Equipment
New for 2019: Callaway ERC Soft, Supersoft and Supersoft Magna Golf Balls
Callaway Golf has announced its newest golf balls for 2019 — the Callaway ERC Soft, Supersoft, and Supersoft Magna.
All three models hit retail stores on February 8.
Callaway ERC Soft
With the new ERC Soft Golf Ball, Callaway Golf introduces its new Hybrid Cover. The soft multi-material cover is designed to promote a combination of faster ball speed for longer distance with a soft feel, while also providing higher spin for excellent control around the green.
The ERC Soft also contains Callaway’s largest Graphene-infused Dual SoftFast Core yet, which features a larger inner core which aims to maximize compression energy for fast ball speeds, while minimizing driver spin to promote a high launch for greater distance.
With the ERC Soft, Callaway has also introduced its new Triple Track Technology. The new technology utilizes Vernier Acuity Precision (a visual technology used to land planes on aircraft carriers) and aims to improve alignment compared to a regular side stamp alignment aid.
The ERC Soft comes with a price tag of $39.99 per dozen.
Callaway Supersoft
The new Supersoft combines Callaway’s lowest compression with a new softer cover and HEX Aerodynamics.
The HEX Aerodynamics of the Supersoft Golf Ball aims to lower the spin rate to reduce drag while enhancing lift for increased carry, higher flight and longer distance.
The Ultra-Low-Compression-Core is designed to create low spin for a longer, straighter flight on full shots. While combined with the new soft Trionomer cover, the Supersoft Golf Ball aims to provide golfers with better feel and greater shot-stopping spin around the green.
The Supersoft cost $22.99 per dozen.
Callaway Supersoft Magna
The new Supersoft Magna is an oversized ball that still conforms to the USGA Rules of Golf. The bigger size aims to provide developing golfers and slow swing speed players, to make better contact on the clubface.
Its larger size, higher center of gravity and high MOI are designed to offer a higher launch and contact that you would typically get when a ball is teed up.
The Supersoft Magna also contains the same characteristics of the Supersoft Golf Ball, including the Ultra-Low Compression Core, HEX Aerodynamics and Soft Trionomer cover to provide golfers with all the benefits of the Supersoft Golf Ball.
The Supersoft Magna costs $22.99 per dozen.
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- Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist TSR2 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White Hybrid 90 TX
Irons: Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 S
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46-10F, 50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (54-M, 58-L @60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Onyx (46-50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Onyx (54-60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
Grips: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Richy Werenski’s clubs in the forums.
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Equipment
Adam Scott testing green “Masters Use Only” putter + 6 interesting equipment photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Welcome to the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson event at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, which, for your geographical reference, is about 25 minutes from Dallas.
In early-week equipment news, we saw some interesting putter testing from Adam Scott, a Maxfli golf ball signing on the PGA Tour, a 16-year-old’s WITB, a PGA Tour player using another PGA Tour player’s backup putter, and Jordan Spieth weighed in on why he recently switched out just his 7-iron (and then made a hole-in-one with it).
With so much to report and so little time to waste on the intro, let’s get right into this week’s equipment rundown from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
See all of our photo galleries from the week here
Adam Scott’s new L.A.B. putters
Before we get into a couple of the new prototypes Scott has been testing, above is a photo of the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max prototype putter that he’s been using, and will likely continue to use this week in Texas.
That being said, following the Masters, Scott was looking to try a couple putters with a slightly lighter weight to help with his feel on fast greens.
One of the new prototypes we spotted on Tuesday was a L.A.B. Golf DF3 “Proto 2.1”, custom-built with Scott’s preferred blue colorway, and an Australia-inspired Kangaroo laser engraving…
We also spotted him with a green-colored “For Masters Use Only” Mezz.1 Max prototype…
While it’s unlikely Scott will make a switch this week, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward, especially on courses with faster greens.
We also got a peek into Scott’s full WITB this week, which consists of a super-mixed set of Srixon irons, including a ZX Utility 3-iron, a ZX-5 MkII 4-iron, ZX-7 MkII mid-irons (5-7) and Z Forged II short irons (8-9).
See Scott’s full WITB from the CJ Cup here
An update on Daniel Berger’s Odyssey Jailbird
Last week in New Orleans, we highlighted Daniel Berger’s Ai-One Jailbird Mini putter because of its unique sightlines.
Well, we have an update.
According to Callaway Tour Manager Joe Toulon, who spoke with GolfWRX.com this week, Berger’s Jailbird Mini is actually from fellow Tour player Tom Kim’s stash. Kim is a prolific putter tester, and the exact putter Berger is currently using was actually originally made for and tested by Kim. The putter didn’t make it into Kim’s starting lineup, however, so he gave the putter back to Odyssey, and it eventually made it’s way onto Berger’s gamer roster.
Jordan Spieth’s new 7-iron
As the story goes, Jordan Spieth changed out his Titleist T100 7-iron on Wednesday before the 2024 Valero Texas Open, and then on Thursday, he used the 7-iron to make a hole-in-one from 199 yards on the 16th hole.
Good timing on that switch, Jordan.
On Tuesday at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, GoflWRX.com caught up with Spieth to get the full story on why he switched just the 7-iron.
Our full story is over on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, but here’s a snippet of what Spieth had to say:
“I hit my 7-iron a lot, especially on my own. The spin rates, relative to my 6-iron and my 8-iron, were lower, so it was going too far. I was trying to figure out why, if it was something in the makeup of the iron. I got the lies and the lofts checked, and everything was fine. So finally I was like, ‘Can I just get a new one and see if it fixes it?’
“Maybe there was one other time throughout my career where I changed just one iron, so it’s very unusual. I think it’s just because the grooves were worn down from hitting it too much.”
Ben Griffin signs with Maxfli to play the golf ball
At the beginning of the year, LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson signed a deal with Maxfli to play the company’s golf ball, and now, Griffin has officially joined team Maxfli, as well, thus expanding the company’s Tour presence.
GolfWRX.com caught up with Griffin on Wednesday in Texas for a video interview about his new golf ball of choice, and how he marks it…
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A 16-year-old is playing on the PGA Tour this week, using a 2-iron!
Amateur golfer Kris Kim, at just 16 years of age, is making his PGA Tour debut this week after receiving a sponsors exemption into the event. In 2023, Kim won both the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship and the European Boys’ International Championship.
On Tuesday in Texas, we got a look into Kim’s bag, which revealed that he’s currently playing a TaylorMade P-770 2-iron, and a bag full of TaylorMade clubs.
Check out Kim’s full WITB here
A smart golf ball stamping
I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a big math guy, because I’m not. However, I do recognize David Nyfjall’s purple ball marking as a square root symbol.
While I don’t know the particular significance of the square root symbol for Nyfjall, I do know you have to be fairly intelligent to even consider using a marking like that. Pretty cool stuff from the Northwestern alum, and 2023 Byron Nelson Award winner.
And, with that, we say goodbye to Texas and TPC Craig Ranch. We’ll see you next week at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte for more insider equipment news and storylines.
For now, don’t forget to check out all of our photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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- Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 50 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 X
Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Rescue (19.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Takomo 101U (4), Takomo 101T (5), Takomo 301 CB (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 52-08F, 56-14F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (58-A)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grips: SuperStroke, Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
More photos of Wesley Bryan’s WITB in the forums.
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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
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
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
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)...
Pierceson Coody WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi 10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi 10 Tour (15 degrees)...
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Bobtrumpet
Jan 7, 2019 at 10:13 am
The three lines on the ERC Soft reminids me of Dave Pelz O-Ball.
DanT
Jan 5, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Living in Virginia, I generally play golf from April to November. Last year I used the supersoft ball, and liked it. So for my birthday, and Christmas I ask my family to buy me the supersoft golf balls as a gift. I have about 7 dozen ball, that will clearly last me throughout next year.
Here is my problem with Callaway – I asked for the supersoft balls as on each box I own (given as presents) it states “New and Improved”. Foolishly, i assumed, and was told by my local golf store – Callaway normally comes out with improved golf balls product line every other year. (I know that golf clubs are revised annually, but not golf balls.) So, i assumed with the “new and improved” on each box sold in 2018 – Callaway would change/improve/modify the supersoft in 2020. I guess the market need to come out with newer and greater overrides printed “hyperbole” on the box.
Art Williams
Jan 4, 2019 at 8:46 pm
I know they say it is still a super low compression. Does anyone know what the actual compression is? The current Supersoft is said to be 38 degree. Have to wait to hear what the new Supersoft is. I remember many years ago that some company had a larger ball. It was a dud and went away quickly.
Yes Sir
Jan 4, 2019 at 12:56 pm
The fact they use the word “technology” when talking about 3 lines painted on a golf ball is just obscene. Comparing technology on an aircraft (3 lines mind you) and lines painted on a golf ball. GET THE F OUTTA HERE. I just lost ALL respect for callaway. All these major brands are just making a mockery of people while trying to take their money.
Chuck Dietz
Jan 4, 2019 at 11:23 am
Time will tell how it sells to consumers. No mention of colors….might up the interest?
The thought that a slightly larger ball might be easier to hit may be more in the golfer’s head, but the intended audience is likely not very aware of the distance they would hit any ball, and at low swing speeds, the differences are likely very small.
Chip
Jan 4, 2019 at 11:18 am
I hope they got rid of the chrome soft name
That would piss people off!
Rich Douglas
Jan 4, 2019 at 10:54 am
Great. Now everyone can see how you mis-hit that putt!
The Magna ball is odd. That’s been tried before (by Spalding Top Flite). It doesn’t make sense. There’s a reason the USGA puts limits on how SMALL and how HEAVY the ball can be. Making it bigger and keeping the same weight isn’t an improvement. The ball will travel less distance and the notion that some golfers will be able to “make better contact on the clubface….” is odd; the difference is too small to matter on the clubface, but large enough to matter in the air–in a not-good way.
Simms
Jan 6, 2019 at 1:25 am
.of course they do own the patents form Top Flite. Only 22.99, let see Costco 3 piece urethane $23.99 for two dozen?? and my Costco had two full pallets sitting in the aisle just yesterday. Still have over 5 dozen of the Kirkland 4 piece but like the 3 piece much better..