Monday, January 24, 2022

Titleist Introduces New Vokey Design SM9 Wedges

According to Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, the three keys to great wedge play are shot versatility, distance and trajectory control, and maximum spin. With the introduction of the new Vokey Design SM9 wedges, Bob has developed the “ultimate in optionality” across all three categories with his most complete lineup of loft, grind and bounce combinations. Vokey Design has been the most played wedge on the PGA TOUR every year since 2004.

“It sounds simple, but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has a direct impact on scoring performance,” said Vokey. “The most important thing for golfers at every level is to know when and where to use the variety of wedges in their bag. That can be achieved by being properly fit based on swing and style of play, and understanding the roles for each.”

Adidas Golf TOUR360 22 Shoes Take Fit and Traction to Another Level - Hands-On FIRST LOOK

If you've seen any of the Iron Man movies you know Tony Starks has shown off an impressive arsenal of Iron Man suits in the franchise.  Each new suit unveil had something fresh and exciting from both a technological and artistic perspective.  And the new Adidas TOUR360 22 golf shoes make the kind of leap in innovation and performance that would make even Tony Starks envious.

 

Adidas introduced the first TOUR360 to the world 17 years ago.  At the time Adidas purposefully took a lot of risks when it came to design because they wanted to challenge conventional thinking on what a premium performance shoe could represent.  That first model ushered-in an era for what has now become Adidas flagship footwear franchise worn by major champions and amateurs all around the world.  And the new TOUR360 22 takes this premier model to a wholly new level.

Bridgestone Golf Introduces OTTO - The World's First Autonomous Ball Fitting Cart

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, today introduced OTTO (Autonomous Ball Fitting Cart), the latest in golf ball fitting technology. Designed to be both engaging and entertaining to use and informative at the same time, OTTO provides yet another easy way for players to find the right Bridgestone golf ball for their game.

“The genesis of the idea for OTTO was to bridge the gap between entertainment golf and on course golf,” said Dan Murphy, President and CEO, Bridgestone Golf. “Currently there are over 25 million golfers who participate in non-traditional golf, meaning at off course entertainment venues or on simulators. As the leader in golf ball fitting, we feel a responsibility to make sure players continue to be excited and engaged while also having the ability to choose gear that best suits their game. With OTTO’S innovative design we’ve developed a great way to do it.”

Galvin Green Advances New Eco-Friendly Upcycle Edition Collection

Mindful of the environmental challenges facing the world today, high-performance golf apparel brand Galvin Green is advancing its industry-leading sustainability credentials with the creation of its new exclusive UpCycle Edition.

Crafted using surplus fabric from its main production runs, the pioneering range is designed to help reduce unwanted waste and offer golfers peace of mind knowing that the clothing helps minimize the social and environmental impact often associated with manufacturing.

Wilson Golf Introduces New Triad Ball for Players Striving to Break 80

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announces the launch of Triad, the company’s new three-piece, urethane-covered golf ball for the modern athletic golfer. Built with exclusive T3 Technology, Triad combines high MOI design, an ultra-thin urethane cover and patented Tri-Balanced™ construction to provide total performance from tee to green.

“Wilson Golf has strong heritage in building premier products for golfers at all levels. We are very excited to introduce this innovative golf ball for a growing community of competitive players who want to take their game to the next level,” said Tim Clarke, General Manager, Wilson Golf. “The competitive golfer striving to break 80 is who Wilson Labs had in mind while engineering the T3 Technology of Triad, allowing for pinpoint accuracy from anywhere on the course.”

Friday, January 21, 2022

Callaway Golf 2022 Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X Ball Review

Callaway Golf has released new Chrome Soft golf balls for 2022, and I took them out recently to compare against each other and also to the previous gen.  I tested the Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X.  And let's just say Chrome just got Chromier.

Between the new 2022 Chrome Soft and and Chrome Soft X, Soft will be longer than X through the bag for almost everyone (particularly with driver). The X ball spins more with driver and long/mid-irons, and short game spin between the two is very similar.  I also saw a higher peak and descent with the Chrome Soft X overall.

Vessel Player III Golf Stand Bag Review - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

You know I love testing new gear and writing reviews for all of you, really sharing as much of everything golf I do with you as often as I can.  And this year we're going to get everyone even more involved with guest product reviews!  And the first guest review of 2022 comes from our 12 Days of Christmas Vessel Player III golf stand bag winner Jeff.

Jeff has taken his new Player III out a few times already, and I think he's found himself "the perfect hybrid bag."

Galvin Green Assembles Strong Tour Player Lineup in 2022

Leading high-performance apparel brand Galvin Green has assembled its strongest ever Tour player lineup of global ambassadors for the 2022 season, with the addition of proven elite golfers playing on the PGA, LPGA and DP World Tours, including Americans Troy Merritt, Lanto Griffin & Mina Harigae.

The Swedish brand’s ultra-lightweight and highly breathable clothing will be worn by five star players on the PGA Tour for the forthcoming season. Two-time PGA Tour winner Troy Merritt will be wearing Galvin Green for his sixth consecutive year, after a productive 2021 which saw him pick up four top-10s including a second-place finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Joining Merritt for another year is Lanto Griffin, who recorded two top 10 finishes in the 20/21 season followed by back to back top 10s at the start of the 21/22 season, coming at the Shriners Children’s Open and the ZOZO Championship.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Duca del Cosma to Unveil New Golf Shoes Collection at PGA Show

Luxury Italian golf shoe brand Duca del Cosma is set to unveil its exciting new collections at next week’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (25-28 January), showcasing the latest innovations in shoe design and color combinations that offer golfers something completely different in terms of style and comfort.

After a record year of sales in key markets across the world, the brand is looking to continue its Italian Golf Evolution with a spectacular display of premium leather shoes and boots – all designed and handcrafted in Europe – that appeal to a growing number of golfers to wear both on and off the course throughout the year.

David Duval Joins Callaway Staff

Callaway Golf has officially announced that David Duval has joined their Professional Staff.

Duval will play Callaway Woods, Irons, a Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball, and an Odyssey Putter on the Champions Tour.

Titleist Introduces New AVX Golf Ball for 2022

Titleist has introduced the third generation of its AVX golf ball, improving upon short game spin and control, increasing driver distance, and providing even softer feel.

The original AVX was engineered by Titleist in 2018 as a performance alternative to its flagship Pro V1 and Pro V1x by offering the lowest flight, lowest spin and softest feel of the three premium offerings.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

COBRA KING LTDx Irons FIRST LOOK - Engineered for Total Performance

COBRA Golf isn't just going to make a big splash in the game-improvement category of irons in 2022.  They're going all-out cannonball with the new KING LTDx Irons.  Feel, sound, distance, and forgiveness have all been re-engineered to give golfers everything COBRA can possibly give you.

I got a chance to hit the LTDx irons in December and will have a full review on them soon.  Short synopsis right now though?  They made me fall in love with game-improvement irons again.  And COBRA really has improved every performance category with these LTDx irons.

COBRA KING LTDx Driver and Woods FIRST LOOK - A Legend Evolves

It's said fortune favors the bold.  And COBRA Golf is coming out in 2022 guns blazing.  The new COBRA KING LTDx drivers aren't merely contending to earn a spot in your bag this year.  LTDx has its sights on being the best driver of all time.

COBRA has announced today its innovative new family of LTDx Drivers, Fairways and Hybrids, and I had the chance to hit them all last month at a COBRA preview event.  We're going to focus on some tech stories and specs in this FIRST LOOK preview.  And a full review on all is coming soon.  But I will tell you also now, the LTDx line is a showcase of unabashed power.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Alex Cejka and Mike Weir Join Tour Edge Golf

On the eve of the first PGA TOUR Champions tournament of 2022, Tour Edge officially announced today that Alex Cejka and Mike Weir have joined their Professional Staff.

Both players ranked in the Top 10 of the final 2020/21 Charles Schwab money list.

FlightScope to Launch New Mevo+ Pro Package at PGA Merchandise Show

In its ongoing pursuit of adding value for its customers, FlightScope, the global leader in tracking and analyzing sports performance data, will officially launch the FlightScope Mevo+ Pro Package add-on option for its Mevo+ tracking radar at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, January 24-28.

The Mevo+ is an advanced indoor and outdoor tracking radar and golf simulator that offers 16 data parameters, golf course simulation and customizable skills challenges. The Mevo+ is a popular product in the launch monitor and simulator space and offers customers an accurate tracking device for practice and entertainment sessions.

Club Champion Begins Season 2 of Fits with the Founder Podcast

Fits with the Founder, the biweekly podcast presented by Club Champion, found its footing in 2021 and will begin its second season in 2022.

The show, which has featured guests like Callaway Senior Vice President Sean Toulon, KBS Golf Shafts founder Kim Braly, and TaylorMade’s Director of Tours Chris Trott AKA Trottie, looks to maintain its all-star roster of guests into season two.

Fujikura Announces Ventus TR Shaft - Powered by Velcore Technology with New Carbon Fabric

Fujikura has announced the latest addition to its successful VENTUS line of shafts: VENTUS TR.

The new VENTUS TR features a mid-launch profile designed specifically to stiffen torque in the section of the shaft where golfers need it most, leading to increased stability and consistency.

Monday, January 17, 2022

Srixon Unveils the Z-STAR Series DIVIDE Golf Balls

SRIXON has announced the launch of the Z-STAR Series DIVIDE. The Srixon Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV DIVIDE golf balls are available in a Yellow/White colorway, and officially launch in North America on Jan. 21, 2022.

“We are thrilled to be launching Z-STAR DIVIDE and Z-STAR XV DIVIDE,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager of Srixon North America. “While they certainly stand out on the course, the performance benefits are what excite us the most. They’re so easy to align your putts, see flying through the air, and give great visual feedback on pitches and chips around the green.”

Friday, January 14, 2022

First Look: Mizuno ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 Drivers - Next Generation ST Woods and Hybrids

Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer founded in Osaka in 1906 introduces the latest ST Series of metal woods with the ST-X and ST-Z drivers offering exceptional consistency – The next generation of stability.

Once ball speed is maximized with launch angle and spin rates optimized, the final route to elevated driving performance is greater consistency. Step up the Next Generation of Mizuno's ST Series, the new ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 – Engineered to produce the most efficient drives and highest ball speeds...more often.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

XXIO Introduces the Next Generation of X

XXIO has introduced the all-new XXIO X. The new XXIO X officially launches in North America on Feb. 11, 2022.

A skilled player with a strong swing stands to benefit greatly from XXIO’s unique lightweight designs. XXIO X stands apart as woods and irons that pair easily with your natural speed to enhance distance and accuracy beyond what you thought possible.