Titleist unveil versatile, accurate and forgiving Vokey Design SM9 wedges

The Titleist Vokey Design SM9 wedges.

Titleist reveal Vokey Design SM9 wedges – the most versatile, accurate and forgiving wedges that Vokey has ever created.

Vokey wedges are the most played on the PGA Tour and that trend looks set to continue into 2022 with the new SM9.

Titleist say the new model offers the “Ultimate in Optionality” thanks to its six grinds across 23 different models, ranging from 46º to 62º.

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The SM9 has already tasted victory on the PGA Tour, helping Cameron Smith to win the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, and on the DP World Tour, where Thomas Pieters had four SM9s in his bag at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

“It sounds simple, but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has a direct impact on scoring performance,” Bob Vokey said.

“The most important thing for golfers at every level is to know when and where to use the variety of wedges in their bag. That can be achieved by being properly fit based on swing and style of play, and understanding the roles for each.”

Vokey’s years of research and experience have helped him determine that the optimum wedge strike position is between grooves two and five, which produces a lower, more consistent flight with higher spin. Shots struck above launch higher and fly shorter with less spin.

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The SM9 further improves upon the groundbreaking Progressive Centre of Gravity (CG) design concept originally introduced with the Vokey Design SM8 in 2020.

The forward CG has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position.

Progressive hosel lengths also help raise the CG in the higher lofts.

Vokey’s six tour-proven sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D – allow for more creativity and consistency, giving players of any level the ability to create multiple shots into and around the green. They allow all golfers to be precisely fit for their swing type (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style (sweeper, digger) and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft).

“It is important to fit your wedges to your swing type, style of play and course conditions,” Vokey continued. “That selection process should begin by determining the proper grind for the shots you hit most. The correct grind provides the best turf interaction, contact and shot performance.”

SM9 uses a new Spin Milled cutting process, which tightens allowable tolerances and produces consistently sharper grooves for higher, more consistent spin.

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Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximises spin on partial shots, while a  proprietary heat treatment is also applied to the impact area to create uber-durable grooves without impacting feel.

All of the grooves are individually cut based on loft and finish, with the lower lofts (46º-54º) designed with narrower, deeper grooves and the higher lofts (56º-62º) with wider, shallower grooves.

The SM9 comes with a True Temper Dynamic Golf S200 shaft and a Tour Velvet 360 White grip. It can also be customised with six unique toe engravings, a variety of stamping options, and custom paint fills on the loft, bounce, grind and Vokey wings markings.

It can be pre-ordered from February 7 and will be available from March 11, priced at £169 each.

Fine out which SM9 is right for your game and course by using Titleist’s wedge selector.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rob Jerram is the Digital Editor of todaysgolfer.co.uk
He has been a journalist for more than 20 years, starting his career with Johnston Press where he covered local and regional news and sport in a variety of editorial roles across ten years.
Rob joined Bauer Media in 2010 and worked as the Senior Production Editor of Today’s Golfer and Golf World magazines for ten years before moving into the Digital Editor’s role in July 2020.
He has been playing golf for almost three decades and has been a member at Greetham Valley Golf Club in Rutland for eight years, playing off 12.