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

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

 

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

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

Sights from the 2018 US Open Practice Rounds at Shinnecock Hills

Some players were getting their first looks at Shinnecock.  Others were fine-tuning their games having already practiced here in previous weeks.  Only 18 players in the 154 man field were here in 2004 - the last time Shinnecock hosted a U.S. Open. 

 

I took you through a comprehensive review of the course already and let you know what shots have to be hit and what shots have to be avoided.  I showed you how the course has changed since it last hosted our national championship.  Now just enjoy some of my favorite pictures from the three practice round days.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Review: 2018 U.S. Open - the Clubhouse

Shinnecock Hills clubhouse is the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1892.  It was expanded in 1896, 1903, and 1913, and what you see today is essentially how it looked in 1913.  In many ways Shinnicock Hills is our St. Andrews, and there's history everywhere you look. 

 

When my round was over it was time to reminisce about the carnage, but also some celebrated shots.  I didn't know it at the time, but I'd wind up shooting lower on the first hole than than 137 players at the U.S. Open on Day 1 (only 19 birdies that day).  Views of the landscape from the clubhouse are unrivaled.  Inside the clubhouse it's even more spectacular. 

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Review: 2018 U.S. Open (the Back-9)

Making the turn at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club I felt like I'd just been put through the ringer.  It's the ultimate exam of your game.  Off the tee the course is enormous and seems to extend forever.  Second shots can be spectacularly demanding.  Green complexes are slick and daunting.  You have to pound the fairways straight here, and you have to make a lot of putts. 

 

Your reward for surviving the front-9?  Everything is about to become even more challenging.  You'll still see the risks and rewards of different options off the tee and into the greens.  You'll know what shots you have to shape and what angles you'll need to play based on the design dictates of particular holes. But now on the back-9 you'll also need to deal with elevation changes that make the winds more demonic and club selection more exacting.  Fairway widths in the drive zone also begin to tighten up with some of the narrowest on the course. 

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Review: 2018 U.S. Open (the Front-9)

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is many things to many people.  To some this William Flynn and C.B. Macdonald gem is the greatest course ever created.  Its classic, timeless design requires a thought-out game plan each time you swing the club.  For others Shinnecock is brutal and unrelenting, but eminently fair.  It penalizes you severely for missing fairways and greens, but rewards you the more you flirt with danger. 

 

When I played Shinnecock Hills last month for the 118th U.S. Open Media Day, I learned almost immediately why this is an architectural masterpiece.  Elevated tees, masterful doglegs, corner bunkers, raised greens, varying severities of fall-off, and routing that forces you to deal with wind at your face, at your back, and coming in from left and right.  Shinnecock is pure golf the way it's meant to be played. 

From West Sayville and Timber Point to Bethpage Black and Shinnecock Hills: My Weekend Playing Long Island Golf Courses

Last month I was in New York to play Shinnecock Hills Golf Course for a media event before the 118th U.S. Open, and decided to take advantage of my first time here and get in as much local golf as possible. 

 

I played West Sayville Golf Course on Friday, Timber Point Country Club on Saturday, Bethpage State Park Black on Sunday, and then Shinnecock Hills on Monday.  And I learned that Long Island is a golfer's paradise - home to some of the oldest and most challenging courses in the country. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Callaway La Grange Shoes and Bolle Sunglasses FIRST LOOK Preview

Callaway Golf is clearly doing more than just making great equipment these days.  Their new La Grange golf shoes are their finest spiked shoes to date, and I'll tell you why below in my initial impressions. 

 

Golf is always going to be a hard game, but new sunglasses from Bolle ensure your shades will be the least of your problems.  I've been testing the Anaconda, Bolt, and King models and there's a slew of technology in each of these styles that make them some of the best your money can buy. 

Cleveland CBX Wedges Review: Some of the Easiest to Hit Wedges You'll Ever Play

I've had the chance to play multiple rounds now with the new Cleveland CBX wedges, and can tell you confidently they're some of the easiest to hit wedges I've ever played. 

 

But don't think you're sacrificing versatility just because they're cavity backs.  These wedges are triple-threats from the fairway, rough, and sand, and should definitely be on your must try list of new gear for the year. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Callaway Golf Swami 2.0 Shoes and Electric California Sunglasses FIRST LOOK Preview

You've gone through the fittings, read the reviews, and are beginning to get an idea of what new equipment you want in your bag this season.  But what about performance for your feet and eyes?  New Swami 2.0 spikeless shoes from Callaway Golf and sunglasses from Electric California feature cutting edge style and comfort, and innovative features make them stand apart from the pack. 

 

I've been wearing Electric's Knoxville, Knoxville Pro, and Tech One sunglasses for a few weeks now and everything about them is world class. The Callaway Swami 2.0 spikeless shoes check all the boxes with tremendous comfort and outstanding traction. 

The Masters 2018 Giveaway: Callaway Rogue, Jordan Spieth, CRU Golf, and Titleist

Tiger's back.  Rory's back.  Phil's back.  Hell, even Poulter's back?  Just about every big name in the field is coming into Augusta red-hot this week.  The 2018 Masters is setting up as one for the ages.  So of course, that means I'm going to have to up my Masters Giveaway game this year. 

 

This year we're having four prizes and four different winners.  Each prize is directly or indirectly related to the Masters.  A Callaway Rogue Fairway Wood (currently played by reigning Masters champion Sergio Garcia).  A signed Jordan Spieth Under Armour Tour Cap (the last American Masters champ and also signed in Masters green).  A full set of CRU Golf Limited Edition Masters headcovers.  And your choice of a dozen Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1x or Tour Soft balls (the most played ball brand in modern Masters history).  Getting excited? 

CRU Golf 2018 Major Collection - Limited Edition Masters Headcovers REVIEW

It’s a rite of passage that connects golfers on a primal level to the folklore of miracle shots and great champions.  It evokes the smell of fresh cut grass and vibrant Azaleas that enshroud the property like jam-packed, frenzied patrons.  It’s of course The Masters at Augusta National, and CRU Golf’s limited edition April 2018 Major Collection headcovers pays homage to this heritage and mystique with dazzling authenticity. 

 

There are an estimated 1,600 Azalea bushes bursting with blooms down the left side of the famous 13th hole, and behind the green at Augusta National.  I’m convinced CRU inspected each one before designing their new headcovers.  Varying hues of pink, red, and white faithfully reproduce one of Augusta’s most recognizable icons. CRU’s Azalea number patches are so captivating and authentically detailed, they’re seemingly a portal to this hallowed ground. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Cobra KING F8 Driver and Golf Pride Tour Velvet ALIGN Grips FIRST LOOK Preview

The new Cobra KING F8 driver and Golf Pride Tour Velvet ALIGN grips were two new products that stood out as Best of Show for me at the PGA Merchandise Show back in January.  And I've been putting them to the test for the last few weeks with a full review coming soon. 

 

The Cobra F8 driver delivers one of the best combinations of distance and forgiveness of any driver on the market today.  That's no exaggeration.  And the Tour Velvet ALIGN grips take an already spectacular grip in the Tour Velvet, and makes them even more spectacular. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Wilson Staff C300 Driver and C300 Irons FIRST LOOK Preview

I've been testing the new Wilson C300 driver and C300 irons the past few weeks, and will have a full review soon.  I wanted to share a few initial thoughts with you first however,  as these have both given me some surprises I did not expect. 

 

When my full review drops I'll have tested these clubs in all conditions.  That's the great thing about playing here in Ohio in March to April - you get some days that approach 70 degrees and the sun is absolutely glorious, and other days when the temps are barely holding in the 40s and rain certainly makes an appearance. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap Part 4 of 4: Ping, Cobra Golf, Puma Golf, Piretti Fine Putters, Callaway Golf Shoes

The first day of the PGA Show was coming to a close for me about this time, and darting back and forth around the one million square foot space for meetings at the Orange County Convention Center can present some logistical challenges.  All told, in three days on the floor I walked more than 100,000 steps - the equivalent of 48 miles.  I get excited about my golf, okay? 

 

In my Day 1 Recap Part 3 we looked at new gear from Titleist, Scotty Cameron, Vokey, and FootJoy.  In this section we check out more from PING, Cobra, Puma, Piretti, and Callaway Golf shoes.  Let's wrap Day 1 up. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap Part 3 of 4: Titleist, Scotty Cameron, Vokey Wedges, and FootJoy

One of the largest areas on the PGA Show floor always belongs to Titleist, and you could spend a good portion of the day just looking at new Titleist gear to be honest.  This year the Titleist zone was absolutely packed, and for good reason. 

 

From the new 917 D2 driver and AP3 irons to the SM7 wedges and Scotty Cameron putters, Titleist has put together one hell of a bag.  In my PGA Show Day 1 Recap Part 2 I showed you the latest from Devereaux, Under Armour, Peter Millar, Stitch, and New Balance.  I already gave you my hands-on impressions of the new Titleist line during Demo Day, so this section will consist mainly of more eye candy, and a few more looks at the new FootJoy Tour S shoes. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Callaway Rogue SZ Driver, Mitsubishi Diamana BF and RF Shafts, and More

I'm helping you get equipped with the right gear to improve your game this spring and have a smorgasbord of new equipment reviews right around the corner.  Most of my reviews are based on equipment and gear that I thought stood out as Best of Show during Demo Day at the PGA Show a few months ago. 

 

I'm taking everything on the course multiple times, and giving you some useful comparisons to help you decide what's right for you this year.  In the meantime, here are some pictures from the latest wave of new products I'll be reviewing: including the Callaway Golf Rogue SZ Driver with Aldila Synergy shaft, and the new generation Diamana shafts from Mitsubishi. 

New Golf Equipment Reviews: Fujikura PRO 2.0 shafts, FootJoy Pro S/L and Tour S Shoes, Nikon Coolshot 80i VR Rangefinder, and More

Spring is almost here and that means it's almost new equipment review season.  I'm going to have tons of comprehensive reviews for you this year that you won't want to miss. 

 

New equipment from Callaway, Cobra, Piretti, Titleist, and Wilson to name a few.  New gear and apparel from CRU, J.Lindeberg, Mitsubishi Shafts, Travis Mathew, and more. 

SPOTTED: New Aldila Rogue 130 Platinum Proto Shafts

Testing begins this week for the new Aldila Rogue 130 Platinum Proto shafts at the Valspar Championship in Tampa.  There's not a lot of news about the shafts yet, but here's what I know so far, including some pictures to sink your teeth into and specs from Aldila's 2018 Catalogue. 

 

The 130 Platinum shafts are billed as mid launch, low spin shafts that will be even more stable than the previous generation.  That's largely because of the new 130 MSI material now being used. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap Part 2 of 4: Devereux Golf, Under Armour Golf, Peter Millar, Stitch Golf, and New Balance

Attending the PGA Merchandise Show isn't a requirement to be a certifiable golf geek, but you haven't lived until you attend one.  It's basically a 72-hour non-stop high with crowds of golf enthusiasts large enough to fill 20 football fields.  Sleep is unlikely, fun is guaranteed, and checking out the anticipated new releases for the upcoming season is intense in the most fantastic way possible. 

 

In my PGA Show Day 1 Recap Part 1 I showed you new apparel from New Era, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunice, Adidas, Galvin Green, and J.Lindeberg.  In this section we'll stay apparel-centric and take a look at new lines from Devereux, Under Armour, and Peter Millar, as well as new headcovers from Stitch and the latest golf shoes from New Balance. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap Part 1 of 4: Titleist Presentation, New Era Ryder Cup (New Era and Polo Ralph Lauren), Sunice, Adidas, Galvin Green, and J.Lindeberg

When the PGA Show moves indoors to the Orange County Convention Center prepare for an all-out assault on your entire being.  It's not quite a cell block riot, but you need to develop a sixth sense on how to get around, or you'll plunge into meltdown quickly. 

You're bombarded with overwhelming amounts of new equipment, new apparel, new gear and accessories.  Everything gets unleashed.  Every isle leads to something cool.  More than 1,000 companies and brands showing off their new merchandise in a 1 million square foot area bursting at the seams. 

 

Yes the Show is packed with big budget marketing and dripping with hype.  Yes there's a definite commercial flavor to it.  But as I wandered the floor for three days in search of magic and mystery, I learned that PGA Show 2018 also delivered some of the best new products I've seen in years.  If you're a certifiable golf nut, these are exciting times.  In this recap we take a look at new wares from New Era and Polo Ralph Lauren (2018 Ryder Cup uniforms), Sunice, Adidas, Galvin Green, and J.Lindeberg. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap Part 4 of 4: Cobra Golf, Cleveland Golf, and Vertical Groove Golf

As Demo Day starts drawing to a close I always wish it was a two day event.  Orange County Convention Center has spots indoor to hit new clubs as well, but it's nothing like the full circle, mammoth driving range at the Golf Center.  To hit all the new clubs I want to test, I have to take fewer pictures at this point because there's so little time left.  But I'll still have loads of pictures of clubs from this recap, as well as more pics from other Demo Day recaps you've already read coming up in my PGA Show recaps from the floor. 

 

In my Demo Day Recap Part 3 we took a look at new wares from FootJoy, Titleist, Miura, and Lynx Golf.  In this final Demo Day recap I'm covering new clubs from Cobra, Cleveland, and Vertical Groove.  When all my recaps and Best of Show are done, if you're interested in a particular company or club(s), head on over to the search bar and type in the name to see the multiple articles where I covered them throughout the week. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap Part 3 of 4: FootJoy, Titleist, Miura, and Lynx Golf

Halfway through Demo Day is a dangerous point for me.  Muscles are starting to ache and burn.  Orange County National Golf Center begins to look even more gargantuan knowing there are still numerous companies to cover.  The sun's beating down and I have to decide, "do I save the space in my backpack for much needed water, or for more gear to bring back for you?"  Maybe just a quick breather to recharge? 

 

But you know what happens.  It's breakneck from start to finish.  I put on my Bose earbuds, queue up Eminem "Till I Collapse," and forge ahead to more new equipment.  And forget the water.  In my Demo Day Recap Part 2 I went under the hood with new gear from Ping, Callaway, and Fujikura.  In Part 3 I'll show you the latest from FootJoy, Titleist, Miura, and Lynx Golf. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap Part 2 of 4: PING Golf, Callaway Golf, and Fujikura Golf

Demo Day feels a bit like the Gold Rush for me. Trekking around Orange County National Golf Center and hitting swarms of new clubs can be grueling for sure.  But when you discover those gold nuggets panning through the waters of new equipment, it's a glorious adrenaline rush. 

 

In my Demo Day Recap Part 1, I told you about new riches from Wilson Staff, TaylorMade Golf, and Mitsubishi Golf shafts.  Next up would be PING Golf, Callaway Golf, and Fujikura Golf shafts, and competition for my Best of Show winners started to really heat up. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap Part 1 of 4: Wilson Golf, Mitsubishi Golf Shafts, and TaylorMade Golf

Demo Day is always my favorite part of the PGA Merchandise Show.  I start at the front gates, and purposefully make my way around the entire 42-acre Orange County National Golf Center.  I hit as many new clubs as I can in the nine hours we get, jot down notes for recaps, and grab pictures and videos so you can see everything. 

 

Music is pumping, people are drinking, and everyone's having a great time.  Demo Day is basically golf's version of Woodstock, except everyone has their clothes on.  By the end of the day I have worse calluses than I do actually playing an entire season back home in Ohio.  And I usually don't sleep that evening, because if I did I probably wouldn't want to wake up for the first day of the Show. 

2018 PGA Merchandise Show and Demo Day PGAPappas GIVEAWAYS

Well I'm finally home from the spectacle that is Demo Day and the PGA Merchandise Show, and I've never been more excited about new equipment, apparel, and golf gear as I am this year. 

 

I'll start uploading daily pictures, videos, and recaps starting tomorrow, and will have my Best of Show final wrap up sharing with you what products stood out as best in their class and why. 

As always I picked up some swag for you while I was down there and currently have five separate giveaways you can enter to win in three different ways. 

Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 4 Wedges - Preview

Callaway Golf has released an ultra- premium wedge called Mack Daddy 4, created with an appealing new shape, forged of soft 8620 carbon steel, and delivering an exceptionally satisfying feel and response on every shot. 

 

Less offset, a squarer toe and a straighter leading edge create a clean, confidence-inducing appearance at address to promote crisp contact and command control.  Higher spin comes from the new Groove-in-Groove technology and surface treatment to promote added stopping power, especially on pitches and chips.  Callaway also added an extra 16th groove to provide extra grab on shots hit from right lies that are often hit thin. 

TaylorMade Golf Spider Interactive Putter Powered by Blast - Preview

TaylorMade Golf has announced the release of the new Spider Interactive putter Powered by Blast.  Engineered in collaboration with Blast Motion and SuperStroke Golf, it will advance how golfers of all skill levels capture, analyze and progress their game on the greens. 

 

The Spider putter is TaylorMade's most popular putter in company history and was one of the most popular putters on the PGA Tour in 2016 to 2017.  Taking the next step in its evolution with the incorporation of Blast's motion capture sensors, this is TaylorMade's first totally-integrated golf sensor product in company history. 

Miura Giken MC-501 Irons Preview

You probably haven't heard much about this yet, but Miura Golf will be releasing three new sets of irons this year, and the Miura Giken MC-501 irons should make their debut at the PGA Merchandise Show next week. 

 

I'll have all the information about them you'll ever need next week from the floor, as well as tons of pictures and first impressions.  In the meantime, here's what we know about these muscle cavity beauties so far. 

Callaway Golf Rogue Drivers and Fairway Woods Preview

Riding a wave of momentum into 2018, Callaway Golf has released their new Rogue Drivers and Rogue Fairway Woods.  Both clubs feature the company's proprietary Jailbreak Technology made famous in last season's Epic drivers, but Callaway claims the Rogue drivers and woods are more forgiving and deliver even faster ball speeds thanks to an updated face. 

 

Improving on the best selling driver of 2017 is no small task, and I'll give you my full impressions next week at the PGA Show.  In the meantime here are few key details about the new line, and some comparisons for perspective to last year's Epic. 

Wilson Golf C300 Driver, Woods, and Irons Preview

It's easy to be curious about the hundreds of eye-catching new products that come out every year about this time.  Wilson Golf's new C300 Series of drivers, woods, and irons however, will grab your attention. You can expect heavy coverage of the entire line from me at the PGA Show.  I can't say for sure until I review these new clubs, but my first impression is the C300 Series has the potential to be Wilson's best selling line ever. 

 

The C300 Series clubs feature Wilson Staff’s revolutionary Power Hole technology for accuracy and power.  These urethane-filled through-holes strategically positioned around the face minimize contact between the body and face while providing maximum flex and an expanded sweet spot. 

TaylorMade Golf M3 and M4 Driver, Fairway Wood, and Rescue Preview

TaylorMade Golf is shifting the landscape of golf club engineering with the introduction of their new M3 and M4 metalwoods.  In a radical departure from traditional driver face design, TaylorMade's breakthrough innovation - Twist Face technology - promises new thresholds of never before seen performance. You might even call it a plot twist in driver design (see what I did there)? 



Seriously though, the concept is intriguing and it's sure to be a polarizing topic in the industry.  Twist Face technology is supposed to deliver a corrective face angle for shots hit off-center that should result in longer, straighter shots.  I'll have a full report for you from the PGA Merchandise Show on whether or not the benefits are real and tangible. 

Antigua Golf Apparel Spring 2018 Collection Preview - High Fashion at the Forefront

It's not officially spring until The Masters is upon us, but that doesn't mean we can't warm up a bit with an early peak at the bold new styles from one of the nation’s most prominent golf apparel designers. 

 

I'll be showing you a lot of Antigua Golf's new Spring 2018 collection from the PGA Show next week, and can tell you already they've made spring a season of energy and optimism. 

Preview: COBRA Golf Introduces the 2018 KING F8 Drivers with CNC Milled Faces for the Ultimate in Speed and Precision

COBRA Golf's new KING F8 line of clubs earned immediate validation last month when Rickie Fowler used the new KING F8+ driver and fairway woods to win the Hero World Challenge over a star-studded field.  I'll have a full report on COBRA's entire F8 line-up, including the new F8 irons next week at the PGA Merchandise Show.  I'm especially excited about COBRA's new equipment because last year's KING F7 Driver was one of my top-rated drivers of the season. 

 

The KING F8 and KING F8+ drivers feature COBRA's first ever Precision Milled Forged face for the ultimate in driving performance.  The groundbreaking, fully CNC machined driver face paired with revolutionary 360* Aero Technology, and equipped with COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos, delivers COBRA's fastest, most precise, and smartest drivers to date. 

PING Golf G400 Max Driver, Glide 2.0 Stealth Wedges, G700 Irons Preview

PING Golf is going all in on new equipment releases this year, with drivers, irons, and putters that promise to be some of the most eye-catching products at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show. 

 

I'll have detailed impressions of the new PING G400 Max driver, G700 irons, Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges, and Vault 2.0 putters at Demo Day and on the floor at the Show.  In the meantime here's some info on all the clubs that PING believes will deliver across-the-board performance gains to help all golfers play better. 

EDEL Golf Torque Balanced Putter Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 12 Giveaway

Nothing causes more stress for a golfer than putting, and so each new year we see companies lay out different putter models, sizes, weights, toe-balanced versions, face-balanced versions, and everything in between to be our saviors. 

 

In one way, shape, or form, they all promise their putters have great feel, fantastic spin, and superior control.  Most of the time however, you just have to file these promises under complete and utter bullcrap.  That is, unless the promises come from a company like EDEL Golf. 

Callaway Golf Epic Sub Zero Fairway Wood Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 11 Giveaway

Move over Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt and the rest of the 2000 St. Louis Rams, there's a new "Greatest Show on Turf" in town.  Callaway Golf's GBB Epic Sub Zero fairway woods are attack oriented clubs that run circles around the course with burner speed.  They eat up massive chunks of yardage from the fairway and the tee, and every time you take a swing, they put big shot potential in your hands. 

 

I should tell you right away the Epic Sub Zero fairway woods don't feature the jailbreak technology included in the Epic drivers, the face is too shallow for rugged titanium bars.  But trust me, it's nothing to stress out about.  The SZ still fires with the power of a .357 Magnum thanks to its lightweight triaxial crown and Callaway's latest generation Hyper Speed Face Cup. 

Cobra KING F7 Driver Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 10 Giveaway

Let’s be honest.  We’ve all grabbed a driver from our bag, stuck a tee into the ground, and then had no idea what was about to happen next.  Our ball might go left and it might go right.  We might hit it high and we might hit it low.  Stepping into the tee box can sometimes be like pulling the arm on a Vegas slot machine.  You just hope for the best. 

 

Cobra Golf's KING F7 driver takes random chance out of the equation and hits the jackpot with a three gold bar payout in distance, forgiveness, and adjustability - making it one of my top performing drivers of the year.  It leaves no doubt in all-around performance and will give you confidence to take dead aim and fire away without inhibition. 

Cleveland Golf RTX-3 Sand Wedge Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 9 Giveaway

The pros make it look easy, but hitting out of a sand bunker for the rest of us can be intimidating, and sometimes even a truly miserable experience.  Put a Cleveland Golf RTX-3 sand wedge in your hands however, and you'll start blasting your way out to lower scores in no time. 

 

I wrote a full review on the Cleveland RTX-3 wedges here earlier this week, and you can read all about why it gets my top billing, in particular for its amazing spin and incredibly versatile sole.  The RTX isn't just a game-changer from the sand however.  It will be your go-to club from 100 yards and in, and when you see your approach shots landing a few feet from the hole, it might also become the favorite club in your bag. 

Callaway Golf Steelhead XR Fairway Wood Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 8 Giveaway

Let this one bounce around your grapefruit for a bit.  Callaway Golf's new Steelhead XR fairway woods can be used with equal effectiveness on the tee, from the fairway, in the rough, and around the green.  One club.  Infinite utility. 

 

No, they're not equipped with flux capacitors and won't leave a trail of flames in the turf when you swing them.  The Steelhead XR woods don't even have removable weights or an adjustable hosel.  Callaway's gone back to the future however, and recharged one of the most successful fairway woods in history with jaw-dropping performance that will give you an edge just about anywhere on the course. 

CRU Golf Lighthouse Collection Leather Headcovers Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 7 Giveaway

From the Turnberry lighthouse off the cliffs at Ayrshire, Scotland to the Harbour Town lighthouse on the shores of Hilton Head, South Carolina, golf course watchtowers around the world are just as much a part of the game as daunting greens and tempting fairways. 

 

CRU Golf pays homage to these magnificent beacons with their Lighthouse Collection leather headcovers, and I can unapologetically say these are some of the finest CRU has ever made. 

Cleveland Golf RTX-3 Wedge Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 6 Giveaway

Here’s the scenario.  You’re in a fairway bunker, maybe 100 yards out from a back pin location.  Your ball is partially buried - the dreaded fried egg.  If you blast out too far your ball’s screaming over the green and into a pond.  Don’t clear the tall bunker lip and tentacles of shame will emerge from the trap and cripple you where you stand.  What are you going to do? 

 

If you grab a Cleveland Golf RTX-3 wedge, you’ll probably hit one of the prettiest, highest bunker shots you’ve ever seen.  Even before your club twirl is finished you’ll know that danger was averted, and while the iconic 588 name might be gone from your wedge, the legendary 588 performance has never been better. 

Piretti Firenze Black Onyx Putter Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas DAY 5 Giveaway

Golfers are an finicky bunch.  We fall in love with our putters almost as quickly as we fall out of love with them.  I'd like to tell you the Piretti Firenze Black Onyx putter will once and for all put an end to your compulsive putter buying binges, but I can't.  Putting your hands on the new Firenze is just going to feed an insatiable obsession to keep buying Piretti masterpieces for the rest of your life. 

 

Let me give it to you straight.  The Firenze is one of the best putters you'll ever hit.  Today, tomorrow, seriously... forever.  Incredible distance control and stability makes it almost foolproof.  A heavier head and deep milled grooves create exceptional roll.  And the soft, pure sensation off the face combined with its sleek and powerful appearance makes Firenze a flat-out game changer.