Top Callaway Golf Clubs: A Buying Guide

Callaway Golf Clubs

If you are looking to get one of the many Callaway golf clubs offered today, this guide should help you examine a few that were offered in 2018 that still play well enough for mid-to-high handicappers and give you an idea of some features and price

Many golfers know the Callaway brand. They are adept at creating the highest quality golf products ranging from drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, putters, golf gloves, and golf balls. 

These guys and gals have designed hundreds of golf clubs over the years. Hopefully this guide will help you learn more about a few specific clubs. If you’ve read information about golf clubs on Golfsquatch, you know that most golfers carry 14 different clubs in their golf bags. 

If you are just starting out in golf, rather than look at these reviews, you may want to look at best golf clubs for beginners and check out the Calloway golf starter set.

This is a great golf brand to purchase from. 

Top Scored Callaway Clubs Top 5 (of 10)

For each product, we asked amateur golfers to rate the club on all guidelines (below) from 1-10 footprints. The following are the top 5 scoring products with average number of footprints. 

  • XR 16 Fairway Wood

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  • XR OS Iron

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B078J2XGCZ” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4176V6SLQSL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”410″]

  • Rogue Driver

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  • Mack Daddy S-Grind Wedge

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B013VM4QIA” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41HUKRZu7vL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”500″]

  • Odyssey Hot Pro 2 Putter

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Pros Who Play Callaway Clubs

Phil Mickleson 

Phil Mickelson Plays Callaway Golf Clubs
Sergio Garcia 

Sergio Garcia Plays Callaway Golf Clubs
Tom Watson

Tom Watson Plays Callaway Golf Clubs

Michelle Wie

Michelle Wie Plays Callaway Golf Clubs

Jeong Eun Lee6

Jeong Eun Lee6 Plays Callaway Golf Clubs

Sandra Gal

Sandra Gal Plays Callaway Golf Clubs

Callaway Golf Club Review Details 

If you want to know more details about all the clubs we looked at, keep reading. 

Rogue Driver

The Callaway Rogue Driver is one of today’s most engineered drivers. This club has a larger club head at 460cc. This makes it look bigger at address and can build confidence to make solid contact with this club. Here are some other aspects of this driver.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”386″ identifier=”B078J43NHD” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/311Q6f43dwL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”500″] 

[easyazon_link identifier=”B078J43NHD” locale=”US” tag=”golfsquatch-20″]Check Best Prices on Amazon for Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Driver[/easyazon_link]

 

[easyazon_link identifier=”B078J2YZH8″ locale=”US” tag=”golfsquatch-20″]Check Best Prices on Amazon for Callaway Golf 2018 Women’s Rogue Driver[/easyazon_link]

Carbon Crown 

Do you know everything about Triaxial Carbon that the crown is made of? This is the material used to create Callaway’s most innovative drivers. The carbon composite material improves the speed-to-weight ratio. This means the weight is distributed away from the club head to other areas of the club that is said to provide better balance and club head speed. 

Aerodynamically Engineered

Boeing is a great aerospace brand located in the Pacific Northwest. Callaway has teamed up with the engineers at Boeing to develop the Speed Step technology used in all metal woods by Callaway. Their design has altered the geometry of the driver to ensure better airflow to increase speed. 

Cost and Value 

It is important to remember that this product, when it performs at it’s best, is a custom built product. Even the shafts should be custom fit for this club. As an amateur golfer that is just starting out, this may not be the driver for you to start with unless money is no object. 

Positives

  • Customizability
  • Loft adjustments
  • Shaft options
  • Technology of face
  • Brand reputation

Negatives

  • Very high cost to customize the fit

Rogue Draw Driver

This is another quality driver from the Rogue series – the Callaway 2018 Men’s Rogue Draw Driver. Below are some more details about this excellent club.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B078J5HSYZ” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41HpWwBLY0L.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”395″]

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Design of Loft

There are some slight differences between the Rogue Driver and Rogue Draw Driver. The Draw has a slightly different loft design and shaft material. You should swing both of these drivers with different shafts to determine which one is the right fit for you.

Rogue Series Attributes

This brand has excellent track record for producing great drivers. The Roque series now includes the Jailbreak technology which does produce higher ball speeds and on average more distance than previous drivers from Callaway when tested. The Draw Driver also includes the carbon crown and a Boeing engineered head for greater aerodynamic properties. 

Cost and Value

The Rogue series drivers are engineered craftsmanship and quality, but that comes with a higher price tag. You will get better performance from this driver if you are able to get it fitted to your swing and swing speed. 

Positives

  • Crafted by experts
  • Loft design availability
  • Quality driver set up to draw the ball
  • Built by trusted brand
  • Technology benefits from Rogue

Negatives

  • Can be expensive

XR 16 Fairway Wood

At one time the fairway wood was considered innovative at one time. Now they are commonplace. However, now the fairway wood is a club you should always carry in your bag. The Callaway men’s XR 16 Fairway Wood produces bigger and better shots with two unique innovative features.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”379″ identifier=”B0723914PC” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41sljH3YyDL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”500″]

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Club Head Design

The head design on this club is lightweight and a little bigger. Why is this so important? It is meant to help the clubhead make better impact with the ball and be more forgiving with off-center hits. This fairway wood also has a low center of gravity which promotes a higher ball speed, especially with a larger sweet spot. This is a great club for you if you are trying to dial in your golf swing tempo. 

Head Shape Aerodynamics

The aerodynamic design of this club is unique. The head is smoother which reduces drag and promotes faster speeds. So, technically, this club gets the highest speed your swing can generate. This is great for amateur golfers who likely have lower swing speeds. 

Value and Cost

The additional cost of this club does give you the value you are looking for since a good fairway wood can be a very valuable club to save you a lot of strokes in your game.

Positives

  • Graphite shaft can help with slower swing speeds
  • Larger club head with more forgiveness
  • Able to hit with higher ball speeds
  • Larger sweet spot 
  • Design promotes confidence at set up

Negatives

  • High cost – you should be ready to spend as much as starter set of clubs

Rogue Hybrid

The Rogue series of clubs from this manufacturer are easy to fall in love with, especially if you are a techy. This series of clubs is not only built for professional golfers, but amateurs as well. The visual appearance of the club promotes confidence. The Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Hybrid has modern golf technology, but isn’t so expensive to break the bank. 

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B07KXYGDP8″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31wxyZTOx7L.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”279″]

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Easy Launch Position

This club has what Callaway calls Internal Standing Wave. This design is meant to make it easier for golfers to launch the ball more effectively with a lower center of gravity and hit the sweet spot with better precision. 

JailBreak Technology

The JailBreak Technology has made this product very attractive to golfers at all levels. This design has two steel vertical bars in the head of the club. This ensures a more solid strike, better ball speed, and distance when the ball hits the face, even when you don’t hit the exact sweet spot. 

Cost and Value

As we mentioned above, the price tag on this club isn’t as shocking as the Rogue drivers we reviewed earlier. However, it still has a healthy price tag for a hybrid golf club. This golf brand is known as one of the most prestigious golf brands and innovative. This club will deliver on its promises, especially if you are able to get it custom fitted to your swing. 

Positives

  • Uses Jailbreak technology 
  • Better ball speed and distance on average
  • Uses thin face and hyper speed cup technology
  • Promotes better launch angles
  • Multiple configurations available 

Negatives

  • Can be costly with a lot of customization

XR OS Iron

If you can believe it this club is known as the #1 iron in the world. If you want to get a club that helps you achieve longer shots, the Callaway’s Men’s XR OS Iron club is for you. Here are a few things to think about as you look at buying this club.   

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B078J2XGCZ” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4176V6SLQSL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”410″]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B078J2XGCZ” locale=”US” tag=”golfsquatch-20″]Check for Best Prices on Amazon for Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Iron[/easyazon_link]

 

[easyazon_link identifier=”B01K2CZOTC” locale=”US” tag=”golfsquatch-20″]Check for Best Prices on Amazon for Callaway Golf XR 7 Iron Ladies[/easyazon_link]

Forgiveness in the Design

One of the most valuable aspects of this golf club is that it has more forgiveness with a larger sweet spot. It has a wider sole so if you hit it a tiny fat, you’ll still get an ok impact with decent results. 

Forward Thinking Overall Design

The club head has progressive length and loft so golfers can hit longer shots with better tempo in their swings because of the way the club is weighted. 

Cost and Value

This club has been designed for golfers who want to hit the ball further and straighter. There are three different flexes to choose from with either graphite or steel shafts. The price isn’t going to break the budget for the amateur golfer. 

Positives

  • Leading club face technology 
  • New loft design
  • More forgiveness 
  • JailBrake technology in use 

Negatives

  • Steel shaft can be too heavy 
  • Some like to use graphite shaft instead of steel with this club

Steelhead XR Iron

Every golfer has their favorite iron in their set of golf clubs. This iron may be your new favorite. Here are a couple of reasons. 

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01K2D25R0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5148FgrrGoL.jpg” tag=”golfsquatch-20″ width=”500″]

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360-Face Cup Design

As we’ve mentioned, this brand is known for its innovative club head technology and designs. The Face Cup is a single piece at the front of the clubhead that holds a curved striking surface. The entire area is one piece of metal. This means the material for the face is a lot stronger than the rest of the body. This creates higher ball speeds upon impact.

Hollow Bore-Thru

This product has a lot of technical aspects to it. This one is just another. This design takes (bores out) weight from some areas of the club head and uses it elsewhere. The hollow back is said to provide better forgiveness and easier ball launch so the ball gains speed quicker.

Cost and Value

This club is known for its aesthetic design and expert craftsmanship. You can configure this iron in a lot of different ways. For the price, for beginners, you get a lot of value from this club even though the price tag is a little higher. 

Positives

  • Expert design
  • Next generation club face design
  • More distance and control 
  • Combo of speed and forgiveness

Negatives

  • Some reviews say this club may be too light 
  • Looking down at the club, design is not for everyone

Mack Daddy PM Grind Wedge

If you have ever wanted a wedge designed by a pro golfer, this would be the club. The Mack Daddy PM Grind Wedge by Callaway is a product that boasts a beautiful matte finish and a custom designed head, grind and grooves. 

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A Different Grind for Different Shots

Phil Mickelson has tested this wedge on tour and the end result is a club that lets you hit a low, mid, and high wedge shot near the green with a specialized grind. The grooves and texture of the club face run at an angle from the high toe to the base so when the golfer angles the club, the grooves are perpendicular to the line of the shot. 

A Different Shape

This club’s shape is slightly different from traditional wedges. The high toe shape has been added to allow each golfer to hit different shaped shots. The grooves also go all the way up to the top of the club so when you mishit the ball it still grabs and puts a spin on your shot at different angles. You should be able to get up and down from anywhere.

Cost and Value

In conjunction with Phil Mickelson this club has been designed to give you versatility in your wedge play. This club comes with a steel shaft. The appearance is spectacular and the face has grooves that promote a variety of possible shots with this product. This wedge is reasonably price, but expect to pay over $120 for a new one and around $90 to $100 for used. This product is made for more experienced golfers.

Positives

  • Shot versatility 
  • More forgiveness and power
  • Attractive shape of club head
  • Design by master engineers 

Negatives

  • Golfers report that it takes a bit to adjust to the loft and multiple shots

Mack Daddy S-Grind Wedge

The Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind Wedge has received a lot of cudos from golfers. Some say this wedge is the best wedge in golf for all levels of golfers. Probably the best value and performance of all the wedges we looked at. 

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S Grind Design

The S-Grind is a mid level bounce to be used on a variety of grass conditions. This is like the Honda of wedges – very consistent results and good value. This is an expertly crafted wedge. 

Groove Design

The MD3 milled line is a groove design that ensures a more consistent spin. This grooves are a blend between traditional wedges and irons – a 3-grove set milled into the face to make consistent ball spin on impact. 

Cost and Value

This club may provide you with the best value and best shots. This wedge comes in a variety of degrees 52, 56, 58, and 60. You can get steel or graphite shafts for this wedge. This wedge will give you years worth of good shots. 

Positives

  • Different degrees
  • Designed by top brand
  • Build for beginners 
  • Produces great backspin 

Negatives

  • The stock grip is reported to provide a different feel
  • Can seem costly for new golfers

Sureout Wedge

This wedge is designed to get you out of bunkers. This is another quality wedge product from a great brand. There are a few elements to the Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Sureout Wedge we go over below. 

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Shaft & Material 

The stock shaft design and material that come with this specific wedge is a compressed graphite material for a lightweight club. If you want to put a heavier steel shaft on this club head as well. 

Larger Sole & Face
The club head design features a wider sole for more bounce and a larger face so you are assured to hit the ball out of the sand traps. Shots from this wedge tend to be softer landing. 

Cost & Value

If you end up in the sand trap this is the club to get you out. If you struggle with this particular shot the Callaway Sureout wedge will provide excellent value for you. 

Positives

  • Design enables easier shots out of the bunker
  • Premium stock shaft
  • Grind on face produces high spin 
  • Shot stopping on greens

Negatives

  • Some golfers mentioned more mishits with this product
  • Less adaptable than the other wedges reviewed

Odyssey Hot Pro 2 Putter

Most people know this brand for it drivers, irons and wedges or golf balls, but Callaway also produces putters with the Odyssey brand. The look and feel of this putter promotes confidence. Below are a couple of reasons you might want to start carrying this putter in your bag. 

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Performance of Head

This great brand has designed putters to ensure better performance based on a better ‘energy return’ up impact of the putter without sacrificing speed. This is done through a change in the design of the club head. 

Insert Putter on Tour

There are two types of putter head styles – milled vs. inserts. A milled putter is made from one piece of milled (cut) metal. Insert putters have a soft “insert” inserted on the face of the putter. The Callaway Odyssey brand was the number one insert putter on the PGA tour in 2018. 

Cost and Value

You may want to take a look at the price of this putter before you decide to buy. While this brand produces great products, this putter may be too expensive for the beginner. However, for a low handicapper this putter will give you good value. 

Positives

  • A putter cover is included
  • Design variations
  • Quality of service from a trusted brand
  • Right and left hand orientations available
  • Custom tailored product

Negatives


Guidelines for Evaluation

The scoring of the clubs in this guide were based on the following guidelines. 

Brand Reputation

Callaway is one of the top brands in golf and located in San Diego County. In 2009 it lead the golf industry with the most sales. Founded by Ely Callaway in the 1980s. In 1992 Callaway became even bigger with the introduction of the Big Bertha driver. That club was the most used golf club on the Senior, LPGA, and Hogan tours. This brand has built a reputation for producing the finest golf clubs on the market. 

Use of Club

As players hit these clubs for the purpose they were designed, we wanted to know if the club played as described – this was part of the evaluation. 

Playability 

Most evaluations out there judge clubs on durability. It’s very difficult to judge durability without having played a club for years. Golfsquatch focuses on playability of the club by average handicap golfers with some low handicappers and some beginners. High playability means the stock club can be played confidently by newer golfers and you don’t need to be a professional golfer. 

Value 

In our eyes, value equates to cost-to-quality of golf shots. So, if you are paying more for a golf club, you should actually hit better shots with it and feel confident when you swing the club. Since every golf swing is as unique as the person swinging the club, everyone values golf clubs differently. 

Price

What is a high price for some might not be as high for others, so we had golfers think about the price they would expect to pay vs. the price of these Callaway clubs. 

 

Amateur Golfer Considerations

Golfsquatch asked 133 amateur golfers to score each of the above evaluation factors on a 1-10 scale. Some golfer played multiple clubs in these reviews and others play just one. Golfers surveyed are located in the Pacific Northwest across 4 states. 

 

Top 3 FAQs 

Which is the best shaft for my Callaway golf clubs – steel or graphite?

Answer: Steel shafts tend to be heavier and can produce more distance on your shots. Also, when you impact the ball, it will feel heavier. However, graphite shafts are designed to be lighter weight so you can have better balance, tempo and improved overall swing speed, which also might produce longer shots. Most club brands allow you to have steel or graphite shafts. Try hitting different clubs with different shafts. 

Which flex is best for my swing?

Answer: There are five different types of flex in golf shafts to choose from (Extra Stiff to Regular to Ladies). The flex is typically tied to your swing speed and how much the shaft should flex under certain swing speeds. The more stiff the shaft, the higher the swing speed needs to be.

If you have too stiff a shaft on a lower swing speed or too flexible a shaft on higher swing speeds, you will likely not produce the shot results you want. 

What is the best way to clean my golf clubs?

Answer: When you clean your club heads, shafts, and grips the cleaning material you use can have different effects. Customized clubs like the Callaway Rogue series should always be cleaned according to the specific instructions given by the brand. 

That said, most faces on irons can be cleaned with a bristle brush and warm water to ensure properly clearing and cleaning of the grooves. Grips and shafts can also be cleaned with warm water as long as you scrub until all the grime is completely removed. Then, dry your clubs well with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.