Do you want to play the same set of irons that John Rahm used to win the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines? Even if you aren’t the number one player in the world?
Well, you’re in luck because they are one of Callaway’s most well received irons. The TCB irons are a player’s set of golf clubs that have gotten a lot of attention lately as Callaway continues to expand their product line.
So, why does one of the best ball strikers in the world choose these clubs?
As John Rahm said on their website, “The way the club moves through the turf, along with launch and forgiveness, gives me confidence over the ball. That’s why I play these irons.”
In the past, Callaway has catered more to mid level golfers and put an emphasis on their driver selection. But lately, they have more and more iron sets for lower handicap players and the TCB is a great example. They made the 2022 Golf Digest Gold Hot List and received acclaim from players all over.
If you’re ready to hit more greens and have more confidence in your iron game, keep reading to learn about the new TCB irons.
Callaway Apex TCB Irons Review
While Callaway has had the Apex line of irons for quite some time, the TCB is a newly upgraded version. They were previously only available on Tour but are now available for anyone.
Unlike the Apex 2016 and 2019 series, these are designed specifically for low handicap golfers. While they aren’t a blade design, they’re definitely more compact than the normal Apex or Apex Pro.
So who are the TCB irons for?
According to Callaway, these clubs are for, “Tour pros to low single digit players who want shot making control in a classic, compact look and spec package.”
Here’s what makes these clubs such a great choice if you’re the right type of player.
Tour-Cavity Design
While the iron set is certainly not for your average golfer, they aren’t blade either. They have a “Tour Inspired” cavity back with a compact look. The design is simple with the two screws on the sides of the Callaway logo on the back of the club, making a clean look from any angle.
I think compact is the best way to describe them. They’re small enough to know you can shape shots and control trajectory but large enough to not be scared of missing the center of the face.
They also have a thin topline which makes them look great at address position. These irons are thinner than the X Forged CB and Apex Pro but still not as thin as the Apex MB irons. The Apex MB’s are true blades and not recommended for the everyday player (or most players for that matter).
Aside from looking great at address position, I fell in love with the sound of these irons too. Thanks to the forged 1025 mild carbon steel body, they have an awesome sound at impact.
Exceptional Ball Flight and Control
While the sound is awesome, the ball flight of these irons is nothing short of amazing too. Thanks to Tungsten weighting, they have moved the CG of each iron to help with shot-making and proper ball flight throughout the set.
The Tungsten on the outside also helps dial in the swing weight of each iron and keep the CG centered. The result is a piercing ball flight that minimizes spin but still lands soft.
The face also offers “Tour Tuned” face places for extra distance that you don’t find in the MB models. This helps improve off center hits and maximize distance even if you don’t hit it on the screws.
Perfectly Tuned Loft & Lie
Callaway offers a ton of different options in terms of iron sets, but the loft between each is very different. For the TCB irons, the 4-iron loft for this set is 23 degrees, 7 iron is 34 degrees, and the pitching wedge is 46 degrees.
Since they are a player’s set, the lofts are weaker as they know the typical player isn’t seeking distance as much as control. The lie is also minimally offset and less offset than the X-Forged CB irons.
High Quality Stock Shafts
Another perk with most new irons sets is the impressive line-up of stock steel shafts. With the Apex TCB irons, you can choose from four different options depending on your swing and desired ball flight. Remember, the shaft plays a pivotal role in helping you improve consistency and ball striking so do your research to find the best ones for your game.
Stock Steel Shaft Options
Here are the four steel shafts offered from Callaway:
- KBS Tour Steel – This is KBS’s signature shaft that is ideal for shot shaping with its extreme versatility and mid-trajectory launch angle.
- True Temper AMT Red – This is True Temper’s lightweight option that is all about helping improve launch as it’s their highest trajectory shaft. It’s a great shaft if you need help with higher launch but it does also elevate spin rates as well.
- Nippon NS Pro 950GH NEO – This is an ultra lightweight shaft too and a great alternative if you’re on the fence about selecting graphite or steel.
- Project X IO – The Project X IO shafts are steel but they almost look like graphite with their sleek, all gray design. These are a moderate tempo, medium spin, and medium trajectory shaft. These are the ones I opted for at 115 grams (X-Flex) as they gave me a better landing angle from the Elevate 115 shafts in my 2019 Apex Pro irons.
Graphite Shaft Options
Surprisingly, they do offer graphite shafts as well with the TCB irons. While the above steel shaft options come at no extra charge, the graphite shafts are a premium upgrade. If you want a lighter weight design, there are five graphite shaft options:
- KBS Max 55
- Project X Catalyst 100
- UST Mamiya Recoil ESX
- Mitsubishi Chemical MMT
- Aerotech Steel Fiber FC 115
FAQs About Callaway Apex TCB Irons
Do you have more questions about the Apex TCB irons? If so, we got you covered in our FAQ section and provide some alternative iron sets as well.
What does TCB stand for in Callaway?
Good question… the TCB stands for Tour Cavity Back. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be on the Tour to enjoy these awesome irons though. The design offers enough forgiveness but focuses more on playability above all else.
Are Callaway Apex irons for high handicappers?
Callaway has an impressive line of irons and each is geared toward a different type of player profile. Consistent ball strikers should choose between Apex Pro, TCB, X-Forged, or MB irons.
While those who want extra forgiveness and distance should check out the Apex, Rogue Pro, and Rogue Pro ST.
Do they make the TCB irons in a combo set?
No, Callaway does not offer these irons in a combo set.
Unlike other sets, such as the Apex Mixed Combo set, the TCB irons are only available on their own. They offer 3-AW and you can customize based on how many total irons you need.
Do any PGA Players use Callaway Apex irons?
Yes, quite a few PGA Tour players use their Apex irons including top ranked player John Rahm who used them in the 2021 US Open victory. Xander Schauffele also uses them as well. They’re quite popular due to their design and versatility.
Alternates to Apex TCB Pro Irons
Not sure if the TCB irons are for your game? Make sure to check out some of the other options from Callaway in their impressive product line.
Callaway X-Forged Irons
The X-Forged are quite similar to the TCB but are slightly more forgiving and a little bit more offset. They have a thicker topline but are still considered a player’s set. Callaway said they are designed for “Tour pros to low single digit players who need consistency, control, and amazing feel in a forged cavity back design.”
They also offer X-Forged UT irons (utility irons) as well. These are much more forgiving than most long irons and a great addition to your bag if you struggle with 3-5 irons.
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Irons
If you want even more forgiveness than the X-Forged and TCB irons, check into the Rogue ST Pros. This iron set is similar to the Apex Pro with their sleek design. Despite not having much of a cavity and looking more like a blade, these are designed for mid-low handicap players.
They have a hollow body construction and a compact shape, making them great for shot shapers. They help create more ball speed thanks to the AI designed Flash Face Cup technology.
They also have new tungsten weighting that makes them a big upgrade from previous Mavrik irons. In fact, they have 188% more high-density tungsten, which helps improve launch and maximize speed.
They don’t have quite as many shaft options (two graphite, one steel) but still solid choices. This iron set is available in 3 iron through gap wedge (AW).
Final Thoughts on Apex TCB Irons
If you want a compact iron set for maximum playability, you can’t go wrong with the Apex TCB irons. They’re a great looking set of irons thanks to the thin topline and aren’t too much of a blade that an amateur can’t enjoy.
While they’re definitely not irons for a higher handicap golfer or even the right irons for mid handicaps, they’re a great fit if you have a consistent swing. As always, make sure to research the shaft options to find the one that best suits your spin rates and ideal launch angles.
These are one of the best sets of irons in a long time from Callaway and easy to see why they made the Golf Digest Gold Hot List. They might be just what your game needs to take your approach shots to the next level.
