Callaway 'Utility Irons': Ernie Els, who else uses?

[joekelly]

I saw a photo of Ernie's bag and it included 3 utility irons and from 5i to wedges Callaway Muscle-back irons. Am unfamiliar with the utility irons but they must be like hybrids, kinds fat and heavy on the bottom and thin along the sight line.  Anyone have a review to offer?

[Mr. Desmond]

Undoubtedly used when a player wants to keep the ball down. I would not expect those utility clubs to be in Ernie's bag most of the time.

[glock35ipsc]

They aren't available to the public yet.  But with Ernie's win, that might change.

http://www.golf.com/equipment/callaway-x-prototype-tour-utility-irons

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by joekelly

I saw a photo of Ernie's bag and it included 3 utility irons and from 5i to wedges Callaway Muscle-back irons. Am unfamiliar with the utility irons but they must be like hybrids, kinds fat and heavy on the bottom and thin along the sight line.  Anyone have a review to offer?

They are very easy to hit.  I really liked them when I was fortunate enough to get a chance to hit them ... http://thesandtrap.com/t/58537/the-sand-trap-visits-callaway-golf-razr-fit-driver-fitting-at-the-ely-callaway-performance-center/0_30

(More pics at the bottom of Mike's first post)

They gave us the impression that a lot of guys would have them in their bags at the US Open, and if it was true, I can only imagine a lot of them also would use them at the British.

Currently I have one true hybrid between my 3W and 3I ... when I eventually get new clubs, chances are good that I will probably ditch the 3I like most do nowadays, and if so, I think replacing it with one of these would work better for me than a traditional hybrid.

[GatorCallaway]

I'd like to try one. They kind of remind of the Cleveland Niblicks.

[newtogolf]

They remind me of the Hogan Sure Out wedges.  I wonder if they were adapted from the old Hogan design.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

They remind me of the Hogan Sure Out wedges.  I wonder if they were adapted from the old Hogan design.

I don't think so, no. The wedges serve an entirely different purpose. You can't say they're the same just because they both have a wide sole, especially at a shovel-maker like Callaway. :)

[joekelly]

Erik, do you have some personal and negative issues with Callaway products?  Are you calling those utility irons 'shovels'?  'Hm, 217 yards. I'll take the 3 shovel, please'.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by joekelly

Erik, do you have some personal and negative issues with Callaway products?  Are you calling those utility irons 'shovels'?  'Hm, 217 yards. I'll take the 3 shovel, please'.

No. I call lots of clubs shovels. The game-improvement and super-game-improvement clubs are shovels, regardless of who makes them. Callaway tends to make more "shovels" than anyone else. Shovels have big thick toplines, really wide soles, large heel-to-toe distances, etc.

[showtime583]

Here's some insight on the new utilities......this was on pgatour.com.

http://tourreport.pgatour.com/2012/07/25/els-big-win-for-callaways-x-hybrids/

[Kenny Girard]

Hey I have one of these in a 18 degree with a graphite shaft, I love this club since i have a wood/hybrid issue. this solved my issues. its great off the tee and off the groud in a approach on par 5's. i hit mine are 240-250 which is a yardage i need a club for since i cant hit a three wood to save my life. the ball flight in this club is low/med. which is good on windy days. its like a bullet of the face it carries and then rolls additional 30-40 yards. so overall its a great club, for an extra 30$ you can get a graphite shaft instead of the stock metal one. it helps with forgiveness and helps lift it in the air with the graphite shaft. hope this helps you with this clubs.