Titleist Vokey SM5 wedge review

Here you can read Golf Monthly senior technical writer Paul O’Hagan's Titleist Vokey SM5 wedge review

Titleist Vokey SM5 wedge review: 10 point test

Aesthetics

1. Address view. All three SM5 finishes (Tour Chrome, Gold Nickel and Raw Black) are beautiful, but it’s the Gold Nickel option that offers a particularly stunning look.

2. Shelf appeal. Clean graphics and a classic shape make the SM5 instantly recognisable as a Vokey. All three finishes look great on the shelf. The option to custom stamp your wedges gives them a unique look in the bag.

Components

3. Options. An incredible 21 combinations of loft, bounce and grind. Lofts available from 46 to 62 degrees, in increments of two degrees. This impressive list of options means you can find ideal gaps between clubs as well as picking a set-up that suits your style of play, and the courses you regularly play.

4. Grinds. Bob Vokey has created six different grind options, inspired by the most common requests he receives from tour players. These options are designed to suit shallow, neutral and steep swing paths, as well as firm, medium and soft ground conditions.

Technology

5. Grooves. New deeper TX3 grooves help keep grass and sand away from impact with the ball to offer added spin. A heat treatment process on the face means that the grooves maintain maximum spin for longer.

6. Head design. The blade length has been made shorter and the toe area is rounder than the SM4. Again, Bob Vokey used feedback from PGA Tour players to make these changes to the head shape.

Performance

7. Spin. The SM5 undoubtedly provides more spin than its predecessor. This added grip instils confidence and encourages a confident chipping action.

8 Distance control. As with the SM4, the flight on full shots still comes out slightly lower than most wedges. This, combined with added spin, helps prevent the ball from ballooning and creates noticeable distance gaps between each wedge.

9 Forgiveness. This really comes down to selecting the right bounce and grind options to suit your game. If you often hit your pitch and chip shots fat, there are options available here that will make a huge difference to your consistency, and your ability to attempt higher-tariff chip shots when required. A conversation with your PGA professional or a full fitting will really help you get the most out of the SM5 design.

10 Feel. Although some will still opt for a forged wedge design, there’s a reassuring sound and feel off the SM5 face, which the vast majority of players will love.