The best wedge is a must-have in the arsenal of any golfer. This part of your club set is the one with the highest loft. It is the club that you will use for short approach shots. When you are 125 yards off the green, the wedge is what you should be reaching for.
Not all wedges, however, are created the same. Especially if you are a newbie, you have to be more careful with what you choose. You need to exert effort in finding the best golf wedges for beginners and high handicappers.
When you are just starting to learn golf, you will need a wedge with a large and forgiving face, minimizing the chances that you will miss your shots. A low center of gravity is also important. The weight and balance are also crucial for the wedge to be easy to use.
Looking for the best wedges for beginners and high handicappers? We got you! Read on and we’ll let you know some of the top options in the market.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Wedges for Beginners & High Handicappers Review
Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge
The Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge is from one of the most reputable brands in the market, making it a great choice. The price is also a big selling point, making a good option for budget-friendly and easy to hit wedges.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is the unique sole design. It has a special sole grind, which makes it distinct compared to many of the wedges you can find in the market. This will let you open the clubface. The result is that you can perform higher lofted shots, allowing you to demonstrate improved performance in every game.
In terms of construction, it is made of stainless steel. This is a common material you will find in high handicap edges. This can also provide you with peace of mind when it comes to the durability of this wedge. Despite being made of long-lasting material, you will love how lightweight it is. This will make it effortless for you to swing this golf club.
The versatility of this wedge is another thing that we love. The design is available in both right and left-handed orientations. You can also choose from several loft designs, which will range from 50 to 64 degrees. For the color, you can choose from classic or black.
Another feature that many golfers loved is the classic blade design. The shape is also great as it optimizes the bounce angle. As a result, you can expect it to have a better spin when you hit the ball. Whether you are on the fairway or sand, you will love this beginner-friendly wedge.
Pros:
- Has a beautiful polished finish
- Aggressive grooves
- Durable
Cons:
- Grip can be too small
2018 Cobra Golf King Black Wedge
When the 2018 Cobra Golf King Black Wedge was released in the market, it was acclaimed even by seasoned golfers. It quickly became a sensation. Despite the steep price, this is one of our recommendations for the best wedges ever.
The wedge is praised for its construction. The quality will be second to none, which is expected given its price. This golf club has Diamonized Black Metal (DBM) finish. Complemented with the soft carbon steel construction, it can withstand the test of time. Even after years of use, it will deliver optimal performance.
The company’s patented CNC milling technique is one more thing that separates this product from most of its competitors. This will optimize the roughness of the surface, and in turn, will positively impact ball spin. It also improves precision and control.
Another feature worth emphasizing is the progressive spin technology. It improves the loft of the clubs to have better trajectories.
It is also a good thing that it comes with a muscle-back construction. This significantly minimizes vibrations to make you comfortable regardless of how aggressive you will swing.
Lastly, for versatility, this is also a good choice because there are three wedge grinds. You can choose from Versatile, Classic, or Wide Low. Pick one most suitable for the turf conditions to optimize the club’s performance.
Pros:
- Comes with a progressive groove design
- Minimizes vibration
- Durable finish
Cons:
- Limited loft and bounce options
Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind
The Callaway Mac Daddy 3 is known for having three grind options. Out of the 3, the S-grind is known for being the most versatile, making it another great option for the best wedges for average golfer. From soft to firm, the S-grind is known for delivering optimal performance regardless of the surface conditions.
One thing that makes it a good wedge is the fairly large head. This means that there will be a large sweet spot. This increases the surface area where the ball will get in contact with when you hit it with the club. It minimizes the chances that you will miss your shot, making this wedge more forgiving.
Another thing that will make it easy to use for any novice is the well-balanced design. When you hold it, you can feel the weight to be equally distributed, and hence, you will be able to control it better.
The cavity back design is another selling point of this wedge. This slightly raises the position of the center of gravity. By moving it a bit upward, the flight will be easier to control without compromising spin.
Lastly, the finish of the wedge is also exceptional, making it an eye-candy. The satin chrome finish gives a hint of elegance. Although, some people were not happy with how the head looks chunkier compared to what you will find in most of its competitors.
Pros:
- Consistent feel
- Versatile
- Forged construction
Cons:
- Looks chunky
Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge
The Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge is a great choice for people on a budget. This is one of the most affordable wedges from our recommendations. Being easy on the wallet, however, does not mean that its quality and performance are compromised in any way.
As one of the most notable game improvement wedges, there is something for everyone. The company recognizes the differences in each player, so this wedge is available in three lofts. You can choose from 52, 56, or 60 degrees depending on the environment where you are playing.
Regardless of the loft angle of the wedge, they share one common feature – they all have a wide sole. This allows the design to be narrower as it approaches the toe. This is also what makes it more forgiving.
Another thing that you should note about this wedge is that it comes with stainless steel. This adds a bit of weight to the wedge. While you might quite struggle because of the added weight, this can also be a good thing because it improves balance. The steel shaft is also durable. This may not be as high-end as graphite, but this is equally impressive in terms of durability. for the flex, it is stiff compared to graphite, which is softer.
Lastly, it also has U groove technology, similar to what you will find in most of its competitors. This will make the wedge more forgiving, which is one thing that beginners are sure to appreciate.
Pros:
- Forgiving
- Wide sole
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some might find it to be quite heavy
Texan Classics Gun Metal Wedge
Value for money is one of the many reasons why we are including Texan Classics Gun Metal Wedge in our recommendations. It can provide the best bang of the buck because it already comes with three lofts – 52, 56, and 60 degrees. You can choose which one has the angle most suitable for the environment where you are playing.
The True Temper Steel Shaft is another reason why we are including this in our list of the best wedge sets for the money. As against other clubs made of graphite shaft, wedges, including this set, are made of stainless steel. This is great material in terms of durability. It also has a regular flex, which many novice players will find to be sufficient for their needs.
Aside from the shaft, the head is also made of stainless steel. This will make it quite heavy, but the weight will not be a burden, even if you are a novice golfer.
Another thing that we love in this wedge is the all-weather grip. They will let you hold the wedge properly and comfortably, minimizing the chances that it will slip.
For your peace of mind, it comes with a full warranty from the manufacturer for one year. If it breaks, let them know and they will do what it takes to make things right.
Pros:
- Fitted with all-weather grips
- Comes in three lofts
- Affordable
Cons:
- Paint can easily chip
Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3 Wedge S
If you often find yourself struggling around the greens, the Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3 Wedge S can be your savior. Regarded by many as one of the best wedges for high handicappers, it promises to help you make better shots and build your confidence in the sport.
This sand wedge for beginners has a loft of 58 degrees. One thing that most people did not like in this product is how it is available only with a single loft. This will make it lack versatility unlike others with at least three lofts.
Looking at the features, one that will make this stand out is the Feel Balancing Technology. This is the one responsible for the distribution of weight in the wedge. It directs weight away from the hosel. Instead, most of the weight is concentrated near the head. This will improve shot dispersion while also enhancing feel when the club hits the ball.
The three-tiered sole is another feature you will find in this incredible option for the best wedge clubs. It improves turf interaction in a variety of environments. It adds versatility to the club, especially if you intend to make a full shot off the fairway.
Lastly, it has a steel shaft that is known for its durability and flex. If you prefer a softer flex, there is a version of this club made of graphite.
Pros:
- Well-balanced design
- Smooth ball contact
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Only has a single loft
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX
The Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX is from the same manufacturer as the product above, so you can expect the same great quality. Like the product earlier mentioned, it also has Feel Balancing Technology, which is recognized as one of its most exceptional features. It moves the center of gravity to the face of the club. Stability, control, and feel are all improved because of this technology.
This option for the best wedge for high handicapper also has a wide dual V sole. This means that the club becomes slightly wider from the heel to the toe. The result is that there is a larger surface area where you can hit the ball, which is also what makes this club more forgiving.
Another thing that will make this an exceptional pick is the Rotex Face Technology. The milling pattern of the innovative groove design will improve the spin of the ball while providing the user with a better control of the club.
You will also love the versatility of this wedge. It is available for both left and right-handed players. For the shaft, you can also choose from graphite or steel, depending on what you are most comfortable with. Steel is quite heavier, but the two are equally impressive, especially if durability is a crucial concern.
Pros:
- Attractive satin finish
- Great stability
- Easy to control
Cons:
- Not for players who like a low bounce
Tour Edge Golf 1Out Plus 56/11 Sand Wedge
In your search for the best sand wedges for high handicappers, this is one product that deserves attention. The Tour Edge Golf 1Out Plus 56/11 Sand Wedge is easy on the wallet, making it a great entry-level club. Despite being made for game improvement, this wedge is promising in terms of its overall performance.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose this club is the counter-balanced grip. As a novice, you might find it challenging to hold a wedge, especially when it is too light or too heavy. It has up to 90 grams of additional weight, which is added to the butt. With the counter-balanced design, you can position your wrist more comfortably. You can swing the club with minimal effort while making sure that the ball will spin as you wish.
Another design element that will make this an incredible wedge is the heavy sole. As earlier mentioned, the butt has a higher weight to make the head heavier. Most of the weight is concentrated on the sole, which is the part that directly hits the ball. This will improve the launch of the ball.
The super-wide sole is another feature that makes this an easy to hit sand wedge. This will increase the surface area where the ball will be hit. The larger sweet spot will prevent mishits. Pros:
- Creates a high ball flight
- Forgiving
- Counter-balanced grip
Cons:
- Available only in right-hand orientation
Pinemeadow Pre 3 Wedge Pack
The Pinemeadow Pre 3 Wedge Pack is an excellent choice if value for money is what you are looking for. This set is already inclusive of three wedges, so you can get the best bang for the buck. The wedges are ideal for different situations. They have a loft of 52, 56, and 60 degrees.
Like many of the options for the wedges for beginners, the clubs in this set have a wide sole at the bottom. This slightly increases the contact area between the head and the ball. This means that there is a larger sweet spot, making the club more forgiving. This is one feature that many beginners and high handicappers will appreciate.
The U-groove technology is another key feature of this wedge set, which is similar to what you will find in many other options in the market. It will improve the trajectory of the shot by optimizing every spin.
For the shaft, it is made of stainless steel. This is a common material you will find in a wedge. If you have the budget, you can also get one made of graphite. This will be worth the extra cost since graphite is a better material, especially if you want improved flex.
Lastly, we also love how they come with a sleek stainless steel finish. This does a lot in improving the aesthetics of the wedges. They also have minimal glare, even when playing on a sunny day.
Pros:
- Three clubs for the price of one
- Sleek finish
- Made of premium materials
Cons:
- Grip can be improved
Autopilot C3i Wedge – Premium Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge for Men & Women
A lot of people may instantly be discouraged with C3i Wedge – Premium Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge for Men & Women after seeing its price. However, that should not be the case. It will be worth every dollar if you pick this for the best sand wedge for high handicappers.
The price is justifiable because it is packed with advanced features. One thing that you will love is the Auto Glide sole. This will smoothly cuts through the sand, eliminating the possibility of skipping. It has a wide base that will make the sand wedge more forgiving.
To add, the extra curve in the leading edge is also a plus. It reduces the interaction on the ground, making contact with the ball more seamless. This will positively impact the way the ball will spin once it is in the air.
It is also worth noting that it comes with a polymer insert in its face. The interaction of the polymer with the ball will guarantee forgiveness. Even if you are a golf newbie, it is easy to hit every shot accurately.
Lastly, this club can also deliver increased distance, which is one of the reasons why it makes a great pick if you are a high handicapper. It will lengthen what you can do on the golf course.
Pros:
- Easy to swing
- Optimized center of gravity
- Stylish
Cons:
- Expensive
Autopilot Square Strike Wedge -Pitching & Chipping Wedge
Looking for an effective way to improve your golf game? The Autopilot Square Strike Wedge -Pitching & Chipping Wedge can offer the perfect solution. That is if you are willing to shoulder the cost. Its steep price can be a deal-breaker for many beginners.
As a top pick for the best pitching wedge, it is packed with exceptional features. With its extra-wide sole, it is almost impossible to miss your shots. It has a large sweet spot, making it an ideal choice for high handicappers.
Aside from being large, the head is also heavy. At 330 grams, the addition of weight in strategic areas will make it more powerful, which will also improve the spin and trajectory of the ball after it is hit.
We also like the short length of this club, which is typical of a wedge. This means that it will be easier for you to control.
Another thing that makes this a great wedge is the anti-rotational weighting. The specialized toe weight will minimize unnecessary rotation, preventing it from affecting the intended direction of the ball after you swing the club.
Thinking of joining a tournament game? Even as a beginner, there should be no stopping you from doing so. Luckily, this wedge is legal for tournament play.
Lastly, this wedge is backed by a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Available in multiple lofts
- Minimal friction
- Anti-rotation weighting
Cons:
- Expensive
Pinemeadow Wedge
Looking for affordable beginner-friendly wedge? Then it will be hard for you to go wrong with the Pinemeadow Wedge. This is known for its exceptional construction. Like most of the products included in our recommendations for the most forgiving wedges, it is made of stainless steel. This is more affordable than graphite but equally impressive in terms of quality, especially if you are after durability.
The large face of the club is another asset that will make this a great pick for novices. As you would know by now, a larger clubhead is preferred by beginners because it increases the sweet spot. This means that there is a larger contact area, minimizing the chances that you will miss the ball.
The comfort of this golf club has also been given words of praises by many of its users. The grip will be easy for almost anyone to hold. This is unlike expert-targeted clubs that can be more technical in terms of design. This model won’t put unnecessary strain on your wrist, making it easy to give your best in every shot.
Lastly, the loft is also incredible at its angle. It can be good for bunker, sand, or grass. You will love the versatility of this wedge, which should be used when you are 70 yards or less from the hole.
Pros:
- Uses high-quality steel
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Can be quite heavy
Callaway Golf Men’s Matte Black Mack Daddy 4 Wedge
The Callaway Golf Men’s Matte Black Mack Daddy 4 is in no way a wedge built for budget-conscious buyers. This is for high handicappers who do not hesitate to splurge. Do not let the price hinder you from choosing this for the top wedges. Even if you read other online reviews, you will see that it is recommended by many people.
It has a long list of features that will make the cost justifiable. One of our favorites is the Groove-in-Groove Technology. This creates 84 points of contact between the clubhead and the golf ball. The micro-positive surface textures will optimize power and spin. Even if you are not an aggressive player, you will find it easy to direct the ball where you would like it to be.
Another thing that makes this amazing is the presence of four sole grinds. With this, you can find a grind that will be ideal for every surface condition. If you are a high handicapper, however, we recommend that you avoid the X Grind. This is best for the pros.
The construction of this wedge is also notable. It is hard to match the premium materials that are used in this product. The soft carbon steel, for instance, will make it easy to swing and balance without losing control. The low center of gravity makes it more forgiving. It also has premium finishes, which will make the clubs turn heads. All of these things will make the price a non-issue!
Pros:
- Exceptional spin and control
- Solid feel
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Expensive
Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX 4 Wedge
The brand name alone can be a compelling reason to pick the Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX 4 over many of its competitors. However, there is a catch – it is expensive. This can be a deal-breaker for many, especially beginners who do not have the luxury of budget. However, do not mind the price. Its quality will make it worth the cost.
The style of this club is one of its best assets. It is one of those wedges that will command attention. The first thing that you will notice is the black satin finish. It also produces minimal glare.
It also features the fourth iteration of the Rotex Face Technology. This is an innovation in face milling that will improve the spin and trajectory of the ball. This will generate more power, which can boost the confidence of many high handicappers.
The sharper tour zip grooves are also notable. They are also deeper, making it more capable of slicing through sand, grass, and water. This will also improve the consistency of every spin.
To add, you can also expect an exceptional feel. This is possible because of the Progressive Feel Balancing Technology. As a result, you will also have better control.
For all your short-game shots, you won’t regret picking this product if you are searching for the best wedges for spin. It is made for any lie and any surface, making it a versatile club.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Good spin
- Incredibly forgiving
Cons:
- Some may find it to be too stiff
Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge
Wrapping up our recommendations for the best wedge for high handicappers and beginners is another high-end product. The Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge may cost a lot for some of you, but believe us, it will be worth your money. From its overall construction to its performance on the golf course, you will be happy with this club.
One of the best things about this product is its versatility. You will have eight loft options, so you can choose the angle. It ranges from 46 to 60 degrees, making sure that there will be a loft for every situation.
The Tour Zip Grooves are also impressive. They are milled through an innovative procedure developed exclusively by the company. It improves the face construction of the wedge, which can also help in delivering an exceptional spin.
It also helps that this wedge is cavity-backed. This is what makes it more forgiving. With its hollow cavity and perimeter weighting, it can create a more powerful impact every time you swing.
We also like how it comes with an advanced gel insert. This is placed at the toe of the club. Among other benefits, it is known for promoting better distance. It will allow the ball to fly higher.
Lastly, it also has Feel Balancing Technology, a common feature that you will find in Cleveland wedges. This lowers the center of gravity while also minimizing vibration upon impact, making it more comfortable.
Pros:
- Exceptional feel
- Perimeter-weighted
- Available in eight loft option
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Choose Good Golf Wedges for Beginners & High Handicappers
As a beginner looking for good wedges, you will be overwhelmed. To help you narrow down the possibilities, below are the most important things to consider.
Type of Wedge
One of the first things to consider is the type of the wedge that you will buy. You do not need a lot of wedges in your bag. Below, we’ll talk about the types of wedges available, and we’ll also let you know which one you need the most.
Pitching Wedge
If you can only own one wedge as a beginner, this is what you should have. It is often included in an iron set. This is the wedge with the lowest loft, which usually ranges from 42 to 46 degrees. This is often used for full swing shots, as well as for bump and run.
Sand Wedge
Once you have already mastered the basic techniques in golf and you are ready to move up, then a sand wedge is the next best addition to your clubs. These wedges were invented for sand bunker shots, which explains the name. It has a thick head and delivers a minimal spin. Most sand wedges will have a loft angle of 54 to 58 degrees.
Lob Wedge
These are among the newest wedges you will find on the market. At 59 to 65 degrees, they are also the ones with the highest loft. This is built for high-lofted shots. It is also the least forgiving of the wedges, so this is one thing that isn’t recommended for beginners.
Gap Wedge
Also called the approach wedge, it is used to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and sand wedge. The loft is usually anywhere from 48 to 54 degrees. If your sand wedge cannot reach a full swing but a pitching wedge is too much, a gap wedge will save the day.
Loft
When it comes to the technical details of the wedges, the loft is one of the most important concepts beginners need to understand. Out of all the golf clubs, the wedge is the one with the highest loft.
Loft refers to the angle of the club relative to the shaft. As noted above, the loft will depend on the wedge that you are using. It can range from 47 to 62 degrees, with pitching edge having the lowest loft. If you are a beginner, a rule of thumb is to pick a wedge that comes with a lower loft. Consider a specific situation as you decide on the loft of the wedge to use.
Bounce
When looking for the easiest wedges to hit, the bounce is another important technical consideration. This is the lowest part of the sole. It is the bottom section located under the blade. It is also what gets in contact with the ground when you hit. It is made of different parts including the sole, sole angle, and leading edge.
To differentiate the options, consider the degree of the bounce of the wedge. This will range from 0 to 14 degrees. It is often grouped into three. A low bounce will be 0 to 5 degrees, medium bounce will be 6 to 10 degrees, and anything over 10 degrees is a high bounce. To choose, you have to consider the environment where you are playing. In coarser surfaces, lower bounce is ideal. On the other hand, if you are playing on softer grounds, then you are better off with a higher bounce.
Grooves
For most beginners, the grooves are easy to miss when evaluating the options for the most forgiving wedges. These are the lines of the face of the club head. Think of them as the tread that you will find in tires. The grooves will grab and stop the golf ball once the two get in contact. It creates spin and produces trajectory, making it crucial in the outcome of every shot.
In the old days, it is common for golf wedges to have deep grooves. However, in recent years, the United States Golfing Association ruled against it. Deeper grooves will give players a distinct advantage, so that is no longer the standard these days. Groove volume and edge radius are restricted by the association. If you are a beginner involved in casual games, however, this rule should not be a concern.
Finish
The finish of the golf wedge does not impact its overall performance. Its function is purely cosmetic. Nonetheless, many of you will surely want to invest in golf clubs that look good. It will make you more confident when playing, so take a look at the finish of the wedge.
Chrome and black nickel are some of the most common finishes that you will find. Match it with the other clubs that you are using for a seamless look in the bag. For others, however, they prefer a different color, which will make it easier to distinguish the edge from the other clubs in the set.
Shaft
This is the handle of the golf wedge. It is directly connected to the head and this is what you will be holding when you swing. Steel is the most common material, especially in the case of affordable models that are built with the needs of new players in mind. Although, it is also common to have shafts made of graphite.
The equivalent of a wedge shaft is a stiff shaft. However, compared to other stiff clubs, there is a built-in wedge flex. The tip is softer and more active compared to other clubs.
One more important thing to note about the shaft of the wedge is that it is the shortest of the clubs in your bag. The shorter height will allow the ball to generate more height and backspin.
Conclusion
In sum, the best golf wedges for beginners and high handicappers will be crucial in your game improvement. The right wedge will make it easier to hit short-approach shots. It will make golf less frustrating.
If you are on the lookout for the easiest golf wedges to hit, keep an eye on our recommendations above. They are designed with the needs of newbies in mind, so it is hard to go wrong!