In the music world, an “opus” describes a composition. The word also derives from Latin and represents a labor of work. Both align perfectly with the concept behind the new Callaway Opus wedges.

Three key features comprise the difference-making performance that Callaway is touting in Opus as well as the Opus Platinum. Let’s take a look at this 2024 wedge drop before the July 19 pre-sale hits.

Overview

The new Opus lineup includes two models: the standard Opus is geared towards the masses, while the Opus Platinum is a Tour-validated version featuring a different shape with advanced metal injection molding (MiM). Both models are presented in further detail below.

While the pre-sale date is July 19, you can expect to see Opus wedges in your favorite golf retailer on July 26, with Opus Platinum following on August 16. The standard will have a sticker price of $179.99, and the Platinum will be $229.99.

Spin Gen Face Technology

The hallmark of the new Opus lineup is Spin Gen Face Technology. This engineering feat from Callaway aims to truly provide the average player with greenside spin instead of just being a word salad of “technology” that ultimately doesn’t help us more than what’s already in our bags. Spin Gen Face Technology is featured in both Opus models. The three keys to this composition:

Tighter pitch: The first key is that Callaway looked at the spacing between each groove and basically reduced it. Sounds simple, right? The result is more grooves on the surface of the clubface, which will help the golf ball be grabbed by said grooves, creating more spin and a better overall impact.

“We're continuing to use what we call the most aggressive groove in golf,” said Brian Herr, R&D Manager, Wedges at Callaway Golf. “And what we've seen in testing is that it's lowering the launch and creating more spin.”

Surface roughness: One of the noticeable aspects that Callaway worked on for this new generation is the roughness of the clubface. By using quartz to blast the face, it actually penetrates the material, making it rougher. Why would you need such a thing? For one, wet conditions. If you’re playing early in the morning or after rain, the rough surface cuts through moisture with ease. Another reason would be that it eliminates any moisture or longer grass that gets in that way of contact with the golf ball.

Angled micro-features: Grooves that are angled in unison with everything listed above weren’t overlooked with the Opus wedges. This technology is being carried over from previous Callaway generations and contributes to the versatility of shots that can be played. Whether you’re opening the face or closing it for some additional rollout, you’ll like the results.

Opus Standard

When it came to designing a new wedge line, Callaway took a different approach with Opus. That approach included getting some opinions from Callaway tour staff players. So when they say it’s “tour validated,” they aren’t joking.

“We started with a different mentality this time,” said Herr. “We didn't design a wedge and then bring it out and see what they thought. We started from the ground up, we started with shaping. We had multiple different shapes that we brought out and showed, we got their feedback, we iterated, we got their feedback, we iterated again.”

After 18 months, the golfing public receives a wedge that isn’t just tour inspired, it’s a true opus of engineering paired with tour direction. If you’re a loyal Callaway wedge player you’ll be delighted to know that they didn’t steer away from a variety of grind options. From narrow to wide, you will be able to get Opus in Callaway’s S grind, forgiving W, versatile C, and Tour-favorite T grind.

For finishes, Opus will have a traditional brushed chrome in addition to a black shadow. Both will feature the quartz-blasted rougher finish. A custom raw version is also available.

The stock shafts that will be available are the True Temper Dynamic Gold MID 115g (steel) and UST Recoil DART HDC shaft 65g (graphite). Stock grip is the gray Golf Pride Tour Velvet +2

Opus Platinum

So what else did Callaway decide to do while developing Opus over 18 months with feedback from tour players and developing Sping Gen Face Technology? Disrupted the wedge market by developing Opus Platinum, that’s all.

“At Callaway, we really looked at the wedge market,” said Paul Winterhalter, Product Manager. “Our leadership pushed the team to think, "If money was no object, what could we bring to disrupt the market?" We explored various ideas from materials to design, and what we came back with is Opus Platinum.”

So Herr and the team looked at how to pull the center of gravity up by way of heavier materials in the top line of the wedge. Specifically, 17 grams of tungsten is the material they felt was the best fit. The result was alleviating the higher misses associated with wedge play, whether it be greenside or on short approaches. For the slightly more accurate player who comes in steep to the golf ball, the feel and results from Opus Platinum should be a thing of beauty.

Tungsten usage is part of the super-premium look and feel of Opus Platinum and a key to MiM construction. The proprietary mix of materials isn’t just for aesthetics (although those are top-notch) but it contributes to performance as well. This process isn’t cast, it isn’t forged, but it is completely new to the golf industry.

“MIM is a different way to manufacture, it’s more precise, and it also provides better feel,” said Herr. “We’ve done extensive testing on MIM versus other manufacturing methods. MIM dampens better than other materials even the same material in different methods. MIM is a better dampener, so you’re going to notice a premium good, soft feel.”

As far as finishes go, Opus Platinum will be available in a Platinum Chrome as well as a striking Platinum Blue. Upgraded shafts are the True Temper Dynamic Gold MID in a gunmetal finish (115g) and the graphite UST Recoil DART HDC (65g). A premium grey/ black MCC Golf Pride grip tops off the elevated components

Wins Don’t Lie

Before Callaway was able to officially release the new Opus wedge line, results began pouring in. Yuko Saso won the U.S. Women's Open and Xander Schauffele won the PGA Championship, both with Callaway Opus wedges in hand. That’s on top of players such as Rose Zhang, Ronnie Yin, Chris Kirk, and Jon Rahm all having stellar performances with Opus this summer.

For more information on Opus wedges and all things Callaway, visit callawaygolf.com.

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