Opinion & Analysis

PXG and the Rise of Luxury Golf Equipment

Published

7 years ago

Apr 14, 2017

Karl Benz is widely credited as being the creator of the first practical motorcar. While Mercedes-Benz would spawn from Karl Benz original company, it was Rolls-Royce that made luxury synonymous with automobiles. Parsons Xtreme Golf is doing the same thing with golf equipment. This is a story about the niche market of luxury goods and how the principle of luxury has found its way into the mainstream golf equipment industry.

By the end of 1903, Sir Henry Royce had designed and built his own gas-powered automobile that boasted a 10-horsepower engine. Charles Rolls met Royce in 1904 and vowed to sell as many of Royce’s cars as the man could make. Thus, Rolls-Royce was born. In an early advertisement, the company called the six-cylinder Rolls-Royce, “Not one of the best, but the Best Car in the World.”

Today, if you’re searching for a Rolls-Royce on the company website, you won’t find a price on any of its vehicles, not even its pre-owned cars. Similarly, you can’t find a price for any golf clubs (save for the putters) on the website for Parsons Xtreme Golf. You can’t find a price because if you’re a serious buyer, the price is extraneous. The saying, “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it,” comes to mind.

If you have time, you should check out the Rolls-Royce website. The homepage has this elaborate short film where Kate Winslet narrates the story of Rolls-Royce. The short film opens with a view of the camera gliding through a cloudy sky with a fade-in title, House of Rolls-Royce Presents. “It may surprise you to know,” Winslet says, “There is, in this world, a place where beauty is made.”

On the other end of the spectrum, when you log on to Ford’s website, you see “A vehicle for every lifestyle.” Where Ford wants everyone to own one of its cars, Rolls-Royce wants to sell to people who settle for nothing less than the Best Car in the World.

***

For a long time, the golf industry has operated much like Ford. Most of the manufacturers have produced similarly priced clubs at a similar level of quality all aiming for a share of the same market. Boutique golf equipment manufacturers such as Scratch and Fourteen have built fantastic forged irons, but their price points still pitted them against the behemoths of the golf world. Miura and Epon stand out as companies that have successfully built a bridge between luxury goods and golf equipment with higher price points, but PXG took it to the next level.

Bob Parsons has driven his proverbial Rolls-Royce down Main Street with claims placed gracefully on the PXG About Page. He says PXG makes “the world’s sexiest, most forgiving golf clubs that launch higher, go farther, feel softer and have a sweet spot the size of Texas.” His colloquial description is my favorite.

“Simply put, PXG clubs are the Duck’s Nuts.”

Since PXG released its first line of clubs, its most popular being thin-faced, forged irons filled with a material called thermoplastic elastomer, the discussion has focused disproportionately on the price of the clubs and not the quality. The question most golfers have asked is, “Is there any way PXG clubs can be twice as good as anything else on the market?” It’s a fair question, but it’s irrelevant. Is a Rolex watch 10 times better than a Citizen? It doesn’t matter. Because if you’re looking at the price, then you can’t afford the Rolex, so your opinion of quality doesn’t really apply to the Rolex, does it?

Every article about PXG clubs I’ve read has some comment that resembles the following, “The price of these clubs makes no sense. This is Parson’s pet project and the company won’t be around in two or three years.”

Maybe it is just a pet project for Parsons, a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, but the truth is, Parsons is a bit of genius. He’s not a genius because he has invented the greatest set of clubs in the history of golf, although some golfers do say that about his clubs. It’s because he identified a hole in the market, and he has filled it with a thermoplastic elastomer.

Another common tirade I’ve seen is something similar to the following: “The prices are laughable…You can only do so much with a technology…and there is only so much of a premium you can charge here today…”

The prices are laughable… for someone who can’t afford them. The observation about money running out is different because it shows the commenter doesn’t necessarily understand what Parsons is doing. Parsons has said over and over again, “I’m not competing with TaylorMade and Callaway because my target customers are major earners.” And that’s why he’s seeing success. In an interview with Michael Collins on The “Golf” Podcast, Parsons said the company is on track to reach $100 million in sales and will be profitable for 2017.

***

Bob Parsons, whatever your opinion of him is, is using the emotion of luxury to drive his success. In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Peter Noel Murray (Ph.D. in Psychology) discusses the emotion of luxury:

“…consumers also are rational beings; aware that they can buy products at mass market retailers which have aesthetics and features similar to luxury brands but are a lot cheaper…Is the rational mind more likely to choose mass market while our emotional mind yearns for luxury? Is it that simple?”

Dr. Murray goes on to say, “we can be emotionally drawn to good design, and then rationally decide whether the exceptional qualities of luxury design are worth the additional price versus the ‘good enough’ qualities of a mass market alternative.”

Golf is a brutal combination of the cerebral and the physical, and because of this players make club choices primarily on subjective and inherently emotional qualities. It’s why players can walk into a store, hit several models on a launch monitor providing all sorts of data and chose a club that might not produce the best data because it feels better.

“Purchase behavior is a direct result of how a consumer perceives that a brand delivers the emotional end-benefits of buying and owning,” Dr. Murray says. “The emotional end benefit is basically, ‘Who am I?’ And how does a brand help define who I am?”

People have an emotional connection to luxury brands. As Dr. Murray points out in his article, this connection typically occurs within the realm of people who have the financial means to purchase luxury brands. Rolls-Royce only wants those people. So too, does PXG.

When people who love cars watch Top Gear and see Jeremy Clarkson roll out in a brand new Ferrari, they don’t look at it and say, “The price on that car is ridiculous.” They say, “That car is amazing,” and then enjoy the test Clarkson puts the Ferrari through, watching in awe of its power and elegance. I know, I’m one of those car lovers.

***

So, why do we look at PXG and say things like, “Those clubs are ridiculous. There’s no way they could be that much better?” The comparative quality is irrelevant. Basic economics says that the market equilibrium lies where supply meets demand. Parsons doesn’t need the equilibrium because he’s not trying to scale; he’s trying to build clubs that people are willing to wait in line to get. That’s how luxury works.

As Dr. Murray puts it, “The luxury brands they [the consumers] treasure have the rare and intangible quality of truth…Luxury brand truth is a visceral connection between consumer and brand.” He goes on to say, “Truth is expressed in narrative and other communication which breathes life into the brand, evoking perceptions of authenticity and timelessness.”

What Parsons has done so well is ensure that his marketing matches his personal feeling about the product he’s created. Because without those two living in harmony, there would be no authenticity; without authenticity, there is no truth. The narrative Parsons tells with his marketing and his clubs is something those who can afford them relish. This narrative, coupled with successful use of the clubs by LPGA and PGA Tour players such as Lydia Ko and Zach Johnson, has given PXG the platform to take luxury golf equipment mainstream and that’s the gap PXG is bridging. Thanks to brilliant marketing and truly revolutionary designs, luxury golf equipment is no longer a fringe niche.

Welcome to the era of Rolls-Royce, Porsche and Ferrari in golf equipment.

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Adam Crawford

Adam Crawford is a writer of many topics but golf has always been at the forefront. An avid player and student of the game, Adam seeks to understand both the analytical side of the game as well as the human aspect - which he finds the most important. You can find his books at his website, chandlercrawford.com, or on Amazon.

107 Comments

jerseychris

May 6, 2017 at 10:35 am

Lemme know when the pros start paying for the clubs rather than getting payed to play them. Then I’ll take a look.

Reply Report comment
Guia

Apr 21, 2017 at 12:03 am

Is a Mercedes any better than a Chevy? Probably not, they both get you to where you are going.

The difference is what you can afford. Those that are well heeled usually want to drive something that doesn’t look like every other car on the road.

Just because you have expensive clubs it does not make you a player. But having less expensive clubs doesn’t either. Play what you want.

Reply Report comment
Joe

Apr 18, 2017 at 9:57 pm

I played with a friend the other day who bags PXG irons. He shot 107. I beat him by 29 strokes.

I’m serious.

Obviously I carry a lower handicap and play a lot more golf than he does. I’m not hating on expensive clubs (I play Miura irons). I’m just saying that you can’t buy a golf game.

I’ve hit his clubs. They’re fine. They feel pretty soft. A bit large for my taste. Are they better than other clubs on the market? No. Not whatsoever.

Reply Report comment
TeeBone

Apr 18, 2017 at 4:35 pm

Nothing new here. There’s a sucker born every minute. Single clubs have been selling for thousands of dollars in Japan for a long time. Why? Because people will pay it. Not because they’re worth it. Why do they pay it? Because if it costs so much, it must be better. Brilliant!

Reply Report comment
Lowell

Apr 17, 2017 at 1:16 pm

I just think that you can only make the bow that much better with price when in fact the Indian needs some lessons.

Reply Report comment
rich

Apr 17, 2017 at 1:06 pm

I will put my Apex Edge pro’s up against these any day. I bet they play no differently when I strike the ball in the middle of the face or high on the heel. If the PXG 7 iron goes 10 yards farther than my 7 Iron, I will pull out my 6 iron. I just don’t get it, no need to spend this much money on clubs. They don’t make you better, you should spend that extra money on lessons. I see the PXG’s in the classified section and laugh at the ball marks all over the toes of the clubs. Yeah, you hit those clubs well…lolll

Reply Report comment
- ooffa
  
  Apr 18, 2017 at 6:18 pm
  
  The PXG’s are better. You will just never know.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Dave
    
    May 7, 2017 at 9:26 pm
    
    Agree completely.
    
    Reply Report comment
Caroline

Apr 17, 2017 at 11:37 am

Life is short play what you want and can afford period. Nothing is golf is more FUN then making the tee time…getting up and going to the course…after that the pressure builds and the fun leeks away. Having a bag full of sticks you are proud to call your own and playing the ball you adore just make the game so much more enjoyable…less then 5% of golfers are playing at any sort of top level golf where every little variable in equipment makes a difference between getting that second shot close enough to make eagle on the 600 yard par 5 or just a birdie putt. owning PXG equipment is just another example of having fun with the game, for me I am happy as heck when I pull that Ping 9 iron out on the short par 3.

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Mr Muira

Apr 17, 2017 at 8:14 am

Shank Shank Shanketty Shank Shank.

Reply Report comment
PGA

Apr 16, 2017 at 12:23 am

Play Golf America! :-p

Reply Report comment
- PGA
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 9:56 pm
  
  You mean SCREW RULES? >
  
  Reply Report comment
Martin T

Apr 15, 2017 at 4:06 pm

I own PXG irons for more than a year. All I can say is that I look forward to PXG smaller iron heads as even 311T are too big and have a fat sole. I think this is what PXG will do soon, smaller heads as they have to know currenlty that for some better players their clubs may feel clunky. It is the same why so many best golfers decide to play real blades with small MOI and not heads that are visibly game improvement stuff.

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Mark Walgren

Apr 15, 2017 at 2:24 pm

People are idiots for spending that much on irons, lol… $3000 for a set of irons?! I get collecting fashionable watches, high-end watches and cars but these are golf clubs… they go into the dirt and poop… these are not fashion items nor are they collectable.

Reply Report comment
- ooffa
  
  Apr 16, 2017 at 6:33 am
  
  I feel badly for you.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Tom
  
  Apr 16, 2017 at 2:43 pm
  
  Mark the same thing can be said about Cameron putters.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jim
    
    Apr 16, 2017 at 10:45 pm
    
    ….especially when they don’t perform better on off center hits….
    
    Reply Report comment
Patrick norm

Apr 15, 2017 at 1:53 pm

I get where Bob Parsons is coming from. Americans don’t have a premium golf brand like a Miura or other high end Japanese manufacturers. Clearly he has the resources to withstand the start up costs and build up of his brand. Clearly the PXG clubs perform at least as well if not fractionally better than the top mainstream brands. And b cause the price is a premium he’s not aiming for the masses. Just the demographic that won’t flinch at $300.00 for an iron or $800.00 for a driver.
Here in Canada the Callaway Epic Driver retails for $695.00 Canadian dollars at Golf Town or about $520.00 USD. That’s a lot of money regardless but Goof Town is selling many of these new drivers. I’ll wait a couple of years.
If I had the money, I may treat myself to these PXG clubs but for now I’m mainstream. I’m not a PXG customer, I’m a Callaway, Taylor Made ” last year’s model at 60% of the original price guy”.
Personally , I’ll spend my extra golf money of lessons. I know it’s the best way to improve.

Reply Report comment
Billable Hours

Apr 15, 2017 at 12:52 pm

I’m getting fitted for PXG’s next week. If they perform, price doesn’t matter. The difference between them and Mizuno/TM etc is more or less one month’s club bill, and if $2k is that significant to you you probably shouldn’t be spending $1k on more traditional OEM golf clubs.

That said – if they don’t perform, I won’t buy them.

Reply Report comment
- Kevin
  
  Apr 15, 2017 at 11:54 pm
  
  Do yourself a favor and try out some of the other high end brands available here in the states. There is better equipment available.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Desmond
    
    Apr 16, 2017 at 11:13 pm
    
    Do yourself a favor and recognize that the best equipment is what fits an individual golfer. Better is what fits. If PXG fits the gofler, so be it.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Mr Muira
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 8:17 am
  
  Sure, PXG is going to have your swing path fixed, the face fixed and you’ll be hitting it out of centre all day long…lol.
  
  Reply Report comment
Rod

Apr 15, 2017 at 9:03 am

The question, is PXG or will it ever be a profitable entity? The luxury car and or other luxury manufacturing co’s have struggled throughout time. Will PXG make it or will Mr. Parsons continue to carry it with his other entities, which I believe he could do for quite a while. Has not the golf hard goods business seen shake-ups where each time it emerges with fewer contestants battling for market share or will the game of golf ever be able to truly grow and sustain the growth and create and maintain demand for clubs. The problem is that golfers start playing,without proper instruction spend dollars upon hundreds of dollars on equipment rather than instruction, get frustrated due to lack of progress or improvement and quit. The manufacturers, now mostly all publicly held must produce profits at certain levels as mandated by wall street, have changed to a strategy of marketing prowess rather than true innovation to sell clubs to impatient participants who believe that everyone can become a tour level player without practice or physical restraints. It can be compared to spalding holding a power forward or centers basketball camp for high school seniors that are five feet tall. The manufacturers must stop the snake oil sales approach to selling product. Wake up consumers and smell reality and be content with enjoying the game at your skill level.

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Ian

Apr 15, 2017 at 7:12 am

How do you become a millionaire? Start by being a billionaire and then release a line a of duck nut clubs…

Reply Report comment
Matt

Apr 15, 2017 at 2:24 am

Golf equipment is super affordable compared with a lot of sports and pastimes, so dunno what all this fuss is about – I’m fine with spending a few grand to get set-up with nice equipment (albeit it probably won’t be PXG as I can’t handle the look of all those screws but if it plays good for some then never say never).

Reply Report comment
Dan

Apr 15, 2017 at 12:54 am

As my aunt used to say, ‘If you have it, flaunt it’ and if you have the money then by all means buy what you want. If that means PXG, Honma, Miura go for it. I’m on SS now and couldn’t have afforded them even when I working and I was making real good money then. I just had other priorities like paying the house payment, feeding the family, college tuition, etc. I have always bought the best clubs I could afford and got fitted. I do keep my fingers crossed that the weekly or bi-weekly player who is the backbone of golf doesn’t get priced out of quality golf equipment and playing golf because of rising green fees. Go Cobra Golf, high quality product at a fair price IMHO!

Reply Report comment
Dat

Apr 15, 2017 at 12:12 am

PXG is garbage. This native content needs improvement.

Reply Report comment
- cray
  
  Apr 15, 2017 at 10:31 pm
  
  troll alert. Obvious.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Desmond
  
  Apr 16, 2017 at 11:14 pm
  
  Your comment is garbage – serves no purpose.
  
  Reply Report comment
alan

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:05 pm

spilt your lungs in blood and thunder when you see the white whale. break your backs and crack your oars man if you wish to prevail. this ivory leg is what propels me harpoons thrust in the sky.

Reply Report comment
Fredo

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:59 pm

HATE! Or what, ain’t no big deal. The numbers for my swing pointed towards PXG, and I honestly thought they were hideous looking. But looks aside, irons this forgiving were NOT staying out of this hacks bag. Result: dropped from a 12 handicap to a 9. End of story

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Dave R

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:05 pm

They are more than likely a very good product but cost is rather high. But then if you feel comfortable and it gives you confidence and your a young up and comer go for it. And all the best in your endivors.

Reply Report comment
Kip

Apr 14, 2017 at 9:39 pm

I saw a Korean lady at the range today with these clubs and a cheap beat up golf back. Talk about sending a mix message. I understand the premise. If you was to broadcast to the world that you have money to burn these are the clubs for you. They are good clubs, but there are a lot of great clubs out there. You cannot compare these clubs to a Ferrari as it is a car that is at top of the food chain in terms of luxury and performance. There are not many cars on the market that out perform Ferrari therefore the price is justified. As for these clubs, it’s a status symbol and nothing more. It’s known that PXG spend millions to get players to use their club. If I was offered a million or 2 million to use a golf club I would sacrifice and play poorly for a while to get that check and that is what you are seeing on the LPGA and PGA. I don’t blame them as I would do the same thing. The sad thing is that you will have people who really don’t have the money go into debt to get these clubs just to make it look like they are wealthy. The sport of golf is an after thought. I wish PXG the best. I checked them out for my daughter and she didn’t like them. We are now looking at the Mizuno JPX 900’s which are beautiful to look at and a joy to hit. Also checking out Fourteen. My daughter is getting amazing results with their wedges. If PXG ever gets to the point where is performs like a Ferrari and leave practically everyone in the dust I will take another look at them.

Reply Report comment
- Jim
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 10:03 pm
  
  Without a doubt…go with the Fourteens…their proprietary graphite shafts are simply excellent. The tolerances blow Mizuno away…..Honma, Miura, Epon & Fourteen use only the finest Japanese steel selected in smaller batches
  
  Reply Report comment
Miuralovechild

Apr 14, 2017 at 8:22 pm

Got fitted recently and the PXG driver performed the best for me. Very rock solid and forgiving. Hell yeah it was worth the money. I’m hitting over 80% of my fairways. I went into the fitting completely open minded. Hit the Epic a little further but less accurate. Went with Oban Kiyoshi black SST pured. Wish I would have gotten fitted a long time ago. The irons felt nice but not any better than my Miura’s. Can’t wait to see my numbers with the lower spinning 0811x. I’ll do whatever it takes to play better and have more confidence. I grateful my club fitter has EVERYTHING to try.

Reply Report comment
- Jim
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 10:57 pm
  
  That’s the key…”Everything to try” – including shafts. Even better – indoor outdoor full length range…we use ‘better’ yellow balls for the fittings (B6’s) so they’re plucked out at the ball washer from the range balls and only used for fittings. Having ‘everything’ to try is a substantial investment by your professional fitter, and testing on Trackman against ‘all comers’ over a 60 or 90 minute session proved that club & shaft combo DID work best for you. Period. Great choice going with the Oban too…they’re awesome & when SST Pured, even more consistent.
  
  I’M a total Miuta guy, but got an awesome full staff Callaway deal and the Apex Irons with 110gr RECOIL shafts are killer.
  
  While I always say I personally don’t care for the TOO soft feel of the PXG irons, they crush everything else on OFF center hits, even my beloved Miura’s and now Apex irons….
  
  Let’s remember the cat who ‘created’ them was a chopper, and if I have a sweet spot the size of Rhode Island, and miss it, I’ll take my licks – so to speak and go hit it again….I always figured a 90 yrs worm burner from a swing that deserved it was better than a GI iron getting it airborne and sending it 45 yrds longer into the woods or the rough
  
  Reply Report comment
JOEL GOODMAN

Apr 14, 2017 at 7:44 pm

SLUGS THAT WORK THERE DO NOT PLAY GOLF.

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ooffa

Apr 14, 2017 at 6:03 pm

They are the best clubs I have ever owned. Most definitely worth the money. If you can swing it you owe it to yourself to get a set of these.

Reply Report comment
Matt

Apr 14, 2017 at 5:11 pm

Dunno why golfers are such tight arses sometimes. Golf equipment isn’t expensive compared to a lot of sports. Cycling for example; bikers who don’t even race the lowest category (or race at all) are rolling around everywhere on USD $5,000 – $15,000+ pro bikes. I don’t have a set of PXG clubs, but appreciate great gear and companies who make it (nb. just got fit and bought a GBB Epic which feels like an instant classic, but the rest of my gear is tried and tested new+older stuff) as well as appreciate the look and feel of old hand made persimmon’s and forged blades. Ultimately, there’s always gonna be an affordable end of the market for equipment so if you’re on a budget there are tons of options – don’t see the point in running down a favourite pastime such as golf…

Reply Report comment
Barry

Apr 14, 2017 at 4:59 pm

Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Laborghini, LV etc. is for russian & chinese wannabes, maybe some degenerated upper class from the middle east. Come on, real guys don’t need that embarrassing stuff for their egos. Same with PXG!

Reply Report comment
- Tal
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 8:32 pm
  
  Your comment only holds water if you yourself can afford a Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. but choose not to buy one. Otherwise it sounds like you’re just trying to make yourself feel better.
  
  Reply Report comment
Taffy

Apr 14, 2017 at 3:57 pm

Status status status. You have all missed the point. PXG is selling exclusivity. Quality performance or anything else are not as important as showing you are wealthy enough to buy them. It makes a statement about you. Clever clever Mr Parsons!

Reply Report comment
Flyer7

Apr 14, 2017 at 3:06 pm

Mizuno all day every day!

Reply Report comment
- Tom
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 4:51 pm
  
  https://youtu.be/qWmQKwLnc1Y SHAZAAM!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Brian
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 9:21 pm
    
    Comparing a blade to a cavity and a hollow iron design?
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Tom
      
      Apr 14, 2017 at 10:57 pm
      
      Brian it was a side by side due to the results of a golf wrx poll. Inquiring minds wanted to know.
      
      Reply Report comment
  - Jim
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 10:35 pm
    
    Without a doubt…go with the Fourteens…their proprietary graphite shafts are simply excellent. The tolerances blow Mizuno away…..Honma, Miura, Epon & Fourteen use only the finest Japanese steel selected in smaller batches
    
    Reply Report comment
Hohohon

Apr 14, 2017 at 2:22 pm

PXG is junk
http://g3.globeride.co.jp

Reply Report comment
- Patrick norm
  
  Apr 15, 2017 at 1:06 pm
  
  I don’t what language this is but I thought this company made sound equipment? And how do these clubs measure up to Titleist Callaway Ping Taylor Made, etc. ?
  
  Reply Report comment
Robert Morgenthal

Apr 14, 2017 at 2:13 pm

Rolls Royce and Ferrari don’t have media ads with their founders as their spoke person. Tacky ads do not convey Luxury, Exclusivity or Limited availability. Even Lincoln uses Matthew McConaughey.
Food for thought…

Reply Report comment
- Adam Crawford
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 2:16 pm
  
  That’s because Rolls-Royce was founded in 1904…The founders were in the original ads.
  
  Reply Report comment
BD57

Apr 14, 2017 at 1:55 pm

The comments by people slamming PXG are funny ….

PXG doesn’t care what anyone who isn’t interested in buying their stuff things about their stuff.

All they care about is whether ENOUGH people are interested in buying their stuff.

That they’ve signed a representative tour staff says their stuff is “good enough” for these tour players to risk their livelihoods on it.

I don’t play PXG. Thus far, haven’t wanted to spend that kind of money . . . . but if I went for a “blind fitting” (one where any head and any shaft would be tried in any combination) and the PXG stuff performed best, I’d sure think about it.

Reply Report comment
- Tom
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 4:52 pm
  
  Bazinga!
  
  Reply Report comment
Tom54

Apr 14, 2017 at 1:23 pm

If ever PXG starts making a dent in the golf market all the other major manufacturers have to do is come out with a spinoff luxury line of clubs and charge 2-3 times the price. Kinda like Toyotas Lexus brand, Hondas Acura brand etc. As far as I’m concerned these well know club makers are the top of the line anyway. PXG could be the next Delorean of the club market.

Reply Report comment
- Jim
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 2:04 pm
  
  They already are….’cept they were chasing Callaway when ‘the plans were laid’ – hence the jumps of between 2-450 per set with ‘Tour Select /limited/ etc.
  
  For years we’ve known the big 4 OEM (not inc ping) “best” @999 were actually pretty poorly manufactured mediocre heads Mr. Miura would’ve tossed back in the smelter….They can’t increase their ‘special’ hand picked for tour staff & family lots to maybe sell a thousand or two @ 300 club if the other guys do too
  
  Reply Report comment
- KCCO
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 3:33 pm
  
  They have….if they are gonna show profits in 2017 they put a dent. Article could not have explained any better. A z06 will ride right along side of a Porsche GT3 on a track. At half it’s price. Someone prefers the Porsche, so be it. Their money, let them spend it. They obviously perform, Ryan Moore demonstrated at the masters, who cares how some spend their money. In regards to golf, their are guys with 6 figure numbers in putters. (On this site) Is that any diffferent? Or buying a TMAG tour head for $800 vs. retail $450 W/shaft? I could careless if someone wouldn’t care to pay the price for my golfbag. I could careless to pay the price for the limited edition Ruger. Perform any better than my Sig? Probably not but that’s his thing, this is mine. Enjoy the finer things in your passion as your only here so long to enjoy. Careless what others opinion are about your spending. It’s for your pleasure, not theirs.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Geoff
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 4:15 pm
    
    Re: your claim that they have made a dent, all the article “explained” was that Parsons told someone they were going to be profitable this year. That doesn’t mean it will happen.
    
    Evidence that they perform is Ryan Moore at the Masters? That’s the best you can come up with? I guess I can say PXG sux. Just look at Zach Johnson and James Hahn at the Masters.
    
    Reply Report comment
Jamie

Apr 14, 2017 at 1:08 pm

pretty sure i could get a master fitting into mizuno, tm, titleist etc w/ custom shafts and still be paying way less than PXG. so why go pxg?

now the analogy to other luxury products… i can’t get my toyota camry to behave or feel anywhere remotely close to a Bentley.

Reply Report comment
Shallowface

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:55 pm

I can afford them, but the reason I can is that I’ve made a lifelong habit of avoiding frivolous purchases.

Reply Report comment
GMatt

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:47 pm

So according to the author (and Bob Parsons) Iif I buy PXG irons and hit my 7 iron 340 yards, and win every tournament I enter because they are the best….LOL
I’ll bet Parsons also has some land in Florida to sell that MIGHT have a slight drainage problem

It’s a luxury product (actually more of a status product “I’m rich and can afford them”) I’m sure they are good clubs but they don’t seem to be outperforming anything else out there now and their tour pros certainly aren’t dominating, if you can afford them kudos to you but don’t brag to me that they are they best performing….Save your breath

Reply Report comment
Geoff

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:35 pm

GolfWRX must’ve emailed emailed their contributors and asked who would be willing to ball wash Parson’s duck nuts. This guy was the first to respond.

Reply Report comment
- sleeper
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 1:27 pm
  
  So the whole point of this article is higher price = greater luxury, which somehow = business success? PXG may cost more, but until they prove themselves to be superior at anything (performance, looks, durability, whatever) the brand won’t be known for anything other than its price. And as soon as the status-seeking or try-everything consumer segments are tapped out, we’ll know whether PXG has a future. I kinda doubt it.
  
  Reply Report comment
BigSeanM

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:26 pm

PXG clubs are the best, know why mean. I am going to get a set when my settlement comes in.

Reply Report comment
Ryan

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:24 pm

So, I’d love for the author to qualify this statement: “This narrative, coupled with successful use of the clubs by LPGA and PGA Tour players such as Lydia Ko and Zach Johnson, has given PXG the platform to take luxury golf equipment mainstream and that’s the gap PXG is bridging.” To what success are you referring, please?

Reply Report comment
- KCCO
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  
  Did Schwartzel play well in masters? I think he did fine. Moore? Clubs didn’t hurt him either. Can’t knock their staff. Once they profit, more players will get contracts. Just because Parson’s has money doesn’t mean he is gonna just start throwing huge contracts at whomever? He’s doing things smarter than anyone would have thought. After 2017 he will let “PXG” pay for more staffers, you will then see how smart and how long this company is here to stay. If someone one the masters playing PXG anything, he would be profiting yesterday.
  
  Reply Report comment
Mike

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:20 pm

I can’t say if the PXG products are any better or worse than other equipment manufacture’s. I do see tour pros who are under contract with other manufactures for bag and however many clubs putting PXG equipment in the bag. This tells me that the PXG equipment is at minimum equal, but if it was equal why not just stay with the current brand, so there must be some benefit that the PXG equipment offers over the current brand. I read a reference to Lydia and her recent struggles. I am no expert, but with her swing changes and coaching changes, I am not surprised to see some decline. I think we have all seen players make a change, have a performance drop in competition and then once the changes are ingrained and trusted in competition perform at a higher level than prior to the changes. I believe it has little to do with the PXG equipment she changed to. The PXG brand has been interesting to follow, from the design and looks of their equipment to the Tour players they are signing, it’s definitely been a quick rise. I look forward to the next chapter

Reply Report comment
- Rod
  
  Apr 16, 2017 at 7:22 am
  
  Would Lydia play PXG if she had not been paid to do so? I think not. They are clearly good clubs but so are Mizuno, Titleist, Ping, TM and the others. If they are so special, I wonder why Cristie Kerr is no longer using them? She won today using Ping I believe.
  
  Reply Report comment
Mower

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:13 pm

In my opinion, PXG has missed-the-mark… aesthetically. The overuse of screw heads makes their clubs look over-machined or something the military would come up with. Their logo branding is another aesthetic abomination. The chunky, Iron Maden-like design does not exude a professional grade product. If anything, it makes them look like they should be selling in Walmart stores.

What brands do exude professionalism? Answer: MIURA & FourteeN.

How to avoid making your product look like a Tonka toy? Answer: Hire a graphic designer and not a family member who’s feelings you don’t want to hurt because they have delicate sensibilities.

Reply Report comment
David

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:12 pm

I don’t like this article. For many reasons. everyone stated them well already and I agree. expensive things are about performance or looking cool. These things don’t perform and yes they are hideous.

Reply Report comment
bob keane

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:07 pm

Funny how all of their staff players are doing worse than before they switched to PXG.

Reply Report comment
Shortside

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:06 pm

Different strokes. Personally not a fan of all the screws. To my eye they look like unfinished prototypes.
Now the Titleist C16’s? Gimme some a dat all day.

Reply Report comment
Mark

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:59 am

Bling is not quality. Some designer brands make mediocre clothing…RL and Hilfiger shirts wash out of colour and shape faster than chain stores. Same with sports gear. Nike bling or Saucony and Brooks technology? Some of the wealthiest guys in our club use 10 year old sets of clubs and laugh at the guy with a maxed out credit card and a new set of clubs.

Reply Report comment
BarryLA

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:48 am

Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Laborghini, LV etc. is for russian & chinese wannabes, maybe some degenerated upper class from the middle east. Come on, real guys don’t need that embarrassing stuff for their egos. Same with PXG!

Reply Report comment
Tyler

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:48 am

I was recently fit for new irons. I test PXG irons and found them to be no better than the Srixon 765’s I eventually went with.

Don’t get me wrong, the Parson’s were awesome. If they would have gone farther or felt better I would have got them. I have a credit card. But they didn’t. The Srixon’s outperformed and suited me better. More expensive doesn’t always mean better. I think we all know that already though.

Reply Report comment
WarrenPeace

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:39 am

I notice Zach Johnson isn’t doing so well since moving from Titleist? If the clubs create confidence….great..but on a technical level, the swing produces good and bad shots, not the tool. Its an emotional buy for sure and if you have the dough- get some. Your game will still suck until you fix the mechanics.

Reply Report comment
Chubbs

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:19 am

One key point the author forgot to include about luxury brands: they are exclusive. Exclusivity breeds a feeling of desire by those that can’t afford the product. And those that buy PXG probably gain a sense of superiority from this exclusivity.

Reply Report comment
- Adam Crawford
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 11:32 am
  
  That’s a great point! You’re right, I didn’t spell that out but it’s a critical part of the Psychology with luxury.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - new stuff!!
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 12:26 pm
    
    exclusivity also breeds feelings of contempt – haters are always gonna hate – especially stuff they can’t afford, they need to convince themselves that it’s not worth it to make them feel better that they can’t afford it. just lots of noise. for us who understand the PXG business model just ignore the noise, to fight is futile.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Lester Diamond
      
      Apr 15, 2017 at 6:05 am
      
      Well golly gee, aren’t you f*&%$in’ precious.
      
      Reply Report comment
- Robert
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 12:08 pm
  
  The problem with this theory is there is absolutely nothing to gain from PXGs. Titleist MBs feel better and I don’t even like Titleist. Is the ballspeed just as good? Yeah, for me, it was similar ballspeed (TM). When I buy a Ferrari, I know it’s superior to a Toyota Corolla in many many ways. IMHO, I personally don’t feel like you get that when you buy PXG clubs.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - farmer
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 6:22 pm
    
    Actually, a Corolla is better for going to the grocery store. The Ferrari would win coolest-milk-run-ride-ever contest, hands down.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Geoff
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  
  Exclusivity only breeds a feeling of desire when the brand in question has an established reputation, especially by those who cannot afford it, that the high price is justified. “I can’t afford it, but if I could, I would definitely buy it.” PXG is miles away from acquiring that kind of reputation.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Adam Crawford
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 9:04 pm
    
    Not going to argue with that, however, what I find interesting about PXG, and what prompted his article, is that the company is creating a scenario in golf where this can happen. They do have a ways to go, but they’ve made it further than many other companies because they understand their market.
    
    Reply Report comment
Myron miller

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:18 am

My issue with them is some of the advertising is that they are the “best clubs money can buy”. That implies that they are better than any other clubs technically. And technically does count in this or else its a clear FTC case of false advertising.

With Epon and Miura, they are clearly and proven better technically than standard mass-market clubs. Are they worth the significant price difference they have or just somewhat better. that’s a debate that can’t be won or decided. Yes, they are definitely better but worth the extra money more, who knows.

Whereas PXG advertises on its site: “PXG WAS DEVELOPED WITH ONE GOAL IN MIND: TO CREATE THE BEST-PERFORMING GOLF EQUIPMENT ON THE PLANET, WITHOUT REGARD TO COST”. So clearly the difference in performance versus the cost is a factor in people’s mind. Are they definitely better technically. That’s as indicated by the comments above a real question.

Reply Report comment
S Hitter

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:15 am

Another terrible self-aggrandizing advert-iclie.
And PXG is not the first, the Japanese have been doing for decades. At least in Japan they have gold-plated, gold-painted, beautiful looking, nice-feeling, nice-to-hold, great-performaning, worth-the-money golf equipment that will make you feel good and make you look good, like a Rolls or a Ferrari. And the Japanese ones cost about 10 times as much as PXG.
Here’s an example. http://g3.globeride.co.jp
And, at least the Japanese are up front and honest about the specs of their products.

Reply Report comment
Richard

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:15 am

Spot on. Not sure why all the haters… if it works for you and can afford them, go for it. Love them.

Reply Report comment
Brian

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:56 am

Ferrari and Rolex watches are beautiful works of art in combination of being of fantastic quality and performance. PXG clubs are, in my opinion, ugly clubs that perform no better than any other iron out there.

If a Ferrari was no better in quality and artistic value than a Toyota Camry, then yes, we would talk about the ridiculous price of the Ferrari.

Reply Report comment
- Mower
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 11:51 am
  
  Aesthetically they’re missing-the-mark with the generous use of screws heads. It makes them look over machined, like military grade and does not exude a ‘professional quality’. On top of that, their logo branding is horribly designed. Big, blocky Iron Maden-looking chunkyness does not help their goal.
  
  Who does exude a professional quality? Answer: MIURA, FourteeN.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jeff
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 12:59 pm
  
  Eh, I was gifted a $10k Rolex and my Casio keeps better time and date by far. I still wear my Rolex more. The brain is odd.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Adam Crawford
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 1:07 pm
    
    Right, and that’s the whole point. It’s not a quality discussion, it’s an emotional/status discussion. Some people are able to separate emotion from consumer decisions, but most aren’t, myself included.
    
    Reply Report comment
Kevin

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:49 am

Only problem with your comparison is a Rolls-Royce is actually a higher quality product than a Ford. Where PXG is of the same quality as all the OEM equipment.

Nothing revolutionary about what PXG has done. Take some outdated technology, thermoplastic whatever, and call it a brand new idea. Throw a ton of money into advertising with false claims about the quality and watch it sell. You are not paying for quality like you do with other high-end brands, you are paying Zach Johnson to keep missing cuts and paying for ads on TV.

Reply Report comment
- Adam Crawford
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 11:17 am
  
  You can’t claim that their quality is the same as other OEMs because that’s subjective, just like I didn’t claim it was better than other OEMs. Those are claims that can’t be objectively made so they are irrelevant to the discussion. The idea of luxury is all about how the person feels owning whatever luxury item. It has nothing to do with objectivity in quality.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Steve Rawlinson
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 11:29 am
    
    Whereas you *can* claim that the quality of a Rolls Royce is higher than that of a Ford.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - tourgrinder
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 11:39 am
    
    The problem is, you DID claim that, by implication. I quote, “Most of the manufacturers have produced similarly priced clubs at a similar level of quality all aiming for a share of the same market.” Thus, the clear implication that all other OEMs are all basicaslly in the same boat as per quality-for-price and just not quite up to the quality level of PXG. As a 40+ year verteran in marketing, communications, advertising and promotion, including some years with quality manufacturers such as Ram and Wilson, your points are all well-taken, but actually bordering more closely to the writings of a PKG press release, or some hired PR and publicity gun for Bob Parsons. Nothing wrong with that, really. It is the business you’ve chosen, as some “Godfather” character once said. I’ve written comments before on this website about several PXG-related articles. Since my earlier comments, I’ve actually had an opportunity to hit demos of PXG irons. They feel very solid and even slightly “soft,” although that may be the wrong word. However, in truth, I would say I also have several sets in my closet — Ram Tour Grind irons from the 80s and Ram Pro-Set irons from the early 90s. They all feel just as solid and just as ‘soft.’ Several of these sets are like new and hardly used. I cordially invite Mr. Crawford, or Mr. K from Golfwrx, to buy any of these sets I have in my closet for $3,000 a set.
    
    Reply Report comment
- John
  
  Apr 15, 2017 at 7:20 pm
  
  I have a set of 0311t irons, my taylormade mc irons which were fitted had lofts and lies all over the place (6 & 7 irons nearly the same loft but EIGHT degrees different lie angle)…. Pxg’s were perfect out of the wrapper (had them checked on arrival). The quality IS better – hard pill to swallow for the cheap skate but it’s the truth. If you want an angle you can argue? They don’t make you shoot lower scores – it’s the Indian not the arrow, you can’t buy a golf game.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Kevin
    
    Apr 16, 2017 at 12:07 am
    
    LOL. Having proper loft and lie out of the box is not what I would call quality. Sounds like you drank the full bowl of kool-aid.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - John
      
      Apr 17, 2017 at 6:20 am
      
      I would say quality of manufacture and build ARE indicators of quality by definition.
      
      Reply Report comment
    - ROY
      
      Apr 17, 2017 at 10:02 am
      
      SO what would you call having a 6/7 iron “nearly the same loft” with lie angels 8 degrees apart?? Just a bad break from a top quality manufacturer??
      
      Reply Report comment
Jay

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:45 am

I own a luxury car because of the performance and it looks nice. I’ve tried PXG woods and I can honestly say the performance wasn’t as good as the big name brands, and I didn’t really like the way it looked. Oh well. Besides that doesn’t PXG use the same shafts as everyone else? Shaft = engine. That’s where the car analogy goes astray.

Reply Report comment
Ryan

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:41 am

I will say, the one guy at our course who has PXGs also has a staff bag and drives an E63 AMG Black Series. Not only high earners, but people who want you to be WELL AWARE that they are high earners.

Reply Report comment
Rich

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:38 am

Over rated and way over priced. What happened to “The sexiest clubs” claim?

Reply Report comment
TigerArmy

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:26 am

Porsche over Ferrari every day!
Mizuno over PXG every day!
iPhoneve Samsung every day!

Reply Report comment
- Jack Hammer
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 10:51 am
  
  Looks like your iPhone auto correct is not that good.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - TigerMom
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 11:08 am
    
    LOL!
    
    Reply Report comment
- Tom
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 11:17 am
  
  https://youtu.be/qWmQKwLnc1Y
  
  Reply Report comment
  - TCJ
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 1:48 pm
    
    Good comparison. Me thinks they are all pretty much the same. So you’re paying Rolls Royce prices for Ford performance, awesome!
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Tom
      
      Apr 16, 2017 at 2:41 pm
      
      same theory applies to Cameron putters
      
      Reply Report comment

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 PGA Championship betting preview: Rising star ready to join the immortals at Valhalla

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

The second major of the 2024 season is upon us as the world’s best players will tee it up this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy.

The last time we saw Valhalla host a major championship, Rory McIlroy fended off Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler and the creeping darkness that was descending upon the golf course. The Northern Irishman had the golf world in the palm of his hand, joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as players who’d won four major championships by the time they were 25 years old.

Valhalla is named after the great hall described in Norse mythology where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The course is a Jack Nicklaus-design that has ranked among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” for three decades.

Valhalla Golf Club is a par-71 measuring 7,542 yards with Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens. The course has rolling hills and dangerous streams scattered throughout and the signature 13th hole is picturesque with limestone and unique bunkering protecting the green. The 2024 PGA Championship will mark the fourth time Valhalla has hosted the event.

The field this week will consist of 156 players, including 16 PGA Champions and 33 Major Champions.

Past Winners of the PGA Championship

2023: Brooks Koepka (-9) Oak Hill
2022: Justin Thomas (-5) Southern Hills
2021: Phil Mickelson (-6) Kiawah Island
2020: Collin Morikawa (-13) TPC Harding Park
2019: Brooks Koepka (-8) Bethpage Black
2018: Brooks Koepka (-16) Bellerive
2017: Justin Thomas (-8) Quail Hollow
2016: Jimmy Walker (-14) Baltusrol
2015: Jason Day (-20) Whistling Straits
2014: Rory McIlroy (-16) Valhalla

In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).

Key Stats For Valhalla

Let’s take a look at five key metrics for Oak Hill to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

Valhalla will play as a true all-around test of golf for the world’s best. Of course, it will take strong approach play to win a major championship.

Strokes Gained: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

Shane Lowry (+1.25)
Scottie Scheffler (+1.09)
Jordan Smith (+1.05)
Tom Hoge (+.96)
Corey Conners (+.94)

2. Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Valhalla will play long and the rough will be penal. Players who are incredibly short off the tee and/or have a hard time hitting fairways will be all but eliminated from contention this week at the PGA Championship.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds:

Bryson DeChambeau (+1.47)
Scottie Scheffler (+1.11)
Keith Mitchell (+.90)
Alejandro Tosti (+.89)
Ludvig Aberg (+.82)

Strokes Gained: Total on Nickalus Designs

Valhalla is a classic Nicklaus Design. Players who play well at Nicklaus designs should have an advantage coming into this major championship.

Strokes Gained: Total on Nicklaus Designs over past 36 rounds:

Jon Rahm (+2.56)
Scottie Scheffler (+2.48)
Patrick Cantlay (+2.35)
Collin Morikawa (+1.79)
Shane Lowry (+1.57)

Strokes Gained: Tee to Green on Very Long Courses

Valhalla is going to play extremely long this week. Players who have had success playing very long golf courses should be better equipped to handle the conditions of this major championship.

Strokes Gained: Total on Very Long Courses Over Past 24 Rounds:

Scottie Scheffler (+2.44)
Rory McIlroy (+2.24)
Will Zalatoris (+1.78)
Viktor Hovland (+1.69)
Xander Schauffele (+1.60)

Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships

One factor that tends to play a large role in deciding major championships is which players have played well in previous majors leading up to the event.

Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships over past 20 rounds:

Scottie Scheffler (+3.14)
Will Zalatoris (+2.64)
Rory McIlroy (+2.49)
Xander Schauffele (+2.48)
Tommy Fleetwood (2.09)

Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens

Valhalla features pure Bentgrass putting surfaces. Players who are comfortable putting on this surface will have an advantage on the greens.

Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens over Past 24 Rounds:

Ludvig Aberg (+1.12)
Denny McCarthy (+1.08)
Matt Fitzpatrick (+0.99)
Justin Rose (+0.93)
J.T. Poston (0.87)

Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways

Valhalla features Zoysia fairways. Players who are comfortable playing on this surface will have an advantage on the field.

Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways over past 36 rounds:

Justin Thomas (+1.53)
Will Zalatoris (+1.47)
Xander Schauffele (+1.40)
Brooks Koepka (+1.35)
Rory McIlroy (+1.23)

2024 PGA Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (25%), SG: Off the Tee (22%), SG: T2G on Very Long Courses (12%), SG: Putting on Bentgrass (+12%), SG: Total on Nicklaus Designs (12%). SG: Total on Zoysia Fairways (8%), and SG: Total in Major Championships (8%).

Brooks Koepka
Xander Schauffele
Rory McIlroy
Scottie Scheffler
Bryson DeChambeau
Shane Lowry
Alex Noren
Will Zalatoris
Cameron Young
Keith Mitchell
Hideki Matsuyama
Billy Horschel
Patrick Cantlay
Viktor Hovland
Adam Schenk
Chris Kirk
Sahith Theegala
Min Woo Lee
Joaquin Niemann
Justin Thomas

2024 PGA Championship Picks

Ludvig Aberg +1800 (BetMGM)

At The Masters, Ludvig Aberg announced to the golf world that he’s no longer an “up and coming” player. He’s one of the best players in the game of golf, regardless of experience.

Augusta National gave Aberg some necessary scar tissue and showed him what being in contention at a major championship felt like down the stretch. Unsurprisingly, he made a costly mistake, hitting it in the water left of the 11th hole, but showed his resilience by immediately bouncing back. He went on to birdie two of his next three holes and finished in solo second by three shots. With the type of demeanor that remains cool in pressure situations, I believe Ludvig has the right mental game to win a major at this point in his career.

Aberg has not finished outside of the top-25 in his past eight starts, which includes two runner-up finishes at both a “Signature Event” and a major championship. The 24-year-old is absolutely dominant with his driver, which will give him a major advantage this week. In the field he ranks, in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, and has gained strokes in the category in each of his past ten starts. Aberg is already one of the best drivers of the golf ball on the planet.

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the great hall where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The Swedes, who are of Old Norse origin, were the last of the three Scandinavian Kingdoms to abandon the Old Norse Gods. A Swede played a major role in the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla, and I believe another, Ludvig Aberg, will be the one to conquer Valhalla in 2024.

Bryson DeChambeau +2800 (BetMGM)

Bryson DeChambeau is one of the few players in the world that I believe has the game to go blow-for-blow with Scottie Scheffler. Although he isn’t as consistent as Scheffler, when he’s at his best, Bryson has the talent to beat him.

At The Masters, DeChambeau put forth a valiant effort at a golf course that simply does not suit his game. Valhalla, on the other hand, is a course that should be perfect for the 30-year-old. His ability to overpower a golf course with his driver will be a serious weapon this week.

Bryson has had some success at Jack Nicklaus designs throughout his career as he won the Memorial at Muirfield Village back in 2018. He’s also had incredible results on Bentgrass greens for the entirety of his professional career. Of his 10 wins, nine of them have come on Bentgrass greens, with the only exception being the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. He also has second place finishes at Medinah and TPC Summerlin, which feature Bentgrass greens.

Love him or hate him, it’s impossible to argue that Bryson isn’t one of the most exciting and important players in the game of golf. He’s also one of the best players in the world. A second major is coming soon for DeChambeau, and I believe he should be amongst the favorites to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy this week.

Patrick Cantlay +4000 (FanDuel)

There’s no way of getting around it: Patrick Cantlay has been dissapointing in major championships throughout his professional career. He’s been one of the top players on Tour for a handful of years and has yet to truly contend at a major championship, with the arguable exception of the 2019 Masters.

Despite not winning majors, Cantlay has won some big events. The 32-year-old has won two BMW Championships, two Memorial Tournaments as well as a Tour Championship. His victories at Memorial indicate how much Cantlay loves Nicklaus designs, where he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total over his past 36 rounds behind only Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm.

Cantlay also loves Bentgrass greens. Six of Cantlay’s seven individual wins on the PGA Tour have come on Bentgrass greens and he also was one of the best putters at the 2023 Ryder cup at Marco Simone (also Bentgrass). At Caves Valley (2021 BMW Championship), he gained over 12 strokes putting to outduel another Bentgrass specialist, Bryson DeChambeau.

Cantlay finished 22nd in The Masters, which was a solid result considering how many elite players struggled that week. He also has two top-ten finishes in his past five PGA Championships. He’s undeniably one of the best players in the field, therefore, it comes down to believing Cantlay has the mental fortitude to win a major, which I do.

Joaquin Niemann +4000 (BetMGM)

I believe Joaquin Niemann is one of the best players in the world. He has three worldwide wins since December and has continued to improve over the course of his impressive career thus far. Still only 25, the Chilean has all the tools to be a serious contender in major championships for years to come.

Niemann has been the best player on LIV this season. Plenty will argue with the format or source of the money on LIV, but no one can argue that beating players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith is an unremarkable achievement. Niemann is an elite driver of the golf ball who hits it farther than just about anyone in the field not named Bryson DeChambeau or (arguably) Rory McIlroy.

Niemann is another player who has been fantastic throughout his career on Bentgrass greens. Prior to leaving the PGA Tour, Bentgrass was the only green surface in which Joaco was a positive putter. It’s clearly a surface that he is very comfortable putting on and should fare around and on the greens this week.

Niemann is a perfect fit for Valhalla. His low and penetrating ball flight will get him plenty of runout this week on the fairways and he should have shorter shots into the green complexes than his competitors. To this point in his career, the former top ranked amateur in the world (2018) has been underwhelming in major championships, but I don’t believe that will last much longer. Joaquin Niemann is a major championship caliber player and has a real chance to contend this week at Valhalla.

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Opinion & Analysis

The Wedge Guy: What really makes a wedge work? Part 2

Published

5 days ago

May 9, 2024

Terry Koehler

In my last post, I explained the basic performance dynamics of “smash factor” and “gear effect” as they apply to your wedges and your wedge play success. If you missed that post, you can read it here.

At the end of that post, I promised “part 2” of this discussion of what makes a wedge work the way it does. So, let’s dive into the other two components of any wedge – the shaft and the grip.

It’s long been said that the shaft is “the engine of the golf club.” The shaft (and grip) are your only connection to all the technologies that are packed into the head of any golf club, whether it be a driver, fairway, hybrid, iron, wedge or even putter.

And you cannot ignore those two components of your wedges if your goal is optimizing your performance.

I’ve long been an advocate of what I call a “seamless transition” from your irons into your wedges, so that the feel and performance do not disconnect when you choose a gap wedge, for example, instead of your iron-set-matching “P-club.” In today’s golf equipment marketplace, more and more golfers are making the investment of time and money to experience an iron fitting, going through trial and error and launch monitor measuring to get just the right shaft in their irons.

But then so many of those same golfers just go into a store and choose wedges off the retail display, with no similar science involved at all. And that’s why I see so many golfers with a huge disconnect between their custom-fitted irons, often with lighter and/or softer graphite or light steel shafts . . . and their off-the-rack wedges with the stock stiff steel ‘wedge flex’ shaft common to those stock offerings.

If your wedge shafts are significantly heavier and stiffer than the shafts in your irons, it is physically impossible for you to make the same swing. Period.

To quickly improve your wedge play, one of the first things you can do is have your wedges re-shafted with the same or similar shaft that is in your irons.

There’s another side of that shaft weight equation; if you don’t have the forearm and hand strength of a PGA Tour professional, you simply cannot “handle” the same weight shaft that those guys play to master the myriad of ‘touch shots’ around the greens.

Now, let’s move on to the third and other key component of your wedges – the grips. If those are not similar in shape and feel to the grips on your irons, you have another disconnect. Have your grips checked by a qualified golf club professionals to make sure you are in sync there.

The one caveat to that advice is that I am a proponent of a reduced taper in your wedge grips – putting two to four more layers of tape under the lower hand, or selecting one of the many reduced taper grips on the market. That accomplishes two goals for your scoring.

First, it helps reduce overactive hands in your full and near-full wedge swings. Quiet hands are key to good wedge shots.

And secondly, it provides a more consistent feel of the wedge in your hands as you grip down for those shorter and more delicate shots around the greens. And you should always grip down as you get into those touch shots. I call it “getting closer to your work.”

So, if you will spend as much time selecting the shafts and grips for your wedges as you do choosing the brand, model, and loft of them, your scoring range performance will get better.

Vincenzi’s 2024 Wells Fargo Championship betting preview: Tommy Fleetwood ready to finally land maiden PGA Tour title

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

The PGA Tour season ramps back up this week for another “signature event,” as golf fans look forward to the year’s second major championship next week.

After two weaker-field events in the Zurich Classic and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, most of the best players in the world will head to historic Quail Hollow for one of the best non-major tournaments of the year.

Last season, Wyndham Clark won the event by four shots.

Quail Hollow is a par-71 measuring 7,521 yards that features Bermudagrass greens. The tree-lined, parkland style course can play quite difficult and features one of the most difficult three-hole stretches in golf known as “The Green Mile,” which makes up holes 16-18: two mammoth par 4s and a 221-yard par 3. All three holes have an average score over par, and water is in play in each of the last five holes on the course.

The field is excellent this week with 68 golfers teeing it up without a cut. All of the golfers who’ve qualified are set to tee it up, with the exception of Scottie Scheffler, who is expecting the birth of his first child.

Past Winners at Quail Hollow

2023: Wyndham Clark (-19)
2022: Max Homa (-8)
2021: Rory McIlroy (-10)
2019: Max Homa (-15)
2018: Jason Day (-12)
2017: Justin Thomas (-8) (PGA Championship)
2016: James Hahn (-9)
2015: Rory McIlroy (-21)

Key Stats For Quail Hollow

Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes gained: Approach will be extremely important this week as second shots at Quail Hollow can be very difficult.

Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

Akshay Bhatia (+1.16)
Tom Hoge (+1.12)
Corey Conners (+1.01)
Shane Lowry (+0.93)
Austin Eckroat (+0.82)

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Quail Hollow is a long course on which it is important to play from the fairway. Both distance and accuracy are important, as shorter tee shots will result in approach shots from 200 or more yards. With most of the holes heavily tree lined, errant drives will create some real trouble for the players.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Past 24 Rounds:

Ludvig Aberg (+0.73)
Rory McIlroy (+0.69)
Xander Schauffele (+0.62)
Viktor Hovland (+0.58)
Chris Kirk (+0.52)

Proximity: 175-200

The 175-200 range is key at Quail Hollow. Players who can hit their long irons well will rise to the top of the leaderboard.

Proximity: 175-200+ over past 24 rounds:

Cameron Young (28’2″)
Akshay Bhatia (29’6″)
Ludvig Aberg (+30’6″)
Sam Burns (+30’6″)
Collin Morikawa (+30’9″)

SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs

Players who thrive on Tom Fazio designs get a bump for me at Quail Hollow this week.

SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs over past 36 rounds:

Patrick Cantlay (+2.10)
Rory McIlroy (+1.95)
Tommy Fleetwood (+1.68)
Austin Eckroat (+1.60)
Will Zalatoris (+1.57)

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)

Strokes Gained: Putting has historically graded out as the most important statistic at Quail Hollow. While it isn’t always predictable, I do want to have it in the model to bump up golfers who prefer to putt on Bermudagrass.

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:

Taylor Moore (+0.82)
Nick Dunlap (+.76)
Wyndham Clark (+.69)
Emiliano Grillo (+.64)
Cam Davis (+.61)

Course History

This stat will incorporate players that have played well in the past at Quail Hollow.

Course History over past 36 rounds (per round):

Rory McIlroy (+2.50)
Justin Thomas (+1.96)
Jason Day (+1.92)
Rickie Fowler (+1.83)
Viktor Hovland (+1.78)

Wells Fargo Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: Off the Tee (23%), SG: Total on Fazio designs (12%), Proximity: 175-200 (12%), SG: Putting Bermuda grass (12%), and Course History (14%).

Wyndham Clark
Rory McIlroy
Xander Schauffele
Shane Lowry
Hideki Matsuyama
Viktor Hovland
Cameron Young
Austin Eckroat
Byeong Hun An
Justin Thomas

2024 Wells Fargo Championship Picks

Tommy Fleetwood +2500 (DraftKings)

I know many out there have Tommy fatigue when it comes to betting, which is completely understandable given his lack of ability to win on the PGA Tour thus far in his career. However, history has shown us that players with Fleetwood’s talent eventually break though, and I believe for Tommy, it’s just a matter of time.

Fleetwood has been excellent on Tom Fazio designs. Over his past 36 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on Fazio tracks. He’s also been incredibly reliable off the tee this season. He’s gained strokes in the category in eight of his past nine starts, including at The Masters, the PLAYERS and the three “signature events” of the season. Tommy is a golfer built for tougher courses and can grind it out in difficult conditions.

Last year, Fleetwood was the first-round leader at this event, firing a Thursday 65. He finished the event in a tie for 5th place.

For those worried about Fleetwood’s disappointing start his last time out at Harbour Town, he’s bounced back nicely after plenty of poor outings this season. His T7 at the Valero Texas Open was after a MC and T35 in his prior two starts and his win at the Dubai Invitational came after a T47 at the Sentry.

I expect Tommy to bounce back this week and contend at Quail Hollow.

Justin Thomas +3000 (DraftKings)

It’s been a rough couple of years for Justin Thomas, but I don’t believe things are quite as bad as they seem for JT. He got caught in the bad side of the draw at Augusta for last month’s Masters and has gained strokes on approach in seven of his nine starts in 2024.

Thomas may have found something in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage. He finished T5 at a course that he isn’t the best fit for on paper. He also finally got the putter working and ranked 15th in Strokes Gained: Putting for the week.

The two-time PGA champion captured the first of his two major championships at Quail Hollow back in 2017, and some good vibes from the course may be enough to get JT out of his slump.

Thomas hasn’t won an event in just about two years. However, I still believe that will change soon as he’s been one of the most prolific winners throughout his PGA Tour career. Since 2015, he has 15 PGA Tour wins.

Course history is pretty sticky at Quail Hollow, with players who like the course playing well there on a regular basis. In addition to JT’s PGA Championship win in 2017, he went 4-1 at the 2022 Presidents Cup and finished T14 at the event last year despite being in poor form. Thomas can return as one of the top players on the PGA Tour with a win at a “signature event” this week.

Cameron Young +3500 (DraftKings)

For many golf bettors, it’s been frustrating backing Cam Young this season. His talent is undeniable, and one of the best and most consistent performers on the PGA Tour. He just hasn’t broken through with a victory yet. Quail Hollow has been a great place for elite players to get their first victory. Rory McIlroy, Anthony Kim, Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark all notched their first PGA Tour win at Quail.

Throughout Cam Young’s career, he has thrived at tougher courses with strong fields. This season, he finished T16 at Riviera and T9 at Augusta National, demonstrating his preference of a tough test. His ability to hit the ball long and straight off the tee make him an ideal fit for Quail Hollow, despite playing pretty poorly his first time out in 2023 (T59). Young should be comfortable playing in the region as he played his college golf at Wake Forest, which is about an hour’s drive from Quail Hollow.

The 26-year-old has played well at Tom Fazio designs in the past and ranks 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on those courses in his last 36 rounds. Perhaps most importantly, this season, Young is the best player on the PGA Tour in terms of proximity from 175-200 in the fairway, which is where a plurality and many crucial shots will come from this week.

Young is an elite talent and Quail Hollow has been kind to players of his ilk who’ve yet to win on Tour.

Byeong Hun An +5000 (FanDuel)

Byeong Hun An missed some opportunities last weekend at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. He finished T4 and played some outstanding golf, but a couple of missed short putts prevented him from getting to the winning score of -23. Despite not getting the win, it’s hard to view An’s performance as anything other than an overwhelming success. It was An’s fourth top-ten finish of the season.

Last week, An gained 6.5 strokes ball striking, which was 7th in the field. He also ranked 12th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th for Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The South Korean has been hitting the ball so well from tee to green all season long and he now heads to a golf course that should reward his precision.

An’s driver and long irons are absolute weapons. At Quail Hollow, players will see plenty of approach shots from the 175-200 range as well as some from 200+. In his past 24 rounds, Ben ranks 3rd in the field in proximity from 175-200 and 12th in proximity from 200+. Playing in an event that will not end up being a “birdie” fest should help An, who can separate from the field with his strong tee to green play. The putter may not always cooperate but getting to -15 is much easier than getting to -23 for elite ball strikers who tend to struggle on the greens.

Winning a “signature event” feels like a tall task for An this week with so many elite players in the field. However, he’s finished T16 at the Genesis Invitational, T16 at The Masters and T8 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 32-year-old’s game has improved drastically this season and I believe he’s ready to get the biggest win of his career.

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