Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Bob Vokey is renowned for his incredible wedge designs. Vokey’s wedges, designed for Titleist, have been the most played on the PGA Tour since 2004. That’s nearly 20 years, and is a testament to the connection the game’s best have to Vokey wedges. In many ways, the only rival to the success of the wedges is the Titleist’s Pro V1, a ball that’s dominated the business for more than two decades.

The new Vokey SM9 is already capturing attention after Cameron Smith used the wedges to win the initial event of 2022. Vokey says the new wedges are the most “versatile, accurate and forgiving yet” and come in a remarkable 23 different versions ranging from 46 to 62 degrees in loft. That means you can really dial these to your specific preferences. Overall, what you’ll find in the latest generation is the best of SM7 combined with SM8, creating a wedge that is easier to square up, lowers the flight, and is more stable. You can pre-order the SM9’s starting February 17 and will be available both in store and online March 11.

Key technologies

Better control

The new Vokey offers more forward center of gravity, which results in a more solid feeling shot. The CG has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position.

Refined sole grind

Offering a wide variety of grinds is key to homing in the goal of each player. In this instance, Vokey is offering six grinds—F, S, M, K, L and D. The goal is to allow golfers of all skill levels to be fit, depending on their specific needs and their swing types (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style (sweeper, digger) and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft).

Shaper edges

As has been the case with a lot of club making in recent years, manufacturing plays a role in the improvements in SM9. In this instance, Titleist tightened its tolerances, offering sharper grooves. The result—more consistent spin. The Spin Milled grooves are what Titleist calls “the gold standard” in cutting precision and are inspected to conform to the rules of golf.

Micro-grooves

These are cut between the main grooves and maximize spin on half shots. While grooves wear out—Titleist pegs it at between 75 and 100 rounds—the technology makes the wedges very durable.

Lofts

The wedges can be purchased in lofts ranging from 46 to 62 degrees.

Are they for you?

Vokey wedges have been the industry leader for a long time—and there’s no question the new SM9 wedges will have similar popularity. The key in determining whether the wedges work for you is figuring out your swing type and the appropriate grind and bouce for your game. Thankfully, either a Golf Town fitter, or Titleist’s new online wedge fitting tool can provide you with a great indication of which Vokey wedge fits your game.