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
What’s the perfect Mini-Driver/Shaft combo? – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been discussing Mini-Drivers and accompanying shafts. WRXer ‘JamesFisher1990’ is about to purchase a BRNR Mini and is torn on what shaft weight to use, and our members have been sharing their thoughts and set ups in our forum.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- PARETO: “New BRNR at 13.5. Took it over to TXG (Club Champ but TXG will always rule) in Calgary for a fit. Took the head down to 12, stuck in a Graphite Design AD at 3 wood length and 60g. Presto- numbers that rivaled my G430Max but with waaaaay tighter dispersion. Win.”
- driveandputtmachine: “Still playing a MIni 300. The head was only 208, so I ordered a heavier weight and play it at 3 wood length. I am playing a Ventus Red 70. I play 70 grams in my fairways. I use it mainly to hit draws off the tee. When I combine me, a driver, and trying to hit a draw it does not work out well most of the time. So the MIni is for that. As an aside, I have not hit the newest BRNR, but the previous model wasn’t great off the deck. The 300 Mini is very good off the deck.”
- JAM01: “Ok, just put the BRNR in the bag along side a QI10 max and a QI10 3 wood. A load of top end redundancy. But, I have several holes at my two home courses where the flight and accuracy of the mini driver helps immensely. Mine is stock Proforce 65 at 13.5, I could see a heavier shaft, but to normal flex, as a nice alternative.”
Entire Thread: “What’s the perfect Mini-Driver/Shaft combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/26/24): Artisan 0521 custom 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 an Artisan 0521 custom putter
From the seller: (@Nobody2): “$775 -Artisan 0521 custom putter PVD (black finish) with sweep neck hosel. There are no personal stampings other than my player # in very small print on the side of the hosel (all Artisan products have this along with the date it was made). This putter looks absolutely amazing and has only been used for 3 rounds. It has a black steel shaft and has a very Cam Smith look to it. The putter looks new and has no wear marks anywhere on the putter. It comes with extra weights (one set of of 5 gram weights and one set of 15 gram weights). The head cover is a a navy blue ‘quilted blade putter cover.’ If you are wondering why I am selling…I flat out have the yips and the only thing saving me is a broomstick. New, this putter is $1085, so if the specs work for you (grip, length and lie can certainly be tweaked) it will save you some good money and 2 month wait time.
Specs:
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Artisan 0521 custom 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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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
View this post on Instagram
A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
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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…