Equipment
Is this Nike’s new line of products for 2016?
An array of images from Nike have popped on the web recently, coming from Instagram and our own GolfWRX forums.
Below are the photos, with links to where they came from. While we’re not sure exactly how reliable these sources are, they look to be photos of Nike’s new line of products in 2016. What do you think?
Join the discussion about the Nike photos here.
Nike Fly drivers, with new Flex?
GolfWRX forum member: @L_L
Nike Fly and Fly Pro irons
Nike RZN golf balls
GolfWRX forum member: @whcwhc
GolfWRX forum member: @Leftyfades
Join the discussion about the Nike photos here.
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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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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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View this post on Instagram
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
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
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
Alex Harper
Dec 11, 2015 at 12:15 pm
These clubs are an embarrassment to the golf industry, it’s unreal that clubs have migrated to this.
jim
Nov 30, 2015 at 7:01 pm
if you looked closely you would have realized that the pros are just last years with a bridge down the middle. once ou look closely you will eventually like it. I though they were horrible at first but they now look pretty good. Hopefully nike will bring out a new muscleback so rory will use newer equipment. The drivers are just awesome though. The flex is absolutely sick.
jim
Nov 30, 2015 at 7:01 pm
if you looked closely you would have realized that the pros are just last years with a bridge down the middle. once you look closely you will eventually like it. I though they were horrible at first but they now look pretty good. Hopefully nike will bring out a new muscleback so rory will use newer equipment. The drivers are just awesome though. The flex is absolutely sick.
aaron merritt
Nov 29, 2015 at 10:32 am
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident!” – Arthur Schopenhauer
These clubs are very different (again- og vapor line had the same kind of reception) and because they don’t look like a titleist knockoff golf conservatives jump on here to say they look like plastic toys. The reality is that the clubs look fantastic.
ALSO, to the people who are going to say the Flex is a horrible driver…..you just don’t have enough swing speed for it.
JustWellsy
Dec 10, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Exactly! My swing speed is consistently 118+ mph and the Vapor Flex is the ONLY Nike driver that gave me an acceptable spin rate/dispersion. On another note, I am not a fan at all of the look of the new pro irons. It’s not the color, I’m ok with that. I really hope they decide to release another iron that has more of a blade look to it, because that is important to me. I hate not knowing because I am in the market for new irons right now. If I knew this was it for 2016, I’d just buy the vapor pros. But I’d be pissed if they came out with a new version of them mid-year.
kn
Nov 18, 2015 at 10:33 pm
It looks like the design team got lost in the graffiti section of Cuba, stayed for a few too many mohitos, then sent the “finished samples” before any of them sobered up enough to check the final product. Just like Tiger taught ’em how to mix business with pleasure.
Edgewood Jones
Nov 18, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Go Seahawks!
Don
Nov 18, 2015 at 7:17 pm
U G L Y
I generally liked the look of Nike clubs and the colours don’t bother me. However, the plastic and that inlay look very cheap. Ugliest design since those Yellow Sumo Irons.
Iain
Nov 18, 2015 at 12:00 pm
The clubs don’t look to bad if you take the colour out of the equation!
Fourpar18
Nov 18, 2015 at 10:47 am
As a current Vapor Pro Combo and Pro gamer I would have to say that this line looks GREAT! I am approaching 40 y/o and I LOVE the vapor color and I think the new line really is a good blend of young and old. I especially like the Vapor Flex look, it does look like the M1 but I think it looks better! The WHITE colored (although nice) is played out! With color variations from multiple different companies they are attracting a new group of people…. kids and young adults. I was at one of our popular driving range and I saw kids from 8-23 y/o all over the place, that’s what golf is trying to capture…I say they are hitting the mark.
Another key factor to look at is the look; it looks like a combination of AP2 and Pro Combo…two great sellers this past year. My question; Why wouldn’t a company do this? When people talk about “stealing other companies concepts” is getting old, manufacturing companies (all brands) have been doing it for years. The cereal market it even does it; you have Fruit Loops and Fun Loops…lets get over this.
Ian
Nov 18, 2015 at 9:27 am
How possible is it that rival companies can come out with such similar looking drivers so close to eachothers release – screams of collusion!
Jacob
Nov 17, 2015 at 6:27 pm
People, this is what ALL clubs will probably look like in 20 years. What’s so awful about clubs looking like basketball shoes anyway? If you want to grow the game things are gonna change…
gabo
Nov 17, 2015 at 3:54 pm
i already play with them and they are crazy the pro is great really good looking from the top and the flex is freaking long just wait for it
vince guest
Nov 17, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Surely these are the new ladies selection?
ShootersTour
Nov 17, 2015 at 11:19 am
Poo Poo.
KD
Nov 17, 2015 at 9:14 am
Awful. How many color schemes is Nike going to try before they get it right?
Jack
Nov 17, 2015 at 8:50 am
I’m a huge Nike golf fan, but this is something you may see at a Mardi gras.
Someone With Eyes
Nov 17, 2015 at 7:56 am
These are absolutely terrible. This might be the worst top to bottom line of clubs I have ever seen. Instead of getting rid of sales reps they should have fired their entire design team. Golf clubs are not like basketball shoes. Maybe they are are trying to attract more urban youths to the game.
Brian
Nov 17, 2015 at 1:47 pm
That sounded racist.
johnnylongballz
Nov 17, 2015 at 7:52 am
Reminds me of the multicolored plastic club sets for kids. I hope they come with 3 plastic balls and a little plastic golf bag.
Chuck D
Nov 17, 2015 at 3:17 am
Are we sure that Nike driver isn’t the shift knob in BMDubya’s new electric rig?
other paul
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:56 pm
I like the looks. But until they make a driver that makes the ball go really far away really fast, I wont be paying attention. Great driver accuracy, but they need more distance.
Scott
Nov 18, 2015 at 12:40 pm
+1
Joseph Dreitler
Nov 18, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Agree.
JustWellsy
Dec 10, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Just wait for the Flex Driver… I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Chance
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:37 pm
I think those black irons look sweet. I would love to game them if they played well!
nunya
Nov 16, 2015 at 10:43 pm
As much as I liked last years irons. I hate these.
JustWellsy
Dec 10, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Agree… The only way I can describe my dislike is to say they look too “thick” and remind me of those AWFUL slingshot irons from years ago
Steve
Nov 16, 2015 at 10:20 pm
Tell the accountants to write off another lost in golf equipment for next year. What junk, only a matter of time until they stop making equipment. Investors are not going to accept losing year after year
Dj
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:19 pm
You may wanna check Nikes earnings.
Steve
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:59 pm
You might want to check their earnings/lost in the golf equipment. They are a monster, but the golf buisness is aloss for them.
GMatt
Nov 17, 2015 at 11:19 am
Bingo…. Their clothing and sneaker lines are propping up the golf division losses. Of course those clothing and sneaker divisions are making more than probably all the other golf manufacturers combined so why not operate their golf division at a loss just to stay in the marketplace
Jay
Nov 16, 2015 at 9:05 pm
These are awful. Everything looks cheap
john
Nov 16, 2015 at 9:00 pm
the blue is straight copied from mizuno, what were they thinking?
the irons look great with the blue / yellow though, but the woods are truly staggering
Dj
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:20 pm
Cobra has had blue also. It’s a color, not a patent.
john
Nov 18, 2015 at 6:38 pm
they don’t have mizuno blue, that is pure mizuno light blue nike right there
Jake
Nov 16, 2015 at 8:17 pm
I got a chance to hit the new drivers. The new nike flex is the most horrible feeling/sounding driver I have ever hit. The head is made of RZN. The other heads are ok but the flex ruined the experience.
HackerDav31
Nov 16, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Are they the new Nike clubs? Not sure. Could be Mizuno. Lets stop pretending, eh?
cgasucks
Nov 16, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Is it just me or is Nike’s clubs are getting uglier and uglier?
Don Juan DeMarco
Nov 16, 2015 at 11:47 pm
It’s just you.
Mat
Nov 16, 2015 at 6:55 pm
The Vapor pro irons are very good looking to me. Hopefully they are that dark in person.
Tom Duckworth
Nov 16, 2015 at 6:45 pm
Cool stuff. I’m looking forward to the reviews to come. I do see the point of wanting to see more neutral colors as well. Nike is marketing to younger players I guess but I love to look down at a black driver, all business.
Brian
Nov 16, 2015 at 6:44 pm
I’ll be stoked when stores start carrying RZN Black balls again. I’ve had to resort to using the ProV1s I’ve found in my backyard this year.
KK
Nov 16, 2015 at 6:28 pm
Very interesting micro dimples on the RZN proto ball. Everything else is whatevs.
Dpavs
Nov 16, 2015 at 5:35 pm
Nike has clearly gone color blind.. those color schemes are hideous!
JMcDonough
Nov 16, 2015 at 5:11 pm
OH BOY, NEW PAINT!
Scooter McGavin
Nov 16, 2015 at 4:58 pm
No, that’s obviously Callaway.
DatSliceDoe
Nov 16, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Nike ought to take a page from Cobra’s book and offer a few color options. Love the performance, but I want a neutral color driver.
6
Nov 16, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Nike doesn’t sell enough clubs to shell out that much to make multiple colors for clubs.
JustWellsy
Dec 10, 2015 at 4:21 pm
They could solve everything by offering their clubs through NikeID, like they do for shoes and some clothes.
mhendon
Nov 16, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Those irons look a little like Titleist AP1’s
Tom
Nov 16, 2015 at 3:52 pm
Wow…just wow! must be targeting the under forty players.
6
Nov 16, 2015 at 5:04 pm
And you must be 6 years old
Tom
Nov 16, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Old enough to know better and could teach you a thing or two.
rymail00
Nov 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm
+1
But I’m 34 and don’t find these visually appealing at all. I still prefer the normal black/blackish dark grey crown (Titleist, SLDR ect.)
Tom
Nov 17, 2015 at 8:47 am
Huh..alrighty then I stand corrected.
Jacob
Nov 17, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Try under 16.
Jonzone
Nov 16, 2015 at 3:52 pm
I love WRX but I have no idea why they title this article, or any new release with “Is This The….”
We all know it is…we are on here for a reason!
Regardless, this release is hideous.
Roger
Nov 16, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Nike stuff has never caught my eye……..these colors are a bit to be desired to say the least.
Mcd
Nov 16, 2015 at 3:41 pm
I dont get it. What’s different?
John
Nov 16, 2015 at 3:37 pm
The Vapor Flex looks really cool….and really similar to the M1 haha.
Will
Nov 17, 2015 at 7:06 am
+1