Equipment
Scotty Cameron Futura X5 and X5R Putters
Oversized putters were once a rarity in professional golf, but not anymore. These days, they’ve become the norm, with as many as 50 percent of PGA Tour players using them each week on Tour.
Scotty Cameron’s new Futura X5 and X5R are a result of the increased demand for larger putters by the world’s best players.
“The Futura X5 mallet is for someone who likes the stability of a bigger head, the feel of a bigger grip and likes to look down and see more lines for alignment purposes,” Cameron said. “X5 is more of a mechanical shape where the X5R is a softer, rounder shape. There’s no right or wrong. Same performance, same weight, same feel. It all depends on what you like to look at.”
Futura X5
Futura X5R
Both putters have a multi-material design that includes a 303 Stainless Steel body and a 6061 aluminum sole plate. The use of aluminum extends into the “wings” of the putters and allowed Cameron to move weight to their extreme perimeter. That improves a putter’s stability and resistance to twisting.
And there’s another, not-so-hidden benefit to larger putters.
“The bigger the head, the more lines you can add for alignment,” Cameron said. “We worked with many players on tour and in the Putter Studio during the development of X5 and they all told us the same thing: It adds confidence.”
Futura X5
Futura X5R
The X5 and X5R putters also have single-bend shafts with a higher bend point that make them face-balanced.
“The single bend came from taking feedback from the tour and working with players in the Studio. Double bends have been around for years and for X5 we really wanted to clean up the look,” Cameron said. “We had many players say they wished that the shaft leaned at their target or on their line, so we worked to find the proper offset and lean of the shaft so, at address, the bend lines up pointing right at your target. That was a key one because the mechanical-industrial shape of the head and the clean mechanical-industrial bend match perfectly. What I didn’t want was a heavy, flowing bend onto a mechanical head.”
Each model has a 10-inch Matador Red Midsize grip that weighs 77 grams.
“The grip can complement or kill the design of the putter,” Cameron said. “I know that sounds strange, but grips make a difference. With blades, it’s a little more handsy, a little more flowing, a little more feel. With Futura X putters, it’s a little more robotic, a little more square-to-square and this larger Matador grip complements the head very well.”
The Futura X5 and X5R putters ($349) will be in stores on Oct. 31. They both have Cameron’s Silver Mist finish are are available in lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches. For lefties, the X5 is available in lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches.
Click here to see in-hand photos of the Futura X5 and X5R from the PGA Tour.
Futura X5 Dual Balance
A Futura X5 Dual Balance ($399) will also be available on Oct. 31. It has an extra 50-gram weight located under its aluminum sole plate, which is counterbalanced with a 50-gram weight in its 15-inch grip that can help smooth out certain golfer’s strokes.
Stock length is 38 inches, but lengths of 36-to-40 inches in 0.5-inch increments are available by custom order.
Click here to see in-hand photos of the Futura X5 and X5R from the PGA Tour.
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- Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist TSR2 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White Hybrid 90 TX
Irons: Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 S
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46-10F, 50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (54-M, 58-L @60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Onyx (46-50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Onyx (54-60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
Grips: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Richy Werenski’s clubs in the forums.
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Equipment
Adam Scott testing green “Masters Use Only” putter + 6 interesting equipment photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Welcome to the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson event at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, which, for your geographical reference, is about 25 minutes from Dallas.
In early-week equipment news, we saw some interesting putter testing from Adam Scott, a Maxfli golf ball signing on the PGA Tour, a 16-year-old’s WITB, a PGA Tour player using another PGA Tour player’s backup putter, and Jordan Spieth weighed in on why he recently switched out just his 7-iron (and then made a hole-in-one with it).
With so much to report and so little time to waste on the intro, let’s get right into this week’s equipment rundown from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
See all of our photo galleries from the week here
Adam Scott’s new L.A.B. putters
Before we get into a couple of the new prototypes Scott has been testing, above is a photo of the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max prototype putter that he’s been using, and will likely continue to use this week in Texas.
That being said, following the Masters, Scott was looking to try a couple putters with a slightly lighter weight to help with his feel on fast greens.
One of the new prototypes we spotted on Tuesday was a L.A.B. Golf DF3 “Proto 2.1”, custom-built with Scott’s preferred blue colorway, and an Australia-inspired Kangaroo laser engraving…
We also spotted him with a green-colored “For Masters Use Only” Mezz.1 Max prototype…
While it’s unlikely Scott will make a switch this week, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward, especially on courses with faster greens.
We also got a peek into Scott’s full WITB this week, which consists of a super-mixed set of Srixon irons, including a ZX Utility 3-iron, a ZX-5 MkII 4-iron, ZX-7 MkII mid-irons (5-7) and Z Forged II short irons (8-9).
See Scott’s full WITB from the CJ Cup here
An update on Daniel Berger’s Odyssey Jailbird
Last week in New Orleans, we highlighted Daniel Berger’s Ai-One Jailbird Mini putter because of its unique sightlines.
Well, we have an update.
According to Callaway Tour Manager Joe Toulon, who spoke with GolfWRX.com this week, Berger’s Jailbird Mini is actually from fellow Tour player Tom Kim’s stash. Kim is a prolific putter tester, and the exact putter Berger is currently using was actually originally made for and tested by Kim. The putter didn’t make it into Kim’s starting lineup, however, so he gave the putter back to Odyssey, and it eventually made it’s way onto Berger’s gamer roster.
Jordan Spieth’s new 7-iron
As the story goes, Jordan Spieth changed out his Titleist T100 7-iron on Wednesday before the 2024 Valero Texas Open, and then on Thursday, he used the 7-iron to make a hole-in-one from 199 yards on the 16th hole.
Good timing on that switch, Jordan.
On Tuesday at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, GoflWRX.com caught up with Spieth to get the full story on why he switched just the 7-iron.
Our full story is over on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, but here’s a snippet of what Spieth had to say:
“I hit my 7-iron a lot, especially on my own. The spin rates, relative to my 6-iron and my 8-iron, were lower, so it was going too far. I was trying to figure out why, if it was something in the makeup of the iron. I got the lies and the lofts checked, and everything was fine. So finally I was like, ‘Can I just get a new one and see if it fixes it?’
“Maybe there was one other time throughout my career where I changed just one iron, so it’s very unusual. I think it’s just because the grooves were worn down from hitting it too much.”
Ben Griffin signs with Maxfli to play the golf ball
At the beginning of the year, LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson signed a deal with Maxfli to play the company’s golf ball, and now, Griffin has officially joined team Maxfli, as well, thus expanding the company’s Tour presence.
GolfWRX.com caught up with Griffin on Wednesday in Texas for a video interview about his new golf ball of choice, and how he marks it…
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A 16-year-old is playing on the PGA Tour this week, using a 2-iron!
Amateur golfer Kris Kim, at just 16 years of age, is making his PGA Tour debut this week after receiving a sponsors exemption into the event. In 2023, Kim won both the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship and the European Boys’ International Championship.
On Tuesday in Texas, we got a look into Kim’s bag, which revealed that he’s currently playing a TaylorMade P-770 2-iron, and a bag full of TaylorMade clubs.
Check out Kim’s full WITB here
A smart golf ball stamping
I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a big math guy, because I’m not. However, I do recognize David Nyfjall’s purple ball marking as a square root symbol.
While I don’t know the particular significance of the square root symbol for Nyfjall, I do know you have to be fairly intelligent to even consider using a marking like that. Pretty cool stuff from the Northwestern alum, and 2023 Byron Nelson Award winner.
And, with that, we say goodbye to Texas and TPC Craig Ranch. We’ll see you next week at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte for more insider equipment news and storylines.
For now, don’t forget to check out all of our photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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- Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 50 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 X
Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Rescue (19.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Takomo 101U (4), Takomo 101T (5), Takomo 301 CB (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 52-08F, 56-14F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (58-A)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grips: SuperStroke, Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
More photos of Wesley Bryan’s WITB in the forums.
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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
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
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
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
Wesley Bryan WITB 2024 (May)
Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple...
Adam Scott WITB 2024 (May)
Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)...
Pierceson Coody WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi 10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi 10 Tour (15 degrees)...
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19th Hole2 weeks agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
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19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
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19th Hole3 weeks agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
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19th Hole2 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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j T
Jan 20, 2015 at 10:39 pm
I have every top line putter ever sold seriously and played them all but folks when you put a scotty in your hand you know it the feelins is totally exhilarating I would describe it as getting out boy a vega in to a Cadillac
DBN
Dec 18, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Umm why doesn’t everyone keep there opinions are so valuable since none of them are on tour. Lets get some responses to those who have actually tried the putter!! Tried it and loved it!! can’t beat a scotty and the way the ball releases off the face!!
Rich
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Yes the design is copied but as stated a few times below, it happens all the time in this industry. I think they are beautiful putter and from reading the article attached, it would seem at least there has been some thought go into the finer detail of these putter. I’m looking forward to seeing what they are like in hand.
dko
Oct 16, 2014 at 10:53 am
I wish, I wish, I wish … I could afford a Scotty Cameron putter.
TT X
Oct 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm
He copied an Odyssey and the Yes Sandy which is more round on the wings. The Odyssey was well before the YES which was 2012. Callie is an Anser style and Tracy has an Anser body but a double bend face balanced shaft. No hosel.
Kmac
Oct 15, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Who cares? He makes great putters. They mass produce.
TT X
Oct 15, 2014 at 8:24 pm
Didn’t say he doesn’t make great product, simply stating the facts as they are.
JB
Oct 16, 2014 at 1:44 am
All this nonsense about who copied who. Are we 12? Who cares, IMO. If it makes me a better putter, copy it from Tommy Armour for all I care.
Don Koo
Oct 16, 2014 at 10:51 am
Yup. Well said. EVERYTHING on the market today is a variation of something already there.
TT X
Oct 16, 2014 at 11:32 am
As long as the designer is compensated it shouldn’t matter copied who.
Jeff
Oct 15, 2014 at 3:24 pm
I think the odyssey #7’s popularity came from the Yes! Tom Watson used in almost winning the 2009 Open Championship. So it’s not really surprising to see the design make the rounds.
Kevin
Oct 15, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Any idea why they didn’t make the face deep milled like the Select line?
JB
Oct 16, 2014 at 1:46 am
I was wondering the same thing. Wonder if the deep mill didn’t really benefit that big of head?
Tom D
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:53 am
Should’ve named the X7, since they are obviously the Odyssey #7 shape.
Jeff
Oct 15, 2014 at 3:18 pm
+1
Will
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:39 am
Yes, this putter looks very similar to the odyssey #7 or sabertooth. But for those of you complaining about the similarities I hope you also complain about any anser/Newport style putter from Odyssey, Taylormade, Cleveland, see more etc as those are just a copy of the original Ping anser.
I have used an odyssey #7 for years now but I’m looking forward to a deep milled version.
GR
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:35 am
Zac, thanks for your articles and information. They are very helpful.
I do have a question though. Due to a tendency toward pulling putts, I have changed to center shafted mallets with a more straight back and forth putting stroke. However, I see mostly heel shafted (like the Futura outlined). More than likely it is a demand issue. What is the % of pros and/or golfers that use the center shafted putters? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Zak Kozuchowski
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:56 am
Center-shafted putters are rare on tour, but some players swear by them. It’s all about preference and confidence.
I used to play a center-shafted mallet as well, but I’ve since switched to a heel-shafted mallet after I saw that I got better numbers with those models on a SAM PuttLab. If there’s a SAM in your area, I’d recommend that you try it. Otherwise, guess and check is a great process.
And if your putter is working for you, why switch?
Thanks for reading, GR.
Food
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:58 am
Gimme some seed, I’ll go till the field with these and feed the world with the food I can grow
Baka
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:51 am
Blatant copy of Odyssey Tank Cruiser and Versa #7 putters. At Titleist, we don’t innovate we imitate.
Joe W
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:18 am
everyone copies everyone for the most part. they just add their little/tiny differences to the mock up.
Lane
Oct 15, 2014 at 1:06 pm
True, but I think the Cameron X5 looks better than its predecessors. IMO, it’s imitated AND improved.
t-ball
Oct 15, 2014 at 10:46 am
If we want to blame Scotty for copying, we have to blame Odyssey too ! I think the first version of this style head was a YES Callie. Plus, you really can’t compare a plastic insert to a deep-milled face.
Jeff
Oct 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Tracy. Callie’s a blade.
Rich
Oct 16, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Tracy is a blade too. Tracy was a face balanced blade and Tracy II was a short slant neck blade.
JB
Oct 15, 2014 at 9:48 am
This just made my day! Counting down the days!!