Expert Review: Callaway Jaws MD5 Platinum Chrome Wedge 2022
All photos courtesy of Peter Weisel
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the wedge, which I purchased with my own money in September of 2021.
My take
The Callaway Jaws MD5 Platinum Chrome Wedge are an upgrade over the previous Callaway MD4 wedges. The finish doesn’t reflect sunlight as much and the new grooves increase spin on chip/pitch shots.
About the club I own
- Model: 2022 Callaway Jaws MD5
- Loft: 54°
- Bounce: 8°
- Grind: C Grind
- Finish: Platinum Chrome
About me
- Average Score: 76
- Handicap: 3
- Experience: 17 years of golf
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Golf Ball Used: 2022 Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
- Angle Of Attack: Normal
Test conditions
- When I bought the wedge: September 2021
- Days tested: 50
- Where I’ve used it: Meadow Hills Golf Club and simulators
- Weather Conditions: Wet, dry, and windy conditions
- Green Conditions: 9–11 on the stimp
How it performs
What I was looking for
My Callaway MD4 wedges were worn out and I needed to replace some clubs. I wanted to find wedges that spun more than my Callaway MD4s and didn’t reflect as much light.
Why I chose this club
I was happy with my Callaway MD4 wedges, particularly the shape and feel of the wedges. The Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges have the same shape and feel, while increasing the spin on chip/pitch shots. I didn’t consider other wedges alongside the MD5 wedges. I was comfortable with the shape and feel of the MD4 wedges, so I tried these new MD5s above other brands.
What I love about it
- Launch: I have found the Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges are able to adjust and control trajectory very well around the green.
- Feel: These wedges have a soft feel to the clubface, which builds my confidence in the clubs.
- Spin: I love the increased spin on chip/pitch shots around the green. This has been very helpful since I play a golf ball that doesn’t spin very much.
- Bounce: The C-grind sole with eight degrees of bounce has performed very well in wet and firm conditions. The wedges rarely dig into the ground in wet conditions or bounce off the ground in firm conditions.
- Around the Green: The Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges are the best performing wedges around the green that I have ever played because of their increased spin for control. I am able to choose if I want the ball to stop or release on the greens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The classic shape and rounded top line of the Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges is very appealing at address. Though despite the brushed chrome finish, sunlight still reflects off the wedge into my eyes.
- Innovation: The Jaws grooves are a new technology that has increased the spin performance of Callaway wedges around the greens.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Forgiveness: The Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges aren’t very forgiving when a shot is hit far off the toe. The ball won’t fly as far as a well struck shot.
- Full Shots: Full shots can spin too much when the greens are wet or slow.
Best Shot with this Wedge
My best shot with my Callaway Jaws MD5 wedge was a chip shot after I missed the first green at Meadow Hills. I left my approach shot short of the green in the fairway and hit a spinny chip with my 54° that bounced twice and stopped about two feet from the hole. I was able to tap in my par put and build positive momentum for the beginning of my round.
Value for the money vs. other options
It’s hard to put a price on feeling confident in my equipment. The Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges retail for around $160, which is middle of the road for high-quality wedges. I believe these wedges are a great value when their performance is compared to the cost of similar brands’ wedges, like the Titleist SM8.
Final verdict
The Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges are some of the finest wedges I have ever hit. The increased spin and improved aesthetics make me want to buy a backup for when my current wedges wear out.
- We price match
- Returnable