Golf Blog – MyGolfSpyGolf Blog – “Your Secret Agent For Everything Golf”

September 16th, 2009 at 11:35 am

Personally I like it, it’s about time a major manufacturer had the balls to really change the way people think about their woods.

I know I’ll be in the majority here but I’d definitely buy it especially if it’s available as a fairway “wood”. To me it looks more like a hybrid club with stabilizing fins to increase MOI. Take a look at the lower right image and you’ll see what I mean.

It also looks extremely aerodynamic which should increase swing speed by a few MPH. Additionally from the sketches (lower left image) it really looks like Callaway are trying push the limits of increasing the size of the “sweet spot”. Perhaps this the missing area behind the middle of the clubhead and “wee bump” helps slow the sweet spot down and achieve greater ball speeds across the face even more so than with their existing Hyperbolic Face Technology.

September 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am

The world rejected the box shape when it first came out…and now they are a hit! who knows maybe someday these new shapes will make the square a “traditional” shape and the pears will just be considered ancient….personally I like classic wood shapes but I would still bag this driver.

September 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Eww… I understand that callaway is trying to push the envelope a little bit, but come on. It looks like something out of a video game. Although the shape and design of the club head may increase performance couldn’t they fill the gap from stabilizing fins or w/e you want to call them with carbon fiber or some other type of light weight material that would make it a bit more traditional looking with out comprimising the performance of the design???

September 16th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

I really don’t know what to say about these sketches…..they are unique that is to say the least. I would have to see a finished product in order to fully comment, but at first sight I really don’t like it. I think they are reach too much these days.

September 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Message to callaway JUST STOP!!! I’m so sick of this driver it’s rediculous, maybe I’m wrong but the to me there is nothing this club will do to convince me to spend $500 on it. I think they should focus on making a sucessful traditional driver that isn’t some kind of gimmick.

September 16th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Looks like their boys at Odyssey want to carry over their designs to callaway drivers. Whats next? A two ball driver?

September 16th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

If it has a bigger face and is more streamlined so that my clubhead speed increase, then i will buy it no matter what it looks like. I am an 18 handicap and the best Driver i have ever owned if the Diablo. The 460cc head was the best thing i ever did for my game. I almost always had mishits off the heel or toe of the older 2004 driver i carried. I always connect withthe Diablo because of the larger clubface, and off center hits still travel. So if they can make it bigger and more forgiving, then i say “Bring It On!”

September 16th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

If the performance justifies the looks and price I would buy the club. I like classic design, but I will choose technology where there is a clear advantage.

September 16th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

looks alot like the sabertooth putter they have, not a fan of that thing either

September 16th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

I am very intrigued about this driver. I prefer more traditional shapes but im always open to other ideas, if i hit it better i will play it.

September 16th, 2009 at 8:12 pm

Not sure why everyone wants to dismiss the idea until they at least try it? I prefere a traditional shape driver as well but I decided to try a square driver and got used to it in no time. If it works I am all for it. If its just a gimmick to help sell clubs and give the marketing department something to hype up then its useless.

September 16th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

This looks better than the original drawings that MGS leaked a month or two ago, but I seriously doubt this club will gain credibility with touring pros. A small percentage of average golfer on a constant search to find equipment that they think will make them better will give this driver a shot, but club pros and touring pros will have to get paid big bucks for the ridicule they will get from their buddies for throwing this in their bag. If Callaway is smart, they’ll release this in limited numbers to build some hype and demand for the club, and then see if the market feedback will warrant mass producing this monstrosity.

September 17th, 2009 at 12:38 am

Not that i can find any pics on line, but this is very similar to the Bullet Hollowpoint driver from the 90’s. To make that conforming they had to add a soleplate to the design, and if my memory serves me right,this totally negated the effects of the design…

September 17th, 2009 at 7:34 am

Personally, I like the look of the club and would buy it if the performance was better then my current driver. I was also the first person at my golf club to buy a Cleveland HiBore as well. Technology outweighs looks….but I still like the looks.

September 17th, 2009 at 8:12 am

eventually traditional will be the new cutting edge!

September 17th, 2009 at 8:50 am

What happened to “plain in shape” as a USGA rule? LOL, I guess that Callaway dollars make the USGA interpret rules differently than they do for smaller [read: poorer] companies.

September 17th, 2009 at 9:53 am

But can you hit with it?

As long as it conforms with USGA, and improves your enjoyment of the game, why not?

September 17th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Not to throw a bucket on Calloway but didn’t Bullett golf try this in the late 60 or 70s and it was ruled illeagle. My how times have changed

September 17th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

I am oddly drwan to this club. 2010? is there a chance or have they thrown this out to get reaction. Kind of a testing the look by the remarks they get?

September 17th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

FYI; Run a true “Wind Tunnel” test on a 250 to 300 cc “Pear Shape” club head VS a “Square of 400+cc clubhead and you will understand why I still use “Small Head” Drivers with very good results!! I also still use “Stiff Steel Shafts”!! They provide the “feel I like”!! When “Vintage” produces acceptable results, why change? JWH

September 18th, 2009 at 2:56 am

Everyone who is tired of “Gimmicks” please stand up!!!! GOLF is the most supersticious game on earth….That’s why we have so many gimmicks. If Billy Mays or Butch Harmann came on TV and told us that spreading mayonaise on our ass would give us ten more yards per drive….every golf course in america would smell like the local deli tomorrow…. If it helps your psychy to play this driver….then…by all means play it. I think the design allows for weights in the gap behind the face. Besides…they’re Callaway, What are you asking them to do? Stop designing???

September 18th, 2009 at 3:31 am

Kiddies; Another comment that I will make is the following: When Eli Callaway was selling “HIS GARBAGE” out of the back of “HIS CADDIE”! years ago!! There was a gentleman by the Name of Stan Thompson who in Beverly Hills & Culver City produced the best golf clubs made and created many inovations before he passed away a number of years ago!! The “WarBird Sole Plate” was not an idea of Callaway, but the use of the design patent for the “Ginty” as produced by Stan Thompson that Callaway purchased from the estate of Stan when he died!! If anyone wants to learn who had more impact on club design than many go to stanthompsongolfhistory.com, and you may learn a lot!!! I wouldn’t take a Callaway as a gift!! I love my Thompsons much more!! JWH

September 18th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

I like it. I cant wait until clubmakers finnaly stop making THE SAME thing over and over again, we need new club design. I would pay for it…

September 18th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Pardon me from expressing my opinions and thoughts, but try this sometime!! Play #18 at Rancho Bernardo CC (private course). from the trips about 540yds.!! Last time I played it with my Thompson persimmon stiff steel woods, the results were this: #1 off tee over the hill & down the draw to 290 carry, #3 to 30′ behind the stick, missed the eagle putt by 6′, made the #2 putt for a birrdie 4!! Proved a point to my Father, that “Vintage Clubs” when used properly will produce the desired results. Also the putter was an old Ray Cook M1-N used for the putts!! The feel from well hit shots is a pleasure but take work and practice!! I prefer to use clubs that require skill to use!! Also you won’t find Callaway in the clubmakers Hall of Fame!!Also A Callaway GB-Bertha TI #1 will shear graphite shafts on a regular basis because the lack of a ferrel at the neck & shaft connection!!! Bad design that I have proved through use!! JH

September 18th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

[...] MyGolfSpy has drawings of the Callaway ‘C’ shaped driver.  Perfect, it matches my shot shape! Share and [...]

September 19th, 2009 at 12:41 am

Also, (“My Fugitive From The Company”), If you want good Graphite shafts on a “Big Dog”, go by and see Robert Kent @ House Of Forged in SD, rather close to you, and see what you get!! In my collection of Giant Tin Can Drivers (quite a few with graphite shafts), I have a La Jolla 450cc(custom shafted by Kent in xs). This Big Dog will produce an air carry to 275yds ave. and full carry to 290-300yds. ave., for me. The Sweet spot hit sounds like a 22 Ca. pistol shot,which I like because I shoot a lot with heavy weapons!! This is the example of the 20+ yds. you refer to earlier!! Understand this: I am 68 years old, but still play to an honest single digit Hndcp. by using clubs that require skill to play and major practice to maintain that level of Play!! Forged Strongback Tour Blades & Unforgiving Woods (Great Fun For A Serious Player))!! I use a “Ginty #4 & #7 VS Hybrids!! How about that? JH

September 19th, 2009 at 5:58 am

RESOUNDING YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!

September 19th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

I like the design, but I know it won’t be coming until at least 2010, as Callaway has already slated 3 new drivers for 2010 (I have sources too).

September 27th, 2009 at 2:03 am

For Parker San; At the present time, I have 21 “Big dogs” in my club inventory, some probably older than you! They range from 8 to 10.5 deg. loft, variety of shatf material, persimmon to metal. All are fun to play with as each has it’s own personality and performance capabilities! Variety is the spice of life and it is a lot of fun to develop a feel for each! I have 4 playing sets (some vintage & some new age) and find pleasure in using any and all at different times. I have nothing to prove other than how much fun I can have playing this game!!

September 28th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Comment by J. W. Hagar:
“FYI; Run a true “Wind Tunnel” test on a 250 to 300 cc “Pear Shape” club head VS a “Square of 400+cc clubhead and you will understand why I still use “Small Head” Drivers with very good results!! I also still use “Stiff Steel Shafts”!! They provide the “feel I like”!! When “Vintage” produces acceptable results, why change?”

I like a much smaller head driver with a steel shaft too. I just can’t hit a pure and straight shot with a giant driver. It may be psychological, but I feel like the head is twisting open more on impact with the giant driver. I use steel shafts because I like to put the nuetral bending point of the shaft square. Most graphite shafts look bad to me when they are aligned in this fashion. I seem to get much better contact with an aligned shaft and that is more valuable to me than the distance enhancement I get with the lighter graphite shafts. I hit a lot of golf balls with my drivers at the range. This wears out the clubs after a while. After very heavy use, steel shafts tend to bend and graphite shafts tend to snap at the hosel, sending the clubhead flying. Steel shafts are cheap, too!

Comment by mygolfspy:
“Yes you can a few MPH from the smaller heads BUT you miss the sweet spot more which results in loss of distance. So the bigger head might lose some MPH but you hit the sweet spot more. And I 100% guarantee you I could find you about another 20 yards by changing shafts and you would not lose any accuracy.”

The face-axis moment-of-inertia is higher in the big drivers, but the hosel-axis MOI is also greater. Hosel-axis MOI decreases left-right consistency in some players. I used to prefer a heavier shaft to control my wild swing. With a lightweight driver, I used to swing too hard. I do agree that graphite will most likely increase distance in experienced players.

Comment by mygolfspy:
“I am familiar with Stan Thompson’s designs…although I agree he had some pioneering thoughts and ideas I would not go as far as to say Callaway’s success was solely his doings.”

I agree.

Comment by J. W. Hagar:
“Pardon me from expressing my opinions and thoughts, but try this sometime!! Play #18 at Rancho Bernardo CC (private course). from the trips about 540yds.!! Last time I played it with my Thompson persimmon stiff steel woods, the results were this: #1 off tee over the hill & down the draw to 290 carry, #3 to 30′ behind the stick, missed the eagle putt by 6′, made the #2 putt for a birrdie 4!! Proved a point to my Father, that “Vintage Clubs” when used properly will produce the desired results. Also the putter was an old Ray Cook M1-N used for the putts!! The feel from well hit shots is a pleasure but take work and practice!! I prefer to use clubs that require skill to use!! Also you won’t find Callaway in the clubmakers Hall of Fame!!Also A Callaway GB-Bertha TI #1 will shear graphite shafts on a regular basis because the lack of a ferrel at the neck & shaft connection!!! Bad design that I have proved through use!!”

Persimmon or laminated maple heads do seem to play better than anything else for me. When I make bad contact with a larger, perimeter weighted metal head, the ball goes real far and along a bad horizontal trajectory. This makes the ball go out of bounds. When I make bad contact with a wood head, the ball goes along a bad trajectory too, but not out of bounds because it only went a short distance. I figure the penalty for going out of bounds with metal is worse than just losing distance with Persimmon. When struck correctly, I see little difference in any two similarly-lofted drivers. Persimmon is a pleasure to play. Isn’t golf a game for having fun. The score is not the point anyway. I agree that the whole thing with the way Callaway has handled the shaft-hosel connection in the past is annoying to work with and hard on shafts.

Comment by J. W. Hagar:
“All are fun to play with as each has it’s own personality and performance capabilities! Variety is the spice of life and it is a lot of fun to develop a feel for each! I have 4 playing sets (some vintage & some new age) and find pleasure in using any and all at different times. I have nothing to prove other than how much fun I can have playing this game!!”

Golf clubs of significantly different sizes, shapes, and materials do seem to react better to different types of swings. Many people just do not have the type of swing that benefits from more traditional equipment, though. Skill is not what I am talking about here. The two ends of the driver spectrum, traditional persimmon with a shorter, more heavy steel shaft and 460cc geometric titanium with a longer, lighter graphite shaft require different styles. In my experience, the traditional type works wonders with a very controlled swing and the modern type works best with a “bomb it” power swing. I just wish people would quit thinking traditional drivers are just plain worse. That is not true. Some people’s scores would benefit from using a traditional driver. Again persimmon is a wonder to play effectively. I agree with Hagar on this one. Is not golf supposed to be mainly about beauty and enjoyment?

September 29th, 2009 at 9:51 pm

[...] My golf spy publie des dessins de ce qui semble être le prochain driver de la gamme Callaway. Comme vous pouvez le constater il serait de forme révolutionnaire. Callaway avait déjà innover il y a 4 ans en présentant le premier driver carré, qui avait laissé la plupart des golfeurs dubitatifs. [...]

December 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 am

[...] – SPOTTED! – Callaway Jaws Wedges 2010 – EXCLUSIVE! – Callaway C-Shaped Driver Sketches [...]

December 7th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

id bag it, just imagine the swing speed you will get with that thing if it has a high moi i will definetley pick it up

December 8th, 2009 at 2:59 am

This shapre reminds me of a driver that Bullit golf had in the early 90’s. As I recall it was banned by the USGA for not being plain in shape. Does anyone else remember the driver I am talking about and why it was declared illegal?

December 9th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

I would try it, why wouldn’t anyone? I can’t say I really like the look of the club, but if it can help me hit a ball 300 yards with a slight draw more consistently, I think I could come to like it!

December 10th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

The Bullet Driver was the Hollow Point Driver and it was ruled non conforming by the USGA because it was not plain in space. The USGA also had earlier ruled a Bullet glove to be non conforming and there are those that think the dispute over the glove may have led to the driver decision.

December 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm

[...] – How A Golf Club Head Design >>> Comes To Life! – EXCLUSIVE! – Callaway C-Shaped Driver Sketches [...]

December 30th, 2009 at 10:54 am

It looks like Pac-man.

Pac-Wood will be a better name!

Go get those cherries!

December 31st, 2009 at 6:55 am

I found my old Callaway Big Bertha. It was huge when I first bought it, now it looks ridiculously small.
The C-drive might be the next step in the evolution of the Driver. If it works, I’d put it in my bag.
I currently have an FT-IQ and a White Hot F7, so I’m always ready to try something new.

January 2nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm

personally i like it. i have not been a big fan of callaway. but if you the Odyssey “teron” or “saber tooth” putters the wings do a tremendous effort for stabilizing the putter head and to resist twisting. looks to me like this type of design would provide the same effect. also, it looks like it would work real well for gliding through taller grass much the same way as a pontoon boat will glide through water.

January 27th, 2010 at 9:29 am

This is ridiculous. what next? a center shafted driver? i have a ping g 10 and i love the classic design. callaway i knew already had some crazy designs, like the ftiq, but this is just weird!

February 1st, 2010 at 8:53 am

The big boy manufacturers are always trying to sell us the newest, latest and greatest because they have shareholders to answer to. I would consider this driver only under the following conditions.
1) It is priced at less than $200.00 (it will cost them about $25.00 to build so fair is fair)
2) I could use it for 90 days and return it for a full refund if I didn’t like it.

THAT would be standing behind a product.

February 9th, 2010 at 11:31 am

Nothing new really. I pulled an old Golfworks catalogue out of my dusty archieves, and Maltby had a similar design on the market in the pre 460cc days. which was obviously much smaller, but had the same basic design. As many might remember, Maltby has produced some funky club designs over he years, all which emphasize his infamous Maltby Playability Factory research. Seems like a strange time for Callaway to revisit this concept now, when clearly design trends seem to be moving back to more traditional looks, with high MOI technology,etc more hidden within these traditionally accepted designs. Other than Nike Machspeed series, I don’t know of any new releases in 2010 who are touting the recent square designs Callaway and Nike produced. Lastly, if they do go forward with the C design, a price tag of anything over $299 will guarantee a quick death of the product for sure. But I’m sure the component manufactures will have some fun with it, once they can copy the design. Perrsonally, I’ll stick with a more traditionally shaped model, like the Ttileist 909 series.

February 10th, 2010 at 9:22 am

Definitely not……It has no “eye” appeal.

February 10th, 2010 at 9:52 am

wasn’t this tried years ago by bullet golf and it wasruled illeagle?

February 17th, 2010 at 6:52 am

I remember when Bullet Golf brought out a very similar driver and fairway woods. Frank Thomas nixed them and the company died. And now they will pass USGA muster for a complying club. Think back to the thousands of woods that Bullet delivered and how many they picked up from vendors that were ruled illegal. It truly did break the company. What will happen here if Callaway does bring it out. Of course they will have the USGA blessing beforehand, which Bullet did not…We’ll see!!!!!!!!!!!!

February 25th, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Kinda fun to see them thinking outside the box and sure they will get it right before they put it out! Was’nt sure even about the FTI driver but I own one and love it .

February 28th, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Kinda looks like a putter. I’m not going to say
I won’t try it. I said that about the original
Big Bertha, and boy was I wrong on that.

March 1st, 2010 at 9:07 pm

If this design makes a significant difference in distance and accuracy, then I’d definitely game it. I think Callaway should just cover all the ugliness with a really thin crown. That way it would look like a traditional driver, but it could play like the alien spaceship that it is.

March 2nd, 2010 at 8:16 am

It will be interesting to see what Callaway does to make this more eye appealing.

April 7th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

How are they going to make it apply to the “plain in shape” rule?
Or will the USGA cave in.

June 30th, 2010 at 4:02 am

Yeah this is cool