News
Mizuno Match & The Shaft Optimizer Advertorial
After reading the information about Mizuno’s new Shaft Optimizer that has been added to their fitting system we were very interested to see how it would differ from past fitting experiences that we have had. Fittings that we have gone to in the past have been both outdoor and indoor using different data collection methodologies including trackman, flightscope, and other top launch monitors and software sytems.
Mizuno Match and the Shaft Optimizer is the latest technology in advanced fitting. By simply visiting the www.mizunomatch.com microsite and clicking on the “Find Your Perfect Match” bubble one can enter their zip code and find a fitter (or fitters) in their local area. In addition to the locator feature, the microsite also contains testimonials, accolades, and a video explanation of the Shaft Optimizer tool. We conveniently found our local fitter at Culver City Golf, just about a mile from our location and set up a date to try this system out.
The microsite most definitely has a sense of humor in addition to providing an amicable user experience. The bubble entitled “It’s Not You, It’s Me” is named “Breakup Videos” at the top of the menu. In addition, catchy phrases like “We’re Flattered”, “Hear From Some Perfect Matches”, and “Find Your Perfect Match” aptly plays on the “relationship” that many golfers have with their clubs.
The actual Shaft Optimizer piece of the fitting process is based on what Mizuno calls a player’s Swing DNA, or blueprint of your swing. According to this system, your swing DNA is based on:
• Clubhead Speed: This is how fast the clubhead and shaft are moving during your swing.
• Tempo: How quickly a player transitions from the backswing to the downswing.
• Shaft Toe Down: A measure of the bowing of the shaft in a downward direction during the downswing.
• Shaft Kick Angle: The amount of shaft forward bending during the downswing motion.
• Release Factor: How and when the clubhead and shaft are releasing during the downswing.
For those who have been on a launch monitor you’ve probably noticed that most of the information generated is largely based on swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, and distance. Mizuno is collecting the factors relating to the shaft and what is happening during the swing. The test club that collects the data is an actual club that is equipped with strain gauges and a microprocessor so that the feel is on par with a finished product. All one has to do is take three swings and the data is recorded by the system software to generate a player’s swing DNA. The numbers are represented on a chart that computes the player’s ideal shaft with two other options.
The higher swing speed golfer between us was the test subject for this system. In the past we have found that reading launch monitor information can be a bit confusing. Trying to comprehend all of the factors like spin and smash factor can cause one’s head to spin when they are trying to interpret the results even with a fitter’s explanation. To our surprise (and delight), the results were consistent with fittings that we have seen for this player from other, more involved fittings but in a more easily digestible format. The system recommended the Dynamic Gold x-100-130 gram, Project X 6.5-125 gram (the player in question’s current iron shaft gamers), and the KBS x-flex-130gram. According to Mizuno there are more than fifty shaft offerings that the system compares before matching the data.
Other than swing speed, which is calculated in MPH; tempo, toe down, kick angle, and release factor are each based on a scale from 1-10. The latter pieces that are measured on that 1-10 scale are indicative of a player’s Swing DNA. For example, a particular kick angle and release factor would perhaps be indicative of a shaft that needed to decrease launch. An identical swing speed could have different shaft suggestions based on thesae and the remaining factors of a swing’s blueprint. Once a player has their shaft recommendations they can try each of the products in Mizuno’s iron lines and continue through the remainder of the fitting process which includes familiar elements such as the lie board and individual length measurements.
We left this experience feeling quite excited that the player measured already had the optimal shaft in his gamers. The new Shaft Optimizer part of the fitting process takes under 30 minutes and gives a player a wealth of information about their swing and well on their way to a custom set of Mizuno clubs that has been fit especially for them.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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dman
Feb 6, 2014 at 10:45 pm
why is it that everyone on this site swings hard enough to hit an X flex? where are you guys at courses??!?! i never see anyone hit it that far!
Aidemu Forum d'émulation Dofus
Jul 3, 2013 at 6:35 pm
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Reed Mathias
Mar 25, 2013 at 9:49 pm
I was recommended the KBS Tour stiff soft stepped. It feels solid, but I can’t get my long irons up in the air now! I’m returning them and going to redo the fitting. Thus far I’m frustrated after spending $700.
makaveli
Jul 15, 2010 at 1:05 am
i just used the optimizer at a local golfsmith and i was suprised what shafts were recommended. my swingspeeds were in the high 70's to low 80's and I wanted the optimizer to pick a lighter shaft like the GS 95 or NS Pro 950 but it actually picked the Dynalite Gold XP, PX and KBS Tour. Thats odd considering they all have different kick points. I like the GS 95 and theres no upcharge so thats what I am gonna get, sorry Mr. Optimizer.
undermined
Jul 12, 2010 at 4:34 pm
I tried this system at a local golf galaxy figuring it would be interesting to see if the shaft suggested was similar to what I play only to be told by the salesperson to hit the shots off a Driver height rubber tee.
Now as if that was anything like the type of way I'd even try to hit a golf shot fine, but I normally don't even tee my driver as high as this tee was and I tend to really de-loft at impact and trap shots at impact so I had to make a really different swing just to not totally miss the ball and pop it up.
The salesperson said it was to get a idea of the shaft flex needed and said I needed a graphite shaft. Needless to say I wasn't impressed since I current play Rifle Flighted 6.0 shafts in my irons and get plenty of distance.
This is a great idea for getting swing data to find a baseline shaft to look at but I have a feeling that there has to be training done with the people that use this system to make sales because if I was just the average guy looking to get help finding the right shaft and like the mizuno's I'd be given the worst possible options if I went by what the sales person told me.