Equipment

Callaway Announces Tour Authentic Line

Published

18 years ago

Jan 15, 2008

Ever since Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els put a prototype set of Callaway Blades into play, many in the golf world have been eagerly awaiting word from Callaway for a possible launch date.

The wait is over, since this April Callaway will launch the new X-Prototype irons as part of their new Tour Authentic line. This line consists of equipment straight from the PGA Tour. There are no modifications to accommodate the average player, these are clubs designed for the best players in the world now available to the public. Along with the X-Prototype irons, a new FT-5 T driver, X-Forged Wedges, Tour Milled Putter, and Staff Bags complete the line and offer golfers the chance to play what the pros play.

Discuss your opinion on the Tour Authentic line in our forums!

FT-5 T Driver

The FT-5 driver was a big hit among consumers, the Tour versions were aimed at better players but still some golfers wanted more. The new FT-5 T driver will take them one step further. By incorporating the traditional FT-5 body, Callaway has added the new T hosel which is placed closer to the leading edge and gives the driver a more open look. The driver will also feature a face angle that lies 1.5 degrees open further enhancing the driver’s open appearance and workability. The FT-5 T driver will be available in Draw, Neutral, and Fade Opti-Fit Weight configurations in lofts of 8.5 and 9.5 degrees.

X-Prototype Irons

Once regarded as a strictly game improvement brand, Callaway has made some major roads into the players market with the X-Tour and X-Forged irons. Taking that design one step further, Roger Cleveland has designed the X-Prototype, a forged muscle back with the X-Muscle which provides forgiveness while still allowing for trajectory and shot control. The X-Muscle also features a flighted center of gravity with the highest muscle in the short irons for trajectory control which moves to the lowest in the long irons for high, soft landing shots. The sole grind of the irons is positioned right between the X-Tour which many players felt had too much bounce and the X-Forged which many felt had too little. The X-Prototype should play somewhere between the two in terms of turf interaction. The irons will be made from soft 1020 carbon steel and are forged by the famed Endo manufacturing facility.

X-Forged Wedges

GolfWRX recently covered the addition of the new X-Forged wedge to the line with a new C-grind added to their wedges. However, as part of the Tour Authentic line, the X-Forged will also be available with the PM grind that made the original X-Tour wedge so successful. The club will also feature a tighter heel to toe radius for greater playability around the greens. The X-Forged also features the super-sharp "Mac Daddy" grooves which are at the USGA’s maximum allowable depth and width providing tremendous amounts of spin. The wedges will be available in both durable chrome and low glare vintage finishes.

Tour Milled Putter

Although many people were very impressed by the Odyssey Black series, quite a few longed for the original Tour-only milled putters prototypes seen among Callaway staffers on the PGA Tour. Odyssey will finally appease the masses with the introduction of the new Tour Milled Putter. Milled from a single blank of 303 stainless steel, this putter is sure to be a big hit among traditionalists. The putter features a thin face for a soft yet solid feel. The thin face also allows weight to be moved to the perimeter and deeper to the back of the putter providing for more forgiveness. The putter will be available in 33, 34, and 35 inch lengths with a standard head weight of 340 grams.

2008 Staff Bags

Callaway will also introduce four new staff bags in 2008 in color schemes that correspond with the major championships.

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13 Comments

Alex S

Mar 8, 2008 at 12:49 am

Callaway making the right business moves. Remember, these irons are for the players first, and rumors are that Phil and Ernie and really liking them. If that can translate to more wins, then Callaway ends up as the beneficiary. I thought Callaway needed a set of ‘blades’ LONG time ago and FINALLY we are seeing their attempt at one. Whatever, it is always prudent business to keep your customers (pro tour members as well as the general public). Personally, I think the x-protype irons look absolutely fantastic. Great job Callaway and I’ll be owners of a set in the future.

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Finn

Feb 15, 2008 at 4:56 pm

Which will be easier to hit? Prototypes or X Forged?

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Hans T

Feb 3, 2008 at 3:19 am

Cool..! i am waiting to get FT-5 T

Reply Report comment
Chris K.

Jan 22, 2008 at 4:21 pm

I was allways into callaway but they never had a ste of irons I felt confident with and I hope this is going to change as soon as the ProtoÂ´s come out!!

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K Vakamudi

Jan 21, 2008 at 1:01 pm

Jason, all will be available April as custom order only through Callaway dealers.

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Jason R

Jan 19, 2008 at 7:32 am

Please tell us when the proto irons are going to come out..I have the x-forged now but can’t wait for the proto’s!

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Brad B

Jan 17, 2008 at 7:41 am

Question about the FT-5 T driver – does it launch with less backspin than the regular FT-5 Tour?

Which Callaway driver launches with the least backspin (equal lofts, of course)?

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Steve H

Jan 16, 2008 at 2:36 pm

I’m a retailer up in Canada and can tell you now that I’ve got customers just chompin’ at the bit to have this opportunity available to them!
I’m definitely going to have to give the new driver a test drive, but those irons look amazing. I’ve got TPMB w/ PX6.0 right now, but if these stack up to the expectations, I’ll be trading in fast!

Reply Report comment
James L

Jan 16, 2008 at 3:36 am

I have never been a Callaway fan but am currently using the FT-5 tour driver (changed from Titlesit 905R) and it is an excellent club once you get over the awful sound. The x prototype irons look good and I will certainly try them on the back of the performance of the FT-5. I tried the current x-forged irons for a couple of round and liked the clubs but hated the project x shafts. Am I the only one who doesn’t like project x rifle shafts?? (Currently use S400)

Reply Report comment
Atlas0_6

Jan 15, 2008 at 11:19 pm

Nice. I started of Callaway moved to Nike, Bridgestone.. but the X-proto irons may bring me back to Callaway…
Nice. Really Nice.

Reply Report comment
finker21

Jan 15, 2008 at 9:34 pm

the irons are so tight put thoes out as soon as possible

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T_Lett

Jan 15, 2008 at 9:32 pm

This new stuff is really good, I am a Callaway staff professional and I will playing some of this new stuff this year, I can’t wait.

Reply Report comment
Texashigh 10

Jan 15, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Freakin’ sweet!!! Putter looks amazing, not sure i could use the driver or irons though.

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Equipment

Spotted: Titleist GTS USWO headcovers

Published

14 hours ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore was at Riviera Country Club this last week in Los Angeles for the U.S. Women’s Open. While browsing the photos, I spotted a recent major trend in headcovers. That is, the Titleist GTS headcover line expands the majors theme.

Seen on the bag of Natalia Guseva were the red, white, and blue Titleist GTS covers. This is the third time we have seen limited-edition Titleist major covers, the others being at the Masters and the PGA Championship. But with the launch of the GTS line back at the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March, this is the first time we have seen Titleist come out with major themed head covers for the season (driver headcovers through hybrids).

Check out some photos below.

At the Masters, we saw the familiar Masters green, white, and yellow. While the PGA Championship design was colors synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. This shows the season major drops continue full steam ahead for major OEMs. New opportunities for each major for designs and themes, and who knows, maybe a lucky spark for a player and a major championship for their resume. It gets the wheels turning for what major theme headcover you would keep on your bag for the whole season!

Whats in the Bag

Melanie Green WITB 2026 (June)

Published

17 hours ago

Jun 5, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 5 S

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 S

Hybrids: TaylorMade Qi4D (19 degrees, 22 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF Hybrid 85 S

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5-PW)
Shafts: Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105

Wedges: TaylorMade MG5 (50-SB 09, 54-SB 12, 60-SB 10)
Shafts: Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour V
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 2.0

Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

Check out more in-hand photos of Melanie Green’s clubs here.

Equipment

Titleist GT280 mini driver after 3 rounds – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

17 hours ago

Jun 5, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user has announced himself as a believer in the powers of Titleist’s GT280 Mini Driver, and is sharing the good news with other members.

User @dgarland chronicled:

“As the title states I have played 3 rounds with a Titleist GT280 mini driver and here are the results… If you have been contemplating trying one, definitely do. Stock Tensei Blue and set at standard loft and it’s legitimately hard to not put the ball in play with this. It is incredibly straight and even bad swings result in a usable shot. You will give up some distance but you will be in play. I have not attempted to hit it off the fairway yet but I rarely hit my 3 wood off the fairway either. At my home course there are two holes on the front 9 that are a really uncomfortable shot with the driver. One is a slight dogleg right where a draw (my normal shot) can run out of room fast and the other is a dogleg left with trees about 250ish straight off the tee, where a driver that doesn’t draw will get me into trouble. The mini driver has been perfect for both of them. I always step onto those tee boxes uncomfortable about the shot I need to play, but with this it makes it far easier to get the ball in play.

“Update: 2 for 2 again this morning in a 9 hole round.”

Members in the forum shared their thoughts on mini drivers, offering up their favorite models and whether or not they’re a proper fit for their home course/style of play. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

NorthMNgolfer: “I’m curious between this and the new TEC mini that was just released. But I’m waiting a mini that can be used from the fairway as well from time to time. Both look like great options.”
jLMN: “I played the GT280 last year and it’s a great club. My problem this year is I couldn’t justify keeping it in the bag when I would only use it 2-3 times per round. Perfect club for short par 4 tee shots. I didn’t trust it as well off the deck compared to the tee box.”
GolferPerson1: “I can only speak to the 280 but I’ve had no issues with it from the fairway. ”

Entire Thread: “Titleist GT280 mini driver after 3 rounds”

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