The PGX golf wedge by Pine Meadow comes equipped with all the right features that you would expect to come from a higher-priced gap wedge, including a thick, comfortable rubber grip and a high-quality steel shaft. It also features a midsize wedge sole, which is designed to improve shot accuracy and control. The club also features a sharp leading edge and a tour blade shape. It’s not a high-priced wedge, which may give the mid-handicapper pause, however, despite its lower price, it’s quality all the way.
Our Verdict: This club is a great choice for the mid handicapper in need of a club they can rely on for those tricky greenside shots. While it’s not the most beginner-friendly wedge on the market, the mid-handicapper and the low handicapper will appreciate all the features this model has to offer including excellent playability and the forgiving design. If you’re looking for a club that’s designed to get you out of those sticky situations on the green, this is one club you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. Additionally, while it may possess many of the same features as a high-priced wedge, it’s available for a low price, so even the golfer on a budget can purchase a high-quality club that can make all the difference on the green.
Overview and Features
Pine Meadow has been around for a while, but they haven’t spent much time in the spotlight, until recently, when they introduced their line of wedges, which quickly started dominating the market due to the high-quality design that’s offered at a low price. These days, this manufacturer is now able to compete with some of the bigger brands out there, which is why it’s great to see that this company is continuing to produce clubs that are available in a wide range of price points, so even the golfer that’s on a tight budget can afford to play with a high-quality club and one that will have such a major positive impact on their performance. The bottom line, considering the price, this wedge will give you more bang for your buck. If you’re new to the game of golf, you’re probably on the lookout for a new pitching wedge, which typically comes with a beginner set of clubs. However, the mid-handicapper and the low handicapper alike will appreciate the features this club has to offer.
This lightweight club offers the perfect amount of heft, giving you more control over swing speed while allowing you to easily get your ball in the air. This is a club that can handle any type of shot conditions, whether you’re playing through tall wet grass, or you’re stuck in a sand bunker, this is one club that you want to keep in your bag at all times. To learn more about how versatile a wedge can be, click here to read my buyer’s guide.
Our Rating:
- Forgiving
- Tapering sole design
- Steel shaft
- Low price
- Versatile
- Excellent bounce
Design
The club is equipped with a steel shaft, which is designed to improve the club’s durability, although some female golfers may find the club too heavy. Using a club that’s too heavy can have a negative impact on swing speed and control. However, other players will appreciate the durable design and the nice heft to the club that’s designed to improve control and shot trajectory. Most wedges feature a shaft that’s made out of steel since steel is significantly more durable compared to graphite. Additionally, a wedge that’s made out of steel works to improve shot control. While a wedge that’s made out of graphite can offer extra distance since it’s a lighter material, often, most players are looking for a club that can offer more control and better trajectory.
Sole
The club features a fair sized wide sole which is designed to improve the club’s playability, allowing you to hit the ball perfectly, each and every time by easily sliding the club under the ball and allowing it to catch some serious air. Most golfers will find it offers better than average shot consistency, which is pretty impressive considering the low price. The sole’s design is wide at the bottom of the clubhead as it narrows going toward the toe. This design provides the player with a more forgiving playing surface.
Loft
The manufacturer offers three different loft choices: fifty-two degrees, fifty-six, and sixty degrees. I’ve chosen to give the fifty-six degree loft model a shot, considering it features a nice mixture of loft degree between the two other options. For some, the sixty-degree loft angle will be too difficult to hit with, while the lower loft is a better fit for the beginner. Typically, a standard gap wedge will come in at fifty to fifty-four degrees.
Performance
This gap wedge is a nice compromise between a sand wedge and a pitching wedge. This club should be used for distances that are too long for a sand wedge and too short for a pitching wedge. It features a club head angle that’s between those of the sand and pitching wedges. This wedge is considered a type of specialized club and it’s perfect for the player who plays close to the green.
Distance
The club’s loft is what determines the distance. Many models can be hit at ninety yards or less than the average pitching wedge, however, it offers more distance than a standard sand wedge. The true distance can vary from player to player. On average, many players have reported that they can get around one hundred and five to one hundred and ten yards with this club. However, if you’re hoping to magically gain serious distance with this club, you’ll be disappointed. If you want to get better distance with this club, then you need to practice with it. If you’re not sure if you’re getting enough distance out of this club, try hitting with both your sand and pitching wedge to determine whether or not this model really does bridge the gap.
Bounce
The club’s bounce involves its leading edge which is located above the bottom of the clubface. The bounce is what will determine the player’s ability to hit the ball through in tough situations such as from a sand bunker or through tall grass. This model offers an excellent wedge bounce, which adds to its versatility. On average, you can expect a bounce of five to six degrees, which will help you hit off soft fairways or dry and hard fairways. To learn more about making it out of sticky situations on the course, click here to read my article on how to get out of a bunker.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Very forgiving
- Low price
- Midsize wedge sole
- Steel shaft
- Excellent bounce
- Right and left-handed clubs available
Cons
- Does not come in sizes for women
Pine Meadow Wedge Versus Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3 Wedge S
So, how does the PGX measure up to the competition? The competing model from Cleveland Golf is called the Smart Sole 3.0 S wedge and its part of the manufacturer’s Smart Sole line, which is a collection of game-improvement wedges that are perfect for golfers of all skill levels, especially the beginner and mid-handicapper. This particular model is one of the company’s best-sellers, thanks to its feel-balancing technology which features a center of gravity that’s located in the center of the clubface, away from the hosel. The design results in better shot dispersion and an improved feel. The club’s three-tiered sole improves turf traction, which is exactly what you need when you’re playing through wet grass or trying to get out of a sand bunker.
This sand wedge features fifty-eight degrees of loft, which is perfect for those tricky pitches or greenside bunker shots. The design allows you to take a shot without having to open the clubface. The club’s loft allows the golfer to take all types of shots on the green using a square clubface. Basically, this club is perfect for beginners, since it offers ultimate playability and excellent forgiveness, while the PGX is better suited to the mid-handicapper. Of course, you don’t have to be a beginner to use the Smart Sole, but if you’re new to the sport, it’s a great club to rely on for those more complicated shots.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
The Pine Meadow Golf PGX gap wedge is in a class all its own. If you’re looking for a wedge that you can rely on whenever you’re stuck in a tough spot on the course, then this will be your go-to club. This is a versatile club that offers ultimate playability and forgiveness. The club itself has a nice heft to it and will feel good in your hands. After the first time you take this club out, you’ll find yourself relying on it for all those tricky bunker shots, or whenever you need a club to play on both soft and rough greenside shots. Versatile, affordable, and designed to instantly improve your performance on the green, this club earned a rating of four and a half out of five stars.
