Equipment
Details on the putter Bubba Watson credited for his Hero win
After Bubba Watson won the Hero World Championship in the Bahamas this weekend, he credited a new Ping putter with a “dot system” for the three-shot win. As it turns out, the dot system is less complicated than it sounds — Watson switched to a dot alignment aid on the top rail of a new Milled Anser 1 putter instead of his typical sight line on the flange. What Watson didn’t tell us about the putter, however, turns out to be the more interesting part of the story.
The putter Bubba used to win the 2014 Masters.
According to Ping’s Director of Communications Pete Samuels, the Ping team wanted Watson to try a new putter, something different than the rainbow-finished Milled Anser 1 that he used to win the 2014 Masters and has been his go-to putter ever since. So Ping milled a one-off putter to Watson’s specifications through its WRX (custom) department, which was ready for him when he arrived at Ping’s HQ in Phoenix on Nov. 19 for a video shoot.
Bubba testing the new putter at Ping HQ (Photo courtesy of Ping)
The head weight of that putter was 318 grams (the total weight was 493.5 grams), which turned out to be too light for Watson, but he liked the sight dot alignment aid he requested and asked Ping to make another one, this time heavier.
Bubba watches his putter being milled to his specifications (Photo courtesy of Ping)
Ping delivered the heavier model (head weight 339 grams, total weight 520.6 grams) to Watson before Thanksgiving, which proved to be slightly too heavy for his taste. The Goldilocks game ended when Watson returned to Ping HQ on Nov. 30, and the Ping team machined 10 grams of weight off the face of the putter while Watson waited, giving the putter a head weight of 329 grams (total weight 510.6 grams).
As for the finishing touches, Watson had his first and last name engraved on the bumpers of the putter with the letters painted red, white and blue. The putter measures 34.5 inches, and has 2 degrees of loft with a lie angle of 69 degrees. Watson’s grip is Ping’s PP58 Midsize Gray with three wraps of grip tape.
From Twitter (@bubbawatson)
Click here to see photos of the rest of the clubs Watson used to win the Hero World Challenge.
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- Lauren Coughlin what’s in the bag accurate as of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees)
Shaft: KBS TD 50 Category 3
3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees @14)
Shaft: KBS TD 60 Category 3
Hybrid: Ping G430 (19 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 85 S
Hybrid: Ping G425 (22 degrees)
Hybrid: Ping G425 (26 degrees)
Irons: Ping i230 (6-UW)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper Lite 105 R
Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (54-12S, 58-6T)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper Lite 105 R
Putter: Ping PLD Kushin 4 prototype
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
More photos of Lauren Coughlin’s WITB in the forums.
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The laser rangefinder market is stocked full of models ranging from basic units to full-of-features, high-end yardage finders. With all these options, golfers also have a wide range of prices from under $100 to over $500. While the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized is far from the cheapest, it does offer a lot of options that the cheaper models don’t.
When you get the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized out of the box, you are greeted by a black carrying case that is made from woven black nylon. The case itself is pretty basic with less padding than you might expect at this price point. The latch looks like a standard plastic clip but is actually a magnet for quick opening and closing. I will be honest, it would be nice to get a heavier-duty, more molded case for this $400 laser rangefinder, but it works and clips onto your bag with ease.
The Nikon Coolshot Pro II itself is a smaller profile that fits in your hands comfortably and with a good grip. The rubberized touch points make it easy to hold even with hot, sweaty hands, or in the cold when your hands might be a little numb. While the buttons don’t stand out aggressively, they are easy to find without looking, and once you use the unit for a little bit, they become second nature to press.
Out on the course, the Coolshot is lightweight, and you don’t notice it hanging from your bag even when walking. The 6X magnification is clear and seems to have a slight tint to it that works well on sunny days. The view is still clear and pins are easy to see in overcast conditions. The eyepiece rotates to focus the lens, but once I dialed it in I didn’t feel like I had to do any further adjustment on the course. I could easily see 200-yard shots as easily as 50-yarders. The accuracy is very good, and if you shoot the flag multiple times, you get the same distance every time. Using the Coolshot Pro II to measure the distance to trees, bunkers, or even grass hills was easy and again accurate. I have yet to shoot a target that gave me a reading that looked off or incorrect.
Now the one thing missing from the Coolshot Pro II is a magnetic side to attach to the cart. This isn’t very pleasant, but I spoke with Nikon about it and any magnet on the side of the range finder would interfere with the gyroscope that stabilizes the view. The slope measurements can be turned off and on and are indicated by a small light near the front lenses of the unit. I found the slope to also be pretty accurate, and only found some issues with extreme downhill greens — but a lot of that could be put on the golfer as well!
Nikon’s image stabilization is really what makes this unit stand above a lot of other laser range finders. Originally I thought it was great for those targets over 200 yards, but the more I use it even the shorter distance targets are easier to shoot. 120-150 yard targets can easily, and quickly, be targeted with one hand. No longer do I have to support my right hand with my left to reduce the shake in my arms. Longer par 5s take me half the time compared to other rangefinders as the stable crosshairs slowly move onto the flag. Once you shoot the flag, you get the vibration indicating the laser found the flag. I have also become a big fan of the bright red LCD markings in the scope as they are easier to use in darker conditions or when the background of the green is very wooded.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized, and it has become the rangefinder I use in my bag. The stabilization just makes it easy to use from any yardage and the clear optics help aim at any target. This may not be the cheapest rangefinder out there, but it is one of the best I have used.
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- Mitchell Golf Steelclub E-Z Commercial Shaft Puller review – Club Junkie Reviews
- VA Composites Synystr shaft review – Club Junkie Reviews
- Fujikura Ventus TR Blue Shaft review – Club Junkie Reviews
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Each year, as the leaves change and the air turns cold, GolfWRX staff gathers in front of a crackling fireplace, preferred beverages in hand, to deliberate as to what the year’s holiday gift guide will look like.
This year, after much discussion — and perhaps not surprisingly — we’ve decided to do something completely different than in the past. In previous guides, while we toyed with structures and the number of guides, we always attempted to bring you our suggestions for what you might want to buy for the golfers on your list. That is, what we thought they could want.
But what if we could tell you what the golfers on your list actually want? Which is to say, the products they are actually purchasing right now. Wouldn’t that make for a more joyful wrapping paper-tearing experience?
Enter our friends at 2nd Swing. We tasked the leaders in new and pre-owned equipment and gear retail with running the numbers to see what is flying off the shelves.
So, without further ado, here are the hottest golf gifts right now — with a focus on equipment, naturally.
The hottest golf gifts this holiday season
Ping G430 Max Driver
One of the top performers in Best Driver 2023 and Members Choice, it’s no surprise to see the Ping G430 Max is a big seller at 2nd Swing right now.
Price: $547
Callaway Paradym Driver
Recommended by our panel of fitters as a top choice for players with a swing speed between 95 and 105 mph, the Callaway Paradym is a popular pick.
Price: $499.99 (was $599.99)
Ping G425 Iron Set (6 Clubs, Steel)
A banner performer in last year’s Best Irons and Members Choice, Ping G425 irons remain an excellent choice — and are available at a big discount from original retail price.
Price: $684 (was $857)
Titleist T150 Iron Set (7 Clubs, Steel)
An intriguing addition to the T-Series irons lineup in the space between the T100 and T200, we’re not surprised to see Titleist T150 irons have been selling well.
Price: $1,400
Titleist SM9 Tour Chrome Wedges
A price reduction only makes the runaway winner of 2023 Members Choice: Wedges even more attractive.
Price: $149.99 (was $179.99)
Ping Glide 4.0 Wedges
Among the top 5 in our Members Choice for wedges this year, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges offer tech and forgiveness while continuing to present grind options.
Price: $127.00 (was $177)
Titleist Scotty Cameron Phantom X Putters (certified pre-owned)
No surprise that Scottys are hot, and 2nd Swing has a ton in stock that won’t break the bank.
Price: Starting at $169.99 ($429.99 new)
Cobra Fly XL Complete Men’s, Women’s & Senior Sets
If you’re looking for a full-set option that’s levels up from what you can find at the big box store, this is the play.
Price: $749.99 (was $899.99)
Men’s & Women’s Name Brand Golf Apparel from Top Courses
Interesting inclusion here: Plenty of apparel from top clubs available at a deep discount.
Price: Starting at $29.99
SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor
Given the price point and the capabilities, it’s no shock to see SkyTrak launch monitor selling well.
Price: $1,195 (was $1,695)
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
As Club Junkie said in his review “the MLM is great for tracking your bag, distances, dispersion, and ball speed. Use it indoors into a net or on the range; the MLM has so many features.”
Price: $179.99 (was $299.99)
Datrek Lite Rider Pro Cart Golf Bag
A great option if there’s a cart bag on the list of anyone you’re buying for.
Price: $119.99 ($219.99)
Ping Prior Gen Hoofer & Craz-E Lite Stand Bags
A fantastic iteration of one of the most popular stand bag lines in golf history.
Price: Varies (big discount!)
Titleist ProV1 Special Number Golf Balls
If you’re buying Pro V’s for someone on your list, add an extra test and deviate from traditional numbering. They’ll appreciate it.
Price: $54.99
Superspeed Golf Swing Training Speed System
Give the gift of a proven path to more swing speed — and thus more distance!
Price: $79.99 (was $199.99)
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Report: Rory McIlroy planning to leave Florida as he eyes permanent move away from U.S.
The reason behind Azinger’s NBC exit as his replacement for Hero World Challenge is revealed
Pro becomes first new addition to LIV Golf for 2024
Here’s why Vijay Singh has red numbers written all over his irons
Phil Mickelson doesn’t hold back in response to leaked PGA Tour memo offering members equity ownership opportunity
Brooks Koepka aims multiple jabs at LIV Golf on social media
Gary Player leaves fans stunned with 7-word putdown of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Pat Perez among 5 pros out of contract and in danger of losing LIV Golf status
Viktor Hovland gives typically wholesome answer when asked how he’s spent his $34.5m yearly earnings
Spotted: New TaylorMade Carbonwood driver hits USGA conforming list
Lauren Coughlin WITB 2023 (November)
Lauren Coughlin what’s in the bag accurate as of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees)...
David Ford WITB 2023 (November)
David Ford what’s in the bag accurate as of the RSM Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
Ben Carr WITB 2023 (November)
Ben Carr what’s in the bag accurate as of the RSM Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
Grayson Murray WITB 2023 (November)
Grayson Murray what’s in the bag accurate as of the RSM Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Mizuno...
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19th Hole1 week agoReport: Rory McIlroy planning to leave Florida as he eyes permanent move away from U.S.
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19th Hole3 days agoThe reason behind Azinger’s NBC exit as his replacement for Hero World Challenge is revealed
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19th Hole2 weeks agoPro becomes first new addition to LIV Golf for 2024
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Equipment2 weeks agoHere’s why Vijay Singh has red numbers written all over his irons
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19th Hole1 week agoPhil Mickelson doesn’t hold back in response to leaked PGA Tour memo offering members equity ownership opportunity
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19th Hole4 days agoBrooks Koepka aims multiple jabs at LIV Golf on social media
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19th Hole2 weeks agoGary Player leaves fans stunned with 7-word putdown of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
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19th Hole2 weeks ago
Pat Perez among 5 pros out of contract and in danger of losing LIV Golf status
Charlie
Dec 9, 2015 at 5:42 pm
The Nike Method 001 that Tiger uses has the same dot as well.
Bill Schoneberger
Dec 9, 2015 at 1:52 pm
Cool putter but I’m MORE interested in the Pool/Putting TABLE picture. Why the heck is it up in the air like that and what is PING learning from it??
Scooter
Dec 9, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Just a guess … looks like a large slab that is precision installed to make sure the surface is completely flat, no break in any direction
Alex
Dec 9, 2015 at 7:29 am
They way Bubba putts, the smooth swing, the square face… He can make putts with a hockey stick.
Tom Duckworth
Dec 8, 2015 at 6:47 pm
All jokes aside but is that the same face pattern as a Rife putter? Is it stainless steel?
Jay
Dec 8, 2015 at 4:06 pm
I want to know what finish that is because it’s not the nickel plated finish on the Anser Milled line. That putter looks great!
mike
Dec 7, 2015 at 8:44 pm
I’m still not following what the Dot Alignment has to do with his Choice of change of putters?. I agree it does look a lot like a Rife.
rex235
Dec 7, 2015 at 3:54 pm
Actually Ryan, at PING they do, but they just won’t market it.
(See Phil Mickelson British Open, and the Callaway Mack Daddy Wedges)
PING might offer the putter as a series, but it could be $$$$ if you want your name milled too.
Already have 3 LH Dale Head Ansers at various weights.
“BubbaDale” may not work.
tom
Dec 7, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Great info. So much for the theory that everyone should use heavier putters on faster greens. Most amateurs these days would scoff at a 339 gram head weight, saying it’s too light. Yet Bubba is playing PGA Tournamnet greens with one. Interesting.
Joe Duffer
Dec 10, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Bubba’s final putter had a 329 gram head. Lighter yet and very similar to Tiger’s.
MJ
Dec 7, 2015 at 12:35 pm
What’s the “dot system”?
All I see is a dot on the top line. Is that the whole system?
Rife
Dec 7, 2015 at 12:12 am
It’s a RIFE!!!!
Ryan S.
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:11 pm
If Bubba dosn’t want the 318 gram putter I’ll gladly take it off their hands. Lefties don’t get many chances like this.
Mike
Dec 6, 2015 at 7:59 pm
Great looking flat stick!
Chuck
Dec 6, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Interesting. But of course for the retail market, where players can’t get heads milled to their weight preferences, interchangeable weights make sense.
The thing I really wanted to know about was the groove configuration on the putter face. As people were asking in the photo thread on Bubba’s new putter, is that a new design? A mod of the current retail Ping configuration (“True Roll”) or something else? A proto design?
Rife
Dec 7, 2015 at 12:15 am
RIFE