News
Sean Crocker on signing with Srixon/Cleveland, his testing process and new clubs
Former University of Southern California standout Sean Crocker has signed with Srixon and Cleveland Golf for a multi-year deal. Crocker will play a Srixon Z-Star XV golf ball, Srixon Z-U65 Utility 2-iron, Srixon Z-765 irons (4-5), Srixon Z-945 irons (6-PW), and Cleveland RTX wedges (50, 54 and 60 degrees).
Crocker, one of the world’s top-10 amateurs, turned pro after three years at USC. During his time as a Trojan, the now 21-year-old helped his team to the NCAA Championship Match Play all three seasons. Crocker was an All-American, the 2015 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, and a three-time All-Pac-12 selection.
He won the Monroe Invitational in the summer of 2016. Crocker finished second in the Northeast Amateur, and in 2015 he reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Amateur, losing to eventual champion, Bryson DeChambeau.
Crocker spoke with GolfWRX about the signing.
The adoptive Californian indicated there’s a great deal of similarity between forged irons and wedges–similarly spec’d and shafted–from OEM to OEM. Thus, he told us the golf ball was his primary concern in choosing a sponsor.
“That was the biggest thing. That’s what I sat on TrackMan with. I made sure I hit it in Europe when I was playing in windy conditions. If your golf ball doesn’t fly right, it doesn’t matter how hard or how solid you hit it; it’s not going to go where you want it.”
Crocker didn’t play a Srixon ball in college, and really hadn’t given anything from the Z-Star line much consideration as he assessed his options. However, he was surprised to find the Z-Star XV “held up perfectly,” performing particularly better than anything he tested in the wind.
Last one thanks @SrixonEurope pic.twitter.com/rS3OCfbKXY
— CROCK (@seancrocker11) October 18, 2017
Crocker, who had played TaylorMade equipment and balls from the time he was 14, tested equipment extensively last year. He tested woods from multiple manufacturers (and eventually returned to his TaylorMade woods), planning on locking in his irons and wedges last.
After the U.S. Amateur, he decided to broaden his ball search to include Srixon.
“The week before I signed, I played the first stage of (Web.com) Q-School in Nevada. It was blowing 15-25 mph all week, and the ball was amazing,” he said. Crocker tied for seventh (-9/279) at First Stage Qualifying in Dayton, Nevada. “Everything settled into place after that.”
He said the testing process included both range time on TrackMan and on-course work with the ball, and both facets are important.
“You’re always manipulating a little something when you’re on the range. But when you get on the golf course, all you think about is the pin. Especially when you’re practicing. That’s when you start to hit different shots: You’ll pinch one a little bit, you’ll skank one a little bit to see how it spins. That’s when you’re going to get a lot of your feedback. But you do need to see your numbers on TrackMan.”
With respect to his irons, Crocker sang the praises of the Z-945’s dual Tour V.T. Sole: “I’m a little steeper at impact, so they go through the ground a little better.”
He said the split set (Z-765 irons (4-5), Srixon Z-945 irons (6-P)), represented a change for him. “Putting the (4 and 5-iron) in play has been another game changer,” he said. “I’m hitting my long irons so much higher, so they’re landing a lot softer, and it’s easier to hit those closer.”
Speaking to the trend toward combo sets on Tour, Crocker said, “The game’s hard enough. So now you have this butter knife 4-iron. It still looks good to your eye, but guess what, you have an extra three centimeters on the clubface to hit with.”
Crocker is playing a second stage of Web.com Tour Qualifying event at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, starting November 7. He’s hoping to make it to the Final Stage, December 7.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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Trevor James
Jan 2, 2018 at 12:48 pm
This guy is a STUD!
I grew up playing competitive with him in juniors and high school.
He is going to make some noise next year.
Tomdick
Nov 6, 2017 at 6:06 pm
All the local clowns have been talking trash about this kid from the beginning. He just keeps proving them wrong. That’s what makes this kid great. The hush in this area is comical. They still can’t believe he was on tv in the semi’s against Bryson. He tied Jimmy Walker in Europe last month and has made the cut in most of his tour starts.
I’m not saying he’s going to take down majors, but wait until his short game and putting take off.
mM
Nov 5, 2017 at 2:06 am
A Taylormade driver though. lol
Mark
Nov 5, 2017 at 12:53 am
Are Cleveland Precision Forged wedges and Cleveland RTX wedges one and the same model of wedge? I always thought they were different wedge models.
2putttom
Nov 4, 2017 at 11:25 am
this will be a great pairing for success
SK
Nov 3, 2017 at 5:49 pm
Cleveland’s “Precision Forged” is the same as “Coining” explained here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coining_(metalworking)
The clubhead is not hot forged from a red hot billet of steel; it is cast and then stamped to harden the surface while it is cold.
Gullible golfers don’t know or care about what they are buying because they only buy brand and bling.
etc.
Nov 4, 2017 at 4:18 pm
So the precision forged clubs are only forged skin deep? Mizuno’s are fully hot forged, not ‘coined’.
Phil
Nov 3, 2017 at 11:02 am
I wish someone would actually praise (and USE) Srixon’s driver and fairway woods!!!
Gilles
Nov 5, 2017 at 11:44 am
Why do you wish Srixon clubs deserve ‘praise’? What is so exceptional about them to make your wishes come true?
Nick
Nov 3, 2017 at 10:59 am
This kid is going to be really good.
2putttom
Nov 4, 2017 at 11:24 am
I agree
Gilles
Nov 5, 2017 at 11:47 am
I disagree. All he has done is capitalized on his amateur record with an equipment deal for Chinese clubs.
Anthony
Nov 7, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Chinese clubs? A little bit to the right and lower on the map?