Equipment
Hank Haney inspires Callaway’s new Sure Out wedges
PGA Tour players arrive to the green with an arsenal of specialized short-game shots to help them save a par or make a birdie. It’s a far different story for most amateur golfers; they just hope to make solid contact with a wedge.
Few golf instructors understand this juxtaposition better than Hank Haney. He’s known for helping Tiger Woods with his game during his prime, but now focuses his time helping average golfers shoot better scores. After signing an endorsement contract with Callaway last January, he told the company it could help average golfers play better with a wedge that took the fear out of their short games.
Callaway listened and its collaboration with Haney led to the development of the new Sure Out wedges, which look and function much differently than the company’s Mack Daddy wedges that are used on the PGA Tour.
First and foremost, the Sure Out wedges are designed to make bunker shots easier for average golfers. They use oversize club heads and wide, rounded soles to minimize turf resistance and prevent the clubs from “digging” in the sand. The design of the wedges also eliminates the need to open the club face at address, something Haney says most golfers are scared to do.
“It’s pretty much impossible to either blade or chunk this wedge,” says Dave Neville, Callaway’s Senior Director of Brand Management for Metalwoods and Wedges.
The wedges are also designed to be “shank proof;” their hosels are pulled back from the club face to give golfers more confidence around the greens.
Like Callaway’s Mack Daddy wedges, Sure Out models are made to spin. The wedges use 17 machined grooves that extend the width of the club face to increase spin on shots contacted on the toe and upper areas of the club face, common impact areas for average golfers. Like Callaway’s Mack Daddy Forged wedges, Sure Out models also have a smaller groove on the bottom of their club faces that Neville says is key for generating increase spin on short chip shots around the green.
The Sure Out wedges ($119.99) will be available on March 10 on Callaway’s website. Stock shaft options are the KBS Tour 90 (steel) and UST 65 (graphite). They’re available in lofts of 58 and 64 degrees.
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Equipment
Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron
As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)
What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!
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I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…
To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”
On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.
Here’s what he had to say:
You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?
MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.
And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.
When did it come back in the bag?
MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.
What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?
MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?
Do you remember how much you paid for it?
MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.
The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?
MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.
It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?
MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.
What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?
MT: Like high 170’s.
Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.
MT: Yeah. The butter knife.
Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons?
MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.
How far do you carry that?
MT: Like 235.
A good little wind club, I’m sure.
MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.
I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man.
MT: Absolutely.
To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (3/28/24): L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick putter with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft.
From the seller: (@hibcam): “L.A.B. GOLF Mezz.1 Max Broomstick- LA Golf Paige Spiranac Shaft- 44″/79.5. Brand new, never used brown leather cover. The head was professionally anodized from Orange to Blue (Orange looked bad with the Pink shaft so I had it changed). Only a few rounds on this combo. Please see last pic- slight ding on back corner. 8.5-10 condition. THE SHAFT COST $475/ THE PUTTER $625. $799 shipped in the US. ONLY $699 SHIPPED.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Spotted: Tony Finau’s driver shaft change at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
Tony Finau has always been known as one of the longest players on the PGA Tour, but he has recently been working on adding a little more distance. Last year, Finau averaged 118.3 mph club head speed and 178.08 mph ball speed, all while playing a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX driver shaft. This year, he has increased his club head speed to 123.93 mph and his ball speed to 183.32 mph.
However, Finau’s overall distance has decreased by two yards in that time. From a fitting perspective, something was amiss. We asked Tony about the shaft change at the Texas Children’s Hospital Open.
“[I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin. My driver’s been a little high spin for me over the last month or so, and so I just figured it was time to probably check out the equipment,” Finau said. “And it definitely showed me that I was using a shaft that’s maybe a little too tip-stiff for me, the way I load the club now. [I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin.”
Finau switched from the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX into the Diamana GT 70 TX. The newer Diamana GT has a slightly different profile than the D+ Limited with the stiffest handle section in the Diamana lineup. The mid sections between the two are similar stiffness but the tip is just slightly stiffer in the Diamana GT. Both shafts are within one gram of each other in the 70 TX. The torque rating on the GT is 0.1 higher than the D+Limited’s 2.7 measurement.
Mitsubishi lists the Diamana GT as a shaft between the mid-launching Diamana TB and the new low-launch Diamana WB shafts. For most players, it would be considered a mid/low launch and low-spin shaft option. Mitsubishi’s Xlink Tech Resin System makes sure the maximum carbon fiber content is there for smooth feel without reducing the strength of the shaft. MR70 carbon fiber is used for reinforcing the shaft and boron is used in the tip for its high strength and compression properties.
Finau is still using his trusty Ping G430 LST driver in 9 degrees and has the adjustable hosel set to -1 degree of loft (standard lie angle). Finau’s long-time favorite Lamkin UTX Green grip is installed. He definitely has a few extra wraps of tape under that grip as you can see the bulge down where the grip meets the shaft.
One final note: Per Ping’s PGA Tour rep Kenton Oates, Finau’s driver is also adjusted to play with an additional degree of loft to help dial in his desired launch.
We’ll see how he fares with the new setup this week in Houston!
- Check out the rest of our pictures from the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
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chinchbugs
Mar 11, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Alien wedge 1/10 the price and probably twice the clubs….and that is NOT saying much….
Up next from DL the perfecter club….take the perfect club and just increase the head cc’s and put a more recent shaft in it… can’t wait (yawn)
Warwick Weedon
Mar 2, 2017 at 1:16 am
I want one!! The anti shank hosel attracts me. The Alien did not work for me.
exrog
Mar 1, 2017 at 3:43 pm
this wedge $119.99. the EX-1 $59.99. ( it may be XE-1 , not sure but still…) Bazooka 1-out $49.99. all the exact same thing. I am an 8 handicap and struggle with sand shots. I have the bazooka 1-out that I have tried in the sand with not much success, but for chipping around the greens that club is fantastic. if I am playing a course with thicker rough around the greens I will put it in the bag.
N. D. Boondocks
Mar 1, 2017 at 11:29 am
I still will play my old Hogan Sure-Out if I know the bunkers are fluffy – very good results, then.
If I play it from a bunker with wet &/or packed sand – very bad results, then.
chinchbugs
Mar 1, 2017 at 8:39 am
You are SURE(ly) OUT of my foursome if you play this club!
Mat
Mar 1, 2017 at 5:09 am
Just another wedge with a Granny Flange™.
SlapHappy
Mar 1, 2017 at 1:41 am
I’m a gonna scoop some ice cream with that back flange area
SteveTT
Feb 28, 2017 at 8:58 pm
I don’t see the need for score lines abutting the top line of these wedges…. unless you happen to hit the ball very high up on the face…. and even then it won’t help! And if you think about it, the high up score lines will create added friction with the flying sand and could conceivably twist the clubface open due to the unequal face area higher than the last full score line at the hosel. Do you see my point?
Chopper
Mar 1, 2017 at 11:56 am
no.
Scott
Mar 1, 2017 at 12:07 pm
me either
Matt
Feb 28, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Have been gaining the 60PM for a couple of years, might give this a go
Gary
Feb 28, 2017 at 6:37 pm
besides the old alien version of this club Moe Norman used a version of this club years ago..sad to say but anyone over a 18 handicap should be using this club for chipping and sand shots….and for you guys that are good out of the sand these clubs are just plan amazing,
Cdub
Feb 28, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Haney will do anything to make a buck.
ArkJag
Feb 28, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Coming to a K-Mart discount rack near you….
Golfguy
Feb 28, 2017 at 5:38 pm
My brother-in-law up north sent me an interesting note. Believe it or not, you can still buy the Alien Sand Wedge at Costco Canada. 56 degrees of loft.
Travis
Feb 28, 2017 at 5:19 pm
What in God’s name is Callaway doing?!
They’re officially going downhill in my book. I was just thinking that Callaway is becoming a cheap and cheesy brand, and now this?!
rex235
Feb 28, 2017 at 5:13 pm
The Mack Daddy Wedges are available in Left Hand.
Like Thomas and Teresa Baretti are asking…
What about the “SURE OUT” model?
Blake
Feb 28, 2017 at 4:50 pm
“impossible to blade”
I highly doubt that
GhostofBenHogan
Feb 28, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Sure out of original ideas, eh Callaway?
Mark
Feb 28, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Pass the sick bag please. Absolutely hideous and an insult to Hogan wedges of old.
Desmond
Mar 4, 2017 at 3:10 am
Not many remember “Hogan”
See bankruptcy
CCTxGolf
Feb 28, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Strange lofts. 64* is a very, very niche wedge loft. As someone said below somebody playing a 64* probably has no need for this help/technology. It takes the other uses that a good player has for wedge with that much loft out of play. I find the 58* a strange choice too but at least somewhat more applicable for a mid high handicap player. Wonder why no “normal” sand wedge lifts.
Joshuaplaysgolf
Feb 28, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Possibly to offset the fact you can’t open it up? So these are supposed to produce auto flop shots?? Only answer I can think of.
CCTxGolf
Feb 28, 2017 at 6:20 pm
That’s very good reasoning. Almost like the wedges are just “auto” opened up! Lol Thanks for the input. Makes since
Jack
Feb 28, 2017 at 9:42 pm
I use a 60 because I hit it comfortably to about 90 yards, 3/4 about 75 yards (can max it to about 100+, but that’s not what I need, and an occasional bladed shot will go 120 lol). It comes in very handy for approach shots and I use it for chip shots too as it provides more loft and minimizing roll out. Why do you think it’s a strange choice?
The dude
Feb 28, 2017 at 1:59 pm
But in a statement Haney also said
“Really works best with the swing magic- power connector-impact snap-sky track devices-the Haney blueprint-swing plane caddie!”
This guy would endorse a pancake if they paid him to say it will improve your game…
Mike
Feb 28, 2017 at 3:08 pm
thats the best comment ever!!!!
Jim
Mar 1, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Amen!
Jim
Mar 2, 2017 at 10:32 am
I agree. Can HH possibly shill anything else. Everything he touches apparently is the best thing to improve your swing, your chipping, your whatever. Depending on the day of the week, and who is paying him that day, he’ll shill anything. Really lost credibility in my mind.
acemandrake
Feb 28, 2017 at 12:12 pm
I used to have the Hogan Sure Out.
It was best for bunkers with lots of fluffy sand.
JJ
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:38 am
First they buy the Ben Hogan Company and rob the Apex and Edge brand name and now this! Can’t believe they give the credit to Hank Haney. What’s next the Callaway Radial Irons? or Callaway Personal blades? Callaway Equilizer Wedge? Ben Hogan must be rolling over in his grave!
SlapHappy
Mar 1, 2017 at 1:40 am
Those are great ideas! But Callaway is already doing that. Keep up, will ya?
Thomas Barretti
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:37 am
will it be available in left hand
dr bloor
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:21 am
Kind of odd loft choices. 56* is traditional for a sand wedge, and if you really need that sole, you probably shouldn’t be thinking about putting a 64* in the bag.
TexasSnowman
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:14 am
not a fan of haney in general; but this is good. they should actually extend the concept into the 50-52-54-56 lofts.
dan
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:13 am
Ummm… you can’t just make the exact same wedge with the exact same name and give credit to Hank for “inventing” it. Anyone ever hear of the Hogan “sure out?” It’s literally the exact same shape and concept with slightly shorter grooves.
dan
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:18 am
Did I mention that it’s actually called the Hogan “Sure out” ?? Come on people!
Tom
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:29 am
upon investigation close ….but…
Geoff
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:13 am
Ping Glide ES already incorporates everything in this wedge and executes it flawlessly.
Geoff
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:24 am
Callaway crediting themselves and Haney for this knockoff is Trumpian.
ImPeach 'Im!
Feb 28, 2017 at 10:52 am
Looks a lot like an Alien wedge from the 90’s.
Greg V
Feb 28, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Looks Alien to me as well.
Tyler
Feb 28, 2017 at 2:31 pm
It does. i remember the Alien
Matt
Feb 28, 2017 at 10:49 am
This looks like a straight copy of Cleveland golf smart sore wedges. Only difference is grooves that go through the whole face.
Brian
Feb 28, 2017 at 10:39 am
Decent bunker player here, but we (definitely myself included) all have the odd days where nothing in greenside sand seems to work. I’ve been toying with the idea of a 60º PM grind…but I might give this a look if it makes bunker shots that simple.
Tom
Feb 28, 2017 at 11:14 am
I’m with ya Brian. These might make shots easier on course with little to no sand in bunkers or way side areas.
Jim
Mar 1, 2017 at 9:06 pm
That was the point of the deep (way wider than THIS incarnation) sole and tight-to-the-ground front edge…Minimal bounce & inherently low COG. Worked off hardpan w/o having to lean shaft back – or open face to add loft, and thw width of it created bounce in powdery sand….
Absolutely worth a try (the original – or maybe the Cleveland Smart Sole 60….a lot of loft for some people from sand, but if you master it, a 54 degree then becomes an awesome choice for chipping pitching and fairway wedge… Not a lot of money – we’re not talkin’ buying a $750 driver to experiment with – or a $350 PXG SW…
The original was awesome.