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Becoming a better golfer from 125 yards and in is a quick way to start lowering your scores. If your wedges could use an upgrade, check out some new golf clubs from TGW’s best wedges of 2023 list. Watch the results of our testing to see how they compare and find the right performance for you.

2023 Best Wedges

What We Tested

We tested a selection of the top wedges from the best brands in golf. These wedges were chosen because they are the best-selling, most popular models available at TGW. All of the wedges are 56° in loft with a medium bounce grind. We chose these specifications because they are the most used, most versatile wedge setups for golfers on the golf course. They fit the majority of players’ swings and turf conditions.

Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Wedge

The Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Wedge is a top-notch choice for golfers who prioritize control and spin around the greens. It features the revolutionary Zipcore technology, which involves a low-density core placed at the heart of the wedge. This enhances the club’s feel and stability while optimizing the weight distribution for improved shot consistency. Additionally, the RTX 6 comes with the Rotex face, which is designed with sharp, deep grooves that enhance spin and control on both full shots and delicate finesse shots.

Mizuno S-23 Wedge

The Mizuno S-23 Wedge is a fantastic option for golfers seeking exceptional feel and versatility. It boasts a Grain Flow Forged construction, ensuring a buttery-smooth impact and precise shot-making capabilities. The S-23 features a refined sole design that allows for enhanced turf interaction, making it easier to execute various shots from different lies. With its high-spin Quad Cut Grooves and hydroflow micro-grooves, this wedge delivers outstanding spin control, especially on partial shots and finesse shots around the green.

TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 3 Wedge

The TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 3 Wedge is a go-to wedge for players who value maximum versatility and shot creativity. Its distinctive high-toe shape expands the club’s face area, allowing golfers to open the face for added loft and more precise shot-making options. The Milled Grind Hi-Toe 3 showcases an advanced milling process that ensures consistent groove geometry for optimal spin and control. The club’s sole design incorporates both full-face scoring lines and aggressive heel and toe relief, enabling players to execute a wide range of shots with confidence and precision.

Titleist SM9 Wedge

The Titleist SM9 Wedge is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and superior performance. It incorporates precise CG (center of gravity) placement through a progressive design, meaning each loft has a strategically positioned CG to enhance feel and control. The SM9 features precisely milled grooves that optimize spin and trajectory consistency, allowing golfers to achieve the desired shot shape and control around the greens. Additionally, the club’s versatile grind options cater to various swing types and course conditions, ensuring that every golfer can find the perfect fit for their game.

Titleist SM9 Lightweight Wedge

The Titleist SM9 Lightweight Wedge is a remarkable option for golfers seeking a wedge that offers both performance and reduced overall weight. It features a high-density tungsten core that allows for precise CG placement, optimizing feel and stability. The SM9 Lightweight boasts the same precision-milled grooves as its standard counterpart, delivering exceptional spin control and shot-stopping capabilities. Its lightweight design helps golfers generate increased clubhead speed, resulting in enhanced distance and trajectory control, especially on delicate shots around the green.

How We Tested

Our test of the best wedges of 2023 was conducted with Rick Hatfield. Rick is TGW’s Master Fitter and product expert. All of the data was gathered using a Foresight GC2 launch monitor, 2023 Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, and a 56°, mid-bounce wedge from each model. Every wedge was equipped with their stock steel shaft.

The Results

This data is all specific to Rick and his swing. By taking a sample of comparable swings with each club under the same conditions, Rick was able to see how each wedge performed and make some recommendations based upon what you may be trying to achieve with your wedge shots.

From the bunker

For this test, Rick hit from a soft greenside bunker about 15 yards from the pin.
Rick’s goal with this shot was to see which wedge produced the most consistent performance in getting the ball out of the bunker and, on average, closest to the pin.
The Titleist SM9 Lightweight wedge provided the closest average yardage to the pin, followed by the Titleist SM9 and the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3.

From the Rough

For this test, Rick hit from thicker rough about 20 yards from the pin.
Rick’s goal with this shot was to see which wedge produced the most consistent performance in getting the ball out of the rough and, on average, closest to the pin.
In this situation, the Cleveland RTX 6 wedge averaged the closest to the pin followed by the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 and then the Mizuno S-23 wedge.

From the fairway

For this test, Rick hit from a clean fairway lie about 25 yards from the pin
Rick’s goal with this shot was to see which wedge produced the most consistent performance in terms of highest consistent spin for more stopping power.
At an average of 4,860 rpm, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge provided the most spin. That was followed by the Cleveland RTX 6 in second place and the Titleist SM9 Lightweight model in third.
The Cleveland RTX 6 wedge averaged the closest to the pin in this test followed by the Titleist SM9 Lightweight wedge and then the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3.