Monday, September 28, 2020

Introducing the New CNCPT Irons – Engineered by Titleist

An exceptional engineering journey by the Titleist Golf Club R&D team – to discover the most satisfying ball-striking experience imaginable – has led to the new series of CNCPT by Titleist irons.

For Titleist engineers, CNCPT represents an ongoing challenge to redefine what’s possible. CNCPT provides them the freedom to pursue manufacturing and material technologies the game has never seen – regardless of cost – in the mission to deliver a level of performance that nothing else can match.

Cleveland Golf Announces Two New Finishes for RTX ZipCore Wedges

 Cleveland Golf, an industry leader in wedge design and innovation, introduces two new finishes for the RTX ZipCore: Black Satin and Tour Rack. These two new finishes will officially launch in North America on Friday, October 2, 2020.

Raw, customized, and marked with a “T,” RTX ZipCore Tour Rack wedges are identical to those used on tour by the best in the world. With this latest release, Cleveland is delivering the same stock of tour wedges to the masses.

Reynolds Lake Oconee to Host LPGA Drive On Championship

Reynolds Lake Oconee—the award-winning resort community situated on 19,000-acre Lake Oconee located between Atlanta and Augusta—will host the LPGA Tour Drive On Championship at Reynolds Lake Oconee, October 22-25, 2020.

The four-day, official full-field event will feature a purse of $1.3 million. Golf Channel will broadcast all four rounds with three hours of coverage each day.

Honma Unveils TR21X Irons

For the past several months, Honma has been turning heads and gaining share in golfers’ bags with its premium-performance TR20 drivers and irons. Now, the ongoing collaboration between its Japanese and U.S. development efforts is pleased to launch four new products with exceptional performance to round out the TR family– TR21X Irons, the TR21 FTi “BIG-LB” Fairway Metal, TR21 F Fairways and TR21 H Hybrids. Targeted at competitive to mid-handicap golfers, the TR line is a full family of clubs that players can trust from the tee or approaching the green.

The new TR21 designs combine 60 years of expert Japanese craftsmanship with the cutting-edge construction and performance-forward thinking expected in the North American market. Honma’s TR21 and TR20 products combine in perfect harmony the things that premium performance golfers want—beautifully-crafted looks, great sound, solid feel, fast ball speed and playability that makes the game easier and more enjoyable.

Duca del Cosma Adds King Cheetah Limited Edition to 2020 Range

Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma is introducing a limited-edition leather sneaker among its latest golf shoe range for women linked to the conservation of one of the world’s rarest animals – the highly distinctive King Cheetah.

With a population in the wild only just reaching double figures and around 50 living in a protected environment, the King Cheetah is the rarest cat on the African continent. With its special colors and markings, it was once thought to be a separate species. However, the King Cheetah is now recognized as the same animal as the more common cheetah – the fastest animal on the planet capable of speeds up to 120 kph/70 mph – but with a pronounced fur pattern mutation in its thicker coat.

U.S. Golf Equipment Retail Sales Set Record in August with $331 Million

On the heels of the U.S. Open, golf’s second major of 2020, Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer and trade trends, has announced that U.S. retail golf equipment sales for August 2020 were up nearly 32% over the same period in 2019, exceeding the previous all-time high August (2006), by 15%.

In total, U.S. golf retail equipment sales for August 2020 were $331 million, compared to August 2019, which were $251 million, and the previous record year of August 2006, which were $287 million.  Additionally, five equipment categories, set all-time records for August: balls, irons, wedges, bags and gloves. Overall, golf bags were the best performing equipment category in August, up 55% vs. August 2019, while YTD bag sales are up 5%.

USGA CEO Mike Davis Announces Departure in 2021

The USGA announced that CEO Mike Davis will leave the organization by the end of 2021 to pursue a life-long passion for golf course design and construction.

In the next step of his professional journey, Davis will team with accomplished golf course designer Tom Fazio II in a new business venture, where together they have formed Fazio & Davis Golf Design.

DeChambeau Dismantles Winged Foot to Secure First Major with Bridgestone’s Tour B X Golf Ball

 Bridgestone Golf’s long-hitting sensation, Bryson DeChambeau, pushed the game of golf to new levels, recording an average driver distance of 325 yds, the longest-ever for a US Open Champion, on the way to his first Major victory at the storied Winged Foot golf course. As the only player to finish in red-figures, DeChambeau demonstrated jaw-dropping power, complemented by control and feel, with the Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball rising to meet the demands of golf’s newest phenom. The come-from-behind win marks the 8th victory of the young star’s career and his first Major Championship.

Using Bridgestone Golf’s TOUR B X with REACTIV cover technology, DeChambeau carded the only under-par final round of the tournament, besting Winged Foot with incredible distance, matched only by his balanced touch around the greens as he navigated the deep rough and lightning-quick surfaces that were exceptionally difficult and forecasted to produce a winning score of “plus-8” at the beginning of the week by the hosting Director of Golf Courses.

SIK Putters Staff Pro Bryson DeChambeau Wins 120th U.S. Open

SIK, The Fastest Growing Putter Company in Golf, would like to congratulate PGA Tour Staff Professional, Bryson DeChambeau, on his victory at the 120th U.S Open held at the legendary Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York last weekend.

DeChambeau’s final round was the best of the day by three, and he was the only player to finish the tournament under par. He fired rounds of 69, 68, 70 and 67 to capture a six-stroke victory over the field. This was the eighth win and first major of his PGA TOUR career that began in 2017.

U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau Seals the Deal at Winged Foot

Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and now Bryson DeChambeau. They are the three golfers who have captured an NCAA individual title, a U.S. Amateur and a U.S. Open. DeChambeau joined that esteemed fraternity on Sunday at Winged Foot Golf Club with a performance for the ages on what many consider one of the game’s most demanding championship tests.

DeChambeau carded a final-round, 3-under-par 67 to earn a decisive six-stroke victory over 54-hole leader and wunderkind Matthew Wolff, who was vying to become the first U.S. Open rookie to win the title since 20-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet in 1913.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Wednesday at the U.S. Open: Sights from Winged Foot Practice Round

Some players appeared calm and care-free.  Others looked poised and determined.  And there were also a few who already seemed confused and rattled.  It was Wednesday at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, and final preparations and strategies were being made before it all starts for real tomorrow morning.

Here are some of the best pictures of the day.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Tuesday at the U.S. Open: Sights from Winged Foot Practice Round

Tuesday was another busy day for the players at Winged Foot, as most got in more specific practice and learned more about the course only 15 of them have played before.

Media interviews lasted most of the day, and there was a palpable sense of getting down to business that wasn't there yet to the same degree just one day prior.  Here are some of the best images from the day.

USGA Announces Tee Times for 120th U.S. Open Championship

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced tee times for the first two rounds of the 2020 U.S. Open Championship, Thursday (Sept. 17) and Friday (Sept. 18), at 7,477-yard, par-70 Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course), in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

The U.S. Open is a 72-hole, stroke-play competition. A field of 144 players will play 18 holes of stroke play on Sept. 17 and 18, after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties. Those players making the cut will play 18 holes on Sept. 19 and 20. If there is a tie upon the completion of 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff will immediately follow. If this playoff results in a tie, the tied players will immediately continue to play off hole-by-hole until the winner is determined.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Inside the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot

We're one day closer to the first shot of the 2020 U.S. Open after practice rounds concluded today. Some players got their first looks at historic Winged Foot Golf Club, others tried to hone in their strategy for the week, and some looked like they were just happy to be here.

Like we'll do all week leading up to Thursday's first round, I'll give you some facts, insights, pictures, and hopefully just some fun stuff for you to chew on waiting for the championship to begin.

Monday at the U.S. Open: Sights from Winged Foot Practice Round

It's Monday from the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Rory McIlroy was out, so was Bryson DeChambeau. And everyone was keeping an eye on the mowers as they made their way around the West Course.

Here are some of the best images from the practice round today.

Sunday, September 13, 2020

U.S. Open to Offer More Ways to Follow the Action Than Ever Before

The USGA today announced a wide array of interactive digital features designed to bring the experience of the 2020 U.S. Open Championship to fans around the world and complement the championship broadcast’s return to the NBCUniversal family.

The 120th U.S. Open Championship will be played Sept. 14-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Winged Foot’s West Course will host the championship for the sixth time.

120th U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course): Facts, Figures, and History

We're only hours from U.S. Open week kicking off at Winged Foot for the 120th U.S. Open Championship, and for those of you who can't ever get enough U.S. Open you've come to the right place.

You'll find facts and figures about this year's major championship, as well as a rich history of this storied major championship, and even a broadcast schedule so you won't miss a single shot from Mamaroneck next week.  The conditions will be punishing.  The drama will be intense.  The quest for greatness begins tomorrow.  Are you ready?

Thursday, September 10, 2020

USGA and Deloitte Launch 2020 U.S. Open Augmented Reality App

The USGA today announced the launch of a newly enhanced U.S. Open Augmented Reality (AR) App by Deloitte, designed to provide golf fans with an engaging and innovative at-home experience for the 120th U.S. Open Championship, to be played Sept. 14-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the U.S. Open AR App offers fans a variety of ways to follow the action at this year’s championship in augmented reality. Winged Foot, which is hosting the championship for the sixth time, will come to life on users’ mobile and tablet devices, allowing fans to follow the action in near real-time with three-dimensional views of all 18 holes. Fans will be able to locate players and watch them play their shots, view how their favorite golfers performed in previous rounds and compare players’ shots, all in augmented reality.

Titleist Introduces Scotty Cameron Inspired by Justin Thomas Putter

 Scotty Cameron is celebrating the long-running success of Titleist Brand Ambassador Justin Thomas with the introduction of the new Inspired by Justin Thomas Phantom X5.5 putter.

Available Sept. 22 worldwide in select Titleist golf shops, the limited-release model is designed to the specifications of the trusted gamer that Thomas has used in capturing 12 of his 13 PGA Tour titles – including the 2017 PGA Championship – and most recently, the 2020 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Scotty has created exactly 2,020 Inspired by Justin Thomas putters for worldwide distribution.

Duca del Cosma Adds Style and Color for the Fall

 Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma is introducing more leisure styles and color onto the golf shoe market this Fall with its range of premium footwear aimed at golfers looking for something different in terms of performance and comfort. 

The latest range features fashionable animal prints and patterns on leather shoes designed to brighten any fairway and set the brand apart from more conventional rivals. There are also lifestyle models in bold Gold and Silver colorways that deliver a strong fashion statement as well as comfort and support.

83-Percent of Field Including all Top 10 Finishers Trust Golf Pride In Final Round of FedEx Playoffs at East Lake

Golf Pride®, a division of power management company Eaton and an industry leader in grip innovation, today announced that it was the leading grip brand in play during the final round of the 2020 FedEx Cup Playoffs, with 83% of the 30-player field trusting Golf Pride grips.

Every player that finished in the Top 10 chose Golf Pride, with the winner’s grip of choice, the Golf Pride Tour Velvet. The victory marked the second win of the 2020 FedEx Cup for the Tour Velvet, and Golf Pride grips were chosen by the winners of all 3 playoff events. East Lake marks the 6th consecutive FedEx Playoff win by a player trusting Golf Pride and the second consecutive FedEx Cup Championship for the Tour Velvet family of grips. Since the inception of the FedEx Cup, Golf Pride has been chosen by 12 of its 14 Champions.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Cobra Golf Forged Tec ONE Irons Review

The new Cobra Forged Tec ONE irons have been some of my favorite clubs of any kind I've played and tested this season.  I reviewed them for you guys on twitter and Instagram throughout the season, and decided to hit on some key points here so you have all my impressions in one place.  Suffice to say, Cobra has never done ONE length better.

Forged Tec ONE have almost a blade like appearance, with a thinner top and narrower sole than F9 ONE.  Not a pure blade look for sure, but definitely the cleanest, most compact ONE length irons Cobra has made to date (not chunky looking at address).

Galvin Green Dolph Full Zip Golf Hoodie Review

Fall is right around the corner, which means so are the cooler temperatures.  

And if you're looking for a warm layer piece to wear on the course, or even just to walk your pooch, the Galvin Green Dolph full-zip hoodie is the best of it's kind I've ever worn.

FootJoy DryJoys Select LS Jacket and Pants Review

The new FootJoy Dry Select LS jacket and pants deliver five-star rain and wind performance.

I've worn these multiple times now, and a few times it rained for two straight hours, winds gusting upwards of 15 mph, and stayed completely dry and comfortable each and every time.

USGA Announces Five U.S. Open Championships at Pinehurst No. 2, Plans for Golf House Pinehurst, and Strategic Shift for Future U.S. Open Venues

In an effort to expand its impact in golf and extend its mission to champion and advance the game, the USGA will establish “Golf House Pinehurst” in North Carolina, to include a new equipment-testing facility, innovation hub, museum/visitor center and offices by 2023, and host five U.S. Open Championships in the golf-rich state by 2047.

The announcement adds four U.S. Open Championships to be contested on the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course – in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047 – to the already scheduled 2024 event. The decision accelerates the USGA’s strategy to stage its premier golf championship at America’s most iconic venues with greater frequency. By doing so, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will serve as the USGA’s first anchor site for the U.S. Open.

Monday, September 7, 2020

Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Putter Review

The new Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 gives you an ideal blend of feel and forgiveness on putts from any distance.

‪I tested this hitting multiple putts from various distances and performance is off the charts.

Cleveland Golf RTX ZipCore Wedges Review

When you already design some of the best wedges in golf, there isn’t much room for creativity.  But Cleveland has succeeded in making the new RTX ZipCore their best performing wedges to date.

 

‪ZipCore have slightly less offset, and a more rounded lead edge than RTX 4.  Full and half swings came out lower, but stopped just as fast if not faster.  Shots from tight lies felt equally crisp.

New Titleist Drivers to Debut on PGA and European Tours

This week at both the PGA Tour’s Safeway Open and European Tour’s Portugal Masters, tour players will get their first opportunity to put the new Titleist TSi drivers in competition.

The tour debut of the new TSi drivers – in advance of next week’s U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot – marks the start of Titleist’s tour seeding and validation process. Gathering feedback from the game’s best players throughout the R&D process and then earning their final validation are critical elements in the development of all high-performance Titleist golf equipment.

Titleist Golf Ball Fitting Experts Now Available For Virtual Consultations

 Golfers trying to find the best golf ball for their game can begin the fitting process by booking a one-on-one video call with an expert Titleist golf ball fitter.

Titleist Virtual Golf Ball Consultations – now available Monday-Friday through the Golf Ball Fitting page on Titleist.com – allow golfers who aren’t able to attend an in-person Titleist Golf Ball Fitting event the opportunity to speak directly to one of the same fitters they would meet on site.

Sea Pines Resort Offering Best Values of the Season with Great Coastal Getaway Packages

In an island destination that offers an abundance of outdoor, fresh air activities, The Sea Pines Resort is offering its best values of the season, during the most favorable weather of the year.  The Sea Pines Resort’s Getaway Package wraps together great lodging and access to the many activities for which Hilton Head Island is famous.

The Getaway Package (available now through February 27, 2021) includes activities options from tennis to biking, golf for all ages, dinners, and food discounts, as well as a family portrait session on the beach.

Streamsong Resort to Re-Open Blue and Red Courses October 1 with Revolutionary New Mach 1 Greens

Streamsong Resort is proud to announce the reopening of Streamsong Blue and Streamsong Red on October 1. Both courses have been closed for play as they undergo regrassing with a revolutionary new ultradwarf bermudagrass, Mach 1. Once complete, Streamsong will become the first golf destination in the world to showcase Mach 1 on a 36-hole layout. The two courses will re-join Streamsong Black, which has remained open and available to the public during this time.

Mach 1 was developed by renowned golf course superintendent Rodney Lingle and is distributed by Modern Turf. It has been recognized as one of the cleanest and purest turfs in the industry with a super fine texture and smoothness that creates a high-quality putting surface. Through extensive testing, Mach 1 has been proven to provide smoother ball roll, more uniformed growth patterns in warm weather climates and more stability and longevity. It is a genetically strong, high-end performing turfgrass that is both heat and drought tolerant, which is ideal for Florida’s seasonal environment.

PGA Tour Announces 2020-2021 Super Season Schedule Featuring 50 Tournaments

The PGA TOUR 2020-21 Season kicks off this week, featuring 50 official FedExCup tournaments – including 14 tournaments that were postponed or canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – culminating with the crowning of the FedExCup champion Labor Day weekend in 2021.

The schedule, which reflects a net increase of one tournament over the original 2019-20 schedule, features the most tournaments in a season since 1975 (51). Three events postponed in 2020 – U.S. Open, Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship and Masters Tournament – will be played in the fall portion of the 2020-21 season and again in their traditional dates during the 2021 calendar year, along with 11 tournaments that were canceled and not rescheduled as a result of the pandemic, including THE PLAYERS Championship. In addition, with the postponement of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, the men’s Olympic Golf competition will take place July 26-August 1, 2021, as a standalone event for the first time.