“Can you explain to me in layman’s terms what the pros mean by ” bounce” on the wedge?” This is a great question from Clint, an avid reader of The Grateful Golfer. It is a question I have struggled with over the years, but I think I finally have a grip on the answer.
As defined by me in layman’s terms,
Bounce helps ensure solid contact between the club face and the ball by preventing the front bottom edge of the club head from digging into the ground.
This, of course is an overly simplified definition of bounce, however it explains the rationale behind bounce on a club. Bounce helps glide the front edge of the club face between the ball and the ground or in essence, the wedge bounces off the ground into the ball, thus creating crisp and clean contact.
Low Bounce – 0 to 8°
- Ideal for shots from tight lies, wet sand and firm turf conditions
- Perfect for players who have shallow attack angle through impact
- Low bounce wedges are typically found in pitching and gap wedges
- Used for longer approach shots
- Good for lower handicap players looking to put spin on the ball
Medium Bounce – 8° to 14°
- The best all-around for all types of conditions
- Most versatile for most swings
- Used by any handicap player
High Bounce – 14° to 18°
- Designed for play out of soft turf and light sand
- High bounce wedges do not mean higher lofts
- High Bounce wedges are a good choice for players with a steep attack angle in their swing
- More challenging to use
- Designed for lower handicap players
I never paid much attention to bounce over the years and as a result, I bought clubs that did not work for my game. Now that I understand bounce, I gravitate towards the low to medium bounce on my wedges; this decision factors in my swing and the general course conditions in my area.
For those interested what is in my bag:
- Titleist Vokey Wedge – 52° Gap Wedge with 8° bounce
- Titleist Vokey Wedge – 56° Sand Wedge with 8° bounce
- Titleist Vokey Wedge – 60° Lob Wedge with 8° bounce
Here is a good description of what bounce is a why it is important.
Bounce is important to improving your short game. Understanding which bounce works best for you game will help lower your scores.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, your discussion makes sense. Checked my bounces yesterday. 50 – 10 degrees, 54 – 14 degrees, 58 – 12 degrees. The most difficult shot for me is an elevated pitch off a very tight lie, usually using the 58. Often results in a blade runner. Fortunately I rarely face that condition. I’m due for an a equipment update and will definitely have the discussion with my club maker.
Thanks!
Brian
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Brian,
Depending on the type of ground conditions, your bounces might be a bit high. Then again, it really is up to the player and they game. I tried the higher bounces but found that I did not make the contact I wanted as the club kept bouncing off the ground. Now, to be fair, most of that was my swing, but all is fixed….most of the time. 😉 Let me know what you decide after talking to your club guy.
Cheers Jim
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The thing to remember if nothing else when buying a wedge is more bounce equals more forgiveness. Especially in the wet.
That said, I carry one wedge with only 5 degrees of bounce (my 60), one with 10 (my 56), and my gap (50) wedge has 8.
My 56 is my all around most used wedge. And my lob wedge gets very little use. It’s more a special needs club. It’s my go-to when chipping off hard pan, or a cart path. It a dream club to get out of a wet bunker. But it’s uses are limited. It’s a club that’s going to try and dig in in most every other scenario I find my ball in and it’s my least used club because of it’s lack of bounce.
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Kevin,
Getting to know the bounce on our wedges is important because they are used in so many different situations. I chose to stick to 8° bounce on all my clubs as they are the most versatile for my game. It really breaks down to what works best for you.
Cheers Jim
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