Duca Del Cosma Golf Shoes Launch into U.S. Market

I've been singing the praises of Duca del Cosma golf shoes for a few years now.  And at the PGA Show last December I told you Duca is coming to the U.S. market. 

 

And now it's official.  The golf fashion brand launches with a vibrant new range of shoes for men and women golfers, supported by an experienced team led by former Reebok and Ashworth regional sales manager Steve Gray. 

Sun Mountain Expands Waterproof Golf Bag Collection

In 2007, after playing one too many tournaments in the rain, the innovators at Sun Mountain applied their rainwear expertise to building a waterproof golf bag.  For 2020, that H2NO collection of waterproof golf bags includes a cart bag and two carry bags, each constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zippers. 

 

Sun Mountain's waterproof golf carry bag options include the H2NO Lite 14-way and the H2NO Superlight.  H2NO Lite 14-way offers a 10.5" diameter top with 14 individual club dividers, the E-Z Lite Dual Strap System shoulder straps and six pockets including a hydration sleeve, velour-lined valuables pocket, and full-length clothing pocket. 

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company introduces ICON Irons: Traditional Forged Muscle Back Blades

Nearly seven decades after Ben Hogan, the man renowned for the greatest swing in golf, founded his equipment brand, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has launched the ICON Irons, a set of forged muscle back blades featuring many of Mr. Hogan's design philosophies. 

 

Developed for better players accomplished at working the ball, the ICON Irons combine traditional styling with modern performance.  Better yet, given the company's innovative Direct-To-Consumer business model which minimizes operational costs and completely eliminates retail mark-up, ICON irons will be sold at www.BenHoganGolf.com and www.BenHoganGolf.eu for  $770 (chrome) and $800 (black) for a 7-piece set. 

Adidas Offers a Glimpse into the Future for More Sustainable Golf Apparel and Footwear

The next stop showcasing adidas' journey to END PLASTIC WASTE is the golf course.  And Adidas athletes who competed in THE PLAYERS Championship earlier this month wore select apparel and footwear made from upcycled plastic waste, a first in the sport. 

 

This environment-friendly capsule of apparel and footwear for both men and women is made from Adidas' new PRIMEBLUE material made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. Upcycled plastic waste is intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our ocean, and then then turned into high-performance polyester yarn used in apparel and footwear. 

Bridgestone Unveils New 2020 Tiger Woods Edition Golf Balls

On the heels of the most-talked about golf ball launch at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show, Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, has unveiled its highly anticipated new version of the popular TOUR B XS - Tiger Woods edition balls.  

 

The new TOUR B XS-TW balls, a strong collaboration between Tiger and Bridgestone, deliver a game-changing combination of driver distance and greenside control unlike anything ever before, thanks to Bridgestone's new REACTIV Urethane cover.  From a performance perspective, the TOUR B XS-TW edition balls are identical to the standard TOUR B XS model that Woods currently is using in all professional competitions. 

PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Package: Bridgestone Golf New Tour B Balls for Everyone

These are trying times we're all facing now.  We're staying at home more than usual, taking precautions to ensure we all remain healthy, and really hoping for the best while everything plays out. 

 

Eventually we'll get back to our regular routines, and that means getting on the course again frequently.  So to help you guys get through this all, and hit the ground running when it's passed, I'm introducing the PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Package. 

Sea Pines Resort Director of Golf John Farrell to be Inducted in Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame

John Farrell, Director of Golf at The Sea Pines Resort, has been named to the Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame and will be inducted in an awards ceremony at Berkeley Hall on May 8. 

 

Over a 30-year-long career, Farrell has been honored many times, including five-time PGA Golf Professional of the Year of the Hilton Head Chapter of the Carolina's PGA Section; two-time Carolina PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year; and Presidents Plaque Award winner. T oday, as Director of Golf and host golf professional of the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, he oversees Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point, and Harbour Town Golf Links, plus on-course food and beverage, as well as tennis, at The Sea Pines Resort. 

Daphne’s Headcovers Celebrates its 40th Year in Golf

Daphne's Headcovers, the original animal headcover company, announced that it is celebrating its 40th year creating and supplying the top quality Headcovers to the world. 

 

In the 40th year since the first headcover was sold, Daphne's Headcovers are now available in more than 80 countries internationally.  Their products are carried in the bags of hundreds of TOUR professionals including Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Jessica Korda, Nellie Korda, Lydia Ko, Brittany Lincicome, and more. 

Club Champion Expands to More Than 45,000 Hittable Combinations

To better serve its customers, the nation’s #1 club fitter is now offering clubs from Ben Hogan Golf Equipment and Sacks Parente along with expanded offerings fromVega, Miura and PXG.  These new additions, along with new releases and existing offerings, brings the total number of hittable head and shaft combinations to more than 45,000. 

 

Already the #1 fitter in the country for top golf brands, Club Champion has now upped the ante to include hundreds of additional combinations. "It was a no-brainer to us to bring in brands like Ben Hogan and to work closely with others like PXG," said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion founder. "We pride ourselves on finding the perfect match for each golfer, and these new and revamped partnerships allow us to stand by that promise." 

Win a Round of Golf with Charles Howell III in Reynolds Lake Oconee Sweepstakes

Think your game compares with the pros?  Someone will find out by winning the "3 for 4" sweepstakes offered by Reynolds Lake Oconee with a prize package that includes 3 unique activities for 4 guests over 3 nights and 4 days.  

 

The experiences include playing a round of golf with long-time PGA Tour professional and three-time champion, Charles Howell III; fishing on Lake Oconee with avid sportsman and PGA Tour professional Blake Adams; and a sporting clays experience with professional shooting expert, Justin Jones. 

PUMA Golf and Rickie Fowler Team Up with Arnie's Army to Pay Homage to The King at The Arnold Palmer Invitational

To honor one of golf's greats, COBRA PUMA Golf athlete Rickie Fowler will once again don a limited-edition collection of gear at the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. 

 

Throughout the week, Fowler will wear accessories and use gear that was inspired by the life of his friend and mentor, Arnold Palmer, including a new API COBRA x Vessel Stand Bag, special headwear, and a pair of IGNITE PROADAPT PALMER shoes. 

From Many, One: USGA Unveils New U.S. Open Brand Platform

As part of the United States Golf Association's ongoing commitment to invest in the U.S. Open and elevate the championship experience for players and fans, the Association today proudly unveiled its new U.S. Open brand platform, “From Many, One.” 

 

USGA Chief Brand Officer Craig Annis said, 

"Our goal was to develop a distinct and powerful brand platform that allows us to celebrate what makes our championship unique and to tell the stories that drive our audiences to attend, watch and engage with the U.S. Open year-round.  Given that the U.S. Open drives nearly 75 percent of the USGA's revenue, the success of the championship directly impacts the work we do to support millions of golfers who enjoy the game."

The 74th Western Intercollegiate at Pasatiempo to be Televised on Golf Channel

The 74th annual Western Intercollegiate at Pasatiempo will be televised on Golf Channel on April 13th to April 15th. 

 

To learn more about the players and teams competing, check out the Western Intercollegiate website here. 

Ben Hogan Golf Unveils 2020 Golf Bag Line

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has added two options to its 2020 line-up of golf bags; a midsize staff bag and a Sunday bag, joining the existing and highly acclaimed BH-1 stand bag.  The expanded product line will provide multiple size and style bag options for all types of golfers, including those who walk, ride or pull their bag on the golf course. 

 

Highlighted by the famed signature of the Company's founder, Ben Hogan, the man renowned for the greatest swing in golf, the new golf bag line is the first of a number of new product introduction planned by the Company in 2020. 

Finn Gets an App

Finn, the new electric golf cycle that's adding fun and speeding up pace of play, now has its own app for scan & ride ease. S imply download the app to your smartphone, scan the QR code on the Finn Cycle, and away you go. 

 

Developed by Rick Reimers, founder and owner of the long-pioneering golf equipment company Sun Mountain Sports, Finn Cycle is a two-wheeled, single-rider cycle with an electric motor and lithium battery that offers a comfortable and stable ride that leaves all who ride it smiling. 

Golf Rounds Played Increase Slightly in 2019 Despite Second-Wettest Year on Record

The golf gods can be a fickle bunch but they have nothing on Mother Nature, producer of the one element general managers or course superintendents can’t control. 

 

The good news?  Rounds played in the U.S. were up 1.5-percent last year over 2018, with an estimated 440 million overall rounds played on the books.  The New England, Middle Atlantic and East North Central regions, which extend from Massachusetts to Michigan and accounts for almost half of national golf facilities and rounds, fared slightly better weather-wise in 2019.  It's a good indicator that the location of precipitation often matters more than the amount. 

Club Champion Hits Business Milestone

Tour-level fittings are an experience like no other, just ask the tens of thousands of custom-fit Club Champion customers who dialed their game in with the fitter last year.  

 

Over 100,000 appointments were recorded from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. 

Topgolf Augusta to Debut During Masters Week with One Floor, 36 Bays, Mini Golf and Backyard Games

Topgolf is unveiling a new venue concept in Augusta, Georgia, during this year's Masters Tournament, a single-floor location with an open-space backyard area. 

 

In addition to hitting golf balls on the 36-bay range, guests have the option to listen to live music, play mini golf and cornhole, socialize around fire pits, and eat together at communal picnic tables. 

Sun Mountain Adds 14-Way Top to its Lightest Golf Bag

Golf bags with individual club dividers are more popular every year.  To answer this demand, Sun Mountain is introducing the 2.5+ 14-way bag. 

 

This bag has a spacious 10.5 inch top with fourteen individual dividers and weighs just under four pounds.  The 2020 2.5+ 14-way is available in six different colors with a full-retail price of $239.99. 

SIK Putters Continues Strong Performance on PGA Tour with Top-5 Finish at Genesis Invitational

SIK Golf captured a T-5th Place Finish on the PGA Tour last past weekend at The Genesis Invitational held at the Riviera Country Club in Palisades, CA. 

 

Bryson DeChambeau, commonly referred to as "The Professor" and "The Mad Scientist", is probably best known for his unorthodox set of irons that are all the same length, but what many people don't know is that he's captured all five of his PGA TOUR victories, and in excess of $14 Million Dollars in earnings, using a SIK putter. 

Launch of New Exotics EXS 220 Clubs Pushes Tour Edge to over 100 Different PGA Tour Players and over 700 Clubs in Tournament Play Since 2018

Tour Edge surpassed 700 clubs in play and 100 different players who have played Tour Edge clubs over the past two years on the PGA Tours last week at the Chubb Classic on the PGA Tour Champions in Naples, Fla. 

 

The company launched their new Exotics EXS 220 clubs to the PGA Tour Champions the first time and the positive feedback from the players was instant. 

USGA Announces Local Qualifying Sites for 120th U.S. Open Championship

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced local qualifying sites for the 120th U.S. Open Championship.  The U.S. Open will be contested at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course), in Mamaroneck, N.Y., for the sixth time from June 18-21, 2020. 

 

Local qualifying, conducted over 18 holes at 109 sites in 45 states and Canada, will take place between April 27-May 12. 

Clubbing with Vosh - Epsiode 1: Mizuno M-Craft Putters

Mizuno is releasing their new line of M-Craft putters tomorrow, marking the first time they've introduced a putter to the U.S. market in over a decade. 

 

Three different models forged from premium 1025 mild carbon steel are available in three stunning finishes.  And I sat down with Mizuno Product Manager Chris Voshall at the PGA Show last month to talk about the M-Craft and Mizuno's entire 2020 line-up. 

Adidas Golf Changes the Game with New CODECHAOS Golf Shoes

Adidas is continuing to redefine the golf dress code, this time starting from the ground up.  Pushing the boundaries in golf footwear once again, Adidas has introduced a new line of golf shoes, CODECHAOS, meant to challenge the definition of what a golf shoe can be. 

 

Built with the modern golfer in mind, the new footwear, offered in both men’s and women's styles, is the latest product from Adidas Golf that breaks down traditional stereotypes and the idea that there's only one look for the sport. 

New Titleist AVX Golf Ball Engineered for Higher Speed, Longer Distance, and More Control

The next generation of Titleist AVX ­is engineered for greater ball speed, longer distance, and increased short-game spin, advancing the multi-component golf ball technology that has produced breakthrough results for golfers who prioritize distance and extremely soft feel. 

 

First introduced in the spring of 2018 following a comprehensive four-month test market, AVX was developed as a performance alternative to sit alongside Titleist's industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x models, offering the lowest flight, lowest spin, and softest feel of the three premium performance offerings. 

Titleist Introduces New Vokey Design SM8 Wedges - A Giant Shift Forward in Wedge Performance

Master Craftsman Bob Vokey's relentless mission to design and craft better performing, better feeling wedges has reached a new height of innovation with the introduction of his Vokey Design SM8 models, the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedges yet. 

 

The groundbreaking Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design concept that originated with Vokey Design SM6, and was refined with SM7, has experienced one giant shift forward in the new SM8.  By moving the CG forward, to a position that actually hovers in front of the wedge face, Vokey and his R&D team have produced a wedge that wants to square every time.  The result is improved distance and trajectory control, better feel, and increased stability for more consistent results. 

New Galvin Green Apollo Jacket Breaks the Mold

The new APOLLO waterproof jacket that headlines the Galvin Green 2020 Part One collection is the first model made in GORE-TEX Paclite Technology fabric to incorporate front pockets, making it even more versatile for serious golfers to wear both on and off the course. 

 

The creation of lighter stretch fabrics has made it easier for Galvin Green to design a jacket that ticks the boxes for the golfer keen to avoid any restrictions when wearing a 100-percent waterproof top. 

Golf Pride Launches New MCC Teams Collection so Golfers can Confidently Show Their Team Colors

Golf Pride, an industry leader in grip innovation and the #1 Grip on Tour, has announced it is expanding its popular MCC family of hybrid grips with the new MCC Teams collection. 

 

The launch lineup will start with 15 unique team color combinations to choose from, so golfers can represent one of their favorite teams while on the course. 

Bridgestone Launches VFIT Video Golf Ball Fitting Service

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf, has officially launched its innovative, new VFIT video ball fitting service, providing consumers with the ability to receive an expert person-to-person golf ball analysis anytime, anywhere.  

 

VFIT, which has undergone extensive Beta Testing since October of last year, and officially debuted in its go-to-market form at last week's 2020 PGA Merchandise Show. 

Bridgestone and Tiger Woods Reinvent the Golf Ball with Groundbreaking REACTIV Cover Technology in New Tour B Family

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, has unveiled its ground-breaking 2020 TOUR B family of golf balls, reinventing the Tour ball as golfers know it.  

 

The TOUR B family delivers a game-changing combination of driver distance and greenside control unlike anything ever before, thanks to Bridgestone's new REACTIV Urethane cover. 

Cleveland Golf Announces CBX Full Face and Smart Sole 4 Wedges

Cleveland Golf is proud to announce the release of two new wedge offerings, the Cleveland CBX Full-Face and the Smart Sole 4. 

 

Built with grooves across the entire face, the Cleveland CBX Full-Face delivers a larger face area and more versatility to make difficult greenside shots easier, while the Smart Sole 4 makes the short game easier. 

Titleist Introduces New T400 Irons For Easy Launch And Super Distance

The new easy-launching, super distance Titleist T400 irons are designed to provide moderate swing speed golfers with the most forgiving Titleist experience possible. 

 

T400 irons utilize an advanced split sole design, super-thin face and wide body, hollow head construction fortified by extreme amounts of high-density tungsten to help golfers effortlessly launch it higher and hit it farther. 

Puma Introduces New IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED Golf Shoes

PUMA Golf has released their new IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED footwear, delivering the optimum blend of comfort, style, and unmatched, locked-in stability no matter how hard a golfer swings, thanks to a new PWRACAGE saddle unit. 

 

IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED is available in five staple colorways in two head-turning models, with lace up and DISC closure options.  The new Adaptive Fit System and PWRCAGE saddle unit help deliver a perfect fit and stability like you've never felt before. 

PING Introduces G710 Distance Irons With Arccos Caddie Smart Grips

Ping has announced their new G710 irons, engineered to deliver more distance and forgiveness in a sleek, dark finish. 

 

The G710 iron is Ping's longest, most forgiving iron to date.  But Ping also advanced other important attributes such as consistency, sound, and feel without sacrificing performance. 

Bushnell Golf Unveils The New Tour V5 And Tour V5 Shift

Bushnell has unveiled the latest additions to their innovative lineup of rangefinders, the Tour V5 and Tour V5 Shift.  The new Tour V5 models continue Bushnell's tradition of setting new standards in the industry through constant innovation and incorporation of leading technologies. 

 

Molded with the perfect combination of size, speed, accuracy and Visual JOLT, the Tour V5 rangefinders are designed to create confidence for every shot needed on the course. 

Bushnell Golf Introduces Wingman GPS Speaker

Bushnell Outdoor Products, makers of the #1 laser rangefinder on the PGA Tour, has unveiled a first-to-market product, the Wingman GPS Speaker. 

 

With a combination of GPS and Bluetooth technologies, the Wingman provides players audible front, center and back distances, all while listening to the music of their choice through mobile applications. 

Tour Edge Announces New Exotics EXS 220 and 220h Hollow Body Iron Sets

Tour Edge officially introduces two new state-of-the-art Exotics EXS 220 hollow-body iron sets, the EXS 220 and EXS 220h iron sets. 

 

These two new irons sets offer next-level distance coupled with extreme forgiveness in both game improvement and super game improvement designs. 

Tour Edge Unveils Wingman Putter

Tour Edge has announced the launch of their new ExoticsWingman Putters, an extreme M.O.I. modern mini-mallet design with Lock-On alignment and interchangeable sole weights. 

 

The ultra-premium multi-material putter has an extremely high resistance to twisting with one of the highest Moment of Inertia (M.O.I.) ratings of any putter available on the market. 

Callaway Releases LaGrange 2.0 Golf Shoes

Callaway Golf is expanding their 2020 line-up of golf shoes with a new Lagrange 2.0 model that features a sleek new style, added comfort, and improved traction. 

 

LaGrange 2.0 are full-grain leather uppers equipped with Opti-Dri waterproof treatment and Opti-Vent mesh liners to create the perfect blend of protection and ventilation. 

Titleist Introduces New T100 S Irons: The Player’s Forged Distance Irons

The introduction of the all-new Titleist T100 S irons meets the need for a fully-forged player's iron that plays stronger to produce greater distance. 

 

Modeled after the tour-refined design of the new Titleist T100 models, which have quickly become the most played irons this season on the PGA Tour, the new T100 S irons are individually calibrated with 2-degree stronger lofts to give better players the distance they need to score lower, while preserving the feel and precision required for superior shot shaping. 

Titleist Introduces New Scotty Cameron Special Select Putters

The new Scotty Cameron Special Select putter line blends timeless designs with modern craftsmanship to deliver pure tour-validated performance in eight new blade and mid-mallet setups precision milled in the USA. 

 

Available January 24th in North American golf shops (and March 27th worldwide) at a price of $399, Special Select putters are inspired by the classic, solid milled designs that Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron has crafted for tour players around the world, featuring sleeker putter head profiles with thinner and flatter toplines, refined neck configurations, soft tri-soles and performance balanced weighting. 

FootJoy Releases New Tour X Golf Shoes

FootJoy has released new golf shoes called the "Tour X," promising to deliver the . With the idea to deliver the ultimate "X" factor performance by combining the best features of the Tour S, DNA Helix, and Fury shoes. 

 

Using innovation-powered features and materials, Tour X works to redirect and funnel power by ensuring balance and a stable foundation throughout the golf swing.  Tour X was developed from the synthesis of three tour-proven models to provide players maximum performance: Max Stability, Max Control and Max Comfort. 

Titleist Introduces Improved Velocity Golf Balls with New Matte Color Options

Every component of the new Titleist Velocity golf ball has been engineered for maximum velocity, including new aerodynamic and core technologies that deliver the longest, best performing Velocity yet. 

 

Golfers can also experience the speed of Velocity in style, with three new matte color options (Pink, Green and Orange) added for 2020.  The new Velocity are available in golf shops worldwide on January 22nd at a price of $27.99. 

Titleist Introduces Next Generation Tour Soft Golf Ball: Real Performance with Responsive Feel

The largest core ever produced by Titleist golf ball engineers drives longer distance and better short game performance in the new Titleist Tour Soft golf balls, available beginning January 22nd in golf shops worldwide for $34.99. 

 

Titlest Tour Soft was first introduced two years ago, utilizing new material and process technologies to deliver the best performance in its category, offering a superior combination of soft compression feel, very fast speed for commanding distance and excellent short game spin and control. 

ARGOLF Introduces New Irons in Limited Availability

ARGOLF will be introducing two new sets of irons at next week's PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the new forged AR-F15 and milled AR-M18. 

 

The irons feature the exceptional commitment to performance, quality, and artful design that are the hallmarks of ARGOLF's advanced technology and putter designs. 

Finn Adds Fun to Golf

Finn is a new electric golf cycle that's adding fun and speeding up pace of play at a golf course near you.  Developed by Rick Reimers, founder and owner of the long-pioneering golf equipment company Sun Mountain Sports, Finn has its roots in golf and the potential to grow beyond it. 

 

Finn Cycle is a two-wheeled, single-rider cycle with an electric motor and lithium battery that offers a comfortable and stable ride that leaves all who ride it smiling. Finn Cycles are currently part of the rental fleet at over 70 golf courses across the country with more cycles shipping daily. 

Streamsong Resort Unveils Revolutionary Ultradwarf Bermudagrass for 2020 Season

Streamsong Resort begins the New Year by launching a special enhancement project in 2020 to regrass all Streamsong Blue greens with a revolutionary new ultradwarf bermudagrass, Mach 1. With this project, Streamsong will become the first golf destination in the world to showcase Mach 1 on an 18-hole layout. 

 

The resort will manage this regrassing project in phases, beginning in April 2020, to avoid guest disruption and offer all 54-holes of golf during the high demand periods between October and March.  Streamsong Blue greens will be replanted with Mach 1 in April with grow-in extending through September.  Streamsong Red greens will follow the same process in 2021. 

Mizuno M-Craft Putters Preview

You may not know this about Mizuno Golf, but back in the early 1990's and 2000's Scotty Cameron and Bob Bettinardi manufactured putters for Mizuno.  Yes, the same Scotty and Bettinardi renown for their own putter brands today.  

 

Those early Mizuno putters have become collectibles, and by the early looks of things Mizuno is about to set off another putter craze with the release of their new M-Craft putters. 

Galvin Green 2020 Part 1 Collection

The Galvin Green 2020 Part One collection features almost 300 high-performance garments and matching accessories, all designed to help serious golfers reach their full potential, while looking stylish both on and off the fairways. 

 

Building on its pioneering Multi-layer Concept to provide exceptional comfort as well as protection from extreme weather, the Swedish brand has introduced a host of innovations, along with garments evolved from popular earlier lines.