The Callaway Sure Out is a redesigned model that had a great run in the early 2000s. This redesigned wedge still features the same wide sole that made the club popular in the past, complete with the trailing overhang, however, with this newly redesigned model, the clubhead now features a hollow cavity. The club’s wide sole allows for a much lower bounce and an overall more forgiving club performance that players of all skill levels can appreciate. Often, golfers are looking for a standard sand wedge that’s forgiving and able to easily pop a ball out of a sand bunker. That’s the type of design that Callaway delivers, however, is this a wedge that’s capable of handling other types of tricky shots, or is it really just a one-trick pony? Let’s find out.
Our Verdict: The Sure Out offers a clubface that’s larger than what you’ll find on a standard sand wedge, complete with deep grooves that run along the length of the face. If you have a tendency of hitting chips and pitching off the toe, then this feature can ensure a consistent spin, regardless of where you strike the ball on the clubface. The club’s lightweight shaft also enhances how responsive it is and how it feels, giving the user more control from any lie.
Some players may not like the appearance or the new and improved design. However, if you’re in need of a solid sand wedge, and one that won’t let you down when it comes to getting you out of a sand bunker, then this is the model for you. But, if you’re looking for a more versatile wedge, one that you can use for a wider range of shots, then this club’s performance may be somewhat disappointing.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Callaway is a company that all golfers are familiar with and it has produced a wide range of top-selling clubs for decades. Their latest model to hit the market has a reputation as one of the most forgiving sand wedges designed for the mid-handicapper.
Not all wedges can be used for a wide range of short game shots. This sand wedge isn’t a club that you can use for a wide variety of shots, but it can handle those dreaded and challenging sand trap shots, effortlessly, and that’s what most golfers are looking for.
This newly redesigned club from Callaway is turning heads for all the right reasons. If you’ve had a positive experience using some of Callaway’s clubs in the past, then the odds are you’re eager to try their latest sand wedge to hit the market, and you’re definitely not alone. The lightweight design, combined with the club’s impressive playability and forgiving design makes this club a great option for both the beginner and the mid-handicapper.
To learn more about wedges and the features to look for, click here to read my buyer’s guide.
Design
The club’s face is very rounded, featuring a total of seventeen grooves that reach the full width of the clubface. Instead of cast, the grooves are machined directly into the face. The type of ball spin you get from them upon impact is pretty impressive. This model features a rounding leading edge that’s designed to make it much easier to get the club under the ball, which will increase your odds of making contact. This design is very similar to other wedges that are designed to be forgiving.
Hosel
The manufacturer has shaped the hosel area in order to minimize the visual impact, while the white lines located on the last two grooves are designed to improve alignment.
Bounce
This model allows the golfer to slide the club under the ball with ease. It also offers a wider than standard bounce, thanks to the sole’s design. Basically, this club is your get out of jail free card, especially when it comes to sand bunkers. If you often struggle with these shots, read my article on how to get out of a bunker.
Feel
Most players will be very impressed with the club’s performance out of the bunker. All you have to do is line up your shot, using a square face, and take your swing. This model’s wider bounce allows the ball to glide out easily at the appropriate depth. This club will make you feel more confident about taking aggressive swings out of the bunker. You’ll definitely feel the club’s wider bounce out on the turf. For some, this can take a little getting used to. To learn more, click here to read my article on the best golf swing tips.
Distance
This club is better for short-range shots instead of taking full shots since this is where it tends to lose some of its feel. Because of this, I recommend keeping it in your bag and relying on it mainly for those times when you’re in need of a club that can help you make your escape from a tricky sand bunker.
Shaft
This model features a thirty-five inch KBS ninety wedge flex shaft, which gives the wedge a much lighter feel compared to the average sand wedge.
Loft
It’s available in four loft options ranging from fifty-six degrees up to sixty-four degrees. This variety will allow you to choose the perfect loft based on your skill level and playing needs.
Performance
This model really shines when it comes to getting out of a sand bunker. This is because the clubhead is designed to allow you to easily slide the club under the ball to lift it out and into the air. The sole works well for both soft and hard sand, allowing the player to get the best results by leaving the clubface open just a fraction or by playing bunker shots with the face square.
Using the club in sand bunkers is exactly what this club was designed for, however, you can also rely on it if you’re trying to go vertical in a pot bunker. This club will work the best when it’s coming into the ball straight on instead of being opened too much like what you would normally do with a traditional sand wedge.
However, while the club is definitely the go-to club for those times you find yourself stuck in a sand bunker, it can also be used for tall and/or wet grass since the club can be used to pop the ball up effortlessly, allowing it to land smoothly. It’s definitely more forgiving than an average wedge, however, out of the sand trap it’s not as versatile as some competing wedges.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Larger face for improved playability
- Grooves in clubface
- Lightweight design
- Low price
- Perfect bounce
- Hollow club head
Cons
- Only works well for sand bunker shots
Sure Out Versus Pine Meadow Wedge
The Pine Meadow wedge is one of the Sure Out’s biggest competitors. It’s available at a comparable price, but it has a reputation for being more versatile and beginner-friendly. The Pine Meadow model features a steel shaft that doesn’t offer the type of flex that the Sure Out does, however, it features a larger clubface area, which makes it more forgiving. The lack of grooves in the clubface doesn’t take away from the club’s ability to smoothly slide under a ball in order to quickly get you out of tough situations. It’s also available in four different loft options. For the most part, the Sure Out has a better reputation when it comes to playing out of a sand bunker, but with the Pine Meadow club, you’ll find yourself reaching for it more often, since it can be used for most types of short game shots. Overall, if you’re looking specifically for the best sand wedge, then stick with this model by Callaway, but if you want a club that’s more versatile and one you’ll get more use out of, then I’d go with the wedge by Pine Meadow.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
For golfers looking for a wedge that’s incredible and able to handle a wider variety of shots, you may be disappointed to learn that this club isn’t quite as versatile as the manufacturer claims it is. This is a true sand wedge and one that can easily take on any sand trap effortlessly, but it’s important that you’re realistic in your expectations in terms of what this club can really do and how it handles on the course when you put it to the test.
This wedge by Callaway was designed for the golfer who often struggles with their short game. It’s especially useful when it comes to playing out of a sand trap and will be a true lifesaver for players who dread playing through wet grass, but it does have its limitations. It features an innovative new design, including a hollow cavity in the clubhead and a wider sole, both of which will allow you to easily slide the club under the ball and quickly get it into the air. Versatile, forgiving, and offered at a reasonable price, if you’re in need of a sand wedge that you can really rely on, then this club is for you. I gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.