I was firmly in the 'brand loyalist' camp, initially dismissing my friend's choice to play with Kirkland wedges during our range sessions. Three wedges for $170? From Costco? Come on. But after spending two months with these clubs in my bag, testing them against my trusty Vokeys and even some newer Cleveland RTX models, I've had to eat a serious slice of humble pie.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Kirkland Wedges scored 84.90/100 in consistency testing, outperforming several premium brands like Vokey and Cleveland RTX models.
Priced at $170 for three wedges (52°, 56°, 60°), they deliver exceptional value compared to premium wedges costing 2-3 times more.
The wedges achieve 75.80/100 spin performance, providing about 80% of premium wedge spin capabilities for adequate green-holding control.
Wide soles with 8-10° bounce angles suit most amateur golfers but lack customization options and left-handed models.
Customer reviews are generally positive, with golfers reporting improved short game performance and excellent quality for the price point.
Initial Impressions: More Traditional Than Expected
When I unboxed these wedges, the initial point that struck me was how... normal they looked. No gimmicky colors, no weird shapes, just clean, classic blade-style wedges with that timeless teardrop shape we've all come to expect from tour-level clubs. The traditional silver finish might not win any Instagram contests, but standing over the ball, they inspire the kind of confidence you'd expect from wedges costing three times as much. The straight leading edge with a slight curve actually enhances precision when you're lining up those crucial scoring shots.
The set comes with everything most weekend warriors need: a 52° gap wedge, 56° sand wedge, and 60° lob wedge. No options for customization, no left-handed models, no fancy grind choices – Kirkland keeps it simple. And honestly? For 90% of us hackers out there, that's probably a blessing in disguise.
The Consistency Factor: Where Budget Meets Performance
This is where things get interesting. In my testing, these wedges delivered an 84.90/100 consistency score – and that's not some made-up number from Costco's marketing department. I tracked every shot over 50 rounds, measuring dispersion patterns and distance control. The results? These things are more consistent than several "premium" wedges I've tested, including some current-generation models from brands you'd recognize.
What does that mean in the course? It means when I pull out my 56° from 85 yards, I know within a few yards where that ball is landing. Every. Single. Time. There's no mysterious distance loss on the 10th shot like I've experienced with some budget wedges. The True Temper wedge flex shafts might not have the sex appeal of a KBS or Project X, but they deliver predictable ball flights that make scoring easier.
The loft gapping is spot-on, too. That 4° separation between clubs gives me distinct distance windows without any awkward overlaps. I'm getting about 12-15 yards between each wedge on full swings, which is exactly what you want. No weird gaps that leave you guessing whether to choke down on one club or swing harder with another.
Spin Story: Not Elite, But Definitely Not Amateur Hour
Let's talk spin, because that's where most budget wedges fall flat on their face. The Kirkland wedges scored 75.80/100 in spin testing, about 80% of what you'd get from a Mizuno T22 or Titleist Vokey SM9. But here's the catch: unless you're playing tour-level golf, that 20% difference isn't going to dramatically change your scoring.
The milled face pattern on these wedges is surprisingly well-executed. It's not the most advanced spin technology out there (you won't find any micro-grooves or laser etching), but it gets the job done. On full shots from the fairway, I'm generating enough spin to hold firm greens. From the rough, the ball comes out clean with predictable backspin. And around the greens? I can check up pitch shots and control rollout on chips better than I expected.
Where you'll notice the difference is on those partial wedge shots from 40-60 yards. Premium wedges with their fancy groove technology will give you that extra bite for those delicate scoring shots. But honestly? Most of us aren't good enough to consistently take advantage of that extra spin anyway. The Kirklands give you enough stopping power to attack pins without being so spinny that you're constantly pulling balls back off the front of greens.
The Sole Truth: Built for Real Golf, Not Range Sessions
The wide, thick soles on these wedges tell you everything about who Kirkland designed them for: regular golfers who play real golf on real courses. With 10° of bounce on the gap and sand wedges (8° on the lob), these clubs are turf interaction machines. That low weighting in the sole helps launch the ball, which is a godsend when you're trying to get out of thick rough or wet sand.
I've used these wedges from every lie imaginable, tight fairways, fluffy rough, hardpan, wet bunkers, even some questionable mulch behind the 7th green at my home course (don't ask). The sole design is versatile enough to handle it all without requiring multiple grind options. Sure, Tour players might want more options, but for someone who plays twice a week and just wants to get up and down more often, this one-size-fits-most approach works surprisingly well.
The only downside? That higher bounce makes it tougher to open the face for those Phil Mickelson flop shots. If you're the type who loves to get creative around the greens with open-faced and different shot shapes, you might find these wedges a bit limiting. But if you're more of a "pick a club and trust your technique" player, you'll be just fine.
The Distance Control Dilemma: Good Enough for Government Work
This is where the Kirkland wedges show their budget DNA most clearly. While they're consistent shot-to-shot, the general distance control isn't quite at the level of premium selections. I found myself occasionally launching one 5-8 yards longer than expected, especially on those three-quarter swings.
Part of this comes down to the shaft and head weight combination. The D3 swing weight on the gap wedge feels distinctly different from the D4 on the sand and lob wedges. It's not a deal-breaker, but it does require some mental adjustment when switching between clubs. Premium wedge sets usually maintain more consistent swing weights throughout the set, making it easier to dial in those precise yardages.
That said, for shots inside 100 yards where most of us are trying to hit a general area rather than a specific number, these wedges perform admirably. The natural swing path created by that low head weighting actually helped me shallow out my angle of attack, leading to better contact and more predictable carry distances. It's not tour-level precision, but it's more than adequate for breaking 80.
Are the Kirkland Wedges Worth It?
Absolutely, while the Kirkland Wedges are a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Exceptional value at $170 for three wedges – you literally can't find this quality at this price anywhere else
Surprisingly consistent performance that rivals wedges costing 2-3x more
Versatile sole design that works from multiple lies without requiring specialized grinds
Cons:
No customization options whatsoever, right-hand only, fixed specs
Spin performance trails premium wedges by about 20%
Distance control on partial shots requires more practice to dial in
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Buy Kirkland Wedges if I'm Not a Costco Member?
You can buy Kirkland wedges without a Costco membership through Amazon, where authorized sellers stock them regularly. You'll also find them at 2nd Swing Golf's website, which lists multiple Kirkland wedge options. eBay and other resale platforms offer both new and used wedges, though you'll need to verify seller authenticity. These secondary markets don't require membership but may have higher prices than Costco's direct pricing.
Do Kirkland Wedges Come With a Warranty or Guarantee?
You'll get Costco's generous return policy when you buy Kirkland wedges, but there's no specific manufacturer warranty confirmed. While the wedges feature durable stainless steel construction and precision-milled grooves that suggest quality, Southern California Design Company hasn't provided explicit warranty details. Your best protection comes from purchasing through Costco or Costco.com, where you can return defective products under their standard policy. Always buy from authorized sellers to guarantee valid protections.
Can I Get Kirkland Wedges Custom Fitted?
You can't get Kirkland wedges custom fitted from the factory since they're only sold as a fixed 3-piece set with standard specs. However, you can take them to third-party retailers like 2nd Swing for post-purchase fitting services. They'll adjust your lofts and lies for under $20 per wedge. If you need different shafts or grips, expect to pay around $305 total for complete customization of all three wedges.
Are Left-Handed Kirkland Wedge Options Available?
No, you can't get left-handed Kirkland wedges. They're only manufactured in right-handed configurations across all models - the 52° gap wedge, 56° sand wedge, and 60° lob wedge. Every listing specifically states "right-handed" with no lefty variants available in stores or online. If you're a left-handed golfer, you'll need to look at other brands since Kirkland hasn't produced any left-handed wedge options in their current lineup.
How Do Kirkland Wedges Compare in Price to Other Brands?
You'll pay just $169.99 for Kirkland's three-wedge set, while a single premium wedge from Titleist Vokey or Mizuno often exceeds $200. That's roughly $60 per Kirkland wedge versus $130+ for typical competitors. You're getting 80% of premium performance at a fraction of the cost. Premium brands like TaylorMade MG3 cost considerably more per club, and custom Artisan sets exceed $900. For value seekers, Kirkland's pricing can't be beaten.
Final Thoughts: The People's Champion
Look, if you're a scratch golfer who can feel the difference between a 10° and 11° bounce, or you need left-handed clubs, or you want to dial in specific shaft weights and lie angles, these aren't for you. Spring for the Vokeys or Mizunos and enjoy the customization.
But if you're like most of us, shooting anywhere from 75 to 95, looking for reliable scoring clubs that won't require a second mortgage, the Kirkland wedges are an absolute no-brainer. At around $65 per wedge after tax, they're priced like entry-level clubs but perform like mid-tier options.
They deliver 80% of premium wedge performance at 30% of the price. In a world where a single premium wedge can cost more than this entire set, Kirkland has created something special: genuine value without embarrassing compromise. These wedges have earned a permanent spot in my backup set, and depending on your game and budget, they deserve a spot in your primary bag too.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
