Callaway Golf’s new Mack Daddy 2 line of forged wedges each feature larger grooves for more spin, a soft carbon steel for greater feel, and custom sole grind options. The wedges, designed by legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland, are played on the PGA Tour by Phil Mickelson. The Mack Daddy 2 Wedges will be available July 12.
Callaway Golf's Mack Daddy 2 wedge
For a good look at how the wedges work, Callaway has produced a a series of videos called “Wedgeducation,” which feature Cleveland and Callaway’s Director or Fitting & Instruction, Randy Peterson (www.CallawayGolf.com/wedgeducation). The videos, according to Callaway, guide golfers through short game tips and provide advice and instruction on how to get the most out of the scoring clubs.
The wedges (suggested retail price $119) each feature what Callaway calls a new “5V Groove Pattern. This groove pattern, Callaway Golf says, provides “wider, more aggressive” grooves that increase spin and thus promote more control around the green. The new groove pattern, according to the company, is 39 percent larger and produces 25 percent more spin than its predecessor.
“Golfers ask their lob wedges to perform a lot of different shots so it’s important to design these wedges to be extremely forgiving and versatile,” Cleveland said. “And that’s what we’ve done with these new grooves and the added custom grind options.”
There are three custom sole grinds available in the Mack Daddy 2 Wedge line in the 58- and 60-degree clubs:
-The U-Grind, which Mickelson plays, has a concave sole and the tightest radius of the three grind options, which significantly relieves the heel and toe. Callaway says this allows the leading edge to stay low and under the ball when opening the face to add loft.
-The C-Grind is also relieved in the heel and toe to prevent golfers from creating too much bounce when opening the face. The depth of the sole is narrow to help facilitate proper contact and to allow the wedge to perform in all conditions, firm or soft.
-The S-Grind is relieved in the heel only, and is best suited for firmer playing conditions. This grind is fitting for the golfer who does not want to add loft for a shot and insead play it with a square face.
The wedges will come in two finishes: a Slate finish that looks fresh from a workshop bench; and a milky Chrome finish with a smoky look that reduces glare.
At launch, there will be 52-, 56-, 58- and 60-degree options available. A second wave of options will follow in November, including a 47-, 50-, 54- and 64-degree options, and additional sole grind offerings for the 56-degree wedge.
