Equipment
TaylorMade and Sergio Garcia part ways after 15 years… where to next?
When we recently spotted Sergio Garcia with a custom Odyssey Toulon putter, and then later using a Callaway Mack Daddy wedge in competition (pictured below), it seemed to be only a matter of time that TaylorMade and Garcia would soon part ways. That day has now come, as TaylorMade announced in a statement today that the Garcia-TaylorMade marriage has ended after 15 years.
“Today, after a memorable 15 year partnership with Sergio Garcia, we have mutually agreed on a release from the remaining years of his TaylorMade contract,” a TaylorMade spokesperson told us. “It has been an honor to play a role in his performance throughout his career, including The Players Championship, 19 worldwide wins, Ryder Cup heroics and his 2017 Masters win. We congratulate Sergio on a career year and wish him all the best for the future.”
Using a bag full of TaylorMade golf clubs, Garcia won the 2017 Masters to get himself off of the “best player without a major” list. As highlighted by TaylorMade’s statement, since 2003 when he joined TaylorMade from Titleist, Garcia also won The Players Championship, had 19 worldwide wins, and constantly tormented Team USA in the Ryder Cup on alternating years.
As his recent club testing decisions imply, the most likely candidate for Garcia’s next club sponsor would be Callaway, but the company has yet to comment on the matter. We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
- LIKE410
- LEGIT47
- WOW64
- LOL21
- IDHT11
- FLOP11
- OB7
- SHANK85
- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
View this post on Instagram
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
View this post on Instagram
TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
- LIKE12
- LEGIT4
- WOW3
- LOL2
- IDHT1
- FLOP1
- OB1
- SHANK2
Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/3/24): Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ 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 a Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
From the seller: (@wwcl): “Has been gamed as pics show. 33.5 includes original h/c and grip. $575 includes shipping and PP fees.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ 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
- LIKE1
- LEGIT1
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here....
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
Wesley Bryan WITB 2024 (May)
Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple...
Adam Scott WITB 2024 (May)
Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)...
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
-
19th Hole1 week agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons
LEWIS
Nov 3, 2017 at 10:10 am
Looks like its mizuno irons now guys
Forsbrand
Oct 11, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Is I because he has just been advised that Rory and tiger are major shareholders in Taylormade, part of eh private equity buyout?
Mister Tom
Oct 11, 2017 at 10:13 am
Contrary to a lot of people here, my opinion is this isn’t a decision that Garcia made. This isn’t his decision. This is a young man’s game and the needle is being pushed due to all the “2011” high-school graduates. Adidas, Taylormade, Nike, etc, are looking to use their sponsorship dollars with player brands that grow the game and grow their revenue, and Garcia isn’t growing a brand’s awareness despite having the Masters under his belt. People aren’t buying Adidas shoes or Taylormade clubs because Sergio sports their logo, they are because Dustin Johnson carries the gear.
Sponsorship for a young man is an island paradise and an old man’s graveyard. For example, Phil isn’t moving the needle much, and I would imagine Callaway has or is renegotiating his contract terms. I mean, how can Callaway afford to continue to pay Mickelson $35MM/yr, and why would they? He cannot hit a fairway, so why would that help Callaway’s driver sales?
All this talk about Tiger and his new “irons” and his swing? Seriously? The game has moved on and has embraced the young guns.
Thomas A
Oct 11, 2017 at 11:35 am
Callaway just signed Phil to a career contract. Sergio definitely moves the needle internationally.
smitty
Oct 11, 2017 at 1:16 am
TM dumped Sergio to make way for Tiger’s comeback…. and they are betting a big bagful of $$$$$ on the Resurrection of The Tigerman.
Shane
Oct 10, 2017 at 11:36 pm
Sergio Garcia had a lot of talent but has under performed over the years and it was not due to equipment. In light of his Masters win Garcia probably wanted more money and TM said no because from a marketing perspective they don’t need him as they have new blood like John Rahm to capture the Spanish market.
Anders
Oct 12, 2017 at 7:23 am
This.
alvin
Oct 10, 2017 at 10:24 pm
Sergio Sergio, I bought TM clubs because of you!!
I love you Sergio but what should I do with my new TM clubs now that you are leaving TM?
I’m verklempt ….. oooh Sergio
UnclePhil
Oct 10, 2017 at 10:09 pm
I just read that Target is making a strong run at him with his own custom line of Northwesterns!
Reno
Oct 10, 2017 at 11:07 am
Who cares.
golfraven
Oct 10, 2017 at 8:20 am
I think he also lost it after recent putter incident. Please give him a ‘decent’ putter for heaven’s sake!
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:39 am
It’s not the arrow it’s the Indian.
Head case. What a waste of talent.
ibo
Nov 8, 2017 at 2:02 am
$46M throughout his career. 20 international victories including a The Players and The Masters. Truly a waste of talent.
golfraven
Oct 10, 2017 at 8:17 am
I guess Sergio can’t hit it as far as the driver promises (he should hit it longer than Rory after what TM claimed in recent years) so he is taking off the hat and quits it – simples. I can’t blame him, who wants to have the shortest in the bunch?
Jacked_Loft
Oct 10, 2017 at 4:21 am
More than likely it’s because that Sergio originally signed with Adidas, and the TM contract was part of the total deal. Now that Adidas and TM have parted, TM would probably have to pay more for SG than before, and that would be just too much all factors considered.
Robert Parsons
Oct 9, 2017 at 5:44 pm
He’s in talks to go under contract as I type.
Nobody signs players like we do. Period.
rymail00
Oct 9, 2017 at 7:11 pm
HAHA
Robert Parsons
Oct 9, 2017 at 5:43 pm
How soon till your post is removed?
Nobody deletes posts like we do. Period.
Jack Nash
Oct 9, 2017 at 4:37 pm
Only a matter of time before he stepped away from the garbage. He got them their Major, now he smartens up.
Steven
Oct 10, 2017 at 11:07 pm
That garbage is the best driver and 5 wood I’ve hit in my life. It’s kind of stupid to call the best drivers on the PGA Tour garbage.
And the Champions Tour Players who don’t get paid to play a driver? Most are using M2. They seem to like the garbage a lot.
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:40 am
You mean the driver that they are paying the most to the players to use. These guys could use anything.
M. Vegas
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Where’s the acid faces that want Sergio with Mizuno
Brian
Oct 10, 2017 at 9:44 am
You mean “where’re”, right? “Where is the acid faces…” Does that sound right to you?
M. Vegas
Oct 10, 2017 at 2:17 pm
No, I like where’s…
I feel like that’s how I would say it if I was talking
DT
Oct 10, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Since “acid faces” is plural, “where are” is grammatically correct.
Steve Hamer
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:14 pm
there club are made for them not we get in the stores no mater what name is on them
M. Vegas
Oct 10, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Almost coherent Gump
Garry Pierce
Oct 9, 2017 at 2:54 pm
I lost respect for him when hawked a luger in the cup, he is a.
LOSER
Sergio
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:20 pm
you are the loser. he won a lot of tournament, how about you?
JThunder
Oct 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm
He sold a gun during the Ryder Cup?
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:44 am
I call him spit boy. If he’d have done that in my group I’d have kicked his a$$.
Bob Parsons
Oct 9, 2017 at 1:28 pm
I’d like to welcome Sergio Garcia to the PXG family.
Darren Rovell
Oct 9, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Sources Close to ESPN: Sergio to PXG on a 15 year deal worth up to $690 million.
Garry Pierce
Oct 9, 2017 at 2:59 pm
I can’t believe that Parson’s going to pay that kind of money. I don’t see his irons at the courses where the guys that have the cash to buy them. Las Vegas – Palm Springs – LA area or in Phoenix. Where they selling?
Boss
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Alaska and Siberia, I hear they’re really good for ice fishing
henry
Oct 9, 2017 at 5:21 pm
my god Bob shut up
MB
Oct 9, 2017 at 10:03 pm
It’s Boss not Bob
moses
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:04 pm
.690 million. Fixed it for ya. 🙂
William Boulton
Oct 10, 2017 at 10:39 am
Congrats
Great player
I’d like to try your clubs anytime soon
WestPhi
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:59 pm
I wonder if PXG will take a stab at him…?
henry
Oct 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Parsons claims “to PXG” when any player becomes available. I mean for gods sake they just signed Paige Spirinac, whose only job in golf is to look pretty.
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:45 am
Wooooohoooooo!!!!
DaJudge
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Sergio is abandoning TM because he doesn’t want to be associated with a company that sells Fake-Forged P-790 cast steel body clubs. It’s simply unethical and devious and Sergio is a man of principles.
Joe Mcgillicuti
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Wake up and get in touch with reality guys. He’s already overpaid and now that he won the Masters, his price tag has gone up per his agent. He’s on the back 9 people. And now that he is married, that old work ethic will be a tad bit harder to execute. TaylorMade got his best years out of him. Callaway usually overpays guys like this after he’s been squeezed of all the juice. Once the kid comes, priorities will REALLY change
ND Hickman
Oct 9, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Let’s be frank. Does it really matter to us which club he plays? All credit to him. We wish him well.
Boss
Oct 9, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Hello Frank
ND Hickman
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:47 am
All credit to Frank.
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:46 am
Spit boy can clean the spittoons.
Boss
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Aaaaaah I see. It’s just more money that Callaway are willing to pay, for a guy who just won a major, who has that power of negotiation that TM wasn’t willing to give that extra bit more in renegotiation. Such a shame. The agents have so much power.
Matt
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:09 pm
This is a TM decision. They’re letting almost all their players go.
Slob
Oct 9, 2017 at 1:11 pm
And……. you’re an idiot.
JThunder
Oct 9, 2017 at 4:03 pm
What’s “such a shame” about any of this? It’s two multi-million dollar companies fighting over a millionaire wearing their hat. Want some better examples of shameful behavior by millionaires? I bet I could find a few.
Slob
Oct 9, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Sarcasm, you fool
Jack Matthews
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Interesting. I wonder if he does go to Callaway. It seems like their new driver (GBB Epic) is becoming very popular on tour. Also, I wonder if “playing what the pros play” is as important as it was a decade ago. It’s clear the OEMs are fighting it out for market share now that the club business is in somewhat of a decline. I guess having big name endorsers is still one way to compete.
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:47 am
These guys are all Brand ho’s.
TBone
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Wish he’d go back and to titleist. The 818 line is so pure.
rymail00
Oct 9, 2017 at 7:20 pm
That’d be cool. But Titleist seems to get them early and then they go to OEM’s who offer more.
Tom54
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:53 am
I see nothing wrong with Sergio switching golf equipment. Let’s face it to all us avid golf nuts can you honestly say you’ve stayed with one brand for 15 years. That’s half the fun trying the newest items out on the market regardless of who makes them. Other than being paid why should they be any different.
Matt
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:53 am
TM rumored to be going to a four (star) player sponsorship system. DJ, Rory, Rahm and JDay. Not sure what will happen to Rose, Woods etc, but Rosey likely to be the next to jump ship. They just need to spread the announcements out so it doesn’t look as bad.
AceVenturi
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:50 am
He is going to Callaway, 100%.
This will hurt TaylorMade as not only they’ve seen a major drop in sales and marketshare in every major region due to the Epic story, but also gets corroborated by one of their major Icons changing bag mid-contract. Sergio has been in TMs advertising each year for the last 15.
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:49 am
Who cares about a company that brings out “THE NEXT TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH” every 6 months?
Duncan Marc
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:24 am
Maybe he got tired of being asked to switch clubs every 6 weeks….
Shane
Oct 9, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Exactly. MAYBE he asked for more, or it was just time for a change. Funny how everyone seems quick to call the guy out! Always liked the guy and wish him the best, wherever he winds up!
cgasucks
Oct 9, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Yeah…no matter which OEM he winds up with he’ll be fine career wise…
Boyo
Oct 11, 2017 at 7:49 am
You’d play with a guy that spits in the cup?
Richard Tickle
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:21 am
i bet he go pxg they make best clubsin all of golf. BOOMBABBY!
PAUL
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:46 am
YOURE ALL WRONG! i HAVE HEARD fROM rEPUTABLE SOURCE HES GOING TO wILSON sTAFF!
Mike
Oct 27, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Paul that wouldn’t surprise me one bit, Wilson make good irons, but he might just try Srixon ??? progressive iron makers
ILoveHateGolf
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:21 pm
I’ll bet he doesn’t. Regardless, at least a little effort on the grammar would be appreciated, Richard. Jesus….
Richard Trickle
Oct 9, 2017 at 12:47 pm
lEAVE jESUS OUT OF THIS. yOU BEET hE doeSNT GO pXG hUH? rEAL SMART GUYYV YOU arE!
cgasucks
Oct 10, 2017 at 10:47 am
Fentanyl is a very bad drug..please get help. Besides Wilson can’t afford Garcia…PXG…possibly..
cgasucks
Oct 9, 2017 at 11:14 am
If Garcia switched when his TM contract expired it makes a lot of sense and no one will bat an eye. But in this case Garcia got out in mid-contract which will leave a lot of questions on the table…just like Mickelson when he left Titleist for Callaway in mid-contract.