Opinion & Analysis

The Wedge Guy: The best golf club innovations?

Published

7 years ago

Jun 25, 2019

Being in the golf equipment industry for nearly 40 years, I have paid close attention to the evolution of golf equipment over its modern history. While I’ve never gotten into the collecting side of golf equipment, I have accumulated a few dozen clubs that represent some of the evolution and revolution in various categories. As a club designer myself, I ponder developments and changes to the way clubs are designed to try to understand what the goals a designer might have had and how well he achieved those goals.

Thinking about this innovation or that got me pondering my own list of the most impactful innovations in equipment over my lifetime (the past 60 years or so). I want to offer this analysis up to all of you for review, critique, and argument.

Woods: I would have to say that the two that made the most impact on the way the game is played is the introduction of the modern metal wood by TaylorMade back in the 1980s, and the advent of the oversized wood with the Callaway Big Bertha in the 1990s. Since then, the category has been more about evolution than revolution, to me at least.

Irons: Here again, I think there are two major innovations that have improved the playability of irons for recreational golfers. The first is the introduction of the numbered and matched set, a concept pioneered by Bobby Jones and Spalding in the 1930s. This introduced the concept of buying a “set” of irons, rather than picking them up individually. The second would be the introduction of perimeter weighting, which made the lower lofted irons so much easier for less skilled golfers to get airborne. (But I do believe the steadfast adherence to the concept of a “matched” set has had a negative effect on all golfers’ proficiency with the higher-lofted irons)

Putters: This is probably the most design-intense and diverse category in the entire equipment industry. History has showed us thousands of designs and looks in the endless pursuit of that magic wand. But to me, the most impactful innovation has to be the Ping Anser putter, which has been…and still is…copied by nearly every company that even thought about being in the putter business. Moving the shaft toward the center of the head, at the same time green speeds were increasing and technique was moving toward a more arms-and-shoulders method, changed the face of putting forever. I actually cannot think of another innovation of that scale in any category.

Wedges: Very simply, I’ll “take the fifth” here. To me, this is a category still waiting for the revolutionary concept to bring better wedge play to the masses. The “wedges” on the racks today are strikingly similar to those in my collection dating back to a hickory-shafted Hillerich and Bradsby LoSkore model from the late 1930s, a Spalding Dynamiter from the 50s, a Wilson DynaPower from the 70s, and so on.

Shafts: Hands down, to me the most impactful innovation is the creation of the carbon fiber, or graphite, shaft. After fruitless ventures into aluminum and fiberglass, this direction has improved the performance of golf clubs across the board. You haven’t seen a steel-shafted driver in two decades or more, and irons are rapidly being converted. Personally, I don’t see me ever playing a steel shaft again in any club – even my putter! But beyond that, I’d have to say the concepts of frequency-matching and “spine-ing” shafts made it possible to achieve near perfection in building golf clubs for any golfer.

Wild card: This has to go to the invention of the hybrid. After decades of trying to find a way to make clubs of 18-24 degrees easier to master, Sonartec and Adams finally figured this out. And golfers of all skill levels are benefitting, as this is just a better way to get optimum performance out of clubs of that loft and length.

So, there’s my review from a lifetime of golf club engineering. What can you all add to this? What do you think I missed? I hope to see lots of conversation on this one…

*featured image via Ping

Related Topics:featured

Up Next

Hot & Cold: Where strokes were won and lost at the Travelers Championship

Don't Miss

What’s going on with the decline in putting on the PGA Tour?

Terry Koehler

Terry Koehler is a fourth generation Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M University. Over his 40-year career in the golf industry, he has created over 100 putter designs and dozens of wedges. In 2014, he put together the team that reintroduced the Ben Hogan brand to the golf equipment industry with his TK 15 wedges and Ft. Worth 15 iron designs. Since receiving a U.S. Patent for his “Koehler Sole” in the early 1990s, he has been challenging “conventional wisdom” in the wedge category. In addition to inspiring multiple companies to emulate this sole technology, the performance of his wedge designs have stimulated all other companies to reposition some mass toward the top of the blade in their wedges. Terry is retired from his role as Chairman and Director of Innovation for Edison Golf, and remains active in the industry as an independent designer and consultant. But his most compelling work is in the wedge category. Since he first patented his “Koehler Sole” in the early 1990s, he has been challenging “conventional wisdom” reflected in ‘tour design’ wedges. The performance of his wedge designs have stimulated other companies to move slightly more mass toward the top of the blade in their wedges, but none approach the dramatic design of his Edison Forged wedges, which have been robotically proven to significantly raise the bar for wedge performance. Terry serves as Chairman and Director of Innovation for Edison Golf – check it out at www.EdisonWedges.com.

33 Comments

Lance Manion

Jul 22, 2019 at 4:17 pm

Wedges are stagnant at best…much needed innovation. Hope to see something sooner than later.

Reply Report comment
ChipNRun

Jul 1, 2019 at 3:31 pm

Oops, hybrid description flew OB! The early 2000s did NOT herald the invention of the hybrid. Rather, it marked the return of the Bulldog, a trouble club from the late 1800s through hickory age. The Bulldog had a very small head – exemplified by a clubface the width of two golf balls … a shorter shaft and about 25* loft… and was used to chop the ball out of moderate rough.

For picture of replica, see: https://louisvillegolf.com/products/25-degree-bulldog

Reply Report comment
michael kirby

Jun 29, 2019 at 6:51 pm

Well done.
Informative. Concise. Quality information.

Reply Report comment
Peter

Jun 27, 2019 at 8:26 pm

Under wedges a good try was TM with the replaceable face. Didn’t stick around but it was still a good idea. I wonder if vokey or Cleveland did this if it would have been more popular.

Reply Report comment
Mike CR

Jun 27, 2019 at 9:41 am

The ball has seen a big change. If you ever played balata you would agree. The new balls are longer and straighter and don’t smile at you after hitting it in the belly with your sand wedge.

Reply Report comment
Daniel Poehler

Jun 27, 2019 at 7:59 am

Good article, Terry. One innovation that I believe we can add is the addition of grooves to the face of putters to start the ball on a forward roll as soon as it’s struck as oppose to a skid then roll. I believe the “Yes” putters started the trend and now vertually every manufacturer has their version of this.

Reply Report comment
Big Wally

Jun 27, 2019 at 4:49 am

I would say hollow head drivers and perimeter weighting in irons and putters for sure but in terms of evolution it has to be the golf ball. From gotta percha to the Haskell to balata to today’s urethane the ball goes further, straighter and lasts longer because it doesn’t cut.

Reply Report comment
- Scott
  
  Jun 27, 2019 at 5:15 pm
  
  yes, the ball. Maybe the biggest change of all, not even on the list.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Terry Koehler
    
    Jun 28, 2019 at 10:01 am
    
    I can certainly agree, Scott. But I was focused on clubs with my list. There is certainly no question that the evolutionary/revolutionary changes to the golf ball have impacted the game a great deal, maybe more than all the things I listed combined!!!
    
    Good call.
    
    Reply Report comment
Tom54

Jun 26, 2019 at 6:58 pm

I concur with the larger headed drivers as being very influential. I’m not sure of its size compared to today’s 460 cc limit, but the first time I remember hitting my Biggest Big Bertha , I swear I thought I was cheating. How could you miss these things I thought? The ball looked like a pea sitting there on the tee next to that head.

Reply Report comment
The Boss

Jun 26, 2019 at 5:11 pm

The biggest innovation on the horizon is owned by Green Golf; get ready to scrap all of your putters.

Reply Report comment
DrRob1963

Jun 26, 2019 at 5:08 pm

I recall seeing an interview with Gene Sarazen, where he was asked if his addition of bounce to a wedge (to create the modern sand wedge) was the greatest invention in golf.
“No!”, he replied. “it was the lawn-mower!”

Reply Report comment
Robin

Jun 26, 2019 at 4:07 pm

Hat to cover bald spot .

Reply Report comment
dtrain

Jun 26, 2019 at 3:12 pm

TM Pittsburg persimmon
Big Bertha/Great big bertha
Ping Eye 2
Ping Anser
TM Rescue clubs

PXG…I jest, I jest.

Reply Report comment
Nils Nelson

Jun 26, 2019 at 2:57 pm

Wild Card: The Izzo Dual Strap golf bag.

Reply Report comment
James

Jun 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm

Please elaborate on that last comment regarding irons?

Reply Report comment
- Terry Koehler
  
  Jun 26, 2019 at 5:44 pm
  
  Thank you James, That is probably a good dive for a future article. Stay tuned!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
Ty Web

Jun 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm

Advanced Bermuda grass strains for anyone in the south.

Reply Report comment
Corey Knapp

Jun 26, 2019 at 2:45 pm

The sand wedge!

Reply Report comment
bobbyg

Jun 25, 2019 at 3:57 pm

The best golf club innovations? The slot. Thank you Wilson, Adams, and Nike, or anyone else I have failed to mention. Put one with the secret sauce in a club face and the ball goes further. Plus it keeps errant shots from going too far off line while also expanding the sweet spot for hacks like me.

Reply Report comment
- William Davis
  
  Jun 26, 2019 at 6:19 am
  
  Wilson Reflex circa 1978? made an odd noise and I snapped face of 7 iron which was supposed to be impossible. Still, happy days.
  For all the club improvements I understand handicaps have not followed suit.
  
  Reply Report comment
Doug

Jun 25, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Terry, sole grinds evolved with turf conditions. I’m not sure what the club would be that was the revolution, but my limited knowledge points me toward Ping irons with wider soles for more effective bounce and a lot of radius along the leading edge. When fairways got more plush, those irons delivered improved turf interaction for a lot of players. Your own wedge designs reflected improvements that have been much copied in modern iron soles. A lot of attention is now paid the bottom of iron heads and you had a big part in that.

Reply Report comment
scooter

Jun 25, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Not just the metal wood, but the 460cc driver complete with all the innovations that led to increased trampoline effects, improved forgiveness, and the max COR limit. Also, the large number of options in high-MOI mallet putters, not just Ping Anser style.

Reply Report comment
Greg

Jun 25, 2019 at 12:07 pm

Can you expand upon your thoughts regarding this:
But I do believe the steadfast adherence to the concept of a “matched” set has had a negative effect on all golfers’ proficiency with the higher-lofted irons

Reply Report comment
- Johnny Penso
  
  Jun 25, 2019 at 8:47 pm
  
  That statement would make more sense is he had said, “proficiency with the lower lofted irons”, meaning, many players would probably benefit from a 4-6 hybrid in place of a 4-6 iron.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jake
    
    Jun 26, 2019 at 3:06 pm
    
    Thought the same thing. If he did mean proficiency with wedges, etc. would be good to have a little explanation. ???????
    
    Reply Report comment
Christopher

Jun 25, 2019 at 11:33 am

I would argue that the modern (sand) wedge itself was the innovation, the bounce and sole was a huge benefit to golfers.

Reply Report comment
Rich

Jun 25, 2019 at 10:56 am

Agreed. Additional: rangefinders, professional-level solid ball, soft spikes, cast irons (implied in perimeter weighting), high MOI everywhere.

Reply Report comment
Robert

Jun 25, 2019 at 10:19 am

Golf carry bag with a stand
Range finder

Reply Report comment
Born

Jun 25, 2019 at 10:14 am

I’d say the Innovation of moving from wooden to steel shafts changed the game more significantly across the board when compared to graphite innovations

Reply Report comment
- TR1PTIK
  
  Jun 25, 2019 at 2:48 pm
  
  I’d beg to differ. The ability to create more diverse profiles via graphite makes it the more significant innovation. The only major drawback of graphite shafts is a lack of weight for higher swing speed/stronger players who need it and even that is starting to be addressed.
  
  Reply Report comment
The dude

Jun 25, 2019 at 9:41 am

Shoukd be top golf equipment innovations….and then you could include the golf ball….the BIGGEST revolution in golf…

Reply Report comment
- Speedy
  
  Jun 25, 2019 at 1:50 pm
  
  Right on, Dude. Ball go far.
  
  Reply Report comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

Published

6 days ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.

I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!

Club Junkie

Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast

Published

7 days ago

Jun 4, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.

Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.

If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.

Follow Club Junkie:
Instagram: @clubjunkiepod
TikTok: @clubjunkiepod
Threads: @clubjunkiepod
X: @ClubJunkiePod

Club Junkie

Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.