Equipment
Show Stoppers: Demo Day at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show
Team GolfWRX is in Orlando to be your eyes and ears at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show.
Each day, we’ll publish a list of “Show Stoppers” — the newest, coolest products we find at Demo Day and inside the Orange County Convention Center.
Enjoy this list of Show Stoppers we found at Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Course.
Adams Pro Red Hybrid
Adams’ new Pro Red hybrids look similar to the company’s current Pro hybrid, but they give golfers much more control over their ball flight.
Do you tend to slice or hook your hybrids? Remove the sole plate and you can give the 95-cubic-centimeter more draw or fade bias by repositioning its three internal weights. Two of the weights are 2 grams, while another weighs 25 grams. Golfers can move the 25-gram weight to the toe for more fade bias and to the heel for more draw bias.
The new hybrids also have Adams’ Ghost Slot technology on the top of their crowns for top-notch ball speed, another slot on the sole and the company’s famed upside-down head shape to lower CG and improve versatility.
The Pro Red hybrid ($229) will be available in lofts of 16, 18, 20, 23 and 26 degrees and will be in stores April 17.
Click here to see more photos of the Adams Pro Red Hybrid.
Ben Hogan Ft. Worth 15 irons and TK Wedges
Ben Hogan’s new irons and wedges looked better in person than we anticipated from the company’s stock photos. The soles are thin, the top lines are clean and the feel is tremendous.
It’s a little weird pulling out a 35-degree club instead of a 7 or 8 iron, but we could get used to it — and probably will even come to like it.
Ben Hogan President/CEO Terry Koehler suggests 4-degree gaps for the company’s long irons instead of the traditional 3-degree gaps offered by most companies.
Click here to learn more about Ben Hogan’s new irons and wedges.
Bridgestone J815 Driver
It’s rumored that Brandt Snedeker will play Bridgestone’s limited-edition J815 in 2015. While his endorsement is likely to help the cool factor of the club, the driver is pretty cool on its own.
It has all the technology included in the company’s new J715 drivers, as well as a few new ones. The sole was stiffened with a new design to leave room for the specially designed crown to flex.
And what a crown it is.
The red, graphic-covered crown, is an eye catcher, and the J815 has slightly more draw bias than the J715.
Like Bridgestone’s J715 drivers, the J815 has a milled driver face to reduce spin.
Bridgestone E-Series Golf balls
Bridgestone’s new version of the E-Series golf balls have a new, “webbed” dimple design that increases surface coverage by 10 percent for better aerodynamics.
The E5 is a two-piece, urethane-covered ball that’s good at creating a higher ball flight and more spin around the greens.
Both the E6 and the E7 are three-piece golf balls with surlyn covers. The E6 is a low-compression golf ball that reduces curvature, while the E7 is a higher compression ball that flies a little farther for golfers with faster swing speeds, according to Bridgestone.
The new balls will be available in February and will sell for $28.99 per dozen.
Bushnell TourX Jolt Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell’s new TourX Jolt has the ability to measure slope, a traditionally non-conforming feature of a laser rangefinder. It skirts the rule with the company’s new Exchange faceplate design, which disables the laser’s slope capabilities for tournament play.
The laser offers Bushnell’s quickest readings and 6X magnification, along with the company’s Dual Display Technology that allows golfers to switch between a red display for low-light conditions and a black display for brighter days.
Bushnell’s TourX Jolt will be available in April for $499.
Click here to see more photos of Bushnell’s new TourX rangefinder.
FootJoy HyperFlex and Icon Black
Last year, Footjoy launched its premium D.N.A golf shoe, which found a middle ground between FootJoy’s traditional and sporty models.
At this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, FootJoy had a product for each category — a traditional model called the Icon Black and the extremely sporty HyperFlex.
The Icon Black ($350) is a new and improved version of the company’s legendary “Classic” spikes, with FootJoy’s finest, most premium materials.
The HyperFlex ($190) uses FootJoy’s new FlexGrid 2.0 exoskeleton upper that offers lightweight, waterproof performance and the comfort and stability demanded by tour players.
Nike Engage Wedges
Nike’s Engage wedges come in three different soles –Square Sole, Dual Sole and Toe Sweep — and we learned that they also come in three distinctly colored packages.
The raw, 8620 steel wedges are sealed in wax packaging to prevent them from rusting before they make their way to consumers.
GolfWRXers asked for the raw wedges played by Nike’s Staff Players … and Nike listened.
Click here to see more photos of Nike’s Engage wedges.
Nike Converge Putters
Ever wanted to fine tune the position of the weight in your counterbalanced putter? The counterbalanced versions of Nike’s new Converge putters allow golfers to do just that.
If you’d rather have the weight positioned under your right hand or your left hand, you can do it with Nike’s Converge B1 01 and S1 01 putters, which have a 70-gram, adjustable sliding weight that is secured down the putters’ shafts inside the grip.
Click here to see more photos of Nike’s Converge and Method Matter putters.
Nippon’s new iron and wedge shafts
Nippon has gained traction on the PGA Tour in recent years with its N.S. Pro Modus3 120 and 130 iron shafts. For 2015, the company will expand the line with a N.S. Pro Modus3 125 shaft.
The 125 has a weight and trajectory between the lower-launching 120 and the higher-launching 130. It is complemented by the company’s new Modus wedge shafts, which are offered in 105, 115 and 125-gram models and heat treated in specific sections of the shaft to improve feel.
Nippon representatives also showed us the new Modus prototype iron shafts (above), which weigh about 115 grams each and are currently being used by Hunter Mahan, as well as several other PGA Tour players.
Click here to see more shaft photos from Demo Day.
TaylorMade AeroBurner MiniDriver
The AeroBurner MiniDriver and TP model (right).
TaylorMade’s AeroBurner fairway woods are proving to be some of the longest, if not the longest fairway woods we’ve ever tested at GolfWRX. That’s why we were happy to see TaylorMade introduce new AeroBurner MiniDrivers at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show.
The AeroBurner MiniDriver and TP model (right).
You might not need a MiniDriver, which is essentially an oversized fairway wood, but golfers who do swear by them. The combination of the MiniDriver’s smaller head and lower center of gravity can lead to MiniDriver shots that go as far as… well, your driver.
The AeroBurner MiniDriver and AeroBurner driver (right).
It’s available in both standard and TP models, which have a flatter lie angle and a more opened face angle to suit the needs of better players.
Click here to see more photos of the MiniDriver.
*We are still waiting for pricing and additional information including release dates on many of these products. We will update this story with that information as soon as possible.
Full 2015 PGAM Coverage
Show Stoppers: Demo Day
Show Stoppers: Day 2
Show Stoppers: Day 3
Visit our 2015 PGAM forum to see all the photos and discussion.
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- Troy Merritt what’s in the bag accurate as of the WM Phoenix Open. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees @9.25)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana BF 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist TSi2 (15 degrees @ 14.25)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist H2 818 (19 degrees)
Shaft: KBS Tour Hybrid Prototype 105 S+
Irons: Titleist T200 (2-5), Titleist T100 (6-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper 125 S+
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (50-12F, 54-14F, 58-08M)
Shafts: KBS Tour 120 S
Putter: Yes! C-Groove Mollie Tour
Grip: SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT Tour
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
More Troy Merritt WITBs
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Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees @10.3)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX (45 inches, tipped .5)
3-wood: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond T (16 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (21 degrees @19,9)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Irons: Callaway Apex TCB (4-PW)
Shafts: Project X 125 6.5
Wedges: Callaway Apex TCB (AW), Callaway MD5 Jaws Raw (56-10S @55, 60-12X)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (AW), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (56)
Putter: Odyssey O-Works #7S Black
Grip: Odyssey
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X
More Sam Burns WITBs
- Sam Burns WITB 2023 (January)
- Sam Burns WITB 2022 (August)
- Sam Burns WITB 2022 (June)
- Sam Burns WITB 2021 (December)
- Sam Burns WITB 2021 (May)
- Sam Burns WITB 2021 (April)
- Sam Burns WITB 2021 (February)
- Sam Burns WITB 2020
- Sam Burns WITB 2018
- Sam Burns WITB 2017 (Callaway)
- Sam Burns winning WITB: 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge
- Sam Burns winning WITB: 2022 Valspar Championship
- Sam Burns winning WITB: 2021 Sanderson Farms Championship
- Sam Burns winning WITB 2021 Valspar Championship
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Distance in the game of golf is one of the hottest topics currently in the sport, especially with the USGA and R&A’s recent announcement that a plan is in place to roll back the golf ball for professional players.
When it comes to the amateur game, just how far are you hitting the ball compared to those in your age and handicap group?
Thanks to Arccos and their recently published study, you can find that out.
Per the report, which used data based on over 20 million drives – using Driver only – from the Arccos dataset, the numbers show that men’s numbers have increased on the previous year’s study but are down on the 2018 data. At the same time, women’s distance trends are continuing a downturn.
As for age and handicap, you can check out the full data and breakdown below, which also includes accuracy off the tee.
Men
Distance
Accuracy
Women
Distance
Accuracy
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Morning 9: PGA Tour’s designated event revamp | PIP changes | LIV and pros react | Bay Hill photos
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Tom Kim WITB 2023 (February)
Tom Doak brings High Pointe back in 2024
Jason Dufner WITB 2023 (March)
Darius Rucker WITB 2023 (February)
Stewart Cink WITB 2023 (March)
Chez Reavie WITB 2023 (February)
Andrew Putnam WITB 2023 (March)
Troy Merritt WITB 2023 (March)
Troy Merritt what’s in the bag accurate as of the WM Phoenix Open. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Sam Burns’ winning WITB: 2023 WGC-Dell Match Play
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees @10.3) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX (45 inches, tipped .5) 3-wood:...
Garrick Higgo WITB 2023 (March)
Garrick Higgo what’s in the bag accurate as of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Mackenzie Hughes WITB 2023 (March)
Mackenzie Hughes what’s in the bag accurate as of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
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Whats in the Bag3 weeks agoStewart Cink WITB 2023 (March)
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Whats in the Bag2 weeks agoAndrew Putnam WITB 2023 (March)
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Whats in the Bag2 weeks agoJordan Spieth WITB 2023 (March)
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Equipment2 weeks agoMiura announces mid-size cavity back CB-302 forged irons
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Whats in the Bag2 weeks agoBrett White WITB 2023 (February)
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19th Hole4 days agoEx-Golf Channel host Holly Sonders returns to sports in new NSFW venture
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Whats in the Bag1 week agoWilliam McGirt WITB 2023 (March)
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Whats in the Bag2 weeks agoJoel Dahmen WITB 2023 (March)
Keith
Feb 4, 2015 at 4:56 pm
The Bushnell is still illegal whether you can remove the faceplate to disable slope or not. I found out the hard way with my Leopold.
Pingback: Scratch The Golfin' Caveman's Blog » Blog Archive » The Best And Wackiest Gear From The 2015 PGA Show!
Chris C
Jan 22, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Bridgestone’s J815 certainly breaks from their conservative tradition. My eye generally gravitates towards staid appearing equipment ( eg. Bridgestone’ s J40 ) but, for some unfathomable reason, I love the looks of this driver. This is particularly weird since I have always hated the looks of most Nike drivers. In any event, I am curious about the comment regarding the 815 having more of a draw bias than the 715. In so far as the 815 seems to be directed at tour use ( ie. Snedeker, et al ) and the 715 appears to be directed at the rest of us, should not the 815 actually have less of a draw bias than the 715?
Josh
Jan 22, 2015 at 11:08 am
Really glad I switched to Leupold from Bushnell after my V2 got stolen, especially now that Bushnell is just blatantly copying their designs (removable faceplates that turn slope on and off).
Mike
Jan 22, 2015 at 1:01 pm
If it works, copy it.
Preston
Jan 21, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Well, I do like the FJ black shoes….
Preston
Jan 21, 2015 at 6:59 pm
wow, golf equipment is getting really ugly. No wonder people are dropping from the game… LOL
Brandon
Jan 26, 2015 at 5:48 pm
If the looks of a golf club or piece of equipment was the reason why someone might quit golf, then I’m glad they did.
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Sadly the FJ Icon Black models are not the most pretty shoes I have seen from them – too futuristic. Like the combination of old classics and newer Icon technology. Probably will sell cheap in sales because not many people will want them.
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Welcome back Ben Hogan. Bring them on. Maybe will go back to BH wedges and irons again if they are still on the market in 2 years.
golfing
Jan 21, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Golf doesn’t need to be boring.
I Like the clubs technology, especially the Adams hybrid for people that lose the ball
left. The Bridgestone driver looks amazing to me, and the Nike putter to.
The mini driver looks also a good club, and I want the blue toe sweep with the Modus wedge shaft.
Chris Loskie
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:43 pm
Thats a plastic cover on the club..raw finish
JAugusta
Jan 21, 2015 at 9:25 am
If my tail light ever cracks and needs replaced, I will just replace it with the new Bridgestone driver head.
Callaway X Hot
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:48 am
Does anyone even use a mini driver?
Michael C
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:42 am
Does anyone else see Optimus Prime when they look at the Bridgestone Driver?
CC
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:39 am
Nike golf= ugly clubs
Please stick shoes and shirts and get out of the equipment biz
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 1:46 pm
+1. Rory will not help selling those neither so save the cash and if you need ti sell clubs, sell those cheaper for newbies and those who fancy red clubs.
E184
Jan 21, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Clearly you did not read anything on the Nike wedges, as the “red” is a wax coating so the wedges don’t rust prior to purchase.
Golfraven
Jan 22, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Ok, wasn’t really refering to the nike wedge but more to the Covert drivers. I see Nike droped the “trend” with red paint and moved to more classic design. Don’t want to offend Nike loyalists here, it’s just my personal view. Nike obviously have huge budget and can come out with all sorts of stuff and back it up with marketing BS. Just think of the one brand in particular all those tour players gamed before moving to Nike. Nike just does not have great legacy as Club designer – period. they cope up with innovative technologies indeed but those technologies only last 1-2 seasons. Would you still game the Sumo square driver? Hmmm, classic design, not.
talljohn777
Jan 22, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Actually, you misread the copy. The wax coating was referring to the raw wedges pictured below that comment. The picture above shows the wedges that “come in three distinctly colored packages.”
talljohn777
Jan 22, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Actually, I think you may be correct as I look else where on the internet and cannot find them in color, just raw. I retract my comment.
Golfraven
Jan 22, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Rusting? Really? Where will those clubs be stored, on a fish market or golf warehouse? More marketing BS.
Chris Loskie
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Actually they do rust from normal usage.. I had mizuno mp 10s raw finish and they get a nice little rust layer
Golfraven
Jan 23, 2015 at 3:55 am
yes agree but they dont rust in short time unused or on the way to the show. thats bit unreal.
Bobby T
Jan 27, 2015 at 9:07 pm
The waxy coating is to prevent the wedges from rusting on the shelves prior to sale. Its a nice way to stand out in shops as well as they obviously have gotten everyones attention, even those who only like to look at pretty pictures and not read words associated with the photos
Billy
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:04 pm
IDIOT!
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Glad you have an opinion.
Mat
Jan 21, 2015 at 4:21 pm
you’re an idiot
Mat
Jan 21, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Dear Troll, like to see u put out some sort of equipment!
Kevin
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:34 am
Top Ten show stoppers? Kind of limiting the coverage on demo day. I would rather have read about demo day and all the companies who put their product out to be hit. I would also have liked to know what clubs everyone hit and their initial impressions. Which manufacturers booths were busy? Busy equals interest. Some of us don’t tweet, instagram or facebook. What’s next, pictures of booth babes?
RAT
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:19 am
those colored nike wedges look dollar storeish
Don
Jan 21, 2015 at 10:22 am
It’s just the wrapping so the wedges didn’t rust before they got to the show. Gotsta read the text.
Adam
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:22 pm
“and we learned that they also come in three distinctly colored packages”.
No Don, you gotta read the text… and learn to spell.
chris
Jan 21, 2015 at 3:09 pm
No Adam you need to learn basic reading comprehension … 3 colored packages….once the packaging is removed…no more color. Not that difficult really.
Chris Loskie
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:50 pm
Lol nice reading comp
RAT
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:26 pm
oops, stand corrected on the color thing but the wedges still look dollar storeish(cheap)
Mike
Jan 21, 2015 at 8:08 am
Are we sure the interchangeable face plate on the new Bushnell makes it leagal for tournament play? Leopold has the same Technology on one of their rangefinders and I read that the USGA decided it was still not conforming.
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 1:58 pm
I have the Leupold GX-4i and this is confirmed legal by USGA and R&A for tournament use worldwide according to rule 14-3/05 if you have the chrome cover on and not the Smart Key. Guess Bushnell did similar base on this model.
L
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:09 am
So there is a TP head to the AeroBurner? It’s considered TP just because it’s more open? We’re back to that again?
Guanto
Jan 21, 2015 at 3:04 am
Clueless about equipment are we?
Fake
Jan 21, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Not as clueless as you, monkey, who doesn’t read the comment to the end!
Matt
Jan 21, 2015 at 12:29 am
That Bridgestone driver is the ugliest golf club I’ve ever seen.
Connor
Jan 21, 2015 at 1:53 am
Word.
Don
Jan 21, 2015 at 10:24 am
Yup. Going after the Callaway market I guess.
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:25 pm
What is this obsession with red heads. I could buy the marketing spiel when white heads came out first but this is taking it to the next level. Sorry, not for me.
Zak
Jan 21, 2015 at 12:27 am
Those RAW Nike Engage wedges are AMAZING!
54-12 square and a 60-09 dual sole please.