Skip to content

Unveiling the Enigmatic Organisation Potentially Paving the Path to US Open Victory

Possibility of the Titleist Vokey wedge from the specialist aiding in conquering the tricky greenside rough and abundant sand traps at Oakmont Country Club?

Could the Titlist Vokey wedge specialist's tool be the solution for excelling in the challenging...
Could the Titlist Vokey wedge specialist's tool be the solution for excelling in the challenging greenside rough and abundant sand traps at Oakmont Country Club?

Unveiling the Enigmatic Organisation Potentially Paving the Path to US Open Victory

Gearing Up for the US Open: The Titleist Vokey Wedgeworks K* Grind - Your Secret Weapon at Oakmont

The stage is set for the 125th US Open at Oakmont Country Club, where the toughest test in golf awaits the world's best golfers.)^{[1] } This year, the focus is on driving accuracy due to the narrow fairways and lush long rough. However, it's the battle around the greens where this prestigious event could be won or lost, and a lesser-known club might just hold the key to victory - the lob wedge.

The club we're eyeing is the Titleist Vokey Wedgeworks K* grind. While the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges are often the stars of the show with their popularity on tour, it's one of the brand's more specialized Wedgeworks designs that could be the game-changer at the third major championship of the year.

The K* grind, born from tour players' demands, is a refined version of the standard K grind. With a wide, full sole and enhanced camber, it's known as the 'ultimate bunker club' among the models. The trailing wedge relief helps maintain a smooth glide through the turf, with the added benefit of being versatile for different lies, especially those with a shallow angle of attack.

Players can manipulate launch and spin by opening and closing the face while minimizing digging on the fairways and surrounds of Oakmont. This wedge's adaptability is crucial at a course like Oakmont, where a standard shot rarely cuts it.

While it remains to be seen who will have one these wedges in their bag, prospects like Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, and Ludvig Aberg have been seen wielding the K* grind in the past. These players typically opt for a T grind Vokey week-in-week-out, but the challenging conditions and deep bunkers at Oakmont might lead one of them to swap for the K* grind this week.

Oakmont is notorious for its brutality. The course is a beast, with rapid, undulating greens and penal rough that can consume balls whole. This year, the rough is reported to be thicker and longer than ever, making a lob wedge that offers complete versatility around the greens a necessity.

Vokey Tour Rep, Aaron Dill, explains, "Over the last few years, some of the best players in the world began testing this grind... The success of this sole has continued to spread, encouraging many around the globe to test and eventually game this new sole configuration."

With greens rumored to be running close to 16 on the stimpmeter and challenging rough and run-offs surrounding the greens, the players need a wide array of shots to give themselves the best chance of scrambling for pars. The K* grind's wide sole will also aid in bunker rescues, while its versatility will be beneficial if the terrain softens due to inclement weather.

As the leaders approach the back nine on Sunday, keep an eye on those near the top of the leaderboard and their wedge choices. Although many manufacturers offer impressive wedge options, the K* grind could be the hidden ace in the bag of a couple of players vying for the lead.

Join the Golf Monthly Newsletter

Stay informed about all the latest tour news, equipment updates, reviews, head-to-heads, and buyer's guides from our skilled team of experts by subscribing to our Golf Monthly newsletter.

The diversity in lies and conditions at Oakmont demands a wedge that can handle finesse as well as power. The Titleist Vokey Wedgeworks K* grind seems to fit the bill, offering the versatility needed to excel on the challenging terrain at Oakmont. Roll on the US Open!

Footnotes

  1. Enrichment Data On fame and difficulty of Oakmont: Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its challenging layout, previously hosting numerous prestigious tournaments, including seven US Opens and six PGA Championships[3]. The course has a reputation for punishing players due to its fast, undulating greens, thick rough, and tight fairways[6]. As a result, playing at Oakmont requires strategic decision-making, precision, and a significant amount of skill[6]. The course was famously redesigned by Donald Ross, known for his demanding designs with tight fairways, precision-required approaches, and fast greens[7].
  • Tour players might rely on the Titleist Vokey Wedgeworks K* grind during the US Open at Oakmont, as its wide sole and versatility can help navigate the challenging conditions around the greens.
  • The K* grind, known as the 'ultimate bunker club,' could be a crucial addition to the bag of players competing at Oakmont, thanks to its ability to handle various lies and tough bunker situations.

Read also:

Latest