Why do Tour pros use raw wedges?

So you won't be temporarily blinded by the sun's reflection, as can happen with chrome-finished wedges. Many Tour pros and better players prefer raw wedges that, over time, experience some corrosion which keeps the face roughness fairly high.

What is the point of raw wedges?

Raw (or unplated) wedges are a popular option in the professional ranks. They rust over time, are generally resistant to glare, and tend to produce a softer feel at impact.

Are raw face wedges better?

“We knew that raw wedges perform better in wet conditions.” The main reason for this performance improvement is the inherent roughness of raw steel compared to chrome, which helps preserve friction between the clubface and the ball. Engineers also discovered the maintained integrity of groove geometry.

Do raw finish wedges spin more?

The rust does not add spin, but a raw wedge will spin more, so... It's not the rust; it's the lack of plating. What would actually add more spin: hitting the ball in the fairway and having a good lie. You can customize them by grinding edges or bounce off in the tour van without it looking awkward.

Do pros use Rusty wedges?

Rusty wedges appear in many a tour pro's bag. Sometimes, the rust is a result of a hard life spent splashing shots out of bunkers and pounding golf balls from the turf on ranges around the globe. But usually it is totally inentional.

The TRUTH About Rusty Wedges! Golf Monthly

Why do Vokey wedges rust?

The Jet Black will rust as the dark finish wears, while the Raw wedges will rust more quickly with exposure to air and moisture.

How long does it take a raw wedge to rust?

TGW: So how long does it take rust to develop on a wedge like this? CC: Surface rust can happen overnight, after just one round. If the ground is a little wet or has just any kind of moisture, you can notice surface rust right away.

Do raw wedges feel softer?

In terms of feel, it was nigh-on impossible to detect any differences in the sound or feel between raw rusty wedges or plated wedges but if I had to get off the fence, I'd say raw rusty wedges felt a tad softer.

Do raw wedges rust?

Making RAW wedges rust is pretty simple. Because there isn't a protective chrome layer, with time and playing, it will rust all on its own. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can do what I did and just dip them in a pond or lake around the course and just not dry them.

How often do pros change wedges?

So if you are serious about your equipment, and want to maintain peak performance, it might make sense to consider swapping out your wedges every 12-36 months depending on how often you play, practice, and the durability of the material.

What wedges does Justin Thomas use?

Thomas carries four wedges in 47, 52, 57 and 60.5. The first three are Titleist Vokey SM9' (opens in new tab)s but the lob wedge is a WedgeWorks design. According to Titleist's Aaron Dill, that speaks to how quickly JT wears out the grooves in different clubs.

Do black Vokey wedges rust?

*Jet Black wedges are raw and will show rust over time.

Are raw wedges worth it?

Raw wedges also tend to create a softer impact. Jordan Spieth, three-time Major winner and Club Champion ambassador, says he's been playing Vokeys for years now — always with the raw finish. “I love the look and the feel of the raw metal, especially when it starts rusting,” he adds.

How long do raw face wedges last?

Ger21: “Raw steel is softer than chrome plating, so raw wedges will scratch and scuff more than chrome, and potentially wear faster. But if you keep them clean, you should easily get 10 years or more out of them at 12 rounds/year. If you don't want them to rust, clean and oil them after each round.”

What is TaylorMade raw?

RAW Face Technology designed for increased spin and feel with sharper, narrower and deeper grooves in the face, as well as laser etched precision. The face rusts* over time, preserving spin properties and providing the time-honored look preferred by many Tour professionals.

How often should you sharpen the grooves on your golf clubs?

A decent rule of thumb though would be to re-groove every 15 - 20 rounds of golf. You'll need to experiment to determine what frequency is best for you. How many passes with the groove sharpener across each groove should I make? Again, a decent rule of thumb is that you should make 5 - 10 passes on each groove.

Do TaylorMade milled grind wedges rust?

The all-new Milled Grind 2 wedges combine precision-milling with Raw Face Technology designed for increased spin, precision and feel. While the face rusts over time, the rest of the head will maintain its original finish. Dramatization. Extent and speed of club face rusting may vary.

How do you make your wedges spin more?

Are Vokey SM8 wedges forgiving?

The Vokey SM8 are certainly some of the most forgiving wedges in the entire Vokey lineup. While not quite game-improvement irons, they will still serve the needs of mid to high handicappers.

Why do so many pros use Vokey wedges?

The arguments for doing this are that the narrower and deeper milled grooves give a more penetrating ball flight and more consistent spin while the increased grind and bounce options allow for increased shot creativity.

When did Titleist buy Vokey?

Bob Vokey join Titleist in 1996.

Who is Bob Vokey?

Born in Montreal and raised in Verdun, Que., Vokey has become one of the world's foremost wedge designers and trusted short game advisor to many of the modern game's greatest golfers. His innovative designs have made Titleist Vokey wedges a trusted brand among golfers of every age and skill level.

What wedges does Jordan Spieth use?

Jordan Spieth uses Titleist Vokey SM8 and Vokey Prototype golf wedges.