Golf Wedges Explained: Which Second Hand Wedge Should You Buy in Australia?

By Rising Sun Clubs  |  Golf Equipment Guide  |  Australia

What Is a Golf Wedge — and Why Does It Matter?

Wedges are the highest-lofted clubs in your bag, designed for short approach shots, bunker play, chips, and pitches inside 120 metres. Industry research consistently shows that the majority of shots in a typical round are played within 100 metres of the pin — which means your wedges have a bigger impact on your score than almost any other club.

Unlike drivers or irons, wedges don't require the same power or precision manufacturing tolerances. That makes buying second hand an especially smart decision: a well-maintained used wedge from a premium brand performs almost identically to a new one, at a fraction of the price.

The Four Types of Wedges Explained

Understanding Bounce and Grind — The Bit Most People Skip

Bounce is the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole. It determines how the club interacts with the turf or sand:

• Low bounce (4–6°) — suits firm turf, tight lies, and players with a shallow swing. Common on links courses.
• Mid bounce (7–10°) — the most versatile option for Australian conditions, works on both firm and softer turf.
• High bounce (10°+) — suits soft turf and bunkers with fluffy sand. Great for players with a steep swing who take large divots.

When buying a used wedge, always check what bounce angle is stamped on the sole. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons golfers struggle with their wedge play. Titleist's wedge guide has an excellent breakdown of how bounce affects different playing conditions.

The Best Wedge Brands to Buy Second Hand in Australia

Titleist Vokey SM Series

The Vokey is the most played wedge on the PGA Tour and arguably the gold standard for amateur golfers too. The SM7, SM8, and SM9 are all excellent used buys — they hold their feel exceptionally well over time, and the grind options give you precise control over turf interaction. Look for SM7 or SM8 models second hand for the best value. Learn more about the full Vokey range on titleist.com.

Callaway Jaws Series

The Callaway Jaws MD and Jaws Full Toe wedges have earned a strong following in Australia for their raw face technology, which delivers exceptional spin even on partial shots. Searches for Callaway Jaws wedges in Australia have grown significantly — they're a popular club that performs well across a range of conditions. A used Jaws MD5 or MD6 in good condition is a seriously strong buy at the right price. See the full Callaway wedge lineup at callaway.com.

Cleveland RTX Series

Cleveland has been making wedges since the 1970s and the RTX series is one of the most consistent performers available. The RTX ZipCore is particularly well regarded for its feel and versatility. Cleveland wedges tend to be priced slightly below Titleist and Callaway even new, which makes them excellent value second hand. A great option if you're looking to maximise performance per dollar.

TaylorMade Milled Grind (MG) Series

TaylorMade's MG wedges feature a raw face that rusts slightly over time — intentionally, as this increases friction and spin. This makes them a great second hand buy since a lightly used MG wedge will have developed more surface texture than a brand new one. Worth knowing if you're comparing a new vs used price on these.

What to Check When Buying a Used Wedge

• Grooves: Run your fingernail across the face grooves. They should feel sharp and clearly defined. Worn grooves significantly reduce spin, especially on partial shots from rough.
• Face wear: Look for any deep ball marks in the centre of the face. Light wear is normal and doesn't affect performance, but heavy pitting can reduce spin consistency.
• Sole wear: Some sole wear is expected and normal. Excessive grinding or damage to the bounce area can affect how the club sits and swings through turf.
• Hosel/neck: Check for any cracks around the hosel where the shaft meets the head. This is a structural issue and a wedge with a cracked hosel should be avoided.
• Shaft and grip: Wedge shafts rarely wear out, but check for rust or visible damage. A worn grip is easy and cheap to replace — don't let it put you off an otherwise good club.
• Loft and lie: Loft and lie can shift over time, especially on heavily used clubs. If you're serious about gapping, get any second hand wedge checked and bent back to spec by a local fitter.

How Many Wedges Do You Actually Need?

Most golfers are best served by three wedges covering the following loft gaps:

• A pitching wedge (already in your iron set, typically 44–48°)
• A sand or gap wedge around 52–54°
• A lob wedge at 58–60° for specialist short game shots

The key principle is consistent distance gapping — you want roughly equal yardage steps between each wedge so there are no awkward in-between distances. Golf Australia's improvement resources have solid guidance on building a well-gapped bag setup for Australian conditions.

New vs Second Hand Wedges: The Honest Comparison

A brand new Titleist Vokey SM9 retails in Australia for around $280–$320. The same wedge in used condition — perhaps one season old — can be found for $80–$130 depending on condition. That's a saving of $150–$200 on a single club.

For a full three-wedge setup, buying used could save you $400–$600 compared to buying new. That's enough to cover green fees for months, or to upgrade other parts of your bag. Unless you're a touring professional who demands the absolute latest groove specification from day one, second hand wedges make complete financial sense.