Callaway maintains a strong reputation for its wedges, and the 2026 Opus SP+ marks a significant advancement from the popular Opus SP series. While their external appearance might seem familiar, numerous internal technological enhancements have been implemented. Nicola Slater conducted a comprehensive review to evaluate their performance.
Summary of Performance
The 2026 Callaway Opus SP+ wedges represent an impressive update. Their refined, tour-inspired design is aesthetically pleasing and positions perfectly behind the ball. The meticulously detailed face, featuring intricate etching between the grooves, is engineered to boost spin and consistency.
In terms of performance, these wedges live up to expectations, delivering excellent results both in data analysis and during on-course play, whether from sand or turf.
Pros:
- Stunning aesthetics
- Responsive feel off the face
- Excellent spin generation
Cons:
- Higher price point
First Impressions
Unboxing these wedges immediately reveals their striking appearance. Although they don’t drastically differ from last year’s model, their superior look is undeniable. The retro-styled ‘Callaway’ branding on the grip adds a unique touch.
Having not tested the previous Opus wedges, I was particularly eager to experience what the SP+ had to offer.
On-Course Performance Verdict
My testing of the Callaway Opus SP+ wedges took place on a rare sunny day in the UK at Leatherhead Golf Club. It was a pleasure to hit off natural grass rather than a fairway mat for one of the first times this year.
The wedges consistently generated impressive spin around the greens, notably producing significant spin on bunker shots.
Callaway’s new Gen 2.0 face features a meticulously designed groove pattern. A new 17° groove angle with tighter pitch spacing increases groove edge contact, leading to more consistent spin across various lies. This is complemented by deeper cross-hatch laser patterns, which are engineered to maximize friction and stopping power for all approach shots.
Detailed Data Analysis
For objective data, I tested these wedges indoors using a GC Quad launch monitor and a new ProV1x ball.
Starting with a 58-degree wedge for a 50-yard shot, the Callaway Opus SP+ consistently outperformed my current Ping wedge. The Callaway model averaged 7108 RPM, surpassing my existing setup which recorded 7042 RPM. The consistency of the numbers was remarkable, and the feel off the face was very satisfying. The Callaway Opus SP+’s shape also presented a very appealing look at address.
Moving to a 54-degree wedge for a 75-yard shot, the Opus SP+ again demonstrated superior consistency compared to my Ping wedge, with spin rates approximately 100 RPM higher.
Callaway has integrated significant new technology in this Opus model, including the Spin Pocket™ Construction+ Tungsten. This involves a tour-preferred shaping combined with an additional 13 grams of tungsten weighting, which elevates the center of gravity (COG). This innovation results in increased spin and enhanced precision.
Data Summary:
- 58° wedge: 7108 RPM (Callaway) vs 7042 RPM (Ping)
- 54° wedge: 8337 RPM (Callaway) vs 8212 RPM (Ping)
In essence, the spin performance is notably improved.
Final Thoughts
My overall experience with the Callaway Opus SP+ wedges, both on the course and in the simulator, was highly positive. The only notable drawback is their premium price point, reflecting their solid performance.
Product Specifications:
- Grind options: Z, X, and S
