Meet Golf's Rat Pack: Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, And Smylie Kaufman on Spring Break 2016

It's spring break.  It's the Bahamas.  And it's Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman. 

Say hello to golf's Rat Pack. 

 

The adventures of Fowler, Spieth, Thomas, and Kaufman are being documented on Snapchat, and it's truly impossible to not laugh at what's going on.

Bryson DeChambeau Signs With Bridgestone To Play New Tour B330-S Golf Ball

When "The Golf Scientist," Bryson DeChambeau makes his professional debut on the PGA Tour on Thursday at the RBC Heritage, he'll be using the new 2016 Tour B330-S golf ball and outfitted with gloves from Bridgestone Golf. 

DeChambeau earned the silver cup as the low amateur at the 2016 Masters, and spent a considerable amount of time deciding which ball would help him compete at the highest level on Tour. 

 

"I take every part of my game seriously, and it was clear after a thorough review that Bridgestone Golf's Tour B330-S was the best fit for me," DeChambeau said.  "I'm excited to be a part of Bridgestone's team and benefit from the precision they put in to each and every ball made."

How Amen Corner became the Coffin Corner for Jordan Spieth at the 2016 Masters

Standing on the 10th tee on Sunday, Jordan Spieth held an imposing five-stroke lead.  Momentum was clearly on Spieth's side, highlighted by four consecutive birdies to close the front-9.  Spieth's name was probably being stitched on the inside label of the green jacket.  Fans who bet on Spieth were planning how to spend their winnings. 



But as everyone knows, The Masters doesn't really begin until the back-9 on Sunday.  And by the cruelest twist of fate, Spieth knows that now as well.

The Masters Giveaway - Limited Edition CRU Golf Masters Headcover

It's the first major of the year.  For many fans and players it's their favorite major of the year.  So did you really think I wouldn't have a giveaway for The Masters? 

 

I'm really excited about this one because it's from one of my favorite companies, CRU Golf.  And I'm giving away one of their impressive, limited edition, Major Collection Masters headcovers. 

And yes, if you've been paying attention, it's the same CRU limited edition Masters headcover you'll see on many players clubs this week, including amateur sensation Bryson DeChambeau.

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 3

Buckle up golf fans.  If Wednesday's record breaking nine hole-in-ones at the Masters Par 3 Contest is any indication, this week is going to be something very special. 

 

Gary Player became the oldest player to record an ace in event history.  And then Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler recorded back-to-back aces on the fourth hole.  The 80th Masters Tournament has all the makings of one for the ages. 

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 2

If you weren't one of the lucky patrons to win badges to The Masters this year, and didn't want to shell out upwards of $2,000 to a broker for a practice day round, check out some of the sights from today's practice round. 

 

Legends aren't made during the practice rounds of course.  And there aren't any heart-breaking or fantastic narratives to drop your jaws... yet.  But no matter what day you attend, it's still "a tradition unlike any other."

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

Preview: Bridgestone Golf Debuts New JGR Driver for 2016

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

Miura Golf Launches New Left Handed Irons and Putter for 2016

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

 

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