About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the wedge which I purchased with my own money in April of 2021.

My take

The Titleist SM8 wedge is a versatile wedge for approach shots into greens from the fairway. It is also a fantastic spinning wedge for pitch shots, bunker play, and any shot around the greens.

About the club I own

• Model: Titleist SM8 Wedge
• Loft: 56 and 60
• Bounce: 10 (56) 4 (60)
• Grind: S Grind (56) L grind (60)
• Finish: Chrome finish

About me

• Average Score: 75
• Handicap: 2
• Experience: 27 years, 25 in the LPGA
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Golf Ball Used: Pro V1x
• Angle Of Attack: Normal

Test conditions

• When I bought the wedge: April 2021
• Days tested: 3
• Where I’ve used it: Louisiana golf courses and indoor simulator
• Weather Conditions: Spring conditions (warm, soft)
• Green Conditions: Bermuda grass

How it performs

What I was looking for

I started playing Titleist Spin Milled wedges years ago and the SM8 wedges are now my third ones (I hadn’t replaced them in 8 years and I was due). I always look for a wedge that is great on approach shots and has a ton of spin around the greens on pitch shots and bunker play. The Spin Milled feature really gives me the ability to get every shot closer to the pin.

Why I chose this club

I have tried other wedges from Cleveland and TaylorMade. While they are both good wedges, I always run back to Titleist and the Spin Milled wedge because it gives me the best scoring opportunities. I can really knock approach shots within a few feet of the pin every time. My confidence with these wedges never waivers. Whether I’m in the fairway or rough, bunker or collar of the green, with my SM8 wedges in hand, I know I will get it close.

What I love about it

• Launch: I play wedge flex shafts and I love the launch I get from my 56- and especially my 60-degree wedge. They launch high in the air with super soft landings on every green.
• Feel: The feel off the face is exceptional. I can actually feel the Pro V1x ball compress with every swing.
• Spin: I’ve tried quite a few other wedges and none compare to the spin I get from the Spin Milled Titleist SM8 wedges. Even if I am only a few feet off the green, I know the ball will check immediately
• Bounce: I have always chosen wedges that have different bounces so I can use them in all types of course conditions. Having a 4-degree bounce helps me in tight and dry conditions, while my 10-degree bounce wedge helps me in fluffier conditions and softer bunker shots. SM8 wedges come in a ton of bounces and grinds which is a wonderful feature for a golfer that plays all types of course conditions.
• Around the Green: These wedges perform perfectly around the greens. I tend to be a “handsy” player, especially when I hit chip shots. That lag I have in my chipping style gives me so much ability to get the ball to “check up” as soon as it makes contact with the surface of the green.
• Full Shots: My favorite shots are with my 56 or 60-degree wedges from 70 to 90 yards. Uphill, downhill, sidehill, or a perfectly flat lie, I know I am going to be inside 10 feet and have a great birdie opportunity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: I love the look of my SM8 wedges. I chose the tour chrome classic look as I am not a huge fan of black finish wedges.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Forgiveness: These are not super forgiving wedges. I am a low handicap, skilled golfer who has the ability to control the club head and face for full and short shots. Golfers who need more forgiveness should seek out other wedges.
• Shaft Feel: The shaft in these wedges is a little heavier than my older model Spin Milled wedges. That took a little time for me to get used to.
• Grip Feel: I’m used to playing tour velvet grips and the golf pride grips on these wedges are just a little different feel.

Best Shot with this Wedge

I was playing in an LPGA club and professional championship tournament in Florida. Par 5, I was about 65 yards from the hole, and with my 60-degree SM8 wedge, I knocked it in the hole for eagle. We were also playing a skins game and that shot was worth $120.

Value for the money vs. other options

There are definitely cheaper options out there for the golfer looking to save a few bucks. But really, it’s only a few bucks, maybe twenty dollars. I think the SM8 wedges are worth every penny. Scoring opportunities really come down to a golfer’s short game. I would put my short game with my SM8 wedges up against anyone else’s.

Final verdict

No doubt in my mind that ever since I started playing Titleist Spin Milled wedges, my game improved tremendously. The best thing I can say is that if I have one of those wedges in my hand, especially from the fairway, I know I am going to be staring down a short putt. I have so much confidence even before I pull my SM8 wedge out of my bag.