Most golfers will use either a 56 or 60-degree wedge on any match. But the question is this: which one do I need? If you’re doing a standard bunker shot or approaching the green, the best 56 degree wedge should be in your bag. Also known as sand wedges, 56-degree wedges have more loft that will produce more distance than using a 60-degree (lob wedge).
Also, many golf experts believe that beginners and high handicappers will thrive with a 56-degree wedge. Short-game guru and Callaway wedge maker Roger Cleveland even said that a 60-degree wedge is useless for older golfers.
With the right bounce, length, and construction, a 56-degree loft is more than enough to get you out of bunkers and other hazards on the golf course. If you’re looking for the best 56 in the market, here are my top five picks:
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| WEDGE | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Callaway Golf PM Grind 19 Wedge |  | Check Price |
 | Mizuno T-20 56- Degree Golf Wedge | | Check Price |
 | TaylorMade MG1 Chrome Wedge |  | Check Price |
 | Cobra Golf King 2019 MIM Wedge | | Check Price |
 | Cleveland Golf CBX Wedge |  | Check Price |
Do I need a 56 degree wedge?
We’re asked this question quite often, and we always try to give a simple answer. If you’re a beginner or a high handicapper, I always recommend a 56-degree wedge. It’s easier to swing, and it reduces the slice of your shots.
For standard bunker shots, you’ll never go wrong with a 56. However, if you’re dealing with a pot bunker, you’ll need a high edge, say a 58 or 60, to get the ball up and out of the hazard.
Aside from that, a 56-degree wedge is the best option if you have a lot of green to work on. However, if you’re worried about being short-sided due to being close to the pin, a 60-degree wedge is what you need.
Another use of a 56 wedge is when making an approach shot with the pin located at the back of the green. In this case, it’s best to keep the ball low so it will roll up to the pin nicely without hopping too much. A 52 wedge will also do here, but it will take a lot of practice.
Overall, a 56 is an indispensable club on the bag. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, you’ll need this wedge at some point in your match. It’s best to have the right one, just like the options I reviewed below.
Best 56 Degree Wedges – My Top 5 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Callaway Golf PM Grind 19 Wedge
Product Name: Callaway Golf PM Grind 19 Wedge
Product Description: When it comes to the best 56 degree wedge, my favorite is the Callaway PM Grind 19. It’s designed by no other than Callaway Chief Designer Roger Cleveland and Phil Mickelson. This is an epic redesign from two of the legendary wedge makers in the industry. It sports an offset groove-in-groove technology with a 20-degree angle. This increases the spin when chipping or pitching. Aside from that, this is fitted with a C-Grind sole that delivers a clean contact on any greenside surface. I also like the heel and toe relief, which produces a nice sound on every shot.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Moreover, this has a regular flex and a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 steel shaft that’s very easy to swing. It’s paired with a Lamkin UTX grip and can be bought in either left or right-hand orientation.
You can also get this in tour gray and chrome colors to match your style. And if you need other wedges on your set, you can also get the PM Grind in 54, 58, and 60-degree models.
Overall, this is a forgiving wedge that really does wonders on flop shots that are 5 to 10 yards out of the green.
Pros
C-Grind sole for clean contact
Groove-in-groove technology for better spin
Premium materials and design
Cons
So far, so good
RUNNERS-UP
Mizuno T-20 56-Degree Golf Wedge
The Mizuno T-20 Golf Wedge has HYDRO FLOW micro-grooves that are laser-etched to channel away moisture. This is on top of the CNC-milled grooves. With this, it’s an excellent option for wet conditions on the turf.
Moreover, the weight of this wedge is placed high within its tapered blade. This helps increase the ball spin and stability when taking off-center shots. It also has boron-infused 1025 billets that make the grooves last long.
The T-20 also underwent a grain-flow forging process that boosts the density of the impact area. The result is consistent and soft shots with the perfect ‘oomph’ factor.
Aside from that, this has a Gold Tour S400 wedge shaft as well as a Golf Pride rubber grip. Meanwhile, you can get the clubhead in either satin chrome or blue ion colors.
This wedge has a classic teardrop flow that gets rounded as the loft gets higher. The only thing I noticed is that the color of the clubface wears off over time. Nevertheless, it doesn’t affect the wedge’s performance.
Aside from the 56 wedge, you can also get this in 46 to 60-degree options. The price range is a bit steep, but boy, it’s worth the splurge!
TaylorMade MG1 Chrome Wedge
For the TaylorMade fans like me, I highly recommend the MG1 Chrome Wedge. This has a machine grind that offers consistent turf interaction. It sports the ZTP-17 Groove with steep sidewalls and a sharper edge radius than other wedges. All of this helps maximize the ball’s spin.
Another thing I like about this wedge is its precision weight port. It repositioned 10 grams of weight to optimize the clubhead’s center of gravity’s location. Moreover, this also has a milled grind sole that produces easy contact on the turf.
Aside from that, this 56-degree wedge is made of 8620 carbon steel material with a 12-degree bounce, 64-degree lie, and D5 swing weight. It’s also 35.25” long with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip.
Over the years, I’ve used many TaylorMade clubs, but this is one of my favorites. It’s sleek and light, which feels good in the hands.
I just wish they also offer shorter lengths to suit shorter golfers. Other than that, it’s hard to beat the value of MG1, especially at this price range.
Cobra Golf King 2019 MIM Wedge
For those who are looking for the classic 56, the Cobra Golf King MIM Wedge is an excellent option. It has the Metal Injection Molded (MIM) 304 construction with CNC milled grooves and face. The clubhead also underwent a heating process that made the grain structure even for a softer feel.
Moreover, this wedge boasts of progressive spin technology. The grooves are wider and shallower, delivering optimal ball spin to easily get you out of bunkers.
I also like the all-around toe grind that works well on medium to firm turf conditions. You can take shots with an open face as the center notch keeps the edge close to the ground. It doesn’t cause added bounce, so your ball gets to where you want it to be.
The Cobra Golf King MIM Wedge has a steel shaft, and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet Connect grip in black. Overall, it’s 35.5” long with a stiff flex and D5 swing weight.
I really think that the forgiveness of this wedge is underrated. It feels solid and much easier to swing than other 56s I’ve tried before. Sure, it’s not the cheapest wedge in the market, but the added cost shows on the wedge’s performance on the turf.
Cleveland Golf CBX Wedge
When it comes to control and precision, I really like the Cleveland Golf CBX Wedge. It has a cavity back that enhances the forgiveness of the club while boosting its distance. If you’re a fan of cavity back irons, this wedge will surely blend well on your bag.
Aside from that, this has a dual, V-shaped sole that cuts through the turf without losing its swing speed. Also, its heel-to-toe shape makes it easier to get the ball out of sand bunkers. Overall, it’s made for game improvement, so even beginners and high handicappers will have an easier time using this club.
Another highlight of this wedge is its Feel Balancing Technology that uses a microcavity in the hosel that pushes the center of gravity toward the center. This is aside from the large sweet spot that makes each shot more accurate and forgiving.
Overall, this 56-degree wedge has a D4 steel swing weight and a D1 graphite swing weight. It records good distance with pinpoint accuracy.
You can also get this in 50, 52, and 58-degree versions with wedge or regular flex options.
How to choose the best 56 degree wedge
When it comes to 56-degree wedges, you have to check a few features. The following are the key aspects I always look for.
✔️Blade style vs. cavity back
The first thing you should think about is whether you want a blade style or cavity back wedge. Both are useful, but there’s a big difference in forgiveness.
Cavity back wedges are more forgiving than blade types. This is due to the special construction with inserts that help channel the center of gravity into the middle of the club’s face. It helps reduce mishits during a wedge shot.
However, if you’re looking for more grind and sole options, you’re better off perusing blade wedges. I also recommend blade types to low-mid handicappers who want to improve their wedge game.
✔️Bounce
The next thing you should check is the bounce of the wedge. This refers to the portion of the club that gets in contact with the turf. You can find this printed between the toe and sole of the wedge. You can also choose between low, mid, and high bounce. The following are the differences between the three:
- Low bounce. This is between 4 to 6 degrees, suitable for coarse sand bunkers or portions with very little sand.
- Mid bounce. Slated at 7 to 10 degrees, a mid-bounce wedge is a versatile option and can be used for a wide range of swings. If you want to skip the guesswork, this is the safest option to get.
- High bounce. This is anything from 10 degrees and up. It’s usually used for digging during impact on soft turf conditions. This is also the bounce I prefer for deep fine sand.
✔️Sole grind
The sole grind is the shaping of the club’s sole. It’s called ‘sole grind’ because wedge makers literally grind this portion using a machine to achieve a specific shape. Each golf brand offers various sole grind options. Just remember that this part will affect the dynamics and overall feel of the wedge.
✔️Shaft length and material
Most golf wedges have a stainless steel shaft, but you can also find those that use graphite. Nevertheless, I personally prefer stainless steel with a stiff or wedge flex. It’s more resistant to twisting and bending, which is necessary if you need to dig through a sand bunker to get the ball out. However, stainless steel shafts tend to be slightly heavier than graphite counterparts.
✔️Finish
Lastly, you can choose from a variety of club finishes. This is purely aesthetic, but it will surely add value to your purchase.
Chrome finishes are foolproof choices, but it tends to rust later on. The consolation is that this finish may actually boost the club face’s friction for better ball spin.
On the other hand, many golfers prefer darker finishes to prevent sun glare. However, the color will soon fade or chip off after some time. The good thing is that it’s more resistant to corrosion.
Final words
There’s literally an ocean of wedge options in the golf market. If you’re looking for the best 56 degree wedge, make sure that you get the right bounce, sole grind, shaft length, and other features. Most of all, it should match your performance on the turf.
What do you think of these golf wedges? Share your thoughts below!
