Vokey Design WedgeWorks Introduces K* Lob Wedge

Like all Vokey Design grinds, K* is a product of the collaboration between master craftsman Bob Vokey, Vokey tour representative Aaron Dill and the best players in the world. The K* Grind originated from player requests to modify the sole of the popular Low Bounce K Grind lob wedge. Instead of the full, smooth sole of the K Grind, the sole of the K* Grind features a steeper pre-wear on the leading edge along with heel, toe and trailing edge relief.   

 

 

The steeper pre-wear on K* adds forgiveness from the square-faced position, with a narrow ribbon of added bounce along the leading edge helping to resist excessive digging. In an open-faced position, the heel, toe and trailing edge relief on K* allows the leading edge to sit closer to the ground, adding greenside versatility by helping the player slide under the ball easier. And like all K Grind variations, K* has a wide sole that excels out of the bunker.  

 

Performance across a variety of playing positions and turf conditions is one reason why K* is in the bags of players such as Justin Thomas, Cameron Young and Ludvig Åberg, as well as Rory McIlroy.

 

Every new Vokey Design grind begins with a conversation between the Vokey team and a player. For K*, that first conversation was between Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill and Titleist Brand Ambassador Webb Simpson. 
 

“Webb was not one to make many changes to his wedges,” said Dill. “As conditions shifted on tour and we introduced different soles in our line, Webb was motivated to test additional grind options that could offer some forgiveness. This led to Webb in 2015 testing a 60 K Grind, and while this was a great wedge, it still was missing a key element important to him: versatility from tighter lies. Webb and I worked on the sole, adding relief, testing different bounce angles, and ultimately landing on most of the modifications we see today in the K*.”

 

As time went on, and more of the best players in the world began testing the grind, Dill continued to perfect the sole modifications. Justin Thomas was another player whose feedback was instrumental in helping to identify the specific angles and changes to the original K Grind’s sole, resulting in the finished K* Grind today.