Equipment
Top 10 purchases to make at the U.S. Open Merchandise Tent
The Players Championship is a celebration of Mother’s Day, while the U.S. Open is a celebration of Father’s Day — since it falls on U.S. Open Sunday every year. As such, the best possible Father’s Day gifts (that aren’t on this list, of course), are in this order:
- Winning the U.S. Open.
- Having your father caddie for you while you play in the U.S. Open.
- Attending the U.S. Open with your father.
- Buying your father a gift from the U.S. Open.
- Anything else.
Let’s assume you’ll be going with option No. 4 this year, and that’s where we come in. The merchandising situation can be a little overwhelming at the U.S. Open because of the sheer size of the tent, the number of choices to make and the ridiculous amount of people. Luckily, there are some standout candidates for purchase, whether they’re for your pops or not.
There are also plenty of options for women and children, which you should be sure to check out while in the tent. And if you’re NOT attending the U.S. Open, click here to browse the online store.
Necessary gadgets
What’s something you use on nearly every hole of golf you play? A ball marker. Most golfers use a quarter or a type of coin. Why not use something unique, like these markers with the awesome Oakmont-U.S. Open logo on them.
Even if your dad doesn’t hit many greens in regulation, the divot repair tool can still help him repair the ball marks in his putting line from golfers who do. The repair tool sets are available for $32.
Coasters
Dads drink beverages. Whether it’s coffee, tea, water, or something cold and frosty, they’ll want a coaster to keep from ruining their table. For only $13 dollars, these coasters are a steal, and they’ll always be put to good use.
Man cave
While the furry squirrels are cool, and so are the metallic U.S. Open at Oakmont signs, the star here is the hanging bottle opener with a bottle cap catcher. It’s well worth the $52.
Dad’s stomach is growling… for beers
These are the most awesome growlers I’ve ever seen. The U.S. Open-Oakmont logo is on the front, and U.S. Open winners from Oakmont are listed on the back. They’re available for $75, while the Steins (bottom) sell for $22 each.
Hats, hats, and more hats
There’s an entire corner of the merchandise tent dedicated to just hats. It’s a lot to handle, especially if you’re shopping for someone else. I’ve picked out my favorite, and what I believe to be the most unique, but you might be on your own trying to judge what dad will like best.
This hat is a bit outlandish, but when he shows up to that July 4th cookout rocking it, he’ll be getting all of the compliments. It’s $34.
If you’re dad is into camo, or hunting gear, this hat from Imperial is a drop-dead winner for $27.
The squirrel cartoon logo comes on a 47 Brand hat ($27), and on a flat-and-yellow brim, snapback version as well. If your dad is into snapbacks, there’s a few other options he may like, pictured in the gallery above.
The plaid white-and-green fitted hat, with the USGA logo and a clover as the back emblem, is a can’t miss for a dad who likes to be a bit eccentric with his fashion choices.
Bring dad back a taste of Pittsburgh, and its sports teams, with one of these black-and-yellow hats from Imperial. The highly recommended Tour visor is $32.
Black and yellow
There’s more than just hats that represent the colors of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, however. Check out this entire line of clothes inspired by the heart of Steel City.
This Camo jacket has a slick logo that ties in the United States (stars), Pittsburgh (stripes), and Oakmont (squirrel) and sells for $145.
This hockey-inspired sweater (left) sells for $105, while the t-shirt (right) is $45.
Good in any weather
Waterproof pullovers make awesome gifts, because they can be used on and off the golf course and in various weather conditions. This white pullover from Sunice has a multitude of pockets for storage, a sweet American Flag type logo on the right shoulder, the U.S. Open-Oakmont logo on the left chest, and is only $139.
Casual gear
Maybe dad’s not a golfer, or you want to get him some gear for off the course. This U.S. Open hoodie is understated and comfortable, and sells for $75. The “USGA” printed on the hood is a nice touch.
The logoing on this stretch-fit, gray t-shirt from Under Armour is a little less subtle, but the shirt is so cool — and keeps you cool — that it won’t matter.
These long sleeve tees — green with the squirrel-cartoon and blue camo — each sell for $45.
Local talent
Artist David Lussier is selling replicas of his original painting of the 18th hole at Oakmont, ranging from $95-$6000, depending on your budget.
Also, Lee Wybranski shows off his original works that capture Oakmont’s iconic Church Pew Bunker, which are available in a wide price range as well.
Hand-forged church pews
As seen in the photo above, a hand-crafter representing Seamus Golf out of Oregon was providing custom engravings on bronze, copper and steel ball markers with the U.S. Open-Oakmont logo. They’re available for $32.
But the winner of the U.S. Open Merchandise tent has to the hand-forged Church Pew Bunker replica bottle opener (resting against the anvil) made from mild steel and copper, which comes with a leather satchel. Of course, the iconic Church Pews sit between hole Nos. 3 and 4 at Oakmont. The real pews will set you back costly strokes, while the bottle opener from Seamus will set you back $90.
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Equipment
Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron
As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)
What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!
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I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…
To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”
On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.
Here’s what he had to say:
You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?
MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.
And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.
When did it come back in the bag?
MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.
What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?
MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?
Do you remember how much you paid for it?
MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.
The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?
MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.
It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?
MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.
What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?
MT: Like high 170’s.
Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.
MT: Yeah. The butter knife.
Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons?
MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.
How far do you carry that?
MT: Like 235.
A good little wind club, I’m sure.
MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.
I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man.
MT: Absolutely.
To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (3/28/24): L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick putter with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft.
From the seller: (@hibcam): “L.A.B. GOLF Mezz.1 Max Broomstick- LA Golf Paige Spiranac Shaft- 44″/79.5. Brand new, never used brown leather cover. The head was professionally anodized from Orange to Blue (Orange looked bad with the Pink shaft so I had it changed). Only a few rounds on this combo. Please see last pic- slight ding on back corner. 8.5-10 condition. THE SHAFT COST $475/ THE PUTTER $625. $799 shipped in the US. ONLY $699 SHIPPED.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Spotted: Tony Finau’s driver shaft change at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
Tony Finau has always been known as one of the longest players on the PGA Tour, but he has recently been working on adding a little more distance. Last year, Finau averaged 118.3 mph club head speed and 178.08 mph ball speed, all while playing a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX driver shaft. This year, he has increased his club head speed to 123.93 mph and his ball speed to 183.32 mph.
However, Finau’s overall distance has decreased by two yards in that time. From a fitting perspective, something was amiss. We asked Tony about the shaft change at the Texas Children’s Hospital Open.
“[I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin. My driver’s been a little high spin for me over the last month or so, and so I just figured it was time to probably check out the equipment,” Finau said. “And it definitely showed me that I was using a shaft that’s maybe a little too tip-stiff for me, the way I load the club now. [I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin.”
Finau switched from the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX into the Diamana GT 70 TX. The newer Diamana GT has a slightly different profile than the D+ Limited with the stiffest handle section in the Diamana lineup. The mid sections between the two are similar stiffness but the tip is just slightly stiffer in the Diamana GT. Both shafts are within one gram of each other in the 70 TX. The torque rating on the GT is 0.1 higher than the D+Limited’s 2.7 measurement.
Mitsubishi lists the Diamana GT as a shaft between the mid-launching Diamana TB and the new low-launch Diamana WB shafts. For most players, it would be considered a mid/low launch and low-spin shaft option. Mitsubishi’s Xlink Tech Resin System makes sure the maximum carbon fiber content is there for smooth feel without reducing the strength of the shaft. MR70 carbon fiber is used for reinforcing the shaft and boron is used in the tip for its high strength and compression properties.
Finau is still using his trusty Ping G430 LST driver in 9 degrees and has the adjustable hosel set to -1 degree of loft (standard lie angle). Finau’s long-time favorite Lamkin UTX Green grip is installed. He definitely has a few extra wraps of tape under that grip as you can see the bulge down where the grip meets the shaft.
One final note: Per Ping’s PGA Tour rep Kenton Oates, Finau’s driver is also adjusted to play with an additional degree of loft to help dial in his desired launch.
We’ll see how he fares with the new setup this week in Houston!
- Check out the rest of our pictures from the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
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Nick Shak
Jun 20, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Does anyone have one of the bucket hats for sale or know where I can buy one? The merchandise tent was sold out by Friday and I would really like one! Please someone help me out!!!!
don d.
Jun 17, 2016 at 1:26 am
Best buy US open socks. The prices are steep to say the least. Everything is big and expensive. US Open is definitely not my first pick for spectating.
KCCO
Jun 16, 2016 at 1:23 pm
How are the food prices in relation to The Masters? As I was so surprised by the low cost of concessions at Masters.
ooffa
Jun 14, 2016 at 6:17 pm
45 bucks for a T-Shirt. Now that’s a value. OMG they are insane.
John
Jun 14, 2016 at 10:43 am
The week after the US Open is when the real deals can be had. Lots of big discounts on their site. Also, joining the USGA gets you a free US Open hat every year delivered right to your mailbox. A great cause and a free hat to boot.
Adrien Jenot
Jun 14, 2016 at 10:50 am
Thanks guys, I must be blind.
AllBOdoesisgolf
Jun 14, 2016 at 11:15 am
USGA lost my membership when they went ahead and told singles they have no business posting scores because they don’t trust them. I will keep my dollars local and help out the First Tee.
Scott
Jun 15, 2016 at 9:36 am
Great point. They lost me when they started being sponsored by non-U.S. auto companies.
Kevin
Jun 15, 2016 at 9:43 am
Not sure how the USGA will ever go on without your 9.99. Hope you are giving more to the First Tee, IMO the best organization out there
Adrien Jenot
Jun 14, 2016 at 9:16 am
Will this stuff be available on the USGA site those snapback are too slick!
mitch
Jun 14, 2016 at 10:28 am
they have a link to the store before the top ten list above.
Adrien Jenot
Jun 14, 2016 at 10:53 am
FML all the stuff I want isn’t on the USGA site it’s event only… I just want that damn snapback and maybe the crazy fishing hat…