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.
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...
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.