Callaway is renowned for making drivers, fairway metals, irons, and even balls these days, but to date, they haven’t mastered the wedge. Could their latest Opus wedge change everything?
For a year and a half, Callaway had a prototype wedge on tour, allowing them to refine the shape that the best players in the world want around the greens.
Tour Approval
These wedges are what the brand is calling the most tour-validated wedges in Callaway’s history. Everything about the shape of these wedges has been designed based on tour-player feedback, and I believe that the shape of these wedges will be loved by better and more confident golfers. The higher toe peak and radius on the leading edge are just a few of the changes made compared to recently released wedges by Callaway. For those seeking a more drastic change in ball flight, the Opus Platinum wedges offer a much more piercing ball flight but still provide extreme stopping power; however, these do come in at a slightly higher price point of $229 compared to the $179 of the standard Opus model.
The Callaway Opus and Opus Platinum Wedges
The big talking point with this wedge is the Spin Gen face technology. The new face features a tighter pitch, putting more grooves on the face. It also includes an offset groove-in-groove design that provides spin when opening the face, while a new aggressive face blast delivers spin and bite on partial shots. These three elements work in conjunction to provide crisp, tour-level spin and control. There are four grind options to choose from, which come in the popular S grind, forgiving W grind, versatile C grind, and tour-favourite T grind.
The premium offering comes in the shape of the Opus Platinum wedge. This fuses advancements from metal injection moulding and tungsten for launch control. MIM construction uses a proprietary blend of metals to precisely dial in performance and feel. By using tungsten high in the topline, Callaway has been able to provide players with a shot that will naturally launch lower, offering more control and spin into the green.
What Pete Cowen Has to Say
“I’ve had the Opus wedge since after The Open. I prefer the Platinum model with added tungsten, as it gives a slightly stronger ball flight and makes distance control much easier. I also like the way Callaway has rolled the sole on the lower lofts, and the leading edge is straighter on the 58-degree model. The visual is so important for players, along with controlling their ball flight. I don’t like to see players lob their wedges onto greens. A lower, controlled flight is how wedges should be played, and the Opus model will certainly help achieve that when paired with the right technique.”
READ PETE’S LATEST COLUMN
Finish
The Opus comes in brushed chrome and black, while the Platinum is available in chrome and blue. As for stock shafts, the Platinum comes in True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115 Gunmetal steel and UST Mamiya Recoil Dart HDC 65 graphite. The standard Opus comes in the same specifications but does not offer the Gunmetal finish.
Verdict
For the better player who likes to flight wedges and factor in spin, the Opus wedge is right up there with the best. The Platinum model offers more control due to the added tungsten, but it is limited to two grinds, S and Z, and comes in 54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees. While you can strengthen the lofts by two degrees when ordering, it’s a shame you can’t get down to 48 degrees.
Prices
Opus Platinum from $229
Opus from $179
