Equipment

Hank Haney inspires Callaway’s new Sure Out wedges

Published

7 years ago

Feb 28, 2017

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.

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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.

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“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.

sure-out-wedge-58-face-2017-42075800559802

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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47 Comments

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)

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
chinchbugs

Mar 1, 2017 at 8:39 am

You are SURE(ly) OUT of my foursome if you play this club!

Reply Report comment
Mat

Mar 1, 2017 at 5:09 am

Just another wedge with a Granny Flange™.

Reply Report comment
SlapHappy

Mar 1, 2017 at 1:41 am

I’m a gonna scoop some ice cream with that back flange area

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
- Chopper
  
  Mar 1, 2017 at 11:56 am
  
  no.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Scott
    
    Mar 1, 2017 at 12:07 pm
    
    me either
    
    Reply Report comment
Matt

Feb 28, 2017 at 7:44 pm

Have been gaining the 60PM for a couple of years, might give this a go

Reply Report comment
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,

Reply Report comment
Cdub

Feb 28, 2017 at 6:35 pm

Haney will do anything to make a buck.

Reply Report comment
ArkJag

Feb 28, 2017 at 6:16 pm

Coming to a K-Mart discount rack near you….

Reply Report comment
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.

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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?!

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
Blake

Feb 28, 2017 at 4:50 pm

“impossible to blade”

I highly doubt that

Reply Report comment
GhostofBenHogan

Feb 28, 2017 at 3:42 pm

Sure out of original ideas, eh Callaway?

Reply Report comment
Mark

Feb 28, 2017 at 3:10 pm

Pass the sick bag please. Absolutely hideous and an insult to Hogan wedges of old.

Reply Report comment
- Desmond
  
  Mar 4, 2017 at 3:10 am
  
  Not many remember “Hogan”
  
  See bankruptcy
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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
    
    Reply Report comment
- 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?
  
  Reply Report comment
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…

Reply Report comment
- Mike
  
  Feb 28, 2017 at 3:08 pm
  
  thats the best comment ever!!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jim
    
    Mar 1, 2017 at 1:13 pm
    
    Amen!
    
    Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
- SlapHappy
  
  Mar 1, 2017 at 1:40 am
  
  Those are great ideas! But Callaway is already doing that. Keep up, will ya?
  
  Reply Report comment
Thomas Barretti

Feb 28, 2017 at 11:37 am

will it be available in left hand

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- dan
  
  Feb 28, 2017 at 11:18 am
  
  Did I mention that it’s actually called the Hogan “Sure out” ?? Come on people!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Tom
    
    Feb 28, 2017 at 11:29 am
    
    upon investigation close ….but…
    
    Reply Report comment
Geoff

Feb 28, 2017 at 11:13 am

Ping Glide ES already incorporates everything in this wedge and executes it flawlessly.

Reply Report comment
- Geoff
  
  Feb 28, 2017 at 11:24 am
  
  Callaway crediting themselves and Haney for this knockoff is Trumpian.
  
  Reply Report comment
ImPeach 'Im!

Feb 28, 2017 at 10:52 am

Looks a lot like an Alien wedge from the 90’s.

Reply Report comment
- Greg V
  
  Feb 28, 2017 at 12:31 pm
  
  Looks Alien to me as well.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Tyler
    
    Feb 28, 2017 at 2:31 pm
    
    It does. i remember the Alien
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

6 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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