Equipment
Jason Day’s new putter inspired by venomous Australian Spider
With two wins already in 2016 (Arnold Palmer Invitational, WGC-Dell Match Play), and four wins late in the 2015 season that included the PGA Championship, you wouldn’t think Jason Day would change putters… but he did.
Day’s previous gamer (left) and his new Spider Limited Red putter.
Day has used a TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider prototype putter since 2015. He’s a huge fan of the color red, though, and made a special request for a matte red model, which become the “Spider Limited Red.” The particular shade of red employed is inspired by the venomous Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti), which, like Day, is native to Australia. After the 2016 Masters, where he finished T10, Day put the new putter in play at the RBC Heritage, where he finished T23.
Photo credit: China Insider (www.scmp.com)
It may sound like a ridiculous connection to make, but to be fair, the red spot on this particular Redback — which was actually found in Guangdong in a shipment of metal frames from Australia — looks like the putter itself. Impressive work from TaylorMade.
If you’re interested in buying one, TaylorMade will be releasing 15,000 Spider Limited (black-and-red) putters for $219, and 2,000 Spider Limited Red (all-red) putters for $299 on June 3.
Each release includes TaylorMade’s Pure Roll face insert. Both putters will be sold with a sightline, and in the following lengths:
- Black and Red: 33, 34 and 35 inches (RH only)
- All Red: 34 and 35 inches (RH only)
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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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Myvoice
Aug 26, 2016 at 10:28 am
I purchased one of these putters from a previous run, made in Japan. It’s by far the best putter I’ve ever used. The main reason it works well for me is the balance and face loft; gets the ball rolling without skipping, which is what I’ve always noticed on Jason’s putts. After that, the most powerful thing is that you can change the weight of the putter using the Taylor Made standard weights. I purchased two kits. The putter comes standard with a 1G weight in each side. I ended up with 10G in each side as perfect for me and the greens I generally play on. It makes sense; pros are usually playing very, very fast greens, but the greens we play on are generally a lot slower. Heavier weight for slow greens and lighter for fast. All you have to do is unscrew the weights and replace for various conditions.
NOW, they come out with the new one for general release. Guess what? That’s right, they glued in a cheesy aluminum thing that resembles a weight, but it’s not, and there are no screw holes to use the Taylor Made weights with these new putters. For me, that defeats the best part about this putter.
gunmetal
May 1, 2016 at 1:04 am
Good idea for Day to switch his putter. With the season he had last year, 2 wins this year, and his shaky #1 ranking in the world, what better time to switch flatsticks.
Brian
Apr 30, 2016 at 7:25 pm
Is the one on the left modeled after an Eastern Grey Kangaroo?
GolfRocks
Apr 28, 2016 at 11:47 pm
Cool write up for Day. He ditched this putter already. Is it just me or does the spider that inspired it look burnt orange and the putter looks maroon? Seems a bit cartoonish. Taylor Made felt like having another reason to release something today. I’ll still take an old Scotty or a milled Miura putter any day.
Hooker T. Washington
Apr 28, 2016 at 6:09 pm
I enjoyed reading this, and always find it cool to hear the stories or reasons behind a player’s choice of club colors, stampings, etc. I myself carefully chose all of my different paint fill colors for various reasons.
…However, Day has already ditched this one and is back to using the matte black model this week at the Zurich…
Hooker T. Washington
Apr 28, 2016 at 6:06 pm
I enjoyed reading the article, and always think it’s cool to hear the story behind a player’s choice in club colors, stampings, etc. I myself carefully chose all of my different paint fill colors for various reasons.
…However, Day has already ditched this one and is back to using the matte black model this week at the Zurich…
RoGar
Apr 28, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Every company world wide does this!!! Who cares? If you like it buy it, if you don’t, don’t. TaylorMade makes very good products, so does Ping, Titleist, Callaway, etc. etc. If they release a new driver every week, great!!! I still game the R1, cause it gives me the best numbers, and I’m happy and confident with it…
Nick
Apr 28, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Im glad theyre re-releasing this. I used a friends itsy and it felt great. 15,000 more will be released… Ill take one ar two for sure
Rob
Apr 28, 2016 at 11:29 am
So, it’s the same putter he used before except it is red.
Jim
Apr 28, 2016 at 10:30 am
And again… The same worthless comment
mitch
Apr 28, 2016 at 9:44 am
and again taylormade flooding the market with “new” stuff that is the same just different color and name.
Jamie
Apr 28, 2016 at 11:59 am
You think the other OEM’s are putting out groundbreaking stuff that isn’t just repackaged/rebadged gear?
Jacob
Apr 28, 2016 at 2:20 pm
TM does a much better job of coming out with new putter designs than anybody else dude…