Equipment
Ben’s back: The Hogan Company is returning to golf equipment
After a seven-year absence, the Ben Hogan brand announced today that it’s returning to the golf equipment business.
Perry Ellis International, owner of the Hogan brand since 2012, will partner with Eidolon Brands, LLC to produce the first irons bearing the Hawk’s iconic signature in nearly 10 years. The company expects to bring a product to market some time in 2015.
According to Ellis’ president Oscar Feldenkreis, the company has been considering options to return to the equipment marketplace, having already reasserted itself in the apparel and accessories sphere over the past two years.
After a process of deliberation, Perry Ellis International has chosen Terry Koehler’s Eidolon Brands to produce irons that would have made Mr. Hogan proud. Mr. Koehler, of course, is the man behind the SCOR4161 series of scoring clubs, which have risen in prominence since their introduction in 2011.
Koehler, a lifelong Hogan devotee and former Ben Hogan Company employee, along with his team, have begun the effort to create new Hogan clubs in earnest, all with the appropriate reverence for the man, his company, and his legacy.
“We are studying all the things Mr. Hogan believed about golf clubs, and dissecting early Ben Hogan designs to understand his performance principles and knowledge of what a golf club should do,” Koehler said. “There was a wealth of genius in those early clubs. Our commitment to the Ben Hogan legacy is to ensure that every product delivers unmatched precision and dedication to the art of shotmaking, providing equipment that allows golfers of all abilities the opportunity to optimize their skills.”
Koehler’s commitment is to developing clubs that place a premium on feel and performance for players looking to create golf shots, not merely maximize distance. He is also committed to return the Ben Hogan brand to Fort Worth, Texas, where it was headquartered from inception through the early 90s. He has already relocated Eidolon’s headquarters to the areas. As Koehler said, “Ben Hogan and his golf company were, and always should be, Fort Worth treasures.”
Another note: It appears that Callaway is still in possession of majority rights to the Hogan brand’s trademark (such as the iconic “Apex”). Therefore, the new irons will bear new names.
As Hogan enthusiasts are likely aware, the reintroduction coincides with the 60th anniversary of the first Ben Hogan irons, which were released in the fall of 1954. Students of the Wee Ice Mon know, too, that the golfer returned to Fort Worth following his historic 1953 season determined to make irons that lived up to his eternally high standards.
Some 60 years later, Terry Koehler, a first-rate R&D team, and a roster of former Ben Hogan Company staffers are in Fort Worth trying to do the same thing.
For equipment nuts in general, and Hogan loyalists in particular, the 2015 introduction of fruits of their labor — the company’s first set of irons in seven years — can’t come soon enough.
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)
Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2025 Wyndham Championship
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting) Buy here. Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX 3-wood: Titleist...
Camilo Villegas WITB 2025 (July)
Camilo Villegas WITB accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. Villegas was undecided on a 3-wood when we shot his bag. ...
WITB Time Machine: Brandt Snedeker’s winning WITB, 2018 Wyndham Championship
Brandt Snedeker fired a final-round 65 at the 2018 Wyndham Championship to outlast Webb Simpson and C.T. Pan. His 5-under...
Don M. Wilkerson
Nov 10, 2014 at 6:53 am
The Visual Swing Aid For Golfers. Would help the new Hogan clubs. Great way to advertise GREAT TO HAVE THEM BACK. Would love to see and try a set. Was raised in Ft Worth. Inventor
derek
Sep 30, 2014 at 9:25 am
http://smarterpodcasts.com/golfsmarter/440-ben-hogan-brand-reborn-with-scorgolf-ceo-terry-koehler/
cullen davis
Jul 19, 2014 at 11:40 am
All I can say is good luck selling Hogan irons. I own a golf shop in Arlington, Texas Texas and asked all my customers would they buy the new Hogan irons, They laughed and no
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tlmck
May 10, 2014 at 4:34 am
Make me a set of forged Radials with the #3 shaft and I am there. Extremely forgiving and soft as butter. My Rocketbladez Tour are also forgiving and high launch, but just don’t have the feel.
Dom Esposito
May 9, 2014 at 1:12 am
As Mr. Hogan would say: “Get it Right” … (and they will come)
“All The Best”
Merde
May 8, 2014 at 5:26 pm
It’s like FORGAN – it ain’t the same company, no matter what you say or how they resurrect it
MHendon
May 8, 2014 at 10:46 am
My first set of irons ever where some old Hogan Apex blades. Brutally small sweet spot so you where forced to swing under control to make solid contact. Honestly probably not the best option for the average weekend golfer. However I agree with what another commenter said, focus on the purist who wants very high quality and tight tolerances and doesn’t mind paying a premium for it.
Fred
May 8, 2014 at 10:22 am
Back in my day, we played with butter knives that stung our hands so bad our un-born grandchildren felt it, and that’s the way we liked it. Kids these days with their sweet spots and perimeter weighting and mass production. Hogan needs to come out with a set that is nothing but 1-irons, just to prove a point. Harrumph.
Brandon
May 7, 2014 at 8:44 pm
For those that think Koehler is not the right choice to head this project, then I suggest you have a look at Terry’s blog http://www.oobgolf.com/content/the+wedge+guy . That man talks about how Hogan’s vision of equipment. He not only understands Hogan’s feelings and vision but he has also seen how some technology advances, in his opinion, have gone too far and are actually hurting players scores. My favorite is the cavity back versus blades debate http://www.oobgolf.com/search.php?q=blades+vs+cavity+backs&t=0&x=0&y=0&n=&k=&x=1&cx=014344308485032154820%3A3twflabsrtu&cof=FORID%3A9 .
The things that I hope they do is bring back a traditional high muscle baby blade(at least in the short irons) and bring the traditional lofts back(20* 2 iron….49-50* EQUALIZER wedge). I know Terry will definitely team up with either KBS(most likely choice since he has before) or True Temper to create a new “APEX” steel and graphite shaft line for the masses while offering all the custom options that are available today.
So much for me getting a set of Taylormade Tour Preferred CB, MC, MB irons until I hit these. I am more than looking forward to this release.
Praxisdude
Oct 22, 2014 at 12:40 am
Can’t wait to see what is produced. If anyone can put out a Hogan product, it’s Koehler. I was ready to put my money down on either the Nike 2.0 covert forged or Srixon Z745 irons until I read Hogan’s coming back. I’m waiting and saving up. I currently flip back and forth between my Apex Plus and Radials. I have a set of FTX’s. Apex blades, Channel-backs, Apex plus, and Radials. I love forged Hogan clubs. I hate Callaway for their reckless buy out of the Hogan Apex name. The company is the closest thing to a cannibal. First they ate Spalding, than Topflight, than Hogan who’s next.
Rick Altham
May 7, 2014 at 8:39 pm
I hope they are true forged blades, not some cavity back no feel iron. I also hope they make a nice persimmon wood.
Golfraven
May 7, 2014 at 6:38 pm
played the Apex irons for years and those were great. they need to come up with something exciting to compete against Titleist, Callaway, TM and Mizuno
1badbadger
May 7, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Moving the company back to Ft. Worth is a big deal. This tells me the history and legacy of the brand is being respected. When others have mentioned that they hope they “do it right”, this is part of that. I don’t think they need to try to compete with the big companies like Taylor or Callaway…it’s not realistic. They can carve out their niche as more of a boutique company that produces high quality, traditional forgings and wedges. It might be necessary to offer a driver and hybrids to complete the line, but they will always be known for their irons. Technology-wise, there isn’t much you can do with a blade, so do you think there are enough of us who will buy a set for sentimental reasons, or will they have enough juice to pull players away from the brand they have been playing that offer a similar model? I wish them much success!
Brando
May 7, 2014 at 12:58 pm
I agree with snowman. They should stick to producing high quality with tight tolerances forged iron that’s what they were know for. I don’t really think they should make Drivers and Woods but specialize in Irons and Wedges. Just stick to a simple nice looking forged iron with no frills or new technology gimmicks. They could forged them in Ft Worth Texas again the good old USA and sell quality at a premium price like what Mirua in Japan is doing. People will buy them if people truly put a passion into making them and not just a another gimmick golf company. I take a 2 iron as well.
snowman
May 7, 2014 at 11:48 am
Scor 4161 was good a concept IMO, but personally I found the dual bounce to be ‘low bounce’; maybe just my swing/AOA. Re: reintroducing Hogan brand, I think it is great, but as others have said: if they blow it, then it will be disastrous for them. I suggest they make a premium True forged Blade and a Forged Cavity Back, (Not “form forged”(cast) as was the 4161) with multiple shaft/grip/length/lie/paint fill options at no/little up charge. Keep the design simple and classic and focus on high quality manufacturing process/tight quality control. If they do it Right, they can charge a premium price… A quality Hogan branded product will sell for more than the average set. I wish them well, I will be watching.
Erich
May 7, 2014 at 11:27 am
I Know An Old Hogan Rep. At A New Product Meeting Mr. Hogan Was Given A New Cavity Back Iron. He Tossed It Over His Shoulder AnD Said He Had Nothing To Say About It. HE Apparently HateD Cavity Back Clubs.
Rob
May 6, 2014 at 11:38 pm
Hope they come in lefty.
HennyBogan007
May 6, 2014 at 9:08 pm
Dear Mr. Koehler, PLEASE produce an iron that Mr. Hogan would be happy with. Regardless of what they create, I’ll still be the first in line to sign a equipment contract with Hogan.
John
May 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Apex Plus irons still were my all-time favorites. Hopefully we will see some great designs. Will be watching.
DB
May 6, 2014 at 6:35 pm
I’m guessing this means the effective end of SCOR4161. And that’s fine. They were really nice wedges, even if they did need a touch more bounce. I’m sure the new Hogan wedges will be even better.
This is a huge opportunity and promotion for Koehler, who seems the obvious choice to reprise the Hogan brand. Really curious to see what him and his team come up with.
PD
May 6, 2014 at 6:11 pm
So sad. They’re just usurping the man’s name. Disgusting.
DE
May 6, 2014 at 9:40 pm
How so? Actually, it seems pretty clear to me that they are very sensitive to Mr. Hogan’s legacy. They are committed “to the Ben Hogan legacy is to ensure that every product delivers unmatched precision and dedication to the art of shotmaking, providing equipment that allows golfers of all abilities the opportunity to optimize their skills.”
That sounds like they are going to honor him and his ideals.
Doug Hansen, PGA
May 7, 2014 at 7:19 am
Actually, PD, the gentlemen behind the re-introduction of Hogan were with Mr. Hogan and his company for quite a while. They are “Hogan men”.
What was “disgusting” was what Callaway did with Hogan: Essentially letting it go to pasture because the reason they (Callaway)owned Hogan was because it came along with all of the goodies from the purchase of Top-Flite (purchased only for the ball patents).
What Mr. Koehler will be doing is the exact opposite of what your statement reads: They will bring back the passion and the quality of what the Ben Hogan brand once stood for, adding reverence, once again, for the name and for Mr. Hogan himself.
Ric
May 7, 2014 at 4:34 pm
Doug, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
cody
May 6, 2014 at 12:53 pm
I think this is awesome news. But could go terribly wrong if the clubs are not top notch. Anyone remember Mac going to to golf smith?
Ian
May 6, 2014 at 12:35 pm
I was thinking of buying new irons later this year. I will now wait and demo the new Hogans. I have been a long time lover of Hogan irons. I have played Directors, producers, Apex, Apex II, and 3 sets of FTX. Can’t wait to see what the guys do. I have long admired the Score wedge system and think these guys are on the same wave length has the Hogan ethos.
Ian
May 6, 2014 at 12:37 pm
As the Hogan ethos.
Eric
May 6, 2014 at 12:19 pm
It would be great to see Producer and Director irons again.
Curtis
May 6, 2014 at 10:45 am
Pretty exciting news! Just felt like the Hogan name has been missing for way to long. Seems like they have everything in place and the right mindset to get this company to succeed again. And screw Callaway for taking the Apex name…joke.
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Tom McCarthy
May 6, 2014 at 10:19 am
Truly exciting news from Perry Ellis and the Ben Hogan group there. Mr. Koehler has taken on a great responsibility and I trust he will produce an outstanding Hogan iron.
Dave
May 6, 2014 at 10:17 am
This is good news. Sounds like Koehler “gets it” regarding the beauty and functionality of the clubs that Ben had in mind.
Nunya
May 6, 2014 at 12:35 pm
(with) all with the appropriate reverence for the man, his company, and his legacy.
God, I hope so. Might have to look at scor wedges…
blink3665
May 6, 2014 at 10:06 am
This is outstanding news! A piece of history is being restored in the game of golf. I hope that they come out with something that is traditional looking with a touch of technology. There are enough irons out there that look like Decepticons and Terminators. I’m curious about what they will do with their lofts. Will they increase the lofts like everyone else, or have something more traditional? Also, how does the SCOR brand fit into this? The SCOR fitting online normally recomends replacing your scoring clubs with SCOR clubs. Will they make the same recommendation with Hogan irons?
29er Dave
May 7, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Decepticons and terminators. Well played! Hope they can be the Muira of America. Any sort of manufacturing here is a good thing. And that’s from a guy that loves his Mizunos. Definitely has my interest…
froneputt
May 6, 2014 at 9:51 am
Some say Callaway missed the boat here … but remember, the BRAND is CALLAWAY, not Hogan.
Wish them luck. Happy they are returning to Ft Worth. I did not get along with Hogan Irons of the 90’s … always thought the shaft was the problem. As to Koehler, I played his original Eidolons and they were fine wedges. The SCOR, I think, may need more effective bounce. But good luck to them.
Jeff
May 6, 2014 at 8:51 am
They make a nice forged iron. Welcome back.
ABgolfer2
May 8, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Bingo. My 1984 Apex PCs had a gazillion miles on them before I bought them in ’94. I put on a ton more. No issues. My 1994 Apex channelbacks feel off somehow. Two iron shaft snapped off at the hosel while hitting a ball off a tee. Only long iron or any club actually to ever see that.
Carlos Danger
May 6, 2014 at 8:35 am
Awesome! I long wondered why someone (Callaway) wasnt producing some club in the Hogan name. I really thought a line of high quality wedges would have sold well.
Even the last line of woods that came out in the early/mid 2000’s were really good. Hopefully they come out with some very traditional looking equipment that has some of the technology available today. I think there is a hunger in the marketplace for something like that.
Stephen L. Clopton
Oct 18, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Glad to hear they are bringing back the Hogan irons. I hope it will be a forged blade traditional looking with feel and 100% made in the USA.
The 70s & 80s had a great feel when hit in the sweet spot, great irons.