Clubs that don’t fit cleanly in any category are often the most fun to write about and to mess around with on the golf course. TaylorMade’s Mini Driver, Rickie’s F6 Baffler, and now the second coming of Callaway’s Apex UW (Utility Wood): All seek to fill a need that doesn’t conform to the traditional conventions of golf bag makeup.
If you’ve watched (or listened) to our No Putts Given podcast, you’ve heard us discuss what I call the “transitional zone” of the golf bag. It’s the space between the longest fairway wood (or, in some cases, your driver), and the longest true iron you carry.
It’s the spot (or spots) in the bag that gives you freedom to mix, match and choose between fairway woods, hybrids, utility irons and a small assortment of interesting other.
That last one is where the Callaway Apex UW fits.
About the Callaway Apex UW
The Callaway Apex UW qualifies as a tweener. It’s not a direct one-for-one alternative to either a fairway wood or a hybrid but it shares some of the best qualities of both.
It’s perhaps the long-game equivalent of a Labradoodle.
Described by Callaway as a go-to option for the best players on the PGA TOUR, the selling point of the Apex UW is its versatility.
If you’re new to this, “versatility” typically means you can hit (presumably effectively) from a variety of lies and conditions.
The selling points are high launch, steep landing and precision control.
Awesome. I’ll take eight.
Better players will appreciate what Callaway describes as a neutral design. The center-of-gravity position is neither heel- nor toe-biased which, in theory, gives skilled golfers the opportunity to work the ball (or not) as needed.
Apex UW Tech
Arguably, the design goal isn’t one that demands much in the way of bells and whistles but Callaway is throwing a good bit of its signature technology into the Apex UW.
It offers Jailbreak with Batwing technology. Callaway’s latest iteration of Jailbreak works to stiffen the body which allows the face to function more efficiently and transfer more energy to the ball.
You’ve got an AI-designed 360 Face Cup for more distance with better spin control. (Did somebody say spinsistency?)
Lastly, you get a Cutwave Sole design to help the Apex UW move smoothly through the turf.
Who is It For?
To hear Callaway tell it, the Apex UW is intended for Tour players, elite amateurs and better ball strikers.
They made the club so who am I to argue?
That said, it’s at least possible they’ve pigeon-holed the Apex UW just a bit in the interest of building street cred for what is inarguably a bit of an oddball in the club world.
The lack of draw bias might be a factor (a majority of metalwoods on the market are at least a little draw-biased) but we’re talking about a club that launches high, lands soft and can be used from a variety of lies.
Toss in a shaft length that’s shorter than equivalent fairway woods and we’re trending towards “easier to hit.” In fact, Callaway describes it as much.
I’m not saying it’s the right club for you but, on paper, it looks like there’s more utility to this wood than Callaway is letting on.
Callaway Apex UW – Specs, Pricing and Availability
The Callaway Apex UW is available in 17, 19 and 21 degrees. That should make it a viable replacement for most 5- and 7-woods as well as 2-, 3- and some 4-hybrids. As mentioned, it’s also an alternative to utility irons in the same range.
The stock shaft is a Mitsubishi MMT in 70 or 80 grams. Stock shaft lengths are 41 inches in the 21-degree model and 41.5 in the 17- and 19-degree offerings. For most, that will be longer than an equivalent hybrid but shorter than an equivalent fairway wood.
Retail price for the Callaway Apex UW is $299. Pre-sale begins Aug. 18 with full retail availability starting Sept. 8.
For more information, visit CallawayGolf.com.
Also, be sure to check out our coverage of the new Callaway Apex Pro iron lineup.
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