Why should you use a full-face groove wedge?

There are loads of choices when it comes to wedges, but what are the benefits of using one with a full-face of grooves? 

I’ve tested loads of wedges over the years, trying different brands and styles of wedges. But the one thing I always see is that there are only really two groove options. 

You’ve got either a traditional groove design or a full-face groove design, which is a lot newer in comparison. 

But what are the biggest differences and should you be using a full-face groove wedge? 

As someone who has a full-face groove wedge – in the form of a TaylorMade Hi Toe 4 – I can admit that it’s a game changer. Now, this may seem a bit biased but hear me out…

I’m someone who likes to get the ball in the air, manipulate the face and play a variety of shots. I don’t tend to square the face at impact on the partial shots around the green, I cut across it, hood the face and flop it up high from different lies. 

When I used to use a more traditional groove wedge, playing certain shots around the green and from different lies, I would find I hit them close to the toe. Which, as you may have guessed, is where there aren’t many grooves.  

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Now, if you’re someone who maybe doesn’t like to manipulate the club face and play too many different shots, but you still find the toe of the wedge, then you’d be surprised by how much more control you’d get with a full face of grooves. 

If you struggle with confidence around the green, then the full-face wedges look massive and gives the illusion of a bigger surface area, so you feel like you can’t miss it. 

What I also like is when I need to use it from the rough, when grass can wrap round the hosel or redirect the club slightly. But you’re going to hit grooves so you’re going to see some sort of control even out of the worst of lies. 

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Some people like this look and others not so much. But if this does sound good, then it might be worth thinking which wedge should you get with a full face of grooves. 

For me, I still have a standard, traditional wedge in my 52 and 56 degree but in a 58 I carry a full-face groove wedge. I like this as it’s a club I use the most around the green from various lies and it gives me the best versatility and control possible. 

If you are wondering which wedge to try in with a full face of grooves, I’d suggest going for the wedge you use the most around the greens. 

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor