Dan Box
By Dan Box

Have you ever had a wedge fitting? If not, there's a good chance that you could be giving away shots every round you play by not using the correct setup for your game and the courses you play on.

Golfers use their wedges as many times, if not more, than their driver during a round of golf, so making sure you invest time and money on the right gear at the bottom end of the bag is just as important as trying to eke out a couple of extra yards off the tee.

Whilst Titleist's Vokey wedges have been the standard bearer for the best part of two decades now, the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have TaylorMade's Milled Grind wedges in the bag.

So which should you be using? Here's what we make of the two...

Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge

Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge

RRP: £169

The ninth generation of Vokey wedges provides 23 different head options thanks to the different lofts, grinds and bounces offered, in three different finishes.

The SM9 features a progressive centre of gravity which varies depending on the loft, helping to promote a lower ball flight which is more precise and more accurate.

There are new grooves which are cut with a new saw rather than stamping them onto the face, helping to keep them sharp and ensuring that weight isn't dispersed further out on the head. A new heat treatment has also been applied, increasing durability.

You can also read the full written review HERE.

TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge

TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge

RRP: £149

The MG3 features TaylorMade's raw face which has been designed to rust over time, and when exposed to moisture should increase friction with the ball at impact.

A ZTP-17 groove has steeper side walls and a sharper edge to maximise spin, with new raised micro ribs situated in between the grooves for a more textured surface to give you extra grip.

The 'thick-thin design' features a thinner topline at address, but with more weight added at the top of the head to control the ball flight and encourage the low spinner shot.

You can also read the full written review HERE.

Which should you use?

One of the most important aspects of good wedge play is confidence. You need to believe that you are going to hit a good shot when you stand over a tricky chip or when you are under pressure, and part of that confidence comes from having equipment that you can trust.

Both the TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 and Titleist Vokey SM9 are wedges that you should be able to trust when pitching, chipping and playing from bunkers.

The MG3 is a stunning looking wedge which probably edges slightly towards the better-player end of things due to the muscleback-style design. It also transitions really nicely from many of TaylorMade's existing irons, including the P790 and P7MC.

The raw face certainly helps with spin rates and, if you don't mind your wedge rusting over time, can create a pretty striking effect in the bag too.

The Vokey wedge has the reputation of being the 'wedge to beat' every year, and the SM9 is no different. From our testing this year we think it's still right at the top of the pile for golfers looking to improve their short game.

Not only do the wedges look and feel fantastic, but the vast array of different lofts and grinds on offer makes it easier than ever to ensure that you are getting the best set up for your own game and course type.


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