Ricksy Business: Cobra Golf 2019 KING Forged CB & MB Irons Preview

Cobra Golf has announced a new line of players irons designed with the help on Rickie Fowler that promise buttery soft feel and unrivaled precision.  The new high performance KING Forged CB/MB progressive iron set utilizes a sleek design and tour-proven technologies that consistently deliver the workability and shot-shaping control needed to be competitive on course. 

 

The Forged CB/MB set flows from a forgiving players cavity-back (CB) shape in the 4-6 irons to a traditional muscle-back (MB) shape in the 7-PW, and is designed to deliver more playability compared to the full MB prototype set Fowler has in the bag. 

Australian Amateur Golfer Sinks Two Holes In One in Same Round

Jim Grant has been golfing for about 15 years and carries a respectable 14 handicap.  But yesterday Grant admits he was just on the course with some friends to have some fun.  And Grant took fun to an entirely new level making not one, but two hole-in-ones in the same round. 

 

The odds of making two aces in the same session are 67 million-to-one.  Not quite the 1 in 292 million offs of winning the 1.5 billion Mega Millions lottery from a few nights ago, but still pretty crazy - all things considered.  Only three golfers have recorded two holes-in-one in the same round on the PGA Tour. 

TaylorMade Golf Pulls Out of 2019 PGA Merchandise Show

TaylorMade Golf announced today it will not attend the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show, instead focusing on support for PGA professionals and other growth initiatives that CEO David Abeles believes will "create an even greater value for the game of golf." 

 

The last time a buzz-generating, anchor exhibitor pulled out of the Show (Nike Golf), it wasn’t long before they shut down their equipment business. 

Oakland Hills Country Club Play With Pete Invitational Giveaway

If you follow me on twitter and Instagram you know this weekend was the stuff of dreams come true.  I was out at historic Oakland Hills Country Club playing and reviewing the course, and on Sunday decided to surprise 3 players and invite them with me to play this hallowed ground.  Pretty sure that's never been done before, and the experience was as memorable as it gets. 

 

Some sent me their golfing resumes hoping to join, others were willing to hop on flights from Florida, California, and even another country to walk in the footsteps of Hogan, Palmer, Hagen and the biggest legends in golf.  Oakland Hills Country Club is a one of the greatest courses in the world and its history is unrivaled. 

Transforming Speed: Titleist TS2 and TS3 Driver Preview

The new Titleist TS2 and TS3 drivers are the result of Titleist's two-year mission to design greater speed into every detail of driver technology.  TS stands for Titleist Speed (although I've seen some call it Tour Speed), and you've already seen them in play on the PGA Tour.  I can tell you however, that TS could and "should" just as easily stand for "transforming speed," because these new drivers are going to blaze a trail with both better players and slower swing speed amateurs alike. 

 

The TS drivers and fairway woods won't be available to buy until later this month, but I went to a local demo day earlier this week and was absolutely blown away by the results.  I gained more carry and total yards with both TS models than a current driver I play from another OEM, and the improvements were supersonic compared to an older Titleist driver I still take out every once in awhile. 

Fancy Footwork: Callaway Golf 2019 Skyline Golf Shoes Preview

Callaway Golf stepped back into the golf shoe game in a strong way in 2018 with new models boasting technology that delivered unrivaled comfort, traction, and stability.  The La Grange and Swami 2.0 were two of my favorite and highest rated golf shoes of the season, and performed well in both dry and wet conditions. 

 

Callaway is now expanding their spikeless shoe collection for 2019, and the new Skyline shoes promise an excellent combination of performance, comfort, and affordability.  Scheduled to be released in October, the Skyline have their roots in technological performance, with an appearance that's clean and contemporary. 

Cleveland Golf RTX-4 Wedge - First Look Preview

Cleveland Golf is releasing the new RTX-4, their most tour-authentic wedge ever created.  Enhanced with fourth generation Rotex, the new wedges will launch September 14th, 2018.  Cleveland held nothing back during RTX-4 development, creating a made-for-Tour wedge in its purest form. 

 

Cleveland utilized its latest face technologies, Tour-preferred shaping, expanded its grind options to design what they're calling their most Tour authentic wedge of all time. 

Ben Hogan Birthday Giveaway: Ben Hogan Tour Authentic Golf Visors

It's Ben Hogan's birthday today, and to celebrate the legend I'm giving away three (3) Ben Hogan Tour Authentic Visors. 

 

You can enter on twitter and Instagram.  On twitter just RT my giveaway announcement and be sure you're following both me and Ben Hogan Golf Equipment on twitter @BHGolfEquipment. 

Firestone Country Club - South Course Review: Back-9 (2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational)

I only needed to play the front-9 of the South Course at Firestone Country Club to learn this is a course that's as testing as it is beautiful.  Trees help mark the true lines of play, fairways have right sides and wrong sides, and undulating greens are heavily defended with bunkers - particularly on the front and sides of the putting surfaces.  I'd reflect more on my experience once the entire round was over, but I couldn't help but think about a few more things as I made the turn to the back-9. 

 

The South Course won't ever be mistaken for a C.B. Macdonald, Seth Raynor, or A.W. Tillinghast design.  But the South Course's charm is laying it all out right in front of you.  South shows you what shots you have to hit, and then rewards you or punishes you depending on your execution.  Wide fairways give players more options off the tee yes, but it's just as much a test of skill to hit straight drives on South's narrow fairways as it is to work the ball more on wider ones. 

Firestone Country Club - South Course Review: Front-9 (2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational)

The South Course at Firestone Country Club is as much a part of the PGA Tour's fabric as any course in history.  South has hosted a Tour event in 64 of the last 65 years, including PGA Championships, World Golf Championships, and the World Series of Golf.  Giants of the game have played here and won here - which speaks to the integrity of and respect for this iconic course. 

 

I played South the week prior to this year's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and it's classic, timeless design is challenging to both professionals and amateurs.  I can also tell you right now - South deserves to, and should host a future U.S. Open (more on that later). 

Comparing Jordan Spieth's Swing with Rory McIlroy's Swing at The Open Championship

Golf's main event is now Jordan Spieth versus Rory McIlroy, and nothing out there suggests that's going to change anytime soon.  Spieth and McIlroy are both alphas - and each is one major championship victory away from the career grand slam.  They've both won two majors in a single season - a feat accomplished by only 19 players in the history of the game.  Let's be honest - this is Jordan and Rory's world and we're just living in it. 

 

Spieth and McIlroy have gotten to this place in history with two completely different swings - both of which work for each respective player. Watching the 2018 Open Championship you'll see that Jordan's swing is unorthodox and somewhat unconventional, while Rory's swing is classic and more textbook. 

Titleist Introduces Limited Edition 2018 Open Championship Scotland Inspired Headcovers

Crafted with premium materials to commemorate the 2018 Major Championship season and the game's return to Carnoustie Golf Links, Titleist has released their Scotland Inspired Headcover Set and it's their undisputed finest work to date. 

 

Featuring hand-selected leathers, rich embroidery, and "2018" debossed details, this commemorative set will be seen in the bags of Titleist Brand Ambassadors competing this week at Carnoustie. 

2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills - PGAPappas Giveaway

This has been a wild U.S. Open week!  From playing Shinnecock to the all the carnage during the tournament, I'm going to remember this one forever. 

 

It's been a busy time but I didn't forget about you!  To make things a bit easier for me though this year's US Open Giveaway will be held exclusively here on my blog.  To win, simply leave a comment in the section below about the Open, my coverage, the course, the prizes, or whatever you like. 

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.