You'll find that Southern California Design Company (SCDC), based in Carlsbad, California, secretly manufactures Kirkland Signature wedges for Costco—a fact that only became public when TaylorMade filed a patent lawsuit in 2024. SCDC handles everything from design to production, using soft 8620 carbon steel and CNC-milled faces for improved spin control. They're able to sell three wedges for around $170 compared to premium brands charging $100+ per club, and there's much more behind this pricing strategy.
While you've probably seen Kirkland Signature wedges sitting on Costco's shelves for what feels like forever, you might not know the company actually making them behind the scenes. Enter Southern California Design Company (SCDC) – the secret manufacturer that's been creating these affordable golf clubs all along.
SCDC doesn't just slap Kirkland's name on generic wedges. They're handling the entire process, from initial design concepts to final manufacturing. The company creates those chrome-finished wedges with steel shafts that look surprisingly similar to premium Titleist Vokey models. These wedges are designed and made in Carlsbad, California by SCDC, ensuring quality control throughout the production process. The important point is: SCDC also produces clubs under their own Indi Golf brand, so they've got serious golf equipment experience. This dual operation means you're getting clubs designed by folks who understand what golfers actually need on the course.
The company's mission centers on making golf more accessible through quality products at affordable prices. SCDC also produces clubs under their own Indi Golf brand, so they've got serious golf equipment experience. Recent versions feature CNC-milled faces that deliver performance comparable to premium brands at a fraction of the cost.
Sometimes it takes a good old-fashioned lawsuit to pull back the curtain on who's really making what in the golf world. That's exactly what happened when TaylorMade filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Costco in 2024. The legal documents didn't just reveal allegations about copied technology—they exposed Southern California Design Company as Kirkland's manufacturing partner!
Here's the thing: court filings showed SCDC designs and manufactures Kirkland golf clubs for Costco. TaylorMade claimed Kirkland irons copied their P790 technology, including multi-material construction and tungsten weighting. They even alleged Costco's manufacturer hired a former TaylorMade engineer who'd worked on P790 development. The $499 Kirkland irons versus $1,399-$1,799 P790s created serious competitive tension, forcing this manufacturing relationship into the spotlight.
Despite the ongoing litigation, Kirkland Signature irons continue to sell out rapidly at Costco locations nationwide. This pricing disparity becomes even more interesting when considering how golfers of different skill levels can compete fairly through the World Golf Handicap system, which allows players using various equipment to maintain equitable competition. This isn't Costco's first rodeo with golf equipment legal challenges, as they previously faced a lawsuit from Acushnet in 2017 over their Kirkland Signature golf balls before that case was dismissed the following year.
How does Costco manage to sell golf clubs that perform like premium brands but cost a fraction of the price? The answer lies in their smart OEM strategy. Costco partners with established third-party manufacturers who already produce clubs for major brands. These OEMs have the knowledge, equipment, and proven track records needed to create professional-grade equipment.
Here's the brilliant part: your Kirkland wedges might share the same factory as TaylorMade or Callaway clubs! By using premium materials like 431 stainless steel and advanced technologies similar to Cleveland's RTX ZipCore, Costco delivers comparable performance at roughly one-third the cost. The key is manufacturing secrecy – Costco keeps their partners confidential to maintain pricing advantages and prevent competitors from interfering with their cost-saving strategy.
This approach mirrors Costco's strategy with other products, where they collaborate with certified manufacturers to deliver premium quality at value pricing. Kirkland wedges are available in various lofts including 52°, 56°, and 60° options to accommodate different short game needs and playing styles. Regular cleaning and maintenance helps preserve your wedges' performance and extends their lifespan significantly.
Behind every Kirkland wedge lies a surprisingly sophisticated manufacturing process that rivals what you'd find at major golf brands. You'll uncover that Southern California Design Company handles the initial design work, then production moves to specialized facilities in Asia where golf equipment proficiency runs deep.
Here's what makes these wedges special: CNC milling creates those sharp grooves that grab your ball for maximum spin control. The manufacturing team fine-tunes weight distribution by adding toe weight—a feature that's been validated through both robotic testing and real player feedback. The strategic degree settings are carefully calibrated to optimize yardages for golfers at different skill levels. The specific wedge grinds and sole designs are engineered to suit different swing types and course conditions for improved shot performance.
Quality control doesn't mess around either. Multiple inspections monitor critical specs like weight and balance during production, while third-party labs independently verify performance claims. This rigorous approach guarantees you're getting consistent performance shot after shot. The wedges are specifically designed for excellent spin and control, available in gap, sand, and lob configurations.
Premium components separate Kirkland wedges from typical budget clubs, and you'll notice the difference from your very initial swing. These wedges use soft 8620 carbon steel construction, which means they're cast from durable material that's perfect for precise milling. The key point—this steel allows manufacturers to create those vital grooves on the wedge faces that optimize spin and shot control.
You'll get that classic blade-style look with a clean teardrop silhouette that serious golfers love. The carbon steel also delivers improved feel and responsiveness, giving you better feedback on those delicate short game shots. Plus, they're built with True Temper Wedge Flex steel shafts and proprietary Kirkland Signature Tour Grips, creating consistency across all three lofts while maintaining excellent durability. Understanding typical wedge distances for your skill level will help you maximize the performance potential of these premium components.
The three-wedge set delivers solid numbers across key performance areas, though it won't blow you away like premium options costing twice as much. You'll see a spin score of 75.8 out of 100—decent, but nowhere near the Titleist Vokey SM8's impressive 93.8. The accuracy rating hits 80.1, showing good directional control despite some distance challenges. The reality is: consistency becomes the real winner at 84.9 out of 100, making these wedges surprisingly reliable for repeated shots.
You'll lose about 6-12 yards compared to premium wedges, and wet conditions hurt spin performance noticeably. However, the tight shot grouping on both full swings and 50-yard approaches proves these wedges offer excellent value for consistent play! The True Temper shafts provide solid quality construction that enhances the overall durability of the three-wedge bundle. Just like with golf balls, understanding your swing speed helps determine if these wedges match your performance needs and playing style.
While those performance numbers tell one story, Kirkland's real interference happens at the cash register—where you'll pay around $170 for a complete three-wedge set instead of shelling out $300+ for premium alternatives. That's roughly $57 per wedge compared to $100+ you'd spend on name brands.
Here's the thing: Costco's membership model and OEM partnerships create serious cost advantages. They're not paying massive marketing budgets or celebrity endorsements—just focusing on manufacturing quality clubs through established suppliers. This efficient approach eliminates the "brand tax" you typically pay.
The interruption forces traditional manufacturers to rethink their pricing strategies. When you can get milled faces, carbon steel construction, and premium grips for half the price, those $150 wedges start looking pretty questionable! Like other components of your golf clubs, the shaft materials and specifications can significantly impact your wedge performance and control around the greens. The V2 model features improved design elements including a thicker sole and enhanced groove patterns that extend further toward the toe for better ball contact.
Just when Costco thought they'd hit a home run with their Kirkland Signature irons, TaylorMade stepped up to the plate with a 237-page lawsuit that's got the golf world buzzing. TaylorMade claims Costco's $499 irons illegally copy five patents from their premium P790 irons, which sell for around $1,400. The lawsuit targets specific features like the hollow body design, SpeedFoam urethane insert, and internal tungsten weighting that TaylorMade introduced in 2017.
Here's where it gets interesting: TaylorMade also accuses Costco of false advertising, claiming the Kirkland irons don't actually contain the urethane insert they advertise. Adding fuel to the fire, a former TaylorMade designer allegedly helped Southern California Design Company create the Kirkland irons, making this legal battle even more personal. For golfers caught in the middle of this controversy, seeking professional instruction can help determine which equipment features truly matter for your game and swing mechanics.
Beyond all the courtroom drama, golfers have been putting Kirkland wedges to the test on actual courses, and their feedback tells an engaging story. You'll find these wedges have earned serious praise for providing premium features at a fraction of typical costs. The three-wedge set (52°, 56°, and 60°) retails around $170, while competitors often charge $100+ per individual wedge!
Golfers consistently highlight the carbon steel construction and milled micro-groove technology, noting spin control that rivals much pricier options. The key point is: reviewers appreciate the clean aesthetics and premium components like True Temper shafts. While they won't transform your game, they offer dependable performance that's made them incredibly popular in online golf communities. The value proposition has created genuine buzz among budget-conscious players. These wedges serve as excellent additions to complete a golfer's 14-club maximum bag as permitted under USGA regulations.
Since you can only snag Kirkland wedges through Costco, your location plays a huge role in getting your hands on these popular clubs. You'll find them readily available at U.S. and Canadian warehouses, but international golfers face tougher luck. UK buyers often resort to importing wedges from America since local Costco stores don't stock them consistently.
Here's what's exciting: Kirkland isn't slowing down! They're expanding beyond wedges into drivers, irons, and putters. The V2 wedges already showcase improved technology and materials while maintaining that sweet $160-$170 price point for three wedges. Future releases will keep emphasizing quality-meets-affordability through partnerships with Southern California design firms. Right-handed options dominate current releases, so lefties might need patience for expanded availability. If you're looking to upgrade from your current wedges, consider exploring trade-in options at established retailers to help offset the cost of new Kirkland clubs.
No, you can't get Kirkland wedges for left-handed golfers. Costco only makes their 3-piece wedge sets in right-handed models, which is frustrating if you're a lefty! The golf industry typically produces fewer left-handed clubs because there's less demand, and Costco focuses on cost-effective manufacturing for the majority right-handed market. You'll need to look at other brands for southpaw options.
Kirkland Signature wedges don't come with an explicit manufacturer warranty, but you're covered by Costco's generous return policy instead. The reality is—since these are private label clubs, Costco handles all warranty issues through their customer service rather than a separate manufacturer. Their return policy is famously customer-friendly, often providing better protection than traditional golf club warranties from other brands.
You can't buy individual Kirkland wedges directly from Costco—they only sell them as complete sets. This fits their bulk warehouse model perfectly. However, you'll find individual wedges on secondary markets like eBay, golf forums, and classified ads from people breaking up their sets. Prices vary wildly based on condition, but expect to pay more per wedge than buying the full set.
Kirkland wedges offer solid performance for recreational golfers at $160-170 for a three-piece set, while Vokey wedges cost considerably more but deliver superior craftsmanship and customization. You'll get decent spin control and feel with Kirkland's carbon steel construction, but Vokey's advanced materials and specialized grinds provide better consistency and shot-shaping capabilities that tour players prefer.
You'll find virtually no custom fitting options for Kirkland wedges. They come with fixed 52°, 56°, and 60° lofts, standard bounce angles, and one shaft option. Costco doesn't offer fitting services, and you can't choose different grips, shafts, or grinds. While a professional can bend them after purchase, it's not recommended since it affects performance. You're fundamentally buying what's on the shelf!
Now you know the real story behind Kirkland wedges! Southern California Design Company quietly manufactures these clubs for Costco, providing premium quality at budget prices. You're getting carbon steel construction and pro-level features for around $60 per wedge – that's roughly half what you'd pay for similar clubs from big brands. It's smart shopping that doesn't compromise performance on the course.
