Equipment
Holly Sonders from CVS CareMark Classic
The CVS Caremark Charity Classic features 20 professionals from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours. GolfWRX was there to cover the event and found Holly Sonders playing in the pro am.
GolfWRX interview with Holly from the Wyndham Pro-Am
Click here to read the discussion in the forums and see more photos in high res
[youtube id=”ff0g2r9W-zc” width=”600″ height=”350″]
- LIKE21
- LEGIT1
- WOW7
- LOL0
- IDHT4
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK2
Equipment
Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron
As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)
What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!
View this post on Instagram
I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…
To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”
On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.
Here’s what he had to say:
You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?
MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.
And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.
When did it come back in the bag?
MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.
What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?
MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?
Do you remember how much you paid for it?
MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.
The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?
MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.
It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?
MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.
What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?
MT: Like high 170’s.
Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.
MT: Yeah. The butter knife.
Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons?
MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.
How far do you carry that?
MT: Like 235.
A good little wind club, I’m sure.
MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.
I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man.
MT: Absolutely.
To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.
- LIKE4
- LEGIT1
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (3/28/24): L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick putter with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft.
From the seller: (@hibcam): “L.A.B. GOLF Mezz.1 Max Broomstick- LA Golf Paige Spiranac Shaft- 44″/79.5. Brand new, never used brown leather cover. The head was professionally anodized from Orange to Blue (Orange looked bad with the Pink shaft so I had it changed). Only a few rounds on this combo. Please see last pic- slight ding on back corner. 8.5-10 condition. THE SHAFT COST $475/ THE PUTTER $625. $799 shipped in the US. ONLY $699 SHIPPED.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Broomstick with LA Golf Paige Spiranac shaft
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Equipment
Spotted: Tony Finau’s driver shaft change at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
Tony Finau has always been known as one of the longest players on the PGA Tour, but he has recently been working on adding a little more distance. Last year, Finau averaged 118.3 mph club head speed and 178.08 mph ball speed, all while playing a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX driver shaft. This year, he has increased his club head speed to 123.93 mph and his ball speed to 183.32 mph.
However, Finau’s overall distance has decreased by two yards in that time. From a fitting perspective, something was amiss. We asked Tony about the shaft change at the Texas Children’s Hospital Open.
“[I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin. My driver’s been a little high spin for me over the last month or so, and so I just figured it was time to probably check out the equipment,” Finau said. “And it definitely showed me that I was using a shaft that’s maybe a little too tip-stiff for me, the way I load the club now. [I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin.”
Finau switched from the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX into the Diamana GT 70 TX. The newer Diamana GT has a slightly different profile than the D+ Limited with the stiffest handle section in the Diamana lineup. The mid sections between the two are similar stiffness but the tip is just slightly stiffer in the Diamana GT. Both shafts are within one gram of each other in the 70 TX. The torque rating on the GT is 0.1 higher than the D+Limited’s 2.7 measurement.
Mitsubishi lists the Diamana GT as a shaft between the mid-launching Diamana TB and the new low-launch Diamana WB shafts. For most players, it would be considered a mid/low launch and low-spin shaft option. Mitsubishi’s Xlink Tech Resin System makes sure the maximum carbon fiber content is there for smooth feel without reducing the strength of the shaft. MR70 carbon fiber is used for reinforcing the shaft and boron is used in the tip for its high strength and compression properties.
Finau is still using his trusty Ping G430 LST driver in 9 degrees and has the adjustable hosel set to -1 degree of loft (standard lie angle). Finau’s long-time favorite Lamkin UTX Green grip is installed. He definitely has a few extra wraps of tape under that grip as you can see the bulge down where the grip meets the shaft.
One final note: Per Ping’s PGA Tour rep Kenton Oates, Finau’s driver is also adjusted to play with an additional degree of loft to help dial in his desired launch.
We’ll see how he fares with the new setup this week in Houston!
- Check out the rest of our pictures from the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
- LIKE17
- LEGIT3
- WOW3
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
-
19th Hole3 days ago
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
-
19th Hole1 week ago
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Scottie Scheffler had an interesting response when asked how he ‘quiets the noise’ following Players victory
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Jon Rahm dealt fresh blow to hopes of qualifying for 2025 Ryder Cup
-
Equipment2 weeks ago
Best driver 2024: The best driver for you, as recommend by expert club fitters
-
19th Hole3 days ago
Charlie Woods finds it tough going on American Junior Golf Association debut
-
19th Hole6 days ago
Why Kevin Streelman sought USGA approval to use this equipment tool as he leads Valspar after round one
Andrew
Jan 16, 2013 at 4:04 pm
Never Ever Ever enough pictures of young healthy girls. And she is talented & intelligent. I watch the “Morning Drive” regularly. It adds credibility to her reporting. The other side is Joe Buck who’s claim to fame is his dad was an (good) announcer, she is much better! Keep up the good work!
meeting girls
Dec 31, 2012 at 3:17 am
Hey very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?I am happy to find a lot of helpful info here in the post, we want work out more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
TexasSnowman
Dec 30, 2012 at 12:41 am
Win is the One!
Joe C
Nov 8, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Being with EK tells me she has no brain
Ron
Nov 8, 2012 at 2:17 pm
This is the same “stuff” that has been posted before. If her skort was a decent length = longer, she wouldn’t get the attention. Definitely has done nothing to deserve it.
TJ
Oct 17, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Well at least it’s Kuselias and not that other Wennie from Morning DIVE!!!
David
Sep 5, 2012 at 2:23 pm
I see the video.. How far did the ball go?
STEVO
Aug 2, 2012 at 8:54 am
We need more Win McMurry. She’s ten times hotter than Holly! Just saying…
SULLY
Aug 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm
There isn’t enough Clorox in the world to get Kuselias off her.
JeffreyO
Aug 1, 2012 at 2:57 pm
NICE rotation…plus she’s got a greaaaat golf swing…more, more, more ;>)
Michael
Aug 1, 2012 at 1:25 am
Shes hot, but Kuselias really? The guy wears more make up than she does.
Supraman
Jul 19, 2012 at 2:32 am
I wonder if EK got kicked off Morning Drive for dating Holly or being such a tool? I never liked him on the show anyway…
JERRY
Jul 18, 2012 at 6:06 pm
HOTTY, SHE BELONGS IN A PLAYBOY SPREAD
hf
Jul 16, 2012 at 8:56 pm
someone get that nasty ho off the site!!!!!
Troy Vayanos
Jul 15, 2012 at 1:38 am
Very easy on the eye. I would be more than happy to see more photos of her.
She looks made for that golf outfit!
holler
Jul 14, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Kuselias sux.
GolfWRX
Jul 14, 2012 at 1:08 am
test
test
GolfWRX
Jul 14, 2012 at 1:08 am
keep the comment coming. We want to see this article make the most commented. LOL
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:49 pm
yes MSU Michigan state univ
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:48 pm
fanboy
yes she did tweet the thread.
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Rda,
Here it is… http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/679662-holly-sonders-photos-from-2012-cvs-caremark-charity-classic/
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:46 pm
rfa,
we won’t
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:45 pm
dave,
Promoting the game is what we do. We hear it all the time that this is where golfers come to extend their passion for the game.
24/7 golf
GolfWRX
Jul 2, 2012 at 10:44 pm
steve,
Thanks and will do. We are working hard
Tim
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:23 am
Awesome stuff here. Where is the thread in the forums? I want to see these in high de
Tim from cleveland
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:20 am
So many pictures and love the swing video. She has a great swing. All American I heard
Rfa
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:16 am
Sonders in da house! Don’t stop Golfwrx
Cath
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:15 am
Holly rocks.
Gfanboy
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:14 am
Holly tweeted this! She must love the publicity
Jamie
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:13 am
I love it
Dave from Florida
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:12 am
Yas they make the game better. Golfwrx you do. You all promote the game through this site. Better than anyone!!!!!!!!
JK
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:10 am
Awwsome!!!!
Rda
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:09 am
Awesome stuff here. Where is the thread in the forums? I want to see these in high def
Steve
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:08 am
Golfwrx rules. Thanks for making golf col and fun!
bob
Jun 26, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Can’t believe she is marrying the biggest douche on tv.
Blanco
Jan 12, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Read an article said she’s 25? Love Holly but geesh, the makeup ads 10 years.
SA
Jun 26, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Kuselias!
CJ
Jun 22, 2012 at 1:45 pm
All of these Holly Sonders photos are beginning to become a little creepy, stalker alert. Once I heard she was dating EK, her hotness factor decreased 50%. How bout mixing in some Lauren Thompson or Win McMurry?
JC
Jun 20, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Yum! More Holly!
Me
Jun 19, 2012 at 10:04 pm
We need more actually…
Hector
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:29 pm
A new pictorial……I am sure the membership loves it, I love it. But it does not do anything to promote the game. Honesty is much better, so let us be honest.
Webb Simpson
Jun 18, 2012 at 11:04 am
I’m shocked that a woman that young and beautiful is with a squid like Kuselias. And NO, they don’t ever have enough pictures of her KB.
GolfWRX
Jun 18, 2012 at 8:56 am
ahhh no…. not yet. Seems our membership love it and we love to promote the game and everything about it.
KB
Jun 17, 2012 at 10:19 pm
got enough photos of the girl? jeez.