Equipment
Not a tiny soccer ball: Callaway’s new Chrome Soft
Apparently, this is a real thing. What looks at first blush like a tiny soccer ball is actually Callaway’s latest addition to the popular Chrome Soft line: the Chrome Soft with Truvis Technology.
Now, it seems this fellow, Julian Morley, has been at the whole patterned-golf-ball thing since the early 2000s, and as his website claims “The Truvis pattern has been specially developed to maximise your view of the golf ball.”
Hard to argue with that, and it seems the folks in Carlsbad are buying what he’s selling (literally and figuratively). And in the current sales climate and endless escalation in the competitive arms race in the golf space, Callaway is bringing something unique to market.
But will consumers take the plunge? Will the “game improvement factor” be substantial enough to outweigh the “harassment from your friends” factor, which is sure to be a component of one’s first Truvis Technologified round?
We’ll see how the marketplace responds.
It’s worth mentioning that there was a time not long ago when the idea of a boldly colored grip or driver head seemed outlandish.
[wrx_buy_now oemlink=”http://www.callawaygolf.com/golf-balls/balls-2015-truvis.html” oemtext=”Buy them from Callaway” amazonlink=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LVK826/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B011LVK826&linkCode=as2&tag=golfwrxcom-20&linkId=CZEEC4W2WXLJBMP3″]
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- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/3/24): Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
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 Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
From the seller: (@wwcl): “Has been gamed as pics show. 33.5 includes original h/c and grip. $575 includes shipping and PP fees.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
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
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Doug
Jun 10, 2016 at 1:36 pm
As we get older, our eyesight diminishes. A part of that is depth perception. Isn’t it a possibility that this pattern helps depth perception and thus contributes to better ball striking for older players or anyone with poor eyesight? Just a thought but at least consider it.
Jarad
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:03 pm
I had eye surgery on my right eye and have used these balls occassionally and find that yes, I do see them easier, makes my round of golf far more enjoyable when I am hitting my shots pure instead of just off due to the slight distortions in my eyesight due to the surgery. I have tried colored balls, the traditional white obviously but, these soccer balls really do work.
eddy
May 3, 2016 at 8:19 pm
I found one of this balls while looking for my lost ball. Put in my packet and played the back 9 with it. I shot 37 and an eagle from 127 yards out. I got hooked. Now I’m looking to buy some more They are more expensive but they perform well. Its possible that I see the ball on the grass seating more elevated. Try them if you can
eddy
May 3, 2016 at 8:05 pm
It is a tiny soccer ball. Just throw it high up in the air and head it for a gol.
Mike
Apr 8, 2016 at 5:23 pm
It may not be a soccer ball but paint one like a baseball and I am in.
Mike
Apr 8, 2016 at 5:22 pm
It may not be a soccer ball but paint one like a baseball and I am in…
Ed
Jul 30, 2015 at 3:58 am
I had some old Tour (i)x’s with this pattern on – LOVE IT. Can’t wait to get this back
RANDY
Jul 26, 2015 at 10:03 pm
They had these at the golf store on the putting green the other day. I thought they were a promo for some soccer thing. They were very easy to roll on the green. I am gonna buy a sleeve or two and try them out
Travis
Jul 26, 2015 at 9:33 am
I took a sharpie to a Lethal and made it into a tiny soccer ball. It was sweet to watch it spin and check up around the greens. Putting was cool too.
Ken
Jul 25, 2015 at 7:13 pm
They say it is NOT a tiny soccer ball, yet, I want to kick it.
Desmond
Jul 25, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Like it … my only possible issue is putting with it.
Jacob
Jul 25, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Now if TM had come up with this this article would be a shank.
Sargio_Gercia
Jul 25, 2015 at 4:47 am
Jeremy Corbran… I had forgotten those…. Dang I loved the insane colourways on those PING balls. Time for a relaunch campaign…..
Pat M
Jul 24, 2015 at 11:40 am
I think white with yellow might be good. If it helps people follow the ball and find it then I am all for it.
Sean
Jul 23, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I would find it a bit distracting.
Charlie
Jul 23, 2015 at 2:47 pm
How in the world could it possibly help evaluate putting?
JR
Jul 25, 2015 at 8:57 am
It’s pretty awesome for putting actually our rep brought these by the other day. When you putt with them you can immediately tell how well the put is struck by seeing the rotation of the ball. A normal white you have no chance to see how well the ball roll or how many times the ball skips before it starts rolling. I don’t think I would ever play with one but great training aid.
golfiend
Jul 23, 2015 at 1:11 pm
will give it a try to see if visibility is better and i do see how it can help you evaluate putting
Steven
Jul 23, 2015 at 12:19 pm
I don’t play the Chrome Soft, but I like the idea. If it makes the ball more visible that’s great.
AL
Jul 23, 2015 at 11:12 am
I’ve seen someone play with this ball…It is significantly easier to see in the air. I’m not a huge fan of the chrome soft ball, but the pattern is something I’d definitely put in play.
Chris
Jul 23, 2015 at 10:01 am
New pattern on their range balls? Whatever floats your boat!
eric
Jul 23, 2015 at 9:34 am
Agree with KK. It definitely helps in putting practice. You see how much your ball is skidding before rolling true and the pattern really accentuates any “wobble” on putts that aren’t struck well.
Golfraven
Jul 23, 2015 at 4:46 am
I know this from Billard/pool where such patter is used for the white ball to better see the spin and how the ball runs. Respect to Callaway to put it out there. Seems like those are flying of the shelves. I may buy a sleeve for training purposes.
Lob Wedge
Jul 23, 2015 at 2:35 am
Someone at Srixon is either laughing or crying right now…
Brian
Jul 22, 2015 at 11:49 pm
Now when I hit my drives I’m going to narrate in a Mexican accent…”Brian steps up to the ball, takes his backswing and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!”
Jorge
Jul 23, 2015 at 5:58 am
Lol Brian, your comment was so funny man, I just had Give you props for it
Tom
Jul 23, 2015 at 11:30 am
Nice! I bought these immediately (soccer fan AND Chrome Soft fan). Used them in a scramble on Monday. I dropped a huge putt and that’s exactly what happened: one of my partners yelled out “GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!” The rest of us almost fell over laughing.
KK
Jul 22, 2015 at 11:36 pm
Haha, I bought a sleeve thinking it was some kind of soccer promo. Who knew. But it is actually easier to see and the roll helps with putting practice.
Carlos Danger
Jul 22, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Every time I hit I will dive on the ground and accuse my playing partners of hitting me in my backswing. I can just see it now, bodies all over the golf course screaming in pain holding their ankles, knees and hips looking for the club pro to give their opponents a penalty stroke.
What Im trying to say is…soccer is dumb, golf is awesome…dont mix awesome and dumb
Brodie Hock
Jul 22, 2015 at 9:36 pm
Correction: It is a tiny soccer ball.