The original T Grind dates back to Bob Vokey’s work with Tom Pernice. Based on the M Grind, the T is what Vokey points to as the one that made wedge grinds a thing. The utility of the T grind along with an acknowledgment of its significance in Vokey’s history helps explain why some variety of Vokey WedgeWorks T Grind finds its way into the lineup nearly every season.
About T Grind
At the risk of stating the obvious, the signature feature of the T Grind is its sole. It’s a low-bounce (four-degree) grind that features a channel in the sole known in Vokey circles as a Pro Groove. The grind fluctuates a bit based on the year and loft of the club. From what we can tell from the photos, this year’s Pro Grove implementation might be a tad more subtle than others.
Finer points aside, the foundation technology of a WedgeWorks offering typically mirrors that of the mainstream – in this case, SM8 – offering. We don’t need to rehash the specifics. If you want to read about Reimagined Progressive CG or 100% Inspected Grooves, our original SM8 story has you covered.
WedgeWorks T Grind – The Open Championship Wedge
As with a good bit of the equipment storylines this year, COVID-19 has altered the timeline for the WedgeWorkds T Grind. It was supposed to launch ahead of the Open Championship as a nod to the links-style conditions the professionals would have faced.
With that in mind, it isn’t surprising that T Grind use is more prevalent on the European Tour where more than a dozen are in play any given week.
On the PGA TOUR, the number of T Grinds has typically hovered around three or four but recently the count has risen to seven. You can count Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth among the converts. Thomas moves between the T Grind and the Low Bounce K depending on course and conditions.
Despite access to every fitting resource imaginable, professional golfers aren’t much different than the rest of us. They take notice when a competitor has success with something new in the bag. It’s possible, even likely, that Thomas and Spieth are part of the reason why other Vokey players are giving the T Grind a closer look.
Three Low-Bounce Options
The release of the WedgeWorks T Grind gives Vokey three true low-bounce wedges in the lineup. Is one of them right for you?
It’s as close to a universal truth as you’ll find in the fitting world that low-bounce wedges are for golfers with shallow attack angles (sweepers) and firm course conditions. Vokey gives you three choices for one basic type of golfer and that might be confusing. Let’s see if we can help you sort it out.
T Grind (WedgeWorks)
For golfers looking for extreme low bounce. Because of the narrow forward bounce, it hugs the turf more than Vokey’s other low-bounce offerings and will sit flush to the turf even when opened up. “It will cut through everything,” says Jeremy Stone, Director of Marketing, Vokey Wedges. It’s arguably the most extreme low-bounce option in the Vokey family. Fast and firm fairways paired with firm bunkers? T could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Low-Bounce K Grind (WedgeWorks)
Within the low-bounce space, the K Grind sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from T. The measured bounce is lower than either T or L but its appreciably wider sole will be less prone to digging. The added bit of forgiveness comes at the expense of some versatility. The face won’t sit nearly as flat when open. Like other low-bounce wedges, it’s well suited for fast and firm fairways but it’s in soft, fluffy sand that the low-bounce K really shines.
L Grind (SM8)
From a performance perspective, the L Grind is the middle child in Vokey’s low-bounce family. In the specialized scenarios I just covered, L doesn’t offer exactly what T or K does but it’s a solid compromise for players looking for a versatile, well-rounded low-bounce option.
In Vokey’s player testing with both professional and amateur golfers, the L grind is preferred by the majority, which is why it’s the one in the SM8 lineup.
Wedge Works T Grind Aesthetics
The WedgeWorks T Grind represents a bit of an aesthetic departure from the mainline SM8 – and the WedgeWorks Low Bounce K. The pronounced milling pattern on the back pulls together the finishes on either side and works with the bold WedgeWorks lettering to give the wedge a modern look without compromising Vokey traditions.
Not that you asked but given the choice between mainline SM8, Wedge Works Low Bounce K Grind, and the new T, I’d choose this look for every wedge in my bag.
Despite the added detail, there’s still plenty of room for stamping. Your options include 10-character straight or freestyle, 15-characters around the toe or five-character staircase style. As always, custom paint fill is included. For those who want to go deeper into the weeds, for an extra 75 bucks Vokey will custom grind the wedge to your specs.
Specs, Pricing and Availability
The new Vokey WedgeWorks T Grind is available in 58 and 60 degrees. Right-handed only. Finish options include Tour Chrome and Raw.
Pricing begins at $199. The price includes stamping, custom ferrule and custom shaft band. The Vokey WedgeWorks T Grind is available through Vokey.com and custom order through golf shops. As was the case with the Low Bounce K, Vokey isn’t billing this offering as Limited Edition. It’s expected to be available at least through the end of the season.
Be advised, Vokey is quoting delivery times of four to six weeks.
For more information, visit Vokey.com.
Mike
4 years ago
Recently purchased a “new” SM6 58* -4 L grind. It appears to have more than 4* forward bounce but the relief on the back makes for what appears to be 4* overall. What is the bounce on the T in 58*. I had an old Vokey 58* -4 that looks very similar to the new low K. Despite the wider sole it seemed to stay close to the turf when open.