Question: I’m looking to get new wedges. What do I need to know about bounce?

Answer: Buying new wedges is one of those moments when nuance actually matters. Loft is easy. Grind gets a lot of attention. But bounce? That’s where shots are saved – or quietly ruined.

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Let’s start with a definition, because bounce is one of the most misunderstood specs in the bag. Wedge bounce is the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole. In practical terms, it dictates how the club interacts with the turf or sand. More bounce means the club resists digging; less bounce means it cuts into the ground more easily. To be clear, neither is inherently “better”, but it’s important to understand how they differ.

The smart way to think about bounce is to first accept one truth: you might not want the same bounce on all of your wedges. In fact, if you do stick with a consistent degree of bounce, you could be leaving strokes on the table.

Your highest-lofted wedge – probably 58 or 60 degrees – is the most specialised tool in the bag. It’s the club you open, slide, splash and manipulate. That usually means you want moderate to higher bounce, especially if you’re a weekend stick who plays on courses with soft turf or fluffy sand. Think of it as golf’s version of a skid plate on a car; bounce allows the head to get in and out of the turf efficiently, even if your delivery isn’t perfect.

Now, move down to the sand wedge – typically 54 or 56 degrees – and bounce becomes your insurance policy. This probably is the club you hit the most partial shots with, from the widest range of lies. For most recreational golfers, moderate to high bounce here is non-negotiable. It stabilises contact, especially on full swings and bunker shots, and masks small technique flaws that show up under pressure.

Your gap wedge – about 50 or 52 degrees – is where some restraint should come in. You no doubt use this club more like a short iron than a finesse wedge. Too much bounce can lead to thin strikes on tight fairway lies. Lower to moderate bounce usually makes sense, allowing clean contact on full swings while still offering enough sole to survive the occasional miss.

Here’s the final filter: how you deliver the club. Steep swingers benefit from more bounce across the board. Shallow swingers can get away with less. Turf conditions matter, as does sand texture, but technique matters most. Take stock of how steeply you swing into the ball.

The bottom line is, bounce can be a major problem-solver. Get it right, and wedge shots stop feeling precarious and start feeling dependable. And that’s the whole point.