So I got really obsessed with improving my short game this season, and after watching some YouTube tutorials, I decided I absolutely needed a 4-degree bounce wedge. But man, finding this specific thing was like hunting for unicorns at the dollar store.
The Wild Goose Chase Begins
First I hit up BigBox Sporting Goods downtown, figuring they’d have everything. Walked past rows of putters and drivers, finally found the wedges section. Flipped through clubs for 20 minutes – nothing below 10 degrees bounce. Kid working there just shrugged when I asked about 4-degree options. Dead end.
Next morning, drove 45 minutes to Pro Golf Superstore since they claim “most extensive selection ever”. Found one lonely 6-degree wedge buried in the clearance bin. Sales guy kept pushing me toward 10-degree models saying “nobody uses that little bounce”. Annoying.
Switching Tactics
Got desperate and tried three things at once:
- Called every local course pro shop within 50 miles – either laughed or said “special order only”
- Dug through golf forums late at night – kept seeing references to “component club builders” but no actual names
- Messaged swing coaches on Instagram – two actually replied saying they custom grind them for tour players
Felt like I needed secret handshake to get this stupid club.
The Breakthrough Moment
Was complaining about this hunt at my Thursday night league when Bob – this 70-year-old guy who always wears plaid pants – overheard. Pulled me aside and whispered “Johnson’s Custom Clubs – but don’t tell nobody”. Guy doesn’t even have website, just works out his garage.
Drove to this sketchy industrial park next morning. Place looked like serial killer’s lair but smelled like fresh metal shavings. Old dude named Carl listened to what I wanted, rummaged through drawers full of club heads, pulled out exactly what I needed. Said “Can have it ready tomorrow – bend your shaft too while I’m at it”.
Epilogue
Picked it up next day, cost me less than off-the-rack wedges at retail stores. Carl even tweaked the grind while I waited. Took it straight to practice bunker – thing glides through sand like butter. Sometimes the best stuff ain’t on shiny shelves but in some old guy’s toolbox. Now if I could just stop skulling chips over the green…
