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Callaway launches new MD3 Milled wedges

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What was Callaway’s Mack Daddy 2 line of wedges missing? A wide-sole wedge option.

On Monday, Callaway announced the release of a new milled-wedge line — MD3 Milled — which includes a new W-grind, a new 46-degree wedge option, different shaping and a progressive groove design.

With three wedge-grind options (C, S and W), Callaway wedge-designer Roger Cleveland says this is the biggest line ever from the company.

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[quote_center]”There was one grind that we were missing, and that’s the wide sole grind,” Cleveland says.[/quote_center]

Wide-sole wedges are one of golf equipment’s new trends, but there’s a reason they have become so popular — a wider grind helps golfers in soft conditions from digging too much into the turf.

Cleveland says the W-grind adds effective bounce, which is a golfer’s friend in soft conditions, both from the grass and in the sand. Bounce is also great for golfers with steep angles of attack, or shots that require a greater descending blow.

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Callaway still offers the familiar C-grind — made slightly wider, or what Cleveland calls “more generous,” than previous lines — and the S-grind (standard grind), which is the most versatile option made for both firm and soft conditions.

MD3 also added a 46-degree wedge option to its lineup, which offers eight lofts ranging from 46-to-60 degrees, and a progressive-groove system for spin control throughout the extensive line.

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In the Mack Daddy 2 wedges, Cleveland used very aggressive grooves for maximum spin, great for shots around the green. But based on feedback from Tour players, high-spin grooves aren’t ideal in the lower-lofted wedges, because the ball “rips back” too much on full shots or into back pin positions.

To combat that issue, Callaway uses what it’s calling “progressive groove optimization” to reduce spin as wedge lofts decrease.

Now, the lob wedge has what’s called 5V grooves — a U-shaped groove that’s the widest and sharpest — the sand wedges use slightly narrower 20V grooves and the pitching/gap wedges use 30V grooves — a full V-shaped groove. According to Cleveland, the groove-system is said to better smooth the transition from the wedges into the irons.

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The MD3 wedges also have a different head profile, using what Cleveland calls the best of Callaway’s previous X-Tour and Tour Grind wedge lines. The profiles have a higher toe shape and a straighter leading edge, a look that golfers enjoy based on player-feedback.

The new wedges, cast from 8620 stainless steel, undergo a milling process on their faces, which will create more friction for ball control. Also, green weight ports in the back of the wedges — a look similar to Callaway’s PM grind offering — help reposition weight behind the face for shot-making benefits, according to Callaway.

MD3 Milled wedges are set to release on Sept. 4, and will be available for $129.99 each in two different finishes — matte black and satin chrome. Custom shafts and grips will be available, as well.

See what GolfWRX members are saying about the Callaway MD3 Milled wedges in the forums.

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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.

18 Comments

18 Comments

  1. Pingback: CALLAWAY adds to MD3 wedge line... - Bernard Daily

  2. Moody_D

    Jul 9, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Also, not sure why you’re all angry about the cast/milled. That’s a much better process for wedges. Forged wedges wear down too quickly.

    • Gary

      Jul 11, 2015 at 9:52 am

      Forged wedges don’t necessarily wear down as fast as cast wedges, sometimes the opposite is true, depending on the steel used and etc. Some forged wedge face and grooves will outlast cast wedges. This is one reason why Vokey has hardened the face on the SM4 and SM5 wedges. Cleveland did the same on the Rotex wedges, first version at least. One of the most durable wedges I can remember in fairly recent times was the Callaway X Tour which came out in 2006, was still going strong long after my Vokey Spin Milled lost most of it’s spin.

  3. Moody_D

    Jul 9, 2015 at 8:47 am

    Love the looks, and think I’ll love the S grind. Extremely disappointed that they’re not making an option that’s fully grooved on the face like the PM wedges. Guess they need to save something for their next product cycle!! So in Callaway cycles, I should be able to order the wedge I want by October! 🙂

  4. BirdieBaron

    Jul 9, 2015 at 3:27 am

    Even scratch and + Hcps cannot reliably tell the difference between forged, cast, milled stainless etc.
    Do not judge a club by its material. At today’s tolerances and manufacturing expertise they are almost indistinguishable in real terms and testing.

    If you don’t earn a living playing golf it it really not an area of concern. Don’t let it get into your head or buy into the hype that one is inheirintly better than another. The Pro’s make millions and play what works for them, some play cast, some forged. No worries.

  5. Dave R

    Jul 8, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Callaway makes great wedges…I play MD2, picked up a PM 60, fantastic, a little biased as I am a lefty too! Not sure how the MD3 will compare in “feel” , but will definitely give them a look!

  6. Ken

    Jul 8, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Not one picture of the face and grooves?

  7. other paul

    Jul 7, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Love the Mack daddy 2. Maybe the PM grind will go on sale and I will grab a 56*.

  8. SB

    Jul 7, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    They look sick but I hope the grooves are not all over the face as the Phil’s one…

  9. ADL

    Jul 7, 2015 at 7:37 am

    I’ll stick with my FORGED MD2s. Seems like a step back going from forged to milled…

  10. Michael F

    Jul 6, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    Maybe they will offer these in more than 3 lofts left handed. Can’t take Callaway seriously in the wedge game until they offer the majority of their products left handed. They may want to look at how Vokey and Cleveland properly serve the market.

  11. KK

    Jul 6, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Glad Callaway shortened the model name to MD3. Mack Daddy was almost as ridiculous as Rocketballz.

  12. Christosterone

    Jul 6, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    Does Ping get a commission or a flat fee for use of trademarked clubs?
    -Christosterone

    • txaggieman85

      Jul 6, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      Does Vokey pay a commission? Does Cameron pay a commission…what goes around comes around.
      Arguably Roger Cleveland is one of the best wedge designers ever.

  13. jeff ward

    Jul 6, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Are they forged?

  14. MHendon

    Jul 6, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    Nice looking wedges, definitely like the wide sole option for the 60.

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Whats in the Bag

Cameron Young WITB 2024 (March)

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  • Cameron Young WITB accurate as of the Valspar Championship. 

Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees)
Shaft: Accra Tour Z5 65 M5

2-wood: Titleist TSR 2W Prototype (13 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T200 (3), Titleist T100 (4-5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: MMT Utility 105 TX (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 58-08M, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align

Ball: Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot

 

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Equipment

Best hybrids 2024: Expert fitters recommend the hybrids for your game

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At GolfWRX, we believe the best hybrid for your game is going to be the one that gives you the greatest opportunity to both score and save shots during your round of golf.

In 2024, we have seen a continued expansion of hybrid options from every manufacturer with models designed to fit golfers of all skill levels and clubhead speeds. Some manufacturers offer models all the way down to 8-iron-replacement lofts.

That being said, ultimately the best way to find the best hybrid or hybrids for you is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor and gap them accordingly. The difficult part is a lot of people don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders — so at GolfWRX, we have done a lot of the work for you.

We want to give you the tools and information to go out and find what works best for you, and we’re offering recommendations based on exactly what you need from your hybrids.

We have again broken our 2024 best hybrid list into two categories.

  • Best hybrid for golfers seeking forgiveness
  • Best hybrid for golfers seeking versatility

We reached out to our trusted fitters to discuss how they sort through the hybrid club options available to golfers. Forgiveness and versatility were the highest-ranked choices.

Most versatile hybrids of 2024

Titleist TSR2

“Forgiving speed and performance,” is the branding for the TSR2. TSR2 hybrids remain slightly longer with a classical shape. Center of gravity is lower and deeper in the TSR2 for higher launch and maximum forgiveness.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430

In all of the G430 fairway woods and hybrids, Ping developed Carbonfly Wrap in a bid to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the face line in design to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams, which are reallocated to achieve a lower CG and increase ball speed.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke

Leveraging the company’s new Ai Smart Face, Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid has been reshaped and features a larger profile for greater forgiveness and a refined sole camber for better turf interaction. The Tungsten Speed Cartridge is positioned in the front of the club for lower spin and ease of launch.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10 Rescue

The Qi10 Rescue is designed with an all-new Carbon Crown that helps free up weight for improved weight distribution in the heads. The club has split internal weighting to achieve more distance and a higher launch.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue

The Qi10 Tour Rescue model features a C300 face with a more compact look and a higher-toe design. It’s designed for better players who seek to combine distance and control with iron-like turf interaction, workability, and precision.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Most forgiving hybrids of 2024

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Rescue

Qi10 Max Rescue clubs are designed with all-new Carbon Crowns that help free up weight for improved weight distribution in the heads. The Qi10 Max has an ultra-low CG (center of gravity) and a shallow face height for even higher launch and greater forgiveness.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL

Designed for players with moderate to average swing speeds who are looking to hit the ball higher to maximize carry distance, the Paradym Ai Smoke HL leverages the company’s new Ai Smart Face. It features a larger profile for greater forgiveness and a refined sole camber for better turf interaction. The Tungsten Speed Cartridge is positioned in the front of the club for lower spin and ease of launch.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430

In all of the G430 fairway woods and hybrids, Ping developed Carbonfly Wrap in a bid to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the face line in design to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams, which are reallocated to achieve a lower CG and increase ball speed.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast is designed for moderate-swing-speed players. In addition to Ai Smart Face, Max Fast features a larger profile for greater forgiveness and a refined sole camber for better turf interaction. The Tungsten Speed Cartridge is positioned in the front of the club for lower spin and ease of launch.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR1

Titleist’s new TSR1 hybrids are built with a larger, “wood-like” size to help golfers find more speed and forgiveness. They’re also built 0.5 inches longer than standard to provide additional assistance in creating speed.

For more information, check out our launch piece.

Best hybrid of 2024: Meet the fitters

Conclusion

The fitters consulted for this piece have accumulated data from thousands of fittings with golfers just like you. From beginners to tour players, their feedback and information can’t be undervalued.

Join the discussion about the best hybrids of 2024 in the forums.

 

 

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Whats in the Bag

Nelly Korda WITB 2024 (March)

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  • Nelly Korda’s WITB accurate as of her win at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 S

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7 S

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 S

Hybrid: Ping G425 (26 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 7 S

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5), TaylorMade P7MC (6-PW)
Shafts: AeroTech SteelFiber i80 cw

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 54-SB), Vokey Design WedgeWorks (58-T)
Shafts: AeroTech SteelFiber i95 cw

Putter: Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

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