Equipment
Show Stoppers: Day 1 from the 2017 PGA Show
The biggest news came at the start of Day 1 of the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show: Tiger Woods signed multi-year contract to play a TaylorMade driver, fairway woods, irons and wedges.
While there’s no topping that Show Stopper, there are plenty of other items of interest at the Orange County Convention Center. We spent all day Wednesday walking the PGA Show floor in search of the coolest new stuff.
We’ve listed our 10 favorites, which we call Show Stoppers, below.
Bubba Shows Off Indoor Skills at Oakley
Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson was on hand at the Orlando County Convention Center in the Oakley booth, and he was putting on a clinic with his new pink Volvik S4 golf balls.
Watson described his testing process with the golf balls to the crowd of about 100 PGA Show attendees. He asked “Teddy,” his caddie Ted Scott, to test the golf balls out for him after seeing they were a sponsor of the long drive contest. After positive feedback from the looper, Watson spent three months testing the balls before finally deciding he wanted to play them in 2017; he then asked Volvik for a pink version. Watson said there’s a big-picture vision for playing the pink balls, and that’s growing the game for potential junior golfers.
Bubba also participated in a closest to the pin contest, where he hit it to 6 feet from 123 yards on the indoor simulator — he jokingly questioned the accuracy of the simulation — and was ripping drives that topped out at 329 yards despite choking up on his driver because the ceiling was too low for full extension.
Even indoors, Watson is a shot maker who adapts nicely to his environment.
Cobra PUR Wedges
Cobra has added a flashy new wedge to its Cobra King line. They’re called PUR wedges, and are made of 304 stainless steel. Since stainless steel doesn’t rust, the wedges don’t require plating, which causes them to spin “a few hundred rpm more,” according to a Cobra-Puma Golf representative.
Like other King wedges, the new models have Cobra’s notchback design, which makes them especially versatile on open-face shots. They’re available in lofts of 50-60 degrees and with three different sole grinds (wide low, classic and versatile).
Duo Trac Smart Ball
There’s a new player in the data-collection space: Duo Trac. Its new golf ball — the Gen i1 — has sensors in its core that provide feedback on ball rotation and face angle on your putts. After lining up the ball to your target and stroking a putt, the sensors transmit information through an algorithm and into the company’s app.
Assuming a golfer can get his or her speed right, the goal of putting is to zero out face angle at impact, ensuring a perfectly square strike that gets the ball rotating end-over-end as fast as possible toward the intended target. One WRX editor (not throwing anyone under the bus, but his name is Andrew Tursky) may need a bit of work on his stroke, as shown by the data above.
The company is set to release the putting-only golf ball in the summer for $140, and has plans to release a golf ball that provides feedback on chipping and full swings at a later date.
Ecco Golf Shoes
Ecco is releasing a variety of new golf shoes in 2017, everything from performance-first models to golf shoes that will play just as well on the course as they will for dinner afterward (pending a shower in between).
The Ecco Cage Pro ($210 standard, $230 with BOA) is a hybrid shoe that combines a leather upper with a polyurethane heel section, making it one that most golfers will gravitate toward because of its stability, comfort and water resistance. The shoes have “spider grip” cleats (non-removable) that are designed to reduce the amount of mud, grass and sand that can get caught in their claws, thus improving traction throughout the swing. The shoe is available in four colorways, and also offered in two colorways with the BOA closure system.
The Ecco Cool shoes ($280) are the first ever golf shoes to use Gortex in their construction, according to Ecco, which makes them ultra waterproof. A see-through midsole also helps to whisk away moisture and heat. They have an elastic sock lining, a leather upper and are available in four colorways.
Ecco’s LUX shoes ($300) have TPU (thermoplastic urethane) uppers and a leather lining for a classic look. They’re the most “normal” looking spikes in Ecco’s 2017 lineup, if that’s what you’re into.
Lastly, the Ecco Casual Hybrid shoes ($180) have an antique, hand-finished design in “moonless” and “whiskey” colorways for a laid back, yet classy look.
Foresight GCQuad… and Zombie Golf
Foresight unveiled its new GCQuad launch monitor at the PGA Show, and it has been a clear favorite among attendees.
The new unit improves on the company’s GC2 (ball data) and HMT (club data) launch monitors by merging them into a dedicated device and improving just about every aspect of their performance (accuracy, ease of use, etc). The GCQuad sells for roughly $18,000, not bad for what a lot of people consider to be golf’s best indoor launch monitor.
What caught our attention inside inside the Orange County Convention Center, strangely, was a bit of Foresight software in development. We were lured into a game of “Zombie Golf,” a Foresight-exclusive game that’s still in development. It involves hitting punch shots at zombies the same way you might hit shots at the range-ball-cart-picker-upper guy. The more zombies you hit (kill), the more points you get… and you’ll have to work fast to keep them away from the tee.
This, truly, is the future of recreational golf.
GolfWRX on Golf Channel
Set to air on Friday on the station’s Morning Drive show, GolfWRX Editor in Chief Zak Kozuchowski joined a panel of equipment experts “on the main stage.” The foursome discussed a variety of topics including Tiger Woods’ decision to sign with TaylorMade and current golf equipment trends. Also on the panel were Jonathan Wall from PGATour.com and Rick Young of Score Golf. Matt Adams of PGA Tour Radio’s Fairways of Life hosted the segment.
Make sure to tune in to Golf Channel on Friday to see what Kozuchowski had to say.
Michelle Wie signs with Callaway
Callaway announced a multi-year equipment deal with Michelle Wie at the opening of Day 1 of the PGA Show. The 2014 U.S. Women’s Open winner will use a full bag of Callaway clubs, including a Callaway golf ball and Odyssey putter.
In the past, Wie has been one of the few LPGA Tour players to use muscleback irons. We’ll keep an eye on her bag this weekend at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic.
P2 Putter Grips
P2 putter grips – short for “palms squared” – positions the shaft in the back of a putter grip to improve biomechanics throughout the stroke. With a larger topside portion, the grips keep the wrists in a more locked position during the putting stroke that’s more stable and prevents wrist breakdown.
The original P2 Core Range putter grips were released in 2016 and weighed between 80 and 90 grams. The new P2 Tour grips were made lighter because of tour player feedback, and are now between 50 and 75 grams.
There are four different models available. Each has a unique shape and is available in four different colorways. The grips sell for $29.95 each.
Ping Sigma G Putters
Ping’s new Sigma G putters are offered in 15 different models, and there’s something for everyone in the new line. They use a multi-material construction that combines stainless steel, aerospace-grade aluminum and a high-grade elastomer to improves forgiveness and feel. Full story.
Titleist 2017 Pro V1, Pro V1x Golf Balls
Regardless of what Titleist golf ball you’ve been playing, the company wants you to test both of its new premium golf balls in 2017… and for good reason. Titleist changed the core design of its new Pro V1 golf ball, making it the lowest-spinning and softest-feeling ball in the line. The new Pro V1x received aerodynamics improvement. Full story.
Related
- Show Stoppers: Demo Day at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show
- All the photos from Day 1 of the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show
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Equipment
Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage
Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.
It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.
When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”
“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”
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According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.
Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:
“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.
“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.
“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.
“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.
“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”
So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.
His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.
See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here
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Equipment
Spotted: TaylorMade P-UDI driving iron
It seems like the RBC Heritage is full of new gear to be spotted, and you can add TaylorMade’s P-UDI utility irons to that list.
We spotted a 17-degree P-UDI 2-iron in Nick Dunlap’s bag yesterday, and now have some photos of both the 3- and 4-irons. Nick has his P-UDI 2-iron setup with a Project X HZRDUS Black 4th Gen 105g TX shaft.
From what we can tell, this new P-UDI utility iron looks to have some of the usual TaylorMade technology as we can see the Speed Slot on the sole of the club for additional face flexibility. A toe screw is usually used to close off the hollow body design that will probably be filled with a version of TaylorMade’s Speed Foam that is present in the current iron lineup. This hollow body, foam-filled design should offer additional ball speed, soft feel, and sound, as well as an optimized CG for ball flight.
“Forged” is etched into the hosel, so we can assume that either the face, body, or both are forged for a soft and responsive feel. The club looks good from behind and at address, where we can see just a little offset and a topline that I would consider medium thickness. We don’t have the full details on what is under the hood or how many loft options will be available yet.
TaylorMade P-UDI 3-iron – 20°
TaylorMade P-UDI 4-iron – 22°
- Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
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Whats in the Bag
Collin Morikawa WITB 2024 (April)
- Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX (45 inches)
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (13.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 80 TX
5-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 80 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (4), P7MC (5-6), P730 (7-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Mid 115 X100 (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (7-PW)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-SB09, 56-LB08), TaylorMade MG4 TW (60-TW11)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: TaylorMade TP Soto
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0
Grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
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Jeffrey
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:04 pm
I think you have an error in GCQuad pricing. It’s 18K not 12K
Ron
Jan 26, 2017 at 1:55 pm
The only real innovation in this list is a launch monitor that costs $15k? Let’s assume I don’t want to get divorced this year. The $15k launch monitor is off my list.
I guess not much is left to change in golf. Maybe they can do these things every third or fourth year. You know. Like the Olympics.
Oh, wait. I forgot. The equipment companies have to keep selling us stuff that works as well as the stuff they sold us last year. My bad.
Egor
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:20 pm
FIXED :
Regardless of what Titleist golf ball you’ve been playing, the company wants you to test both of its new premium golf balls in 2017… for their bottom line.
If they want you to test their premium balls, can they give out free samples?
I like playing the ProV1/V1x and B330* balls, but at my handicap, I can finish 9 with the same ball, but about every 3rd round, I come up short 4-5 balls. Adding ~$20 to my round isn’t fun so I’ll stick with pre-loved balls for now.
I have no doubt the new ProV1/V1x is a great ball and I probably will test a sleeve or two of each, but I’ve seen that marketing slogan “the company wants you to test both of their balls” and it comes across as disingenuous.
Hmm
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:48 am
Cast stainless steel wedges? WRX’ers are going to pan this HARD. If they’re forged I’m intrigued…
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:34 am
That’s it?
golfraven
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:15 am
Zombie Golf – what a joke. And who is keen of playing this, psychos?
michael
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:40 am
Yes, psychos. The psycho market remains largely untapped in golf. Attracting psychos to the game will help grow the game for all psycho and non-psycho golfers.
Ron
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:25 pm
As a psycho, and a golfer, I give this game 4 straight jackets.
Dill Pickleson
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:44 pm
The average pro putts with face at impact 2 degrees open and misses 7fters at a rate of 50%. Andrew Tursky’s putt of .27 degrees off square was an exceptionally good putt. I bet you couldn’t do that.
Ccshop
Jan 25, 2017 at 8:35 pm
Tried on the new Ecco Cage and Casual Hybrid. Awful shoes
Dr Troy
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Between the Ecco LUX and that P2 grip, Id say day 1 was not bad!
StillBoard
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Lol @ ProV1’s being a show stopper.
COGolfer
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:08 am
Because Kirkland aren’t around anymore…