Japanese golfclubs METALFACTORY A9 -SKY- UT Review

Recently, I tested this golf club.
The test club is the METALFACTORY A9 -SKY- UT.

The shaft is the MURAKUMO HAYATE-UT.
– Loft: 23°
– Club Length: 40 inches
– Shaft Flex: S
– Shaft Weight: 66g
– Balance: D1
– Torque: 3.8
– Kick Point: Mid-High
– Total Weight: 349g

This is a stunning utility club with a luxurious look, characteristic of METALFACTORY.

At first glance, it seems slightly different from the typical METALFACTORY aesthetic, but its elegance and appeal are undeniable.
The head design and size are standard for utility clubs.

The large weight on the sole stands out prominently.
The number “03” is engraved—what does it signify?

The sole features shallow grooves or steps.
While I’m unsure of their exact function, their deliberate design suggests a meaningful purpose.

The neck is of moderate length, offering a visually pleasing and well-balanced impression.
Some modern clubs sacrifice balance for functionality, but this design manages to preserve both.

This utility club features a familiar shallow-back design.

The face design is simple yet captivating.
Looking at it brings back fond memories of past experiences with similar clubs. It inspires a sense of eagerness to play.
This face hints at a soft feel, conveying its characteristics without ambiguity—a rarity in modern club designs.

The overall look is sophisticated and exudes a luxurious feel, making it a pleasure to behold.

Unlike many clubs with carbon crowns, this utility does not appear to have a carbon crown upon closer inspection.

The grip design is impressive, offering excellent traction and evoking comparisons to automobile tires.
Made by the renowned grip manufacturer Lamkin, it features varying patterns that suggest meticulous design research.
Firm yet comfortable, the grip ensures a stable hold, with a backline that many golfers might find appealing.

Swinging the club feels smooth and effortless, with no complaints regarding timing or balance.

At address, the club inspires confidence.
Though utility clubs prioritize distance, they differ from drivers in their direct contact with the ground. This club offers a “shorter feel” at setup, making it less daunting.
The slightly closed face may concern some players but is now a common feature to promote better ball contact and trajectory.
Testing Begins

The soft, responsive feel of this club immediately impressed me.
The sensation was so delightful that I couldn’t help but rate it five stars after the first hit.
There’s little to no resistance or “pushback,” making every shot feel smooth and effortless.
Its beautiful face design and incredible feedback elevate the overall experience.

The sound is subtle yet satisfying, with a crisp metallic tone that enhances the enjoyment of every shot.
Its controlled volume makes it pleasant and unobtrusive.

The ball launches easily, aided by the weight placement on the sole.
Its 23° loft ensures high launch angles, making it approachable for a wide range of players.

Despite its luxurious appearance, this utility club offers excellent forgiveness and ease of use, with performance akin to an automatic club.

The workability is moderate.
While not designed for extensive shot-shaping, its stability and consistency make it ideal for straightforward course management.

The club delivers excellent distance with high, penetrating shots.
The spin is effective, but reducing it could unlock even greater potential. This is an area where I need to improve my swing technique.
Final Impressions

METALFACTORY clubs often exude a mechanical and cool aesthetic, but this utility feels surprisingly warm and inviting.

The perfect balance of performance and feel was evident from the first swing.

Its standout feature is its sensational feel, setting it apart in the crowded utility market.

Testing this utility was a joy, and it’s clear that METALFACTORY continues to deliver exceptional products.
☆
Ease of Address: ☆☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆☆☆☆
Sound: ☆☆☆☆☆
Launch: ☆☆☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆☆
Distance Performance: ☆☆☆☆
Workability: ☆☆☆
※Rating scale (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)
Achieves incredible distance and high launch angle! A utility that soars into the sky
METALFACTORY A9 -SKY- UT is an innovative model that overturns the conventional wisdom of utilities.
Its features are, above all, incredible distance and high launch angle.
It enables highly strategic second shots and greatly contributes to improving your score.
The appeal of A9 -SKY- UT
Amazing distance: The large cup face and high repulsion design significantly increase the initial speed of the ball. It breaks the barrier of distance.
High launch angle: The low center of gravity design and high trajectory design achieve a high launch angle. The high trajectory makes it easy to aim for the green, making it easier to aim for the pin.
High forgiveness: The wide sweet area makes it resistant to mishits. You can swing with confidence.
Sophisticated design: The stylish design not only looks good, but also reduces air resistance and contributes to further increasing distance.
Reasons to choose the A9 -SKY- UT
For golfers who are serious about increasing their driving distance: Recommended for golfers who are struggling with driving distance, as well as those who are looking to increase their driving distance even further.
Improved second shot accuracy: High launch angle and excellent controllability improve the accuracy of second shots.
Suitable for a variety of courses: Great for a variety of situations, including long par 3s and layup shots.

