The Utility Iron has long been a part of our modern golf vernacular, it’s a club that blends ideas together to make it more playable for a variety of skills.
But what about a Utility…Wood?
Curious? You and everyone else.
As the newest release from the minds behind Callaway Golf, this is another specialty club focused on doing things differently, and after months of whispers as well as Tour players like Phil Mickelson having it in the bag, its finally time to discuss this club.
Say hello to the new Callaway Apex UW.
What is in a name?
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Callaway will not simply slap the Apex name on just any club. They have shown us time after time that they will even push the entire release of the newest Apex irons a cycle if they aren’t demonstrably different and live up to what that Apex title stands for.
So, after working with their Tour staff to create something different, they have come up with a bridge club of sorts that takes the pluses of higher lofted fairways and blends them with the strongest performance benefits of low lofted hybrids. Take that concept and throw in all the tech that has made Callaway an industry leader, and they believe they had created something worthy of the name.
Callaway Apex UW
Yes, UW stands for Utility Wood. Is this a totally new concept? Not generally speaking, but there for sure hasn’t been anyone who has thrown this kind of design tech at this spot in the bag for a bridge club of sorts. The root of it all is simple, make a 5-Wood have a baby with a hybrid. Well, maybe it isn’t that simple, but it’s a pretty solid way to think about it.
The focus here is tee, turf, and rough. Callaway wanted a club that hits the trifecta for better players as usually for them it becomes a choice of only one, maybe two, of those things.
According to Callaway, the Apex UW has a higher launch and steeper descent angle which is more like a fairway wood than a hybrid. This means it becomes a point and shoot option from the tee but will hold the green when it’s being unleashed on a Par 5. However, the center of gravity is much more neutral in the Apex UW compared to Callaway’s 5-Woods which have some inherent draw bias, taking that away opens up comfort and confidence for the better player. Rounding it all out is spin, this isn’t meant to be a low spin monster like the Super Hybrid, rather, here the goal is for it to sit right between a hybrid and 5-wood.
While the concept is cool, a lot of clubs that have tried to establish themselves in this realm have suffered in technology as well as overall aesthetics. Frankly, most don’t look good, but that is something Callaway paid a heavy focus to through their Tour staff, and according to them, they are all raving about the UW. The shaping isn’t awkward, instead it is more compact than most will expect.
Internally, the three different lofts (17°, 19°, 21°) all feature the A.I. Flash Face SS21, all unique for this design to optimize speed generation and retention across the face. The same Jailbreak A.I Velocity Blades that were put into the Apex Hybrids are here as well to ensure maximized energy transfer through impact. Now, add in 18g of MIM’d tungsten on average to help create a neutral CG location and overall bias, you have the first players Utility Wood on the market.
While that is a lot to digest and get excited about, the performance will be most interesting to follow along with, and rest assured, THP will have a lot for you all on that front when the time comes. Is this a club that interests you? Do you have a spot in the bag for a design such as the Apex UW? Let us know below as well as on the THP Community!
The Details
Availability: 10/7/21 Pre-Order and 10/14/21 Retail
Price: $299.99
Shaft: Project X Smoke RDX
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 21°
The year of the 5W replacement continues, the Epic Super Hybrid, the HyWood, and now this…
I have a HyWood to rebuild and test first, this club clash could get interesting.
Currently I have an Original Super Hybrid in that spot…
I’m feeling that both the Apex UW and the Super Hybrid could have places at the top of my bag this year
[QUOTE=”Wildcat4life, post: 10129377, member: 48854″]
What is the difference between the UW and Super Hybrid? Both seem to fit golfers that prefer hybrids over fairway woods.
[/QUOTE]
Pretty different clubs to me, starting with adjustability and overall constructions.
I can get some side-by-side pictures this afternoon if you would like
It is a good looking club. I am a big fan of fairway woods/metals but this might be a club to give a try at the 21 degree spot in the bag.
[QUOTE=”Wildcat4life, post: 10129377, member: 48854″]
What is the difference between the UW and Super Hybrid? Both seem to fit golfers that prefer hybrids over fairway woods.
[/QUOTE]
SH is about low spin and max speed, this is more a precision club, it’s going to spin more and have a higher launch with more steep descent angle.
Gonna be really interesting to see where all of these options fall in people’s bags. Would be weird to go from a 16? Super hybrid to one of these, but seems like these could be a weapon for attacking par 5s in two.
The 19 degree could slot pretty well between my Epic Speed 4W at 16.5 degrees and my Apex 21 degree 4 hybrid. I have a spot there for one more club. Why do you do this to me Callaway?
Great article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. I think I want one now, just not sure what I would drop and what loft I would need to go with
[QUOTE=”MH, post: 10129692, member: 38594″]
Great article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. I think I want one now, just not sure what I would drop and what loft I would need to go with
[/QUOTE]
Thanks brother!
Yeah, that’s the exact same problem I’ve got in my head!
I do like the way this one sets up with the ball. I’m usually not a hybrid player but if this plays more like an iron, then you have my attention. (y)
So I took some swings with it and think this one will be a better fit for me than the Super Hybrid, which I absolutely love. This sounds totally internet golfer-ish, but the Super Hybrid I hit almost too far, which was causing me to completely change the long side of my bag. While I am not opposed to doing that, and going driver to Epic Super Hybrid, then into my irons, this seems to fill a gap that I had and can be more plug and play. Drop it right in where it is and go driver, 2nd driver this and then into the irons.
I am not sure why I didn’t expect it, but it launches pretty quickly for me off the Tech Studio mat, but still says with a pretty flat plane overall. Distance was what I want out of the spot + about 5 yards, which I am perfectly fine with.
Was asked to post images comparing to Epic Super Hybrid and here ya go.
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[QUOTE=”JohnnyCallaway, post: 10129322, member: 63768″]
I’m back in here after a break but wanted to post some pics of the Apex UW and answer any questions. This thing is stupendous.
The club in the pics was the one we had built up for Rahm to test
[/QUOTE]
looking forward to giving this thing a try.
Head sizes look very similar. From the bottom the UW looks like it should be quite a bit larger.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130011, member: 3″]
Was slaked to post images comparing to Epic Super Hybrid and here ya go.
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I dig it. Definitely looks to be more fairway wood shaped when compared to the super hybrid.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10128930, member: 3″]
I am a huge fan of new categories and this is going to be a big one long term I have a feeling. For those playing high lofted fairway woods but would prefer the hybrid form factor or the golfer that is looking for a good bridge from 3/4 wood to their irons.
Good article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
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Have you hit it, [USER=3]@JB[/USER]?
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10129380, member: 2320″]
The presentation on the Super Hybrid for me is still very much hybrid’y — it just goes really stupid far.
This feels (from presentation) more like that ball elevating, ground supporting, opportunistic style head.
[/QUOTE]
moon balls for you. Haha!!
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 10130063, member: 42964″]
Have you hit it, [USER=3]@JB[/USER]?
[/QUOTE]
Look up a few posts :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130011, member: 3″]
Was asked to post images comparing to Epic Super Hybrid and here ya go.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”41065089-0C91-49CB-B469-97F85D5337CA.jpeg”]9032343[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”29197BB7-FD35-4404-ADBD-57BA5AAEDBAE.jpeg”]9032344[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”265D30B2-FD39-4E09-B612-700A3B5ACCAC.jpeg”]9032345[/ATTACH]
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looking top Down. There does not seem to be much in it. The face appears deeper on the super.
I like the look and I’m sure it will play well. I’d have to hit it directly against what I have to see if I could make a spot for it. The way my bag sets now it would haev to be the 17 degree.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10129342, member: 2320″]
That seems like SUCH a telling photo, wow.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say the one on the right is a fairway wood.
[/QUOTE]
It seems like better visual “fit” going from a fairway to this while playing vs going from a fairway to hybrid. Color me intrigued
[media=giphy]mhXEQ2SrpjGWQ[/media]
I like the 17* ….This kind of reminds me of the Cobra F6 Baffler (2016).
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130069, member: 3″]
Look up a few posts :ROFLMAO:
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I hadn’t gotten there yet, LOL.
I’m totally going to have a decision to make with this spot in my bag the more that I read about this one…
I guess I am going to be the guy that says I wish it had an adjustable hosel.. I know there are some trade off there. But I like it.
[QUOTE=”Sox_Fan, post: 10128948, member: 9583″]
Those look and sound amazing. In reading the article, I was actually expecting, and maybe even wishing, there were more higher lofted options above 21*. Regardless, I would love to take some swings with them!
[/QUOTE]
That’s what I was hoping too.
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130140, member: 47057″]
That’s what I was hoping too.
[/QUOTE]
What lofts would you want if the idea is to be a hybrid/fairway replacement?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130150, member: 3″]
What lofts would you want if the idea is to be a hybrid/fairway replacement?
[/QUOTE]
Speecifically for me a 23*
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130156, member: 47057″]
Speecifically for me a 23*
[/QUOTE]
Wouldn’t that move past a 7 wood though? Using their epic max as an example, I believe the 7 wood would be 21 degrees.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130162, member: 3″]
Wouldn’t that move past a 7 wood though? Using their epic max as an example, I believe the 7 wood would be 21 degrees.
[/QUOTE]
I know a guy who rocks a 9 wood.
I do agree though, based upon my limited knowledge that you don’t want to high of a degree as that feels like it kind of defeats the purpose – wouldn’t we want it to be a smoother transition from Driver to (this style) then back into irons which tend to start in the mid 20’s as well. I would fear the gapping would be to close without enough of a benefit.
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130140, member: 47057″]
That’s what I was hoping too.
[/QUOTE]
A Devine 9… ?
I like the concept but not sure I’d be able to get the distance I’d need. I also have my Apex hybrids lofted down a degree.
I ended up needing less loft than I thought I would with the Mizuno fairway wood.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130162, member: 3″]
Wouldn’t that move past a 7 wood though? Using their epic max as an example, I believe the 7 wood would be 21 degrees.
[/QUOTE]
But if you have a 7 wood this would be a good step down instead of a hybrid and definitely better than an iron. It is a good looking club though. I guess maybe a player’s 7 wood?
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130189, member: 47057″]
But if you have a 7 wood this would be a good step down instead of a hybrid and definitely better than an iron. It is a good looking club though. I guess maybe a player’s 7 wood?
[/QUOTE]
In my opinion, and maybe I am alone, this is designed to replace the 7 wood. The company has a myriad of hybrids such as Apex and Apex Pro for higher lofts to move into after fairway woods.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 10130178, member: 22002″]
A Devine 9… ?
[/QUOTE]
I could dig that pretty hard. Those things were fun to hit back in the day. Have they made 9 woods lately? I feel like I have seen Callaway 9 woods in some of the LPGA bags maybe.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130207, member: 3″]
In my opinion, and maybe I am alone, this is designed to replace the 7 wood. The company has a myriad of hybrids such as Apex and Apex Pro for higher lofts to move into after fairway woods.
[/QUOTE]
It looks like a nice product for sure. I love the idea. Hope they sell a lot and expand the line for Apex UW 2. This would be a ? 4H replacement for a lot of golfers I think.
sweet neurofunk
[MEDIA=youtube]iHKvV-qhVlY[/MEDIA]
[media=giphy]blSTtZehjAZ8I[/media]
and more seriously
[MEDIA=youtube]N1asLsxiKQ8[/MEDIA]
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130207, member: 3″]
In my opinion, and maybe I am alone, this is designed to replace the 7 wood. The company has a myriad of hybrids such as Apex and Apex Pro for higher lofts to move into after fairway woods.
[/QUOTE]
I don’t remember reading. What is the stock length of this club?
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130230, member: 47057″]
I could dig that pretty hard. Those things were fun to hit back in the day. Have they made 9 woods lately? I feel like I have seen Callaway 9 woods in some of the LPGA bags maybe.
[/QUOTE]
The Epic Max Line has all the way to an 11 wood…
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10130234, member: 47057″]
It looks like a nice product for sure. I love the idea. Hope they sell a lot and expand the line for Apex UW 2. This would be a ? 4H replacement for a lot of golfers I think.
[/QUOTE]
Hehe. I don’t think the goal is to replace hybrids. But to replace high lofted fairway woods and bridge the gap for golfers. [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] touches on that a bit. They have a pretty extensive hybrid options list.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10130260, member: 3″]
Hehe. I don’t think the goal is to replace hybrids. But to replace high lofted fairway woods and bridge the gap for golfers. [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] touches on that a bit. They have a pretty extensive hybrid options list.
[/QUOTE]
I have been begging for a sub zero 7 wood. I know they exist on tour. This almost seems a little like that.
Definitely looking forward to demoing this one. Sounds right up my alley.
The 21 is tempting
[QUOTE=”aljaklaw, post: 10130243, member: 40313″]
sweet neurofunk
[MEDIA=youtube]iHKvV-qhVlY[/MEDIA]
[media=giphy]blSTtZehjAZ8I[/media]
and more seriously
[MEDIA=youtube]N1asLsxiKQ8[/MEDIA]
[/QUOTE]
OMG….those top two are REQUIRED viewing. can’t watch the first with out that Giphy on endless repeat. Phil would agree.
well done sir!
not sure i’d get along with the stock shaft, but i’m curious enough to want to try it
So is there a Hybrid or Fairway shaft in this? If bought one custom, what kind of shaft would you look at?
Between this, the Epic Super Hybo, Cleveland’s Hy-wood, and the King Tec hybrid, I think I need to take my 2008(?) Wilson Fybrid out for a nostalgia round.
This could definitely be a weapon in the right hands.
Uhhh. I already have one. It’s called a Heavenwood. Lol.
[QUOTE=”Bowtiepower00, post: 10133259, member: 61731″]
Uhhh. I already have one. It’s called a Heavenwood. Lol.
[/QUOTE]
This is very very very different.
These throw yet another wrinkle into decisions ?. Have to give Callaway credit for going outside the box with this as well as the Super Hybrid and being willing to give things a shot.