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Ryan Palmer on switching irons, learning the game in Texas, and why he doesn’t have an equipment contract
Last week, Johnny Wunder talked with three-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Palmer on his Gear Dive podcast. While the pod has nearly 5,000 listens on Soundcloud, we saw plenty of WRX Members asking to, well, see some of what Palmer had to say in the form of a transcript or article.
In response to those requests, we’ve transcribed some highlights from the Texan’s appearance on the Gear Dive, and we hope you enjoy.
On growing up in Texas
RP: Growing up in Amarillo, it’s flat, it’s windy. It can get on a little hardpan. I guess I’ve learned, I just learned, at an early age how to trap the ball…I was able to hit it low for a lot of years. I used to hit a big ol’ sweeping hook…it was just the game I learned to play, you know. As I got better and got older, you learn to hit other shots. I can always go back to that trap-flighted that I can hit so good when the wind is blowing. So, I guess, a little bit of an advantage there growing up in Amarillo and the Panhandle.
On what he looks for in an iron
RP: It’s mostly appearance…I like a little offset in the iron…You’ll notice, and, as I talk about in my career I don’t switch, and, when I find something I like I stick with it, and Titleist always comes out with a good looking iron each and every year. So I kind of just kept moving and progressing with their models. And you know the sole of a Titleist worked out. That’s the reason why I hit the AP 2s for so long, because of the sole of it. I liked the width of it, how it went through the turf, and every iron I looked through the last 10 years, the first thing I look at is the sole, and if it’s a little skinnier than what I’m used to seeing, yeah I know it’s not going to be what I want. That’s kind of the first thing I look. A little top line I guess. But, main thing is, looking at the sole of the club and the length from heel to toe. That’s the two things I look at the most.
On what it takes to switch, particularly with a driver
RP: Yeah, I switched to TaylorMade’s back in ’08, I think it was ’08, ’09, somewhere around there from Titleist. Uh, you know, today with drivers, I’ve been hitting the M1 since it came out. And then before that, I was in the white Burner SuperFast, forever. When I get a driver I like, I hit the same shaft forever. It was the old Harmon Tour Design Shaft CB2x. You know, I switched shafts the first time last year or two years ago, I think, at Colonial. To the ACCRA…That was the first time I’ve switched shafts since, since, the Web.com in my driver.
With the driver, you know, the one thing…I look at, first of all, I’ll hit it a few times before I get on the monitors, I need to see the launch. The feel of the club, all that stuff, the weight of it. Once I start seeing the flight, then I’ll get on the numbers. And you know, look at the ball spin, the launch, the spin for me. I don’t look at the other garbage on there. I just, it’s ball speed, launch, spin, and you know, obviously clubhead speed. Once I see those numbers, that’s all it takes. Then, if I hit one or two hooks with the driver, then, it’s out. I won’t even give it another look.
On not having a club deal
RP: Well the problem today is, you’re having to sign the full bag. I mean, with TaylorMade, you’re having to sign the full staff, the ball. Titleist, full clubs, the ball. Callaway, I mean, Callaway will get you in a driver deal. TaylorMade doesn’t have anymore driver deals out there. Ping is obviously full staff, full clubs. So it’s just, guys, are not wanting to sign away every club in their bag. I mean, for me, I got an Odyssey putter, Vokey wedges, Srixon irons, TaylorMade woods.
You know, honestly, some of the contracts aren’t worth what the money we’re playing for. That’s the way I’ve always looked at it, the last few years, and, I’d rather take the clubs I’m comfortable with and have confidence in than going out there with something I’m not used to just get a couple hundred thousand more dollars.
I think these young guys today, come out here, and then they leave the Web, and then automatically, “Who can I sign with, where can I sign?”…They’re getting bad advice, from a lot of, from the people giving them advice, you know? There’s people out there trying to make a buck off them. They think, “Here sign this deal with this company, this club company, because somebody on the outside is getting an extra kickback.”
Guys don’t realize, you sign a $400,000 contract with whoever…Go finish top 10 twice, and you’ve made it, you’ve made that money. So it’s almost, that’s my approach, and, you know, Mike Chisholm, my manager, close personal friend of mine first, but, we talk about it all the time. And, to me, and he knows, there’s more money to be won on the golf course then there is off the golf course when it comes to equipment.
On the switch from Titleist 710 AP2 to Srixon 785 irons
RP: I ran, I don’t know which year it was, um, they sent, I don’t know if it was when the 12 or 14s, when they came out. They sent me like, two or three sets, and they sent Stricker two or three sets as well. That was all, they told me, this is all we have left. And so, they just kind of, they finally played theirselves out.
We were at BMW this year and James Mackay and I, and my coach, Randy Smith, we were on the range, and I had a Mizuno set made, I had these 785s made. And, we hit a bunch of balls, different shots. Low, right-to-left, left-to-right, high, and with the Srixons, I hit every shot the way I wanted. And so I was playing so bad as it was, I played the Srixons the final round at BMW. And then, didn’t look back, because I hit a lot of shots I wanted, the yardage control, everything I wanted that day. And then James and I both agreed, I told James, I’m comfortable, let’s just take them. We took them to Malaysia, and Korea, and Vegas so, it’s worked out.
You can find the full podcast here.
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Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police on the way to Valhalla Golf Club this morning due to a traffic misunderstanding.
“Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, and Scheffler then stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then began to scream at Scheffler to get out of the car.
“When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer shoved Scheffler against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. He is now being detained in the back of a police car.”
Darlington also posted a video of the dramatic moment which you can view below:
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
There was an unrelated accident at around 5am, which is what may have caused some of the misunderstanding of which traffic was moving.
Speaking on ESPN, Darlington broke down exactly what he witnessed in full detail:
“Entering Valhalla Golf Club this morning, we witness a car pull around us that was Scottie Scheffler. Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police officers, placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security, ended up being police officers.
“They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop, the police officer attached himself to the vehicle, and Scheffler then travelled another 10 yards before stopping the car.”
“The police officer then grabbed at his arm, attempting to pull him out of the car, before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back in handcuffs.
“Very stunned about what was happening, he looked towards me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. He very clearly didn’t know what was happening in the situation.”
“It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively. He was detained in that police vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. The police officers at that point did not understand that Scottie Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the number one player in the world.”
Full details on Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, excellent reporting by @JeffDarlington.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 17, 2024
Due to the accident, play has been delayed this morning. Scheffler’s current tee time for the second round of the PGA Championship is 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler’s mugshot following the incident:
Scottie Scheffler’s mugshot from Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections. pic.twitter.com/bcJn54Nu5x
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 17, 2024
*Update*
Scheffler has been charged with 2nd Degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler charges
– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer
– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
– Reckless driving
– Disregard signals from officer directing traffic pic.twitter.com/bX8mFF2Xay— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
*Update*
According to ESPN+, Scottie Scheffler has been released and is now on his way to the golf course.
*Update*
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08 a.m second round tee time.
After being detained by police earlier this morning, Scottie Scheffler was released and is back at Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/KvS5Hwo6PS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 17, 2024
*Update*
The PGA of America released this statement regarding the fatal accident, which diverted traffic at Valhalla this morning.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler released the following statement.
Scottie Scheffler’s statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
We will update this developing story as more information on the situation is revealed.
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Five Things We Learned: Thursday at the PGA Championship
It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head-to-head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting soul, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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Benny
Dec 16, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Agree nice read and follow up Wrx. Always love hearing and seeing this stuff. I think more and kore we will see this. Brooks is the top 10 I can think of w/o a bag deal. Rose moving to Honma. Heard TMag doesn’t do the “woods only” contract anymore. Yet still so many play their woods when the option is there?
Rich Douglas
Dec 16, 2018 at 10:59 am
There should be a strong correlation between on-course performance money and endorsement money. But as pointed out by Palmer, there isn’t. Unless you have an ownership stake, of course.
In golf, tournament purses can be influenced by many factors, including corporate sponsorships. But it is the fans who buy the equipment endorsed by players, not the corporations. Thus, there is an imbalance, where there’s a disproportionate amount of money to be earned on-course (from corporations) than off-course (from fans). The golf OEMs can’t pay the players in endorsements commensurate with their on-course earnings. There are exceptions, of course, but very few. I like Palmer’s point that, for most players, that the money lost from a club contract can be made up by using clubs right for you.
We’ve seen this on the Tour in the past. I remember when Payne Stewart switched to Top-Flite after coming into dominance. Hitting a two-piece surlyn ball with cast clubs was quite a switch for him and his performance suffered.
Where I disagree with Palmer is with the emergent pro. That guy should grab the cash and get the stability from it. Let his performance then dictate whether to go “independent” from there.
Now, what about Corey Pavin and those VAS 792s….
Broton
Dec 5, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Thanks for the transcription!! Glad to know you guys are listening. Way to go GolfWRX!
Burnt toast
Dec 4, 2018 at 9:56 am
Eh, he’ll have a club deal as soon as he wins a tournament…
retired04
Dec 4, 2018 at 8:34 am
I never do podcasts or video-like to read/scan/digest-so THANKS for the transcribing!! Read the whole thing and enjoyed it.
Jamie
Dec 3, 2018 at 9:53 pm
What putter grip does he use with his ‘claw’ putting style?
Danny Lynch
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Srixon makes the best feeling CB and MB iron out there. The 765’s are about a perfect a feeling golf iron as can be made. If you haven’t already, give the Srixon’s a try.
Speedy
Dec 3, 2018 at 4:26 pm
It’s all between the ears.
BIG STU
Dec 3, 2018 at 3:17 pm
Thanks also for transcribing the Pod Cast for some of us old farts
Aztec
Dec 3, 2018 at 1:04 pm
Excellent! Thanks for transcribing. And, pretty pleased he chose Srixon irons. Refreshing to hear him talk about how important it is how irons and drivers look and not obsess over trackman numbers.
Connor Jones
Dec 3, 2018 at 11:13 am
Very interesting take on the club contract and I absolutely love it. Important to play well rather than struggle and switch clubs