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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the Callaway Opus SP wedge
Callaway’s Opus line has long been one of the most trusted and tour-validated wedge families in the game. With a clean new shape, a choice of premium finishes, and innovative Spin Pocket technology designed to create more spin and consistency, Callaway believe this is their most advanced wedge yet. So, how does it perform out on the golf course? Find out in our review…
The Callaway Opus SP wedge blends tour-inspired looks with cutting-edge technology to create a versatile short-game tool. The Spin Pocket design, groove enhancements, and tailored loft profiles all work together to produce more spin, more control, and greater forgiveness. Whether you are a tour-level player or a club golfer looking for consistency, this wedge is built to perform.
PROS
Clean, confidence-inspiring look
Excellent forgiveness on off-centre strikes
Approved by more Tour players than any previous Callaway wedge
CONS
Some golfers may prefer a softer, more traditional feel
The Callaway Opus SP is a beautifully crafted wedge that looks every bit the part in the bag and behind the ball. For my eye, the head shape is clean and refined, with a leading edge that sits square without appearing too sharp or rounded. Callaway offers it in both a polished chrome and a stealthier black finish. On appearance alone, I certainly think this wedge feels premium and tour-ready.
Despite the innovative design, the Opus SP still delivers that traditional, solid wedge feel. I did have some initial concern from Callaway’s decision to remove mass from the lower section of the face to create the Spin Pocket might make the face feel too hot or unpredictable, but that was definitely not the case. The feedback was crisp and controlled, and my mishits still felt responsive.
NCG Review
On the course, I thought the Opus SP wedge performed superbly. I put it through five full rounds of testing, excessive I know, and the wedge proved to be both consistent and forgiving. Shots struck from the toe or heel retained distance and spin impressively, which meant that even slight mishits still produced reliable results. I found the spin levels to be excellent, especially on firm summer greens where it was possible to stop shots quickly and even generate the occasional ripping backspin.
Around the greens, the wedge felt versatile and easy to control. The high-bounce lob wedge was particularly effective in bunkers, making sand play more straightforward and consistent. Meanwhile, it was the versatility of the 52-degree wedge that impressed me most. I found it to be capable of handling anything from a full 120-yard approach down to a delicate 60-yard pitch. Across all situations, the wedges felt predictable, easy to flight, and packed with spin.
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In terms of technology, I think the most significant innovation in this wedge is what Callaway calls the Spin Pocket. By removing weight from the lower part of the club face, the engineers have been able to raise the centre of gravity. This design change ensures that shots struck from the middle and lower sections of the face launch slightly lower and generate significantly more spin. The benefit is that those semi-thin strikes, which can so often run out past the pin, now grab more quickly and stop almost on the spot.
Callaway has also reworked the grooves. The new 17-degree groove angle and deeper laser-etched pattern across the face create extra friction, leading to even more spin generation. In addition, the X Grind sole makes a return, which is ideal for players who like to manipulate the clubface around the greens. The head itself is in its sixth and final shape iteration, known as Shape 6, and it has received more tour-player approval than any wedge Callaway has previously produced.
What makes the Opus SP particularly clever, however, is that the shaping and groove designs are slightly different depending on the loft. The lower-lofted models, from 48 to 52 degrees, have less offset and a straighter look to help them blend seamlessly with the irons. The higher-lofted wedges, from 54 to 64 degrees, feature a thicker top line, a longer hosel, and what Callaway claims is the highest centre of gravity in the industry.
NCG Verdict
Overall, I do think the Callaway Opus SP wedge is an outstanding addition to what is already a massively successful line-up. Its design is thoughtful and tour-driven, yet the forgiveness and consistency make it appealing to golfers of all levels. The Spin Pocket technology, reworked grooves, and tailored shaping across the loft range all contribute to a wedge that looks great, feels solid, and performs brilliantly.
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This is a wedge that you can trust to hit your numbers and produce spin when you need it most. It’s fair to say this is one of Callaway’s very best wedge releases to date.