TaylorMade MG5 wedges: Everything You Need to Know

The new TaylorMade MG5 wedges feature impressive tech

TaylorMade are aiming for short-game domination as they reveal fifth generation of Milled Grind wedges

Since arriving on Tour in 2016 and reaching the hands of club golfers in 2017, TaylorMade’s Milled Grind models have been among the best wedges in the game. Fast forward nine years and the California-based company have revealed the latest iteration – the TaylorMade MG5. But with the new model, TM aren’t just trying to improve on the MG4 — they’re aiming to set a new standard for all wedges. MG5 is way more than just a performance upgrade; it’s been completely redesigned, from the materials used to the way it’s made.

Let’s dive into the new model, or, if you’d prefer the personal touch, you can check out Equipment Editor Alex Lodge’s review here.

TaylorMade MG5 Wedges

Forged Feel, with Impressive Spin Consistency

Price: $199

PGA Tour Superstore

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Price: $199

PGA Tour Superstore

View Offer

Specs Features

RRP	$199/£179
Lofts	46-60º
Grinds	Six: LB, HB, TW, SC, SB, SX
Left Handed	Yes, but only 50-60º SB Grind
Finishes	Satin Chrome / Charcoal
Stock Shaft Options	True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115g Steel / UST Mamiya Recoil DART 80g Graphite
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2

• Fully Forged for Soft Feel and Premium Feedback
• Saw-Milled Groove Technology for Maximised Spin
• Spin Tread Face Pattern for Wet Weather Consistency
• Twin Finishes for Personal Style Preference
• Six Versatile Grinds for Complete Player Options

Forged Feel

With MG5, TaylorMade are putting a big focus on craftsmanship. One of the best ways they’re showing that is by using a method that golfers connect with high quality and expert skill – forging.

“Inspired by feedback from Collin Morikawa, we set out to make the best feeling wedge TaylorMade has ever created,” Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation – Iron and Wedge, tells us.

“The best players will tell you having great feel around the greens is critical to having confidence in your short game… and to have the best feeling wedge, it needs to be forged.”

But what is a ‘forged’ golf club? Let’s give you a crash course. Irons and wedges can be constructed using two methods: forged or cast.

Cast models are made from metal that has been poured into a mold to create a shape. These irons are normally built in pieces before being welded together and will typically be harder in structure and feedback.

Forged construction, on the other hand, superheats a billet or rod of steel before it’s hammered into shape using a press that can weigh up to two tons. It then undergoes various heat treatments and quenching (cooling) processes to produce the final clubhead. The nature of this process means forged clubs are generally considered to offer more feel due to softer metals that are more malleable and easy to bend, being used.

So, why isn’t every iron or wedge forged? Well, the process is generally more expensive due to the materials, machines, and skilled labor costs, so it’s often reserved for a brand’s most premium products, like Player CB and Muscleback irons.

With the TaylorMade MG5 wedges, the forged construction ensures great feel and feedback for the golfer, while the heads have also undergone a milling procedure to tighten the geometry of the sole, face, and hosel of each wedge. That ensures consistent performance from any head, whether it’s your playing partner’s wedge that you tried on the course, the demo you use in the fitting bay, or the club you unbox when your order arrives.

Saw Milled Groove Tech

That soft feel is all well and good, but if the wedges aren’t able to perform for you, you still aren’t going to game them.

To that end, TaylorMade have also redesigned their groove cutting techniques, using ‘Saw Milling’ to create a new geometry inside the groove.

This process uses a thin and rapidly spinning saw blade to cut each groove and allows for tighter tolerances in designing the grooves. The new machining method means TaylorMade can get as close to the legal limits imposed by the rules of golf as possible.

The new Milled Grind wedges also see an update to the Spin Tread laser pattern found on both MG4 and the Hi-Toe 4 series. The tweaked design allows for more space for moisture and debris to be pushed out of the way for cleaner contact in any conditions.

TaylorMade say this should reduce the average launch angle and spin variation between dry and wet lies to the tune of 4.5º of launch and 2,800 rpm of spin, compared to 6.4º and 4,200 rpm in MG4. That’s an additional 1.5K of spin in wet conditions – a 20% increase from generation to generation, and 13% closer to peak dry turf performance.

Grinds

Based on player feedback, TaylorMade updated MG5’s leading edge curvature and top line blend to allow the wedges to sit more cleanly. They’ve also reduced the overall number of grinds they offer to make decision-making easier at fitting and help define each grind.

“For the first time in my career, the MG5 lineup of wedges represents the closest thing to the perfect array of grinds, shapes, feel, and spin in one package that I’ve seen in over 45 years,” Greg Cesario, TaylorMade Wedge Master Craftsman, says.

The milled soles, from which the MG family takes its name, are manufactured with repeatable precision. It’s the reason that TaylorMade introduced the step in the first place; however, before they go into production, the company still use their in-house team to create and refine the perfect designs.

These craftsmen, including long-time TaylorMade wedge aficionado and ex-playing professional Greg Cesario, work internally to build and test any new iteration they can, using both tour-level response as well as their own hands to understand how they can better craft these clubs.

What are the TaylorMade MG5 wedge grind options?

SC: TaylorMade’s signature mid-bounce grind has quickly become the preferred option amongst staff club professionals. The medium-low bounce design, with added camber in the middle of the sole, also features distinct heel, toe, and trailing edge relief. The result is a grind that’s crafted for ultimate greenside versatility in all turf conditions for players who like to manipulate the face, while providing consistent full-shot stability.

SB: The SB grind features a full sole design with constant trailing edge relief for smooth, consistent turf interaction that’s compatible with most swing types. This grind’s gentle four-way camber allows for increased versatility for golfers who like to manipulate the face. Additionally, the increased sole width provides an added layer of forgiveness, especially for golfers with steeper swings. Most golfers will find this wedge beneficial in virtually all turf conditions.

SX: A new grind for the MG family, SX features the widest sole and utilises increased curvature to provide consistent turf interaction and performance out of the bunker. The reverse-C trailing edge provides relief, which keeps the bounce consistent as golfers open and close the face. This grind is ideal for golfers looking for the ultimate blend of stability and versatility.

LB: The LB grind features minimal bounce and allows the leading edge to sit close to the ground. The modified C-gring emphasises the address orientation, especially when the face is in an open position. The pronounced beveled leading edge and added camber prevent the leading edge from digging. This grind is perfect for golfers with shallow swings and those who play in tight, firm conditions.

HB: Crafted for golfers with steeper swings or who play in soft conditions. Its high-bounce design provides stability and forgiveness, but at the same time, unique heel relief and the tapered trail edge allow for plenty of versatility, and for the wedge to exit the turf quickly without digging.

TW: This grind has been updated to reflect Tiger Woods‘ current wedge preferences. It features additional camber and a new leading-edge blend into the sole for increased effective bounce and less heel relief in the 60º compared to the original TW grind.

“For my entire career, I’ve been a universal player, and that’s been reflected in my wedge setup,” the 15-time major champion says. “Over the years, I’ve specifically honed in on grind profiles that allow me to execute all the shots I need in all different conditions. The MG5 TW grind allows me to do exactly that.”

TaylorMade have also expanded their MyMG5 customization package. Across five different grinds, players will be able to choose from four finishes (Tour RAW, Aged Copper, Satin Chrome, or Charcoal), add 12 characters of text in 15 different paint options, choose from more than 50 customized logos, pick from five new grip colours, and, of course, select the best shaft for their swing.

TaylorMade MG5 wedges specs, pricing, and availability

TaylorMade MG5 Wedges are available for pre-order now and in stores worldwide from September 4. They’re priced at $199/£179 each ($219/£199 for TW Grind). They come with either True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue 115g steel or UST Mamiya Recoil DART 80g graphite shafts, and a Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2 grip.