Best Gap Wedges for 2023 to Improve Your Short Game

A forgiving gap wedge with a bigger sweet spot, the Callaway Mack Daddy CB is great for high handicappers looking for a club that makes it easy to find the sweet spot. If you've had your eye on the Mack Daddy 5 but want something easier to square up, the Mack Daddy CB is for you.

The Mack Daddy CB is geared toward game-improvement players looking for versatility around the greens with a blade wedge they feel comfortable playing. That's where the Mack Daddy CB shines almost as a hybrid between their Mack Daddy 5 and PM Grind, both of which are popular wedges for mid and low-handicappers.

The result is the Mack Daddy CB with a face that feels larger than a blade wedge (even though it's just 4% larger) but still gives you the ability to open it up as needed for tough approaches as lower-lofted Mack Daddy CB offerings like the 50-52 degree gap wedges have a full sole for easy, iron-like turf interaction

The Cleveland RTX ZipCore is the most radical wedge in Cleveland Golf's history, essentially tearing down and rebuilding its flagship model from the ground up with changes to the center of gravity, groove technology, sole grinds, and overall construction for the best wedge Cleveland Golf has ever made.

At the heart of what makes the Cleveland RTX ZipCore so great is its low-density core made from an aluminum silicate compound, which weighs about 2 grams per cubic centimeter—four times less than 8620 carbon steel. That's a huge amount of weight savings in a club and translates to a totally different swing. Moving the center of gravity higher and closer to the middle improves the moment of inertia, which gives you better spin control but is more challenging for high handicappers.

The other signature feature is the RTX ZiPCore's UltiZip Grooves, which are sharper and deeper than anything Cleveland has ever introduced and are so textured they almost look like fingerprints. That translates to big-time bite and plenty of spin.

The club also comes with three different sole grinds for all types of playing conditions:

• Low Sole: Low-bounce, C-grind with heel, toe, and trailing edge relief for superior versatility (6 degrees of bounce)
• Mid Sole: V-shaped with trailing edge relief for a low leading edge on open-face shots (10 degrees of bounce)
• Full Sole: Classic design for stable full shots with added bounce when you open up the face (12 degrees of bounce)

The RTX ZipCore isn't a beginner's gap wedge. Instead, it's a high-performance, advanced wedge for mid and low-handicap golfers.

A popular wedge with lofts spanning the entire pitching wedge to lob wedge spectrum, there are just two options available in 50-52 degree gap wedges, both with 9 degrees of bounce. The precision-milled sole delivers the performance you expect, and TaylorMade's new ZTP RAW grooves offer above-average bite for solid backspin and consistent flight paths.

The TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedge features a precision-milled sole that offers maximum consistency and precision on every shot. The club's Raw Face Technology delivers increased spin and more control, especially in wet conditions. We like the wedge's ZTP-17 grooves, which deliver maximum spin and control on all shots.

The Milled Grind 2 Wedge features a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that enhances ball speed and forgiveness on low-face shots. The club's Hi-Toe design features an extended toe section that provides added versatility around the greens. We also appreciate the club's compact shape and minimal offset, making it easier to shape shots with more control.

The Mizuno T20 Satin Chrome Wedge has a classic teardrop shape and a refined look that will appeal to any golfer. The clubface features precision milling for consistent spin rates and control, essential for getting up and down from around the green. We like the Hydroflow Micro Grooves that enhance spin control, especially in wet conditions. The wedges also feature loft-specific sole grinds that allow golfers to choose the right option for their game.

The T20 Wedge comes in a range of loft options, allowing golfers to build a custom set that suits their game. The wedge's feel is exceptional, and we like using a copper underlay beneath the satin chrome finish. The extra softness created by the copper adds to the overall feel of the wedge, making it a joy to play with.

The Cobra KING MIM Wedge is a powerful and versatile club that is Cobra's most precise wedge in a one-length configuration. Featuring a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) construction, this wedge offers exceptional shot-shaping capabilities, making it a must-have for golfers who want more control over their shots around the green.

The Cobra KING MIM is 100% metal injection molded using a mixture of superheated 304 stainless steel metal powder for a more even grain structure than either case or forged steel clubs. The result is one of the softest feels in any wedge, with extreme durability, and enviable consistency.

The face's grooves are precision-milled in a circular pattern for roughness and grip at every angle, which translates to less slip and better backspin. Cobra offers two versions of these grooves:

• Narrower, deeper grooves in 50-54 degree lofts
• Wider, shallower grooves in 56-60 degree lofts

The KING MIM only offers one grind—their Versatile Grind—designed for versatile play with heel and toe relief and a center notice to keep the leading edge closer to the ground and reduced bounce.

This gap wedge also comes equipped with Cobra Connect, an industry-leading stat tracking and performance management system.

The Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Wedge is a game-changer for golfers looking to improve their short game. This club has been designed to provide the perfect combination of distance and forgiveness, making it an excellent choice for players who want to hit longer shots more accurately. Our take is that this wedge is a top pick for anyone looking to upgrade their gap wedge.

The Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Wedge has a high-strength Chromoly 4140M steel face with impressive ball speed and distance. We like the Harmonic Impact Technology, which creates a solid, powerful sound and feel on impact. The wedges feature a wide sole, which enhances the club's forgiveness, making it easier to get the ball airborne from any lie.

One of the most impressive things about this wedge is how customizable it is. The club comes in a range of loft and bounce options, allowing golfers to tailor their wedge to their game. The club's Spin Central technology shifts the sweet spot higher up the clubface, resulting in more consistent spin rates, even on off-center hits. We also appreciate the club's anti-glare finish, which reduces distractions on sunny days.