Wedge for Wet Conditions - Nike Toe Sweep?

bodhi555 · August 14, 2023

Bit of background - I'm based in the UK where it hasn't stopped raining since the start of July, and as a result some parts of the clay soil based course I usually play are getting a bit on the boggy side, which is causing me issues around the greens. Effectively if I have to play a short shot with a bit of loft I am really struggling with chunky contact and giving up a couple of shots a round - which as I'm trying to get my handicap down from 9 I really can't afford.

I know there is probably a technique issue here, however I also can't help thinking my choice of wedges isn't helping, I currently bag:

- Nike SV 52-10

- TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 56 TW Grind

Main wedge I'm struggling with is the 56 as that's my go to for little chip shots, however thanks to the sole grind it's a struggle and just wants to dig. I am a little steep on these kinds of shots, but thats how I get them to pop up and stop when they land.

Obviously the answer would be to go get fit for a new set of wedges (probably a D Grind in the 56 from what I've read), but that isn't something I can do until the offseason. Also in usual summer conditions I love the TW Grind, great on full shots and easy enough to open up I don't have to carry a 60.

However rooting around in my old bags of clubs I've found a Nike Engage 56 Toe Sweep wedge which I tried a couple of times but never bagged due to playing 50/54/58 at the time. All the reviews I've read from back in the day focus on how the heel relief helps you open the face up, which I like - but how were they off wet muddy lies? Eeasier to handle than the TW Grind?

MtlJeff · August 14, 2023

We're getting pelted with rain here also....I mean if it's really soaked i don't know there is much you can do with grind to really make a big difference, because any grind is gonna dig like crazy.

This season might end up being an outlier, especially if you like your wedges under normal conditions

bcflyguy1 · August 14, 2023

Agree with @MtlJeff that conditions can reach a tipping point where they are so soft that just about any wedge grind is going to be prone to digging if the low point of the stroke is a bit far back. Clay based soil can be tough on both extremes because it's so heavy and soft when saturated but can also become so hard when baked out.

My concern with your Toe Sweep wedge would be how narrow the sole gets on the heel side; bounce angle and sole width both play their roe in how much effective bounce a wedge really has when put into use.

Another option you didn't mention would be Vokey's F and K grinds. Further, they don't have the curb appeal of others but the CB wedge from Callaway or Cleveland are also designed with dig prevention in mind.

ChaosTheory · August 14, 2023

The TW grind has a lot of leading edge relief, giving it a very high bounce number, far above the stated number. I would have thought this would be a pretty good grind for you.

Well, in the Dallas area in the winter, we have the exact same soil and condition you are describing. In general it's just a risky proposition. Less loft is better than more. Even to the point of using a hybrid if you can.

The best thing I've found for that is the Cleveland CBX Zipcore, with a close second being the Callaway Mack Daddy CB. You can't open them up much, though. Unless the ball is sitting up a bit. I now have a TW grind 60, and next winter I will find out if it is of much use in those conditions. I suspect it will be replaced by the CBX for the season.

bodhi555 · August 14, 2023

Cheers for the feedback folks - much to think about. I think my concern came from a thread I browsed a couple of weeks ago about the TW Grind, stating it was actually really low bounce unless you used it the right way, however that may not be the case?

Sadly our course reached the boggy tipping point about a month back, and despite all the drainage we've installed and our greens staff best efforts, it's still very boggy in places - especially the bits round the greens I keep finding :)

I did consider the CB style wedges, but thought my bag may look a little curious with MB irons and CB wedges 😂 interestingly, I have no such digging issues with the irons, just any wedge when I'm taking less than a full swing.

Also @Snowman9000 I played Texas Star in February and saw exactly what you speak about - it took me a few hole to process how grass can look burnt out (we don't really have Bermuda in the UK so don't see it dormant in winter) but there is no bounce in the turf.....cracking course though, would love to play again.

ChaosTheory · August 14, 2023

4 minutes ago, bodhi555 said:

I have no such digging issues with the irons, just any wedge when I'm taking less than a full swing.

Yeah, the soggy conditions seem to require a more authoritative swing with wedges. Shorter and quicker, more acceleration. Strike the match, that kind of thing. I really shouldn't be giving advice, other than for the fact that I had to start from zero on this last winter because it was new to me. So I put a lot of work into it.

Also, set the wedge up onto the toe. Much better.

Edited August 14, 2023 by Snowman9000

bodhi555 · August 14, 2023

1 minute ago, Snowman9000 said:

Yeah, the soggy conditions seem to require a more authoritative swing with wedges. Shorter and quicker, more acceleration. Strike the match, that kind of thing. I really shouldn't be giving advice, other than for the fact that I had to start from zero on this last winter because it was new to me. So I put a lot of work into it.

Don't want this to turn into an instruction thread but I think that's where I'm going wrong, my swings tend to be a bit longer and softer in those shots, which gets you nowhere in these conditions.

I did try addressing a 56 with a putting grip and then take a really hard putting stroke at it which worked pretty well and made the ball stop dead when it landed, think that shot may be distance limited though....

elwhippy · August 14, 2023

Wider, more bounce. Ping win all the tests for not losing spin or control in damp conditions.

bodhi555 · August 14, 2023

Just to bring some semblance of a close to this I've decided to follow my own general advice on other threads - I got a WhatsApp message from my coach to say he has availability on Friday afternoon, so I've booked in to make sure it's not the Indian first. I suspect it's going to take longer to fix than before the 36 Hole Scratch Comp I have the next day, but trust me - it will be better than where I am right now 🤣