As iron lofts have become more robust over the years, the quest for distance among golfers has led to challenges in managing the gaps between irons and wedges. Observing this trend, the wedge specialists at Titleist’s Vokey Design have stepped up. Since the SM4 release in 2012, they’ve offered 48-degree and even 46-degree wedges to help players bridge the gap between their irons and wedges.
Titleist’s T100 irons, with a standard pitching wedge at 46 degrees, align perfectly with the Vokey 46.10F. However, the rest of the T-series irons don’t match up with Vokey’s standard offerings. The T150 comes with a 44-degree pitching wedge, and the T200 and T350 sport a 43-degree wedge, requiring golfers to re-think their wedge choices.
But change is on the horizon. Vokey has introduced the WedgeWorks 44F pitching wedge, designed to help players with stronger-lofted irons effectively gap their clubs.
“The Vokey 46 has been invaluable for many, from Tour pros to amateurs,” remarked Vokey Tour representative Aaron Dill in a press release. “It brings the beloved Vokey wedge profile, bounce, and grind that ensure the right launch and spin, along with reliable carry numbers. With irons getting stronger lofts, a lower-lofted head was necessary to avoid the downsides of bending a 46-degree wedge stronger.”
### What it is:
The Vokey WedgeWorks 44F is a stronger lofted version of their 46.10F pitching wedge. It’s tailored for players using stronger-lofted iron sets who need more control over their club gapping.
“The 44F was much-awaited by players worldwide,” Dill commented. “It delivers the needed yardage with the desired look, feel, and performance.”
It features a 10-degree bounce F-grind, similar to other Vokey pitching and gap wedges, to improve interaction with the turf during full-swing shots.
### Why it’s cool:
Many Titleist tour players lean towards Vokey pitching wedges for the spin benefits, thanks to the grooves that enhance turf interaction by preventing fliers.
In the past, players looking for a wedge stronger than 46 degrees to harmonize with their iron lofts had to adjust a 46-degree head, reducing bounce and increasing the chance of digging into the turf. “Lack of bounce often means impact occurs higher on the face, resulting in lower spin and more height,” Dill explained.
Now, with the 44-degree option, there’s more bounce and less offset available.
### Who’s it for:
If your iron set includes a pitching wedge at 45 degrees or stronger, and you have the skills to handle a blade-style wedge or prefer using your pitching wedge as a short game tool, the new WedgeWorks 44F could be a perfect fit.
The 44F is a favorite of PGA Tour winner Wyndham Clark, among other pros adapting to stronger-lofted iron sets.
“Wyndham originally played a 46.10F bent strong, losing bounce in the process. In softer conditions, his strikes hit the face too high,” Dill noted. “The 44F, bent slightly weaker, matched perfectly. It added bounce, kept flight low, and maintained his preferred wedge profile. It let him trust his game on aggressive strikes, achieving that sought-after result—a tweak that wasn’t possible with a 46-degree wedge.”
Lydia Ko also had the 44F in her set when she clinched victory at the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship over the weekend.
Specialty pitching wedges aren’t for everyone; they can be less forgiving compared to those in game-improvement sets. But for consistent players, they offer heightened precision.
### Specs, Price, and Availability:
The Vokey WedgeWorks 44F can now be found on Vokey.com in both Tour Chrome and Raw finishes for $225.
These wedges come with True Temper’s Dynamic Gold S200 shaft by default, but a range of shaft and grip options is available for customization. Length, lie, loft, and swing weight can be tailored during the ordering process.
The 44F also incorporates technology from the SM10 retail line, including a progressive center of gravity that’s lower in the 44F, facilitating a seamless transition from irons to wedges, and TX9 grooves precisely cut for each loft and finish.
Considering a 2025 bag revamp? Visit a True Spec Golf location near you for a fitting.
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Jack Hirsh, the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF, brings his expertise to this piece. A graduate from Penn State University, he’s deeply rooted in golf culture, having captained his high school team and now coaching. After two years of TV journalism, he channels his passion into writing about the game he loves. Contact Jack at [email protected].
