“I’m really excited to come out of the dark” – James Patrick “JP” Harrington
Four years ago, James Patrick Harrington was THE IT Guy in the premium, custom, and arguably exotic wedge market. Among those with an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind golf club design, JP’s was a name nearly everyone knew. His wedges were something nearly everyone desired.
As a golf forum phenom, JP was a massive presence. As a business, JP Wedges was a small-scale, entirely custom operation. But like so many others with unquestionable talent, there was always a feeling that with time and opportunity, mainstream success for James Patrick Harrington was an absolute certainty.
JP was going to blow up, that was a given. It was simply a question of when.
So in July of 2013, when JP signed with Titleist, it looked like those inevitable big things were right around the corner. The specifics of his new role were never officially disclosed, but the assumption was that Titleist brought him on to serve as the understudy and heir to the Bob Vokey franchise. As it turns out, the speculation – while logical – had little basis in reality.
Time… lots of time has passed, and the big things didn’t materialize. Bob Vokey: ubiquitous as ever – and deservedly so. JP: spectral – Bobby Fischer with a grinding wheel. Rumors swirled. Exiled? Let go? All but completely off the grid, his new Instagram account dark. According to at least one rumor, JP was dead.
What became of Titleist’s wedge savant?
For his fans, both patient and less so, the answer is both exciting and long overdue.
Making the most of the totality of the Titleist resources at his disposal, JP has spent the better part of the last several years researching, testing, and prototyping a wedge design and fitting philosophy. Very much alive and as passionate as ever about wedges, he grew a beard, and if you take the man at his word, created the Ferrari of wedges too.
Justifiable confidence or overreach? Regardless, the quiet time is finally over. After nearly four years of silence, together Titleist and JP are finally ready to make some noise.
I think I speak for the entire legion of JP fans when I say It’s about damn time.
The JP Experience
JP’s first line of wedges under the Titleist umbrella (appropriately called JP Wedges) will be available beginning Monday (5/8/17), but don’t expect to pluck one off the shelf at your local Golf Galaxy. Big box distribution isn’t happening. There’s no JP Wedge Works option either; you can’t order one online. Premium custom fitting locations, those are off the table too. If you want JP Wedges, you’ll need to go directly to the source.
The new JP Wedges are available exclusively through the JP Fitting Experience.
At its foundation, JP Wedges is a bit like Titleist’s Concept (C16) Series. All the elements are there: exotic, or at least semi-exotic materials, premium pricing, and some exclusivity too. What truly differentiates the JP Experience, however, is an experiential component unlike anything else offered by a mainstream golf equipment company.
The Experience portion of the JP Experience consists of a three-hour, one-on-one wedge fitting with the man himself, James Patrick Harrington.
That fitting takes place at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, California, in the new short game area built exclusively for JP and his fittings.
As you hit a variety of shots with your current clubs, JP will analyze your wedge game using a combination of Trackman and high-speed cameras rolling at 10,000 frames per second. JP will personally take an exhaustive look at your individual swing dynamics. Along with mainstays like launch and spin, JP will look closely at angle of attack, dynamic loft, and turf interaction. These are the unique details of the swing that will help him nail down the appropriate bounce for each of your wedges.
Once JP has an idea of the right configuration, he’ll reach into his custom SureFit fitting cart and assemble the combination of head and shaft, along with the loft and lie that he believes will ensure consistent contact, proper distance gapping, and ultimately the best performance.
This is also where JP’s dedication to details begins to shine through.
JP’s implementation of Titleist’s SureFit system is designed to be entirely weight-neutral. That is to say that the CG location and swing weight of the demo set are absolutely the same as that of the final assembled product.
“The important thing for me is to maintain the precision across the board” – JP
The Technical Details
JP’s fitting repertoire consists of discrete lofts (including odd numbers) from 45° to 60°, three different bounce options from 57°-60°, two from 45°-56°, and an extensive selection of shafts. While JP admits that because of the company’s quality standards he has a particular affinity for Nippon’s Tour 105 and Tour 125, if there’s a shaft you really want, JP and Titleist are happy to accommodate. Says Titleist’s VP of Golf Club Marketing, Josh Talge, “We’re not in the business of saying no to the golfer.”
The heads themselves are exactly what you’d expect from JP. That is to say, they’re unlike anything else on the market today. A timeless aesthetic is paired with a modern design that’s distinctively JP. Generically billed with the catch-all multi-material construction, JP Wedges are far from ordinary.
JP is laying claim to the tightest tolerances in the industry, and while Titleist declined to be specific across the board, Harrington was able to tell me that his tolerances on head weight are a razor thin half-a-gram. To put that in context, most of the industry is closer to 3 grams.
The wedge bodies are forged from soft 1025 carbon steel. Like the multi-directional cambered sole, which features a rounded leading edge and aggressive heel-toe relief for enhanced versatility, the grooves are 100% milled for added consistency and precision.
A tungsten toe weight shifts the center of gravity closer to the center and helps keep vertical CG consistent.
A unique titanium back plate flawlessly hides a hollow cavity design containing a second tungsten calibration weight that JP personally mills to the desired size and weight for each and every wedge he builds. The calibration weight gives JP a significant amount of flexibility to build wedges to target weights well above or below what we might call standard – even if the design is anything but.
The components, which fit together like a jigsaw, are locked into place and then bonded using a 3M adhesive that not only creates an impenetrable seal but also further softens feel.
Even the grip is custom. Partnering with Golf Pride, JP’s stock grip is similar to the popular Decade MCC Plus4. The JP version extends an extra ¾ of an inch down the shaft, and there’s absolutely no taper over the last 4”. The idea is to provide more coverage when gripping down without changing the feel of the club. The grip is available in both standard and midsized models, and further illustrating JP’s commitment to precision and tight tolerances, both sizes weigh 52 grams; the same as a standard grip, making both totally swing weight neutral. As with the shaft, while JP believes in his grip, the golfer always has the final say.
Dialing It In
Once JP assembles the demo wedges, the golfer will be asked to hit a comprehensive series of shots covering every aspect of wedge play. The purpose is to validate the recommendation and make adjustments as needed. Full shots, partial shots, fairway, rough, and bunker. Bump it, run it, flop it. The idea is to fit based on the totality of the short game.
With the sole grinds sorted out, it’s back to the practice tee to dial in lofts and gapping.
Once the fitting is complete and the specs are set in stone, JP heads to his personal workshop to personally mill the calibration weights, assemble, and custom engrave the wedges (up to 20 characters in JP’s signature wrap around the toe style). He’s 100% hands-on in the process every step of the way, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The New Grindhouse
While the service and attention to detail are absolutely premium, the vibe is true to JP’s Grindhouse roots, and that’s no accident.
“I want to stay true to what got me here; doing it the right way” – JP
As you would expect, the cost of the JP Experience isn’t cheap. $2000 gets you three hours of one-on-one time with JP along with three custom fit wedges, meticulously built to exacting tolerances.
Additional wedges – whether you’re looking to add a 4th to your bag, or add a 2nd set for your 3rd home – are available for $500 each.
While the price tag, no doubt, will leave some of you rolling your eyes (I expect several comments detailing how JP and Titleist are why golf is dying), the reality is that golf clubs have become all but commoditized. The difference isn’t so much in the product; it’s in the fitting, the details, and the intrinsic value found in the experience. It’s the reason why the PXG model is working, and exactly the reason why I suspect the JP Experience will be as successful as it can be given the inherent limitations.
The projection is that JP will do somewhere between 100 and 150 fittings in the first year. Between the limitations imposed by the calendar, and the added expense in materials and tolerances that come with doing things the JP way, Titleist doesn’t expect the program will be a revenue generator out of the gate.
Think of year-one as a proof of concept. It’s an opportunity to satisfy JP fans and get his name in front of golfers who might not already be familiar with his work. At the same time, Titleist can test the waters and gauge the market potential for a premium wedge fitting platform.
Josh Talge also hopes this nearly four-year process will serve as a blueprint for future Titleist projects he likens to Silicon Valley incubators. “We’d love to find other authentic, driven golf guys and help them out,” he said. “Give them the resources and let them be great.”
If the model takes off, there’s a real possibility the JP Experience could expand to a team of JP certified fitters and builders, but in talking to JP, I get the sense that if he has his druthers, his will always be a hands-on operation.
It’s also clear that Harrington has no designs on being the next Bob Vokey. While by his own admission he’s “really excited to come out of the dark,” I got the impression he’s more content than ever being the first James Patrick Harrington.
Vokey is Vokey. JP is JP. Complementary perhaps, but decidedly different.
“Titleist provided JP with resources and capabilities he didn’t have before,” says Titleist’s VP of Golf Club Marketing, Josh Talge, “but JP is his own guy… it was up to him to figure out what to do with them”.
It has taken nearly four years, but it looks like JP’s big things are finally happening. Most impressively perhaps, they’re happening on JP’s terms.
“I’m going to keep true to my roots and establish the brand the way I want it established. It’s all on me”. – JP
How cool is that?
More Information
For more information, visit JPWedges.com.
To speak with a JP expert, or to book your fitting experience, call the JP Wedges Concierge Service at 1-800-324-3350.
KM
6 years agoThere will only be one JP and that’s Joe Phillips from Wilson. People forget.
Chuck Zirkle
6 years agoNo. There is an excellent line of wedges in the Titleist already and they offer free fittings at the Titleist Thursdays and cost only a fraction of the JPs. The JP wedges will probably be out on the tour because they will be handing them to the Pros to try. If you are a high handicapper with deep pockets, trying to buy a game and impress your buddies, this the deal for you. Just like PXG or those high priced clubs in Japan. Supply and demand will determine the survival of these wedges. I love and play Titleist clubs, but these will not be in my bag. With respect.
RAT
6 years agoUnless they have an aiming scope like the putter Rodney Dangerfield used in CaddyShack , no way is this an option for the 99.9% of golfers.
Rather a waste of money.
KM
6 years agoI’d rather hand over 2K to Phil Rodgers and have him show me all his secrets than hand it over to a guy who knows very little about how to use the implements he designs.
Rand-MC-Nally
6 years agoThere’s a lot of honor in saying “I’m special, I’m not the next “bob.” Let’s be realistic and call out the obvious play here, in that Vokey will eventually need a replacement, due to retirement, old age or what ever. Its obvious that Titleist has recruited a Vokey replacement (which is ok, good and smart.) As Vokey slowly fades, the Jp brand will gain notoriety (mostly based on an obnoxiously high price, exclusively and eventual tour presence) and will become the next reasonably priced wedge by Titleist. No biggie and a smart play by Titleist….but..let’s not kid ourselves….he’s Vokey 2.0….HE KNOWS IT and TITLEIST KNOWS IT. It’s a marketing play and their betting to win in the near future. Don’t be fooled by “exclusive, rare and expensive.” You’ll see JP wedges at retailers soon…and that’s ok but I wish they’d be honest about their intent.
wellwhaddaUknow
6 years agoBob Parsons, owner of PXG should just buy JP wedges. It would fit in his quiver nicely and wouldn’t have to change his marketing slogan.
Jerry
6 years agoI’ve blogged the same theme for years now. That we all need to see the cost benefit ratio of new ideas. Not to trivialize JP wedges or Miura et al. We simply need to see that spending big bucks is gaining us anything. Is the JP the golf equivalent to a Ferrari? I always think if I won the lottery I’d run out and buy a hot car. And many of us do splurge on clothes and shoes and bags, etc to make ourselves “feel” good but not necessarily to play better. I admit I am preferential to certain brands of irons and woods but they are not any more expensive than other brands. Would I buy JP? Wow based on cost, no way. But if it could be demonstrated they would lower my score appreciably I might find a way. It is hard to see how these wedges could do that so time will tell if a study shows some profound results or Tour Players switch to them. It’s possible. Plenty of golfers play Scotty Cameron’s that cost plenty. So maybe MGS will get some ad hoc feedback from buyers they can pass on. My wife spends more on hair care products than I do on golf balls and we each swear by the results.
ex007
6 years agoJerry, couldn’t agree more. While I have no doubt JP Wedges are great sticks, would they improve my game over properly fitted Vokeys or PINGs or whatever else my local fitter recommends. Hard to see that being possible.
Doug
6 years ago$2000.00
?? Right?
Ok, I totally dig these puppies, but I also dig turbo porsches. And I don’t have one of those either.
Because me, nor anyone I know can afford them!
It’s just anothe installment of “toys, for the rich and famous”
But I will buy a set when I hit the lotto, that’s for sure…
Golf Nut
6 years agoCan I afford it? Yes. Can I afford it and not worry about my wife waking me up like Ray Liotta in Goodfellas? Fuhgettaboutit…. his wedges are a thingabeauty though.
Rekklss
6 years agoFugly wedges. I’ll just play my Miuras.
Tom
6 years agoMy, aren’t you arrogant. I find most Miura owners to be arrogant.
I think these wedges are beautiful. If you don’t like the way they look, just be quiet about it…..and I’m sure I speak for most of us, we could care less what irons are in your bag. It’s immaterial.
golfraven
6 years agoI am interested in the Schmock who is getting those and would like to see his game. I doubt the JP wedges will improve your game or status. It is funny and sad at same time to see golf forums hyping this news so much. Please folks, lets get back to real golf and don’t support this “ponzi scheme”.
Chris C.
6 years agoAs suggested in the article, JP’s return from the mountain top is the start of the JP experience. This is not so much an opportunity to obtain a good wedge as it is opportunity to touch JP, to feel JP and to hear JP. For those who have long awaited the return of JP, $2,000.00 is a small sacrifice to gain access to JP. Generations of their family will hear tales of when their great great whatever walked in the shadow of JP and beat upon golf balls with magic wedges.
Sharkhark
6 years agoSoooooo? A boutique Putter maker is hired and years later comes back as a boutique Putter maker that can only be seen in one single fitting spot on the east coast.
That’s what is done with this guy? Not custom wedges pimped out for the masses?
This is ridiculous and I’m wondering is it April 1st?
From a guy selling wedges I can’t afford to a guy selling wedges I can’t afford.
Hope this guy disappears…
stevemac
6 years agoThat is just a lot of money. Wow-I think I would rather spend that money with an Utley or short game guru, and some custom wedges. That is just a bunch of money-I guess I said that twice.
Rand Feura
6 years agoThose. Look. Cool! Some day…
LAbillyboy
6 years agoI like it… incredible. If I had the time I would sign up.
jsfVEGAS
6 years agoWhile I’m unable to afford his wedges, I don’t understand why so many cry that things like this is why golf is dying. There is and should be high end Country Clubs, and there is and should be municipal courses. As with most things there are things in different price ranges, cars, etc. For the his time spent and custom making the clubs his price is fair. Will they make you play better, don’t know. But since golf is such a mind game, if they make you feel better about your short game, probably worth every penny.
Total Swing and Miss...
6 years agoAnyone else surprised how unattractive these are? And wow, this is a huge waste of time and $$ for TITLEIST.
Many reasons why this is a horrible idea already mentioned by people above.
-Titleist already has Vokey WedgeWorks….Where ANYONE can order custom Vokey’s online from their website. No travel costs, no fitting fees. Adding extra paintfill or custom stamping for a slight upcharge is available…This is what you should do if you want custom wedges.
-Wedges wear out faster than all of the other clubs in your bag. At some point in time, regardless of how often you play, these wedges will be so used that a new wedge from ANY company will outperform them. So, within 3 years these will only be interesting looking paper weights…
-These JP wedges are FORGED. Current U.S. Vokey wedges are CAST. Titleist JAPAN https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.titleist.co.jp/&prev=search wedges are FORGED. I’ve heard from many Titleist fitters PGA players use the Japanese version forged Vokeys. Forged wedges feel much softer, however they wear out twice as fast as cast wedges. Cast wedges feel more “clicky”. They’re tougher and more durable, and maintain their performance considerably longer than a forged wedge. Forged wedges feel and perform better, but only if you’re a good enough player to notice.
-Hey JP, good luck with anyone over a 20 handicap. A 25 handicapper might come to you and be fit according to the swing he/she has at that particular time. What happens if the customer goes home, takes lessons, improves their game by 10 strokes, and has a completely new swing? The wedges won’t fit them anymore. And, by then, the grooves will be completely worn out by all the balls he’s been beating on the range trying to get better.
-Custom fitting wedges is only for a small portion of golfers. These are the players that can tell the difference between a 56 degree wedge and a 57 degree wedge without looking at the loft marked on the club. Players with a 10 handicap and under SHOULD be the only customers here. Unfortunately, JP will end up wasting his time on hacks with big bank accounts, instead of skilled players that could actually benefit from his expertise.
-This is NOT like being custom fit for a Scotty Cameron putter that you can use without any loss of performance for the rest of your life.
-Titleist, please do not continue this. If you want to offer some sort of fancy expensive club fitting, try special custom drivers or iron sets. Keep moving forward with custom Scotty Cameron putters instead…
-If anyone wants special, great feeling, forged wedges, look to Japan. The Japanese Vokeys are called “Cold Forged.” A trusted online source I’ve used many times: https://www.tourspecgolf.com/
I personally stumbled upon Yururi raw forged wedges and haven’t looked back since.
-I love my Scotty Cameron putters and Titleist products in general…but these “JP” wedges are not worth it unless you have the bankroll and/or are looking for a fun trip to go on.
dang3rtown
6 years agoI think you need to check your sources… Wait a minute! Sean Spicer, is that you?!
Deadeye
6 years agoIt’s a crappy feeling when I hit a crap shot with a used wedge I paid $40 bucks for. I can only imagine how much worse it must feel to hit the same crap shot from a set of wedges you just paid two grand for. Or do these only hit great shots? PXG will fail and these wedges will also unless they remain a tiny niche market subsidized by a big brother.
Christopher
6 years agoI remember chatting with JP on-line a few years back on another forum (which says a lot about what type of guy he is), I wish him the best of luck with his new venture. The wedges look fantastic, but they always have!
Wakit300
6 years agoWow, what a disappointment. I was all jacked up to get a set of original JP wedges and he jumped to Titleist and shut down before I could save up. I thought THOSE wedges were expensive … NOT
Anyhow these multi-material wedges are as far from his JP wedges as you can get. Not interested. But if anyone has a stash of NOS original JP wedges, let me know.
Matt
6 years agoI don’t get what you mean. JPs featured 3 tungsten inserts that have been morphed into the one on the toe. So JPs were always multi material except in the days long long ago.
Jamie
6 years agoI have 2 of the original JP wedges that I use at the minute
I can’t say enough on this guy his attention to detail is second to none
McaseyM
6 years agoLove the look and design, find them to be very sexy wedges. Can I afford them? no, but that’s my problemnot theirs. There’s a segment that can and will buy them. Like PXG, they’re for a certain clientele. But the 3 hours of 1 on 1 time with the maker and him doing it by hand is pretty damn amazing.
Brin Paulson
6 years agoThose are absolutely gorgeous! They remind me of beautifuly engraved pistols that would be carried by the likes of Doc Holliday.
Justin H
6 years agoMaybe it’s because I haven’t gone through the process yet, but I know some of y’all out there have: What makes these wedges any different than Eidel’s, besides aesthetics? Speaking of which, I know I tend to be more utilitarian, but I prefer the look of Eidel to these.
If I can get three wedges for less than half the price at Eidel, if not less, and they’ll be custom fit, it seems like a no brainer? That’d even leave me enough money to get a full set of irons through them!
Maybe it’s just because I can’t afford them at this juncture, but it seems PXG and other ’boutique’ clubs are exactly that; niche items for those with the means to acquire them, meant more as jewelry than anything else.
Jon
6 years agoIt’s Edel. And you’re making a good call. They are great wedges.
Upandown
6 years agoWhat happens next year when the groves on my JP wedges wear out? Do I order replacements at say 1K for three replacements, with no fitting. Perhaps they will re-groove and refinish them for a price.
I normally play 150+ rounds a year and replace at a minimum my sand wedge yearly. So this can be a concern.
J
6 years agowhat’s the target market here?
I mean if you’re in that PXG market then I get it. But it just reinforces the perception that golf is a truly elitist sport available to only the privileged few.
Most of us know that’s not the case but perception can become reality and, honestly, there’s not a lot of people that can afford to fly to Oceanside and pay 2 grand for a fitting….for 3 golf clubs (or 20 pct of your 14 clubs)
Nice article and interesting story but it is things like this that leave me shaking my head…..and why golf is dying.
The Dawson
6 years agoCan we please stop with this completely illogical and untrue argument? Anyone who wants to get into golf can buy a decent set of wedges for 200. Or second hand for even less. Expensive equipment is not preventing anyone from playing golf and is not the reason ‘golf is dying’.
Bob
6 years agoI completely agree with the comment. Ferrari’s existence doesn’t make driving elitest. You can drive hundreds of other cars for a lesser price. Watches are the same way. If you can’t afford them and this makes you bitter then that’s on you. Go make more money or don’t. Spend your money on $2000 wedges or don’t. Bitch about things like this on golf forums but preferably don’t.
Mat
6 years agothese are beautiful wedges, and I’m sure this program is truly the best way to go, but at that price only doctors, lawyers and tour players will be able to afford that. Always nice to be able to dream thou.
Mikeyb
6 years agoSo if I were a Titleist stock holder, I think I’d immediately request drug testing for the executive (or executives) who signed off on this. Let’s do the math shall we.
JP has been burning material, computer time, and machine shop time for FOUR YEARS and done so without generating revenue. One assumes JP doesn’t work for In and Out Burger coupons, and live in an RV at the back of the property. He’s been pulling a wage for 4 years as well.
NOW, you are ready to ‘cash in’ and you’ll generate $300,000 a YEAR? Gross? Will that even cover the landscaping costs for the ‘fitting area’?
Titleist says it’s to determine of there is a market for premium wedge fitting. Um, DUH. Does no one at Titleist WATCH THE GOLF CHANNEL?? “Get fit for your clubs. See a fitter. See a pro. You need to get fit. All this instruction means nothing of you have the wrong clubs” and on and on. There are all manner of fitters out there that do high end clubs. PXG, Miura, Honma, etc etc. Does the market want or need another one?
Also just a question about WHO gets a fitting? Even Joe Lunchpail with a 26 handicap could scare up two grand on a line of credit from the bank, so is JP prepared to watch ‘Captain Hosel Rocket’ fire balls all over (and out of) the practice area and still do a set of wedges for him? Will the fickle artist be allowed to override the lack of customer talent, peel off two grand in cash and send him packing, sans his ‘uber’ wedges?
What about the fitters who will learn the JP way? Will he accept merely competent fitters who work for a company looking to carry the JP line, OR will he only accept those who are ‘club whisperers’, and who are spoken of in hushed tones by industry insiders?
You gotta believe any guy who willingly ‘went off the grid’ for close to half a decade might just be a wee bit eccentric? Maybe a little anal retentive when it comes to control of the product, and giving any control over it to strangers?
J
6 years agointeresting take… I’d be surprised if “JP” is with Titleist for more than the 4 years he hid out. Either that or he’ll be moved to the “normal” Vokey line and start working on those….
Justin H
6 years agoI agree with J about JP lasting less than four years, but if I were to speculate, I’d bet at least some of his IP will be brought into the Vokey, or other “premium” wedge line at some point.
OR maybe Titliest will use this as a loss leader. Once you have Joe Moneybags (or Joe Lunchpail) at the center, what else can you sell them on?
MGoBlue100
6 years agoI agree 100% with what you just said. I even laughed a little, although I don’t think that was your intent.
Having said that; as soon as Speith or someone like him wins a major with these in his bag, the line will be OUT THE DOOR to have a JP fitting. I had never heard of this cat until five minutes ago, and I consider myself fairly golf knowledgeable.
dang3rtown
6 years agoWhen brands do this, it is often at a loss but for good reason. One, they generate a lot of buzz. People are talking about Titleist right now. Second, they contribute to Titleist’s branding as a, “premium” equipment manufacturer.
This could also be part of a bigger picture. They may be looking to cater more to wealthy individuals. They could develop this sort of service for every club in the bag eventually. they may also be getting a lot of IP from JP.
KM
6 years agoI’d like to see the fitting for the 32 hncp chop chop here ya go that’s 2K now what?
dang3rtown
6 years agoI would like to officially volunteer to be MGS’s first tester of these wedges.
I have a totally sweet van I can drive to Oceanside and sleep in, which is nice, so I have that going for me.
I will be awaiting your call.
Louis
6 years agoThe only question I have is what happens after your wedges wear out in a few years? Are your specs on file and you can reorder or do you have to go through another fitting to get new wedges?
Tony Marrocco
6 years agoFor $2000 do they come to the house to make your wedges?
Pretty visuals but ridiculous price
chuck ludwig
6 years agoIs the center of gravity (Percussion center) positioned where the ball impacts the face & as the lofts change, is the percussion center maintained?
With so many wedges the CG is so low that when the ball strikes the center of the face, performance results such as distance & accuracy
decreases.
Berniez40
6 years agoAbsolutely gorgeous clubs, with a great designer, and a company known for quality. Definitely out of my league, but similar to the art work in The Louvre, just because I can’t afford ’em, doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate them.
Robert Dwyer
6 years agoLooks a lot like the wedge design Callaway developed for Phil M.
Jerry
6 years agoInteresting article and timely as my brother just went thru a Vokey fitting in Tx with a Titliest rep. I sent him this article but doubt he will do anything more than read it. Would MGS consider doing some testing of JP or is that too logistically impossible? I’m not against finding a Ninja sword maker hiding in a cave on the side of a volcano but like most need to see some data that shows I can expect to score 2k better with JP’s.
BOB JOKEY
6 years agojust to throw some hatorade out there…wedge faces/grooves lose their spin over use. Why spend 2k for three heads when you could buy three clubs for each loft from literally ANY other brand and probably maintain spin better throughout a golf year?
Rick
6 years agoBecause you can!
Dave C
6 years agoP.T. Barnum said it first.
joro
6 years agothat is the first honest message i have read yet.
Dan
6 years agoso titleist were working on a PXG type-deal before PXG… boy, they must have been p**sed when PXG launched first. glad to see the big boys moving into some genuine product innovation rather than just trying to shift more units. not so much a giant leap forward but a nice move away from the tired old business model none-the-less.
Walt Pendleton
6 years agoGreat news on the new wedges! A little art deco on the design, don’t you think? Wp
John Sundahl
6 years agogreat idea and possibly interested. Is this the same JP that did the JP wedges for Wilson Staff? I have 2 beryllium JPIV and two chrome, but someone told me the beryllium cannot be used. I am an amateur. John
Nils Nelson
6 years agoJohn: Joe Phillips was the “JP” of Wilson Golf, one of the game’s gentleman. In addition to being a popular Tour rep, Joe negotiated contracts with top players–and, of course, designed the JP wedges. You can read more about him by doing a search for “Wilson Golf Promoter Retires.”
As for BeCu irons, you can play with them, but any tinkering like changing loft and lie is an OSHA no-no. When heated, bent or otherwise worked on, BeCu irons emit toxic dust or vapor. No one wants chronic beryllium disease (CBD).
BIG STU
6 years agoCorrect Niles that is what I think of when someone says “JP Wedges” In fact I have about 20 of them I am also a big Cleveland and Vokey fan (old ones of course) Actually I pulled one of my old 588s out of the bag last week and put one of my old “JP” wedges in that I have had since the 80s. It is going into play today in a company scramble. One of my other ones will be in play tomorrow in a Strictly Vintage event I am playing tomorrow
BTW Great written article as usual from you Tony
Clay
6 years agoBeautiful wedges, I love this idea and it seems others do as well. I do wonder how people would react if it were Taylormade or Callaway doing this rather than Titleist.
Carolina Golfer 2
6 years agoFair question. But honest answer, for me, if they had said the same person was doing it at the Kingdom or ECPC, I would have reacted just the same. But I get the point, some would have automatically screamed about it being another gimmick.
Juan Carlos
6 years agoIn summary: TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS?! Cool looking sole grinds. Probably sound like junk with all those pieces/materials, but who would admit it after spending that $$$$$.
Don
6 years agoDo you guys think you will be able to test these to see bang for buck?
Kenny B
6 years agoWith my game I am pretty sure that I probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, but I would really like to find out. Those wedges are almost too pretty to hit out of our sand.
Carolina Golfer 2
6 years agoWow!! This is phenomenal. I love the intro to the piece with all the speculation of what happened to JP. Well done.
If you get any naysayers on the price, then I’m sorry, they are idiots!!
I may not spring for it right now, but I absolutely think the experience and what you’d get out of it are well worth the price.
The wedges are works of art and I could easily see paying $250 to $300 for those. Then factor in the time he spends with you and to get it custom built for you by him. Just plain awesome!!
Thanks for the story, I enjoyed it a lot.
Dave C
6 years agoYour enthusiasm is commendable. Your math is off by a factor of 10. $2,000 for a fitting, $500 per wedge.
David W
6 years agoI feel like this is actually a better expense than the PXG irons would be even though you only get 3 wedges. The fitting process and personal construction is what makes this worth the money and then you get wedges perfectly suited to your game that look like that. WOW! I wish it was something I could afford.
jlukes
6 years agoLove everything about this. Justin because I can’t afford other doesn’t mean it’s not a awesome.
jlukes
6 years ago*just – stupid auto complete
Matt
6 years agoPrice seems about right. Fitting plus 3 premium wedges should be expensive.
I’m happy to be the MGS guinea pig and go through the fitting if you guys want to sponsor me.