Equipment
PXG signs Gary Player ahead of Masters Par 3 Contest; Gary Player’s WITB
Ahead of Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest at Augusta National, PXG has announced that they have signed Gary Player who will game the company’s clubs at both the Masters Par 3 Contest and during the ceremonial first drive on Thursday.
The South African, who won the Masters on three occasions, will have 14 PXG clubs in the bag during Wednesday’s beloved competition, including the company’s PXG 0811 X GEN2 Driver, and PXG 0311 XF Xtreme Dark GEN2 Irons.
Speaking on the signing of Gary Player, PXG founder and CEO, Bob Parsons, stated
“Gary Player has had one of the most remarkable careers in golf. He personifies what PXG has set forth to accomplish – to be the finest example of excellence in the industry. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Player, and couldn’t be prouder to count him among the PXG Troops.”
Welcome to the #PXGTroops @GaryPlayer! See #WITB and learn more at: https://t.co/xVNLIjYvzV #PXG pic.twitter.com/tapvhg2Iy2
— Parsons Xtreme Golf (@pxg) April 9, 2019
Gary Player’s Masters WITB
- PXG 0811 X GEN2 Driver, 9 degrees
- PXG 0341 X GEN2 Fairway Woods, 15 degress and 18 degrees
- PXG 0317 X GEN2 Hybrids, 22 degrees and 25 degrees
- PXG 0311 XF Xtreme Dark GEN2 Irons, 6-PW
- PXG 0311 T 100% Milled Xtreme Dark Wedges, 50 degrees Sugar Daddy, 56 degrees Sugar Daddy, and 60-degree Zulu
- PXG GEN2 Brandon Putter, Black, Plumber’s Neck
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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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- 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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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
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Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
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‘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 Hole4 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 Hole4 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 Hole2 weeks 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
Pelling
Apr 10, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Taylormade does a nice job working with vets. They outfit wounded warriors for groups like OperationGameOn.org at their Carlsbad headquarters for free. Full fitting, name on the locker, complete set of whatever new clubs the vet wants! First class. Interestingly, I contacted Bob Parson’s PXG (he’s a former Marine) about a set of clubs for my son, a Marine who served in Afghanistan, but they never responded. Guess they were too busy pushing clubs to rich guys.
Pelling
Apr 10, 2019 at 6:51 pm
I felt sorry for Player’s granddaughter who had to carry that ridiculous staff bag today in the Par 3 contest…
Kelly
Apr 10, 2019 at 6:13 pm
Well it seems that no matter the age some people still chase after the almighty dollar. I think that is sad. And even worst is the guy that gets sucked into the shit show and thinks he needs these sticks. Average player out there $300.00 or $2000.00.Will not make any difference except to your wallet.
Geoffrey Holland
Apr 10, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Golfers do not game or golf clubs. Golfers play golf clubs. Let’s lose this ridiculously stupid childish word.
Bill
Apr 10, 2019 at 4:26 pm
What Parsons did is drive up the price of every golf club in the golfing industry. All the competition is gladly following his lead.
Every set of irons is now $1,200+ vs. $700 – $800 a few years ago. Drivers are now $500+.
Although I have great respect for Player, he’s always been known to follow the buck. So if Parsons is stupid enough to claim this validates his equipment it’s no fault of Players IMO.
Jack Nash
Apr 10, 2019 at 4:09 pm
When are they gonna come out with the Danica wedge? You’d think as the model that got Go Daddy off the ground she’d get a sniff.
GMatt
Apr 10, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Nothing to see here, unless someone on the PGA tour consistently wins with them, they are just as good as anything out there but at a higher price point, even my buddy in my Sunday morning game can’t win with em
Joro
Apr 10, 2019 at 3:37 pm
And now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The Black Knight. what a laugher.
Marty Tough
Apr 10, 2019 at 10:12 am
TM boys are hilarious.
PXG are overpriced. TM new irons are 2000 bucks.
My Gen2 driver with shaft upgrade was CHEAPER than I would have been for the TM. And I tried the TM’s. Nothing to seperate them in distance but PXG’s XF pissed all over them in dispersion.
Haters gonna hate though.
Great brand exposure. Parsons isn’t a Billionaire by chance.
Jamho3
Apr 10, 2019 at 7:53 am
Somehow, I like this. GP well played.
B
Apr 10, 2019 at 2:55 am
I don’t get PXG doesn’t make its own shafts and grips if it makes its equipment like nobody else, I guess their equipment is just like everybody else’s, then.
Honma is way superior in that respect and it doesn’t need any kaboom
Jamie
Apr 9, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Wayne Player needs all the trust fund he can get from Dad.
Damn the haters
Apr 9, 2019 at 9:52 pm
If it were a titleist set of irons for !2000 they would b all the rage and so worth it smh
Gunter Eisenberg
Apr 9, 2019 at 9:02 pm
I thought Player would be a Callaway guy forever. When did his contract expire?
Jose Pinatas
Apr 9, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Parsons clubs, OnCore balls? In the famous words of Frank Catton, “Nuff Said!!”
BobbyG
Apr 9, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Makes me want to rush out and buy these! Not! PXG needs to produce a putter prototype like Player’s old stabbing blade.
Schneider
Apr 9, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Yay more worthless promotion of overpriced products that have zero performance advantages over other manufactures. Not to mention rarely any tour wins for PXG over the last few years
Scott Francis
Apr 9, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Haha ok dude another hater who cant adford the clubs? They do perform and the driver is rated as one of the years best drivers and its $25 more than the overhyped TM stuff. Besides for upcharged shafts PXG is at $125 where Callaway and Tam are at $250
Michael Portus
Apr 9, 2019 at 1:25 pm
My TM M5 soared past the latest PXG 0811 Gen2 driver by 30 yards both 9 degrees with the same exact Tensei Pro White 70 TX shafts at 45.5 inches both tipped one inch. I will happily side with Schneider on this one!
Scott Francis
Apr 9, 2019 at 6:25 pm
haha 30 yards yeah OK man no driver released this year is 30 yards longer than anything else
The General
Apr 9, 2019 at 6:44 pm
Face it.. this crap is exactly that.
L
Apr 10, 2019 at 2:57 am
Hey Scott
Rated means nothing, they can pay somebody to rate something? Yes, that does happen lol
Austin
Apr 9, 2019 at 10:53 am
This is worthless without pictures…
Boyo
Apr 9, 2019 at 10:50 am
Wow. Callaway must feel crushed
Scott Francis
Apr 9, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Well as a worldwide brand ambassador whos one of the greats yeah Callaway prob does sting a bit. Player is known by every golfer over 40. I dont get all the hate for PXG sure clubs are pricey but the Heroes program has gotten clu s into many players hands.The gen1 0311 irons flat out perform. Ive had 919 forged and 2019 Apex and PXG feel and look better.
D
Apr 10, 2019 at 2:53 am
I heard the coolaid tastes like dirt though
But hey, a sucker born every minute huh
Yo boi
Apr 9, 2019 at 9:55 am
More hybrids than San Francisco