We recently conducted our Callaway MD3 Milled Wedge Review. Undoubtedly, the MD3 Milled Wedge is Callaway’s most ambitious wedge offering, EVER!
Reception on the tour has been great for Callaway. The MD3 is now ranked 2nd most popular wedge on the PGA tour and 1st on the LPGA tour (calculated as the number of the players using the wedges).
We reviewed the Callaway MD3 Milled Wedge as part of our Best Golf Wedges Review.
Callaway MD3 Milled Wedge
Our Assessment
The range has a huge amount of versatility and offered in three sole designs: C-grind (for firm conditions - ideal for Links players). S-grind (for all types of conditions). And W-grind (for soft conditions, or players with a steep attack).
If that isn’t enough, the range comes with 3 different groove patterns: 5 degree groves on the high-loft wedges, 20 degree grooves on the mid-loft sand wedges, and 30 degree grooves on the pitch wedges. The varying groove patterns means you get more spin with the higher lofted wedges, and advanced control as you decrease the wedge loft. The MD3 is a absolute winner.
If you are a low to low-mid handicapper and are looking to shave off a few shots around the green then these wedges should be in your bag. Just make sure you choose the right grind and loft variation for your game!
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $129.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to Mid |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Lie | 64° |
Right Handed Lofts | 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° |
Left Handed Lofts | 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° |
Material Finish | Steel with a Chrome or Satin Matte (Black Nickel) finish |
Length | 35, 35.25, 35.75 inches |
Shaft Type and Name | Steel shaft called True Temper Dynamic Gold Wedge |
Grip | Lamkin UTX |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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Callaway MD3 Milled Wedge Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
Options are abundant in the MD3 Milled wedge.
Firstly either available in a matte black or satin chrome. Secondly available in either a C, S or W grind and lastly in a wide range of lofts anywhere between 46 – 60 degrees. Each and every MD3 Milled wedge has 4 colored ports in the back of the clubhead, which was done for good reason and we will elaborate on that further down in the review. The MD3 is surprisingly not forged, but it does have a milled front and back of clubhead, which is appealing and adds a bit more zest to the look & feel of the club.
The teardrop shape of the clubhead is also a winner and even if you are not really a fan of that style, when viewing this wedge at address you’re almost certainly going to be impressed.
Image Credit: Official Callaway Image
Build Quality
As mentioned above the 4 colored ports in the back of the clubhead are not there for aesthetic purposes, but they’ve actually aided in moving the center of gravity higher in the clubhead in order to promote a lower, but higher spinning trajectory…that is exactly what the better player is in search of in a wedge.
The C Grind has a thin sole, which is ideal in firm conditions and also has its versatility benefits.
The S Grind is the most versatile option of all three and generally suits all conditions and angles of attack.
The W Grind has a wider sole, but is only suited to those players with a steep angle of attack…if you don’t fall into the latter’s category then avoid!
Not sure which grind is right for you? Here is a short 1 minute video which explains the 3 grinds.
Control / Feel
As in line with most other manufacturers the latest trend is to have what Callaway term “Progressive Groove optimization”, which basically means the groove size and angle increases in the higher lofted wedges. The feel in both metals is fantastic with the matte black being fractionally softer than the satin chrome.
The COG having been moved higher really does have a noticeable impact on the difference in feel and if striking it in the middle is phenomenally soft.
Feedback is top drawer and instantaneously you will know if you have even just missed the sweet spot by one groove line too low or high up…you’ll also notice the difference in distance variation though.
Image Credit: Official Callway Image
Performance
As mentioned earlier, the low trajectory with high spin is beautiful…that is what separates good wedges from great wedges and they have hit the nail on the head here. The Mizuno S5 on the other hand has a fair trajectory but with low spin.
Spin is middle of the pack reasonable and is more than enough to feel confident from any fairway to either a soft or firm green. Also one of the best we have tested out of bunkers, particularly the W Grind where the ball checks early and then releases out to the hole. If you struggle out the bunker with your current wedges then the MD3 Milled wedges are for you.
Understand the Progressive Groove optimization in 1 minute. Kenny Perry has been quoted as saying the MD3 wedges are so well designed for bunker play that he feels it’s “like cheating!!”
Image Credit: Official Callaway Image
Value for Money
You are going to find something that will suit your style of play out of all these wedge variations on offer so from that point of view it’s brilliant. The cast finish is also going to aid in longevity and will be able to stay in your bag for a long period of time.
Slightly more than the Cleveland and Ping options, but we give the MD3 Milled 8.7/10 in terms of value for money.
