CROMWELL (Conn.) — It’s been nearly two years since TaylorMade introduced the milled grind 3 (MG3) wedges. So it shouldn’t be surprising that the Carlsbad-based equipment manufacturer is ready to release new short-game products for staff players such as Rory McIlroy. Colleen Morikawa. Nelly Korda. and Tommy Fleetwood.
Golfweek spotted morikawa working with TaylorMade PGA Tour representatives on Tuesday at TPC Riverside, the site of this year’s Travelers Championship. TaylorMade’s new Milled Grind 4 wedges (MG4) were the next thing Morikawa tried when he wasn’t tinkering around with Stealth driver heads. Morikawa examined the look of the clubs in the address position as well as the height of the leading edge and bounce.
TaylorMade has not yet revealed any details about their wedges, but photos and observations in-hand reveal some things.
- There are at least three sole grinds. Golfweek wedges marked with S, LB, and HB (which typically stand for standard, low rebound, and high bounce) were seen.
- New surface smoothening. MG3 wedges had a series raised micro-ribs on the raw steel striking area. MG4 wedges don’t have these. Microgrooves are instead positioned at a 45 degree angle to the main grooves. When a golfer open the face of MG4 wedges the microgrooves are square to the target and will likely add extra friction.
- A lot of milling. The MG4 wedges are milled from toe to heel. A computer is used to control a fast spinning bit that passes back and forth over the club to create the shape the designers desire. This is the most precise method of manufacture and allows TaylorMade to ensure that all clubs have the same sole configuration.
Here are some images of the Milled Grind 4 wedges that TaylorMade has yet to release:
