News
Callaway announces record net sales and earnings for Q1 2018
It’s been a great 2018 for Callaway Golf thus far, so it’s not hard to see why CEO Chip Brewer is smiling.
While you’ll want to head over to your preferred financial news site for deep dive into the balance sheet and Q1 results, here are a few highlights from the company’s earnings press release and conference call.
Yesterday, the company announced record sales and earnings for Q1, 2018. Not surprisingly, Callaway increased its sales and earnings estimates for the rest of 2018.
Callaway’s net sales increased $94 million (31 percent) to $403 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to Q1 2018. Earnings per share increased $0.38 to $0.65.
|
Woods |
+ 19.7% |
U.S. |
+ 31.9% |
|
Irons |
+ 61.3% |
Europe |
+ 14.8% |
|
Putters |
+ 23.8% |
Japan |
+ 49.0% |
|
Golf Balls |
+ 13.9% |
Rest of Asia |
+ 35.0% |
|
Gear & Other |
+ 35.3% |
Other |
+ 7.5% |
“It has been a strong start to 2018,” said Chip Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Callaway Golf Company. “Sales across our entire product line, including the Rogue line of woods and irons as well as the new Chrome Soft golf balls, are off to a strong start and we also benefitted from improved foreign exchange rates and market conditions. As a result, our EBITDA increased 95% during the first quarter.
“Business around the globe remains strong with all major regions reporting significant sales growth and our new businesses are performing at or above plan. While I am mindful that the first quarter generally represents the initial sell-in for the new golf season, I am pleased overall with how our business is performing and am cautiously optimistic for the balance of the year.”
What Brewer’s cautious optimism looks like quantitatively: expected 2018 net sales between $1.17 billion and $1.19 billion, compared with a prior guidance of sales between $1.12 billion to $1.14 billion.
Here are a few more remarks of note from CEO Brewer during the earnings conference call
“Revenues were up 31% to $403 million and fully diluted earnings per share, as well as trailing 12-month EBITDA more than doubled. Our new products, particularly the Rogue line of woods and irons, as well as our new Chrome Soft golf balls featuring Graphene are resonating on a global basis, and our new business initiatives continue to perform at or above expectations. We have made and are continuing to make significant investments in our business, which we believe are paying off nicely for shareholders.”
“In the U.S., our revenues were up 32% for the quarter. The quarterly performance was driven by double-digit growth in our core business, as well as the addition of TravisMathew, which had an outstanding quarter as well.”
“For the quarter, Callaway was the number one total hard goods brand, number one in total clubs, woods, irons, and putters. In golf balls, we remain the number two brand with 16.2% dollar share, up 220 basis points year over year.”
You can read the full conference call transcript on Seeking Alpha
And you can find Callaway’s earnings press release here.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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peter collins
May 1, 2018 at 10:56 am
How well do they have to do, befor the prices come down
Jason A
Apr 30, 2018 at 11:58 am
ive been a callaway fan all my life. few years back their stuff was mediocre at best, fast forward to today, love their products now. just got a new rogue set, love everything about it.
8thehardway
Apr 28, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Callaway has been raising the bar for a while and between their great products and outstanding customer service they are beginning to dominate my bag. I’m delighted at their success.
Moses
Apr 28, 2018 at 11:44 am
Love their equipment now.
tda
Apr 28, 2018 at 2:39 am
My Callaway stocks have been doing well all year
Mark King
Apr 27, 2018 at 10:03 pm
Chip is SO hot!
Johnny Penso
Apr 27, 2018 at 10:02 pm
Glad to see them doing well. A healthy golf manufacturer is good for all of us.