Equipment
SPOTTED: Three new PXG drivers appear on the USGA conforming list
Following up its original 0811 driver launch, PXG came out with 0811X drivers earlier in 2017. Now, as of December 18, there are three new PXG drivers that have popped up on the USGA Conforming Driver Heads list. The new heads include all 9-degree models; PXG ZZ, PXG XXF and PXG XX. Based on the placement of its signature screw-like weights, it appears there is a fade-biased head, a draw-biased head and a neutral head.
Discussion: See what GolfWRX members are saying about the new PXG driver heads
PXG ZZ (Neutral)
The PXG ZZ head appears to have a slightly more compact shape than the XXF and XX models, and it also has only six weights in the sole that are placed in the rear of the head on the toe and heel. The placement of these weights suggest both high MOI (moment of inertia, a measure of forgiveness) and a neutral trajectory bias.
PXG XXF (Fade-biased?)
The PXG XXF head has nine weights in the sole, with three weights placed out on the toe; this weight placement suggests a fade-bias. And with three weights closer to the face, this suggests a CG (center of gravity) that’s more forward than the ZZ model, possibly to lower spin.
PXG XX (Draw-biased?)
Like the XXF head, the PXG XX head has nine weights in the sole, with three weights forward in the head. The difference is that the XX model has three weights in the heel, suggesting a draw-bias.
What do you think about the new PXG drivers that appear on the USGA conforming list?
Discussion: See what GolfWRX members are saying about the new PXG driver heads
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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
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Whats in the Bag
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
- Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX
Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
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Kenneth Boucher
Dec 22, 2017 at 10:05 am
I am a custom clubmaker and fitter with over 25 years of experience, I also worked at a big box store as the main fitter and repair man. I have had the chance to hit everything out on the market, I can say that the PXG clubs are far superior to anything out there. I am amazed at all the WRX so called golfers who constantly rip on this company when in fact they are about the only company out there who are in fact actually building a club to help your game and not relying on hype and advertising to sell like OEM companies. Yes I carry PXG in my shop and will put them against any others. You dont get a cheap shaft like OEM clubs instead you will get a shaft to fit your swing. Stop whinning about the price and buy a set that will last for many years instead of a new set of under performing clubs every couple years. I play them myself switching last summer and won my club championship flight by 11 shots, yes the clubs are that good. Maybe try them instead of just knocking them.
SK
Dec 25, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Great news but exactly what makes the PXG clubs “far superior to anything out there.”?
How do PXGs “… build a club to help your game..”?
How do PXG determine “…a shaft to fit your swing.”?
If you are a legit “custom clubmaker and fitter” do you get PXG component club heads and then do the shaft fitting?
How do you do a “dynamic” shaft fitting with the PXG club heads installed?
Thanks for your clarifications to your nebulous comments about PXG and your great game.
Kenneth Boucher
Dec 30, 2017 at 9:30 am
Yes I am a Ligit clubmaker and yes I receive the clubhead from PXG I select the proper loft for your game I also make the selection of the correct shaft for your swing. Not all shafts have the same flex as their given letter A R S X. You must know the cpm of the shaft you order to get this correct also I may tip a shaft to make it a bit stiffer depends on customers needs. Mostly use paderson shafts of graphite design. You get quality with PXG
Realist
Jan 9, 2018 at 1:19 pm
If they are far superior, then why isnt every pro gaming at least the driver?
PXG has far superior marketing at best
Anthony
Dec 20, 2017 at 10:28 pm
Sorry guys and girls but you’re all wrong! These driver heads are all “foam” filled for more ball speed across the whole face, even hit it low in the shaft and it will fly!!!! Each driver will set you back $15,000 and in 2 months the R&A will deem them illegal and someone will set a nice law suit against them for the foam in the driver head because someone did it 200 years ago….
Bummer, there goes my $15,000 ROFLMAO….
Wrxer
Dec 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm
PXG = Skrews skrews skrews … in the head !!!!!
Ab
Dec 20, 2017 at 11:04 pm
As long as the ‘skrews’ in your head don’t come loose when swinging 😉
HDTVMAN
Dec 20, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Sorry, but $400 will buy a driver, if not better, comparable to PXG. I currently play the Callaway Fusion Heavy, long and forgiving, however, the new Ping G400 appears to be the current king of the hill with distance and forgiveness.
Wrxer
Dec 20, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Yah but they don’t have skrews in the head….. skrews are superior for accuracy and forgiveness… and that’s a fact. No skrews no swing no good !!!!
Simms
Dec 18, 2017 at 6:09 pm
I think it is great that the one’s that have no limit on how much they spend on their clubs has places to go….maybe it is time the less affluent get a company to make “Good” clubs everyone has a chance to afford…One place I have found and used for “Very Good” and affordable clubs is called GolfWorks…they sell components and tools to make clubs, but also do a little customization selling their own club heads, shafts etc….never tried their irons but will stand firm behind some of their fairway metals fit to their shafts, as a 12 handicap going thru $300 Yonex, and $200 Taylormade fairway metals the $69 GolfWorks fairways blow them away…
Jerry
Dec 19, 2017 at 11:35 pm
That’s off-topic, don’t you think. Let’s get back to the PXG drivers. Most of us are not buying them, we all know they are expensive, but let’s take a look at the tech.
Wrxer
Dec 20, 2017 at 12:32 am
But do they have tungsten skrews in their heads… skrews are best… dontcha know?!!
dat
Dec 18, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Costs about as much as a bowling alley.
Scott
Dec 18, 2017 at 3:16 pm
$1000 per club baby!!!
stevek
Dec 19, 2017 at 7:35 am
…. and for those who have more money than brains or talent …!
Scott
Dec 19, 2017 at 7:04 pm
I’m a 3 handicap and play PXG irons they’re that much better and worth the money
Wrxer
Dec 20, 2017 at 12:29 am
How “better”?.. and why “worth the money”?.. ‘splain yerself 3 handicapper!!
tsakdontkno
Dec 18, 2017 at 1:57 pm
looks like a bowling ball
Wrxer
Dec 20, 2017 at 12:30 am
… with skrews all over …!!!