Equipment
Video: Holly Sonders inks endorsement deal with Cobra-Puma Golf
Viewers of The Golf Channel’s “The Morning Drive” and “Playing Lessons from the Pros” may notice that something is different with co-host Holly Sonders.
Sonders has signed a deal with Cobra-Puma Golf, and will be dressed in Puma clothing and use Cobra equipment for her shows.
“(Puma is) really taking clothing to the next level,” Sonders said. “They are really fashion-forward, that’s their main thing. When you think of Puma, you think of loud colors and cool.”
Sonders said she will be wearing a lot of hot pink, golf dresses and a sequin Puma logo, something she hopes will become her identifying characteristic.
“It’s outfit-by-outfit now, but like I said, I want my thing to be the sequins,” she said.
Check out our exclusive video interview with Sonders below:
[youtube id=”CapwdgIYQTo” width=”620″ height=”360″]
Sonders’ “Playing Lessons from the Pros” show returns with new episodes next month. She said Rickie Fowler, Natalie Gulbis, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell have already shot episodes for the new season.
Morning Drive airs weekdays at 7 a.m. EST, while Playing Lessons starts its new season Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m.
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Whats in the Bag
WITB Time Machine: Billy Horschel’s winning WITB, 2017 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The tournament bearing the name of one of golf’s all-time greats is now known as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Back in 2017, it was still the AT&T Byron Nelson and Billy Horschel was still a full-bag PXG staffer. The Florida Gator leveraged those wares to a playoff victory over Jason Day securing his fourth PGA Tour win in the process.
Check out the clubs Horschel had in play seven years ago in Texas.
Driver: PXG 0811X (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Tour Spec Black 6 X
3-wood: PXG 0341X (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
5-wood: PXG 0341 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
Irons: PXG 0311T (3, 5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: PXG 0311T Milled (52-10, 56-10, 60-07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: PXG Bat Attack
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 1.0
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Billy Horschel’s gear from 2017 here.
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Equipment
How Cleveland Golf’s wedge selector tool improves the wedge buying process
More than most golfers would care to admit, confusion often reigns when it comes to selecting a wedge — let alone configuring an entire wedge setup. Make? Model? Loft? Grind? Finish? Two wedges? Three wedges? Four? The questions abound!
While it’s easy to get off the fairway and deep into the rough quickly, the framework question for choosing wedges is the same as the entirety of the golf bag: How should I set up my golf bag to shoot the lowest score possible?
Manufacturers, in addition to, well, manufacturing golf clubs, also understand that golfers need to make informed decisions to get the most out of their equipment. It’s with this in mind, and to help golfers answer the aforementioned foundational question about their wedge setup, that Cleveland Golf has launched its wedge selector too.
To learn more, we talked with Cleveland’s Senior Product Manager, Casey Shultz.
GolfWRX: What was Cleveland seeing in the marketplace that led to the development of the wedge selector? How do golfers benefit?
Casey Shultz: Currently, there is a lot of talk about what grind players should play and what is right for their game in that aspect of selecting a wedge. But there is more to improving wedge play than finding the proper grind. We would even argue it’s one of the smaller dials for improvement. Players can find more success with wedges designed from head shape to shaft, sole width, gapping, and then the grind. Putting a system in place that makes the process of selecting the right wedge easier is something we feel can have a massive impact, especially for recreational players.
GolfWRX: Now, in breaking down Cleveland’s wedge selector tool, the point of departure is figuring out whether you’re an RTX or CBX player. Can you briefly spell out who each of these wedges is for?
CS: For lower handicappers, the RTX series is our tour-validated line of blade wedges. These are for players looking to play a lot of open-faced shots around the green, prioritize workability, and like to flight their wedges. CBX wedges are designed to make the short game easier, while still offering some level of versatility for the mid-high handicapper looking for a wedge that will reduce chunks and add forgiveness on all strikes. CBX’s are also a great option due to them blending well in weight and shaping with more cavity back iron sets.
GolfWRX: Proceeding through the RTX wedge selector, one of the first forks in the road is wedge finish. Can you break down the finish options and the considerations for a golfer in making their selection?
CS: With the RTX series we offer Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Rack finishes. Tour Satin is our most popular finish and offers the most grind options. With HydraZip face blasts on the newest RTX Wedges, glare is significantly reduced at address compared to other silver finish offerings. Black Satin offers custom skin options as personalization and is one of the more durable black finishes on the market but will have some visible wear over time especially on the sole. Finally, Tour Rack is our tour authentic raw finish that will rust over time. The Tour Rack finish also comes with the option of applying any of our Tour Crafted leading edge and sole grind offerings to the Wedge for players really looking to fine-tune their performance.
GolfWRX: Can you walk us through the rest of the RTX wedge fitting process?
CS: Once players have selected their preferred finish, we gather information on their iron set and loft preferences to determine proper gapping. A properly gapped set of wedges, both with each other and transitioning from a player’s last iron, is key to ensuring their set covers a wide range of approach yardages well. We then ask specific questions about the performance the player is looking to achieve in their sand and lob wedges to determine proper grinds for each of those wedges. Lastly, we confirm a preference for traditional or Full-Face grooves at each loft. Full-Face grooves offer a new level of versatility, especially with open-face shots, but it’s up to the player if they want to transition to this groove design. Our algorithm will then take these results and determine a set of wedges best suited to the player’s game.
GolfWRX: Let’s circle back to grinds. Is there a grind configuration across their wedges you’re seeing the majority of players choose or is it pretty evenly divided?
CS: The MID grind is certainly the most popular grind across all lofts, with the blend of versatility and forgiveness in a wide range of conditions suiting many players. In sand wedge lofts, the second most popular grind is our FULL, which has a little more bounce than the MID and is especially effective out of the sand or rough. In lob wedge lofts, the popular alternative to the MID is the LOW grind, offering max versatility around the greens. We’re also seeing more amateur and tour players opt for our Full-Face models, especially in the lob wedge lofts where they are planning to open the face and get creative around the greens.
GolfWRX: Can you take us through the CBX wedge selector?
CS: In the CBX selector, we start by determining if a player is looking to play a lob wedge or not. For many recreational golfers, a lob wedge may not be necessary for the consistent short-game performance they are looking to achieve. Next, the CBX selector focuses on ensuring players end up with a set that transitions well into their irons, while also staying within the constraints of a player’s bag setup. With new players distance, game improvement, and super game improvement iron lofts becoming stronger than those of the past, creating a properly gapped set of wedges is trickier than ever for these players. The selector tool takes the guesswork out of the equation, while also considering a player’s set makeup and interest in replacing a wedge. Finally, players are given the option of when or if they would like to transition into a Full-Face design for added spin on strikes all over the face.
GolfWRX: Is there anything else you think GolfWRXers need to know about Cleveland’s wedge selector tool?
CS: Our wedge selector tool is designed to be used in concert with our set builder webpages. At completion of the selector, a player’s recommended wedge set will automatically be applied to the appropriate set builder. From there, they can easily adjust components or build specs to every Wedge all in one place. Players can also add Tour Crafted sole and leading edge grinds to refine their performance on our Tour Rack wedges, or personalize custom characters, skins, and paintfill in the same place. It’s a one-stop shop to build the perfect wedge set for any player’s game.
This article was presented in partnership with Cleveland Golf. Check out the wedge selector here.
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Equipment
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
On Tuesday, LIV announced their individual championship will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club just outside of Chicago. The event will take place September 13-15.
The late announcement is seemingly due to LIV looking for the right course in the Chicago area that has the infrastructure that can accommodate a professional event.
The choice of Bolingbrook Golf Club has received some feedback on social media.
Maybe Rich Harvest Farms wasn't available? RHF is 50miles from Chicago but at least it's surrounded by farm land so plenty of space to set up
— Crawf_Indiana (@captaincrawf) April 30, 2024
Awful course choice, it's a dog track!
— Rob (@piratedwight) April 30, 2024
????#LOOK: Bolingbrook GC in Illinois, site of LIV Golf’s just announced Individual Championship has tee times available around the $50 mark.
Are you teeing it up here? pic.twitter.com/b8Lgv9ZzhK
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 30, 2024
LIV fans were quick to point out that Bethpage Black, which is hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, can also be played for a reasonable price, making the point the greens fees don’t always equate to the quality of the golf course.
During LIV’s first two seasons, LIV utilized Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago. It’s unclear why that course is off the rotation in favor of Bolingbrook.
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Gibby
Feb 12, 2013 at 9:59 am
Why is this a story? She is only 26 but looks 40. She has that used up & thrown away look to her.
[email protected]
Feb 13, 2013 at 8:15 pm
Gibby – like to see your g’friend – suspect you would be lucky to approach her.
DesertPlayer
Feb 11, 2013 at 11:10 pm
Why? She doesn’t play for a living.
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Danny Hill
Feb 7, 2013 at 12:15 pm
how many times does he go within an inch of touching her chest…
VerMike
Feb 6, 2013 at 12:33 pm
She is a 4 hcp…not just good looking.
GMatt
Feb 1, 2013 at 12:14 pm
again who cares….
tommyboy
Jan 31, 2013 at 10:39 pm
Lauren Thompson-give me a break. Used to cover WWF wrestling. In case you didn’t notice, doesn’t even play golf!
GMatt
Feb 1, 2013 at 12:16 pm
so? not that I’d kick either one of them outta the sack for eating sardines but Lauren Thompson hands down
Ron
Jan 31, 2013 at 8:32 pm
I’m really tired of Holly Sanders. Too old, not that good looking. So now the morning GC is going to be a fashion show? The new format – Morning Show, etc – is a big waste.
Kyle
Feb 8, 2013 at 11:59 am
She’s only 26. I’d like to see your wife/girlfriend if Holly’s “not that good looking”.
Nick
Mar 6, 2014 at 7:18 am
agree… just too much of her on GC…. can’t watch it anymore….
Brian
Jan 31, 2013 at 7:28 pm
Way to much make up, she’s got a pretty mane though! Looks like silver charm with those chompers!
Andrew Mill
Jan 31, 2013 at 12:45 pm
who cares
Rem
Jan 31, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Greg Moore: “Holly first of all it’s always a pleasure to see you..”. Yes. Yes it is.
Joey5Picks
Jan 31, 2013 at 11:17 am
So now Golf Channel “talent” is becoming shills for equipment companies? We can now expect her to mention how “Rickie Fowler got up and down from the bunker, using his Cobra sand wedge and looking colorful in his orange Puma outfit, on his way to a top-15 finish. Oh, and Tiger Woods won by 8.”
She does seem to wear way too much make up.
+1 for Lauren Thompson.
Dale
Jan 31, 2013 at 9:45 am
What do you expect from a woman who shacks up with Erik Kuselias. Give me Lauren Thompson any day of the week. She is a true professional. Its funny how equipment companies are now throwing money at people that play golf for entertainment.
Phil
Jan 31, 2013 at 9:14 am
Nothing that a lit’l silicone, Botox and severe cover-up by Covergirl can’t fix!I know what she really looks and acts like, it’s not what you see on TV & Pic’s…!
Scott
Jan 31, 2013 at 9:04 am
Is anyone else tired of hearing about Holly. Who cares
Pingback: The LPGA needs Holly Sonders Part II - LPGA Tour Forum
Randall
Jan 30, 2013 at 6:46 pm
At least the bright, obnoxious colors of puma will match her bright, obnoxious makeup that she uses to cover her true face
Josh
Jan 30, 2013 at 6:07 pm
And you need to PROOFREAD YOUR comments.
bp29
Jan 31, 2013 at 9:00 am
This made my day!
Somaplr
Jan 31, 2013 at 10:47 am
It was a joke chief
DWilliams
Jan 30, 2013 at 5:36 pm
She’s not even good looking
Kccheadpro
Jan 30, 2013 at 10:54 pm
You gotta be kidding me!
Kccheadpro
Jan 30, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Holly has got it going on, I can’t believe their are males out there that don’t see it.
Billy
Jan 31, 2013 at 12:03 pm
there
lmao
LStevens
Jan 31, 2013 at 3:58 pm
You must not watch Golf Channel. This gal is F-I-N-E and she loves golf. She may be the perfect woman. Even if she’s not, she is perfectly F-I-N-E.
Somaplr
Jan 30, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Dang you all need to proof read you’re articles
J
Jan 31, 2013 at 9:52 am
*Your
Somaplr
Jan 31, 2013 at 10:46 am
It was a tongue and cheek comment playa…sarcasm
lol
Feb 1, 2013 at 3:38 am
Again? You mean “tongue-in-cheek”.