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Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Guide

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So it happened again.

It’s less than one week from Father’s Day, and you still haven’t picked something up for Dad? Don’t worry, because GolfWRX is here to help. Our staff has created a list of the coolest Father’s Day golf gifts on the planet, each of which has been rigorously tested and approved by our equipment-obsessed staff.

To make things even easier, we’ve included links below to buy these products, which means you’re just a few clicks away from making Dad the best-geared guy in his foursome. While you’re at it, why not pick something up for yourself, too? You’re going to need something to keep up with Dad’s new found swag.

Drivers

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Nike Covert — $399

Most new drivers have one really cool feature, but the Nike Covert has two. Nike has wowed us with the Covert’s “high-speed cavity-back construction,” which in simpler terms means that it has a huge hole in the back of the sole that makes it more forgiving on mishits. It also has “FlexLoft,” which allows golfers the ability to independently adjust loft and face angle to create the perfect set up at address. If Dad has an extremely fast swing speed or has trouble with too much spin, consider the smaller, lower-spinning Covert Tour driver, which is used by Rory McIlroy. Click here to read our full review.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30085636/nike-vrs-covert-driver?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Ping G25 — $349.99

Ping moved the center of gravity even lower and farther back in its new Ping G25 driver, which will helps golfers hit their drives higher and straighter drivers. The G25 also has Ping’s “Trajectoy Tuning Technology” — a slim, adjustable hosel that allows golfers to add or subtract 0.5 degrees of loft from the head. Each of the leading custom fitters on our GolfWRX Advisory Panel recommended the G25, particularly for golfers who need to hit their drives higher. Click here to learn more about the G25 line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30084882/ping-g25-driver?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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TaylorMade R1 Black — $299.99

TaylorMade’s R1 Black does everything TaylorMade’s uber-adjustable R1 White driver does, but it’s shiny black crown is much more understated at address. Six golfers switched to the R1 Black in its debut last week at the FexEx St. Jude Classic, proving that even for the best players in the world a silly thing like paint can make a difference. The R1 is hands down the most adjustable driver on the market, and in our testing, we also found it to be one of the best at controlling spin. Click here to read our full review of the R1.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30097751/taylormade-r1-black-driver?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Callaway 3Deep — $213.98

OK, the Callaway 3Deep is technically a 3 wood, but that doesn’t mean Dad can’t hit it as far as a driver. To make the 3Deep, Callaway tweaked the design of it ultra-hot X Hot Pro 3 wood, giving it a slightly larger head and deeper face. That allows the 3Deep it to create ball speeds that will rival most players’ drivers. If Dad doesn’t have a decent amount of club head speed, the 3Deep probably isn’t for him. But its smaller head and shorter shaft length make it a great alternative to a driver for golfers who need more help with direction than distance. Click here to read our full review of the 3Deep.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30096312/callaway-x-hot-pro-3-deep-fairway-wood?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

Golf Shoes

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Ecco Men’s Tour Hybrid Wingtip — $189.95

These might just be the most versatile golf shoes in the world. The styling of Ecco’s Hybrid Wingtip spikeless golf shoes blends in perfectly at the office, but its TPU outsole, which lasts five times longer than rubber, is built for the course. If Dad is known to take a break from work for a quick bucket or a quick nine, these will be his favorite shoes.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=47806&SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Nike TW ’14 — $179.99

Nike’s TW  ’14 is the newest version of Tiger Woods’ signature golf shoes, which Nike says gives Tiger the traction, stability and flexibility he needs to play his best golf. We’re sure all that’s true, but what we’re most pleased with is that the new shoes look infinitely better than the old model. The TW ’14 are inspired by Nike’s “Free” running shoes, so if Dad is looking for a pair of golf shoes that feel more like his sneakers, you can’t go wrong here. Click here to learn more about the TW ’14.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/48493/searchWords/nike+tw+14/sattr0/Color/sattrVal0/White?SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

Faas Lite Mesh

Puma Faas Lite — $89.99

Puma is touting its Faas Lite as the lightest golf shoe in the world, tipping the scales at a lean 6.5 ounces. Like most things Puma, these come in bright colors, and transition well with a pair of jeans. For a shoe that weighs 6.5 ounces, they’ve got quite a bit of traction and cushioning. A word of caution — these probably won’t go over well with Dads who still wear FootJoy Classics. Click here to learn more about the Faas Lite.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30089929/puma-mens-faas-lite-mesh-brilliant-blue-limeade?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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True Linkswear Men’s True Proto — $169.99

If Dad has ever complained of blisters, you need to buy him a pair of True Linkswears. The Proto is the same shoe that was worn by Ryan Moore when he won the 2012 Justin Timberlake Shriner’s Open, and has a little more built-in stability than the company’s other spikeless models. No, True Linkswear shoes don’t look like the normal golf shoes, but they’re are nearly blisterproof. What other shoe can say that? Click here to lean more about the Proto.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30083749/true-linkswear-mens-true-proto-golf-shoes-white-grey-black?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

Putters

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Bettinardi Matt Kuchar Signature Model 1 — $375

Is Dad’s nervous about the upcoming anchored-putter ban, which looks as if it will prevent him from using his favorite broomstick or belly putter in tournaments after 2016? If so, get him a Matt Kuchar-inspired Bettinardi arm lock putter, which anchors to a golfer’s leading forearm for a nearly yip-proof stroke. It was created in collaboration with Kuchar, and is the same putter he has used to win twice in 2013. Click here to read a full review of the putter, which explains the rule and how to use an arm lock putter in great depth. 

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30097944/bettinardi-matt-kuchar-signature-model-1-putter?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Nike Method Core Weighted Drone 2.0 — $169.99

One of the most memorable moments during our trip to Nike Golf’s “The Oven” was watching the performance benefits of the company’s Method putters. Method putters have grooves in impact area that include both polymer and metal. The polymer, which is located in the bottom half of the grooves, improves feel, while the metal edges on the top of the grooves lift up on the back of the ball, creating a forward tumble that decreases skid for a truer role. The Drone is Nike’s highest-MOI putter, making it the most stable and forgiving on mishits.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30091264/nike-method-core-weighted-drone-putter?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Odyssey Versa Putters — $169.95

Most alignment aids on putters are parallel to the target line, but Odysseys’ Versa putters have alternating black-and-white lines painted on the putter head that Odyssey says improves a golfer’s awareness of where the putter face is aimed at address. It’s a change that’s been well received by many Tour players, such as Fowler, Mickelson, Els and many more. Golfers can also buy the Versa #7, 2 Ball and Versa #2 putters from certain golf stores with a stock SuperStroke putter grip for $199.99.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/46614/searchWords/odyssey+versa+superstroke/sattr0/Model/sattrVal0/%232?SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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TaylorMade Daddy Long Legs — $199

This is possibly the most stable non-anchored putter ever made. The Daddy Long Legs is actually smaller than TaylorMade’s original Spider putter, but it has a heavier head that is balanced out by a longer, heavier grip. TaylorMade recommends that golfers increase the counterbalancing effect by playing a slightly longer-length and choking down a few inches. It’s available in 34-, 35- and 38-inch lengths. Click here to read out full review on the Daddy Long Legs.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30096651/taylormade-ghost-spider-daddy-long-legs-putter?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

Golf Balls and Accessories

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Callaway Hex Chrome + — $29.95 per dozen

The Hex Chrome + is a four-piece golf ball with a slightly higher compression than the company’s five-piece Hex Black Tour golf ball, which gives Tour players such as Gary Woodland, Phil Mickelson and Sang Moon Bae the extra spin they need to stop it quickly on the green. But what’s more important for non-Tour pros like Dad is that the balls are currently priced at $29.95, well below the $40-plus dollars golfers usually have to fork out to play a Tour ball.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/47745/searchWords/callaway+hex+chrome/sattr0/Color/sattrVal0/White?SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Ping iCradle for iPhone — $29.95

The iCradle from Ping is the gift that keeps giving. It allows Dad’s iPhone to be secured to his putter shaft, which lets the company’s free, downloadable iPing app work it’s magic. iPing will tell most Dads everything they could want to know and more about their stroke, which will help them identify, correct and monitor their habits. iPing can even recommend a putter that fits Dad’s stroke, which could help you with your next gift idea. Click here to learn more about iPing.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/22580/refScid/1760/sattr0/Item/sattrVal0/iPhone+4+Cradle?SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Sky Caddie GPS Watch — $149.98

Sky Caddie’s GPS watch comes pre-loaded with yardage information from 30,000 golf course located throughout the world. It’s water resistant up to 30 meters, and has an odometer feature that tracks miles for runners, bikers and walkers that can be uploaded to Google Maps. It costs $19.95 for a one-year membership to access the course data, but we think that’s a small price to pay for accurate distances to the front, center and back of green of every green.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30096206/skygolf-skycaddie-gps-watch–white?tcode=GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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TaylorMade Lethal Golf Balls — $45.99

We love that the Lethal doesn’t spin as much as other premium golf balls on full wedge shots, which helps high-spin golfers keep those shots from spinning away from the flag. Like previous balls from TaylorMade, it feels soft, checks around the green and is very stable in the wind. It’s been used by Dustin Johnson and Boo Weekley to win on Tour this year, but it’s not just for Tour players. Its five-piece construction ensures premium performance for Dads of all swing speeds.

[button color=”red” link=”http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/47941/searchWords/lethal/sattr0/Quantity/sattrVal0/12-Ball+Pack?SITE_ID=A0380&CID=AFC-GOLFWRX”]Click here to buy[/button]

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

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Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

 

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

 

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

 

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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Whats in the Bag

Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)

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  • Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.

Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX

Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100

Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400

Putter: Scotty Cameron

Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4

Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.

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Whats in the Bag

Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)

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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)

Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)

Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)

Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype

Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.

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