Adams Tom Watson Anniversary Edition

We review ten of the latest wedges and put them through the ultimate test with a Tour pro and Flightscope shot data. Who comes out on top?

Andy Roberts's picture
Andy Roberts and Charlie Lemay
Thu, 4 Jul 2013
Adams Tom Watson Anniversary Edition

Brand: Adams
Wedge: Tom Watson Anniversary Edition
RRP: £51
Best price: £45
Loft: 54-degree
Lie: 64-degree
Bounce:
8-degree
Length: 35.5"
Shaft: Adams Performance Lite

Summary: Designed in recognition of Adams staffer and golf legend Tom Watson's first US Open title when he memorably chipped in from off the green at Pebble Beach's iconic par-3 17th. The special edition wedge features a stainless steel construction and large clubface that allows the centre of gravity to be located lower and deeper for better playability from all lies. It also includes maximum groove volume and optimised sole shaping that minimises digging into the turf.

Appearance: On first inspection, the old school design is neat. You can tell by the traditional looks that Adams is clearly wanting to pay homage to Watson and wedges of yesteryear. Placing clubhead behind ball, there's a rather rounded looking clubface awaiting. It's also much wider than others in this test, although that was to be somewhat expected given this was a 54-degree model as the brand does not make a 52-degree. 4 (out of 5)

Feel: By no means the most softest feeling wedge tested but the perfectly weighted head flows through impact and there's a crisp, consistent feel on all shots. 7.5 (out of 10)

Performance: The beveled sole slides through the turf nicely and generates plenty of spin from within 100 yards. Ball flight is decent, as too dispersion. It's a little tricky to flight the ball down given how wide and open the face sits at address. 8 (out of 10)

Verdict: Although we're not exactly overwhelmed by its appearance, it more than makes amends in terms of feel and performance. Value for money given it's almost half the price of many of the top-end wedges in this test. 19.5 (out of 25)

Pro Verdict (Tom Hayward): While I like the low, deep centre of gravity in this wedge, it lies far too open at address and just looks too wide. Saying that, I achieved a decent spin rate with this 54-degree version and extremely consistent yardages of 108 yards. It's not going in the bag but it's perfect for the game improver.

Adams

Average Carry (yards)

Average Spin Rate (rpm)

Andy (7 hcap)

104

8,300

Charlie (12 hcap)

98

8,000

Tom (pro)

108

10,500

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