bounce wedges to fill out their bag.
Sole Grind
The sole grind of a wedge regards the material along the bottom of the club. Along with bounce, the grind offers versatility to play shots in different and creative ways for amateur golfers.
Sole grinds affect the spin, flight, distance, and force of a shot, regardless of whether the ball is in the fairway, rough, or sand.
Spin Grooves
The grooves on a wedge create friction against the outer layer of the golf ball causing lift and imparting backspin. This rotation creates shot-stopping power on the putting surface, but also has a hand in distance and total control over the shot.
Grooves are created through a milling process that sharpens and deepens them depending on the type of wedge and its corresponding loft. Professional golfers are known to play new wedges at each tournament to take full advantage of the sharpest grooves for maximum spin.
Types of Wedges
Lob Wedge
A lob wedge measures anywhere from 60-64 degrees in loft. Specially made to rescue a golf ball from a truly treacherous situation, the lob wedge isn’t made for distance, but rather for high spin, short shots that need help.
A lob wedge is great for situations on the course where the golfer has buried a shot into the rough or must clear a long obstacle, like a water hazard. Usually these wedges enjoy the wide sole of the club to move the face smoothly through the impact zone for quality contact.
Gap Wedge
A gap wedge sits in between a pitching and sand in terms of loft. Usually measuring around 50-54 degrees in loft, golfers can get creative with their choice of gap wedges. These clubs work very well just outside 100 yards and can also offer a nice middle ground between the pitching and sand wedges when chipping the golf ball.
The gap wedge offers moderate flight with mid-range backspin, perfect when you need a little forward roll on your short game play. For low and high handicappers, the gap wedge offers a premium option for creating a full wedge set that improves their overall short game.
Pitching Wedge
A pitching wedge usually has a loft of 48 degrees, making it a weapon for inside 125 yards. This club is typically included in an iron set, while the other wedges are offered separately.
On short par 3s, this is a marvelous option because of the yardage it reaches and the spin level it creates. When using on pitch and chip shots, the pitching wedge offers outstanding bump and run production. Instead of hitting the ball high and watching it stop, this club can offer plenty of forward roll for more command.
Sand Wedge
A sand wedge offers a premium club that offers golfers an option to easily get the ball from sand or deep rough. With 56 degree of loft typically, a good one must offer high spin and tall shot height.
Most players use their sand wedge, not only to escape from trouble, but to cleanly clear obstacles such as water hazards and bunkers. By properly utilizing a sand wedge often, a golfer gains a dependable club that will improve their play from inside 100 yards.
Whether it is a full swing or a smaller touch shot, a sand wedge can offer dynamic shotmaking around the cup.
Questions & Answers
How many wedges should a mid handicapper carry?
A mid handicapper should carry a minimum of three wedges, although it is preferred that most golfers should play with four wedges in their bag. Having a lob wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and pitching wedges at your disposal on the course offers the best opportunity to play a variety of shots that are regularly demanded by the game.
All four wedges offer different shot height, levels of spin, with softness on the greens. For mid handicappers looking to make the jump to becoming a single-digit handicapper, additional wedges offer more flexibility with improved shotmaking ability to reduce size of putts for birdie and par.
When do you use a golf wedge?
On the course, a wedge is used in several situations.
From the fairway, a wedge is a useful club from inside 150 yards. Professional golfers can hit their pitching wedge roughly 150 yards on average, although amateurs are more likely to hit this club from 100-120 yards in distance.
When chipping or pitching onto the green, a lofted wedge can provide the spin needed to stop the golf ball close to the cup. Whether the ball sits on the fairway, fringe, rough, or sand, a modified pitch shot with a wedge can save the golfer from trouble.
For golfers finding their shot in deep trouble, such as sand or tall rough, a lob wedge can provide the loft and attack angle to knock the ball high into the air with moderate spin.
As a last resort, golfers can also use a wedge when they are caught behind trees or when they find themselves buried in deeper grass, just off the fairway, after their drive and have no other option but to pitch the ball out.
What degree is a sand wedge?
A sand wedge carries a loft of roughly 54-58, with the most common loft set at 56 degrees. This particular club offers a distance threshold of about 80-100 yards for most amateur golfers, while pro players can reach 130-140 yards with their sand wedge due to their swing speed.
The sand wedge works great when the golfer needs to lift the ball either from trouble, such as deep rough or soft sand.
From the fairway, the sand wedge offers outstanding spin and distance control, ideal for in-between shots from inside 75 yards. When using a sand wedge from the fairway, golfers can expect clean contact resulting in the desired spin rate for shot-stopping power on the green.
What degree is a pitching wedge?
A pitching wedge holds a loft of 44-48 degrees. Each golf equipment manufacturer has their own specific loft for their pitching wedge, but the majority provide players with a loft of 44 degrees.
The pitching wedge works better on chip shots from around the green when compared to other wedges such as the sand or lob wedge. With its loft, the pitching wedge provides a shallow shot arc with plenty of forward roll, great for when you need to bump and run a chip shot to the cup.
What handicap is a mid handicap golfer?
Although there is nothing official according to governing golf bodies such as the USGA, golfers commonly believe the handicap of a mid handicap golfer is roughly 11-20.
Mid handicappers are known as inconsistent golfers that routinely score anywhere between 80-95 strokes per round. Increasing distance and shaving short game strokes are two areas where mid handicappers can improve and make it to the next level.
Golfers with single digit-handicaps are referred to as low handicappers. Players who routinely shoot par or better for their round are considered to be scratch golfers. High handicappers average 100 strokes or more for each round, giving them a handicap that reaches over 20.