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Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedges Review: Tour-Inspired Technology for Ultimate Spin, Flight, and Control

The all-new Titleist Vokey Design SM11 wedges represent the latest evolution in short game performance from Titleist—the most trusted wedge brand on the PGA Tour. In this episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, Worldwide Golf’s Tom Brassell sits down with Corey Gerrard from the Vokey Wedge division to break down the technology, tour feedback, and fitting insights behind the SM11 lineup.

Built from years of research and validated by the best players in the world, the SM11 wedges are engineered around three key performance pillars: contact, flight, and spin control—the essential ingredients for scoring success.

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The Evolution of Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedges

Developing a premium wedge like the SM11 doesn’t happen overnight. According to Gerrard, the process typically takes 2 to 4 years, combining tour player feedback with advanced R&D.

The SM11 builds on the success of the SM10, with insights from Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill and Master Craftsman Bob Vokey leading the way. Early testing revealed something unique in the low-bounce T Grind—its center of gravity (CG) aligned perfectly with the ideal strike location (between grooves 2 and 5).

The result?

• Lower, more controlled launch
• Increased spin consistency
• Improved carry distance
• Exceptionally soft feel at impact

The key breakthrough in the SM11 was extending this optimized CG placement across all grinds and lofts, ensuring consistent flight and performance regardless of wedge setup.

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Tour Feedback: What PGA Tour Players Are Saying

When the SM11 wedges arrived on tour, the reaction from players was immediate—and telling.

Many pros initially asked, “Nothing changed, right?”—a testament to how much they already trusted the look, feel, and performance of previous Vokey wedges.

But the improvements quickly stood out:

• Softer, more solid feel
• Improved turf interaction
• Enhanced spin control across different shot types

Importantly, tour players aren’t chasing maximum spin—they’re chasing predictable spin. With the SM11 wedges, players can generate high spin around the greens while maintaining control on full shots to avoid excessive rollback.

This same principle applies to amateur golfers: consistent spin equals better distance control and lower scores.

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Why Contact Is King in Wedge Play

One of the biggest takeaways from Gerrard: strike location matters more than anything else.

The ideal contact point—between grooves 2 and 5—activates the wedge’s center of gravity and groove design. Striking too high on the face leads to:

• Ballooning shots
• Reduced spin
• Loss of distance and control

For better short game results, players should focus on:

• Lower, controlled trajectories
• Clean, centered contact
• Spin that checks instead of overreacts

As Gerrard explains, even bunker shots don’t require excessive height—controlled, lower flight with spin leads to closer proximity and more up-and-downs.

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SM11 Wedge Grinds Explained: Finding the Right Setup

The Titleist Vokey SM11 wedges feature six tour-proven grinds:

• F Grind
• S Grind
• M Grind
• D Grind
• K Grind
• T Grind

With 27 loft, bounce, and grind combinations, the SM11 lineup provides unmatched versatility from pitching wedge through lob wedge.

Instead of using the same grind throughout your set, Gerrard recommends building a wedge “toolbox”:

• Higher bounce for soft conditions and sand shots
• Lower bounce for firm turf and versatility around the greens

This approach allows golfers to adapt to different lies, turf conditions, and shot requirements.

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The Importance of Wedge Fitting for Better Short Game Performance

A proper wedge fitting is essential to unlocking the full potential of the SM11 wedges.

The process typically includes:

• Gapping analysis (maintaining ~15-yard distance gaps)
• Grind testing, including “blind tests” to identify best performance
• Evaluation of turf interaction and strike consistency
• Custom shaft and grip selection for optimal feel and control

Whether indoors or outdoors, wedge fitting often reveals performance gains golfers didn’t expect—especially around the greens.

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Premium Finishes and Custom Options

The SM11 wedges are available in multiple premium finishes, including:

• Tour Chrome
• Nickel
• Jet Black (with fingerprint-resistant coating)

Custom options, including raw finishes, allow golfers to further personalize their wedges for performance and aesthetics.

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Final Thoughts: Improve Your Short Game with Titleist Vokey SM11

The Titleist Vokey SM11 wedges deliver tour-level performance through advanced CG placement, refined grinds, and exceptional spin control.

As Corey Gerrard emphasizes, better scoring starts inside 100 yards. Spend more time practicing your short game, focus on clean contact, and dial in your trajectory and spin.

Lastly, touch on the importance of getting custom fit for your Titleist Vokey SM11 wedges. Get custom fit at a Worldwide Golf Retail Location near you or check us out online at www.worldwidegolf.com for all of your golf equipment needs.