For most golfers, the short game is where the round is saved or lost.
While loft and bounce both command plenty of attention, the “grind” is the secret weapon that actually makes your wedges perform when the pressure is on. Master Craftsman Bob Vokey - world-renowned for creating the original Titleist Vokey Wedges and revolutionising wedge design - always says that “the right wedge helps golfers achieve proper turf interaction.” With the new Titleist Vokey SM11 series, the brand has made finding that perfect, buttery feel easier than ever.
But what exactly are Vokey grinds? And will they make an unbeatable addition to your short game? Grab yourself these incredible clubs from Clarkes Golf today, or keep reading to learn more.
What is a Wedge Grind?
In layman’s terms, the “grind” is simply the shape of the club’s sole. By shaving off some metal from the heel, toe or back end of the clubhead - including the trailing edge - Vokey changes how the club sits on the grass and, more importantly, how it moves through the grass and the turf.
Think of it this way:
- Bounce is how much the club wants to resist digging.
- Grind is what gives that bounce its “personality.”
A “full sole” stays stable for standard shots, while a “heel relief” grind lets you open the face for a flop shot without the leading edge sticking up in the air, like a blade.
Titleist Vokey SM11 Technology
With older wedges, switching the grinds could sometimes alter how the ball felt when coming off the face. For the 2026 SM11 line, Titleist has dialled in a more consistent centre of gravity (CG).
Now, whether you’re playing a chunky K-Grind or a skinny T-Grind (more on these in a moment), the ball should launch and fly with the same predictable window. It’s all about making sure the club feels like a natural extension of your arm, regardless of the shape.
The 6 Core Vokey Grinds
F Grind: The All-Rounder
The F is the most traditional “full sole” wedge. It’s designed for full swings and players who like to keep the face square to the target. Reliable, sturdy, and great for solid contact on standard wedge shots off the fairway.
- Best For: Full shots and easy chips
- Swing Type: Anyone, especially if you like keeping things simple.
S Grind: Maximum Versatility
A good way to think of an S Grind is as an F Grind that's been put on a diet. It's got a grind narrow enough to feel "faster" through the grass, with a bit of the back edge — or trailing edge relief — shaved off. This makes it ideal for players who like to control their loft by leaning the shaft.
- Best For: Most straightforward conditions and those shots with a bit more force.
- Swing Type: Neutral or steep.
M Grind: The Bob Vokey Favourite
M Grinds have a ton of material removed from the heel, toe, and back, which lets you twist the face open or closed to pull off creative shots around the green without the club digging or bouncing weirdly. This grind delivers forgiveness on those tricky, awkward lies where a less forgiving wedge would punish even the slightest mishit.
- Best For: Creative play and firm ground.
- Swing Type: Shallow hitters who like to manipulate the face.
K Grind: The Bunker King
The widest sole in the family, the K Grind is essentially a “get-out-of-jail-free” card for bunkers and thick, overgrown rough. Because the sole is so wide, it’s virtually impossible to get it stuck in the ground.
- Best For: Soft turf or deep sand, where you still want a level of control.
- Swing Type: Steep attackers.
D Grind: The High-Bounce Player’s Wedge
The D combines the high bounce and safety of the K Grind with the "open-face" versatility of the M Grind, making it the player's high bounce wedge of choice for those who hit down hard but still want to hit high, soft flop shots.
- Best For: Soft turf or deep sand, where you still want to be creative.
- Swing Type: Steep attackers.
T Grind: For the “Hands of Silk”
The T is an ultra-low bounce wedge made for the best players. It sits flat against the ground, allowing you to slide the club under the ball even when it's sitting on a surface as tight as a parking lot.
- Best For: Bone-dry, firm conditions.
- Swing Type: Precise players with a very shallow swing.
Sharpen Your Short Game with Titleist Vokey Grinds and Clarkes’ Golf
Do Vokey grinds sound like they’ll make an excellent addition to your golf bag? Clarkes Golf is here for you.
Browse our selection of Titleist Vokey SM11 Grinds here, or get in touch with a member of the team if you have any product-specific questions before placing an order.
The smoothest short game play is just a click away.