PRO SHOP: LATEST EQUIPMENT

Developed through a process led by the vast experience and knowledge of Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, Titleist’s new Vokey Design SM8 wedges are “the most accurate and forgiving” in company history – the new model also featuring improved feel.

Originally unveiled in the company’s SM6 and refined in 2018’s SM7, Titleist’s progressive centre of gravity (CG) design concept has undergone a dramatic change in the new model to improve control, feel and stability. With a CG that has been shifted forward to hover in front of the face, SM8 wedges will return to square every time.

Designed to produce optimised loft specific performance, the CG progresses from a lower position in the low lofts to higher in the high lofts, and is achieved through a longer hosel that is offset by high density tungsten in the toe, raising the moment of inertia (MOI) for greater stability.

“Overall, guys just kept telling me how easy it was to hit every type of shot they wanted to hit. They just felt like they were getting more of out of the wedge – and that’s because Kevin Tassistro (Director of Wedge R&D) and his team were able to push that CG forward out in front of the face, to a place we never would have imagined 20 years ago,” Vokey said of his initial Tour player testing of the new model last year.

Already the most played wedge on the PGA Tour and in the bags of both Adam Scott (Australian PGA) and Cameron Smith (Sony Open) on their way to recent victories, the SM8 wedges are offered in six Tour proven sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D – suited to any swing type, player preference or conditions, feature 100 percent inspected ‘Spin Milled Grooves’ and are available in four finishes.

Continuing to advance groove technology and offer increased spin and durability, Vokey and his R&D team incorporated individually cut grooves that are each inspected to ensure conformity to the Rules of Golf in the SM8, with micro grooves located between each for increased spin on partial shots. The grooves undergo a heat treatment process to guarantee more spin for longer.

Each refined from the previous iteration, the four finishes – Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black and Raw (available through Wedge Works at www.vokey.com) – are just some of the custom options on offer in the new Vokey Design SM8, which will be available in golf shops around Australia early this month. SRP: $249 (steel).