Titleist’s new Vokey SM8 wedges spotted at The RSM Classic

SEA ISLAND, Ga. – Titleist has officially started its TOUR seeding process for the all-new Vokey SM8 wedges at The RSM Classic, where PGA TOUR players will work alongside Titleist TOUR reps to get fit into the proper bounce and grind combinations for their games.

While Titleist is not yet commenting on the features and benefits of the new SM8 wedges, the company spoke on how PGA TOUR players felt about the early prototypes.

“The TOUR debut of SM8 follows months of iteration and testing, including the trial of early unmarked prototypes during practice rounds on the PGA TOUR,” said Titleist in a press release. “Those prototypes were incredibly well-received, with players commenting on improved flight and feel, and overall better results.”

The SM8 wedges will likely replace the SM7 wedges that first hit the PGA TOUR in October 2017 and began selling to the public in March 2018. PGATOUR.COM was able to capture photos of the new SM8 wedges on Monday, and compared to its SM7 predecessors, the SM8 wedges appear to have some similarities and differences.

Like the SM7 wedges, there are varying lofts, six grind options – F, S, L, M, K and D – and multiple bounce options for the different grinds. Also, there are two finishes: “Tour Chrome” and “Raw.”

From the photos, it appears that Titleist has added face texture, highlighted by milling marks out on the toe sections, and the back cavities of the SM8 wedges clearly have a different design compared to the SM7 wedges. Unfortunately, we don’t yet know the reasoning behind the new constructions.

It also seems that the back cavities of the SM8 wedges provide an even larger canvas for Vokey wedge rep Aaron Dill to work his wedge stamping magic.

While we wait for Titleist to comment further on the designs and retail possibilities, we will update this story with any comments and feedback from PGA TOUR players as they begin the process of fitting and testing. Stay tuned!