Titleist parent Acushnet Company is introducing the new Vokey Design WedgeWorks 44F pitching wedge, designed for players who prefer the performance and profile of a Vokey pitching wedge but require a stronger loft to properly gap their set.
The current lowest-lofted wedge in Vokey Design’s SM10 lineup is the 46-degree F Grind, which many players game in place of their iron set pitching wedge. The SM10 46.10F pitching wedge, or even 48.10F for some, offers different performance benefits than a set pitching wedge, namely improved spin control from the rough and turf interaction from the fairway. Many prefer the profile of a Vokey pitching wedge at address as well.
While Vokey’s 46.10F pitching wedge blends seamlessly with the lofts of Titleist’s T100 irons, many players game iron sets with stronger loft progressions. The pitching wedge in Titleist’s T150 iron set is at 44 degrees, while the T200 and T350 pitching wedges each are at 43 degrees – significantly stronger than their Vokey counterpart.
Strengthening a 46.10F model by bending might achieve the right loft, but bending a wedge strong by more than one degree noticeably increases offset and decreases bounce, which affects performance and looks.
“The Titleist Vokey 46 has been such a valuable club for so many, Tour players and amateurs alike,” said Vokey Tour Representative Aaron Dill. “It offers the profile the Vokey wedge player loves, the bounce and grind that creates the right launch and spin, and consistency in carry numbers. With the lofts getting stronger in iron sets, we needed a lower-lofted head to avoid the sacrifices that came from strengthening a 46.”
The introduction of the WedgeWorks 44F pitching wedge, which also features 10 degrees of bounce like SM10’s 46.10F and 48.10F models, gives more golfers the choice to game a Vokey pitching wedge without sacrificing proper loft gapping.
“The 44F was a much-needed option for our players globally,” said Dill, “as it helps achieve the right yardage with the correct look, feel and performance.”
The WedgeWorks 44F pitching wedge is available now in a Tour Chrome or Raw finish, in right- and left-hand models, on Vokey.com.
Photos Courtesy of the Acushnet Company