Bounce is the angle on the sole of a wedge that stops the leading edge digging into the ground. Many golfers fight their bounce by leaning the shaft forward and digging, which causes fat and chunked short shots. Learning to use the bounce lets the club glide through turf and sand, making chips, pitches and bunker shots far more forgiving.
What is bounce?
Look at the sole of your wedge: the trailing edge sits lower than the leading edge. That angle is the bounce, measured in degrees. Read golf wedges guide: loft and bounce and wedge grinds explained.
How to use it
Pitching
- Shaft roughly vertical or only slightly forward.
- Body rotation rather than a steep chop.
- Feel the sole brush the grass under the ball.
Chipping
- For standard chips, a little forward lean is normal, but don't press the hands too far forward.
- For soft lies, use a slightly more open face and let the sole slide.
Read how to chip in golf.
Bunkers
- Open the face to add bounce.
- Splash the sand, letting the sole skim under the ball.
- Accelerate through. Read how to hit bunker shots.
When bounce helps, and when it doesn't
| Lie | Bounce |
|---|---|
| Soft turf | Helpful |
| Fluffy sand | Very helpful |
| Light rough | Helpful |
| Tight, firm lies | Can cause thin shots; use less |
| Hardpan | Use a lower-bounce option or a putter |
Common mistakes
- Excessive shaft lean, making the leading edge dig.
- Steep, chopping swings.
- Closing the face in bunkers.
- Wrong wedge for course conditions.
Drills
- Brush drill: make swings brushing the grass with the sole, hearing a soft "thump" rather than a dig.
- Line in the sand: draw a line and splash the sand from the line forward.
- Towel behind the ball: to avoid steep strikes.
Frequently asked questions
What does bounce do on a wedge?
It stops the leading edge digging, helping the club glide through turf and sand.
How do I add bounce?
Open the club face and keep the shaft more upright.
Why do I chunk my chips?
Often too much shaft lean and a steep strike that removes the bounce.
Which wedge has the most bounce?
Usually the sand wedge, but it varies by model.
The bottom line
Let your wedge's sole work for you: shaft more upright, rotate through and let the bounce glide. Adjust for soft and firm conditions, and your short game becomes much more forgiving. For more, read difficult bunker shots.