Choosing the right golf clubs will have a big impact on your game and scores. With the short game, you need the right wedge lofts and proper wedge setup, which can get confusing. So, let's make it simple.

​There are different types of wedges: pitching wedge (PW), attack wedge/gap wedge/approach wedge (GW/AW/UW), sand wedge (SW), and lob wedge (LW). Each type of club has its own distinct advantage for different short-game shots.

Some are better for tight lies (low bounce wedges), and others are best for soft and wet conditions (high bounce wedges). While some have a hybrid sole that works for all types of shots around the green and approach shots.

To get out of the sand easier, you want to use an SW or LW for most shots. These golf wedges have higher degrees of loft and the right wedge bounce to splash effortlessly out of the sand.

Best Wedges to Escape the Sand

Let’s face it: bunkers give golfers a lot of trouble. I know in my own game, it’s been a struggle to finally get some confidence when it comes to escaping the sand.

Hitting good bunker shots is a combination of expectation management, technique, and using the right equipment. For example, did you know that the PGA Tour average is 50% from the sand? That’s right, the best golfers in the world only get the ball up/down from the sand half the time, despite what you may see on TV.

Technique is important, as it’s very different from a normal chip or pitch. But an underrated part of the sand is using the right club.

This is where I’ve made several mistakes in my own playing career and have made a tough shot even more difficult. You need to find a wedge with the right loft, bounce, and clubhead to match your swing and typical playing conditions. Otherwise, you might leave it in the sand and make a big number on the hole.

Here are the best wedges that will help you escape the sand and assist with other short game shots.

1. Titleist Vokey SM9

When it comes to wedges, it's tough to beat the Titleist Vokey series. I’ve been playing a version of these wedges for more than a decade and absolutely love them. They have a simple design that should inspire confidence in all types of shots around the green.

What makes these wedges so unique is the seven different grind models. This separates them from several other brands, as it makes it easier to find a club that matches your unique golf swing.

Titleist said it best on their website, “Your swing is unique and requires a unique wedge. Finding the right grind for your swing type will provide you flawless contact, so you can be prepared to hit every kind of wedge shot in all conditions.” There’s a grind to fit every type of swing for every type of lie to set yourself up for success.

For sand shots, you’ll likely want a 54, 56, 58, or 60-degree wedge. Depending on the grind you choose, this club will have 4–14 degrees of bounce.

If you play in firm sand, it’s best to use a club with less bounce for optimal contact (8-10 degrees). If you play in soft sand, it’s best to use a club with more bounce (10-14 degrees).

Titleist also makes these awesome wedges in a pitching wedge and gap wedge. You can also choose from three finishes, including Tour Chrome, Jet Black, and Brushed Steel.

2. TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedges

TaylorMade is another top choice when it comes to equipment - whether you need a club to bomb drives, improve your iron game, or help with your short game. Plus, their Spider putter lineup is one of the best in golf.

The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 wedges are very similar to the Vokey and are a preferred club for professional golfers. They’re also a good fit for consistent amateur players who don’t need as much forgiveness.

Like the Titleist Vokey wedges, they have a ton of different bounce and grind options to fit your swing and typical playing conditions. Whether you need a 46-degree pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, or lob wedge, they have a club for you.

You’ll also find that these wedges spin a lot, which is a great asset to have when hitting from bunkers. The Spin Tread technology helps create more spin, even if playing in wet conditions. Paired with the raw face, you shouldn’t have any issue getting plenty of spin from the sand or around the green.

These wedges are available in two finishes, both of which reduce glare and have a darker tint. Please note, these wedges will rust over time to preserve consistent spin rates. This will not impact performance, but some players don’t love the look.

3. Callaway Jaws Full Toe Wedges

Callaway also makes some high-performing wedges for mid to low handicap golfers in the Jaws series. Like TaylorMade and Titleist, they have multiple grind options for different types of swing (steep, shallow, standard) and different playing conditions.

This makes it much easier to find the right club that will provide optimal turf contact and allow you to hit different shots around the green. In fact, they have six grind options with 8 loft/bounce options per finish for maximum customization.

They also make a full toe wedge, which is different from the first two on this list. With a full toe wedge, the grooves extend across the entire clubface. This will help get even more spin, even if you mishit it on the toe.

4. Cleveland CBX Zipcore Wedges

If you want a new wedge that prioritizes forgiveness in a larger clubhead, you’ll love the Cleveland CBX Zipcore wedges. Cleveland is known for making forgiving, easy-to-hit clubs that are geared more toward amateur golfers than pros.

The CBX Zipcore wedges are a solid choice for mid-handicap golfers who don’t have a ton of time to practice. They even made the 2023 Golf Digest Hot List as they blend forgiveness with short game versatility.

They don’t have the different grinds like other clubs listed above, but do have plenty of loft/bounce options. Not to mention, you can buy these wedges with a lightweight steel or graphite shaft.

Picking the right shaft will have a big impact on your full shots, especially if you’re adding them in a PW or GW. It also might help you have better tempo in the sand, which can lead to better contact and hopefully shorter putts.

If you need even more help from the bunkers, you might consider the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4.0.

5. Callaway CB Wedges

Another good option when it comes to wedges is the Callaway CB series. These are different from most of the other wedges on this list, as they’re a cavity back instead of a blade, making them a perfect choice for beginners.

This won’t have much of an impact when it comes to hitting sand shots, but will make full shots significantly more forgiving. Not to mention, this design also makes them go longer as well, even if you don’t have a faster-than-average swing.

I used the older models for my 50-degree gap wedge from 2018 to 2020 and was a big fan. If you want one for your sand game, opt for the 56, 58, or 60 degree model.

What’s awesome about these wedges is that they also come with a graphite or steel shaft. If you’re a higher handicap golfer who plays a lightweight shaft in your irons, it’s a good idea to play a graphite shaft in your wedges, too. This will make it a much better transition with shorter clubs and likely have a big impact on your short game.

6. Stix Golf 3-Piece Wedge Set

The final option that can help your sand and short game is the Stix Golf 3-piece wedge set. This is a great option if you want to buy multiple wedges and not break the bank. Every other manufacturer above doesn’t offer wedge sets, and you must buy them individually, which can get expensive. Not long ago, wedges were only $100 per club; now they’re nearly $200!

With Stix Golf, you can get three wedges for less than the price of most individual wedges. This set comes with a 52-degree gap wedge, 56-degree sand wedge, and 60-degree lob wedge.

Each wedge has plenty of loft and bounce, which will make it easier to get out of the sand and a little extra forgiveness around the greens. They’re built for the everyday payer with their forgiving design at a fraction of the cost.

Connect with a Curated Golf Expert Today

Finding the right clubs for your short game will make a massive difference in scrambling around the greens. If you’re playing game improvement, forgiving irons, make sure your wedges match in terms of design and shaft.

However, if you’re a more consistent golfer, you’ll want a smaller design like the Titleist Vokey or Callaway Jaws. These clubs are some of the most popular with professionals and elite amateurs for their extreme versatility around the greens.

If you still aren’t sure which wedge is right for your swing and typical playing conditions, contact a Curated Golf Expert today.