Equipment
First Look: Parsons Xtreme Golf Irons
We’ve heard about GoDaddy founder Bob Parson’s interest in the golf equipment industry for several years. Now, we’re seeing it.
In August 2013, Parson hired two veteran club designers from Ping — Mike Nicolette, a former PGA Tour player, and Brad Schweigert, Ping’s former director of engineering. The two account for 130 and 150 golf-related patents, respectively.
Details about Parsons’ equipment venture have been limited since — until Parsons tweeted a photo of this forged iron.
(updated 7/2015: See detailed photos click HERE)
Hello World! Pls meet my newest company. Parsons Xtreme Golf. http://t.co/Y4NsESUwhcpic.twitter.com/mz2YI6LqCh@ParsonsXtreme
— Bob Parsons (@DrBobParsons) January 8, 2015
According to the company website, the company’s clubs are created with “an extremely complex manufacturing process” and the assistance of a world-renowned metals expert. They use “the most exotic, high-performance alloys.”
“We refined our design again and again with an intense focus on maximizing performance and feel,” the site says. “Sound expensive? You bet. Worth it? Absolutely.”
The company is expected to launch a full line of equipment that includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters. A release date has yet to be announced.
Update (1/9/15): Ryan Moore is using a prototype set of Parsons irons (3-PW) and wedges (54 and 60 degrees) at the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Seamus Golf released this photo on its Instagram account on Friday.
(updated 7/2015: See detailed photos click HERE)
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Equipment
Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage
Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.
It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.
When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”
“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”
View this post on Instagram
According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.
Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:
“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.
“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.
“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.
“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.
“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”
So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.
His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.
See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here
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It seems like the RBC Heritage is full of new gear to be spotted, and you can add TaylorMade’s P-UDI utility irons to that list.
We spotted a 17-degree P-UDI 2-iron in Nick Dunlap’s bag yesterday, and now have some photos of both the 3- and 4-irons. Nick has his P-UDI 2-iron setup with a Project X HZRDUS Black 4th Gen 105g TX shaft.
From what we can tell, this new P-UDI utility iron looks to have some of the usual TaylorMade technology as we can see the Speed Slot on the sole of the club for additional face flexibility. A toe screw is usually used to close off the hollow body design that will probably be filled with a version of TaylorMade’s Speed Foam that is present in the current iron lineup. This hollow body, foam-filled design should offer additional ball speed, soft feel, and sound, as well as an optimized CG for ball flight.
“Forged” is etched into the hosel, so we can assume that either the face, body, or both are forged for a soft and responsive feel. The club looks good from behind and at address, where we can see just a little offset and a topline that I would consider medium thickness. We don’t have the full details on what is under the hood or how many loft options will be available yet.
TaylorMade P-UDI 3-iron – 20°
TaylorMade P-UDI 4-iron – 22°
- Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
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- Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX (45 inches)
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (13.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 80 TX
5-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 80 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (4), P7MC (5-6), P730 (7-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Mid 115 X100 (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (7-PW)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-SB09, 56-LB08), TaylorMade MG4 TW (60-TW11)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: TaylorMade TP Soto
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0
Grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
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Spotted: Bettinardi irons at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Collin Morikawa WITB 2024 (April)
Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here. Driver: TaylorMade...
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At the 2022 RBC Heritage Jordan Spieth defeated Patrick Cantlay on the first playoff hole after nearly holing his greenside...
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Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...
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Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
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petie3_2
Jul 22, 2015 at 10:40 pm
They’ve been fine-tuning putters and drivers for a few years now, some TMs have four separate screwin weights, so having a blue-printable iron set had to happen. I like the injection molding process as more important, and I bet the feel is unique. BTW, I think the best irons were made 2006-2009; everything older is antique, anything newer is mostly fluff.
drawbias
Jun 11, 2015 at 3:03 pm
At least it will sound better when my ball goes OB and I say I made a good swing but I had a screw loose !!!!
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electric nail files
Mar 14, 2015 at 12:19 am
Appreciate the recommendation. Willl try it out.
mike tartaglia
Feb 2, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Just what we need ! More irons. So many companies are teetering on bankruptcy, how can others enter the market ??
Gallas2
Feb 2, 2015 at 11:28 am
Did I see one of these wedges in Phil’s bag on Friday?
Rob
Jan 27, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Wow they look awesome. Anyone know if/when/where they will be released?
Gunner
Jan 22, 2015 at 11:43 pm
How does it happen that the New Calloway Mac daddy and the new PXG wedges have a similar technology, and look? Are they manufactured at the same place, or are they some how owned by the same group? They both were introduced this month. How does this happen?
Bill Belicheck
Jan 26, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Your mom
Gunner
Jan 22, 2015 at 11:36 pm
Interesting
Don
Jan 14, 2015 at 1:37 am
Cost is relative…
$400 for a Scotty Cameron is north of 2.5 times the cost of a $150 Odyssey.
$500 for whatever Calloway is calling their latest Big Bertha is 2.5 times the cost of a Cleveland 588.
Nike RZNs are about $50 a dozen, about 2.5 times the cost of a box of Cally HEX Warbirds.
2.5 times the cost of some forged Mizunos is what, about $2500-3000?
It’s all relative.
If you can afford it, and it works for you, then great. If you can’t afford it, or it doesn’t fit your game, then that’s OK too. Just because your wife would never let you spend that much on a set of irons is no reason to bash them.
Billy
Jan 12, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Ryan Moore is into this kinda thing. He was involved with the Scratch Golf club company. I believe he was a partner in that club company. They made some really nice stuff but couldn’t fill the orders that came thru. Looks like Ryan has another one of those deals. He is a neat guy and likes stuff that’s different. Different is great if it works and you can afford to pay for looking different.
oONg
Jun 18, 2015 at 4:07 am
ryan moore was always into PING. PXG is now PING 2.0 after stealing away the most important members. cant wait to see their release…
Grass Candy
Jan 11, 2015 at 12:32 am
If the irons help a tour player hit better/more accurate shots and a high handicap the same, then looks don’t matter. If you are willing to play with inferior equipment for looks even though your score will ultimately suffer, you’re just an ego golfer.
RG
Jan 12, 2015 at 2:46 pm
And if you think that gimmicks can make you strike the ball better, your not a very good golfer.
Jack Nash
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:17 pm
That’s Taylormade’s modus operandi.
leftright
Jan 14, 2015 at 10:24 pm
It’s every golf company’s modus operandi. Every iron made today is nothing but a relative of either Karsten’s perimeter weighting or forged blades of yesteryear. Technological advances have allow tolerances to be closer and I bet the equipment is of much higher quality than year’s past but companies can’t improve much on what is out there without violating rules.
rymail00
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:13 pm
This whole expensive makes them better approach sounds just like the P53/Ben Hogan company approach too. I guess we’ll have to wait and see…
RG
Jan 10, 2015 at 4:05 am
Yeah..but these go to 11.
Brian
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:13 pm
If Machine putter company made irons???
Lancebp
Jan 9, 2015 at 6:59 pm
There is nothing, nothing, nothing this guy or two “Ping veterans” can possibly do to significantly improve the performance of irons (for that matter, there’s nothing Ping can do either). His money may keep his company afloat for a few years, but success will depend on cosmetics and marketing – and he’s fighting a severe uphill battle on those fronts. Because irons are essentially fungible, the Ryan Moores of the world will play whatever they’re paid the most to play.
Don
Jan 16, 2015 at 3:39 am
So I guess all club manufactures should just stop making new clubs, right? If there’s no more room for improvement then I guess club engineers and designers should start looking for a new line of work. At least there’s plenty of new and used stock in golf stores across America to keep us all in clubs until the end of days.
Steve
Jan 9, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Does it come with a tiny brush to clean the mud from the screws? Looks like no weight in the heel, looks like a lot of hooks. If this guy is looking for ways to thin out his money he might have found it. Strange designs and xtreme prices doesn’t sound like a good investment. The market for 2.5 grand irons is xtreme-ly limited. You could get a full bag of 2015 titleist or any other for that.
Zedsded
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Good point about Cleaning the screws…maybe only after an anger-slam though
Fyi, weight in the heel would make them hook
Zedsded
RG
Jan 10, 2015 at 4:03 am
baby..Zedsded
kloyd0306
Jan 10, 2015 at 1:13 am
Why would this design promote hooks?
Skip
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:52 pm
It doesn’t. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.
Mike Boatright
Jan 9, 2015 at 4:39 pm
I’m all into new metalegry however all those screws and the overall design looks clunky and very ugly,
Teaj
Jan 12, 2015 at 9:31 am
I kind of like it, its almost mechanical. but im a tinker’er so that probably explains my liking.
Thomas
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:37 pm
How would these clubs make me play better? It is like paying $500 to play a famous course. I won’t play any better doing so.
Save your money. Take lessons. Then buy whatever club you want. Remember, you still have to hit’em.
Skip
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Don’t really understand this comment. So somehow you play certain courses to improve your game? Odd. Just like how I’d shell out the cash for courtside seats, I’d pay $500 to play a famous course for the experience.
Smiller
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:29 pm
I think they look friggin incredible! I can’t wait to hit a buttercut from 205 with a Parsons 6 iron!
SH
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:03 am
Twice!
Teaj
Jan 12, 2015 at 9:32 am
lol
Really?
Mar 15, 2015 at 4:41 pm
And be 15 yards short?
drawbias
Jun 11, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Now that is funny!!!
Drew
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Looks like Ryan Moore is going to game these. Always appreciated the guy doing things slightly out of the box. Curious to see how it works out for him.
John
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:29 pm
Ryan Moore has just passed on a high offer from TM; and will “go it on his own.” Has decided to play Parson’s irons and wedges; and provided glowing reviews. I like it.
Mnmlist Golfr
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Ryan Moore passed on re-signing with Taylor Made so he could play these irons.
Zedsded
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:51 pm
That’s a stretch about Ryan Moore passing on a club deal for these irons
He likes his freedom (and switching irons). I think he went PING, Callaway, Scratch, Adams, PING, TaylorMade, Muira and now PXG. I’m sure I missed a few.
I’m sure they perform but I am hearing North of $5000 for a set of irons. Let’s say I’m off by $1000. Still stratospheric.
Zedsded
c masty
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:26 pm
You know how to turn a billion dollars into a few million? Start a golf company.
gwillis7
Jan 13, 2015 at 4:48 pm
lol, good call
AJ Smith
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:40 am
Looks like Ryan Moore will be gaming one on their sets…
http://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2015/01/09/moore-passes-on-taylormade-contract-opts-to-go-it-alone.html
Joe
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:12 am
Every but as tacky as their commercials…
Joe
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:14 am
Every bit as tacky as their commercials…
Julian Clay
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:10 am
With Brad and Mike designing linked with Mr Parsons passion for golf there is no question these irons will perform. Every part of that iron has been designed with function,feel,and playability. This is a beautiful no compromise high performance iron…… There is a saying that you get what you pay for…… In this case engineering brilliance.
Archie Bunker
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
Judging by the high cost, the buyer is getting screws.
LaMoora
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
Their web site reads: “Sound expensive? You bet. Worth it? Absolutely.”
I’m guessing $2,500+ for a set of irons
Gary
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:58 am
How do you end up with a million dollars in the golf industry? Start with 2 million dollars.
JT
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:54 am
Just what we need!!!
Jafar
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:33 am
Good idea, lets make another overly expensive set of golf clubs to make sure no one can buy them.
cody
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:26 am
I actually like the way they look, But I am guessing in the realm of a $1200 price tag.
Teaj
Jan 12, 2015 at 9:35 am
For a set of 3
Middle name Danger
Jan 9, 2015 at 9:01 am
they can call it the alan parson’s project…..
Robert G
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Good one.
kess
Jan 9, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Number 2! Begin Preparation H!
Jive
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:11 am
I’m going on the premiss that the screws are movable weights – The weights surround the hitting zone, think of truly tweaking your sweet spot on these irons, the down side would be messing with the swing weight too much, but by changing a few screws on the top to lower ball flight, or loading up the screws on the bottom to raise ball flight. I like change, I like thinking outside the mass market box. Let the rich fund the project at first to see if it works, then if it does, increased production could bring costs down to a reasonable level. I’m also happy to see someone new entering the golf market. Maybe screws on irons will be the next slot technology. And maybe the extra manufacturing will raise temps here in VA by contributing to global warming/climate change/disruption so we can get back to 11 month golf season. So many positives.
SH
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:06 am
Thats just Jive talking.
James
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:59 am
Went to the website and these things are going to be expensive. Even says for the select few who can afford them.
BigBoy
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:47 am
just another wheel, still round.
Joel
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:22 am
I’m not gonna lie, I don’t get a warm and fuzzy on these. With such a solid couple of guys from PING though I’m sure these will be like most PING offerings…I’ll hate the way they look but the performance will be no doubt undeniable. Hopefully they wont be to over the top on the price tag.
skylar
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:06 am
Maybe just me but I don’t like the look at all…
Rich
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:09 am
You’re not alone, they are fugly!
8thehardway
Jan 8, 2015 at 11:14 pm
If those are removable weights, will he pull a ‘scotty’ and insist only his company can replace them at $35 each?
Nathan
Jan 8, 2015 at 10:21 pm
Interesting concept. Looks like military tech in a golf iron. If the price is high, will be like every Epon player. They’ll say it feels amazing just to justify the ridiculous price.
christian
Jan 8, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Did you ever own and game a set of Epon irons?
8thehardway
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:03 am
stupid Epons, D’OH!
RAT
Jan 8, 2015 at 9:23 pm
looks interesting, what about the price?
Steve
Jan 8, 2015 at 9:23 pm
Cool look, like the terminator of irons. Performance is another thing. Are those weights on the back serving a purpose? Or just for looks.
other paul
Jan 8, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I don’t care if the screws are adjustable or not, but I think those are sexy looking. Hoping they aren’t to expensive.
golfiend
Jan 8, 2015 at 6:46 pm
made in china?
The right guy
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:50 pm
doesnt seem successful to me. Try taking the alternate route and make great performing and feeling clubs that are cheaper than all of the competition and offer complete tinkering, kind of like the happy putter. That’s a business.
christian
Jan 8, 2015 at 11:25 pm
The clubs are not even released yet and you deem them not “succesfull”?
Danny
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:49 pm
The irons looks awesome. Something I would definitely consider.
kess
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Didn’t like it at first. But, after thinking about it, I do now. Exchangeable weights that high on the back I haven’t seen yet. I like the brushed look and shape. I like the notch taken out of the heel, I would imagine that help move the cog closer to the center of the face and make this one very toe side friendly. However, sounded like he was setting us up for 2ger per. I’ll wait till they hit the bst.
kyle
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:46 pm
It is an interesting looking iron. Isn’t he the same guy who bought a golf club in Scottsdale and then put a limit of only 30 rounds a member could play each year?
christian
Jan 8, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Relevance?
Rich
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:11 am
If it is the same guy he’s clearly got a screw loose! Not so good with these irons!
kyle
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:46 am
He seems to be someone that is going to bring different ideas to the retail side of golf. I can only assume that his golf club company will be different from others just based on how he’s running the private golf course he bought in Scottsdale
Jeff B
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:27 pm
I kinda like them. Industrial. Gimme a CB and i’m in
The dude
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Kinda prefer the lead tape look
Jimmy
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:08 pm
This doesn’t seem promising. Maybe around a few years is my guess.
The dude
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:06 pm
????????????
Double Mocha Man
Jan 8, 2015 at 5:02 pm
If those are removable weights on the back just imagine all the tweaking you could do!
MHendon
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:50 pm
I would guess the screws are so they can adjust the swing weight at the factory to get each club spot on. Not for the consumer to try and adjust the flight with each club.