Noren has one of the most unique gear setups on the PGA Tour, particularly with his driver, a Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Max D. Not only is this a driver designed for game-improvement players, but the draw bias of the model also inherently conflicts with Noren’s preferred left-to-right ball flight.
But actually, the draw-bias profile actually makes Noren more comfortable hitting a fade. Noren moves the club hard from the outside-in and left through the golf ball, which makes the miss he fears the most a high spin block to the right. He wants a driver that he can swing as hard as he can left and not fear losing the ball right.
With the Max D head’s upright and heel-weighted configuration, he accomplishes just that. It’s a great example of how many pros set up their drivers to promote the opposite of their preferred shot shape. Most draw players prefer flatter lie angles and open club faces to promote a right start line, while faders like closed club faces and more upright lie angles for the opposite effect.
Because the Max D has some optical tricks to make it appear closed, Noren also lofts it down and opens the face to give a more neutral look at setup.
The win is also the second worldwide win for Callaway’s new 2025 Apex Utility Wood. Noren also had the first when he won last month at the British Masters. The new Utility Wood is the third generation of the popular long game option and goes back to the shape that made the original a cult classic and mainstay in many pros’ bags, including Noren’s.
Keep reading below for Noren’s detailed WITB specs.
Alex Noren’s winning WITB at the 2025 BMW PGA Championship
Alex Noren has one of the more interesting driver set ups in professional golf.Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Max D 9.0˚ (D/-2) Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF-6 X Length 45.125″ EOG Swingweight: D1.75
FEATURES & BENEFITS
The Future of Composites
The Elyte driver features an all-new Thermoforged Carbon crown.
This aerospace grade carbon fiber enables fast head speeds while optimizing launch and spin.
Ai Advancements for Optimal Distance, Control, and Launch
Our most advanced Ai face to date, the new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face™.
Designed to produce exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face
Modern Shape with Adjustability
The new Elyte adjustable perimeter weighting system has utilizes a 13g moveable weight to enable a neutral, draw, or fade setting.
The Elyte model features a matte carbon crown, modern shape, and a chevron on the topline to inspire confidence off the tee and easy alignment.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Penetrating Flight With Low Spin
The compact shape and deeper face of the Triple Diamond fairway wood allow players to shape shots with ease and control.
A forward weight screw promotes a lower spin rate and a more piercing ball flight for added workability.
All New Tungsten Speed Wave for consistently fast ball speeds
Featured on the 3-7 wood, the new Tungsten Speed Wave is a 35g weight that positions mass low and forward to promote fast ball speeds.
This new, innovative design is engineered specifically to enhance misses low on the face.
Ai 10x Face for Optimal Launch and Tight Downrange Dispersion
Our most advanced Ai face to date, the new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face.
Designed with our C300 Face cup to produce exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face.
The Apex UW is designed for serious, avid golfers seeking the perfect blend of a fairway wood’s power and a hybrid’s versatility. Engineered with Tour feedback and loaded with performance technologies, it delivers a higher, more neutral ball flight with the control all players demand.
TUNGSTEN SPEED WAVE
A dynamic, 41g+ tungsten wave structure positions mass low and forward, enhancing ball speed and launch—particularly on low-face strikes where players tend to lose distance.
STEP SOLE DESIGN
A redesigned sole with a stepped geometry reduces turf interaction, helping to maintain swing speed through impact and promoting more consistent contact across different lies.
TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN
The lightweight carbon construction allows for strategic weight redistribution, creating a more forgiving clubhead while refining launch and spin for greater shot-making control.
TOUR-INSPIRED SHAPING
Designed with input from the world’s best, the compact, refined shape and neutral face angle inspire confidence at address and deliver workability from tee to turf.
Since Xander Schauffele put a TCB iron in play,his strokes gained in approach have significantlyincreased year over year. Now in 2024, he is top 5 inthe world in strokes gained on the field, and has wontwo major championships with the new ’24 TCB Iron.
MAJOR SUCCESS
Trusting the ‘24 Apex TCB iron, Xander Schauffelewent on to secure two major championships in the2024 season.
TOUR FEEL
Combining our best in technology, the ’24 TCB usesa 1025 tour cavity back body with a 17-4 tour tunedface for consistent spin and control up and down thebag. The feel is second to none. Just ask Xander.
PRO LOOKS
The beautiful raw aesthetic and overall footprint isexactly what Xander was looking for. With a compact controllable shape, and shorter blade length, TCB ’24 are players irons for discerning golfers.
SPIN POCKET™ CONSTRUCTION
A re-engineered 2-piece construction head design strategically reshapes mass to optimize CG locations. The Spin Pocket redistributes weight higher, raising the CG, and promoting a lower, more penetrating launch. The result is more spin and enhanced control, especially when you need to flight shots or attack tight pins.
NEW SPIN GEN 2.0 FACE™
The most advanced face in OPUS history. A new 17° groove angle with tighter pitch spacing delivers more groove edge contact for more consistent spin across a variety of lies. Combined with a deeper cross-hatch laser pattern across the face, Spin Gen 2.0 produces enhanced friction for more bite and stopping power on all types of approach shots.
SHAPE 6 – TOUR-VALIDATED PROFILE
Trusted by Tour players for its clean, confident look at address, Shape 6 offers precise leading edge shaping and refined sole geometry. Shape 6 is the 6th and final iteration in the Opus prototype shaping phase, validated by Tour players and major champions. OPUS SP introduces progressive shaping in gap wedges to seamlessly blend with modern iron sets—creating a more cohesive setup from top to bottom.
X GRIND – VERSATILITY WITH BOUNCE
Back by popular demand, the X Grind returns in OPUS SP. Designed for shotmakers who want added bounce for forgiveness, without giving up versatility, the X Grind is ideal for players who like to open the face around the greens or play in firmer turf conditions. It’s the perfect blend of playability and performance in a wide range of shots and conditions.
Chrome Tour is the new gold standard in Tour Balls. From core to cover, every detail in the new Chrome Tour has been optimized for the better player seeking distance & feel.
HYPER FAST SOFT CORE
New Hyper Fast Soft Core produces exceptionally fast ball speed for long distance.
SEAMLESS TOUR AERO
New Seamless Tour Aero delivers a consistent ball flight on every shot.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE TOUR URETHANE SOFT COVER
New High-Performance Tour Urethane Soft Cover consistently delivers greenside control with incredible feel.
Jack Hirsh is the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also still *tries* to remain competitive in local amateurs. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.
