News
Charl Schwartzel switches to PXG (Update: In-hand pics)
2011 Masters champion and 14-time winner globally, Charl Schwartzel is abandoning his Nike equipment on the eve of the British Open and switching to PXG, the company announced today.
The unexpected, and perhaps unprecedented, mid-season, week-before-a-major defection, will result in Schwartzel playing an unspecified amount of PXG equipment at Royal Troon. He last teed it up at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks ago with an all-Nike bag, finishing tied for seventh.
In-hand photos of the PXG clubs Schwartzel has in the bag at the Open Championship.
“From clubs to club maker, I feel like PXG is behind me,” said Schwartzel. “They have taken an interest in all aspects of my game and are committed to helping me play the best golf of my life. I had the opportunity to speak with Bob Parsons and his enthusiasm for the game of golf and golf equipment is infectious.”
Schwartzel joins a growing stable at the upstart equipment company. PXG’s professional staff includes PGA Tour players Zach Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Billy Horschel, Chris Kirk, Ryan Moore, James Hahn and Charles Howell III, Champions Tour golfer Rocco Mediate, and LPGA players Cristie Kerr, Gerina Piller, Alison Lee, Beatriz Recari and Sadena Parks.
Update: Below is a look at the clubs Schwartzel will have in the bag this week at the 145th Open Championship.
See what GolfWRX members are saying about Schwartzel’s clubs in the forums.
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Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police on the way to Valhalla Golf Club this morning due to a traffic misunderstanding.
“Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, and Scheffler then stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then began to scream at Scheffler to get out of the car.
“When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer shoved Scheffler against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. He is now being detained in the back of a police car.”
Darlington also posted a video of the dramatic moment which you can view below:
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
There was an unrelated accident at around 5am, which is what may have caused some of the misunderstanding of which traffic was moving.
Speaking on ESPN, Darlington broke down exactly what he witnessed in full detail:
“Entering Valhalla Golf Club this morning, we witness a car pull around us that was Scottie Scheffler. Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police officers, placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security, ended up being police officers.
“They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop, the police officer attached himself to the vehicle, and Scheffler then travelled another 10 yards before stopping the car.”
“The police officer then grabbed at his arm, attempting to pull him out of the car, before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back in handcuffs.
“Very stunned about what was happening, he looked towards me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. He very clearly didn’t know what was happening in the situation.”
“It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively. He was detained in that police vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. The police officers at that point did not understand that Scottie Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the number one player in the world.”
Full details on Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, excellent reporting by @JeffDarlington.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 17, 2024
Due to the accident, play has been delayed this morning. Scheffler’s current tee time for the second round of the PGA Championship is 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler’s mugshot following the incident:
Scottie Scheffler’s mugshot from Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections. pic.twitter.com/bcJn54Nu5x
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 17, 2024
*Update*
Scheffler has been charged with 2nd Degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler charges
– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer
– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
– Reckless driving
– Disregard signals from officer directing traffic pic.twitter.com/bX8mFF2Xay— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
*Update*
According to ESPN+, Scottie Scheffler has been released and is now on his way to the golf course.
*Update*
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08 a.m second round tee time.
After being detained by police earlier this morning, Scottie Scheffler was released and is back at Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/KvS5Hwo6PS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 17, 2024
*Update*
The PGA of America released this statement regarding the fatal accident, which diverted traffic at Valhalla this morning.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler released the following statement.
Scottie Scheffler’s statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
We will update this developing story as more information on the situation is revealed.
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Five Things We Learned: Thursday at the PGA Championship
It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head-to-head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting soul, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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300 Yard Pro
Jul 17, 2016 at 2:21 am
I don’t care what they are made of, how they feel or how much they cost. Your bad swing is still going to hit bad shots. Only now your game is more expensive. When you get tired of hitting bad shots after dropping $3,000, then what?
I'm Ron Burgundy??
Jul 16, 2016 at 8:09 am
I am friends with a top 100 club fitter in my area. He says he sold 11 sets last week! I am sitting here wondering who has the money for $300-$400 depending on the club you’ve chosen. I’d love to hit some but then again I don’t want to.
Now the next question is is their price point so high that the majority of folks that would buy their clubs guys that would keep them and play them for a number of years? I can’t imagine being a hoe with these every time they come out with a new set of them or the latest and greatest. Maybe they will let a set or two stay out for a few years?
Alfredo Smith
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:49 am
PXG irons are that good. End. Of. Story.
Nick
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:20 am
The Torx screws on the back of the irons are absolutely hideous.
golfraven
Jul 13, 2016 at 6:26 pm
He is too good of a player to mock around so likely the clubs have his approval and he is confident to play with it. Would love to see him winning.
Walt Pendleton
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Gentlemen…PXG should be making the best clubs in the world, they’re well funded, have a proven staff of club engineers and they aren’t in the market of selling clubs. Imagine, if you went to (ANY) market with your pockets lined with gold, had a reasoned team of engineers around you, and you knocked off every successful idea in the last 10 years and made it better! Majors and tournament wins are still about guys with big balls, that’s a metaphor ladies, and putting skills that are somewhat inhuman when you’re trying to make history. However, the fundamentals are learnable Nside10.com
Ron
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:28 pm
From bad to worse!
JOEL GOODMAN
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:12 pm
MOSTLY THE PROS THAT GET THEM FOR FREE AND A CHECK TO SWEETEN THE DEAL. I’D PLAY THEM IF I COULD AFFORD THEM. THEY ARE REALLY GOOD CLUBS BUT TOO PRICEY FOR MOST GOLFERS.
Hanz
Jul 13, 2016 at 6:44 am
It’s the BALL ya’ll.
Ty Webb
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:31 am
I was able to hit a set of these at 2nd swing in Minneapolis, and I gotta say they might be the best feeling irons I’ve ever hit; however, the cost is ridiculous. For that kinda money, just get a set of Miura’s and get it over with!
gwillis7
Jul 13, 2016 at 8:14 am
are the Miura’s or PXG’s more forgiving? I haven’t hit either of them
Robert
Jul 13, 2016 at 11:58 am
I didn’t find them to be that great feeling. I personally felt the Titlest 716 MBs feel 100x better.
the next dude
Jul 13, 2016 at 10:27 pm
right there with ya!!!
skip
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Agree. I’d take a Miura Giken or Epon over those any day in terms of feel. Most people are buying into the hype though. And that high-tech black DLC finish that’s supposed to last? Rubbish.
cgasucks
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:39 pm
To change equipment at the end of the year is one thing but changing equipment RIGHT BEFORE A MAJOR???!! PXG must have given Schwartzel and mountain of money in order for him to do that…Remember Mickelson switched from Titleist from Callaway mid season right before the Ryder Cup and look how he performed that year…
RAT
Jul 12, 2016 at 9:03 pm
Just as well be now as later. Nike is not a Golf company sooner or later they will realize that MAYBE!
Lloyd
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm
He was hitting the Titleist 716CB iron & wearing footjoy shoes
Ronnie Smith
Jul 12, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Not sure,I’m still a Miura man,not sure about all the smoke and mirrors
gwillis7
Jul 12, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Good for him, he obviously wasn’t under contract (or could end his contract early) with Nike. I think PXG is just gonna keep growing, amongst the pros and not so much for the average Joe (which isn’t who they are targeting). I would wanna see what they pay their athletes compared to the other golf companies…I know Ryan Moore made the switch initially without even getting paid, just liked the equipment. Pretty sure he gets paid now, but I bet these guys are switching because of results not money. I mean, yes they are all getting paid (whether they play for PXG, Ping or whoever), but can PXG be paying them more than other companies? Maybe, anyone know?
gwillis7
Jul 12, 2016 at 6:37 pm
here’s a little more info on the deal
http://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2016/07/12/charl-schwartzel-parsons-xtreme-golf.html
MRC
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Change is good.
Good Luck CS.
jn
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Who cares. It’s the Pro-V that works for them, not the clubs
mitch
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:33 pm
preach!
JR
Jul 12, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Charles uses Nike RZN Platinum
Chris
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Who is Charles?
dd
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:44 am
he did, when he was with Nike. you can pretty much guess he will be using Pro-V now
Jesse
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:52 am
Has PXG really had that big of impact on equipment yet? I think they have only had one win on the PGA correct?
Chris
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:47 am
On Sky Sports yesterday, he was hitting 716 CB 6 iron with Modus 3 on the range !! Footjoy shoes and Player glove. No commercial/matching apparel, plain ‘Troon Open’ hat.
Lloyd
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:13 pm
That’s true I spotted that as well Titleist 716CB & footjoy shoes
Phil
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:59 am
What ball is he playing now?
Michael
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:37 am
That’s pretty dramatic. He must have had some seriously good results in testing to make the switch the week before a major.
Tom
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:50 am
agreed.
Alex
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:43 am
Or the serious dough he was offered to play them regardless of his results in the tournament 😛
jn
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Exactly.
es
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:09 pm
who’s Charl Schwartzel? Some guy who probably felt he wasn’t getting enough money and attention from Nike.
Ian
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:12 pm
He’s a major winner.
Golfer
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:39 pm
HE won the Masters…
LabraeGolfer
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:10 pm
He has 15 more professional wins and a MASTERS MORE THAN YOU!! That’s who he is
es
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:06 pm
sorry still not impressed, on the B-list
Jack
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:42 am
I’m pretty sure he’s not waiting for your approval.
es
Jul 13, 2016 at 9:50 am
I’m 100% sure he does not care about my opinion. However… it is my opinion, and I love my PXGs. Just wish they got some more A listers on their roster. Would love to see some big wins on the tour. Too bad Z. Johnson won last years Open using Titleist.
dpsjr25
Jul 13, 2016 at 12:02 pm
He’s ranked 21st in the world, how much more high profile are you looking for. Spieth/Day level?