To optimize your short game performance, you’ll need a set of wedges that maximize spin, launch, and greenside control. This post will teach you about the best wedges for mid-handicappers in 2023.
The wedges that made the cut for this list possess a combination of:
- Enhanced spin
- Turf interaction
- Feel
- Control
The options on this list cover the best overall wedge this year — along with the most affordable and forgiving pick. Plus, it includes the best gap wedge and sand wedge for mid-handicappers.
Further Reading: Our female reader may find what you need in our review on the best wedges for women.
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Overview Of The Best Golf Wedges For Mid Handicappers
| Â | Best Overall Wedge | Most Forgiving Wedge | Best Sand Wedge |
| Â | Wilson Harmonized | Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS | Cleveland CBX2 |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Price Score | 98.7 | 89.8 | 85.7 |
| Feel Score | 88.6 | 92.1 | 92.5 |
| Spin Score | 90.3 | 92.6 | 91.1 |
| Rating | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4 Stars |
Our Research Parameters
Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the golf wedge reviews in this article. These wedges were selected by our team, who have over 50 years of experience playing golf and hundreds of hours reviewing products. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.
23 Products were considered from 10 brands on:
- Spin
- Forgiveness
- Control
- Feel
- Price
Read more: The Best Wedges for High Handicappers
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Golf Wedges
As a mid-handicapper, you should know about the different wedge options available to you and how they can enhance your game. However, I will touch on a few key elements below to refresh your memory.
Those who are just starting at golf should instead read our guide: What wedges should a beginner carry?
Type Of Wedges
There are four types of wedges: pitching, gap, lob, and sand. The wedges you select will come down to your preferences since you can only have 14 clubs in your bag.
Most of you should have a pitching wedge in your set so that I will focus on the remaining options.
The strongest lofted club after your pitching wedge is a gap wedge. Golf Digest suggests that the average loft of a gap wedge is 50 degrees. I cannot recommend the gab wedge enough. I made the mistake as a youngster of skipping the gap wedge and adding a lob wedge, which was catastrophic.
I had to choose between a half-pitching wedge and a forced sand wedge. The forced sand wedge led to ballooned shots and a loss of distance, while I usually overhit the pitching wedge. The gap wedge bridges this distance gap and allows you to swing easily.
Next, the sand wedge runs between 54 to 58 degrees, and as a mid-handicap golfer, I would be surprised if this club is not in your bag. The loft is easier to control than a lob wedge, making it a superior option for chipping.
Finally, the lob wedge carries between 60 to 64 degrees of loft. I love this wedge because it helps me get the ball up quickly and stop it dead. However, if your rhythm is off with this club, you can shank and tooth many simple chips.
Besides your pitching wedge, I suggest playing with at least a gap wedge and a sand wedge. However, if you have the space for a lob wedge, it is worth adding that to your bag. It all comes down to how many long game clubs you carry and whether you comply with the 14-club rule.
Spin
Wedges are built to optimize your spin and control around the green. If your wedge produces high spin rpm, you can get the ball up to the cup and stop it quickly. To achieve this, you need a wedge with sharp grooves that grip into the cover of your ball at impact and enhance your spin.
As your grooves wear out, your ball stops producing the level of spin it did when it was new. That means you need to sharpen your grooves or trade the wedge in for a new one.
Bounce And Grind
Wedge manufacturers apply different grinds to their wedges to produce varying degrees of bounce. Bob Vokey explains that manipulating the material in the sole enhances the club’s turf interaction. That helps you to optimize your connection and ultimately spin.
The best bounce for your game depends on your angle of attack and the surface you are playing on. I don’t expect you to own a wedge for every condition but make sure your chosen wedge performs on your home turf.
Vokey says that high bounce wedges best suit players with a steep angle of attack, as it prevents them from digging the clubhead into the ground. However, shallow attack angles suit a low bounce wedge.
In addition, a low bounce wedge is ideal for firm turf to prevent your wedge from bouncing off the turf and topping your ball. Contrarily, a high bounce design is preferred in wet conditions as it gets through the turf to connect cleanly with your ball.
Read More: If you are a low handicapper, you may prefer our guide on the best golf wedges.Â
Best Wedges For Mid Handicappers in 2023
1. Wilson Harmonized Sole Grind Wedges – Overall Best Wedges For Mid Handicap Golfers
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Promotes higher shots for increased control
- Forgiving
- Optimal turf interaction
- Gap, sand, and lob wedges are available
Cons
- Acoustics
- Shallow and wide grooves reduce an element of spin
To decide the best overall wedges, I looked at spin, control, and forgiveness. Although most options on this list were similar, only the Wilson Harmonized Sole Grind wedges ticked all the boxes.
They are available in 50, 52, 56, 60, and 64-degrees of loft, which means they include a gap, sand, and a lob wedge option. Plus, they are the best value-for-money wedges on the market for mid-handicappers.
Features
The Harmonized Sole Grind wedges feature a classic polished finish and a blade shape.
An innovative sole design encourages superb turf interaction to ensure a clean strike from any lie. That means that your short game enjoys consistency, spin, control, and forgiveness.
Added to the design is a sole grind that enables you to open the clubface more to hit higher shots that stop rapidly. As a result, you enjoy more control and consistency for improved short game results.
Furthermore, these are arguably the best value-for-money wedge options on the market for mid-handicappers.
Conclusion
The Wilson Harmonized Sole Grind Wedges produce optimal spin and height and are the best value-for-money wedges on the market. They are perfectly suitable for a mid-handicapper looking for spin, forgiveness, control, and a bargain.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
2. Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS – Most Forgiving Golf Wedge For Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Easy to launch
- Limited turf interaction
- Increased spin
- Hassle-free aim
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Oversized clubhead
A familiar name in the world of wedges, the Mack Daddy range continues its impressive form with its fifth edition JAWS wedge. This is our top pick for the best wedge for mid-handicapper golfers seeking forgiveness.
What impressed me was the progressive head profiles in the lower and higher lofted wedges. The engineers created a line of wedges that deliver optimal ball speed, distance, and control with stronger lofts. Conversely, the traditional shaped sand and lob wedge club heads promote playability, feel, and spin.
Gap wedges in this set are available in 50 and 52-degrees, while the sand clubs are set at 54 or 56-degrees. The weakest lofted options are a 58 and 60-degree lob wedge.
Features
Callaway constructed the Mack Daddy 5 JAWS wedge from 8620 mild carbon steel enabling a pure feel on short game shots.Â
The Jaws Groove Microfeature is the star feature, delivering an offset groove-in-groove setup. This construction amplifies spin on each shot for maximum control around the green.Â
You’ll notice that there are five sole grind options for the Mack Daddy JAWS 5. The C-grind best suits a wide range of shots because of the high degree of relief from the heel to the toe. I suggest that the average mid-handicap stick to this setup.
Alternatively, you could look at the S-grind, which offers added relief in the club’s heel, and works for various shots in different conditions. The remaining three constructions are an X, W, and Low Bounce W. X-grind soles bounce high but work for steeper angles of attack. You will find these fitted to lob wedges.
W-grind wedges produce low bounce and are built for golfers who create large, juicy divots. Conversely, the Low Bounce W-grind enhances heel relief and works for those who sweep the ball off the turf.
Conclusion
Callaway Mack Daddy JAWS 5 wedges cater to a diverse range of golfers, thanks to five sole grinds. In addition, the optimized head progression delivers optimal ball speed and spin in each wedge. Plus, Jaws Groove Microfeature amplifies spin for exceptional control around the dancefloor.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
3. TaylorMade Milled Grind – Best Gap Wedge For A Mid Handicapper
Pros
- Enhanced turf interaction
- Produces precise flight
- Increase spin
- Soft feel
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Reduced forgiveness
Now that we have the most forgiving and best overall awards out of the way, it is time to focus on specific wedge types. The first award goes to the best gap wedge. To claim this title, a club must deliver a balance between launch, distance, and spin, which the TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 delivers.
Although it is the predecessor to the MG3, it contains the majority of the same features but at a lower price. The only addition to the newer model is the Raised Micro Ribs. They are added between the grooves for an increased layer that encourages additional spin.
The features of the MG2 wedge are, however, sufficient for mid-handicappers to improve their short game. Aside from its spin, this wedge promotes improved turf interaction for cleaner strikes. That results in increased height, spin, and control on the approach.
Features
The MG2 wedge is designed with Raw Face technology. It creates sharp, deep, and narrow grooves to maximize spin.
Furthermore, the milled grind sole encourages optimal turf interaction for consistent, clean strikes. When you catch the ball out of the middle, you enjoy optimal ball speed and control around the green.
TaylorMade’s engineers fitted a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) insert into the wedge’s cavity to deliver a buttery soft feel. If you mishit your shots, the insert absorbs the impact and reduces the feel of unwanted vibrations.
In addition, weight is redistributed to produce a thick and thin head combination. As a result, the engineers optimally positioned the CG for precise ball flight.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 wedge is a more expensive option but worth the dollars. It delivers a balance of ball speed, spin, feel and control, which is why it is the best gap wedge for 2023.
Rating: 4 Stars
4. Cleveland CBX2Â – Best Sand Wedge For Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Highly forgiving
- Smooth feel
- Generates increased spin
- Glides through the sand and turf for clean contact
Cons
- The oversized design is off-putting to some players
Your sand wedge can change the outcome of a hole if you know how to execute your shots. It is imperative for mid handicappers that your sand wedge is forgiving, feels soft, and ramps up your spin rpm. All these elements and more are featured in the Cleveland CBX2, which bags the title as the best sand wedge for mid handicappers this year.
Features
A hollow-cavity design gives the CBX2 the turf interaction of a blade and the forgiveness of a game-improvement club. Weight is distributed around the club’s perimeter, increasing forgiveness on off-center strikes.
Added to the forgiving nature of the CBX2 is its optimal feel. Cleveland combined Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology and a Gelback TPU insert to provide a pure feel and reduce vibrations from mishits.
Finally, the engineers implemented Rotex Face technology to deliver sharp Zip Tour grooves and face milling. The collaboration between the milled face and grooves generates supreme spin. Therefore providing better greenside control and accuracy.
As a club that you will use for bunker play and chipping, it equips you with all you need to improve your short game.
Conclusion
The moderately affordable Cleveland CBX2 is forgiving, smooth, and encourages sublime spin levels. These are the qualities you need to excel around the green, and it is worth considering this option if you seek a 56 or 58-degree wedge.
Rating: 4 Stars
5. Titleist Vokey SM8Â – Best Lob Wedge For Mid Handicapper Golfers
Pros
- High launching
- Maximum spin
- Buttery soft feel
- Increased control
Cons
- Expensive
For 25 years, Bob Vokey has worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of wedge construction. The legend’s genius continues in 2023 with the Titleist Vokey SM9, our pick for the best 60-degree wedge for mid-handicapper golfers in 2023.
As you would expect from Mr. Voey, the SM9 produces controlled ball flight, and rampant spin, and it is exceptionally durable. Titleist offers this work of art in three lob wedge lofts, including the standard 58 and 60-degree setup. They also threw in a 62-degree for those brave enough to tackle a clubface this open.
Features
Superior Handcrafted Technology was employed to boost contact, lower the flight, and elevate the spin-off of every groove. This provides a combination of consistent contact with controlled ball flight and improved backspin rpm.
Furthermore, Vokey raised the forward CG, which you’ll find prevents ballooning strikes. The weaker loft of a lob can cause the average golfer to lose control and sky their shots, losing distance and accuracy.
The grooves are cut to the edge of SM9, which propels it to perfect spin levels on lob wedge shots. Despite the low ball flight, the amplified backspin rpm encourages the ball to stop rapidly upon landing.Â
You have the option of three grinds on the SM9, including the M, K, and D construction. I suggest that mid-handicappers operate with the M-grind as it is better suited to various conditions and angles of attack.
However, if you prefer the approach of a high bounce grind, then I suggest selecting the K design. Alternatively, the K-grind shines on soft turf and sand. Finally, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Tour Chrome wedge was heat treated for robust durability.Â
Conclusion
The Vokey brilliance continues to thrive with the SM9, which I found felt soft, spun well, and produced controlled flight. In addition, the heat treatment bolsters the resilience of this wedge for improved longevity.
Rating: 4 Stars
6. Cobra Golf MIM Black Wedge – Best Glare Resistant Wedge
Pros
- Glare resistant
- Attractive appearance
- Three sole grind options
- Narrow, deep-grooves in the gap and sand wedge
- Wide, shallow grooves in sand wedge and lob wedge
Cons
- The long wedge shafts are harder to control for some golfers
- The longer shafts may require you to adjust your ball position.
A challenge I face with blue eyes is that the lighter pigments do little to shelter them from the sun’s rays. That is why I prefer glare-resistant clubs because they eradicate the distraction caused by UV light at address.Â
The Cobra Golf MIM Black wedge tops the standings of the best wedges for mid-handicap golfers looking to reduce glare.
Besides its glare-resistant qualities, the MIM Black wedge delivers outstanding spin and versatile sole grinds for optimal performance in any condition. These wedges are available in 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60-degrees, enabling you to acquire the entire set for improved consistency.
Features
Kicking off with the star of this show, the Matte black finish. Firstly, it restricts glare off the clubface at address and provides a sexy appearance. However, it’s about more than looks with the MIM black wedge, thanks to its CNC milled face, progressive grooves, and numerous grinds.
The CNC milled grooves provide a circular milling pattern, proven to enhance the roughness of the surface area. It induces sharper grooves and boosts backspin rpm to encourage a quick bite into the green.
All gap wedge designs and the 54-degree sand wedge are crafted with narrow, deep grooves built to produce rapid ball speed and controlled spin. On the contrary, every wedge above 56 degrees features wide, shallow grooves which generate maximum spin.
Moreover, Cobra engineers crafted three grinds to cater to varying angles of attack and golf course conditions. The versatile grind is best designed for medium to firm golf courses and players who produce minimal divots. This is the grind that the average mid-handicap should consider.
On the other hand, the wide low grind is set up to provide medium bounce levels, which perform best in soft bunkers or medium rough. In addition, the classic grind works for steep angles of attack and a diverse range of conditions.
Finally, this wedge forms part of the construction of the one-length iron popularized by Bryson DeChambeau and Cobra. This can benefit some golfers who prefer the consistency of single-length shafts, but some players may struggle with longer wedge shafts.
Conclusion
The Cobra Golf MIM Black wedge is an ideal option for those with weaker eyes like mine because of its glare-resistant qualities. On top of its appearance, I appreciated the controlled spin and ball speed delivered from gap, sand, and lob wedges.
Rating: 4 Stars
7. Cleveland RTX Zipcore – Most Durable Wedges For Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Durable
- Glare resistant finish
- Ample spin
- High MOI
- 3 sole grinds
Cons
- The deep, narrow grooves do not produce aggressive spin like shallow, wide designs.
Although Roger Cleveland joined Callaway in 1996, the company, with his namesake, continues to produce exceptional golf wedges. Our pick for the most durable wedge this year is the Cleveland RTX Zipcore.
Added to the heat-treated durability of these wedges are their forgiveness, impressive spin, and glare-resistant finish.
Features
Off the bat, I noticed the impact of the UltiZip grooves that are etched deep and narrow to the face. The layout of the grooves positions them closer to each other, which expands the surface for each shot. Therefore, you produce adequate spin and ball speed on short game shots.
Cleveland shifted the position of the CG, which amplifies the MOI to encourage a square face at impact. This helps you keep your golf ball on target for superior accuracy around the green. It also helps you to deliver a consistent launch to get your ball up and over hazards and obstacles.
Furthermore, the design team employed a heat treatment technique to elevate the durability of the RTX Zipcore wedges. Plus, they applied a glare-resistant finish to reduce distractions at address.
In addition, the Cleveland RTX Zipcore range is crafted with three sole grind options: low, mid, and full.Â
The low sole works for a neutral angle of attack and shallow divots, while the midsole operates best for players who take deep divots. Finally, the full sole produces exceptional bounce and is ideal for golfers with a steep angle of attack.
Conclusion
The best wedge for mid-handicapper players seeking durability is, hands down, the RTX Zipcore. The heat-treated club reinforces toughness to expand longevity, while the UltiZip grooves produce ample spin to get your ball to bite rapidly.
Rating: 4 Stars
8. Mizuno T22 – Best Mid Handicap Wedge For Feel
Pros
- Soft feel
- Durable
- Excellent feedback
- Optimal spin for each loft
- Sheds moisture from the clubface ensuring a clean strike
Cons
- The rounded edge is not attractive
- It looks slightly chunky at address which is off-putting
The Mizuno T22 comes to you from the company’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan. Since 1968, the company has honed its craft to develop some of the best feeling clubs in golf. The durable, but soft creation is the best wedge mid handicapper players can find for improved feel and acoustics.
Added to its exceptional feel is amplified spin and progressive groove construction. Plus, I found that it shed moisture from the face and promoted optimal contact for consistent ball speed and launch. Before we look at the features, Mizuno offers these wedges in 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60-degree lofts.
Features
Mizuno engineers grain flow forged 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel to strengthen these wedges by 30% compared to previous versions.Â
The forged steel delivers a delicate touch, aided by Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT). HIT amplifies feedback and produces crisp sounds at contact.
I enjoyed the Quad cut grooves layout that produces milled narrow and deep grooves in the strong lofted wedges. Conversely, weaker lofted wedges like your lob and sand feature wide, shallow grooves which raise spin and control.
Moreover, Hydroflow micro-grooves are laser etched microscopic slits added to the clubface to shed moisture. This ensures that nothing gets between the ball and your grooves, prompting a clean strike and maximum spin.
Conclusion
Overall, the Mizuno T22 line has strong wedges built to produce a soft feel and exceptional feedback and acoustics. In addition, I feel that the Quad cut grooves prove effective in producing the ideal spin, flight, and ball speed for each loft.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
9. PXG V2 0311 – Best Wedge For The Average Golfer
Pros
- It pushes the legal limit of spin
- Classy chrome finish
- Soft feel
- Pleasant sound
Cons
- Only one sole construction
- The cavity is chunky, which is off-putting at address.
PXG is certainly the new kid on the block compared to most household brands on this list. However, the company is producing impressive game improvement golf clubs for the average golfer. It is, therefore, fitting that the V2 0311 wins our best wedges for the average golfer race.
I found that this wedge generated crazy quantities of spin, which caused the ball to bite rapidly on the dancefloor. Like most wedges, PXG crafts these with 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60-degrees of loft.
Features
PXG only produces this wedge with one sole construction, enabling you to perform a variety of shots in different conditions. This suits the average mid-handicap golfer who needs a jack-of-all-trades wedge.
The CNC Milled grooves stood out to me thanks to their exceptional spin levels, which elevated my control around the green. The groove edge radius of these clubs helps you push the boundaries of legal spin limits.
In addition, the V2 0311 contains a tight grain structure designed to improve the feel and acoustics at impact. Aiding the tight grain structure is the 8620 soft carbon steel which softens your hold on the golf club.
Finally, a chrome finish is applied to the clubhead to provide a polished and clean look at address.
Conclusion
PXG is not a brand to take lightly, as they continue to impress with quality golf clubs for the average golfer. The V2 0311 helps you achieve impeccable spin levels while promoting consistent contact, a soft feel, and crisp acoustics.
Rating: 3 Stars
10. Mizuno JPX 921 – Best Looking
Pros
- Attractive golf club
- Glare resistant
- Produces increased greenside spin
- Soft feel
- Durable
Cons
- Some wedges carry stronger lofts than usual, which may impact your gapping distance.
- Difficult to source for left-handers
The second Mizuno to feature on our list of best wedges for mid-handicappers 2023 is the JPX 921 series. These wedges are our best-looking, thanks to the company’s meticulous craftsmanship and the Pearl brush finish.
While its looks are what attracted me to it first, the greenside spin, feel, and control was what sealed the deal. The JPX 921 wedge range comprises a 49-degree gap wedge, 54-degree sand wedge, and a 59-degree lob wedge. You’ll notice that the gap and lob wedge are one degree stronger than usual.
Features
This range of wedges is equipped with Quad cut grooves, which, as I explained earlier, optimize the performance of each wedge. Milled narrow and deep grooves are present on the sand and gap wedge, while wide and shallow slots function on the 59-degree club.
Engineers at Mizuno employed face milling lines to the clubface to raise the roughness of the surface. This propels your ball to backspin as required leading to adequate bite upon landing.
Furthermore, employing the soft and durable X30 stainless steel softens the feel of the JPX 921 range for a pleasant short game touch.Â
Lastly, the design team went with a Pearl brush finish to produce a clean appearance and glare-resistant qualities. This prevents glare from hitting your eyes and distracting you during your swing.Â
Conclusion
Although the Mizuno JPX 921 wedges are our best looking in 2023, they offer more than a pretty face. The Face Milling Lines promote superior spin levels, while the X30 stainless steel provides a soft feel. Finally, it deflects glare from your eyes for a more comfortable experience.
Rating: 3 Stars
Best Golf Wedges For Mid-Handicappers: FAQs
What Is A Gap Wedge And Do I Need One?
As I discussed earlier, a gap wedge bridges the distance gap left between a pitching and sand wedge. From my experience, I highly recommend carrying a gap wedge for improved distance control on short full shots.
How Far Should You Hit A 60-Degree Wedge?
My colleague Nick Lomas explains that the average man hits a 60-degree lob wedge an average of 65-yards. Women, on the other hand, average 60-yards with the same club.
How Far Does The Average Golfer Hit A 56-Degree Wedge?
Lomas further mentions that the average distance of a sand wedge shot is 90-yards for men and 80 for ladies. Since a 56-degree is your typical sand wedge loft, that is how far the average golfer hits it.
What Is The Handicap Of A Mid-Handicapper?
Any golfer with a handicap between 10 to 18 is considered a mid-handicapper. You can find more details in our article, what is a mid-handicapper?
Can A Mid Handicapper Use Blades?
A mid handicapper can use blades, but they shouldn’t. Blades are unforgiving and honestly make no sense for the average golfer who needs forgiveness every now and then.
What Degree Is A Pitching Wedge?
Golfweek mentions that the average pitching wedge contains 45 to 48-degrees. However, these days you can find strong lofted constructions that are 43.5-degrees.
What Degree Is A Sand Wedge?
Golfweek suggests that a sand wedge loft ranges from 54 to 58-degrees.
What Degree Wedges Should a Mid-Handicapper Carry?
I recommend mid-handicappers carry a 50-degree gap wedge and a 54 or 56-degree sand wedge; in addition to a pitching wedge.
Should Mid-Handicappers Use a Lob Wedge?
I don’t feel mid-handicappers should use a lob wedge in most cases. Many players find it challenging to control the higher loft of a lob wedge, which is why I would lay off it until you are confident in your ball striking.Â
However, I started using a lob wedge when I was a 14 handicap, and I am not sure where I would be without it. It suited my game and allowed me to get the ball high and land it rapidly on tight greens at my local golf course. It comes down to personal preference and your ability to cleanly strike the compact lob wedge clubface.
Final Thoughts
There you have the best wedges for mid-level golfers. As you can see, a quality wedge for golfers in this bracket needs to be forgiving, generate maximum spin, and deliver control around the greens.
Our most forgiving wedge this year is the C3i from Autopilot. The TaylorMade MG2 claims the title for the best gap wedge. The Cleveland CBX2 claims the honor of the best sand wedge, and the Vokey SM8 is the top lob wedge.
Despite their efforts, none could overpower our best overall choice for a wedge, the Wilson Harmonized Sole Grind wedges. The affordable, forgiving, and high spinning construction is a deserved winner of the best wedges for mid handicappers.
Matt is a seasoned golf equipment writer and sports fanatic. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for over 28 years.
