Top 10 Moments of the 2016 PGA Tour Season

The 2016 PGA Tour Season was a coronation.  Not of any particular player, but of the sport itself.  We didn't just see amazing golf.  We saw a full blown attack of golf at it's absolute and untranslatable best. 

 

We lost ourselves in the stunning combination of shots, epic back-and-forth performances, and chilling displays of raw emotion that all make up the "you know it when you see it" aspects of sheer greatness. 

PGAPappas Costco Kirkland Golf Balls Giveaway

It's the hottest golf item on the market right now. Well actually, scratch that.  It's more like the insanely popular, sizzling holiday craze of the year.  And it's still picking up steam. 

I'm talking of course about Costco's new $1.25 Kirkland golf ball, which is seemingly flying off the shelves at speeds faster than light.  And at a price of $29.99 for two dozen balls, that shouldn't be entirely surprising. 

 

I put them in play a few times last month, and they were definitely solid performing balls at a great price.  But they didn't exactly blow me away or make me want to switch from the brands I normally play.

3rd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway

I'm watching the clock writing this, as I rush to get ready for my 3rd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway, but I have to share a quick story with you first.  Because I gave unsolicited advice to a Tour player earlier this summer, and am chuckling now thinking how ironic it is that maybe I should have given similar advice to myself. 

 

 

Many of you know I'm a huge Rory fan.  You probably saw my 1Rory17 license plates.  And I watched Rory closely at a number of tournaments early on this year.  I wasn't concentrating on his mechanics so much as his demeanor while he was struggling.  A few times Rory looked so angry you'd have sworn his head was about to explode.  Other times he looked so sad you might have mistaken him for the last player picked in high school for dodgeball.

PGAPappas Holiday Golf Gift Guide - 2016 Gear of the Year

Stuck on holiday gift ideas for that golf obsessed friend or family member?  No need for guesswork or to stress out this year. 

I’ve hand-picked, and play-tested every item in this guide.  And not coincidentally, everything here has also earned a spot in my “Gear of the Year” for 2016. 

 

These no fail gift ideas will delight everyone on your list.  And are sure to put huge smiles on their faces this holiday season and on the golf course throughout the New Year.

Wilson Staff 2017 Triton Driver Preview: A Technological Marvel

I'm not a big fan of reality television.  But I have to say Wilson Golf really knocked it out of the park with Driver v Driver. 

The program was immensely entertaining, sometimes out-and-out hysterical, and above all, uncommonly revealing into what went into the design and development of Wilson's newest driver, the Triton.  (If you missed it the first run, I strongly recommend watching reruns on Golf Channel). 

 

The name Triton was chosen because it represents power, speed, and strength.  Triton also happens to be the name of a mythological Greek god.  And I'm not joking, if it winds up being even half as good as it looked during Driver v Driver (some guys looked like they were launching surface to air missiles off the tee with Triton), it's going to have a place in the Wilson pantheon of the best clubs Wilson's EVER made.

Safeway Open Giveaway: Scott Piercy Silverado Course Record Signed Titlist Ball

The 2015-16 PGA Tour season ended with a rousing Tour Championship, followed by one of the most exhilarating Ryder Cup competitions in recent history.  You might have thought the fireworks for the year were done. 

But yesterday Scott Piercy began the new PGA Tour season by setting the course record at Silverado (first set by Johnny Miller in 1976), shooting a blistering 10-under par, 62 in the first round at the Safeway Open. 

 

And I'm starting the new Tour season by giving away a Scott Piercy signed Titleist Pro V1x ball to a lucky winner on twitter. 

The Best Pictures from the 2016 Ryder Cup - Tuesday Practice Round

If you're still one of the few golf fans who think the Ryder Cup isn't that big a deal, all you have to do is check out pictures from Tuesday's practice round. 

 

We saw larger crowds than some Tour events this year, and I'd venture a guess that every single man, woman, and child on the Hazeltine grounds wouldn't have wanted to be any other place in the world.

New Titleist 917 F2 and F3 Fairway Woods: Preview

Setting the standard for complete performance from both the tee and turf, new Titleist 917 fairways provide more distance and forgiveness with the most precise adjustability available to dedicated golfers of all skill levels. 

 

Titleist 917F2 and 917F3 models, like their 917 driver counterparts, are designed using new patented Active Recoil Channel 2.0 and SureFit CG technology to produce an uncompromising combination of distance, forgiveness and trajectory control with tour-preferred looks, sound and feel.

2016 BMW Championship FedExCup Playoffs Giveaway

I'm live from the BMW Championship this week for the third of four playoff events in the FedExCup playoffs.  And you guessed it, I've picked up some things for you again.  Actually, a lot of things. 

 

I'll post pictures and videos from the tournament over the weekend of players like Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, and Jordan Spieth (you can find some already on my twitter and instagram).  But for now let's get into the giveaway. 

This week I'll be giving away signed swag from players in the field for three straight days.  Each day we'll have new winners.

First Look Preview: Titleist Introduces New Cameron & Crown Putters by Scotty Cameron

Life is short and sweet.  And so is the new line of Cameron & Crown putters by Scotty Cameron, offering four of Scotty’s most-trusted models precisely crafted at 33 inches, and specifically weighted for players whose setup demands a shorter putter. 

 

Available in U.S. golf shops beginning Sept. 23, Cameron & Crown putters deliver the craftsmanship, quality and tour-proven performance that have made Scotty Cameron putters the choice of many of the world’s best players for more than two decades.

2016 PGA Championship Giveaway: Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy Signed Swag

It's PGA Championship week, which means it's the last chance for major glory this season.  And just as it is for the players, it's also your last chance to win one of my major tournament giveaways. 

 

This giveaway is all about the Top-4 Players in the World.  Signed swag from Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy are up for grabs.

Sights and Sounds from the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational

The 2016 Bridgestone Invitational fell on Independence Day weekend this year, and playing the right roles, Justin Johnson and Jason Day were shooting off fireworks coming down the stretch on Sunday. 

 

Johnson outlasted Day and came from behind to win his second tournament of the season, making him the only American to win in the last seven WGC events.

Sights and Sounds from Championship Sunday at the 2016 U.S. Open

Dustin Johnson overcame a five-stroke final day deficit, battled an unfair USGA rules violation fiasco mid-round, and vaporized years of major championship heartache by winning the 2016 U.S. Open Sunday evening at Oakmont Country Club. 

 

Here are some pictures and videos from Championship Sunday at the 2016 U.S. Open. 

Sights and Sounds from the 2016 U.S. Open Wednesday Practice Round

Oakmont Country Club is widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" of championship golf, and 2016 marks the ninth time the U.S. Open will be played here. 

 

Jack Nicklaus won his first major here, Johnny Miller's final round 63 is one of the greatest final rounds in championship history, and I spent the day Wednesday walking the course, observing the players, and coming to my own conclusion that Oakmont might be possibly be the most difficult course in the world.

2016 Bridgestone Invitational Giveaway: Autographed Golf Balls

The Bridgestone Invitational is one of my favorite events of the season.  It's a world class, extremely strong field, with no cut line.  Firestone is a traditional layout, playing at brutal 7,400 yards.  And of course there's the world famous, 667-yard, Par 5, No. 16, also known as "The Monster." 

 

And of course whenever I'm traveling on Tour, I like to pick something up for my readers.  So this week I'll be giving away golf balls signed by players in the field.

Dustin Johnson TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF Wedge Good Karma U.S. Open Giveaway

I probably like Dustin Johnson for the same reasons you do.  He's a freakish athlete with a one of a kind swagger.  It's ridiculously thrilling to watch him play.  And of course he's a bit of an eccentric character. 

I also like D.J. however because he's endured more heartbreak than anyone should have to endure in major championships.  And so Saturday, I took matters into my own hands.

Throwing out some @DJohnsonPGA good karma. If DJ wins the #usopen, I'll give someone the TaylorMade EF 52* he plays. pic.twitter.com/M6JlCNNWzP

— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) June 18, 2016

Throwing some good karma out into the universe, I tweeted (and posted on Instagram) that I'd give away the same TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF wedge Johnson uses if he wins the U.S. Open.  And you know what happened yesterday.

USGA Statement Regarding Dustin Johnson Ruling

The USGA wishes to congratulate Dustin Johnson on his victory and thank him, and the other players in the field, for their professionalism and grace throughout the championship. Dustin is a wonderful champion, a talented golfer and a gentleman. 

 

Our team at the USGA has seen and heard a great deal of discussion and debate about the ruling on Dustin’s ball moving during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. In addition to the explanations we offered upon the conclusion of the final round, we add these comments.

2016 U.S.Open Giveaway: CRU Golf Limited Edition U.S. Open Headcover, Official Oakmont Cap and Ball Marker, Adam Scott Signed Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

For the best examination of a player, where vengeance lays waste upon the world's best golfers, there's nothing like the four days of reckoning at a U.S. Open. 

 

 

And I'm in Oakmont this week for the 116th U.S. Open with some giveaways you're going to definitely want to get in on.

A Comprehensive Guide to the 2016 U.S. Open: Facts, Records, and Television Coverage & Live Streaming

Are you a U.S. Open super fan?  If you are here's a comprehensive guide to the 2016 championship at Oakmont, including records, figures, and other fun facts about U.S. Open history. 

 

I'll be in Oakmont all week starting Wednesday with tons of coverage, news, and giveaways.  And by the way, my pick to hoist the U.S. Open trophy on Sunday?  He's pictured above.

Sights and Sounds from The Memorial Tournament - Wednesday Practice Round 2016

The biggest names in golf are in Dublin this week for The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.  And the Wednesday Pro-Am was loads of fun for fans who got to check out their favorite players up close and personal. 

 

Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy drew some of the biggest crowds during their practice rounds.  Johnny Miller was recognized as the 2016 Memorial Tournament Honoree.  Even Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning was in town, showing off his 4 handicap index.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 3 RECAP (Part 3 of 3): Bentley, Cleveland, Srixon, Superstroke, and the Take Down

This was the proverbial 11th hour of the Show at this point.  Time to snap pictures of things I knew (and some didn't know) I missed. 

 

In this section we'll take a look at Bentley, Cleveland, Srixon, Superstroke, and a mishmash of assorted sights as companies started packing it up for the week.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 3 RECAP (Part 2 of 3): Chase 54, Sligo, Loudmouth, and Golf Pride

Only a few hours remained in the Show at this point.  It was time cover as much ground as possible and run the two-minute offense. 

 

I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with the companies in the next few sections like I did with others the first few days.  But these final companies stood out nevertheless as must visits.  In this section we'll take a look at some of the new styles from Chase 54, Sligo, Loudmouth, and putter grips from Golf Pride.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 3 RECAP (Part 1 of 3): Callaway Apparel, New Era Ryder Cup Caps, Ralph Lauren Ryder Cup Uniforms, and Bettinardi

Day 3 of the PGA Merchandise Show is a different animal than the first two days.  Crowds are smaller.  Many exhibitors have already decided if the Show was a success or not.  And some reps have even left the Show.  More than a few people are just meandering around with morning cocktails and yucking it up.  And of course there are hunter-gatherers scouring the floor looking for a few more samples or freebies. 

 

The final day for me however was exactly the same as the first two days.  Drop the clutch, lay rubber, and go full Ricky Bobby to the finish line.  So let's bring this all home with my DAY 3 RECAP: Part 1 (a multi-part series), and wrap it up with my Best of Show.

Callaway Golf Releasing Oakmont Inspired 2016 U.S. Open Limited Edition Staff Bags

If you're like me, you love the U.S. Open because it's the toughest test in golf.  And you also love our national championship because it's the inspiration for some of the coolest limited edition products you'll see all year. 

 

And Callaway Golf's new Oakmont inspired 2016 U.S. Open Staff bag is sure to be one of the season's best.

2016 The Memorial Tournament Tickets Giveaway

The PGA Tour comes to my part of town twice a year.  And so this year I thought I'd send two lucky winners to see how awesome The Memorial Tournament is in person. 

 

The Memorial is only one week away, and the field will be stacked.  Players like Jason Day,  Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Justin Thomas, and Bryson DeChambeau (watch out for this kid) have already committed to play.  And you'll even see Peyton Manning in Dublin on Wednesday for the Pro-Am.

TaylorMade Releasing Spider Limited and Spider Limited Red Putters - Inspired by Jason Day

On the back of Jason Day’s emphatic win at THE PLAYERS Championship, TaylorMade Golf has announced the release of the new Spider Limited and Spider Limited Red putters, both inspired by the No. 1 player in the OWGR and one of the Tour's best statistical putters, Jason Day. 

 

During his storybook rise to No. 1 late last fall, Day came to the TaylorMade team with a request for a putter similar in style to his trusted Itsy Bitsy prototype (the putter he’s used for multiple wins on the PGA TOUR, including his first major victory at the 2015 PGA Championship).

Odyssey Releasing New Limited Edition Highway 101 Putters

California has long been a hot bed for creativity in design.  Down the southern coast is Carlsbad, home of Odyssey Golf and the Mecca for golf club designers.  To pay homage to their hometown, Odyssey has developed a line of putters dedicated to one of the most recognizable landmarks ever in California, U.S. Highway 101. 

 

The aesthetic design is a tribute to the 101, and the technology pays off Odyssey’s heritage of continuous innovation.  The key highlight is Odyssey's latest insert technology called the Sound Chamber.

Callaway Golf Releasing New Apex Black Irons

Callaway Golf's new Apex Black Irons are precision engineered with industry-leading, category-defining 360 Face Cup technology for exceptional, consistent ball speed across the face and playability in a forged players iron.  And they've added a sleek all black look with a Satin Black PVD finish and premium shaft options, with a vast no upcharge list to customize your set. 

 

The progressive design creates scoring performance from your long irons to your short irons.  High tech, multi-piece construction provides a combination of distance, feel and control that can suit any player.  And the extremely soft feel is a product of quadruple net forging using mild carbon steel.  When you combine all of these advanced technologies with the all black finish, you have a forged iron for all golfers with an unforgettable look.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 5 of 5): A Grab Bag of Pictures and Videos

This is Part 5 of my DAY 2 RECAP.  I should really call this one just a mini-recap though.  Only a few pictures and videos here.  Sleep deprivation was catching up to me, and I actually got lost walking five minutes back to the hotel. 

 

When I did get back to my room, I refueled with a few cups of coffee.  Every hour.  Straight through to morning.  I was ready to take on the final DAY 3 of the Show.  And remember to check out my Best of Show when I wrap up this coverage.  It's chock-full of game changers.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 4 of 5): Devereux, Skechers, Tour Edge, and Kentwool

At this point in the Show I was seriously running on pure adrenaline.  I wasn't sure how many companies I'd covered already.  I knew it was a lot.  I also knew it wasn't enough.  So it was time to go flat-out, Ethan Hunt maniac mode to finish the Show strong. 

 

So let's keep rolling on with new gear from Devereux, Skechers, Tour Edge, and Kentwool in my DAY 2 coverage of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show: Part 4 (a multi-part series).

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 3 of 5): UnderArmour, TaylorMade, Adidas, Galvin Green, and SeeMore

New gear from Under Armour, TaylorMade, Adidas, Galvin Green, and Seemore is next up in my DAY 2 coverage of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show: Part 3 (a multi-part series). 

 

We're just about half way through my Show coverage at this point.  And if you think you've seen a lot already?  Well, there's a whole lot more where that came from.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 2 of 5): CRU, Carnoustie, ECCO, and Titleist

We're pressing on with my DAY 2 coverage of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show: Part 2 (a multi-part series).  And here you'll find mouth-watering new gear from CRU Golf, Carnoustie Sportswear, ECCO Golf, and Titleist. 

 

Day 2 was probably the busiest day for me, and new contenders for Best of Show were determined to stake their claim.  It's not time to reveal the winners just yet, but my excitement visiting with these companies was palpable.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 1 of 5): Piretti, Fujikura, Sunice, and Antigua

I had more than a half-dozen interviews on Day 2 of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show, and all of them were in different parts of the Convention Center.  Remember O.J. Simpson in the Hertz airport commercials?  That was pretty much me negotiating the PGA floor.  Leaping, sprinting, diving all over one-million square feet of exhibits.  If you're familiar with the Oklahoma Drill, there were moments like that as well. 

 

The focus of this DAY 2 RECAP: Part 1 (a multi-part series) moves towards a mix of apparel and accessories, along with more equipment coverage.  And on the fashion front you'll see tons of stylish new designs, ranging from distinguished and classic, to brash and athletic. 

Bottom line?  Golf styles have never been better.  And I'll let you know which lines earned my highest acclaim in the Best of Show Recap.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 4 of 4): A Grab Bag of Pictures and Videos

This is Part 4 of my DAY 1 RECAP.  And here you'll find pictures and videos that are pretty much a grab bag of various things I saw, but didn't include in the first three parts of the recap. 

 

With nearly 10 miles of Show floor, and over one-million square feet of presentation space, it was literally impossible to not see something entertaining.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 3 of 4): Ben Hogan, Oakley, Callaway, Odyssey, and Cobra

We're moving on to Part 3 of my 2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP.  And here you'll find new equipment and apparel from Ben Hogan Golf, Oakley, Callaway, Odyssey, and Cobra. 

 

Some of my daily recaps are going to feature a grab bag of pictures and videos - those I passed up while putting the daily recaps together, but still wanted you to see - like pictures and videos that give you a taste of the atmosphere and crowds.  So be on the lookout for those as well. 

And of course in addition to multi-part recaps for each day of the Show, you can find the gear, apparel, and accessories I thought stood out above all others in my Best of Show.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 2 of 4): Bridgestone, Wilson, FootJoy, and Ping

I'm taking you inside the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show for a look at Bridgestone, Wilson, FootJoy, and Ping in this DAY 1 RECAP: Part 2 (a multi-part series). 

 

And for  now I'll just say something here definitely finds its way into my Best of Show. 

There's a lot to cover, and similar multi-part recaps for DAY 2 and DAY 3 feature other companies and gear, so you'll want to check that out as well.  I took thousands of pictures and videos while I was in Orlando, and I'm trying to make sure every last one of them is included for you here in my blog.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 1 of 4): Opening Ceremony, Titleist & Scotty Cameron, Game Golf & Golf Pride Partnership

If you're a gear geek there's no better place to be in the world than the PGA Merchandise Show.  Thousands of new product launches for four straight days, showcasing drivers, irons, putters, apparel, and everything you can imagine in your craziest Golf Gone Wild dreams. 

 

And I'm bringing you inside the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show with a horde of pictures and videos, starting with this DAY 1 RECAP: Part 1 (a multi-part series). 

I'll have similar multi-part recaps for days two and three as well.  And of course my Best of Show, letting you know what new gear and attire stood out as superior within certain categories.

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman are still Killing Spring Break in the Bahamas

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman are the No. 2, No. 5, No. 36, and No. 48 players in the world golf rankings. 

 

They're also just a bunch of 20-something bros doing what 20-something bros do on spring break.  Or maybe better said, what 20-something bros wish they could be doing on spring break.

Meet Golf's Rat Pack: Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, And Smylie Kaufman on Spring Break 2016

It's spring break.  It's the Bahamas.  And it's Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman. 

Say hello to golf's Rat Pack. 

 

The adventures of Fowler, Spieth, Thomas, and Kaufman are being documented on Snapchat, and it's truly impossible to not laugh at what's going on.

Bryson DeChambeau Signs With Bridgestone To Play New Tour B330-S Golf Ball

When "The Golf Scientist," Bryson DeChambeau makes his professional debut on the PGA Tour on Thursday at the RBC Heritage, he'll be using the new 2016 Tour B330-S golf ball and outfitted with gloves from Bridgestone Golf. 

DeChambeau earned the silver cup as the low amateur at the 2016 Masters, and spent a considerable amount of time deciding which ball would help him compete at the highest level on Tour. 

 

"I take every part of my game seriously, and it was clear after a thorough review that Bridgestone Golf's Tour B330-S was the best fit for me," DeChambeau said.  "I'm excited to be a part of Bridgestone's team and benefit from the precision they put in to each and every ball made."

How Amen Corner became the Coffin Corner for Jordan Spieth at the 2016 Masters

Standing on the 10th tee on Sunday, Jordan Spieth held an imposing five-stroke lead.  Momentum was clearly on Spieth's side, highlighted by four consecutive birdies to close the front-9.  Spieth's name was probably being stitched on the inside label of the green jacket.  Fans who bet on Spieth were planning how to spend their winnings. 



But as everyone knows, The Masters doesn't really begin until the back-9 on Sunday.  And by the cruelest twist of fate, Spieth knows that now as well.

The Masters Giveaway - Limited Edition CRU Golf Masters Headcover

It's the first major of the year.  For many fans and players it's their favorite major of the year.  So did you really think I wouldn't have a giveaway for The Masters? 

 

I'm really excited about this one because it's from one of my favorite companies, CRU Golf.  And I'm giving away one of their impressive, limited edition, Major Collection Masters headcovers. 

And yes, if you've been paying attention, it's the same CRU limited edition Masters headcover you'll see on many players clubs this week, including amateur sensation Bryson DeChambeau.

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 3

Buckle up golf fans.  If Wednesday's record breaking nine hole-in-ones at the Masters Par 3 Contest is any indication, this week is going to be something very special. 

 

Gary Player became the oldest player to record an ace in event history.  And then Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler recorded back-to-back aces on the fourth hole.  The 80th Masters Tournament has all the makings of one for the ages. 

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 2

If you weren't one of the lucky patrons to win badges to The Masters this year, and didn't want to shell out upwards of $2,000 to a broker for a practice day round, check out some of the sights from today's practice round. 

 

Legends aren't made during the practice rounds of course.  And there aren't any heart-breaking or fantastic narratives to drop your jaws... yet.  But no matter what day you attend, it's still "a tradition unlike any other."