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Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons

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Callaway’s new Apex Muscleback (MB) and Apex Utility (UT) irons were designed with the better player in mind, as you’d expect from blade-style and driving irons. The company worked with tour players and elite golfers to establish the look, feel and playability of the new models.

The Apex Muscleback irons will suit the eye of a player looking for the traditional blade look and forged feel. Callaway also added game-enhancing grooves to the sleek bodies, and a sole camber that will improve turf interaction and playability.

The Apex Utility irons will appease golfers looking to either:

  • replace fairway woods and hybrids with a more versatile option off the tee,
  • replace long irons (2,3 or 4 irons) from a less-forgiving set to add speed and forgiveness,
  • and/or fill in distance gaps throughout the bag.

The UT irons have a strong steel forged face for higher ball speed and a lower center of gravity for added forgiveness – even elite golfers struggle hitting low-lofted irons consistently.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

Apex MB

ApexFeat

The Apex Muscleback irons were developed using feedback from Callaway’s tour players, so its no surprise these irons have the look and shape of a traditional blade. The MB’s are forged from 1020 Carbon steel, using a quad forged design, providing the softest feel that Callaway has to offer, along with a satin-chrome finish that’s consistent with the Apex line.

Callaway designed the grooves on these irons to be wider than on previous players’ iron models for more control and consistent spin rates. There is also added camber in the sole to make it slightly more rounded, which adds versatility for shot-making and playability.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

ApexMB4

The Apex MB irons will be available on Sept. 15, 2014 for $1099, offered in 2-PW with a KBS Tour-V (custom only) shaft.

Apex UT

Screen Shot 2014-08-15 at 10.19.02 AM

Callaway’s Apex Utility irons, which were introduced at this year’s Open Championship, have a forged face and cavity back design. The irons use a “forged face cup design” that is said to create higher ball speeds, producing the distance players want from a utility iron. Also, weight was added to the sole with a tungsten screw, which lowered the center of gravity (CG) raising the launch and further adding forgiveness to the hollow-bodied irons.

They have a similar iron shape to the MB’s but are made with a taller face, which spreads out the sweet spot, because players tend to use them more off the tee. The blade length was made shorter than Callaway’s previous utility irons to enhance versatility and workability.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

 

ApexUT4

Built from 455 Carpenter steel, the Apex UT irons have the same satin-chrome finish as the Apex MB. The irons (18, 21 and 24 degrees) will be available on Sept. 15, 2014 for $229-249 each, and come stock with either a KBS Tour-V or a UST Recoil 680 F4 shaft and a Lamkin Crossline grip.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

<<< LINK- Callaway Apex MB in hand pics- with new comparison pics to Nike mmproto, Mizzy mp-4, s55 and more >>>

<<< LINK- Callaway UT Iron in hand pics >>>

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He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

28 Comments

28 Comments

  1. Erich H

    Sep 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    is this the replacement of the callaway apex?

    http://www.golfwrx.com/138909/tech-talk-callaway-apex-irons/

  2. Scott

    Sep 16, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    These clubs look nice. Whats the problem here? Has anyone tried them yet? How do they compare to Titleist MB or the AP2s?

  3. Scooter McGavin

    Aug 21, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    I think Callaway needs to do this type of stamping or milling (whatever it is) into the cavity of all of their premium forged irons. I think it’s ridiculous that you will pay $1100 for a set of Apex’s, just to have the cavity decorated with a cheap badge that’s glued in. Maybe it’s a silly thing to get picky over, but it makes me respect Callaway less, and not want to play their premium clubs. Because why would I, if I can get a different brand’s premium club and have it look “not cheap” in the cavity?

    • Nick

      Aug 26, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Isn’t it just paint fill? Where’s the glued badge?

  4. MattK

    Aug 17, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Apparently the patents for the Mizuno T-Zoid True has expired.

  5. Kyle

    Aug 16, 2014 at 11:17 am

    So they took their blade, changed the name, and release it as a new product? Lol callaway

    • Scooter McGavin

      Aug 16, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      That’s basically the story with every blade…

  6. Wait

    Aug 16, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Wait 3 months they’ll be discounted at $899 so why pay full price?

  7. Ryan

    Aug 15, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Why is Callaway not publishing the bounce of their clubs? It is almost like they are hiding it…..

    • benseattle

      Aug 16, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Yes — hiding those bounce numbers is VERY suspicious. Almost sneaky, as though they Know Something Secret and don’t want to share it. Callaway could have only ONE reason for not revealing that critical data and it’s because …. well, uh…. hmmm…. oh I don’t know — just what COULD they be hiding? (Perhaps because it’s of only the most minor concern to just about everybody? Nahhhh.)

  8. Pingback: Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons | Spacetimeandi.com

  9. Zip it

    Aug 15, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    I’m not a callaway cheerleader but people are just old fuddies duddies when it comes to the “Apex” name. It’s only a Ben Hogan thing, he would never approve, blah, blah, blah. Get over it! You want old clubs go play lousy MacGregors from Golfsmiths. I think the new Apex lines are fine.

    • Inthejonzone

      Aug 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm

      LOL…brand affiliation….people get attached to identity!

  10. Mike

    Aug 15, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    Badging looks much better compared to RAZR MB, however that isn’t saying much.

    Why can’t Cally just release a blade with nothing but the Chev in the center? Blades aren’t meant to be busy by design; these aren’t going to be a large scale release anyway…

    *secretly can’t wait to rationalize picking up a set*

    • Tommy 2sticks

      Aug 15, 2014 at 5:19 pm

      Callaway X PROTOTYPES are what you are looking for. They are beautiful blades much like Tigers old nike blades before victory red.

      • JB

        Sep 5, 2014 at 10:05 am

        Still in my bag..but the Apex MB have my attention.

  11. Joe Staley

    Aug 15, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    I am not a fan of Callaway using the APEX name when they know Ben Hogan is launching clubs again.

    • Sammy Moon

      Aug 15, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      While I agree with you, this iron line was well in the works before there was any decision to make Ben Hogan clubs again. It was expected when Callaway sold Hogan to Perry Ellis in 2012 that Ben Hogan Clubs would never be made again. And other than the loyal following of Hogan irons (which I am one of), I am not sure this is a great move for Hogan equipment. In a golf market that is down big time, to try and restart a company that had very little market presence in since the early 90’s, is probably going to be a very challenging task.

    • benseattle

      Aug 16, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Nobody under the age of 40 has any clue about Ben Hogan and the “Apex” name. So insignificant it’s not even worth talking about.

  12. LLoyd

    Aug 15, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Callaway has issued almost the same set of blades over the past few years. The Prototype MB, Razr MB, and now the Apex MB look nearly identical.

    Just my two cents.

    • Philip

      Aug 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      That was my first impression – same clubs, different name.

  13. golfpunk46

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:50 pm

  14. Big Dick

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    Great stuff

  15. Joe W

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    why picture the 16 and not offer the 16… They look real nice but doesn’t seem worth 229-249 and over a grand for blades that will be old news soon anyway.

  16. Inthejonzone

    Aug 15, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Too good for my blood. But they’ll fly with all the WRX pros scouring the next greatest blade on here!

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Equipment

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

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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 Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.

From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.

Specs/ Additional Details

-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)

-Original Anser Design

-PING PP58 Grip

-Putter is built to standard specs.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

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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Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes

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As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.

The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.

On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.

Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.

At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.

“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.

Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.

“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.

“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.” 

In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.

On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.

According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.

“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.” 

See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here. 

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Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage

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Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.

It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.

When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”

“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”

 

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According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.

Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:

“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.

“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.

“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.

“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.

“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”

So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.

His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.

See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here

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