🏌️♂️Test Review: Callaway OPUS Wedge Black
Today, I had the pleasure of testing the Callaway OPUS Wedge Black, a performance wedge designed to elevate your short game with precision and style.
This review covers what makes this wedge special—from feel and spin performance to design insights and real-world playability.
The shaft is the reliable Dynamic Gold, with a 58° loft, 35-inch club length, S200 flex, D3 swing weight, mid kick point, and a total weight of 480g.
Callaway has delivered another high-performance wedge. I previously tested the Chrome version (read here), and today I had the opportunity to try the black finish—a striking alternative.
Despite having the same shape as the chrome, the black coating gives it a sleeker, more aggressive look and refined texture. While chrome offers better long-term durability against wear, this black finish exudes sophistication right out of the box.
The wedge features a sharp silhouette. While hollow-bodied wedges are gaining popularity, I’m still drawn to classic simplicity like this.
The back face is simple in appearance but likely packed with hidden tech—typical of a modern high-performance wedge.
Topline thickness is just right—neither too chunky nor too thin.
Sole width is standard, but its curved shape stands out.
The rounded sole glides smoothly. While some modern wedges feature aggressively ground soles, this one strikes a balance—letting the sole evolve naturally with the player’s style.
The leading edge is slightly chamfered but not overly ground down.
The trailing edge features a deeper grind, making it easier to open the face.
The neck has a nice taper—not bulky, but sculpted, giving it a “slim athletic” look rather than a bodybuilder vibe. Classic Callaway craftsmanship.
The face features fine milling—not parallel but diagonally etched, just like the chrome model. The scorelines are finely cut, suggesting excellent spin potential.
The grip is the trusted Tour Velvet with the Callaway logo—a familiar and reassuring choice. While it may not be the most durable grip on the market, it’s still one of the best for wedges and irons when feel and control matter most.
The wedge looks incredible at address. The Chrome version was great, but this Black finish brings a whole new level of character. Black suggests weight, which in turn gives the impression of slower, more deliberate play. In my approach shots, I prefer a “slow ball” trajectory—black helps reinforce that image mentally. It also creates strong visual contrast with the white ball.
The sole grind allows you to open the face easily, and it glides effortlessly. Not overly aggressive in its shaping, this wedge allows for nuanced adjustments during play. Personally, I find grips with backlines distracting—Tour Velvet without it gives me the freedom to align naturally, especially when opening the face.
Feel is the first thing that impressed me. From the first swing, it was clear—soft, responsive, and consistent. It’s not a springy type of wedge; instead, the ball stays on the face just long enough to “carry” it to the target. That sensation is very similar to the Chrome model.
Spin performance is exceptional. The ball grips the face beautifully, generating aggressive spin. It felt like the ball momentarily paused on the clubface before launching. This high spin performance is undoubtedly due to the precision-milled face and scorelines, combined with the versatile sole shape that aids turf interaction.
Launch and trajectory are easy to control. The wedge has a traditional shallow center of gravity, which makes it easier to generate high launch and soft landings—ideal for precise approach shots. It may not have the “deep CG” forgiveness of modern clubs, but for maneuverability and feedback, it’s excellent.
In terms of forgiveness, it’s not overly lenient—but that’s part of its charm. It offers enough leeway without becoming automatic. For players who want their feel and touch to dictate performance, it strikes a perfect balance.
Workability is one of the wedge’s top strengths. The black head contrasts vividly with the white ball, making visualization easier. Golf is about controlling the ball—not the club. This wedge reminds you that your imagination and execution are what matter most.
Distance control is also excellent. For me, distance is dictated by launch height and ball speed. With this wedge, both were easy to visualize and reproduce. The extended ball-to-face contact gave me the feel I needed to “carry” the ball to exact landing spots.
Its beauty lies in its simplicity. There’s no flashy tech slapped on. Instead, it’s built on solid ideas—refined shaping, optimized materials, and subtle engineering that make it a pleasure to play.
It reminded me of a TaylorMade iron I tested before—different brand and category, but similar in texture and emotional impact.
They say you should approach chip shots like tossing a ball from underneath. While that works for many, I’ve found I perform better with a “top-down” feel.
That “top-down” approach—using loft to lift the ball—gives me better control and distance feel. It’s not conventional, but golf isn’t one-size-fits-all. This wedge supports that kind of creative, personalized play.
Unlike overly “automatic” wedges that disconnect you from the shot, this one felt like an extension of my own intuition—bringing back fond memories of pure, hands-on golf.
Callaway is often praised for its woods and drivers, but this wedge shows they’re also masters of the short game. Past models may have felt cheap in finish, but this one oozes premium quality and thoughtful design.
Final Verdict:
The Callaway OPUS Wedge Black is a beautifully simple yet technically sophisticated wedge. With top-tier spin, excellent feel, and refined shaping, it’s perfect for golfers who prefer full control and subtle creativity over automation. Highly recommended for players who want their wedge to be a true partner in shot-making—not just a tool.
Ease of Alignment …… ★★★★★
Feel at Impact …… ★★★★★
Spin Performance …… ★★★★★
Launch Height …… ★★★★★
Stability …… ★★★
Distance Control …… ★★★★
Workability …… ★★★★★
※ (Out of 100 points)
★1 = 0–20 pts
★2 = 21–40 pts
★3 = 41–60 pts
★4 = 61–90 pts
★5 = 91–100 pts
*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)
Callaway OPUS Wedge Black Complete Guide: Superb spin performance and form recognized by professionals
From the manufacturer’s official page
What is the OPUS Wedge Black? An Innovative Wedge Inspired by a Prestigious Winery
The Callaway OPUS Wedge Black is a premium golf wedge released on September 13, 2024. The name “OPUS” was inspired by a world-class California winery known for producing top-tier wine, reflecting the wedge’s luxurious and refined design goals. Developed over 19 months, this wedge incorporates extensive feedback from tour professionals, resulting in the final “Shape 6” head and a 17-groove system (two more than conventional models) that delivers exceptional spin performance.
Key Innovations That Make the OPUS Wedge Black Tour-Worthy
“Shape 6” — Designed Over 19 Months of Pro Feedback The most critical aspect of the OPUS Wedge’s development was perfecting its shape. Starting with early prototypes nearly two years ago, the design was refined based on tour player feedback. The result, Shape 6, features a teardrop profile with a leading edge that blends the roundness of the JAWS RAW and JAWS FORGED wedges, and a precisely calibrated heel height on the top blade.
17-Groove System — Two More Grooves for More Spin The wedge uses Callaway’s sharp 37V grooves, made narrower and more tightly spaced to reduce groove volume and increase the total count to 17. This design enhances spin performance, especially from rough or wet turf, while also lowering launch angles for better control.
Retained Features — Micro Features & Face Blasting The face incorporates a roughened surface through an advanced blasting process, inherited from the JAWS FORGED model, for increased grip on the ball. Micro features—small, angled protrusions between grooves—add friction when the face is opened, boosting spin even more.
Detailed Specifications of the OPUS Wedge Black
- Head Material: Soft Carbon Steel (Forged)
- Finish: Black
- Lie Angle: 64°
- Club Length: 35.75″ (48°) to 35.00″ (58°–60°)
Loft & Bounce Options (Black Version)
- 48°S: Bounce 10°
- 50°S: Bounce 10°
- 52°S/W: Bounce 10°/12°
- 56°S: Bounce 12°
- 58°C/S: Bounce 8°/10°
- 60°S: Bounce 10°
Shaft Options & Total Club Weight
- [A] (S): Approx. 444g–457g
- [B] (S): Approx. 456g–468g
- [C] (S200): Approx. 467g–480g
Balance (Swing Weight)
- [A] (S): D1–D2
- [B] (S): D3–D4
- [C] (S200): D3
Choosing Among the Four Sole Grinds
- S Grind (Standard): Best all-around sole shape; recommended for first-time OPUS users.
- W Grind (Wide): Enhanced sole curvature for forgiveness and smoother turf interaction.
- C Grind (Crescent): Trailing edge shaved down; excellent for open-face shots.
- T Grind (Tight): New addition; flatter trailing edge and low bounce for firm turf precision.
User Reviews & Tour Feedback High praise includes: “Compact head, easy to handle. Great turf pickup and unmatched control.” Tour-level trust is growing, as more players are reportedly switching to the OPUS wedge.
Expert Verdict Golf experts note the wedge’s balance of workability and forgiveness, making it ideal for both advanced and aspiring golfers.
Pros
- Superior spin from 17-groove design
- Ideal shape from Shape 6
- Versatility from 4 grind options
- Durable forged carbon steel construction
- Tour-inspired design
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires selecting the best grind for your style
- Spin benefits demand good technique
- Black finish limits some loft/grind combos
Who Is This Wedge For? Best For:
- Intermediate to advanced golfers
- Players who prioritize spin control and adaptability
- Competitive golfers seeking tour-level gear
Not Ideal For:
- Beginners without solid approach fundamentals
- Simplicity seekers who dislike detailed grind options
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated Distance by Swing Speed Head Speed 35–40 m/s (Typical Male Golfers)
- 48°: ~90–100 yards
- 50°: ~85–95 yards
- 52°: ~80–90 yards
- 56°: ~70–80 yards
- 58°: ~65–75 yards
- 60°: ~60–70 yards
Head Speed 30–35 m/s (Typical Female Golfers)
- 48°: ~70–80 yards
- 50°: ~65–75 yards
- 52°: ~60–70 yards
- 56°: ~50–60 yards
- 58°: ~45–55 yards
- 60°: ~40–50 yards *Distances reflect full shots and may vary based on real-game adjustments.
Fitting & Setup Tips
- Choose lofts to fill gaps between your irons and wedges (typically 4–6° apart)
- Grind Recommendations:
- S: All-rounders
- W: Preventing fat shots
- C: Skilled with open-face shots
- T: Plays on firm turf
- Match shaft weight/balance with your irons; a slightly heavier shaft than irons is common
Maintenance & Longevity
- Clean grooves after every round using a groove brush
- Wipe black finish with dry cloth; store with headcover
- Monitor groove wear and replace if spin noticeably declines
Pre-Purchase FAQ Q: What’s the difference from chrome version? A: Same performance, but black has fewer loft/grind combos—choose based on looks.
Q: Is it beginner-friendly? A: Usable, but advanced spin requires technique—better after learning basics.
Q: Is there a left-handed model? A: Not specified—check with retailers before purchase.
Conclusion: A Premium Wedge Worth the Investment With 19 months of refinement, pro-grade feedback, and features like the 17-groove design and Shape 6 head, the Callaway OPUS Wedge Black stands as a top-tier wedge. It’s an excellent choice for serious golfers who value precision and spin in their short game. While it comes at a premium price, the performance and attention to detail make it a worthy addition to any advanced golfer’s bag.
Sources:
- Callaway Golf Official Site
- My Caddie – OPUS Wedge User Reviews
- Sports Navi – OPUS Wedge Testing
- ALBA Net – Development Interview
- Golf Digest – Product Testing Review (as of Dec. 2024)
