Ask any regular golfer to name the best golf wedges on the market and you will more than likely get a variety of answers but, the one that will stand out from the pack will be the Titleist Vokey Wedge. For many years, Vokey wedges have been the standard that all other wedges have been measured against and account for over 50% of all golf wedges sold in the world.

The creator of Vokey Wedges, Bob Vokey didn't start specialising in wedges until he arrived at Titleist in 1996, where he was headhunted to join Titleist because of the glowing praise, word of mouth and fountain of knowledge he had accumulated working with the world's best players all those years earlier.

After working with Titleist for a number of years and working with some of the world's best engineers and golfers, Bob introduced the now-famous Vokey SM wedge to the world. (SM Stands for Spin Milled) The very first SM7 Wedges hit the golf shops in March 2018 to provide golfers with unrivalled craftsmanship, pioneering technology and Tour-inspired performance to the masses. Backed by the best research and development team in the world the wedges provide a progressive centre of gravity and spin milled grooves that receive a propitiatory heat treatment to double the durability of the grooves. Amongst a plethora of other features.

The latest Vokey wedge is the SM8 which was introduced back in March 2020, selling millions around the globe, and as always giving us all the performance and easy hitting technology, we asked for. The main difference between the SM7 and SM8 is the centre of gravity location, this has been moved even further forward which has helped to increase the MOI of the wedge meaning that the club face is naturally trying to square up at impact, resulting in straighter, more accurate shots.

When looking for a new wedge, the top wedge players in the game are looking for a few specific factors; flight, control, shot versatility and distance control. This is where Vokey wedges excel.

Titleist wedges are renowned for their versatility and shot making capability, this is made easier by a tour proven sole and a variety of lofts and grinds on offer to suit all golfers.

Vokey produce 6 different wedge grinds that have been using feedback from some of the best wedge players on the tour. The higher bounce options of D and K Grinds give a higher forgiveness level than the lower bounce grinds, such as the L grind. This option helps to produce more creative shots around the green for those more delicate shots.

With the new season just around the corner, the release of the “expected” Titleist Vokey SM9 is anticipated to be even better and easier to hit than previous SM models and carry on mesmerising us with that deadly drop and stop spin that we can't get enough of. As Bob Vokey always says ''If the Tour players accept it, then we say this must be awfully good''.

Vokey have always prided themselves on their ability to make a long-lasting wedge with slow groove wear as well as creating maximum spin control. This was very much in evidence with the Titleist SM8 model so it will be intriguing to see how Vokey can improve on the bestselling wedge ever made! Titleist continue to be one of the leading custom fit companies and we are sure will continue to offer a full range of custom fit options and stampings in the new model.

We will all be happy Easter bunnies with the potential arrival of a new SM9 in early March 2022, hopefully with a little extra spin to help the average club golfer and a wider choice of premium finishes. Maybe even a new finish to impress us? Chrome, Raw, Black, Brushed Steel and Blue are the current choice of colours to be had. Watch this space.......

Well, there is nothing to speculate about now. Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge is well and truly in production with Vokey Wedges tweeting on the 3rd January about them making their debut at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.

And what a debut it was for the SM9 with players such as Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Max Homa, 2021 FedEX Cup Champion Patrick Cantlay but, without a doubt, the stand out player was Cameron Smith shooting a tour record of 34 under par to secure the win! ?

Can we expect more of the same in the coming weeks?