Reader review: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges

Two Golf Monthly readers test Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges

588 RTX 2.0 cavity-back
(Image credit: Cleveland Golf)

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Two Golf Monthly readers test Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges

At the end of last year, we gave two Golf Monthly readers the chance to test out Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges.

The fitting took place at Cleveland Srixon's Centre of Excellence at Studley Wood Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Click here to see our full Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedge review

Reader 1: Brian Tracey Handicap: 5Home club: Weybrook Park

 Wedge assessment

“My wedges are a mixed bunch and, being fairly tall, I had them all built with extra length as suggested at an iron fitting I had previously. From 90 yards and in my results are very mixed, with shanks possible when playing pitch shots. My bunker play can be an issue; I can usually get the ball out, but my distance control is inconsistent. Around the fringe I use an 8-iron rather than a wedge if possible, as this has a safer outcome.”

Fitter analysis by Martin Conner

“Phil had a 50° and a 56° in his bag, which related to a massive 22-yard gap. We took out the 56° and added a 54° and 58°, which halved the distance gap. Outdoor testing also revealed that Phil took quite shallow divots, so we switched to a low-bounce head that offered more control, especially out of the sand.”

Reader feedback

“Martin immediately identified that I had irregular gaps in my set, so getting that right was key. A lot of my clubs have been extended, so all of the wedges I bought subsequently were made to the same spec. Reducing the length by half an inch meant I was suddenly finding the middle of the face rather than the heel and hosel, which allowed me to hit it crisply more often.”

Reader 2: Phil Munson Handicap: 15 Home Club: Grimsby Golf Club

Wedge assessment

“My wedges are a mixed bunch and, being fairly tall, I had them all built with extra length as suggested at an iron fitting I had previously. From 90 yards and in my results are very mixed, with shanks possible when playing pitch shots. My bunker play can be an issue; I can usually get the ball out, but my distance control is inconsistent. Around the fringe I use an 8-iron rather than a wedge if possible, as this has a safer outcome.”

Fitter analysis by Martin Conner

“Phil had a 50° and a 56° in his bag, which related to a massive 22-yard gap. We took out the 56° and added a 54° and 58°, which halved the distance gap. Outdoor testing also revealed that Phil took quite shallow divots, so we switched to a low-bounce head that offered more control, especially out of the sand.”

Reader feedback

“Martin immediately identified that I had irregular gaps in my set, so getting that right was key. A lot of my clubs have been extended, so all of the wedges I bought subsequently were made to the same spec. Reducing the length by half an inch meant I was suddenly finding the middle of the face rather than the heel and hosel, which allowed me to hit it crisply more often.”

 

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x