Equipment
Former employee at “The Oven” confirms Nike made Tiger’s TGR blade irons
The only equipment story that has mattered over the past few days is Tiger Woods’ new “TGR” blade prototype irons. Tiger showed up to his clinic in California with irons we had never seen before, and we asked our GolfWRX Members which manufacturer they thought made the irons.
As it turns out, GolfWRX Members may be even more knowledgeable than we thought. Based on the back cavity, the finish, and the font of the numbers stamped on the soles, 40 percent of GolfWRX members said the TGR irons were made by Nike.
Our inside source, who worked in Nike’s “The Oven” in Fort Worth, Texas, confirmed that the TGR prototype blades were in fact made by Nike.
“Those TGR blades are sweet,” our source told us. “Yes, I do know what they are. We made them for him before we were done at Nike. They are special and it was a tough project emotionally to give them the focus and passion that we always had while wondering if these would be the last we might make for him ever.”
Since Nike Golf got out of the hard goods business, it is likely those were the last irons ever made for Tiger by Nike.
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Equipment
Did Rory McIlroy inspire Shane Lowry’s putter switch?
Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.
The timing of Lowry’s putter changeup was curious: Was he just using a Spider putter because he was paired with McIlroy, who’s been using a Spider Tour X head throughout 2024? Was Lowry just being festive because it’s the Zurich Classic, and he wanted to match his teammate? Did McIlroy let Lowry try his putter, and he liked it so much he actually switched into it?
Well, as it turns out, McIlroy’s only influence was inspiring Lowry to make more putts.
When asked if McIlroy had an influence on the putter switch, Lowry had this to say: “No, it’s actually a different putter than what he uses. Maybe there was more pressure there because I needed to hole some more putts if we wanted to win,” he said with a laugh.
To Lowry’s point, McIlroy plays the Tour X model, whereas Lowry switched into the Tour Z model, which has a sleeker shape in comparison, and the two sole weights of the club are more towards the face.
Lowry’s Spider Tour Z has a white True Path Alignment channel on the crown of his putter, which is reminiscent of Lowry’s former 2-ball designs, thus helping to provide a comfort factor despite the departure from his norm. Instead of a double-bend hosel, which Lowry used in his 2-ball putters, his new Spider Tour Z is designed with a short slant neck.
“I’ve been struggling on the greens, and I just needed something with a fresh look,” Lowry told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. “It has a different neck on it, as well, so it moves a bit differently, but it’s similar. It has a white line on the back of it [like my 2-ball], and it’s a mallet style. So it’s not too drastic of a change.
“I just picked it up on the putting green and I liked the look of it, so I was like, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”
Read the rest of the piece over at PGATour.com.
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Equipment
Webb Simpson equipment Q&A: Titleist’s new 2-wood, 680 blade irons, and switching to a broomstick Jailbird
With seven career wins on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory, Webb Simpson is a certified veteran on the course. But he’s also a certified veteran in the equipment world, too. He’s a gearhead who truly knows his stuff, and he’s even worked closely with Titleist on making his own custom 682.WS irons.
On Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, I caught up with Simpson to hear about his experience with Titleist’s new prototype 2-wood, how Titleist’s 680 Forged irons from 2003 ended up back in his bag, and why he’s switching into an Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser broomstick putter this week for the first time.
Click here to read our full story about Simpson’s putter switch on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, or continue reading below for my full Q&A with Simpson at Quail Hollow Club on Wednesday.
See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here
GolfWRX: It seems like you’ve been a little all over the place with your irons in the past six months or so, and now going back to the 680’s. Is that just a comfort thing? What’s been going on with the irons?
Webb Simpson: Titleist has been so great at working with me, and R&D, on trying to get an iron that kind of modernizes the 680. And so the 682.WS took the T100 grooves, but kinda took the look and the bulk and the build of the 680’s into one club. They’re beautiful, and awesome looking. I just never hit them that well for a consistent period of time. It was probably me, but then I went to T100’s and loved them. I loved the spin, the trajectory, the yardage, but again, I never went on good runs. Going through the ground, I couldn’t feel the club as well as with the blade. So last week, I’m like, ‘Alright. I’m gonna go back more for…comfort, and see if I can get on a nice little run of ball striking.’
So that’s why I went back.
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OK, that makes sense. I know you had done some 2-wood testing recently. Is that in the bag right now?
It’s like day-by-day. I used it at Hilton Head every day. Valero, I used it one round. And this week, me and my caddie will do the book every morning, and if it’s a day where we think we need it, we’ll just put it in and take the 3-wood out. I love it because it’s a super simple swap. Like, it doesn’t really change much.
Yeah, can you tell me about that club? I mean, we don’t really know anything about it yet. You know? I haven’t hit it or anything, obviously.
It has grooves like a 3-wood. Spin is perfect. And it’s honestly, like, everything is in the middle of a 3-wood and driver number. Trajectory, spin, carry, all of it. So, a Hilton Head golf course is almost too easy to talk about because, you know, there, so many holes are driver 3-wood.
Valero, our thinking was we had two par-5’s into the wind, and we knew that it would take two great shots to get there in two. So instead of hitting driver-driver, we just put it in. And I used it on those holes.
Hilton was a little easier because it was off-the-tee kind of questions. But Colonial will be a golf course where, you know, there’s a lot of driver or 3-woods. It’s kind of like a backup putter or driver for me now. I’ll bring it to every tournament.
So it’s, like, in your locker right now, probably?
Well, it would be. It’s in my house [because Webb lives near by Quail Hollow Club, and is a member at the course.] It’s in the garage.
Oh, yeah, that’s right. Do you know what holes you might use it out here if it goes in play?
Potentially 15, depending on the wind. Second shot on 10. Could be 14 off the tee. The chances here are pretty low (that he’ll use the 2-wood). But, like, Greensboro would be an awesome club all day. I’m trying to think of any other golf courses.
There’s plenty that it’ll be a nice weapon to have.
It’s interesting, the wave of 2-woods and mini drivers. Like, it’s just really taken off on Tour, and all the companies have seemed to embrace it.
Yeah. The thing I had to learn, it took me, like, at least a week to learn about it is you gotta tee it up lower than you think. I kept teeing it up too high. You need it low, like barely higher than a 3-wood. And that was where I got optimal spin and carry. If you tee it up too high, you just don’t get as much spin and lose distance, I don’t know if that’s just a mini driver thing.
And you obviously have a Jailbird putter this week. What spurred that on?
Inconsistent putting. I’m stubborn in a lot of ways when it comes to my equipment, but I have to be open minded – I just hadn’t putted consistently well in a while. And I’m like, ‘Man, I feel my ball-striking coming along. Like I feel better; for real, better.’
If I can just get something in my hands that I’m consistent with. Being on Tour, you see it every year, guys get on little runs. I can put together four to five tournaments where I’m all the sudden back in the majors, or in the FedExCup Playoffs. You can turn things around quick out here. I’m like, ‘Man, whatever’s going to get me there, great.’
My caddie, David Cook, caddied for Akshay at the Houston Open and he putted beautifully. Then, I watched Akshay on TV at Valero, and he putted beautifully. And, I’m like, ‘I’m just going to try it.’
I’ve never tried it for more than a putt or two, and I just ordered what Akshay uses. It was pretty awkward at first, but the more I used it, the more I’m like, ‘Man, it’s pretty easy.’ And a buddy of mine who’s a rep out here, John Tyler Griffin, he helped me with some setup stuff. And he said at Hilton Head, he wasn’t putting well, then tried it, and now he makes everything. He was very confident. So I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ll try it.’”
And you’re going with it this week?
Hundred percent.
Alright, I love it. Thank you, I always love talking gear with you. Play well this week.
Thanks, man.
See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here
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Product Reviews
GolfWRX member testing: L.A.B. Golf DF3 putters
Like L.A.B. Golf’s larger DF 2.1 putter, the new DF3 is “fully automatic.” That means golfers will get the full experience of DF3 wanting to guide itself on the correct path on the way back and through. This is possible thanks to L.A.B. Golf’s patented Lie Angle Balance technology. The technology creates true zero-torque putters that stay square by themselves. Golfers can trust that L.A.B. Golf putters will return to square without any need for manipulation.
How we choose our testers
GolfWRX staff evaluates each entry against the criteria laid out in the testing thread to determine the best fit for each specific product — For example, if a game-improvement iron is being tested, game-improvement iron-playing golfers will be considered.
Overall tester feedback
Overall, our testers were impressed with the ease and precision of the remote-fitting process with its custom options. On the whole, even those skeptical about the DF3’s shape enjoyed the ease of alignment and consistent delivery of putter to ball, with some testers pointing to an initial “adjustment period.” Those who had played previous L.A.B. creations universally praised the improved feel of the DF3.
What our members said
“I try to take a lighter grip typically when I putt or at least when I am putting my best. I can do that for the most part BUT it is on the shorter putts lately where the grip gets a little tighter at times. The one thing I tried to focus on, after watching some videos Sam has putt online about how to putt with his putters, was to not feel pressure in my thumbs during the stroke and let the putter swing more freely. When you do this, this putter just wants to rock back and forth. Let the putter/tech do the work for you without your brain trying to telling to manipulate the face in any way. It was a different feeling not having that “torque” working against your hands in the feel of the stroke.”
“At this point, I feel completely confident with this putter. I have never seen the ball roll this consistently end over end on my start line. It has made me realize that I definitely have a bit of work to do in the green reading department, but what’s really nice is that it never leaves me guessing. When I watch the ball start on my line and roll perfectly end over end, it is at least nice to be able to definitively say “oh I just misread that” while taking out almost every other variable.”
“Also for whatever reason people find the gimme getter so hilarious. It’s always just “oh cool that picks up balls?!”…Unless something wild happens this putter will be staying in the bag for the foreseeable future including the tournament schedule over the season, I’ve got almost nothing bad to say about it.”
“It’s everything I hoped it would be. I’m very happy I went with the heavier head option, I fear the standard weight would have felt a touch too light for my taste. So shout out to Calvin for being spot on there. At the current weight, I can have a light grip pressure and let gravity do the work. The head just feels incredibly stable and amazingly solid. Speaking of grip, I really debated what grip to go with and the Press Pistol seems like a great choice. The grip feels very versatile for different putting styles, maybe a bit less so for left hand low (imo). I’m mostly a “2 thumbs” guy but have gone back and forth with left hand low as well as claw. The grip tapers down to a smaller flat oval at the bottom. I didn’t love it for left hand low, but for a claw style grip it is really really good.”
“This putter isn’t going to magically turn a poor putter in to Brad Faxon on the greens. But what I can say with confidence is that removing the excessive face rotation from the putter makes creating a repeatable, consistent stroke infinitely easier to obtain. If you’ve been wanting to try a LAB putter, this is the one truly worth taking the dive on in my opinion. Having never been completely blown away with the Mezz or DF 2.1, this putter has really changed my opinion. I’ve always been really intrigued by the technology, and completely buy in to the concept, but I’ve never been able to get past what I perceived to be less than stellar looks, sound and feel. LAB, in my opinion, has address and improved on all of those things. While this putter still looks far from conventional, it did not take long to get comfortable with the look or footprint. It’s not overly obnoxious in size and sets up so well behind the ball.”
“As far as consistency, it’s ridiculous. You can hit these putters ANYWHERE on the face and the ball rolls end over end. And whether you hit it in the middle, on the toe, or on the heel. The balls roll pretty much the same distance, easily within 6″ of each other.”
“LAB really did a great job with the new smaller size as well. The DF 2 always felt like I was putting with a branding iron. The DF 3 is a perfect compact size and very easy to look down at.”
“The DF 2 I had was an armlock putter. So my only concern with the DF 3 was the grip. I have never been a hands pressed forward putter. It was recommended to me to go with the Press II 1.5* grip so I did. Went with the textured grip and it is perfect. I putt with the pencil grip and my hands are very comfortable.”
“As much as I love the roll that the PXG milled face putters (which I’ve been using for years) put on the ball the DF 3 is even better. Can’t believe I’m saying this but you will soon see my PXG putter on the BST.”
Member review themes
- Ease of remote fitting process
- Putter stability
- Surprisingly good sound and feel
- Ease of getting a putt on line
- Ease of alignment
Check out the full review thread here.
More about GolfWRX member testing
Member testing gives our forum members the opportunity to put the latest golf equipment through the paces. In exchange for getting a product to test (and keep), forum members are expected to provide in-depth product feedback in the forums, along with photos, and engage with the questions of other forum members.
For brands, the GolfWRX member feedback and direct engagement is a vital window into the perceptions of avid golfers.
You can find additional testing opportunities in the GolfWRX forums.
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joe
Mar 26, 2018 at 12:11 pm
I love that Tiger is back. But Tiger will never win a major ever again. Too many great players and he can’t keep a driver in play. Today’s professional venues require long drives for the most part, it’s sad but a major for Tiger not ever going to happen.
judi cepat kaya
Jan 8, 2018 at 11:34 pm
Get a life guys. No importance who ever did these clubs for Tiger.
http://www.judicepatkaya.com & ceritabecek.com
Situs Judi Domino Terpercaya
Oct 31, 2017 at 6:12 am
It’s genuinely very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, thus I only
use internet for that reason, and take the latest news.
baba booey
Oct 16, 2017 at 9:27 am
He needs GI Pings (7-pw) with soft graphite senior shaft, not those old skool, will bust his back. Rest of the bag sb hybrids.
Scott
Oct 15, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Yawn
Doug
Oct 16, 2017 at 12:57 pm
I would advise you to avoid clicking on articles in the future that are boring to you or make you yawn. You’re a bad person.
Mr. Replier Guy
Oct 16, 2017 at 9:44 pm
lol
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:32 pm
“If this is it, he (Woods) doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone,” McIlroy said, via golfchannel.com . “He can walk away from this game with his head held extremely high and he’s done wonders for this game. I don’t think there’s a single figure in golf who did more for the game in terms of bringing different age groups of people into the game, different ethnicities, different age groups and made golf cool in the ’90s, when it really needed an injection of something.
Jack
Oct 27, 2017 at 4:25 am
Successful people like Tiger never did it for others. His drive is only for himself and thus he just wants to show himself that he can still do it. It’s the confidence and self belief that drove him to the mount rushmore of golf. He fell off track becoming the greatest ever but he’s close.
Of course I’m just guessing, but this is a common trait for success.
Harvey Weinsten
Oct 15, 2017 at 10:15 am
When are you going to make me a set, Eldrick?
The dude
Oct 15, 2017 at 9:28 am
Please take down this article……..please 🙂
Doug
Oct 16, 2017 at 12:54 pm
You’re an awful person. Don’t click on articles you don’t want to read.
Mr Muira
Oct 15, 2017 at 2:44 am
Will they fix his knee?…no….thanks for the memories.
JT
Oct 14, 2017 at 2:29 pm
I agree that there has been no other equipment news that mattered. I’m thrilled to hear they were made by Nike but I wonder: why didn’t/hasn’t TM made any clubs specifically for Tiger? Were these clubs made before/during/after the announcement?
Absolutely beautiful clubs.
UnclePhil
Oct 14, 2017 at 6:27 am
And this is relevant why?! Eldrick’s new irons will not see the light of a cut day! GO AWAY!
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Tiger will be back! Acceptance is power ????
Doug
Oct 16, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Don’t click on the article then. You go away. You’re a bad person.
Mike B
Mar 18, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Don’t reply, if you are saying the same thing, over and over………
TigersArmy
Oct 14, 2017 at 5:32 am
Get a life guys. No importance who ever did these clubs for Tiger.
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Amen!????
Doug
Oct 16, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Don’t click on the article then. You’re a bad person.
Mike B
Mar 18, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Hey Dougie, get off your knees.
Jer
Oct 14, 2017 at 3:26 am
No wonder they’re so fugly
Sims
Oct 14, 2017 at 12:53 am
I thought the better one was the golfer that gave his endorsement money back to Callaway and went back to his Taylormades. Was missing to many cuts with his Callaways and lost his card, Callaway should be toasting with champagne after “Loosing” that guy…..with his attitude he will be an also ran on the Dot. Com tour…
rymail00
Oct 13, 2017 at 9:28 pm
I’m not saying they are not the same clubs, that’s for sure. But it seems the muscle on the toe is much higher than the 6 iron pic. I suppose maybe the higher muscle on the PW is higher to promote lower launch…? Like I said I’m not saying it’s not the same, but the lines do look a little different…
Regardless interested to hear some official details eventually.
rymail00
Oct 13, 2017 at 9:30 pm
Looking again maybe it’s the angle the pic of PW and 6 iron, that makes the toe muscle look higher?
Dj
Oct 13, 2017 at 11:15 pm
That’s how the vr pros are—the muscle progressively gets higher in the shorter irons
rymail00
Oct 14, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Cool thanks for clarifying it for me. I was never really up on all of Nike’s clubs, especially their blades.
Andrew
Oct 13, 2017 at 7:27 pm
And exactly why do we/I care……? To me the “only equipment story that mattered over the past few days” was Sergio leaving TM.
Maruman
Oct 14, 2017 at 5:11 am
if you don’t care…don’t post…idiotic to do so
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Wow!???? That’s absolutely what I was thinking when I read his post!
If he doesn’t care… why post or even comment?
MB
Oct 13, 2017 at 5:25 pm
So they’re Endo forged
The dude
Oct 13, 2017 at 8:25 pm
Exxxxxactly……
tom1
Oct 14, 2017 at 9:22 am
with Surin ore, mined by Bangladesh man, smelted in Guangzhou, by a Manila refugee and then off to Endo.
OB
Oct 13, 2017 at 4:49 pm
I weep for Tiger and Nike …. boohoo boohoo …. 🙁
tom1
Oct 14, 2017 at 9:05 am
Tiger is heavily invested in Nike. Stands to reason that the equipment partnership still stands
Jack
Oct 15, 2017 at 1:44 am
It make sense only cuz he’s not back yet. Why make clubs when he’s not playing? And it’s unlikely he will get his signature line if he won’t be playing as he never established himself playing TM on tour.
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Please don’t boohoo, right now.
Tiger’s return will command all of your applause & boohoos
4under68
Mar 19, 2018 at 10:24 pm
Bam. You called it. Where’s the haters at now!? Back is good to go. Tiger in contention the last couple weeks. Vegas has him to win the Masters. Life could only get better if he does in fact win the Masters! He’s hunting. And hungry. Tiger on the prowl.
Vvictoria Washington
Oct 15, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Wow!???? That’s absolutely what I was thinking when I read his post!
If he doesn’t care… why post or even comment?
M. Vegas
Oct 13, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Bud light usually makes my ball marker