Showcase: Hopkins Golf

When was the last time you thought about the sole grind of your wedges? If you're like most golfers, you probably haven't considered the sole grind of your wedges at all. In fact, it wouldn't surprise anyone at Hopkins Golf if you didn't even know what "grind" actually means relative to the sole of your wedge. (It's okay, I was once in that category, too.)

The grind of your wedge has to do with the shape and curvature of the sole, which in simple terms is the bottom of the clubhead. The name "grind" actually comes from how the wedge's sole is ground to affect how the club performs in the shot. This sometimes correlates to a club's bounce angle, too, which is the angle between the trailing and leading edge of the wedge when placed vertically on the ground. More bounce angle usually means less digging, and less bounce angle means a tighter leading edge to the ground for added dig.

Confused? Don't worry. There's a new company out there dedicated to helping make sense of it all. The newly founded Hopkins Golf is presenting an all-new approach to understanding how to choose the right set of wedges for both your skill level and the kinds of courses you play. With seven unique sole grinds available, Hopkins Golf actually presents their wedges not only according to the type of player you are and the shots you like to play, but also to cater to different regions across the country. For instance, if you're a player who plays on firmer soil and tight turf in the desert, a channel grind may be better suited for you. Or, if you play on soft, spongy turf with beach-like sand, a wide grind may be what you need. Furthermore, it's not all about course conditions. Some custom grinds cater to players who like to hit open-faced shots, want more versatility from the sand and much more.

"Until now, custom wedge grinds were what Tour players and better amateurs paid attention to," says Greg Hopkins, founder of Hopkins Golf. "We want to change that and let all player types know that there's a custom grind out there that will help them get up and down more often."

Each Hopkins Golf wedge, dubbed model CJ-1, is made of 8620 Carbon Steel (it's unfinished, meaning it rusts for added spin) and comes equipped not only with one of seven custom sole designs, but a host of custom aesthetic options, too.

"It's not just about how the wedge feels and performs," adds Hopkins. "We also want to make wedges that look the way people want them. This means opening the door to custom colors and stamping that for years was reserved primarily for Tour players."

Curious? So are we. The official launch for Hopkins Golf is mid-June 2013, and we're excited to see what's in store.

Visit Hopkinsgolf.com to get more information.