Originally designed prior to the 2012 US Open, the Callaway X Utility Prototype is a long iron replacement with removable weights.
Engineered specifically for Callaway's Tour players, the X Utility Prototype irons are made with a hollow forged steel construction with a tungsten sole precisely positioned to optimize the club's centre of gravity. A high-strength maraging steel face promotes high ball speeds.
"Utility irons are not new to the game, but the X Utility Prototypes feature a state-of-the-art forged construction that delivers a combination of distance, speed, feel and control that has been lacking in this important area of a player's bag for some time," said Luke Williams, Callaway's Global Director of Woods and Irons.
Offered in either an 18, 21 or 24-degree model, each iron has a removable weight in the sole. The weights range from 2 to 8 grams.
Ernie Els famously put three of the new X Utility clubs into play at the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes, where he won by a stroke leading the field in greens in regulation.
"I didn't expect the [PGA Tour] players to gravitate much towards the 24-degree version," added Roger Cleveland, Callaway's Chief Designer. "I thought that loft would more address the needs of the Champions Tour, LPGA and skilled amateur golfers, but the guys on the PGA Tour put them right into play. Ernie Els immediately adopted all three and asked, 'Where is the rest of the set?'"