11 Feb 2020

Titleist’s master wedge craftsman Bob Vokey has reached a new height of innovation with his new Vokey Design SM8 line, the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedges yet.

Since last November’s RSM Classic, tour validation has seen more than 200 tour players making the switch to the SM8 wedges, and it continued as players put them into their bags during events like the Presidents Cup and the Sony Open. These included notable winners Adam Scott and Cameron Smith who won the Australian PGA Championship and the 2020 full-field Sony Open respectively. Great wedge play comes from distance control, shot versatility and spin and it would appear the new SM8 has hit the mark as the most played wedge model on the PGA Tour, continuing Vokey’s historic run as the #1 wedge on tour since 2004 and counting.

In refining his groundbreaking Progressive Centre of Gravity (CG) design concept that originated in the SM6, Vokey has taken a giant leap forward by moving the CG forward to a position that actually hovers in front of the wedge face.

Progressive CG design aligns the centre of gravity with the impact position – lower in the low lofts, higher in the high lofts – for better trajectory and distance control. SM8 takes the next innovative leap, pushing the CG forward while maintaining the vertical CG position. To achieve this, the hosels were lengthened and that weight counterbalanced with high-density tungsten low in the toe. This high, forward CG position that hovers in front of the wedge face, boosts MOI, producing increased stability with a more solid consistent, better-feeling strike, improved ball flight and a clubface that simply wants to square up at impact for more consistent results.

   

On new wedge prototypes brought to him for comments, wedge maestro Bob Vokey shared,  “I won’t have feedback until I’ve watched tour players hit them. The proof is in their results and their reactions. That’s been my validation process from day one. The first time I had guys hit SM8 was on the range at Riviera. I always listen to the sound they’re making at impact, and it was phenomenal. ‘Solid but soft’ was how they described it. They loved it. That means they’re getting the proper feedback that you need to execute every type of wedge shot, whether you’re in the fairway, in a bunker or around the green. They also talked a lot about the flight. It’s in a better window, it’s more consistent, and they have more control of it. 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.”

Refined Sole Grind Options

Developed through decades of work with the best shot makers in the game, Vokey’s 6 Tour-proven sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D, allow golfers of all skill levels to be precisely fit for their swing type (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft).

One of Vokey’s preferred setups is pairing a higher bounce sand wedge with a lower bounce lob wedge. Think Jordan Spieth (56.10 S and 60.04 L) and Justin Thomas (56.14 F, 60.06 K). It’s a setup that allows a player to adjust to firm or soft conditions both from the turf and bunker without having to change the swing technique. Based on this insight and current tour trends, the new D Grind has been added to the 54.12 and 56.12 SM8 models, providing players with more versatile mid to high bounce sand wedge options.

SM8 will continue to feature the most complete lineup of grind, bounce and loft options, allowing for more creativity and consistency, and giving players of any level the ability to create multiple shots around the green.

100% Inspected Spin Milled Grooves

SM8’s patented Spin Milled grooves are meticulously engineered and cut to the edge to maximize spin and shot control. Each groove on every head is individually cut and 100% inspected for conformity to the rules of golf. Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment applied to the impact area now doubles the durability of the groove without impacting feel.

 

New SM8 Finishes

Four different finishes are available for the SM8: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black and Raw, a custom order option that is the most popular among tour players.

 

ADVANCED PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOM OPTIONS

SM8 wedges are available for customization. The WedgeWorks custom options are expanded to include:

• Six unique toe engravings;
• Expanded stamping options, including 10-character Straight/Freestyle stamping, 15 characters around the toe, and two lines of 10 characters each; and
• Custom paint-filled Loft, Bounce and Grind markings and BV Wings logo.

SM8 wedges can also be custom ordered with an industry-leading selection of shafts, finishes, grips, shaft bands and ferrules. For a complete list of options, visit Vokey.com.

 

VOKEY WEDGE SELECTOR

The Vokey Wedge Selector tool on Vokey.com helps golfers select the proper loft, bounce and grind options for their swing and course conditions. Visit your Titleist fitter to confirm the results.

https://www.vokey.com/tools/wedge-selector-tool.aspx.

 

To find an event, or book a wedge fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, golfers can visit  https://www.titleist.com/fitting/appointments