Equipment
Poulter leaves Cobra-Puma Golf
Long-time Cobra Golf staffer Ian Poulter has split with the equipment brand.
I can officially say i am No longer a @cobragolf or @PUMAGolf endorsed player. I will let you know my New endorsement partners very soon.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 15, 2014
I have had 8 good years with @cobragolf & @PUMAGolf but it’s time to move on. Very exciting new Chapter.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 15, 2014
At the time, there’s no word on where the 38-year-old might land, but a move to Cobra’s former parent company Titleist would be the most seamless. He currently uses the company’s Pro V1X golf ball and Vokey wedges.
Poulter also tweeted in August that he had participated in the shooting of a Titleist golf ball commercial, presumably to air in 2015. That indicates that he will not sign with an equipment company that would require him to switch golf balls.
Just finished the #Titleist golf ball commercial up here in Boston. Always good fun with Team #Titleisthttp://t.co/El2z6pJwCM
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) August 26, 2014
A tweet from Oct. 15 shows just how much Poults likes the 2015 Titleist ProV1X, which golfers will learn more about at January’s PGA Merchandise show.
The New @titlesit golf ball is superb. Feels softer around the green, Solid off the tee. It’s worth grabbing a sleeve to try folks.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 15, 2014
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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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Whats in the Bag
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 @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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Cooper
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:33 pm
My sources say it’s gonna be Wilson boys and girls. They are big in Europe, he can play Titleist and wear his own clothes. Plus they need someone to replace Padraig.
Cooper
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:34 pm
I meant just the Titleist ball
Dan
Oct 21, 2014 at 5:42 am
We must share the same source. Announcement should be today
Matt
Oct 21, 2014 at 11:49 am
he is announcing at noon on Twitter.
ND Hickman
Oct 19, 2014 at 4:00 pm
I hope it’s Ping.
Gustavo
Oct 18, 2014 at 7:23 pm
I will go out on a limb and agree with Mike and say Srixon/Cleveland. They are a brand on the rise and could use a Euro name like Poults
roxald
Oct 19, 2014 at 9:22 am
I say he’s joining McIlroy at Nike.
Ponjo
Oct 18, 2014 at 2:10 am
Pouter needs to stop being a clothes horse and get some practice in.
Pingback: Poulter Leaving Puma/Cobra, As Told By Adam Fonseca |
Tom
Oct 17, 2014 at 10:28 am
Poulter should go back to playing full time in Europe so he can win an event
Dan
Oct 17, 2014 at 4:46 am
Wilson Staff – You’ve heard it here first (from the grape vine)
Waqar
Oct 16, 2014 at 7:14 pm
Ping is Bubba territory, he is trying to sell titliest balls so it’s titliest I would assume unless he is sending them a message. He plays odessey putters, so it could be callaway too. Callaway is the most profitable golf manufacturer these days. I think it will be callaway.
Scooter McGavin
Oct 16, 2014 at 1:36 pm
As much as Ping could use a good staffer, and I would like to see him on Ping, my guess would be that he goes with someone with deep pockets like Nike, Taylormade, or Callaway to a lesser extent. Maybe I’m just cynical, but that’s my guess.
Tyler
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:52 pm
I think he would make a good addition to the Mizuno staff. He and Luke Donald are great brand ambassadors
bradford
Oct 16, 2014 at 2:45 pm
I actually like that idea most…
:-p
Oct 16, 2014 at 2:50 pm
At least Mizuno has that cool blue driver! Poults need color! :-p
ams165
Oct 16, 2014 at 4:57 pm
To many bloody brit’s.
It would look like the euro tour…
He has his own clothes.
Maybe Scratch???
Tittylist
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:30 pm
I thought I was on the TaylorMade website with all the TM ads taking up 1/2 the page. Perhaps Poulter can join TM as well like golfwrx!
MHendon
Oct 16, 2014 at 11:59 am
News flash, he signs with the highest bidder, period!
Kris
Oct 16, 2014 at 9:57 am
Rick Young from Score Golf here in Canada seems to think he’s going back to TMAG. I was thinking Titleist myself, but he would be a logical pickup for TM.
bradford
Oct 16, 2014 at 2:36 pm
TM only staffs long hitters, not sure he would align well.
MHendon
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Really, so when did Brian Harman become a long hitter or Justin leonard or Ken Duke or YE Yang or Scott Verplank or… well you get my point!
steve
Oct 16, 2014 at 9:53 am
I don’t blame him. Cobra/Puma pushes the Fowler image on the clubs and clothing. Did Poulter even exist to them.
He will go to the highest bidder, but I don’t see them lining up to sign him. He is coming off a bad season, doesn’t hit the driver far and is trying to push his clothing line. If your a equipment company Poulter is going to add little to nothing in sales. Doe’s anyone wonder or care what driver he plays or any equipment?
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Donger
Oct 16, 2014 at 9:03 am
Callaway – he can still play the Pro VX – just like the rest of the callaway guys
Wally K
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:49 am
Mizuno would be sweet.
cheesehead42
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:46 am
The real question is who will be his shoe supplier?
Kyle Gordon
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:48 am
I believe that poults will play a full set of titleist equipment
Kyle
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:46 am
I think that poulter will move to titleist golf and play a full bag of titleist equipment
Buck
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:56 pm
I agree, titelist makes sense
Andy
Oct 16, 2014 at 4:51 am
Easy, he will go to Titleist! He has played the ball for many years and used to wear the shoes. He also plays their wedges.
Tyler
Oct 18, 2014 at 6:13 pm
Yes, I agree he’ll go to Titleist. I think Titleist needs someone with more flash. I think Titleist is starting to become more of an “old man’s” brand due to low innovation, a more bland color palette and a higher price point. I’m not bashing Titleist. I love Titleist and I’m not a flashy guy so I actually prefer all of the above mentioned “old man’s” attributes. However, you do limited your market by not having some flash. All the other guys (even Ping, turbulators anyone?) are pumping up the color and flash. This would make sense for Titleist. Hell I wouldn’t be surprised to see Titleist bring in Poulter’s line of clothes as their own just as they did with Bob Vokey and Scotty Cameron. The FJ clothing line could use some of Poulter’s touch.
Jim
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:42 am
I agree with ping being where he goes he will most likely bag the i25 driver and wood line and i would guess the older anser iron line and wedges i would also guess an anser blade or the ketsch putter and he can keep playing his pro v1x ball. If this is where he goes .
Joel
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:26 am
Imagine if he went to callaway…. stenson and poulter both on one staff team. I love poulter, I just hope he lands somewere with clubs that work for him and not somewere just for the pay day.
chris
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:05 am
I think Nike. He can still sell his clothes, but in Europe only.
Todd Turner
Oct 15, 2014 at 11:08 pm
FJ
Charlie
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:44 pm
If he wants to win majors, he should sign with PING.
Nigel
Oct 16, 2014 at 4:19 am
PING haven’t really won many majors in recent years to warrant that statement. Especially compared to the other brands
Matt2814
Oct 16, 2014 at 7:03 am
Didn’t Bubba Watson (PING STAFF PLAYER) win the masters last year??
Oosty
Oct 16, 2014 at 12:58 pm
And what about Oosthuizen? Duh.
Tom
Oct 17, 2014 at 10:26 am
Angel Cabrera
Enrique
Oct 19, 2014 at 10:42 pm
Are you on crack? PING owns majors. 3 masters wins in 5 years. Add Open Championship with Oosthuizen and taking the fedex cup this year counts as much as a major – especially the way Horschel attacked it.
Mikec
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:01 am
I am a PING guy, but this is over the top.
I think that Rory has proved that it is talent not equipment.
MHendon
Oct 16, 2014 at 11:56 am
+1
Enrique
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:31 pm
If he goes Callaway I’m giving my clubs to the local First Tee chapter.
Pat
Oct 17, 2014 at 6:29 pm
I’ll be right behind you, haha.
Dakota
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:09 pm
My gut instinct is telling me he is going to Mizuno.
Todd Turner
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Go back to the FJ Icon!
sgniwder99
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:47 am
Seriously. Those Puma shoes looked weird with the stuff he wears.
Mark
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Who cares indeed. Puma made a huge mistake in buying Cobra in the first place. Poulter isn’t that big a name so I predict a move to Srixon or Mizuno.
HoHoHo
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:17 pm
You’re a clueless redneck
ams165
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:02 pm
+1
Only his mouth is big.
When was the last PGA event he won?????
His claim to fame is his mouth, ryder cup in 2012 and his clothes logo that like a phallic symbol….
Martin
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Who cares.
Jeremy
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:53 pm
People who read golf blogs, I’d imagine.
Very constructive comment.
Billy
Oct 15, 2014 at 11:42 pm
You do, you just commented.
Rich
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:17 am
SHUT UP!
nikkyd
Oct 15, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Who on earth would buy that pasty teabags tartan textiles. Good god.
Desmond
Oct 15, 2014 at 11:04 pm
If you’ve ever worn it, you’d find it’s high quality tartan textiles…
dr bloor
Oct 16, 2014 at 7:26 am
Because they don’t limit their golf wear to colors that go with Keystone Light cans?
dko
Oct 16, 2014 at 10:56 am
I would and I have. They are actually really good.
Jason
Oct 15, 2014 at 8:30 pm
I hope he signs with Ping.
Mike Hopkins
Oct 20, 2014 at 10:37 am
He loves titleist golf and will never leave their equip. Just like me.. smart move Poults…………………….
Mike Hopkins
Oct 20, 2014 at 10:40 am
Fj as well
‘