By Scott Kramer
Callaway promises that its new Opus SP wedge ($210/graphite shaft, $200/steel) is built to deliberately hit the ball lower, increase spin, and maximize control. A new, two-piece “spin pocket” clubhead raises the center of gravity for a lower penetrating ball flight, but gives you great backspin and control, so you can attack pins tightly. Each groove bears a 17-degree angle with tighter pitch spacing. That means better groove edge contact with the ball for more consistent spin, plus enhanced friction at impact for good bite. Its clean look inspires confidence as you stand over the ball. Perhaps that’s why more tour pros have plopped it in their bag quicker than any Callaway wedge in the past. If you’re in the market for a different kind of wedge, Cleveland Golf bills its CBZ with Z-Alloy ($180) as its most advanced game-improvement model. It blends a blade’s soft feel with a cavity back’s forgiveness, for versatility, consistency and control. Officials claim the proprietary Z-Alloy is light, soft, less dense than stainless steel, and provides an unrivaled feel at impact. The center of gravity is close to the impact zone, as well, yielding control and spin.