Tag: Callaway

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WITB Jon Rahm: The Equipment for the Masters Tournament 2024

Jon Rahms WITB for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahms WITB for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

Last years Masters Tournament Champion Jon Rahm returns to Augusta National. In his golfbag is an array of old and new club from his longterm partner Callaway. With the new Ai Smoke series and the new Chrome Tour golf ball Rahm trusts the 2024 innovations coming from Callaway in Augusta National.

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WITB Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament 2024

(Image: Callaway)

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke (10.5°)

(Image: Callaway)

Fairways Woods: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond T (16° and 18°)

(Image: Callaway)

Irons: Callaway Apex Pro (4)

(Image: Callaway)

Callaway Apex TCB (5-PW) 

(Image: Callaway)

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (52-10, 56-12, 60-10)

(Image: Callaway)

Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Rossie S 

(Image: Callaway)

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X 

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Equipment What's in the Bag

WITB Akshay Bhatia 2024: Victory with Callaway and Odyssey

Akshay Bhatias winning WITB with Callaway and Odyssey at the Valero Texas Open 2024 (Image: Getty)
Akshay Bhatias winning WITB with Callaway and Odyssey at the Valero Texas Open 2024 (Image: Getty)

The 22 year old Akshay Bhatia secured his top spot on the leaderboard early on. But in a stunning final round Denny McCarthy closed Bhatias lead and forced a playoff. But Bhatia stayed cool and secured his second PGA Tour win at the Valero Texas Open 2024. In his Bag is a mix of Callaway Classics and new models of the 2023/24 season.

Akshay Bhatia WITB fpr April 2024

(Image: Callaway)

Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS (9°)

(Image: Callaway)

3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (15°)

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW prototype (19°)

Utility iron: Callaway X Forged UT (21°)

(Image: Callaway)

Irons: Callaway Apey TCB Raw (5-PW)

(Image: Callaway)

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (50, 54, 60°)

Putter: Odyssey Versa Jailbird 360

(Image: Callaway)

Golf ball: Callaway Chrome Tour

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Equipment

Callaway for sale? – This is what the company says about the rumor

Callaway is said to be up for sale. The truth behind the rumors and what the PIF has to do with it. (Source: Getty)
Callaway is said to be up for sale. The truth behind the rumors and what the PIF has to do with it. (Source: Getty)

A report in the South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily suggests that one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment could be up for sale. According to the report, the major shareholders of Topgolf Callaway have instructed a key manager to look into the possibility of spinning off the golf equipment and hardware business to focus solely on the state-of-the-art Topgolf driving ranges. The report states that Callaway would be valued at nearly $3 billion and that a South Korean “strategic investor is reportedly interested in acquiring the company.” To put the reported value in perspective: Korea-based Centroid Investment Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2021 from New York-based KPS Capital Partners for $1.7 billion – a figure that remains the largest acquisition in the history of the golf equipment industry. After the report was published on Wednesday, Topgolf Callaway’s share price rose by more than ten percent.

Callaway denies rumors

When asked by Golf.com, a Callaway representative issued the following statement: “While it is our long-standing practice not to respond to market rumors and speculation, in light of the unusual market activity today and a recent media report in Korea about discussions of a possible sale of the company or its golf equipment business, we confirm that we are not aware of any such discussions. We do not intend to comment further on this matter and we assume no obligation to make any further announcements or disclosures should circumstances change.”

Topgolf Callaway CEO Chip Brewer emphasized that Callaway equipment would remain a big part of the message at Topgolf, particularly the Chrome Tour golf ball. “The business has performed exceptionally well from a brand perspective in 2023,” he said. “Our U.S. dollar market share positioned us as the No. 1 club brand and the No. 2 golf ball brand. In clubs alone, we were No. 1 in total clubs, drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.”

PIF reportedly interested in Callaway

Shortly after the rumor that Callaway was up for sale emerged, wild speculation arose on social networks. Even multiple major winner and LIV golfer Phil Mickelson commented on one of them. Golf journalist Bob Ball published the idea on X (formerly Twitter) that the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF could be interested in a takeover of the manufacturer and explained why he thought this was likely: “The acquisition of Callaway Golf by PIF would create an alliance between LIV Golf, Top Golf and Callaway,” Ball explained. “This would be a direct counter-offensive against the alliance of Tiger Woods, the PGA Tour, TGL, Popstroke and TaylorMade.” The integration of LIV Golf into Top Golf would lead to a wider audience, he explained: “With LIV Golf integrated into every Top Golf, local amateur teams could compete in fun local competitions – league play days with lots of food and free drinks. This would attract a lot of new and younger fans to LIV Golf.”

Ball also pointed out that a purchase of Callaway Golf by PIF would thwart the plans of TGL and the PGA Tour to utilize Top Golf to compete with the team concept introduced by LIV. Lastly, Ball emphasized that the purchase would likely be cheaper than investing in the PGA Tour and that Callaway is a solid revenue source. Additionally LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson are strongly associated with Callaway. The latter has already shown enthusiasm for Ball’s idea on X. Even after Callaway dismissed the rumors as false, Ball remained steadfast in his belief that the acquisition of the equipment giant would be a good deal for PIF and LIV Golf.

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Brands Equipment

Callaway Golf announces Minjee Lee as new staff professional

Minjee Lee joines Callaway as staff professional in 2024. (Photo: Callaway)
Minjee Lee joines Callaway as staff professional in 2024. (Photo: Callaway)

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced a new multi-year staff pro agreement with global women’s golf superstar, Minjee Lee. With this announcement, Lee will carry 14 Callaway clubs in the bag, including an Odyssey Putter, plus a Callaway golf ball, bag, and glove.

Minjee Lee joins Callaway Golf for 2024

The 27-year-old Australian native has been a dominant player throughout her golf career. Lee was the #1 ranked Women’s Amateur prior to turning professional in 2014, and since then she has won 10 LPGA Tour events, including major victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. She recently won two LPGA events in 2023 at the Kroger Queen City Championship and the BMW Ladies Championship. Her brother Min Woo Lee is also a Callaway PGA TOUR Professional.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Callaway Staff, and I’m excited to see how their equipment will help my performance going forward,” Lee said. “They’re the most played club brand on the LPGA, so I’ve seen how good the product is, and how much it’s helped my brother take his game to the next level. Now that I’ve had a chance to try their new driver and the Chrome Tour Ball, I feel confident in my setup, and I know that this is the right decision for me.”

“Minjee is such a special talent, and we want to help her reach her goals, win more events, and compete on the biggest stages,” said Tim Reed, SVP of Pro Tour at Callaway Golf. “Our fitters have had a great experience so far working with her, listening to her feedback, and getting everything dialed for her game. We can’t wait to see what she achieves with our equipment in play.”

Her current bag features a Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver, an Odyssey Putter, and a new Chrome Tour X Ball.

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Equipment

International exhibitors and attendees increase their presence at the PGA Show

The german company Puttview at the PGA Show 2024. (Source: PGA Show)
The german company Puttview at the PGA Show 2024. (Source: PGA Show)

With around 200 exhibitors from 25 countries, in addition to the United States, and well over one thousand attendees from more than 80 countries, the PGA Show is proving every year its growing global reach and international impact.

The PGA Show: An industry highlight

“Since 2007, Trackman has consistently participated in the PGA show, with only one absence during Covid. Over the years, our presence has gradually grown, reaching its peak this year,” said Bernd Larsen Linde, Vice President of Marketing for Trackman, a renowned Danish manufacturer of simulators and range solutions.

“Since our very beginning, Trackman has collaborated with top coaches, fitters, and global brands. We always look forward to the PGA Show as an opportunity to reconnect with the many PGA professionals who have been our valued partners over the years and get to meet exciting and new business partners,” added Larsen Linde.

Trackman at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)

Like Trackman, German technology firm Puttview, specialized on interactive putting greens, has grown its presence at the PGA Show since their debut in 2018. “It is one of the most important events of the year in terms of the golf industry. It is an easy way to reach out to businesses, clients, golf clubs, with everybody there and together in one place,” said Ann-Kathrin Nahl, Marketing and Communication Manager for Puttview.

Puttview at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)

Exhibitors from all over the world

International exhibitors, like Trackman or Puttview, will make up about 12% of the Show Floor in 2024. They share the floor with education and meeting spaces, and exhibitors from the United States, some of which expand their operations beyond North America.

“For years, the presence of Latin Americans at the Show has been very important. It promotes new relations and clients, interactions with people that meet you in person for the first time. And you get great feedback about the status of golf in the region,” said Juan Pina, Regional Manager for Latin America at Callaway Golf.

While many of the exhibitors come from China, Canada, Korea; most of the regular international visitors to the PGA Show come from the Americas and Europe. However, all the continents and almost half of the world are represented through the combination of exhibitors and attendees.

“The PGA of America is actively sourcing more opportunities to partner with like-minded organizations, golf facilities and mission-driven individuals across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” said Sean D. Thornberry, Director of Global Development at the PGA of America.

The PGA Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) in partnership with the PGA of America, showcases that global interconnection in the golf industry and the international outreach of both organizations.

“To date, we have executed brand partnerships with golf facilities in 8 countries, merchandising relationships in China and South Korea, formalized an International Section with over 300 PGA of America Golf Professionals, introduced 1000s of golfers to player engagement programs and opened up education pathways to PGA Membership for non-US citizens and non-residents of the United States,” added Thornberry.

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Equipment Professionals

Tom McKibbin joins Team Callaway

Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)
Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway today announced the signing of exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin as a new Staff Professional.

A winner on the DP World Tour after just 26 starts, the 21-year-old Northern Irish golf prodigy claimed his breakthrough victory at last year’s Porsche European Open in Germany, and will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, including the new Chrome Tour Golf Ball.

Tom made an incredible start to his golfing career at a very young age. He captured the Junior Honda Classic title in his age group when he was just 12-years-old, and among his many other amateur accolades, at just 16-years-old, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Ireland at the 2019 Home Internationals.

In 2019, his US success continued when he won the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina.

Prior to turning professional in 2021, Tom represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championship and played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Léglise Trophy the same years.

He will compete in his first DP World Tour tournament as a #TeamCallaway staffer at the Dubai Invitational, which begins this week.

Commenting on this important new signing, Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations, Callaway Golf EMEA, said: “Tom is an exciting prospect in the world of professional golf – already a proven winner – and we are proud to have yet another young star of the future join our Callaway and Odyssey families, representing us on the biggest stage.”

Tom added: “I’ve been testing new Callaway and Odyssey products with the Tour team over the winter and I can’t wait to put my new equipment into competitive play. I’ve been a long-time fan of Callaway equipment and I’m confident I can take a big step forwards in my career using their clubs and golf ball.”

Text by Callaway Golf

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Brands Equipment Products

Callaway Golf announces new Paradym Ai Smoke woods and irons

The new Callaway Golf Paradym Ai Smoke Family. (Photo: Callaway)
The new Callaway Golf Paradym Ai Smoke Family. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new family of Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers, Fairway Woods, Irons, and Hybrids. Designed with extensive player data and a new Ai Smart Face to create sweet spots across the entire face, these clubs are available for pre-sale on January 12, and at retail starting on January 26.

“Sweeter from every Spot” – The new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers 2024

The Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey, with the most sophisticated face they’ve ever created from player data and machine learning. The Ai Smart Face optimises driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of golfers. By leveraging Ai and Machine Learning, these swing dynamics are used to create over 50,000 virtual face prototypes, optimising performance for each head shape.

With Ai Smart Face technology, micro deflections are activated upon impact helping to optimise launch and spin on off-centre shots. The result is sweet spots not just in the centre, but all over the face. The 360° Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote increased weight distribution. By adding an internal titanium support structure, the Carbon Chassis is now 15% lighter. This mass has been redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions and add forgiveness.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is suited for every level of player with a forgiving shape and adjustable perimeter weighting for up to 19 yards of shot shape correction. MAX D is built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile for players looking for shot shape correction. Triple Diamond is for better players looking for increased workability, and MAX Fast promotes lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.

Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods

The Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. Every face is designed to optimise launch and spin, creating sweet spots across the entire face. Based on player testing and feedback, the Callaway engineering team focused particularly on improving performance low on the face, where a lot of misses with fairway woods take place.

Their Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote enhanced launch, spin, and increased forgiveness. And the Tungsten Speed Cartridge pushes the centre of gravity (CG) low and forward for improved launch and distance.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is the most extensive offering for consistent launch and a neutral ball flight. MAX D is built with high MOI for players looking for shot shape correction, and Triple Diamond is suited for better players who want more workability. MAX Fast is the lightest weight model, providing a forgiving shape that’s easy to launch with draw bias.

Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids

The hybrids use Ai Smart Face to promote maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green. They feature a shallower profile for high, easy launch while the Tungsten Speed Cartridge creates exceptional distance. A more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact.

Three models are available: Ai Smoke features a brand-new contemporary design with a larger profile for amplified forgiveness and instilled confidence at address. Additionally, a more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact. Ai Smoke HL is designed to increase distance, improve launch, and tighten dispersion. The lightweight Max Fast promotes more swing speed and launch.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons

A total revolution in iron performance from Ai Smart Face. With the Ai Smart Face, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons promote exceptional distance, tight dispersion into the green, and optimal launch in a modern construction. The new shape consists of longer blade lengths, thinner toplines, and optimised sole widths to create a forgiving, yet streamlined look at address. An all-new Dynamic Sole Design features a pre-worn leading edge with variable bounce that cuts through the turf with extreme efficiency.

Three models are available in this game-improvement lineup: Ai Smoke is best suited for golfers with average to high swing speeds looking to maximise distance and improve dispersion. Ai Smoke HL is made for higher launch and more spin for players that need those added benefits. MAX Fast is built to optimise swing speed and increase launch.

Text: Callaway GolfThe new Paradym Ai Smoke family from Callaway promises better hits across the entire clubface. To achieve this, the developers are once again supported by artificial intelligence.

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Callaway announces new Chrome Tour and Chrome Soft Golfballs 2024

The new Callaway Chrome Soft, Chome Tour and Chrome Tour X Golfball 2024. (Photo: Callaway)
The new Callaway Chrome Soft, Chome Tour and Chrome Tour X Golfball 2024. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new line of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft Golf Balls. From cover to core, these golf balls are the new gold standard for Callaway in performance, and they will all be available at retail on February 2.

Every detail in this lineup has been optimised, including the new Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and the cover formulation. Each of these technologies are measured through industry-leading manufacturing, with over 100 million proof points, for the most consistent performance. Throughout the development, Callaway’s R&D team has worked extensively with some of the best Tour players in the game, incorporating their detailed feedback into the engineering and performance characteristics of these golf balls.

Callaway Chrome Tour Golfballs: Designed for the best golfers out there

Chrome Tour is engineered for better players who want the best in distance and feel. It provides outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control. The core is engineered for the optimised balance of long distance and soft feel. The aerodynamic package is built for consistently stable ball flights in any condition. Additionally, better players can aggressively go after shots from added spin through the bag, while the cover system provides outstanding control and Tour-level feel.

Chrome Tour X is for the best players who want speed and the ultimate control from their Tour Ball. It provides outstanding distance, workability, and spin so you can experience your best performance from tee-to-green. The core promotes maximum ball speed and distance, especially off the driver, while the Seamless Tour Aero promotes consistently penetrating flight with enhanced workability for every club. Better players can also take advantage of the spin and workability in Chrome Tour X to hit the most precise iron and wedge shots.

Completing the lineup, Chrome Soft provides outstanding performance with faster ball speeds, a new seamless Tour Aero to optimise your ball flight, increased greenside control, and soft feel. It’s built for aspirational players who are looking for a Tour quality ball. Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft will be available for purchase on February 2.

Text: Callaway Golf

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Equipment Products

The new Callaway Odyssey putters with artificial intelligence

The news Odyssey Callaway Ai-One Putters 2023. (Image: Callaway)
The news Odyssey Callaway Ai-One Putters 2023. (Image: Callaway)

Today Odyssey Golf, an industry leader in putter innovation and the #1 Putter on Tour, announced its exceptional new lineup of Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled Putters. Featuring revolutionary insert technologies for more consistent ball speeds, even on off-centre hits, these new offerings are designed to help you putt smarter.

The new Odyssey AI-One Putter 2023

In the new Ai-ONE, Odyssey has leveraged Callaway’s industry-leading Artificial Intelligence design and super-computing capabilities to create the most advanced insert in golf. A multi-material construction includes unique contours on the back of the face that minimise ball speed losses on off-centre hits, and greatly increase the sweet spot. Their revolutionary Ai-ONE urethane insert delivers more consistent ball speeds, even from off-centre hits, leaving putts up to 21% closer to the hole*.

To achieve this unmatched level of performance, the back of the insert is crafted out of aluminium and a White Hot Urethane is added to the grooved striking surface for the iconic White Hot feel that millions of golfers love. These enhancements provide incredible feel, speed control, and consistency in a design that’s changing the face of putting.

In a unique addition for Ai-ONE, Odyssey’s designers have developed a Panlite® window that makes the contours visible; it’s built from an automotive grade polymer that provides great clarity and scratch resistance. The window truly makes these putters unlike anything that’s come before and highlights this extraordinary technology.

A lightweight SL 90 steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight is placed in the butt end, an evolution of Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Weighting that will appeal to even more golfers. These putters all feature a beautiful navy blue PVD finish that really sets them apart and gives them a premium look.

Ai-ONE is already gaining attention on Tour and performing on golf’s biggest stages. Jon Rahm used an Ai-ONE model to go undefeated while earning 3 points for the victorious European Team in Rome, and Sam Burns gamed an Ai-ONE model for the U.S. Team. Plus, Women’s World #1 Ruoning Yin is already using an Ai-ONE in competition.

The milled Version of the AI-One

The new Ai-ONE Milled also leverages Callaway’s industry-leading Artificial Intelligence design and super-computing capabilities. These premium putters feature a 100% milled stainless steel body fit for the beauty and precision that the most discerning golfers appreciate, along with a 100% milled titanium insert.

This multi-material construction includes unique contours on the back of the face that minimise ball speed losses on off-centre hits, and greatly increase the sweet spot. With Ai-ONE Milled, putts finish closer to the hole on average than a traditional milled putter*.

The unique champagne finish complements the navy blue PVD of the head to give the putter a rich and striking look that sets it apart from other offerings. A lightweight SL 90 steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight is placed in the butt end, creating an evolution of Stroke Lab Weighting.

Text: Callaway

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Brands Equipment

Callaway Golf and Jon Rahm announce long-term partnership extension

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in golf equipment design, performance, and innovation, and Jon Rahm, one of the best players in the world, announced a new long-term partnership extension.

Rahm joined Callaway in 2021 and earned his first major championship win at the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, which moved him to Number One in the World Golf Rankings. He won three more times in 2022 and has continued his remarkable run of form this season. Jon leads the PGA TOUR with four wins in 2023, highlighted by his second major championship in April at Augusta, where he delivered a masterful performance to secure the Green Jacket.

Jon Rahm also on the road with Callaway in 2024

Rahm will continue to play a full bag of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, wear Callaway headwear, TravisMathew apparel and footwear, and support Topgolf’s global golf entertainment venue business. Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) will leverage this partnership towards the Company’s strategic goal of strengthening its position as the leader in golf equipment globally, as well as its leadership positions across the modern golf ecosystem.

“I’m so happy to continue this incredible relationship with Callaway and I truly have played the best golf of my career with their equipment,” Rahm said in a provided statement. “From the driver to the golf ball, they continue to set the bar higher with every new product line, and I’m looking forward to many more great years with their team.”

“We’re so proud to have Jon on our staff, and we couldn’t be more excited about this extension of our long-term partnership,” said Topgolf Callaway Brands President & CEO, Chip Brewer. “Jon is an amazing talent, and he’s driven to be one of the very best to ever play the game. Equally important, he is a man of strong integrity and a brand ambassador who shares our passion for making a positive impact on our global sport. It’s a pleasure to work with him, and we look forward to focusing our considerable resources on his continued success.”

This extension includes an equity position for Rahm in Topgolf Callaway Brands, a position that both aligns the Company’s interests and demonstrates Jon’s confidence in the strategic direction of the Modern Golf family of TCB Corp Brands.