Equipment
A visit to Ben Hogan Golf
The Ben Hogan Golf headquarters are in a relaxed old warehouse about 10 minutes south of downtown Fort Worth. The parking lot sits adjacent to an open field of unkempt grass, and the Ben Hogan logo hangs proudly above the door, unseen by most.
All of that is by design.
The Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company originally started in 1953, but in September of 2017, it was reborn. This time with a completely different business model and an eye for saving customers money. That means lower overhead and cutting out the retail middle man.
“Our product is better than most and it’s less expensive than most. That’s because of our direct to consumer business model,” says Scott White, Ben Hogan Golf’s President and CEO.
Customers who want to play Ben Hogan irons, hybrids, or wedges can simply create a custom set online at benhogangolf.com. No need to pay markup costs buying at your local pro shop or golf mega store. The direct-to-consumer model keeps costs down and allows the player to have a custom set of forged irons for much less of the cost of a comparable set. And the clubs are built just for you. Just send in your specs and the clubs are out the door and headed your way in five to 10 business days.
Steve Dreyer, Director of Manufacturing, started with the company in 1985. He knew Mr. Hogan personally and has been a part of the company’s many evolutions. “I’ve seen many transitions. No doubt we are back to what Mr. Hogan wanted,” Dreyer says. “What Mr. Hogan stood for — he stood for a fine quality, built right, forged iron, built one set at a time.”
And if you want to give these clubs a try before pulling the trigger, that’s no problem. The company offers a 14-day, two-club demo program to help you feel comfortable with your purchase. That is also all organized online through the website. Customers can select the clubs they are interested in, pay twenty dollars for shipping, and they’ll soon get two irons in the mail.
Currently, Ben Hogan Golf offers three different custom built iron sets ranging from $575 to $770 per set, as well as utility irons, wedges and hybrids. The website also offers a wide array of bags, hats, and accessories, all sporting the legendary Hogan signature logo.
The new business model is working. Clubs are flying out of the factory and being shipped all over the world. As a response to overseas demand, the demo club program is setting up a new location in the United Kingdom so European players will be able to try these clubs out before purchasing as well. It seems consumers are falling in love with Ben Hogan irons again.
That wasn’t always the case. Before this resurgence, the company was floundering in and out of bankruptcy. “We were using the same playbook as every other original equipment manufacturer,” White said. “We were in retail. We had a sales force. It was an expensive proposition and we just found that we can’t keep doing it this way.”
In 2017, the company decided they needed a different strategic plan, so they began working towards a transition of sorts. All options were on the table, including permanent closure of the company. But while that was happening, revenue was still needed to keep the doors open and the lights on.
“So we went to our database and contacted everyone who had purchased Ben Hogan products in the previous two years,” White said. “We told them we were going through a reorganization and are pulling out of retail. But you are loyal to us so if you want to buy our equipment directly, we will sell it to you at basically wholesale pricing.”
The response was overwhelming. The company couldn’t keep up. There was no website or organizational process in place yet. Just customers who wanted Ben Hogan clubs at lower prices, calling on the phone. So White, Dreyer, and Tyler Brewton, Director of Brand and Product Marketing, decided there must be something to this factory direct thing. “We have a premium product and no one else in the golf industry is doing what we are doing from the equipment side,” Brewton said. “We are making premium golf equipment and we sell it with no retail markups.”
“It’s the great Ben Hogan product you know and love. Now there is no middleman,” explained White. “There’s no markup. You buy it at roughly half the cost of comparable product at retail. We have only been at it for 18 months but it has really resonated.”
Perhaps the most important piece to the equation, however, is the ever-present aura of Mr. Hogan. Walking around the no frills factory warehouse, it is impossible to not feel his presence. His signature is on every piece of equipment and photos of his famous swing hang on the walls. Even one of his old wooden office chairs sits in the corner of the break room.
“We are very conscious of the fact that it is his name on the bag. His name on the clubs. We walk around here and see his signature and his photos every day and think we need to keep making this guy proud,” White said.
And the dedication to excellence that Mr. Hogan was famous for is still going strong in Texas. “Mr. Hogan was a businessman,” said Dreyer. “And the product leaving this building is nothing but the best. Because that is what Mr. Hogan expected. It had to be the best.”
Where the company will go from here remains to be seen. “Right now we are forged irons and wedges,” said White. “We are always going to be a niche brand that appeals first and foremost to the more accomplished players. That is kind of what the Ben Hogan brand is known for. But we are going to get into other product categories which will fuel growth.”
The future looks bright in Fort Worth.
Mr. Hogan would be proud.
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% |
View this post on Instagram
‘Why would anybody want to change that swing?’ – Brandel Chamblee says PGA Tour star was wrong to change his swing
‘The stupidest freaking thing I’ve ever heard’ – Billy Horschel slams Open idea suggested by Padraig Harrington
WITB Time Machine: Brandt Snedeker’s winning WITB, 2018 Wyndham Championship
Golfer proudly posts photo of ball mark on iron, receives immediate roasting
WITB Time Machine: Matthew Wolff’s winning WITB, 2019 3M Open
Oakmont Country Club bans Wyndham Clark over locker incident; Reveals specific conditions to earn reinstatement
Adam Scott puts Callaway blades in the bag at Wyndham Championship
Report: LIV star fires caddie and coach in shock shake up
Rickie Fowler makes equipment change to ‘something that’s a little easier on the body’
The championship formula: How 3 key stats separate winners from the field
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...
Ray F
May 10, 2019 at 6:44 pm
Just received my PTx Pro irons and I’m testing the wedges through the trial program. Selected my shaft through extensive trials with similar irons and so far numbers look solid on launch monitor.
Ordering was a breeze and all of my questions were answered.
Hopefully I’ll be able to do a trial on the new woods coming out.
Very happy
234234
Mar 2, 2019 at 12:25 am
One thing I liked about Hogans irons is they stamp the #of the iron, instead they stamp the loft on the sole. Makes so much sense. Nowadays every manufactures are pulling lofts from long and short irons and make #7 stronger. The result is 3′ gaps in long irons, and 5′ or more gaps in short irons. I don’t care about #7 being 30′ or 28′, I just don’t like the gaps getting double between long and short irons.
234234
Mar 2, 2019 at 12:26 am
is they don’t(*) stamp the #of the iron
Billy
Mar 1, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Give it a year at most, the company will file for bankruptcy.
Vickie
Mar 2, 2019 at 1:11 pm
That’s ugly !!!! Steve I wish y’all the best of luck. Mr. Hogan would be proud.
Bob
Mar 2, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Wrong already, it’s been 2 years and no bankruptcy in sight.
Brad
Mar 1, 2019 at 4:47 pm
The product looks good, but customer service at Hogan Golf is the big problem. The ones I have spoken to are not exactly friendly or helpful. Either they are just not very nice people, or there must be a lot of stress inside that company keeping everyone on edge.
Ben Hogan
Mar 1, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Had a very very negative experience with the customer relations department. Turned me off of the new Hogans immediately. That’s the last time I will entertain of using Hogan equipment. The Apex Edge Pro’s were one of my favorite irons years ago
Steve Buchanan
Mar 1, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Wrong. Great clubs and beautiful as well. Performance and feel are exceptional. I love my new set and Ric Shiels, who tests everything on the market loves them as well. I hate the negative comments from people who have no clue.
DL
Mar 1, 2019 at 1:29 pm
I like what they have done with the company. I have the Ptx and Edge iron sets. The quality and performance has been excellent and they are reasonably priced. Only concern is fitting. Less informed consumers could use some help in ordering a set that is built for their particular golf swing.
Thomas Hertwig
Mar 1, 2019 at 1:17 pm
all in all just an assembly warehouse for heads made in China…..most steel shafts are not available so it’s really no big deal….clubs flying out the warehouse, I don’t think so just look at the building…
Matt
Mar 1, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Would be nice if they offered just the heads so consumers can put the shafts they want in them.
Fitz
Mar 1, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Without Terry Koehler Hogan has the same cache as the Spalding, Black Knight, Walter Hagen for me.
A Vendor
Mar 1, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Give me a break. These are the guys who jumped head first into debt, had to declare bankruptcy, and continue to use assets they didn’t pay for. I’m sure Mr Hogan would be proud.
bonifacj
Mar 1, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Continued success to Ben Hogan Golf. Product offerings look great.
gh
Mar 1, 2019 at 11:45 am
Sadly, Mr. Hogan would not be proud of what has happened to his golf club business. Ben Hogan Golf will never be more than a failed vision of what used to be.
Douglas J Hansen, PGA
Mar 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm
I believe Mr. Hogan would be very upset at eliminating the PGA Professional from promoting and fitting clubs that bear his name. When I met Mr. Hogan in 1989 at the gathering of Hogan Staff professionals, Mr. Hogan described himself as a “golf professional” – not a “professional golfer” – which I took as quite the compliment. A PGA Member right up to his passing, Mr. Hogan knew the importance of what it is we do.
Even though I’m with PING, I bleed Hogan red, white & blue – always have – always will.
The dude
Mar 3, 2019 at 3:31 am
Cringeworthy post
Douglas J Hansen, PGA
Mar 8, 2019 at 4:35 pm
What has happen to the Ben Hogan brand IS “cringeworthy”, Dude.