Titleist releases 1,000 Vokey Signature 60M wedges at $399

Titleist put a limited-edition Vokey Signature 60M wedge on sale Thursday, October 22. It costs $399, comes only in 60 degrees, and Titleist is making 1,000 of them worldwide, according to Golfweek and GolfWRX. GolfWRX says it is sold through Titleist's website.

What it is

The club recreates Bob Vokey's original M Grind, the crescent-shaped sole he has called his favorite. Golfweek says it copies the original's profile, sole dimensions and shaping but uses current SM11 technology underneath.

The finish is Slate Blue. A Project X wedge shaft and a Golf Pride BCT Cord grip are standard, and the grip carries Vokey's signed initials. Each wedge also gets a BV Signature Series shaft band and a bag tag marking it as one of the 1,000.

Where the M Grind came from

Vokey said in Titleist's launch material, quoted by GolfWRX, that early on most wedges had full soles and the only grinds were basic. Players would ask him to take material off the heel, the trailing edge or the toe. Golfweek writes that he combined those requests into one sole in the late 1990s.

"It was the M Grind. That was the first one that really did get it going," Vokey said, per GolfWRX. He added that many of the grinds in today's lineup are variations on it.

Vokey tour rep Aaron Dill called it "Bob's best work." He said the grind keeps the bounce needed for square-face shots while letting a player open the face around the green.

Is it a performance upgrade

Probably not. Golfweek's David Dusek wrote that a golfer who already plays an SM11 M Grind gets little reason to expect a change in their short game. The difference is the collectible packaging and the history.

What to do

If you want one for the collection, order from Titleist's site now, since the run is capped at 1,000. If you only want the playing characteristics, the regular SM11 in the M Grind gives you the same sole idea at a lower price. Simulator golfers who already carry an M Grind can skip this one for practice purposes and keep their current wedge on the mat. Watch Titleist's site for sell-out timing and any second run.