Equipment
Callaway signs Leishman, Tom Watson, re-signs Stenson
As they tend to do in the first week of a new year, equipment switchers and re-signers are popping up on our radar. On Monday, we brought you news of PXG’s coup and Nike’s signings. Now it’s time to see who’s joining Callaway’s roster.
Marc Leishman, who was previously with Titleist, has signed on with the Carlsbad-based company. According to Callaway, the Australian will game the company’s clubs and ball, as well as an Odyssey putter.
Leishman, runner-up at the 2015 Open Championship, won the European Tour’s Nedbank Challenge in December 2015. Last year on the PGA Tour, Leishman made 14 of 23 cuts with four top-10 finishes. He’s currently the No. 25 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
A legend of the game of is joining Callaway, too: 8-time major champion Tom Watson. The 66-year-old, who was previously with Adams Golf, will play Callaway clubs, a Callaway ball, and an Odyssey putter. Watson competed in his final British Open at St. Andrews last year, and teed up eight times on the Champions Tour in 2015.
As for re-signings, Callaway has retained its top-ranked staff player Henrik Stenson. Stenson, the No. 5 golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking, is coming off a 2014-2015 campaign that saw him tally eight top-10 finishes (including four seconds) in 16 starts on the PGA Tour and finish second in the FedExCup Playoffs. The Swede has been in Callaway’s stable since 2014.
The world’s No. 14 player, Branden Grace, has also re-signed with Callaway, tweeting, “So pleased to re-sign with @CallawayGolf. Great equipment and great people…#bulletstraight”.
Callaway’s roster now includes six staffers inside the top 20 in the OWGR: The aforementioned Stenson and Grace, Jim Furyk (No. 9), Patrick Reed (No. 10), and Danny Willett (No. 19).
Callaway’s full PGA Tour stable includes:
- Kevin Kisner
- Phil Mickelson
- Harris English
- Tommy Gainey
- Freddie Jacobson
- Ryo Ishikawa
- Pat Perez
- Jonathan Byrd
- Danny Lee
- Kelly Kraft
- Emiliano Grillo
- Ollie Schniederjans
Their European Tour roster features (in addition to Willett):
- Kiradech Aphibarnrat
- Nicolas Colsaerts
- Alvaro Quiros
- Matteo Manassero
And on the LPGA Tour, of course, top golfer Lydia Ko sports the chevron. Morgan Pressel, Belen Mozo, Sandra Gal, and Yani Tseng, likewise.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Matt Barger
Jan 25, 2016 at 11:50 am
“Marc Leishman, who was previously with Titleist, has signed on with the Carlsbad-based company.”
… but they’re all based or have offices in Carlsbad. Including Acushnet.
Roger
Jan 12, 2016 at 9:34 am
Watson signed with Callaway due to relationship with Chip Brewer – history with Adams Golf
mike t
Jan 11, 2016 at 5:51 pm
I don’t see why all the older golfers like Palmer, Player and Watson are affiliating with Callaway ?? Maybe it lends credence to older golfers or traditionalists ?? Do they really need the money ??
ol deadeye
Jan 10, 2016 at 3:34 pm
Tom Watson is a real gentleman and a great ambassador for the game. My wife and I were following several tour players including Watson at a senior event in Hawaii about ten years ago. It was a windy day at a remote course on Oahu and a very small gallery. Mr Watson was the only pro who even noticed us or acknowledged us all day. That smile and wave went a long way toward our enjoyment. I wish him luck with the new clubs.
fatheroffour
Jan 8, 2016 at 11:10 pm
I for one think Tom Watson going to Callaway is great. With TM having a bad year in sales, who know what they will do with Adams anyways. As far as us ever day hacks buying clubs based on what pro’s use is the wrong way to go about buying equipment. Their clubs and sets ate made specifically for them right down to the smallest of details. There is not a golfer with a handicap above 15 or 20 that could tell the difference between one club to the next. We should be using clubs that are forgiving and suited to help are game. I am a Mickelson fan, but not going out and going to buy Callaway forged blades and a driver with a x stiff shafts to be like him. I am a 15 hdcp myself and want forgiving clubs that will help me shoot better
fatheroffour
Jan 8, 2016 at 11:13 pm
Sorry about the bad spelling. I type as bad as I golf 🙂
Chuck Zirkle
Jan 8, 2016 at 3:35 pm
It’s not so much about equipment as it is about money, and I am not saying that is a bad thing. These pros are independent contractors and I say go for the highest bidder. They have to look out for number one. I am sure they will find a head that will work for them, because it is the shaft that drives that club and they could be playing the same shafts when they go to another manufacturer. Manufacturers can make you any club you desire or facsimile. I wish them all good luck with their changes. It seems if a sports figure makes a brand change it is a big deal, but face it, they are only looking out for their future and we should wish them well. Career adjustment.
joro
Jan 8, 2016 at 3:07 pm
It is musical clubs time at the old Tour. Money is the main point and as long as they are dishing it out for playing with thier clubs, why not. They are pretty much all the same they had after all the tweaking and shafting and gripping and lofts and lies, and static weight and swing weight, and grinding for the same look and feel anyway. The only change is the Ball and that is something they can get easily enough. Harumphhhhhhhh
One thing though, Callaways clothes are uglier than Adiddas. Take a good look at Patrick Reed sometime. Ugh Especially the patches on his back pockets. Course his pants droop anyway cause he has no Azz to hold em up. lol
brad
Jan 8, 2016 at 11:35 am
I thought Patrick Reed was a Callaway guy?
Carlos Danger
Jan 7, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Maybe Callaway will make him some golf shirts that are not 100% cotton? Nothing better than watching a 70 year old man play golf in 95 degree heat in a cotton Ralph Lauren shirt on a 70 in HD TV. He looked like he did the bucket challenge mid round in those shirts…
SB
Jan 7, 2016 at 3:38 pm
Where is Gary Woodland?
Carlos Danger
Jan 7, 2016 at 4:45 pm
TM…I belive
Poppa
Jan 7, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Watson is going to be a threat every time he tees it up with Callaway clubs. Upgrade!
On yer bike
Jan 7, 2016 at 11:42 am
I’m surprised there aren’t more European Tour guys with Callaway.
Barrett M
Jan 7, 2016 at 11:12 am
The value? 8-Time Major winner says enough I think.
Ronald Montesano
Jan 8, 2016 at 1:17 pm
No, it doesn’t. What value does that bring? Do young buyers care that Watson plays Callaway? You’re thinking like you, not like them, methinks.
Jack Nash
Jan 8, 2016 at 3:37 pm
Maybe brings more value than a two time champ Zach Johnson moving to GoDaddy clubs.
Setter02
Jan 12, 2016 at 9:33 pm
No chance. Zak’s move to PXG is far and away bigger than Watson signing with Cally. Its not even close… Watson going to Cally means nothing, like at all.
Scott Palmer
Jan 7, 2016 at 10:57 am
It’s Callaway adding to their “Ambassador / Icon” stable. Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Annika, etc. and now Watson. I think it’s a brilliant move and great addition to the Callaway family.
Ronald Montesano
Jan 8, 2016 at 1:17 pm
Does that translate into more purchases? Do you purchase clubs because old guys from the 1960s and 1970s are paid to play them? Because Annika plays them?
TMTC
Jan 10, 2016 at 11:02 am
Is optics!
The more it is seen, the better the advertisement for the company.
New golfers to the game may be drawn in to advertisers.
And yes, some people purchase based on who plays what.
That my friend is the sad truth.
Having said that, they also put out a nice product, as do most top brands.
TMTC
Ronald Montesano
Jan 7, 2016 at 10:53 am
What’s the value in signing Watson? I’m not sure, so I’m interested to read what WRXers think.
Chuck
Jan 7, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Gosh, I cannot even think of all the times I saw Watson on tv, contending for something, and seeing his Adams-logoed cap. I was interested to read here, at GolfWRX, about what a total delight Watson was, for the tour staff to work with.
I am sad that we won’t see Watson in any more majors (or am I wrong about that?). But he’s frequently contending on the Champions Tour.
Ron, it’s funny to me, but I always thought that Watson was a smart play for a club manufacturer, because he’s been such a great and gutty player. And the one endorsement I never understood was his deal with Ralph Lauren/Polo, because even when Tom had expensive and beautiful clothes to wear, he always looked like a bit of a slob. An everyman.
Greg V
Jan 7, 2016 at 4:22 pm
Funny comment.
I can’t think of all the times that I saw Watson on TV, contending for something, with no hat on his head at all! (Probably playing RAM equipment.)
Times have changed, as well as our regard for sun damage.
Chuck
Jan 7, 2016 at 5:28 pm
Well that’s undeniably true, Greg! That is, the Watson of the 70’s and 80’s! But the fair-skinned Watson is now pretty religious about wearing a cap. Look at Tom’s neck some time when you can see him in person. Alligators have better-looking skin.
Ronald Montesano
Jan 8, 2016 at 1:19 pm
Callaway makes such great metal woods. I would play a Callaway set of fairway metals the rest of my life.