Step Up Your Game: The Top 10 Best Wedges For Beginners in 2023
Updated: Sep 5, 2023
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If you're new to the game of golf, choosing the right equipment can be daunting. One of the most important pieces of equipment in your bag is your wedge. Which is why we have put together The Top 10 Best Wedges For Beginnersand High Handicappers.
Wedges are designed to help you get the ball closer to the hole from shorter distances, and having the right one can make a huge difference in your game. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?
If you are looking for the great of the iron set then check out our post The Best Irons For Beginners
Fear not, beginner golfers, we've got you covered. In this article, we've rounded up the top 10 best wedges for beginners. Whether you're looking for something forgiving, versatile, or easy to use, we've got a wedge that will help you step up your game.
If you are not looking for a wedge and need a complete set take a look at our article The Best Beginner Golf Sets if not let's dive in and find the perfect wedge for you!
If you are looking for something for your long game then check out our post on The Best 3 Wood for a high handicapper
Our Quick Recommendations
Best Overall Wedge For Beginner
Cleveland CBX ZipCore Steel Golf Wedge
The Cleveland CBX ZipCore Steel Golf Wedge has been awarded the best overall wedge accolade due to its outstanding combination of forgiveness, feel, and versatility. It is particularly recommended for beginner golfers seeking to enhance their short game skills and overall performance.
Featuring a cavity-back design, this wedge offers exceptional forgiveness, ensuring consistent results even on off-center strikes. The club's superior feel and feedback contribute to improved shot control, allowing beginners to develop a better sense of touch around the greens.
Moreover, the CBX ZipCore Steel Wedge excels in various short game shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots, making it a versatile option for beginners to experiment with different techniques. Despite a slightly higher price compared to other entry-level wedges, its high-quality construction and ZipCore technology, which enhances spin and delivers consistent performance, make it a valuable investment for beginners seeking a top-performing wedge.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Best Budget Wedge For Beginners
Rife RX7 Steel Golf Wedge
The Rife RX7 Steel Golf Wedge has been honored with the best budget wedge accolade due to its excellent performance and versatility, making it an ideal choice for beginner golfers. With its forgiving cavity-back design and responsive feel, this wedge helps beginners improve their short game and gain confidence on the greens.
Featuring a variety of loft options and a versatile sole design, the RX7 Steel Wedge enables beginners to effectively handle different short game shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots. Its responsive feel upon impact provides valuable feedback, enhancing beginners' sense of touch and control, leading to improved shot-making and overall confidence.
The club's high-quality construction ensures durability, and its visually appealing design adds to its overall appeal. Although it may have limited customization options compared to more premium wedges, the performance and features of the RX7 Steel Wedge make it a standout option for beginner golfers seeking a budget-friendly wedge to enhance their short game skills.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Best Premium Wedge For Beginners
PING Glide 4.0 E Grind Golf Wedge
The PING Glide 4.0 E Grind Golf Wedge has earned the best premium wedge accolade for its exceptional versatility and shot-making capabilities. While it is designed with experienced players in mind, there are aspects that make it appealing for beginner golfers seeking to improve their short game.
With its unique E Grind option, this wedge offers enhanced versatility in various shot types and conditions. Beginner golfers can explore different shots, such as flop shots or bunker shots, expanding their short game skills.
Although forgiveness is not its primary focus, the cavity-back design provides a decent level of forgiveness, helping beginners achieve more consistent results on off-center hits.
The wedge delivers a soft and responsive feel, providing beginners with a better sense of touch and control around the greens. This feedback contributes to improved shot-making and overall confidence.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
If these are not taking your fancy, then please check the rest of our list and hopefully you can find something that suits you.
If you think wedges are not quite what your looking for then take a look at some of our other articles.
Why Wedges are Important for Beginners
Wedges are some of the most essential clubs in a golfer's bag, and they play a critical role in helping beginners improve their game. Wedges are designed to help golfers get the ball up in the air quickly and land it softly on the green.
They are used for shots that are just a few yards away from the green, and they can make all the difference in helping beginners get closer to the hole.
As a beginner, you may find yourself struggling with long shots from the fairway. Wedges can help you get the ball closer to the green, which can help you save strokes and improve your score.
They are also helpful when you find yourself in a bunker or a hazard. With the right wedge, you can make these shots with ease and confidence.
Your short game is important and your wedges are paramount to this but so is your Putter. Thats why we created an article helping you choose The Best Putter For Beginners
Key Features to Look for in a Beginner Wedge
When looking for a wedge as a beginner, there are a few key features you want to keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the loft of the club.
As a beginner, you want to look for wedges with higher lofts, as they are easier to hit and will help you get the ball up in the air quickly.
Another important feature to consider is the bounce angle. The bounce angle is the angle between the sole of the club and the ground. A higher bounce angle will help you get more spin on the ball and prevent it from digging into the ground.
This feature is particularly important for beginners who may not have a perfect swing yet.
Finally, you want to look for wedges that are forgiving. Forgiving wedges have a larger sweet spot, which means they are more forgiving if you don't hit the ball perfectly. They also tend to have a softer feel, which can help beginners gain confidence in their shots.
On the other end of the spectrum if your looking for a great Driver then check out our article The Best Driver For Beginners
Top 10 Best Wedges for Beginners
Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.5/5
The Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge is a golf club designed to provide forgiveness and a great feel for beginner golfers. Its features and performance make it an attractive choice for those looking to improve their game.
The Mack Daddy CB Wedge has a cavity-back design, which enhances forgiveness on off-center hits. This means that even if a beginner golfer doesn't strike the ball perfectly, the club can still deliver decent results.
Despite being forgiving, the wedge doesn't compromise on feel. It offers a satisfying feedback upon impact, allowing beginners to develop a sense of control and touch around the greens.
The club offers a wide range of shot options, allowing beginners to experiment with different types of shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots. This versatility is beneficial for improving overall short game skills.
Pros:
- Forgiving cavity-back design
- Excellent feel and feedback
- Versatile for various short game shots
- High-quality construction and durability
- Wide range of loft options available
Cons:
- May not provide enough spin for advanced players
- Slightly higher price compared to other entry-level wedges
The Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge is a highly recommended option for beginner golfers due to its forgiving nature, exceptional feel, and versatility. Its cavity-back design ensures forgiveness on mishits, while still delivering a satisfying feedback.
With its wide range of loft options, it allows beginners to experiment and improve their short game skills. The club's high-quality construction and durability make it a reliable choice. While it may lack some spin for advanced players, it remains an excellent investment for those starting their golfing journey.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
Cleveland CBX ZipCore Steel Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.7/5
The Cleveland CBX ZipCore Steel Golf Wedge is a top-performing golf club that offers a combination of forgiveness, feel, and versatility. It is an ideal choice for beginner golfers looking to improve their short game skills and overall performance.
The CBX ZipCore Steel Wedge features a cavity-back design that enhances forgiveness. This means that even on off-center strikes, the club can still provide consistent and reliable results, making it easier for beginners to achieve good shots.
The wedge offers exceptional feel and feedback, allowing beginners to develop a better sense of control and touch around the greens. This contributes to improved shot-making and overall confidence in short game situations.
The club is designed to excel in various short game shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots. Its versatility allows beginners to experiment with different techniques and adapt to different course conditions.
Pros:
- Excellent forgiveness due to the cavity-back design
- Exceptional feel and feedback for improved shot control
- Versatile for a wide range of short game shots
- High-quality construction for durability
- ZipCore technology provides increased spin and consistent performance
Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to other entry-level wedges
- Limited customization options
The Cleveland CBX ZipCore Steel Golf Wedge is a highly recommended option for beginner golfers due to its forgiving nature, outstanding feel, and versatility. Its cavity-back design ensures forgiveness on mishits, while still delivering excellent feedback.
The club's exceptional feel allows beginners to develop better control and touch around the greens. With its versatility in handling different short game shots, it enables beginners to expand their shot-making skills.
The high-quality construction and ZipCore technology contribute to increased spin and consistent performance. While it may have a slightly higher price point, the benefits it offers make it a worthwhile investment for beginners.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.3/5
The Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge is a highly regarded golf club known for its exceptional spin control and versatility. While primarily designed for skilled players, it still offers benefits for beginner golfers looking to enhance their short game performance.
The Jaws MD5 Wedge features innovative groove technology that maximizes spin and control, even on short shots. This can be advantageous for beginner golfers seeking to add more spin and stopping power to their approach shots and pitches.
The wedge offers a wide range of loft and grind options, allowing beginners to experiment with different shots and adapt to various course conditions. This versatility can help beginners develop a more comprehensive short game repertoire.
The wedge provides a soft and responsive feel upon impact, which can aid beginners in developing a better sense of touch and control around the greens.
Pros:
- Exceptional spin control for increased shot-stopping power
- Wide range of loft and grind options for versatility
- Premium feel and feedback upon impact
- High-quality construction for durability
- Sleek and visually appealing design
Cons:
- Less forgiving compared to cavity-back wedges
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
The Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge is a high-quality club with advanced features that can benefit both skilled players and beginner golfers.
While it may not offer the same level of forgiveness as cavity-back wedges, its exceptional spin control and versatility make it a valuable tool for improving a beginner's short game.
The premium feel and feedback contribute to better shot-making capabilities. Additionally, the wide range of loft and grind options allow beginners to adapt to different course conditions. Despite a higher price point, the performance and benefits of the Jaws MD5 Wedge make it a worthwhile investment for beginners aiming to elevate their short game.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
PING Glide 4.0 E Grind Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.2/5
The PING Glide 4.0 E Grind Golf Wedge is a premium club designed to provide exceptional versatility and shot-making capabilities. While it may be more suited for experienced players, there are certain aspects that make it appealing for beginner golfers looking to improve their short game.
The E Grind wedge offers a unique grind option that enhances versatility in various shot types and conditions. This allows beginners to experiment with different shots, including opening the face for flop shots or navigating tricky bunker shots, thereby expanding their short game skills.
Although not the primary focus of this wedge, it still offers a decent level of forgiveness due to its cavity-back design. This provides some margin for error on off-center hits and helps beginners achieve more consistent results.
The wedge provides a soft and responsive feel, giving beginners a better sense of touch and control around the greens. This feedback contributes to improved shot-making and overall confidence.
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with the unique E Grind option
- Decent forgiveness with the cavity-back design
- Premium feel and feedback upon impact
- High-quality construction for durability
- Sleek and visually appealing design
Cons:
- More suitable for experienced players
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
The PING Glide 4.0 E Grind Golf Wedge offers advanced features and versatility that cater more to experienced players. However, for beginner golfers looking to expand their short game skills, it can still be a worthwhile investment.
The unique E Grind option allows beginners to experiment with various shots and conditions, contributing to their skill development. The wedge also offers a decent level of forgiveness and provides a premium feel and feedback upon impact.
While it may not be the most ideal choice for beginners, the Glide 4.0 E Grind Wedge's performance and benefits warrant a positive overall rating.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
TaylorMade Milled Grind Steel Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.4/5
The TaylorMade Milled Grind Steel Golf Wedge is a high-quality club known for its precision and performance. While it may be more commonly used by skilled players, there are certain aspects that can make it an attractive option for beginner golfers seeking to improve their short game.
The Milled Grind Wedge is designed to provide precise shot-making capabilities. For beginner golfers looking to refine their short game skills, this club can help develop a better sense of control and accuracy around the greens.
While forgiveness is not the primary focus of this wedge, it still offers a reasonable level of forgiveness due to its construction and design. This can be beneficial for beginners who may not strike the ball consistently, allowing them to achieve decent results on off-center hits.
The wedge offers a responsive feel and feedback upon impact, which can aid beginners in developing a better sense of touch and improving their overall shot-making abilities.
Pros:
- Precision and control for refined shot-making
- Reasonable forgiveness for off-center hits
- Premium feel and feedback upon impact
- High-quality construction for durability
- Sleek and visually appealing design
Cons:
- More suitable for skilled players
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
The TaylorMade Milled Grind Steel Golf Wedge is a premium club that offers exceptional precision and performance. While it may be more commonly used by skilled players, beginner golfers can still benefit from its features.
The club provides the opportunity to develop a better sense of control and accuracy in the short game. It also offers a reasonable level of forgiveness and provides a premium feel and feedback upon impact.
While it may not be the most ideal choice for beginners, the Milled Grind Wedge's precision and performance justify a positive overall rating.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
TaylorMade Hi-Toe RAW Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.5/5
The TaylorMade Hi-Toe RAW Wedge is a versatile and visually striking golf club known for its enhanced spin control and shot-making capabilities. While it is typically favored by skilled players, there are certain aspects that make it an interesting option for beginner golfers looking to elevate their short game.
The Hi-Toe RAW Wedge features advanced groove technology that maximizes spin and control on approach shots and around the greens. For beginner golfers seeking to add more spin and stopping power to their shots, this club can help improve their overall performance.
The wedge offers a unique shape and design that promotes versatility in various shot types and conditions. This allows beginners to experiment with different shots and adapt to different course situations, expanding their short game repertoire.
The wedge provides a soft and responsive feel upon impact, allowing beginners to develop a better sense of touch and control around the greens. This contributes to improved shot-making and overall confidence.
Pros:
- Enhanced spin control for improved shot-stopping power
- Versatility in shot types and conditions
- Premium feel and feedback upon impact
- High-quality construction for durability
- Visually striking design
Cons:
- Less forgiving compared to cavity-back wedges
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
The TaylorMade Hi-Toe RAW Wedge offers a unique combination of spin control, versatility, and premium feel. While it is more commonly used by skilled players, beginner golfers can benefit from its features as well.
The enhanced spin control helps improve shot-stopping power, while the versatile design allows beginners to adapt to various shot types and conditions. The club provides a soft and responsive feel, aiding in the development of touch and control.
Although it may be less forgiving than cavity-back wedges and come at a higher price point, the Hi-Toe RAW Wedge's performance and benefits make it a compelling choice for beginners.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 3.8/5
The Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge is a budget-friendly option that offers solid performance and versatility for beginner golfers. While it may not possess the same advanced features as higher-end wedges, it provides an affordable and reliable choice for those starting out in the game.
The Harmonized Wedge is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious beginner golfers who are looking for a reliable wedge without breaking the bank.
The club features a cavity-back design that provides decent forgiveness on off-center hits. This can be beneficial for beginner golfers who may not consistently strike the ball in the center of the clubface, allowing them to still achieve satisfactory results.
The wedge offers a variety of loft options and a versatile sole design, allowing beginners to tackle various short game shots, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots. This versatility enables beginners to develop a well-rounded short game.
While not as premium as higher-end wedges, the Harmonized Wedge still offers a solid feel upon impact, allowing beginners to gain a sense of touch and control.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Decent forgiveness with cavity-back design
- Versatile for a range of short game shots
- Solid feel upon impact
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end wedges
- May not provide the same level of spin control as more expensive options
The Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedge is an affordable and reliable option for beginner golfers. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end wedges, it provides decent forgiveness and versatility for various short game shots.
The solid feel upon impact allows beginners to develop a sense of touch and control. While it may not offer the same level of performance as more expensive options, the Harmonized Wedge's affordability and reliability make it a suitable choice for beginners. Rife Spin Groove Steel Golf Wedge
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
Benross Rev Black Steel Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.1/5
The Benross Rev Black Steel Golf Wedge is a versatile and budget-friendly option that offers solid performance for beginner golfers. While it may not have the same brand recognition as some other wedges, it provides reliable features at an affordable price point.
The Rev Black Steel Wedge is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for beginner golfers looking for an affordable and reliable wedge to improve their short game without breaking the bank.
The club features a cavity-back design that provides forgiveness on off-center hits. This forgiveness can be beneficial for beginner golfers who are still working on consistently striking the ball in the center of the clubface, allowing them to still achieve decent results.
The wedge offers a range of loft options and a versatile sole design, enabling beginners to handle various short game shots effectively. This versatility allows beginners to develop their skills across different shot types and course conditions.
While not as premium as higher-end wedges, the Rev Black Steel Wedge offers a solid feel upon impact, providing beginners with confidence and feedback during their shots.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Forgiving cavity-back design
- Versatile for various short game shots
- Solid feel upon impact
- Durable construction
Cons:
- May not offer the same advanced features as higher-end wedges
- Limited customization options compared to more expensive alternatives
The Benross Rev Black Steel Golf Wedge is a budget-friendly and reliable option for beginner golfers. While it may not have the same brand recognition or advanced features as higher-end wedges, it offers forgiveness, versatility, and a solid feel upon impact.
The affordability of the club makes it an appealing choice for beginners who are looking for a reliable wedge to enhance their short game without breaking the bank. The Rev Black Steel Wedge's performance and value justify a positive overall rating.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
MacGregor MACTEC X2 Chrome Steel Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 3.9/5
The MacGregor MACTEC X2 Chrome Steel Golf Wedge is a reliable and affordable option that provides solid performance for beginner golfers. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some other wedges, it offers value and functionality for golfers starting their journey in the game.
The MACTEC X2 Chrome Wedge is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for beginner golfers looking for a cost-effective wedge to improve their short game without straining their budget.
The club features a cavity-back design that provides forgiveness on off-center hits. This forgiveness is beneficial for beginner golfers who are still working on consistently striking the ball in the center of the clubface, allowing them to achieve satisfactory results even on less-than-perfect shots.
The wedge offers a range of loft options and a versatile sole design, enabling beginners to handle various short game shots effectively. This versatility allows beginners to develop their skills across different shot types and course conditions.
While not as premium as higher-end wedges, the MACTEC X2 Chrome Wedge offers a decent feel upon impact, providing beginners with confidence and feedback during their shots.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Forgiving cavity-back design
- Versatile for various short game shots
- Solid feel upon impact
- Durable construction
Cons:
- May not offer the same level of spin control as more expensive options
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end wedges
The MacGregor MACTEC X2 Chrome Steel Golf Wedge is a budget-friendly and reliable option for beginner golfers. While it may not have the same level of brand recognition or advanced features as higher-end wedges, it offers forgiveness, versatility, and a decent feel upon impact.
The affordability of the club makes it an appealing choice for beginners who are looking for a reliable wedge to enhance their short game without breaking the bank. The MACTEC X2 Chrome Wedge's performance and value justify a positive overall rating.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Rife RX7 Steel Golf Wedge
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.6/5
The Rife RX7 Steel Golf Wedge is a high-quality club that offers excellent performance and versatility for beginner golfers. With its forgiving design and responsive feel, this wedge can help beginners improve their short game and gain confidence around the greens.
The RX7 Steel Wedge features a cavity-back design that provides forgiveness on off-center hits. This forgiveness is particularly beneficial for beginner golfers who may not consistently strike the ball in the center of the clubface, allowing them to still achieve decent results on mis-hits.
The wedge offers a variety of loft options and a versatile sole design, allowing beginners to handle different short game shots effectively. This versatility enables beginners to develop their skills across various situations, from chips and pitches to bunker shots.
The RX7 Steel Wedge offers a responsive feel upon impact, providing beginners with valuable feedback and enhancing their sense of touch and control. This responsiveness contributes to improved shot-making and overall confidence.
Pros:
- Excellent forgiveness with cavity-back design
- Versatile for a range of short game shots
- Responsive feel upon impact
- High-quality construction for durability
- Visually appealing design
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to more premium wedges
The Rife RX7 Steel Golf Wedge is an exceptional club for beginner golfers. With its forgiveness, versatility, and responsive feel, it provides the necessary tools for beginners to improve their short game.
The high-quality construction ensures durability, while the visually appealing design adds to its overall appeal. While it may come at a slightly higher price point and offer limited customization options, the RX7 Steel Wedge's performance and features justify a high overall rating.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
FAQ's
Types of Wedges
There are three main types of wedges: pitching wedges, sand wedges, and lob wedges. Pitching wedges are typically included in a set of irons and have a loft of around 45 degrees. They are used for shots that are around 100 yards away from the green.
Sand wedges have a higher loft of around 56 degrees and are used for shots out of bunkers and hazards.
Lob wedges have the highest loft of around 60 degrees and are used for shots that require a high trajectory and soft landing.
How to Choose the Right Wedge for Your Game
Choosing the right wedge for your game can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. The first thing you want to do is determine the loft of your pitching wedge, as this will help you determine the loft of your other wedges.
Next, you want to consider the conditions you typically play in. If you play on courses with a lot of bunkers and hazards, you may want to look for a sand wedge with a higher bounce angle.
If you frequently find yourself in situations where you need a high trajectory and soft landing, you may want to look for a lob wedge with a higher loft.
Finally, you want to consider your budget. Wedges can range in price from around £50 - £200 or more. You don't necessarily need to break the bank to get a good wedge, but it's important to invest in a quality club that will last you for years to come.
Tips for Using Wedges Effectively
Once you've chosen the right wedge for your game, it's important to know how to use it effectively. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your wedge:
Use the right technique - Wedges require a slightly different technique than longer clubs. Make sure you're using the right technique to get the ball up in the air quickly and land it softly on the green.
Practice your short game - Wedges are most effective when used for shots that are just a few yards away from the green. Make sure you're practicing your short game regularly to get comfortable with these shots.
Pay attention to your surroundings - Wedges are versatile clubs that can be used for a variety of shots. Make sure you're paying attention to your surroundings and choosing the right club for each shot.
Experiment with different shots - Wedges can be used for a variety of shots, including chips, pitches, and flops. Experiment with different shots to find what works best for your game.
Maintaining Your Wedges
To ensure your wedges last you for years to come, it's important to properly maintain them. Here are a few tips for maintaining your wedges:
Clean your wedges regularly - Dirt and debris can build up on your wedges over time, which can affect their performance. Make sure you're cleaning your wedges regularly to keep them in top condition.
Check your grooves - The grooves on your wedges are designed to increase spin and control around the greens. Make sure you're checking your grooves regularly to ensure they are clean and free of debris.
Store your wedges properly - When you're not using your wedges, make sure you're storing them properly to prevent damage. Keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in your car or other areas where they may be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Wedges
There are a few common mistakes that beginners make when using wedges. Here are a few to avoid:
Using the wrong technique - Wedges require a slightly different technique than longer clubs. Make sure you're using the right technique to get the most out of your wedge.
Using the wrong club - Wedges are versatile clubs that can be used for a variety of shots, but it's important to choose the right club for each shot. Make sure you're paying attention to your surroundings and choosing the right club for each shot.
Neglecting to clean your wedges - Dirt and debris can build up on your wedges over time, which can affect their performance. Make sure you're cleaning your wedges regularly to keep them in top condition.
