Cleveland CG15 wedges

By Paul Simpson Last updated: 1st December 2009

Although the new rulings on grooves will affect the pros from 2010 onwards and organized amateur circuits in 2014, the average hacker still has until 2024 to receive a helping hand. So, with a clear conscience in mind, Golf365 reviewer Paul Simpson was given two of the new CG15 wedge range from Cleveland to try out. Here's what he thought:

Cleveland CG15 Wedges (Oil Quench 52 deg / Satin Chrome 56 deg)

One thing has become glaringly obvious in my game recently, I'm missing a club. I can hit a full pitching wedge and I can hit a full lob wedge but ask me to adopt a half or three quarter swing with my pitching wedge and who knows where the ball will end up. So, imagine my delight when a couple of stunning looking clubs appeared on the Golf365 desk, courtesy of Cleveland, just begging to be tested.

I'm a firm believer that first impressions go a long way towards establishing a successful relationship between golfer and equipment and the golf geek inside me was heard to utter the word "cool" when I inspected the grooves of these clubs. Between each groove on the face of the CG15 wedges are four lines which have been laser etched to maximise the roughness of the face and this coupled with the Cleveland Zip grooves, which are 25% larger than conventional grooves, enable the player to put greater spin on the ball.

All well and good in theory, but could an average hacker like me actually start getting his chips to check on the green? At the time of writing this review the outdoor greens are soft and wet so not really a true test of a club's ability to impart spin on a ball so it's time to improvise and use the lounge carpet (while the wife is out at the gym of course).

My first impressions are how well the wedges sit behind the ball, both when square to the target and with the face open, helped by the fact that the sole of the clubs narrow towards the toe enabling the leading edge to sit closer to the ground when open.

Using my current 60 degree wedge, of which I'm a big fan, for comparison I found that the 56 degree CG15 was far easier to control. The head is beautifully weighted enabling a smooth pendulum swing back and through and as soon as the ball left the face I was amazed that you could actually see the difference in spin on the airborne ball.

Over a variety of distances and using several types of ball, from the hard range type to premium soft balls, the 56 degree CG15 consistently outperformed my current 60 degree wedge for control and workability and I was able to achieve the spin and check in my short game usually reserved for my more skilful playing partners.

At the driving range both the 52 degree and 56 degree clubs were put through their paces and were easily able to nip balls away from the hard mats with a soft creamy feel off the face. At times you could almost feel the ball rolling up the club face as the grooves imparted their grip and applied spin.

Ease of use is the key with any club and when you are stood over a shot where an accurate approach could mean one putt or three you need to feel comfortable with your equipment. After adopting a variety of shots, from 20 yard knockdowns to full on approach shots, it became apparent that I was able to achieve a level of distance control I had not experienced with wedges in the past, a revelation as far as I am concerned and a real confidence boost.

Summary

Cleveland are historically one of the great wedge manufacturers and with the CG15s I believe that they have not only maintained but enhanced this reputation.

The clubs are aesthetically stunning and the introduction of the laser etched lines to the club face is a revelation and a concept that other manufacturers are sure to follow.

The CG15s are available with several bounce options, a vast array of lofts, from 46 degree to 64 degree, three different finishes, Satin Chrome, Black Pearl and Oil Quench, and even two different grind finishes so whatever your ability or personal preference there is a wedge for you.

Highly recommended.

Paul Simpson