close
close

Chief Engineer Chris Voshall on Mizuno’s approach to the Tour and some of the most insightful pros – GolfWRX

Chief Engineer Chris Voshall on Mizuno’s approach to the Tour and some of the most insightful pros – GolfWRX

We spotted Callaway’s new Opus wedges on the PGA Tour in May, but the design in its “S6” version has been in the bags of pros for much longer, played by players like Jon Rahm, Yuka Saso and Xander Schauffele.

Today, Callaway officially announces the launch of its Opus and Opus Platinum wedges, unveiling the most tour-proven and tour-validated wedge in company history.

Spin Gen Face Technology

Callaway engineers combine three elements for what they call “Spin Gen Face Technology.” By reducing the distance between each groove, there are more grooves on the face. As with previous designs, engineers also use the offset groove-in-groove design for more spin, especially on open-face shots. Finally, the face was aggressively quartz blasted to create additional roughness. The sum of all these elements? More spin, especially out of the rough and in wet conditions, and lower launch.

Tour Feedback

As a result of extensive testing and input from Tour pros, Opus wedges feature a higher toe, a refined leading edge radius and a smooth hosel transition, which the company calls its “best wedge shape ever.” Thanks to professional input, Callaway offers Opus wedges with a full range of grind styles.

2024 Callaway Opus Wedges: More model details

Opus Platinum Wedges

In addition to the standard Opus wedge, Callaway is also introducing high-end MiM (Metal Injection Molded) Opus Platinum wedges. The wedges feature 17 grams of tungsten embedded high in the topline of the club for a lower launch with more spin, as well as a proprietary metal blend in the body of the club for optimal feel and performance.

What Callaway says

About the name…Paul Winterhalter – Product Manager: The game is an art and we felt that this quote sums up what this product really means: where art meets science. So we would like to introduce the new name for our wedges range: Opus. Generally, the name has a touch of elegance. It conveys a sense of beauty and especially when you look at the product and we put it in your hands, you will notice that it really just has a new look, just a beautiful feel. They are quite elegant… in our opinion, a lot of time and effort has been put into this product and we felt that the product really lives up to the Opus name.

About the different design mentality…Brian Herr – R&D Manager, Wedges: “We started with a different mindset this time. We didn’t design a wedge and then put it out there and see what they thought. We started from scratch, we started shaping. We had several different shapes that we put out there and showed, we got their feedback, we iterated, we got their feedback, we iterated again. So we really let the tour players shape this product in the shape that they wanted. And then after we had a shape that we liked, we started grinding the sole. So there are notes all over here about what Dean tested and built and how he made products for players and got their feedback. But in reality, it took us 18 months of going out and testing and then iterating and then going back out there to get as many players’ feedback as possible and help them help us design.”

The available grinding levels…Paul Winterhalter: “When we look at the wedge offering, this is key for us. On the right hand side, we have the S and W grinds, which are where we get the lion’s share of sales. The S grind is our standard everyday grind with a standard sole, while the W grind has a wider, more forgiving solid sole… We also wanted to create a product that better suits better players, so we introduced the new T grind and C grind.

Brian Herr: The T-grind is narrow and low to the ground, which is great for open-face shots, especially for players who cleanly pick up the ball without leaving a divot. The C-grind, on the other hand, is a departure from what we’ve done before. It is designed to keep the leading edge low as the face opens, which is good for versatile shots from different lies. The wider sole of the C-grind offers better feedback through the turf compared to the T-grind. Both grinds are suitable for experienced players who want to hit every shot around the green.

About the wedge design of the Opus Platinum…Paul Winterhalter: The Opus Platinum looks super premium with its MIM (metal injection molding) lines on the back and the increased appeal. Long story short, we have the Spin Gen face technology like we did on the Opus and the Tour Validated molding, so those are kind of baked into the product. But what we’re doing to take it to a new level is this trajectory control with tungsten. And then this unique MIM construction. We’ve talked about this before, but through a large amount of tungsten that’s tied into that topline to help with CG placement… and the next part of that is the metal injection molding process – it’s not cast, it’s not forged, it’s something new for us.

Brian Herr: MiM is a different manufacturing method, it is more precise and also offers a better feeling. We have extensively tested MIM compared to other manufacturing methods. MIM dampens better than other materials, even the same material in different methods. MIM is a better dampener, so you will notice a premium, good, soft feeling.

Prices, specifications and availability

  • Price: Opus ($179.99), Opus Plantium ($229.99)
  • Advance sale: 19.7.
  • In retail: July 26th
  • Opus finishes: Brushed Chrome, Black Shadow
  • Opus Platinum finishes: Blue, Chrome
  • Standard shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold MID 115 grams (steel), UST Recoil DART HDC 65 grams (graphite)
  • Standard grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet +2 Grey

Full Callaway Opus specifications

Callaway Opus

Callaway Opus Platinum

Your reaction?

  • 30
  • LEGIT8th
  • WOW4
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP1
  • IF0
  • SHAFT3