“T” Time

Tour player models are frequently made available at retail and now you can play the Tour-tested T Grind on Bob Vokey’s popular SM9 wedge. 

By Tony Dear

In September 2008, wedge legend Bob Vokey introduced his T Grind to tour players on a spin-milled (SM) 60˚ lob wedge. Developed with the help of former PGA Tour player and current Champions Tour player Tom Pernice Jr. who finished second at last week’s American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wis. (at age 62!), the T Grind, of which only 600 were made at first, featured a narrow, forward bounce close to the leading edge of the clubface and without much camber. The relatively flat sole and low bounce made it the perfect grind for players who wanted to pinch the ball off firm, tight Tour fairways and make the ball skip, spin and come to an abrupt halt close to the hole.

“Wedge play is an art,” says Vokey. “And the T Grind brings out the best in the artist. The leading edge stays low to the playing surface as the wedge is rotated which allows you to hit a variety of shots from tight lies. This is the wedge that really made Vokey Grinds an important part of our process – and still to this day is a great option.”

The T Grind became a favorite on Tour and did make it to retail on previous wedges, but it is only now that it is being made available on the SM9.

Vokey’s latest wedge, launched in January, featured an updated version of the Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design originally introduced with the SM8 – a higher, more forward center of gravity (CG) created by lengthening the hosel (particularly in the higher lofts), thickening the topline slightly and tapering a metal pad at the back of the toe – a combination that resulted in the flatter trajectory better players prefer. The ultra-precise spin-milled grooves that were heat-treated to improve durability, together with micro-grooves cut between the thicker, deeper grooves, were engineered to increase spin.

Six grinds were made available at the initial launch – F, S, M, K, L and D. There were nine lofts (46˚-62˚), three finishes – Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black (Raw as a custom option) and WedgeWorks customers could choose between six toe-engraving options and various stamping options, and customize the loft/bounce/grind/BV wings logo paint-fill.

Australia’s Cam Smith won the Sentry Tournament of Champions in the SM9’s debut on Tour after finding his new wedges in his locker three days before the first round. He, along with 13 other players including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Max Homa, made the switch to the SM9 that week.
The T Grind, ideal for players with a shallow angle of attack, is similar to the low-bounce L and K Grinds, though the L has a narrower back flange, and the bounce on the K is spread over a much wider, more cambered sole.

If the turf at your course is firm and tight, the bunker sand similarly unyielding, and you want to hit that zippy pitch/chip that stutters to a quick stop, the Vokey SM9 T Grind is probably what you need.

SM 9 T Grind Wedges

$225
Lofts – 58˚, 60˚
Finishes – Tour Chrome (RH only), Raw (RH/LH)
Bounce – 4˚
Shaft – True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
Available now in stores and at vokey.com.

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