CRU Golf 2017 Major Collection The Masters Headcovers Review

It's the pinnacle of American golf.  A worldwide obsession where players must shut out the noise and focus on the task at hand.  It's The Masters.  It's Augusta National.  And CRU Golf's limited edition Masters Headcovers capture its hypnotic allure with compelling reverence and admiration. 

 

The Masters. Just two words, but thousands of emotions.  Admiring CRU's Masters headcovers right out of the box I started to nostalgically drift off, and could almost smell the aroma of pine straw, see the explosions of azaleas.  I even imagined driving up Magnolia Lane with legends of Masters past recounting stories of Amen Corner, Butler Cabin, and of course the iconic green jacket. 

Srixon Z-Star XV, Z-Star, and Q-Star Tour Golf Balls Review

Golf season hasn’t quite started up here in Ohio, but a few nice days last week gave me the perfect opportunity to put in some extensive time with the new Srixon Z-Star XV, Z-Star, and Q-Star Tour balls. 

 

To compare how each ball performed relative to the other, I hit multiple shots from the same spots on the course using driver, a 7 iron, and a 56* wedge, and did this on a variety of holes.  A friend came with me and did the same thing so we could compare impressions. 

Titleist Releases Limited Edition 716 AP1 Smoke Irons

The maximum distance and maximum forgiveness of Titleist 716 AP1 irons can now be experienced in a sleek new finish: Limited Edition Smoke. 

 

The Smoke finish is a test run because many golfers have been asking for it.  There's been a gravitation to darker finishes in the Vokey SM6 wedges, and the smoke finish in the 716 AP1 irons will make the club look smaller at address. 

Sights and Sounds from the WGC Dell Match Play & Bill Haas Signed Titleist Pro V1 Ball Giveaway

My first tournament of the season finds me in Texas for the Dell WGC Match Play this week.  Surprising upsets, dazzling performances, and the glorious hill country of Austin Country Club have made this a fun one. 

 

Here are a few pictures and videos from the week capturing some of the action. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Best of Show

More than 13,000 words, 1,900 pictures and videos, and thousands of swings later, recaps from Demo Day and the PGA Show are done.  Which means it's time for my Best of Show. 

 

In some categories the difference between winners and honorable mention was razor thin, almost like making a putt versus having one lip out on you. But distinctions have to be made. No participation ribbons in my Best of Show. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 3): Titleist, Vokey Wedges, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Adidas, Ping, and Tear Down

No matter how you measure your game, you're going to need more than great technique to play your best and shoot your lowest scores.  The right tools always matter. 

 

So let's sink our teeth into the latest gear from Titleist, Vokey, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Adidas, and Ping in this final section of PGA Show recaps. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 2): Antigua Sportswear, Wilson Golf, SeeMore Putters, Cobra Golf, and Puma Golf

This would be the section of my recaps I might call "You Win Some, You Win Some."  That's because something from every company in this section found it's way to my Best of Show wrap up. 

 

Let's take a closer look at new products from Antigua Sportswear, Wilson Golf, SeeMore Putters, Cobra Golf, and Puma Golf. 

Antigua Sportswear - 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

Antigua's understanding of, and dedication to the unique needs of the golfer is the reason why they've earned their reputation as a leading designer in the industry. 

 

Each year Antigua collections are the garments of choice for many golfers, with seasonal offerings consisting of core pieces using the finest knits, in fantastic new styles usually centered on a color story. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 1): Callaway Golf, Odyssey Golf, Edel Golf, FootJoy, and Carnoustie Sport

Things definitely are more mellow on the final day of the Show, but for me the whirlwind was only getting stronger.  I still had a lot to cover, and in some instances even circle back to. 

 

In this section we take a look at a smorgasbord of new gems from Callaway Golf, Odyssey Golf, Edel Golf, Carnoustie Sportswear, and FootJoy. 

The Artistry of Carnoustie Sportswear - 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

If you're familiar with Carnoustie Sportswear you know the name is synonymous with elegant styles that are as timeless as the game itself.  I'm not talking sober, unadventurous golf dad styles.  I'm talking about fire over flash, good taste and refinement, where integrity of design meets integrity of experience. 

 

Luxurious and uncompromising fabrics make their outerwear and polos the heroes of any wardrobe.  And the distinctive, indulgent feel to their collections makes you feel downright pampered, as if Carnoustie is a family member who genuinely cares about your well being. 

Did Edel Golf Just Reinvent Single Length Irons? 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

We all know that Edel Golf designed the single length irons Bryson DeChambeau used to win the U.S. Amatuer title in 2015.  And now Edel has actually improved the way single length irons perform in a way that's notably different from anything the industry has ever seen. 

 

I spent a good amount of time speaking with Edel's Andrew Graw about the common problems with single length irons, as well as what Edel did to address those issues, and it was extremely educating and equally fascinating. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 2 Recap (Part 2): Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf, Oakley Golf, Swing Oil, Nippon Shafts, Volvik, and Piretti Golf

Can you tell I was having entirely too much fun this year?  Many of you asked how I covered so much, and the answer's simple really. Every time I saw a new company booth my eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.  My excitement and energy all week was overflowing, and I think I might even have dual residency now in Ohio and Florida. 

 

Let's take a look at new products from Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf, Oakley Golf, Swing Oil, Nippon Shafts, Volvik, and Piretti Golf. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 2 Recap (Part 1): Tour Edge, Honma Golf, Bettinardi, Callaway Apparel, Oban Shafts, and New Balance

You heard a lot of my impressions about the new 2017 gear in my Demo Day recaps and during daily coverage.  Now we're going to look at all of them again, and I'm going to start hinting at what clubs found a place in my Best of Show. 

 

In this section we'll take a look at Tour Edge, Honma Golf, Bettinardi, Callaway Apparel, Oban Shafts, and New Balance. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 5): Evnroll, Zero Friction, SuperStroke, Daphne's Headcovers, Winn Grips, 18 Birdies, and John Daly

We wrap up the Day 1 coverage with a look at Evnroll, Zero Friction, SuperStroke, Daphne's Headcovers, Winn Grips, 18 Birdies, and some John Daly. 

 

Looking ahead to Day 2, we'll have more apparel coverage, but the focus moves heavily on new equipment, and I'll bring you more than you'll know what to do with. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 4): CRU Golf, Travis Mathew, OGIO, Bushnell Golf, Golf Pride, ECCO Golf, and Miura Golf

Ask anyone who's ever been to a PGA Show, and they'll all tell you there's a point each day where they inevitably start to run out of gas.  It was late afternoon  now, I'd already seen an abundance of new products, and that downward spiral into daydreams of a marvelously comfortable bed back at the hotel seemed inevitable. 

 

Then I checked out CRU Golf, Travis Mathew, OGIO, Bushnell Golf, Golf Pride, ECCO Golf, and Miura Golf.  And it seriously felt like a high-dose adrenaline infusion. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 3): Green Label, Stitch Golf, Golf Knickers, Pukka, Loudmouth Golf, Biion Footwear, and Bespoke Golf

More apparel, more shoes, and a first jump into the accessory category in this section with looks at Green Label, Stitch Golf, Golf Knickers, Pukka, Loudmouth, Biion Footwear, and Bespoke Golf. 

 

I'm also going to start throwing in some unsystematic but still interesting pics of things that caught my eye at the end of these recaps.  It's really amazing how much there is at the Show. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 2): Under Armour Golf, Polo Ralph Lauren, Devereux, New Era Ryder Cup, and Peter Millar

We're keeping with the apparel and shoe theme in this section with a slew of noteworthy new offerings from Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, Devereux, New Era Ryder Cup, and Peter Millar. 

 

There have never been more quality options in golf clothing than there are this year.   And even though sporting the same clothes your favorite players wear won't make your game as good as theirs, there's plenty of inspiration in the many new styles to at least make you look as good as they do. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 1): Floor Set Up, Opening Ceremony with Jimmy Walker, Byron Nelson, Chase 54, Ping Golf Apparel, Galvin Green, J Lindeberg, and Sunice

Day 1 of the PGA Merchandise Show means we're leaving the outdoor 42-acre Orange Country Golf  Center and heading indoors to the 1 million square foot Orange Country Convention Center. 

 

We already saw a lot of new gear in my Demo Day recaps, and now we're going to see even more.  These PGA Show recaps will be picture and video driven, with short titles or narratives where they might be helpful or interesting.  I'll also spotlight certain companies in these sections since they earned these spotlights at Demo Day, or on the Show floor over the next three days. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 5): Cobra, Puma, Yonex, Titleist, FootJoy, Fujikura, Aerotech, and Ping

Every golfer wants to play better, and the new club and shaft technologies in 2017 will definitely make a difference in your game and help you build a better bag. 

 

New gear from Cobra Golf, Puma Golf, Yonex, Titleist, FootJoy, Fujikura, Aerotech, and Ping are the focus in this fifth part of the Demo Day recaps. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 4): Game Golf, Oban Shafts, Epon Golf, Honma Golf, Cleveland Golf, and Srixon Golf

I've been to Demo Day and the PGA Merchandise Show three consecutive years now.  And each year I've been more energized and intrigued than the previous year. 

 

But this year had something more.  This year I saw new products and new innovations that basically came right out and knocked me over the head. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 3): Skechers, Soft Spikes, Orange Whip, Adidas, and Sky Caddie

As you can probably tell by now, there are going to be multiple parts to all recaps, including Demo Day and the three days of The Show.  To make it easy for you to find new gear from the companies you're curious about, I've put the company names in the titles, and you can also search for them using the search box on my blog's main page. 

 

In Part 3 we take a look at new products from Skechers, Soft Spikes, Orange Whip, Adidas, and Sky Caddie.

2017 PGA Merchandise Show Giveaways - Jimmy Walker, Bryson DeChambeau, 2017 Titleist Pro V1 Pro V1x, CRU Golf, Travis Mathew

Well I'm finally home from the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show.  And am starting to upload the thousands of pics and videos I took starting tonight and all next week.  As well as impressions, recaps, and of course what stood out to earn my Best in Show. 

 

I brought a few things back for you as well.  And will try to get those giveaways officially started tonight.  Up for grabs are a Jimmy Walker signed PGA Championship Baltusrol flag, a Bryson DeChambeau signed Bridgestone golf ball, a Travis Mathew Golf Tour Cap, CRU Golf Reserve Classic Leather Headcovers, and the new 2017 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x Balls.

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 2): KBS Shafts, TaylorMade, Odyssey, Callaway, and Bryson DeChambeau

Moving along now with new gear from TaylorMade, Odyssey, Callaway, and a little goofing around with Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau is a really enjoyable person to be around. 

 

And I have to remind you, I did tell you in a post prior to The Masters last year that DeChambeau would have his Tour card by the end of 2016, be ranked in the Top-50 in the World by the end of 2018, and win his first major by the end of 2020.  To put it simply, his time is coming. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 1): Bettinardi, SuperStroke, Wilson, Bubba, and Volvik

Yesterday at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day, I went kinda nuts.  I hit as many clubs as I could for about seven straight hours (feeling it this morning), took tons of pictures and videos (about 1,200 to be exact), did some interviews, and of course picked up a few things for you as well. 

Last year I did the same thing, but came home sick as a dog, and wasn't able to share everything with you until much later.  So this year my number one goal is to share as much as I can with you, as fast as I can. 

I'll be uploading everything I have each morning and evening during the Show, so check back frequently for updates.  Anything I can't get to I'll finish when I return home.  And be sure, I'll also answer all your emails and messages, it just might take some time.

Titleist Introduces New Scotty Cameron Select Newport 3

Scotty Cameron has added a new teardrop-shaped, heel-shafted mid-mallet to his iconic Select line of putters – the Select Newport 3. 

 

Trusted by many of the world’s best players, Select putters blend precision milled Scotty Cameron craftsmanship with advanced multi-material constructions and innovative face inlay technology to deliver tour-validated performance with unmatched feel and feedback.

Titleist Introduces New Scotty Cameron Futura Putters

The new line of Scotty Cameron Futura putters, available in golf shops beginning March 17, offers seven high performance mallet-style models that provide golfers at every level of the game with stable, forgiving putter setups. 

 

From rounded mid-mallets to high-tech, high-MOI larger mallets, the 2017 Futura family melds the best design characteristics of the previous generation GOLO and Futura X lines with Scotty Cameron’s continued innovation in multi-material putter constructions. 

Driver vs. Driver: Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson Swing Comparison - Which Style Is Better For You?

Every few weeks this season I'm going to look at the swings of two players on Tour, and show you why one swing might be better suited for your game versus the other. 

 

The player swing comparisons will at times surprise you.  Like this week, when we look at Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson off the tee at the SBS Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.

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.