Ask the Gear Doc

Each week in this feature, we'll tap into the expertise of our exclusive research partner, Hot Stix Golf, to answer reader questions. If you have a question for the Gear Doc, e-mail it to geardoc@hotstixgolf.com. He'll answer a few lucky readers' questions every Wednesday on GOLF.com.

Dear Gear Doctor,

I have a question about wedges in an amateur's bag, and how we should know when it's actually time to replace our favorite club.

I use a sand and a lob wedge from one of the manufacturers using extra large groove technology to give their wedges more spin and check. I read somewhere that a lot of professional players will replace their wedges to get a fresh, sharp set of grooves at least once a year. If I play at least 20 rounds a year and practice at least 4 hours a month with my wedges on various chip/pitch and full-swing shots, should I be thinking about getting a new set of wedges after a year of using them? Do you think that matters for a player not yet at a level where I consistently get good checks on the green anyway?

Thanks,

A.J., Washington, D.C.

Dear A.J.,

There are several parts to this answer. First, Tour players change their wedges a lot more often than your average amateur. They hit thousands more practice shots, and they need to be able to count on the ball to do exactly what they want it to do. Their equipment is critical to executing shots.

For most amateurs, I think this is more of a financial decision. You want to make your wedges last until you can no longer pull off the shots you once could with them. As you mentioned, this will vary based on playing conditions, and how often you play or practice. The more you play and practice from the sand, or heavily sanded turf, the shorter the life expectancy of the wedges. If you don't play or practice much in the sand, and you don't play in sandy soil, they should last longer. That said, with your practice habits and roughly 20 rounds a year, you should expect to get about two good years out of your wedges before it's time to replace them.

Dear Hotstix Guy: