While Pine Meadow isn’t a widely recognized name in the golfing community, the company does have more than thirty years of experience and it’s quickly gaining a reputation in the industry for producing some of the best golf wedges for the mid-handicapper. This manufacturer makes both standard and custom fit clubs for golfers of all skill levels. However, they differ from many of the bigger brands in terms of price. This is a very budget-friendly brand that produces some of the best models on the market, for a price that’s not going to break the bank. If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in a bunker, trying wedge after wedge with no luck in sight then this is the club you need. Versatile built tough and equipped with the large clubface you need to allow the club to easily slide under the ball and get it high into the air, then this is the club for you.
While some may consider this an entry-level club, due to the lower price, it’s a much better option for the mid-handicapper in need of a club that’s powerful, durable, and very versatile.
Our Verdict: The Pine Meadows wedge is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly clubs on the market. Its durable steel design shows you this is a club that’s made to last. Additionally, the larger clubface makes it easier for you to connect and get the type of trajectory you’re looking for. If you’re in need of a versatile club that can easily and quickly get you out of the bunker, then this is the sand wedge for you. While it’s an excellent choice for the mid-handicapper, it will also work well for the low handicapper or any golfer who is looking for a reliable, affordable club that can be a total gamechanger. While it may not offer the type of club technology that higher priced models tend to, it does feature a larger clubface, which will make it much easier for you to easily slide the club under the ball and get it airborne when you’re stuck in a bunker or you’re dealing with tall grass.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
This model has a unique design that’s somewhere between a lob and sand wedge, but most players will rely on it mainly for the same type of shots they’d use a sand wedge for. The unique design only adds to its versatility, especially if you’re looking for a club that you can use if you often struggle with sand bunkers. For more information, click here to read my article on how to get out of a bunker.
This model is best suited for the mid-handicapper who is looking for a versatile club that will help improve their game. It’s also suitable for low handicappers however, it has some drawbacks that will make it a deal-breaker for some players, such as its extra high loft design.
Design
You don’t have to pay over one hundred dollars to get a club that’s designed to last and built from high-quality materials that you know ensure playability and durability.
This model is one of the best clubs offered by the manufacturer. The club is made out of high-quality materials and is built from steel, with a lightweight one hundred and twenty-five-gram shaft, complete with a mid-kick point.
Club Head
This model features one of the largest face areas of any wedge currently on the market. This larger face will make it easier for you to take the perfect shot. Because of the larger clubface, this club may work for some beginners, especially when it comes to taking those tricky shots when you’re stuck in a bunker.
Loft
This model is available in five loft options, ranging from fifty degrees all the way up to sixty-eight degrees. Each club has a four-degree gap. This is actually the optimal spread in terms of covering your yardage. However, some golfers may be disappointed that the manufacturer doesn’t offer lower lofts instead of offering the ultra-high somewhat gimmicky sixty-eight loft. Although, there are some golfers who have always wanted to try a club that offers this higher than average loft. With five loft options, you’ll easily be able to choose the perfect club and one that can positively impact your game, especially if you find yourself caught in a sand trap.
Unisex
This is also a unisex wedge, so both men and women can use it. However, it may be too heavy for some women and can end up slowing down their swing speed. This club is also available for both right and left-handed players.
Bounce
In terms of wedge bounce, there’s not much to say, however, many players will find it adequate. Typically, there are four bounce angle options for each type of wedge. This includes four degrees of bounce for a fifty-two-degree loft wedge, ten-degrees for the sand wedge, four degrees for the lob, and five degrees for the ultra-lob. The ten-degree bounce allows you to easily get over any hazard, while the sand wedge is perfect for playing out of a bunker quickly. The same can be said about the gap and lob wedges.
How it Feels
The wedge itself is well-made. It will feel good in your hands and plays well on the green, allowing you to work the ball from any distance, however, it tends to favor shorter chip shots. On impact, it makes a sharp, crisp sound. If you’re the type of player that often finds yourself in difficult situations on the green, then this is the club for you. This club will easily get you out of sticky situations, allowing you to take those tough shots with ease. This model offers everything that a high-quality wedge should, but for a fraction of the price.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t offer women-specific clubs, which will definitely be a drawback for some women in search of a versatile wedge that’s lightweight and won’t have a negative impact on their swing speed. Of course, most male golfers will have no trouble with the club’s weight and well-balanced design, but for smaller players and women, this model just isn’t light enough.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Affordable
- Works as a gap and lob wedge
- Very forgiving
- Versatile
- Decent amount of control
- Can be used to easily get out of a sand bunker
Cons
- May be too heavy for some women or smaller golfers
- Sixty-eight-degree loft may be overkill for some players
Pine Meadow Versus Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge
If you’re on a budget and looking for a wedge that can take your game to a whole new level, then both of these options can have a major positive impact on your game, instantly lowering your score. So, how does this wedge measure up to the competition? The competing model by Wilson features a total of three loft options. It’s made out of durable stainless steel and features the classic sand wedge design that the pros love and you’ll appreciate. It also features the type of grooves that will provide optimal ball spin for maximum trajectory. This model comes with the classic blade design complete with a modified bounce angle that further optimizes spin and trajectory, easily allowing you to quickly get out of the bunker with as few swings as possible. Like this model, the Wilson wedge is also priced affordably, however, it doesn’t offer as many loft options as the Pine Meadow, which may be a drawback for some players, especially those who are looking for a wedge that features a sixty-eight-degree loft. Overall, both clubs offer a comparable performance, but the competing club doesn’t feature the type of swing power and the larger clubface that some players are looking for.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
This isn’t a club that’s made from a major name brand. It’s not a wedge that you’ll find the pros using and it doesn’t come with a fancy graphite shaft. However, it does feature a larger clubface, a durable design, and other top features that you wouldn’t normally expect to find in a model in this price range.
The Pine Meadow wedge is a great option for the mid-handicapper and the low handicapper. This club features a sleek look and is made out of high-quality stainless steel. It will easily take your ball closer to the pin, allowing you to shave some serious points off your game. It can handle the toughest shots easily, regardless of where you’re at on the green. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, so you can find the perfect model based on your skill level and playing needs. I gave this model a rating of five out of five stars.