Can You Turn an Old Wedge into a New One?

What happens when you try to sharpen the grooves on an old wedge? Can you get the ball to spin better than a brand new one?
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[@underestimatedgiraffe6249]

Next Video: How to Repair Drywall Damage from Golf Balls

[@BigAlby]

Looks like you need a net over the ceiling.

[@keithsmith477]

Just take a lighter to those scuff marks on the ball and you're good to go.

[@JTCSmith2305]

So glad you thought this too!

[@thecringegolfer]

I used a groove sharpener/cleaner on my old fav Callaway S2H2 wedges. I didn't think it would make much difference but it did. I practice on an old golf course that has some pretty hard and fast greens, and the ball actually stayed on better after doing that.

[@mr5039]

Am I the only one who sees this as clickbait? I thought I was going to learn how to make an old club look like new.

[@BoneZoneGolf]

I can see that but he accomplished what I was looking for nonetheless

[@earnestfarley]

I disagree. I have used a groove sharpener and measured the results with my GC3. It does work and keeps my favorite wedge in the bag.

[@nitropenguin424u]

@bradmeehan is the one for that :)

[@1221spartan]

I was going to comment this. Very clickbaity.

[@earnestfarley]

@@1221spartan say what you want. I just sharpened my grooves on a 58 degree Ping Glide 3.0. Measured on a GC3. 8200 spin on a 50 yard shot. (+500).

[@davidgolf3245]

Mr. Short Game this video was groovy!!!! Thanks I am here all week.

[@roejye06]

Should I tip my waitress though?

[@dabatmaniamoutthed7975]

Yeah coach I got a groove cleaner a couple of years ago and did all my clubs Callaway razor XHL and I definitely saw the difference. Love your tips everything is working

[@paulpinard926]

Thanks for doing this one Matt and your timing could not be better for me. I was actually considering sending my wedges out to a company to have them re-grooved. After seeing this video I can effectively do it myself and save me time, money and a time gap of a few weeks not having them. Great stuff buddy👍

[@zekebones34]

I have that exact sharpener, works like a champ. You definitely see metal shavings when doing it

[@serenityinsilence]

The only advantage of sending it to a company to do this job, is that they can guarantee that the grooves are in legal spec. If you don’t play competitively, it’s a waste of time and money.

[@galemurphy4914]

I generally go to golf retail stores and pick up pre-owned wedges on the cheap. Take them home and sharpen the grooves. They perform just as good as new wedges as in your video. Golf buddies tell me they are going to go buy new wedges. I tell them let me sharpen the grooves first. Every time, they keep their wedges and do not buy new. Been sharpening grooves on wedges for years! Great video! Thanks!

[@nathangoode1089]

This is good news. I love my vintage irons and I love the feel of the matching sw. Just feels more comfortable to swing. I’ll sharpen the grooves. I’ve always struggled with longer shots with my newer sw

[@oldguyrulesweyerman6955]

I have one and love it. As long as you take your time and pay close attention to the groove angle with that of the cutter.

[@ginge5168]

You should use that club and hit the top 4 branded balls for a durability test 10 shots with same ball one from each brand 👍🏻 let’s see who actually has the best durable cover 👊🏻🏌🏻‍♂️⛳️

[@m444ss]

Great video. I have some formerly great but now well-worn wedges in the old bag. Now I'm gonna "renew" them.

[@jamesdavis5517]

I used a mini dremel with a cutting disc. Worked a treat.

[@scottsmith8546]

Nice job on the groove sharpener/cleaner and it does work! FYI - you should put a pad on the ceiling in front of your screen holder to keep it from getting destroyed by golf balls bouncing off the screen and hitting it. Or a netting that hangs down a bit.

[@perthonabudget]

Interesting video, loving the indoor practice studio, it looks great mate!

[@Tognar]

I'm thinking sharpen grooves as described, but also hit it with a quick wire brush to de-burr the fresh cuts. That may help with chewing the ball up too much. Thoughts on that?

[@MM-rr1kp]

Id debur, maybe wet sand also take it slow with the sharpener, a little at a time and test hit balls as you go. you can always sharpen more but cant put material back on just want to get old worn grooves close to as new. not sure if it makes sense to get aggressive with ths sharpening to a point where balls are getting chewed up

[@frankfrankly8764]

Heavy grit rubbing compound works wonders as the lube. Done it with the same club, ironically and it worked awesome

[@michael2782]

Ready for new wedges but --- Just ordered the groove sharpener. Thanks!

[@philosophactory]

I’m a serial groove sharpener. It just keeps my wedge grooves crisp bitey and spinny

[@MG-th9sl]

The sharpened wedge did perform somewhat better on full shots. It would be interesting to see if it added more bite around the green.

[@richardjerome9338]

Matt I did this a year ago with my old wedges saved a fortune on getting new ones and after I finished sharpening the groves I went over them with some fine wet and dry sand paper and it just takes the rough edges off they stiff spin like new but you don’t wreck the ball👍🇬🇧🥇🏌🏿‍♂️⛳️

[@noworriesman]

What kind of grit did you start and finish with?

[@dttruman]

I know, if you nick the ball up a little like he did to show how successful he was, wouldn't that make putting the ball a little difficult?

[@bob5365]

I have the exact same sharpener and it does work. The second round I played after using a sharpened wedge I ripped a ball back for a hole out on a par 4. There are a lot of gimmicks out there but this will give some extra life to your clubs. Be sure to match the tool to same groove on your club. 👍

[@noworriesman]

What about sanding the face itself before sharpening grooves? Will it help?

[@Hegarz]

I have 2 of those sharpeners sitting in a drawer never used it, figured it for a gimmick. Something to do during lockdown now !

[@jzm5014]

Just discovered your channel luv it! I got the tool from your link will try this out.

[@jimwhite2341]

I already have one those tools. Love it. I have a 58 degree SM Volkey with the exact rusted out dull grooves. The groove tool is awesome. Now I have to get the rust off the club face. Any suggestions??????

[@garyfarmer5855]

Surprising results. A tool that lives up to it's desired effect. Good video.

[@terryholloway9930]

I have used one a couple years seems to work bringing em back

[@bl6369]

I'm sure Titleist appreciates this video 🤣

[@BryanW.]

They will make their own tool and sell it for $100.00 😂

[@krabboy22]

I have one of these they work on all your irons ,great stuff!!!!!

[@terrylarson7596]

Great video! entertaining as always. For my game, I don't think that the sharpener wouldn't make much of a difference. I do know that if you get deep in the grooves with a a fine blade it is surprising how much stuff comes out of the grooves. I think the sharpening tool actually modifies grooves if it out performs the (as close to the) original club. I will purchase one but , clean my grooves under the cover of darkness! As far as the ball scuffing goes, I have learned to never play expensive balls, I usually play very good experienced balls!

[@alanwaterworth6464]

I use the can opener on a Swiss Army knife, does pretty much the same thing :) To be honest though, dry ball data is good, but do you really see a difference in 2-300rpm on course, taking into account water on the ball, grass, etc etc.. probably not so much. So much more comes into play, like descent angle, firmness of greens, moisture of greens, etc. But this does at least show that just because Tiger gets new wedges every week, you don´t have to :)

[@blitzbuffet8414]

I take good care of my SM4, I clean the crap out of it and use a groove sharpener and never need to buy a new one unless it is damage somehow. Great Video!

[@geraudcrowder3228]

Great video. Now I can keep my Scor wedges. I am going to get one.

[@medfloat5001]

Haven’t watched the entire video yet, but what a great idea! Short game club maintenance from Mr. Short game himself...whoodaaa thunk it?!

[@marksanto3084]

Great video thanks, if you can i would like your opinion or review on the moe norman swing, seeing so many ads cheers.

[@curtischapman4931]

I have a couple of groovers. I bought an older set of Taylor Made irons at a yard sale. Burners with the bubble shaft. I believe they where made around 98/99. Not sure. I get more spin on my balls that my friends do with much newer Taylor Made clubs. I check my clubs with the groover about twice a year and still have very good performance. When I do upgrade, I’ll be looking into the P770’s and a couple other brands. Groovers definitely work!

[@PapaBean1214]

Hey Matt, How about a video on golf etiquette or tips on pace of play.

[@jguitar29]

Like how the studio is coming along

[@adamallsopp186]

Great vid again.

[@Ryanwwalters]

I see others have beat me to it but this is the first time I've noticed the balls hitting the ceiling. Looks like it's time for a modification

[@prideventues]

I have always had one in my bag and it works great. I am not rich or can play a lot or practice q lot so comfort of a club is important...look, feel, swing rate.....so keeping groves sharp is important.

[@nikbier4197]

What was shocking to me was how good the worn SM5 was. I’m no pro, I don’t think I’d notice 300 rpm on my wedge. I think clean is more important than new, that’s what I learned here

[@TP-fs3uz]

He also swung faster after he cleaned it, which skews the data

[@scottderrah4053]

@@TP-fs3uz check the data again... there was only 0.2 mph difference in club head speed. You would need a robot to get lower than that.

[@olegyamleq7796]

i wouldn't notice 300 rpm diff either. but i would notice a 33% diff...

[@TomForsythe1]

Good comparison. I saw another vid where the guy spent much more time showing that the groover worked but didn't compare it to new. Really that's what matters..... How much does it improve the grooves. Just enough it seems. Thank you

[@geoman9324]

MrSG you can go the way of sharpening but personally have gone the way of picking up two new sets bargain value of a set i love. Mine are the Cleveland RTX2s for $300 all up. I know they are a few models behind but a beautiful wedge and the amount of rounds i play will get at least 4 to 5 years use out of them

[@stuartmcdowall924]

Old time groove sharpener here. You'll see a little difference with bite on full shots . . . but you'll definitely notice grab on short game shots if you're playing a "tour" ball.

[@stienwong]

Great video, thanks for posting. I hope you didn’t ruin that Bandon Dunes towel tho.

[@foregodandcountry6581]

I remember buying one of those when I bought an old club. It is illegal but I loved the feeling while working on my club and the after feeling.

[@phatpat44]

It's not illegal to sharpen your own grooves. It's "illegal" to have too sharp of grooves. No matter who sharpens them.

[@foregodandcountry6581]

@@phatpat44 ah...... well now I look foolish. Thank you for the update. I'm gonna go groove sharpen to the limit. Thanks again!

[@scottmccoy2308]

Done this with my wedges about a month ago and are like new.

[@jeffrielly]

intresting video, I would have used a a ball for both clubs with before and after the new grooves as well for a control

[@JohnUssher-jk2qo]

Awesome. Going to grab one. I can’t afford to buy new wedges, and usually have to go second hand as is. Couldn’t care less about legality, especially as I don’t do comps or anything. Really happy with my wedge lineup as is, and would rather make them go the distance. Good stuff.

[@CordellMeiburg]

Nice Kicks!!

[@tedzink4574]

This does work, I sharpen the grooves on the used sets I get, but the worn, brown spots are the biggest factor in my decision to buy a set or if it's time to replace the gamers.

[@tonyg1328]

I done this back in the day when I was a cadet working in the pro shop, the issue was this was when we used the balata golf ball ruined every ball hit with the wedge 🤣

[@joes.7536]

Good test. I would’ve done it slightly different. I would have sharpen the grooves a bit less. More of a cleaning with a tiny bit of sharpening. And then I would’ve taped up the club besides the grooved part. And I would have bead blasted it with a handheld media blaster. That would have removed the rust and gave the smooth part in between the grooves a bit more bite Without tearing up the balls so much. More of a way the factory would finish the club

[@brettsiegle9163]

Definitely makes it more appealing to buy older wedges and freshen up the grooves, or just update your own older wedges! There are several mixed reports about the legality of it, it seems like it CAN be legal, but there’s a fine line. Ultimately, the game is about your honesty and respect for the rules.

[@tomnelson8515]

If the USGA had any 'respect for the game' they would not have allowed tech to increase distances just through tech. Just follow the money.

[@marybetheby5184]

@@tomnelson8515 You got that right!!

[@dcloder]

back in the day, as teenagers, we would use a snapped hacksaw blade. This was during the time of Ping Eye 2 which had square grooves. We had to sand the burs off because it just chewed the ball up but damn did the ball spin.

[@ng4410]

the mild satin sand blasted finish as part of a refurbish may help also..

[@timnew7662]

Do you recommend doing this just to your wedges or to all of the irons?

[@RTOHIO]

The groove tool shown has six different cutting edges, which edge did you use. Is your new wedge a "V groove or a "U"? Did you test the tool into the grooves on the new wedge to determine the type and depth of the new groove, so you reproduced the same groove?

[@julia-6195]

I did this to my Callaway MD-4 54 degree that had gotten an excessive amount of use and it brought it up to new MD-5 range. Wedges are expensive and why keep replacing them when you can recondition the grooves?

[@briantorney980]

As long as you don't deepen the grooves it is legal to sharpen them. Also it only works on forged Wedges and irons. Cast heads don't deform the way forged ones do.

[@mattcristino9804]

Hi Matt, I read somewhere that sharpening the groves is not legal? And worn, rusty club face assists with spin? I always run a soft wet brush along the groves after each round. I like to look after my clubs. Is this a bad thing to do?

[@GoT2bBrIaN]

Did the sharpie on the balls mark your screen? I recall that it can leave a mark on the club face, so I can imagine it would impart some sort of ink on that nice white screen.

[@dax5771]

Your average spin total seems to have some estimates in there as the number is in italics. Question, did you use a metallic sticker on the ball? Cheers!

[@scotthucks7966]

Wish you would have shown us how to clean the club so that it looks new, I thought that was what the video was going to show!

[@mikepxg6406]

Great video

[@paulmcgee1867]

Which to use for Vokeys? V grooves or U?

[@calvindebeverly7410]

How do you know which cutter to use on your club?

[@johnagricola5610]

Keeping my old wedge, as i shrapen as new. I sold. Video was Gr8Ly done.

[@josephandrea4608]

As long as you don’t change the shape of the groove it’s legal.. there are V shape and U shape grooves

[@physcho84]

Not necessarily, if you widen the grooves they may end up too close together.

[@Swede109g]

Which of the six cutters did you use on that volkey?

[@kennybland2024]

In reference to you saying is it legal, the answer is if you sharpen any club, that club is then deemed illegal for competition play, as grooves have to be at a set depth, of course you wouldn't know how deep to go when sharpening, that's why it's best to take it to a pro or back to manufacturer to be resharpened

[@BlackjackCZ]

Awesome video. Just ordered the groove sharpener. Thank you!

[@braga786]

I been doing this to my wedges for long time..... It legal only to a certain depth.... If you goes a very deeper it ilegal..... Think There is a rules somewhere on the book for the max groove depth

[@landonvanhorn592]

Nice video! but 300 revs wont make that much of a difference. I think id rather take the 300 less revs and not have chewed up balls 😂

[@hotfiyah]

300 RPMs would help more than you think. It's not only just more spin when the ball hits the green. The increased backspin helps get more height, which in turn translates to a steeper descent angle all working to give you more stopping power. Keep in mind this isn't only supposed to be used on wedges.

[@My-2-Cents]

I noticed your club head speed of 85 mph with the wedge. I am just learning to play at 68 and that is my max club head speed. With your Trackman if you hit a 4, 6, 8 and PW all at 85 mph, would the lower lofted clubs go much farther than the 8 iron. When I am 200+ out I sometimes think I am better off hitting an 8 iron and a wedge rather than a 4 iron or 3 wood. Maybe something to try on one of these rainy days in GA.

[@jimmydelrio8662]

I have used one for 3 years. The problem is they do too great of a job. Chipping and pitching feels like the green is Velcro. No it is not tournament legal. However, you still need practice and skill to be good with the wedges.

[@melborrego6370]

I have two of those things and they work

[@MikeGianetti]

@MrShortGame The only issue with sharpening the grooves is that they are now not legal for any competition. Most sharpening tools do not cut the approved USGA / R&A bevel on the groove, and can change the width. The bevel on the rehappened is sharper, evident by how you chewed the ball up. In short sharpening the groove gives you an "unfair advantage" as well as modifying the club away from the defined specs for competition. If you are not competing, then sharpen away.

[@slomotion1028]

You CAN make your groves illegal, if you don't follow instructions, and just keep grinding away. Your groves get rounded over time, and if you do this properly, all you're doing is restoring your groves, which is 100% legal. Very annoying when people try and make themselves look like an expert, by providing their "expert" advice, and it's not correct info. If you were to take an old club into a licensed PGA club maker, to get it restored, how do you think they're going to fix your rounded edges, sprinkle it with fairy dust?

[@dazzler2863]

I use this on my 18 year old set. Freshened them up nice and looked ‘new’ and clean behind the ball. Good product I reckon for the price.

[@MikeGianetti]

@@slomotion1028 Funny that you think I am acting like an expert. I am no expert, just well read in the rules of golf. My background is in precision machining and I followed the rule changes to club grooves when it happened in 2008 (2010 implementation). Why? Because I was curious, and at that time I was buying new clubs and the wedges I bought had removeable faces, one legal and one not, I chose to be legal. Most groove cutters, that are offered for retail, are not a precision tool. Second a person trained in making clubs understands what they are doing, the average person does not. Also manufactures are all ready making grooves to the maximum size, so any removal of material would make them wider than spec. This applies to USGA and R&A sanctioned events. If you are competing in an event outside of these bodies, then it is your choice to follow the rules of golf or not. Model local rule G-2 was supposed to be voted on in 2020 for a 2024 implementation. Due to current circumstances, I dont believe it was.

[@bobreidy8665]

Great insight into a widely advertised product that I thought was a gimmick

[@2Eaglez]

After sharpening brush the face with a wire brush and the damage to the ball will be less.

[@guyhall6592]

Bar Keepers Friend will remove the age look, worked great on my 1983 set of Hogan Radial's & my 2011 set of 712 MB Works great on brass. Only $3.00 at depot Citric acid will remove rust, safe and cheap

[@wildfish007]

cant figure which sharpener to use, can tell if they're V or U

[@frankcanzanella6753]

The truth sets you free. Again great video. I who know nothing love the statistics. Now I can consider preaching about new old (like an old car you take great care of. Can I get an amen) . Where’s amen corner?. I wonder if any golfers make the sign of the cross before they swing their clubs on the tee box? I will sharpen my father’s Cruise Missile Golf Clubs.

[@Golfzilla70]

Before i even get into watching this vid, if those worn-out grooves are all you, and you're using it not only for chipping but regular playing too, that's some very impressive consistent contact!

[@Tognar]

I have my 56 sitting next to me... and let's just say the strike zone is way bigger. *shame*

[@jakemartinez1354]

You won’t see much difference in dry conditions. Wet or fluffy conditions is where grooves really matter they help move water and debris out of the way to allow you to still get spin on the ball. A wedge with no grooves at all in perfect dry conditions will actually spin more then a wedge with grooves according to TXG golf.

[@livingtribunal4110]

Realistic title: *How To Turn An Old Wedge Into A New Wedge Without Actually Showing You **_How_*

[@TheDayHunter]

That settles it, I’m just sharpening all of my irons.

[@johnherman3261]

Hey Matt if you like the old wedge you could take some steel wool or a wire wheel buff that baby up. Anywho, drive on my man. Peace out stay safe.

[@mksmith713]

Are the grooves legal for sanctioned play? My memory has gotten worse as I’ve gotten older, but I do remember a PGA player back in the 70s and 80s who is a dentist. He altered the grooves on his clubs and was disqualified once it was discovered. I can’t help but wonder if the same thing will be considered about this Method of altering grooves? though I’m guessing he probably used a dental drill.

[@jamesharrington3351]

I’ve never seen a wedge that dirty!

[@InbredJed82060]

I showed this to my friend who is so set on buying new wedges. Still wouldn't change his mind. People have to stop paying attention to marketing and pay attention to reality

[@bobjoswick6075]

Can you stand closer to the screen to avoid hitting ceiling? I kept hitting my ceiling until I moved closer to hit lofted irons.

[@stephenrose4582]

Probably not. All 3D radar tracking devices require a minimum distance from ball to screen to adequately measure ball speed, spin, launch angle and direction.

[@Fatality_2313]

I’d like to him be sponsored by Vice. I love their Pro Plus balls.

[@loganleatham]

They're great but they'll likely never sponsor any pros as they're whole model /gimmick is that you're getting the same quality ball without the other costs like marketing and pro sponsorship... even if a pro did it for free it would be a bad look and when we buy their balls we'd be wondering if we're overpaying for them to cover said sponsorship... I agree that they're a fantastic alternative, been playing them since 2016

[@fraser8385]

Doesnt matter in amateur club competitions but in theory the likely outcome for the groove spec being altered therefore making the club non conforming.

[@genin69]

actual work starts at 6:02

[@MadRS]

The only problem with this tool (but let's be honest no ones clubs get tested) is that they make the club technically "illegal". Grooves have a maximum size and sharpening them obviously removes material thusly increasing the size of the groove.

[@rudigersimpson]

Of course if I was Mark Crossfield I might just say that this is more a reflection of where those 10 shots lay in a sequence and that the data doesn't really tell us anything 😆

[@Zacharydderrick]

Grooves didn't add a mph ball speed. There's more analysis to do in those #'s.

[@brianfong3954]

The resulting numbers (carry, spin, ball speed) show it does do the job . But I'd have to question the other supporting numbers on how the club did to get to the resulting numbers. (club path, attack ang, etc) ?? Just saying.

[@gbiscuits]

time to pick up some cheap used wedges and a sharpener!

[@ScottDreyfus]

If you go ham and increase the volume it’s going to be non conforming. The real difference in spin is probably more cg related between the 5 and 8. Your shed was faster in the avg s too so distance is negligible the biggest change is look how tight standard deviation gets with fresh grooves. You went from 500 to 100 to 50. It’s just a more predictable outcome with the new wedge . I have seen a player dqed for using a nail file on face.