Equipment

Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons

Published

10 years ago

Aug 15, 2014

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

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

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

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

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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Andrew Tursky

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

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/

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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?

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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?

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- Nick
  
  Aug 26, 2014 at 8:55 am
  
  Isn’t it just paint fill? Where’s the glued badge?
  
  Reply Report comment
MattK

Aug 17, 2014 at 12:04 am

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

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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

Reply Report comment
- Scooter McGavin
  
  Aug 16, 2014 at 4:40 pm
  
  That’s basically the story with every blade…
  
  Reply Report comment
Wait

Aug 16, 2014 at 1:22 am

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

Reply Report comment
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…..

Reply Report comment
- 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.)
  
  Reply Report comment
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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.

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- Inthejonzone
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm
  
  LOL…brand affiliation….people get attached to identity!
  
  Reply Report comment
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*

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - JB
    
    Sep 5, 2014 at 10:05 am
    
    Still in my bag..but the Apex MB have my attention.
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

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

Reply Report comment
- Philip
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm
  
  That was my first impression – same clubs, different name.
  
  Reply Report comment
golfpunk46

Aug 15, 2014 at 1:50 pm

Looks very similar to the Taylormade MB’s from 2006.
http://www.golftipsmag.com/images/stories/2006/newandnotable/i-tm-rac-mb-tp_1-silo.jpg

Reply Report comment
- ABgolfer2
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 3:28 pm
  
  From a certain angle yes. The TMs look like MTs though so who invented what now?
  http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/hyper_kurakura/GALLERY/show_image_v2.html?id=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.c.yimg.jp%2Fres%2Fblog-07-6c%2Fhyper_kurakura%2Ffolder%2F569435%2F01%2F14575801%2Fimg_2%3F1367825198&i=1
  
  Reply Report comment
- KK
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 7:11 pm
  
  Dude… they look totally different.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Bernard
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 10:11 pm
  
  They do. I play MB’s so these really do appeal to me.
  
  Reply Report comment
Big Dick

Aug 15, 2014 at 1:38 pm

Great stuff

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment

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Equipment

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

Published

5 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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