Since the beginning of time, finding the middle, sweet spot, Tiger putt, groove 2 through 5, etc. has been the North Star for anyone who has ever picked up a golf club. In order to make each piece of equipment do what it is optimized to do, it is essential that players find that section (at least for irons and wedges).
On my Vokey SM11 with mount Rep. Tour Aaron DillAD used the grind, proper center of gravity and sole width to help me find it almost every time – EVEN when the action was not optimal.
Now, most of you might be thinking, “So finding the sweet spot is important? Thanks, Captain Obvious.” But the illusion of needing skill just to find it is a misconception. With the right fit and the right tool, it’s possible for any player to get here – even a high handicapper. Now I will say that the consistency level around that shot is going to be much higher with the short irons in the wedge. The shaft is shorter, many of the shots don’t require “full send” speeds, and you have loft to help with the ride.
Title Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Wedge
Titleist Vokey Design’s new SM11 wedges feature a new precision CG position on every wedge in a loft, meaning every wedge will now perform the same way with the same shot.
When Vokey implemented the new CG package in SM11, it created possibilities for me that I would have had to manipulate in the past. For example, I would find wedges that I hit well, but the CG wouldn’t optimize the shot; ie the ball would go too high or I would find a wedge that I could hit, but consistent shot pattern was elusive. Now that the SM11 has a CG package that lives in the same place on every wedge and even more in one place (and groove to improve) it keeps the ball significantly lower in higher lofts. Quite simply, it’s a wedge set for having sweets and eating a lot that supports me regardless of my technique.
How to find a group that does it all
This is where all my research and access to people like Aaron paid off. I’ve always been a good wedge player, but I’ve admittedly made concessions with every setup. I’ve always struggled to find a kit that had a kick to it that was a low driving trajectory with enough spin to stop it dead, as opposed to turning it over. Ball plays a part in this, but if we just focus on wedges for now, my SM11 44.10F, 50.08F, 54.12D and 58.08M now all have it. In this case, for me, it’s a 10 o’clock swing, hitting all four wedges from a low window. Gone are the days of taking that swing and looking up to see the ball doing something else. It’s also important to mention that having wedges to hold you in that 2-5 groove section gives you a sense of control of the golf ball.
