Scratch Golf 2009 '1018' Wedges

Scratch Golf 2009 '1018' wedge

Image - Scratch Golf

Hopefully you've already become aware of Scratch Golf. If not, let me introduce you. The young, Oregon-based company makes fabulous custom wedges. Forged from soft 1018 steel, they feel exquisite, and have gorgeous classic looks. The best part for sure though, is the amazing range of sole grinds available. Whatever type of swing you have, whatever type of turf you play on, whatever type of shot you want to hit - Scratch has a grind that will help you pull it off.

Despite being in business just a few years, Scratch is growing fast. Golfers all over, including on professional tours, are taking note of Scratch's exceptional quality and the amazing performance you get when the right sole grind is matched to your swing type. Scratch's Tour Department will make you a completely custom wedge, hand-ground to your exact specifications for loft, toe profile, sole grind, etc. You can choose from a wide selection of beautiful finishes and specify any stampings you like. They are the only company I know of that regularly offers this kind of tour level service and product to regular golfers.

They also have a nice lineup of stock-design wedges, and for 2009 they're re-vamping the line. Scratch's initial off-the-rack line, called the "JLM" series, was excellent. Now called "1018", the new 2009 line offers cleaner stampings, six different grinds, and a beautiful new finish called "Smoked Satin." I think it looks a lot like a raw wedge that hasn't rusted yet, which in my mind is just about perfect. They will also come stock with upscale KBS Tour shafts, and get this, they'll retail for $50 less than the 2008 models. The new wedges will be priced at $150 each. Though that's definitely still a high-end price these are without question the finest wedges available today. Scratch will also be releasing a cast 8620 line in 2009 that will retail for less yet still offer a variety of grinds to suit your swing. Cleveland and Vokey wedges are cast from 8620 steel, and I am quite sure the new Scratch 8620 wedges will give them a run for their money in price and feel.

This past fall I demoed several Scratch wedges and all I can say is they are amazing. They have classic looks, truly outstanding forged feel, and the best playability of any wedge I've tried. Their grinds really do make a huge difference. I will have one in my bag before 2009 is over, no question.

If you want to improve your game, do yourself a favor. Don't bother spending $400 on the next titanium monster in an attempt to buy five more yards off the tee. Buy yourself a good wedge or two from Scratch. They'll help your short game, and that will pay far greater dividends to your score than anything else in you can put in your bag.

Oh yes, Scratch also makes amazing forged irons, with the same options for complete customization as well as stock-spec. off-the-rack versions. I've been lusting after a set of their blades for a while.

Scratch is the kind of golf company we need. They're smaller, but better. They offer spectacular, classic-looking clubs of the highest quality, and they will build them to suit you. Imagine having a set of custom irons and wedges, ground, finished and stamped just as you want them, completely unique from any other set out there. That is as old-school-cool as it gets.