Equipment
Adidas adipower Boost golf shoes
Adidas’ new Adipower Boost and Adipower Sport Boost golf shoes are designed to energize and stabilize your golf swing with the company’s Boost and GripMore technologies.
Boost, Adidas’ name for its foam cushioning made from thermoplastic urethane (TPU), is used in the sole of the heel of the shoes to maximize energy transfer from the ground to your feet. The technology was first introduced in Adidas’ running shoes, and is currently used the basketball shoes of NBA star Derrick Rose.
For golfers, the technology is useful during the swing to help load energy on the backswing and unload energy into impact, while also helping golfers keep the bounce in their step when walking the course.
According to Masun Denison, Adidas’ director of global marketing, Boost also has durability advantages over EVA foam, which is used in the construction of many premium golf shoes.
“EVA FOAM IS MADE FROM OPEN CELLS THAT ALLOW AIR TO ESCAPE LEADING THEM TO BREAKDOWN OVER TIME, ESPECIALLY IN HOT CONDITIONS,” SAYS MASUN DENISON, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL PRODUCT MARKETING. “BOOST DOESN’T CHANGE PROPERTIES WITH HEAT.”
Boost foam starts as thousands of small, clear pellets of TPU, which are cooked under heat and popped like popcorn into foam cushions. The popcorn-like foam is then steam molded back into the material used to construct the soles of the shoes.
Adidas has also added its Gripmore spike technology to the Boost shoes. Gripmore was developed from extensive player testing and heat map studies, and uses 25 non-removable spikes that are smaller than normal spikes. They work with other traction elements on the soles of the shoes to give golfers more traction and stability.
There are three models of adiPower Boost shoes available: Adipower Boost ($190), Adipower Boa Boost ($229) and Adipower Sport Boost ($150). They’ll be in stores Feb. 27.
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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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Whats in the Bag
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 @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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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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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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Dan
Oct 25, 2015 at 12:38 am
Comfortable, but breaks down very fast. Had them2 months and both heels are completely destroyed. Terrible. We t to local golf shop and they told me it was a common problem with the boost. Save your money and get footjoy. These shoes are garbsg
Anon
Jan 26, 2015 at 5:39 am
Those permanent spikes though….
Mark
Jan 26, 2015 at 2:26 am
Adidas shoes look great but their durability is awful. I swear by their casual trainers and running shoes but the Golf shoes just don’t cut the mustard. Form and toughness win over fashion points on a wet course…
Michael M
Jan 25, 2015 at 8:38 pm
look like junk. maybe be goof for half of season but one those perment spike wear out, you are left with running shoes.
Low
Jan 25, 2015 at 11:49 am
Whatever happened to getting as low to the ground as possible? These look like Nike with lots of cushion?
Gabe
Jan 25, 2015 at 1:11 am
I’m a FootJoy Contour fan and like the BOA closure system. I wonder the durability of the permanent spikes. I’ll check them out for fit when they arrive.
Tom Stickney
Jan 25, 2015 at 12:42 am
Wore them today. Like walking on air.
PGA
Mar 6, 2015 at 12:38 am
Really do you work for them? Shoes need to last more than 15 or 20 rounds. With no replaceable spikes this will never happen $190.00 bucks for a throughout shoe?
michael
Mar 21, 2015 at 9:51 am
What about all the people who buy Ecco biom 2 for 200. Those are spike less. These spike on the boost will last much longer. They are much more firm. I love them.
K
Apr 15, 2015 at 5:26 am
i doubt anyone could physically wear the spikes out in 15, let alone 20 rounds.