Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge £169
GM verdict
Improving upon a wedge as close to perfection as we saw in SM8 was always going to be a big ask, but Titleist claims its SM9 gets a step closer.
The SM9 retains the classic Vokey look at address. When hitting full shots, the shaping and lack of offset inspire confidence, while around the green it looks inviting behind the ball. You could argue the lower-lofted wedges in SM9 have a slightly straighter leading edge, too, which helps with alignment on full shots and the transition from your irons.
There are the same six grind options in SM9 – F, S, K, L, M and D – and a total of 23 different models, ranging in lofts from 46° to 62°. Many assume that a middle ground in terms of bounce is preferable as it provides versatility, but if you introduce quite a bit of shaft lean and tend to dig the club into the ground, the margin for error becomes small and it makes controlling distance and trajectory very difficult.
Via the fitting process with SM9, transitioning into a higherbounce F or K grind provided a noticeable difference in turf interaction and the cleanliness of strike. Our divots were smaller and shallower, which meant our confidence grew when playing from tight lies and the dispersion around the flag was much tighter overall. We also found the grinds offered a great alternative out of sand as they’re less likely to dig and lose speed.
In the higher-lofted wedges, pitch shots flew noticeably lower, by a good three to four yards, and this helped control the flight without affecting the stopping power on offer.
When it comes to the lob wedge, the M grind offers bags of versatility around the greens. Due to the sole design, the club can be opened up without exposing the leading edge too much, allowing golfers to get creative when the situation calls for it. On full shots, the feel was excellent, as was the spin – SM9 continues to offer some of the highest spin rates around. If you haven’t upgraded your wedges in a while, you’ll really notice the difference when you’re short-sided.
The fitting process we went through produced some surprises in terms of the grinds and lofts and it may well do the same for you. The SM wedge franchise continues to evolve, provoking new ideas about how to execute short-game shots.
“THE EVOLUTION OF THE SM WEDGE FRANCHISE PROVOKES NEW IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO EXECUTE SHOTS SUCCESSFULLY AROUND THE GREEN”
Joel Tadman, GM technical editor