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."

Giveaway: Bubba Watson Signed Photo & Ping G Driver Valuables Bag

I'm back from vacation after a crazy PGA Merchandise Show and have lots to catch up on, including my Show recaps, lots of reviews and previews, and a few giveaways of course.  And with Bubba Watson winning the Northern Trust Open yesterday, it seems a perfect time to start a giveaway today. 

 

So let's get the giveaway ball rolling with an autographed Bubba picture and Ping G Driver Valuables Bag I picked up for you down at the Show.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 4 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 3 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 2 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 1 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

First Look Preview: Ben Hogan Golf Announces New VKTR Hybrid for 2016

You can officially stop calling it a comeback.  After a wildly successful first year for Ben Hogan Golf and the critically acclaimed FT. WORTH 15 irons and TK 15 wedges, the company has announced the debut of their new VKTR hybrids. 

 

But they're not just hybrids "The Hawk" himself would have been proud of.  They're hybrids designed with input from prototypes in Hogan's personal collection.

Preview: Nippon Announces New N.S. PRO Regio Formula Series Driver Shafts for 2016

Best known for its world class steel shafts for irons, Nippon Shaft has announced a new class of graphite driver shafts for 2016. 

 

The new N.S. PRO Regio Formula series, which consists of three different graphite shaft styles, is aimed at improving carry distance through improved initial velocity, decreased spin and optimized launch angle of trajectory by emphasizing player-specific driver performance needs.

FootJoy Freestyle Preview: A Ribbeting Leap Forward in Golf Shoe Comfort and Stability

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog has been around for millions of years.  They're known best for their remarkable gripping power, exceptional balance, and distinctive colors.  And now this charming amphibian is the inspiration for FootJoys's new 2016 Freestyle golf shoes. 

 

 

FootJoy claims the Freestyle is their most imaginative and mobile shoe ever, and will generate maximum power by providing greater freedom of movement through the swing.

Preview: PING Golf Announces New G Series Irons, Woods, Hybrids, and Crossover Line for 2016

Nature has been solving problems for billions of years longer than humans have.  So it makes sense that bio-inspired designs should take take golf equipment to the next breakthrough level, right?  It did for PING Chairman John Solheim, who's close-up photo of a dragonfly was the inspiration for PING's new G driver. 

 

Drawing inspiration from dragonfly wings, 18-wheelers, and other diversely unique sources, PING has launched its new G series of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, and even went one step further, creating a new club category with the G Crossover, which combines the best of hybrid and iron technology.

Preview: Callaway Golf Introduces New XR OS Irons and Hybrids for 2016

Callaway Golf will have new game-improvement irons and hybrids for golfers in 2016, and they just might be Callaway's best ever. 

 

The new XR OS irons feature industry-leading Face Cup Technology and wider soles for maximum forgiveness.  While the XR OS Hybrids are designed to perfectly complement the XR OS irons, and provide extreme forgiveness and great ball flight trajectories.

Preview: Bridgestone Golf Debuts New JGR Driver for 2016

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 ball-fitter in golf and a recognized industry innovator, has announced the launch of its new JGR driver.   The JGR driver utilizes revolutionary technologies to deliver longer distance and more forgiveness. 

 

"We set out to make the JGR driver our fastest and most forgiving ever," said Josh Kinchen, Golf Clubs and Accessories Marketing Manager at Bridgestone.

To the Victor Go the Spoils: Jordan Spieth Dethrones Tiger Woods as Top Earner in Golf

Jordan Spieth isn't merely in the zone these days.  He is the zone.  Spieth earned more than $53 million in 2015, supplanting Tiger Woods as golf's highest earner. 

 

Spieth ranked 16th in total earnings in 2014.  But thanks to a career-high five wins on Tour last season, including victories at The Masters and U.S. Open, Spieth raked in more than $23 million on the course.  Other endorsement deals, including a a 10-year deal with Under Armour, brought in another $30 million.

Spieth-O-Meter: Jordan Spieth's Masterpiece at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions

Has Jordan Spieth actually gotten better over last season?  It might not even be a question of if, but a question of why. 

 

The 22-year old reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year cruised to an 8-stroke victory Sunday at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, shooting a staggering 30-under par.  That's the second-lowest score to par by a 72-hole tournament champion in Tour history.

Miura Golf Launches New Left Handed Irons and Putter for 2016

Lefties?  It's time to rejoice.  Miura Golf is now offering a new Y Grind, left handed option in two of its most legendary blade and cavity back irons, as well as a left handed putter model for the first time in its history. 

 

The popular MB 001 and CB 57 irons now feature leading edge and sole modifications that promise to elevate performance to another level.  And the XM 006 putter will finally show some love for lefty players seeking the very best from a classic design.

Callaway Golf Debuts New XR 16 and XR 16 Pro Drivers and Fairway Woods for 2016

Callaway Golf has announced the release of their new line of XR 16 and XR 16 Pro drivers and fairway woods.  And it's all about redefining what is possible with ball speed and aerodynamics. 

 

The new XR 16 and XR Pro drivers are the second generation of XR woods from Callaway, but don't let the familiar looks fool you.  Callaway teamed up with the aircraft specialists at Boeing to deliver the ultimate in ball speed and forgiveness.

Open Champion Zach Johnson Signs with PXG, Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau move to Nike Golf

The PGA Tour is back in action later this week at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, but Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) and Nike Golf have already fired the first big shots of 2016. 

 

PXG, a company you'll be hearing about a lot more this year, inked Open champion Zach Johnson, former FedExCup champion Billy Horschel, and U.S. Open Women's champion Kristy Kerr to new equipment endorsement deals.  And Nike Golf signed big hitters Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau to their tour staff.

The 2015 PGA Tour Season in Review - Best of the Best (Part 3 of 3)

The 2015 PGA Tour season had it all didn't it?  Drama.  Disappointment.  Domination.  And even a little bit of comedy for good measure.  Weekly narratives almost wrote themselves. 

So let's look back at some of the unforgettable moments of this past year.  Whatever your favorite moments were, I think we'd all agree that 2015 was one of the best, and certainly one of the most entertaining seasons in Tour history.

The 2015 PGA Tour Season in Review - Best of the Best (Part 2 of 3)

The 2015 PGA Tour season had it all didn't it?  Drama.  Disappointment.  Domination.  And even a little bit of comedy for good measure.  Weekly narratives almost wrote themselves. 

So let's look back at some of the unforgettable moments of this past year.  Whatever your favorite moments were, I think we'd all agree that 2015 was one of the best, and certainly one of the most entertaining seasons in Tour history.

The 2015 PGA Tour Season in Review - Best of the Best (Part 1 of 3)

The 2015 PGA Tour season had it all didn't it?  Drama.  Disappointment.  Domination.  And even a little bit of comedy for good measure.  Weekly narratives almost wrote themselves. 

So let's look back at some of the unforgettable moments of this past year.  Whatever your favorite moments were, I think we'd all agree that 2015 was one of the best, and certainly one of the most entertaining seasons in Tour history.

Fujikura 2016 XLR8 Shafts Preview - The Art of Speed

Tell me if you've heard this one before.  It starts as a passion.  Then quickly turns into an obsession.  And eventually becomes a never-ending quest that continues for the rest of our lives. 

What is it?  It's the golfer's insatiable lust for speed.  More speed, more distance.  More distance, more fun.  And let's be honest, no one's snatching their tee from the ground or admiring drives that scoot 220 yards down the fairway.  But pound one out there 280 yards?  Even in the rough?  Velvet ropes open and champagne flows from the heavens. 

 

And the folks at Fujikura understand our obsession with speed.  You might even say they have an obsession with our obsession.  So it's not surprising Fujikura designed their new XLR8 line-up of shafts for 2016 with a focus on increased club-head speed above all else.

Fujikura 2016 Speeder Evolution II Shafts Preview - Enter the Evolution

When you think of Bruce Lee, the greatest icon in martial arts history, what do you think of?  His astonishing power?  Ripped-to-the-bone muscle?  No one ever got tired of watching Lee launch bad guys through dojo walls, that's for sure. 

 

It's probably safe to assume you don't immediately think of golf shafts.  But maybe it's time you should.  Because the new 2016 Fujikura Speeder Evolution II just might be the Bruce Lee of all golf shafts. 

Featuring a stronger carbon fiber, leaner shaft geometry, and a more explosive kick than the original Evolution, the Evo II adapts what is useful, rejects what is not, and adds specifically what is Fujikura's own.

Leave Jason Day Alone Already

By now you've probably seen it so many times you're sick of seeing it.  But you should be even sicker of hearing about how Jason Day didn't protect his wife.

Day and his wife Ellie were sitting courtside at the Cavs game Thursday night against the Thunder, and LeBron James basically destroyed Ellie diving for a loose ball. 



Ellie left the arena on a stretcher, and was taken to a Cleveland hospital.  She is fine now, though she did suffer concussion like symptoms, and said it felt like she was "hit by a truck." 

But reactions on social media leveling responsibility on Day for Ellie's injuries reached epic proportions of absurdity.  The most ridiculous criticism coming from ESPN's Mike Golic, who admonished Day on The Mike & Mike Show, saying, "Make an effort to protect your wife!"

2nd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway

We're just a few hours away from kicking off my 2nd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway, and I want everyone to know how grateful I am today. 

I'm grateful I can write about golf for a living.  I'm grateful I learn something new about the game we love almost every day.  And I'm grateful that you take time out of your busy lives to always check in with my blog for golf news, gear previews and reviews, and sometimes just to be entertained. 

I wrote more previews and reviews this year than last, covered more tournaments on Tour, even had more appearances on ESPN and CBS Sports radio talking all things golf.  Because of you. 

So this giveaway is just my small way of wrapping up the year, and saying thank you... to everyone.

Sunice Golf Flexvent and Zephal Rain Jacket Review: Silencing Mother Nature

Every golfer knows playing in the rain and wind creates a few challenges.  The condition of the course changes in the rain.  The responsiveness of your ball changes in the wind.  Even the way you think about how to approach your round will change. 

But when you're battling the elements, there's nothing worse than spending time worrying about how cold or wet you are instead of concentrating on your game. 

The Sunice Kern Flexvent and Carleton Zephal jackets are your cure for the bad weather blues, and will protect you against Mother Nature at her worst.  Without a doubt, these are two of the best performing rain and wind jackets on the market today.

CRU Golf Presidents Cup Headcover Review: The Father of all Headcovers

We all want things that are unique.  Things that are classic, extremely well made, maybe even hard to find.  Things that never go out of style, and are better than ordinary.  And I mean really, really better than ordinary. 

And the folks at CRU Golf absolutely nailed it with their Limited Edition Presidents Cup headcover.  Made exclusively for the 2015 United States team, the headcover is a rousing tribute to the most enduring and recognizable symbols of American liberty.  The Stars and Stripes.  And the Declaration of Independence. 

It's the father of all headcovers.  It's tirelessly handsome.  And positively wicked.  But it's only available until the end of the year.  And then it's gone forever.

PGAPappas Holiday Golf Gift Guide - 2015 Gear of the Year

In the few years I've been writing about golf, I haven't really thought about a Holiday Golf Gift Guide.  But when companies started asking me this season to include their products in my guide, two things came to mind. 

First, I guess it's time I have a Holiday Gift Guide.  But also second, why not feature the best clubs, clothes, and accessories I've played, worn, used, and reviewed this year as gift ideas. 

As you know, I'll never write a review on gear I don't like, don't use, and am not able to thoroughly test just because a company has new product they want to send me.  I'm grateful you trust my opinion, and it may sound corny, but I hold your trust in the highest regard. 

So here's my first ever Holiday Golf Gift Guide, an unfiltered, unbiased lineup of gifts that also happen to make my "Gear of the Year" for 2015.  And I'm positive everyone on your list will love to see some of these under their trees or in their stockings. 

ECCO Golf unveils new Speed Hybrid golf shoes for 2016 - PREVIEW

Saying ECCO Golf knows how to make comfortable golf shoes, is like saying Jordan Spieth knows how to make putts.  True on both accounts, to be sure.  But really only scratching the surface of the total story. 

 

Ecco has been making comfortable, functional, Tour-proven golf shoes for years.  And in 2016, the new ECCO Speed Hybrid combines a cool, vintage sneaker aesthetic with leading-edge comfort technology that will coordinate with nearly any outfit. 

Ben Hogan Golf building momentum with new 2016 PTx, hi irons, and hybrids - PREVIEW

When the new Ben Hogan FT. WORTH 15 irons and TK wedges were unveiled in January, the golf world stood up and took notice. 

Fast forward a few months, and serious golfers everywhere were elated with the new Hogans.  The sleek look of traditional blades, combined with state-of-the-art perimeter technology has been a huge success. 

 

But the Ben Hogan Company is not resting on its laurels.  And you can look for Hogan to build on its momentum in 2016 with two new irons designs, and new hybrids, designed not just for serious golfers, but also for golfers serious about getting better. 

Sunice Golf 2016 Preview

If you've never owned anything from Sunice Golf, trust me, 2016 is definitely a great time to start. 

 

The new line-up covers every possible weather condition, from cold and wet, to dry and hot, and will be available in five categories based on those conditions: Rain, Wind, Thermal, Layers, and Sportswear.

Cobra KING F6 Irons Preview

There's an abundance of technology in the new Cobra KING F6 irons.  And they're definitely going to be some of the most fun irons to hit in 2016. 

 

But the folks at Cobra also believe the F6's will revolutionize the progressive set iron design.  And at first glance, it's very easy to see why. 

The F6's are one of the best examples I've seen in years of true game-improvement irons from which both better players and average players will reap benefits. 

Exclusive First Look: 2016 Wilson FG Tour F5 Drivers Woods and Hybrids Hands-on Preview

I'm always reminded of poker when golf companies release new clubs. Sometimes companies make what I'd call a cool-headed raise, like a few refinements, for a little extra distance or forgiveness. 

Other times companies only make minor changes, not even improvements really, what I call a bluff, so the clubs can still be sold as new and improved. 

And sometimes, but not very often, companies go all in on their new release, confident that real technological progress has been made, and their new line-up is truly something special. 

 

Today, Wilson Golf announced the release of their new FG Tour F5 drivers, woods, and hybrids.  And I've seen enough of these clubs to tell you this much... Wilson just pushed their full stack forward with the release of the FG Tour F5 family.

PGAPappas BMW Championship FedExCup Giveaway

As most of you know I've been covering the Tour a lot more this season than last, and while I definitely have some equipment and apparel reviews to catch up on, following the Tour around the country has been more fun than I can even describe. 

The BMW Championship was the last tournament of the season for me, but you know I brought home some swag for you I hope you'll like. 

 

I'll have a few more giveaways this year, one related to my visit at Wilson Golf Research and Innovation Center (you're going to want to read about this one), and of course my end of year 12 Days of Christmas blowout (it's going to be even better than last year). 

And so for this BMW Championship giveaway, we're going to have two winners. 

Titleist 716 AP1 and AP2 Irons Preview & Zach Johnson Autographed Cap Giveaway

Titleist irons were used to win three of the four majors in 2015. And by any standard or measurement, that's just wildly impressive. 

But the folks at Titleist apparently aren't content with simply being wildly impressive.  And if their new 2016 irons are any indication, it's pretty clear Titleist is gunning for a clean sweep in the majors next season. 

 

 

Today Titleist announced the release of their new 716 AP1 and AP2 irons.  And no matter what your skill level, there's a lot to be excited about, with real improvements that can benefit everyone. 

They won't be available until October 23rd, but here's an quick preview of what you can expect, with a few impressions and pictures highlighting the new technology and features.  I'll also have a full on-course review of these irons later this year. 

Jordan Spieth Almost Kills my Girlfriend, Sergio Garcia Saves the Day, and a Bridgestone Invitational Giveaway

The Bridgestone Invitational is always one of my favorite tournaments of the year.  The field is stacked, the fans are nuts, and something memorable always happens. 

I was down in Akron all week reporting live from Firestone, and of course came home with some autographed gear for you.  Actually, a lot of autographed gear... thanks in large part to my girlfriend. 

 

Some things my girlfriend is keeping for herself (you'll know why in a moment), others I'm holding back for my holiday giveaway.  And with the impressive number of autographs we picked up, it just seems right to have multiple winners this week. 

What We Learned from the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay: Year of The Spieth #YOTS, We Have a Rivalry, and Miles and Miles of Heart

According to the Chinese calendar, 2015 is the "Year of the Goat."  But on the PGA Tour this season, 2015 has become the "Year of the Spieth." 

Hey, I warned you it was coming.  Two months ago when Jordan Spieth won The Masters, I told you:

Draw a line across the fairways of golf history today: Before Spieth (B.S.) and After Spieth (A.S.). #Masters2015 pic.twitter.com/FxC695m9lg

— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) April 12, 2015

And now after a historic U.S. Open victory on Sunday, Spieth has his sights set on a milestone we've never seen in the history of golf.

U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Preview - CBS Sports Radio The Stiller Project with Pete Pappas

It's the evening before the the 115th U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, and before the carnage and bloodshed begins, I'm breaking down the tournament on CBS Sports Radio - The Game Columbus. 

 

I talk with Stiller about what makes Chambers Bay so difficult, and if it's a fair test of the players skills, who will be in contention, who will struggle, and of course who will wind up hoisting the trophy Sunday evening. 

2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay - Tuesday Practice Round Photos

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are the top ranked golfers in the world.  And they're also the favorites to win the 115th U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. 

 

But don't expect anyone to run away with the title.  Chambers Bay will be one of the most difficult courses to ever host the Open.  And with no one really knowing how the course will play, players like Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, and Dustin Johnson have as good a chance to win as anyone. 

Here are some of the best photos from Tuesday's practice round. 

2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay - Monday Practice Round Photos

The U.S. Open begins on Thursday, and players are already in scramble mode trying to learn as much about Chambers Bay as they can. 

 

Depending on who you speak with, some players are looking forward to a "fun, difficult challenge."  Others are saying the record-length 7,795 yard course is "tricked out and not of championship caliber." 

Here are some of the best photos from Monday's practice round. 

Fujikura Golf Salutes Folds of Honor Foundation with new Tip and Grip Ready to Play Patriot Edition Shafts

Putting your feet in the right place and standing tall isn't just a swing tip to hit longer drives.  It's also an example of Fujikura Golf's firm conviction that freedom is about doing what's right. 

 

To honor and support the families of fallen and wounded military, Fujikura is releasing new tip and grip, ready to play Patriot Edition shafts, with proceeds going to the Folds of Honor Foundation. 

ECCO Golf G-Mac Special Edition 2015 U.S. Open Golf Shoes Preview

The U.S. Open at Chambers Bay is right around the corner, and to commemorate Graeme McDowell winning the 2010 U.S. Open, ECCO Golf has released a pair of limited edition golf shoes. 

The shoes are available today, but they won't be around for long.  The G-Mac Special Edition are available in a limited run of only 284 pairs, McDowell's winning score at Pebble Beach in 2010. 

 

When McDowell won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach he became the first Northern Irishman to accomplish the feat, and the first European U.S. Open winner since Tony Jacklin in 1970. 

The Memorial Tournament 2015 Giveaway: Autographed Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson Official Memorial Caps

The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village is always a huge event on Tour.  And it all starts of course with Jack Nicklaus.  Nicklaus designed Muirfield to test a golfer's accuracy because "golf is a thinking person's game." 

Outside of the majors, the talent that gathers in Dublin, Ohio every year is as good as it gets.  And for those of you who can't get to tournaments, I constantly try to bring you closer to the action with behind the scenes pictures, player interviews, and of course giveaways. 

 

So in honor of Jack, who's given more to the game than perhaps anyone in history, I'm giving away two official Memorial Tournament Tour Caps, autographed by Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, and Gary Woodland.