Equipment
New TaylorMade Ghost Tour putters
Instead of focusing on enhancing performance, like TaylorMade has with its recent crop of counter-balanced putters, the company decided to turn its attention to detailing and craftsmanship for its new line of Ghost Tour putters, which will hit shelves on Aug. 30.
The Ghost Tour putters feature the same secondary alignment system as the company’s Spider Blade and Spider Mallet putters — white lines in the cavity of the putter head that are parallel to the putters’ dominant alignment line. But that and the putters’ black-and-white paint scheme are about the only things they have in common.
The white secondary lines in the cavity provide golfers with a “secondary read” at address, helping them fine tune the alignment of their putter face.
The new Ghost Tour putters have TaylorMade’s new 80/20 Pure Roll insert, which is made from 80 percent Surlyn and 20 percent aluminum. According to Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s product creation manager, it provides a feel that’s softer than the company’s Titallium insert, but not as soft as TaylorMade’s 100 percent Surlyn insert, which is used in the company’s counterbalanced putters because of their tendency to roll the ball farther.
Click here to see what members are saying about the putters in the forums.
The putters also swap the usual TaylorMade script in the back cavity for a button-styled TaylorMade logo with chrome and red piping. And instead of a brushed steel or white-painted sole, the soles of the new Ghost Tour putters have a high-polished black finish that offers more “bling.”
The new Ghost Tour putters will come in seven different models. Each will be available on Aug. 30 with the exception of the Corza, which will be released in November.
- Daytona 12 (blade, L-neck, 40-degree toe hang)
- Daytona 62 (blade, short curve, 57-degree toe hang)
- Fontana 72 (mallet, shaft in, face-balanced)
- Maranello 81 (small mallet, long curve, 65-degree toe hang)
- Monte Carlo 12 (mallet, L-neck, 25-degree toe hang)
- Sebring 62 (blade, short curve, 65-degree toe hang)
- Corza 72 (mallet, shaft in, face-balanced)
Model updates
According to Bazzel, the Maranello 81 (pictured above) has been updated to have less offset, using new hosel blend that gives the putter a cleaner look at address. The Monte Carlo 12 has been updated to have an “L” or plumber’s neck, which is similar to TaylorMade’s Spider Mallet putter used by Sergio Garcia. The Sebring 62 has also been modified to have more toe hang, which works better for golfers who have arching putter strokes.
All models will be available in lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches and will cost around $150. The putters have head weights of 350 grams, 5 grams heavier than the previous line. But unlike the previous line, the new putters do not have adjustable sole weights.
Custom Options
For an additional $40, golfers can upgrade the putter’s stepless steel shaft for the matte black-painted version that has become popular with TaylorMade staff members on tour.
Click here to see what members are saying about the putters in the forums.
Click here to see what members are saying about the putters in the forums.
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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
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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- 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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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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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees...
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx) Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)...
Daniel Berger WITB 2024 (April)
Daniel Berger what’s in the bag accurate as of the Farmers Insurance Open. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Rasmus Højgaard WITB 2024 (April)
Rasmus Højgaard what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Callaway Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)...
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19th Hole2 weeks agoDave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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19th Hole3 days agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
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19th Hole2 weeks agoTiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
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19th Hole3 days ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
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19th Hole2 weeks agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
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19th Hole1 week agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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19th Hole1 week agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
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19th Hole1 week agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
Russ
Nov 7, 2014 at 4:59 pm
Saying that the cosmetics of the putter doesn’t matter is a bunch of bull. It’s like buying a brand new car, driving it off the lot and then once you get home you see paint the paint coming off. Hey, but the engine is still good so the paint shouldn’t matter….LOL bull!
Todd H
Apr 17, 2014 at 12:27 am
These putters are great for making putts which is what matters. The paint doesn’t chip when you cover it and take care if it. The Manello 81 has been an amazing putter. What is more important paint or “cheap looking” putters or making putts. Enough said.
JJ
Mar 4, 2014 at 10:56 pm
You all sound like Joan Rivers reviewing the dresses on the red carpet. It is a golf club, get over it.
Chris Downing
Aug 27, 2013 at 3:00 am
Going to a putting specialist coach did more for my putting than a new putter. But that’s pretty old school thinking.
The paint issue is interesting – not sure I like paint anywhere it can chip off – paint in the cavity at the back of an iron – OK – paint anywhere round an edge – Bad – paint on the face – very bad. Maybe putter will go the way of guitars and have a relic option. You know, you pay extra for buying a new white putter that has been hammers and knocked about in the custom shop so on day one it pays just like a new putter, but looks like t’s been on tour for thirty years. It’s worked in the guitar market – perhaps putters as well?
Julian
Aug 26, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Putters are about FEEL, not about LOOKS.
Take that to heart and go drop some more putts.
heinz
Aug 26, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Totally agree with the almost everyone else. TM makes great drivers that focus on quality and performance but their putter line is waaaayyyy behind. Callaway seems to have figued out the sweet spot. Great looks and perfomance at a moderate price.
David
Aug 26, 2013 at 12:09 pm
They look ok if the white ghost coloring is your cup of tea, but I think I will stick with my 2009 Tour Rossa Kia Ma Monte Carlo, the best line of putters TaylorMade has ever produced.
t120
Aug 25, 2013 at 12:11 am
…zzzzzzzzz
Dallin
Aug 23, 2013 at 6:42 pm
I love, love, love taylormade, but it seems like the are too focused on appearance and less focused on performance.
chad
Aug 23, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Everything they make just looks cheap to me.
Harvey
Oct 26, 2013 at 5:21 am
+1
fsubaseball21
Aug 23, 2013 at 7:43 am
4 years ago I took my 33.5 center shafted spider and installed a belly putter grip. I used a little lead tape up the shaft for counter balancing and had to heavy layer the grip tape at the bottom so the grip would fit. Best combo I have ever used. The spider is the only putter they have ever made.
R
Aug 23, 2013 at 3:03 am
Silver. Why can’t we just have plain old silver putters like Ping. People seem to like them silver ones.
John
Aug 23, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Because if it didn’t have a gimmick it would be ping, not taylormade.
Honmagolfan
Aug 23, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Exactly!
kevin
Aug 23, 2013 at 1:14 am
“hey bob…..what do we do with all this excess inventory of putters?”
“we’ll just paint it white with new alignment aids and call it ghost putters”
“we already have putters that are called ghost”
“we’ll just add ‘tour’ after ghost and that should get’em”
John
Aug 23, 2013 at 12:14 pm
How did you come across such insider information? Sounds like the board meeting!!!
Nick
Aug 23, 2013 at 1:10 am
Introducing Taylormade’s New…..
CS
Aug 23, 2013 at 1:02 am
Awesome! I was wait for price drops so I can get another MA-81.
Ben Hudson
Aug 22, 2013 at 11:07 pm
pass. strong pass.
Taylor
Aug 22, 2013 at 10:43 pm
They really need to get rid of the white. White is a fad and it has already passed.
Steve
Aug 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Speak for yourself. I don’t like TM putters, but I like the looks. Clean, nothing over the top, but still some added flair.
Joe
Aug 22, 2013 at 9:49 pm
These look like total junk. Drop the white already.
John
Aug 22, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Taylormade, ease go back to making golf clubs that don’t look like something that doesn’t look like it comes from wal-mart.
Sincerely,
One of your biggest former fans. NOT A CURRENT FAN OR CUSTOMER!
J
Aug 22, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Paint chips off all their putters… Fix that… Until then.,, won’t happen. Horrible finish quality
DL
Aug 22, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Odyssey Versa.
Jeffrey
Aug 22, 2013 at 7:00 pm
I’ll stick with my counterbalanced Daddy Long Legs. I putt with so much more confidence. I really think there is something to the weighting.
Jeff
Aug 22, 2013 at 6:51 pm
i’ve rolled a few of these. they are really sweet.
Blanco
Aug 27, 2013 at 3:58 am
Not a good one. I use the headcover religiously on my spider blade. White paint chipping off the edge of the face and black paint peeling off the edges of the insert. Also signs of wear behind the grooved insert where the “foam” seems to be.
spank
Aug 22, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Yea all their white putters paint comes off and look like crap in a few weeks anyways. Garbage
Brian
Aug 23, 2013 at 12:17 pm
You may consider using the head cover that comes with the putter…..
Honmagolfan
Aug 23, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Good one!!!:)
Scotty B
Aug 22, 2013 at 6:39 pm
Eh. Not impressed