Transforming Speed: Titleist TS2 and TS3 Driver Preview

The new Titleist TS2 and TS3 drivers are the result of Titleist's two-year mission to design greater speed into every detail of driver technology.  TS stands for Titleist Speed (although I've seen some call it Tour Speed), and you've already seen them in play on the PGA Tour.  I can tell you however, that TS could and "should" just as easily stand for "transforming speed," because these new drivers are going to blaze a trail with both better players and slower swing speed amateurs alike. 

 

The TS drivers and fairway woods won't be available to buy until later this month, but I went to a local demo day earlier this week and was absolutely blown away by the results.  I gained more carry and total yards with both TS models than a current driver I play from another OEM, and the improvements were supersonic compared to an older Titleist driver I still take out every once in awhile. 

Fancy Footwork: Callaway Golf 2019 Skyline Golf Shoes Preview

Callaway Golf stepped back into the golf shoe game in a strong way in 2018 with new models boasting technology that delivered unrivaled comfort, traction, and stability.  The La Grange and Swami 2.0 were two of my favorite and highest rated golf shoes of the season, and performed well in both dry and wet conditions. 

 

Callaway is now expanding their spikeless shoe collection for 2019, and the new Skyline shoes promise an excellent combination of performance, comfort, and affordability.  Scheduled to be released in October, the Skyline have their roots in technological performance, with an appearance that's clean and contemporary. 

Cleveland Golf RTX-4 Wedge - First Look Preview

Cleveland Golf is releasing the new RTX-4, their most tour-authentic wedge ever created.  Enhanced with fourth generation Rotex, the new wedges will launch September 14th, 2018.  Cleveland held nothing back during RTX-4 development, creating a made-for-Tour wedge in its purest form. 

 

Cleveland utilized its latest face technologies, Tour-preferred shaping, expanded its grind options to design what they're calling their most Tour authentic wedge of all time. 

Ben Hogan Birthday Giveaway: Ben Hogan Tour Authentic Golf Visors

It's Ben Hogan's birthday today, and to celebrate the legend I'm giving away three (3) Ben Hogan Tour Authentic Visors. 

 

You can enter on twitter and Instagram.  On twitter just RT my giveaway announcement and be sure you're following both me and Ben Hogan Golf Equipment on twitter @BHGolfEquipment. 

Firestone Country Club - South Course Review: Back-9 (2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational)

I only needed to play the front-9 of the South Course at Firestone Country Club to learn this is a course that's as testing as it is beautiful.  Trees help mark the true lines of play, fairways have right sides and wrong sides, and undulating greens are heavily defended with bunkers - particularly on the front and sides of the putting surfaces.  I'd reflect more on my experience once the entire round was over, but I couldn't help but think about a few more things as I made the turn to the back-9. 

 

The South Course won't ever be mistaken for a C.B. Macdonald, Seth Raynor, or A.W. Tillinghast design.  But the South Course's charm is laying it all out right in front of you.  South shows you what shots you have to hit, and then rewards you or punishes you depending on your execution.  Wide fairways give players more options off the tee yes, but it's just as much a test of skill to hit straight drives on South's narrow fairways as it is to work the ball more on wider ones. 

Firestone Country Club - South Course Review: Front-9 (2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational)

The South Course at Firestone Country Club is as much a part of the PGA Tour's fabric as any course in history.  South has hosted a Tour event in 64 of the last 65 years, including PGA Championships, World Golf Championships, and the World Series of Golf.  Giants of the game have played here and won here - which speaks to the integrity of and respect for this iconic course. 

 

I played South the week prior to this year's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and it's classic, timeless design is challenging to both professionals and amateurs.  I can also tell you right now - South deserves to, and should host a future U.S. Open (more on that later). 

Comparing Jordan Spieth's Swing with Rory McIlroy's Swing at The Open Championship

Golf's main event is now Jordan Spieth versus Rory McIlroy, and nothing out there suggests that's going to change anytime soon.  Spieth and McIlroy are both alphas - and each is one major championship victory away from the career grand slam.  They've both won two majors in a single season - a feat accomplished by only 19 players in the history of the game.  Let's be honest - this is Jordan and Rory's world and we're just living in it. 

 

Spieth and McIlroy have gotten to this place in history with two completely different swings - both of which work for each respective player. Watching the 2018 Open Championship you'll see that Jordan's swing is unorthodox and somewhat unconventional, while Rory's swing is classic and more textbook. 

Titleist Introduces Limited Edition 2018 Open Championship Scotland Inspired Headcovers

Crafted with premium materials to commemorate the 2018 Major Championship season and the game's return to Carnoustie Golf Links, Titleist has released their Scotland Inspired Headcover Set and it's their undisputed finest work to date. 

 

Featuring hand-selected leathers, rich embroidery, and "2018" debossed details, this commemorative set will be seen in the bags of Titleist Brand Ambassadors competing this week at Carnoustie. 

2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills - PGAPappas Giveaway

This has been a wild U.S. Open week!  From playing Shinnecock to the all the carnage during the tournament, I'm going to remember this one forever. 

 

It's been a busy time but I didn't forget about you!  To make things a bit easier for me though this year's US Open Giveaway will be held exclusively here on my blog.  To win, simply leave a comment in the section below about the Open, my coverage, the course, the prizes, or whatever you like. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The 118th U.S. Open Has Given Us A Little Bit of Everything Heading Into Sunday's Final Round

Gusty winds and firm conditions on Thursday made the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnicock Hills extremely challenging.  Easier pin positions and unexpected rain softened the course on Friday making the second round scoring average almost three strokes lower. 

 

After 36  holes Dustin Johnson led the field, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods were sent packing, and the cut line (8-over par) was the highest since 2013 at Merion.  On Saturday however, the carnage reached a completely new level. 

Winds blew stronger than expected and some pin positions became maniacal.  The sun beat down hard and glassed the greens.  The USGA admitted to crossing a line, and of course there was that Phil thing.  What's going to happen Sunday?  A closer look at the first three days gives a very good indication of what will happen in the final round.