A cross between a fairway wood and a hybrid? Say hello to Callaway’s new utility wood
Are you someone who struggles to choose between a fairway wood and a hybrid? If so Callaway’s new Apex utility wood might be the answer to your prayers.
It is designed specifically for better players who are looking for the best qualities of a fairway wood and hybrid with a neutral ball flight.
Firstly, what actually is utility wood?
The new product is designed to be a versatile offering packing lots of power and being an option for off the tee and fairway.
Callaway had three key performance objectives for the new offering.
Firstly delivering higher launch and steep angles compared to current hybrids. This helps players hold par-5 greens and also ensuring shots are fairway finders off the tee and don’t run into the rough.
Secondly, it has a more neutral centre of gravity than other Callaway fairway woods. This is specifically to reduce unwanted draw bias as better players typically want a more neutral flight.
Finally, it has more spin than a hybrid but not as much as a 5-wood. This provides an optimum level of control while retaining a penetrating ball flight.
Callaway Apex utility wood: First impressions
This new compact wood has a distinct shaping inspired by in-depth discussions with the brands tour pros. The smaller shape is designed to help better players shape the golf ball.
Callaway Apex utility wood: The technology
The new utility wood features plenty of tried and tested Callaway technologies.
The clubhead includes Jailbreak AI Velocity Blades which are engineered to increase vertical stiffness near the sole of the club. This creates more speed on shots hit low on the face an area where players often mishit their hybrids. This extra speed is created as the blades allow the face cup to flex on the crown.
The three different lofts available in the line-up are each uniquely designed using advanced AI. This makes sure each head features ball speed technology to increase speed on centre and off-centre strikes.
The wood feature a forged club face made using a high strength C300 maraging steel for speed and spin consistency across the face.
Each Apex utility wood also features around 18 grams of MIMD Tungsten Weighting. This allows Callaway to precisely locate the centre of gravity to provide higher launch, steeper landing angles, consistent spin characteristics, and reduced draw bias.
Callaway Apex Utility Wood: The Details
Available: January 20, 2022
RRP: £299
Lofts: 17°, 19° and 21°
Stock shaft: Project X Hzrdus RDX Black 70
Grip: Lamkin UTX
More information: Callaway website
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Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
