Thursday, June 16, 2022

2022 U.S. Open Championship: Ten Stats to Know From Round 1

Thirty-four years after it last hosted this championship, The Country Club in Brookline acquitted itself nicely on Thursday, yielding a mostly-tight-bunched set of scores in round one. After 18 holes, exactly half of the field (78 players) are at or within six shots of the lead. Six shots is how many Brooks Koepka was trailing by after round one when he won at Shinnecock just four years ago.

That’s to say, we’re just getting started.

Hadwin First-Round Leader With 66 at Brookline

Round 1 of a U.S. Open has a tendency to send observers to bio pages or Google. While there might be an occasional big name at the top of the leader board, the opening round is known for its surprises, and the 122nd championship that began Thursday at The Country Club followed that script.

How about an alternate leading the field? Adam Hadwin certainly is known in golf circles – he owns 12 professional wins, including one on the PGA Tour. But the 34-year-old Canadian, the first alternate from the Dallas final qualifier, wasn’t even in the field until Paul Casey withdrew on Monday.

EDEL Golf Launches New SMS (Swing Matching System) Irons

Edel Golf is announcing the introduction of a game-changing technology in irons. The new SMS (Swing Match System) Irons are unlike any irons on the market. The adjustable Swing Match Weighting brings a level of customization to irons that hasn’t been seen in golf.

By moving the heaviest of the three weights to the ideal position for the golfer’s swing, it enables total clubface control. That can mean eliminating your miss right or left, improving face impact position, more distance, more accuracy, and optimized performance all around. Golfers have long been able to adjust their driver to their swing to customize and maximize their performance. The Edel SMS Irons do just that and the results are shockingly good.

New Club Champion Fitting Studios Open In Four Markets

Club Champion, the globe’s top custom golf club fitter and builder, is continuing its meteoric surge of growth in 2022. The company continues to smash its own records by opening four new stores in the second quarter.

With additional locations from its international partners and studios now open in Huntsville, AL; Westport, CT; Colorado Springs, CO; and Peachtree City, GA, Club Champion has surpassed domestic 100 total locations after just over a decade on the market. There are now fitting studios in 42 U.S. states.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

USGA Gives Fans More Ways than Ever to Follow the Action from the 122nd U.S. Open

Fans will be able to follow the U.S. Open like never before thanks to a comprehensive suite of digital offerings that will immerse audiences in all the action at The Country Club from June 16-19.

“We look forward to providing fans with an unprecedented level of access to this year’s championship through a number of innovative digital offerings that are sure to bring golf fans closer to the action at The Country Club,” said USGA Chief Commercial Officer Jon Podany. “From live streams of championship play to in-depth performance analytics, to augmented reality, golf fans across the world will be able to immerse themselves in the U.S. Open.”

Clean Sweep for Fujikura Ventus on the PGA Tour

Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was proud to be the winning driver shaft on the PGA, DP World and Korn Ferry Tour last week.

On the PGA Tour at the RBC Canadian Open, VENTUS claimed another driver shaft win with the eventual winner choosing to play VENTUS in all his woods. Capturing the title as the #1 player with strokes gained from tee to green, the winner used a VENTUS Black 6X in his driver, VENTUS Black 8X in his fairway wood and VENTUS Black 9X in his five wood. This win is the 19th driver shaft victory for Fujikura on the PGA Tour. With only 35 events played so far this season, this equates to a staggering 54.29% win percentage for Fujikura driver shafts on the PGA Tour.

New CODECHAOS 22 is Impossible to Ignore

Not all golf shoes should look the same. That’s why Adidas is turning up the volume on their CODECHAOS footwear franchise. Always meant to redefine what a golf shoe can be, they’re introducing CODECHAOS 22 featuring an exciting all-new design and innovative technologies that push spikeless performance to the next level.

Distinctive to the CODECHAOS model, Adidas completely refreshed the disruptive silhouette and outsole so that golfers can feel better connection and support with the ground throughout their swing. They primarily focused on our unmistakable TWISTGRIP technology, which now expands across the heel and forefoot, but also goes higher on the sidewall wraps for improved grip and performance. They revamped the upper to be a bold design aesthetic made with recycled materials, combining a multi-layer performance textile with a thin PU film, offering improved performance with stain resistance and a waterproof warranty. As with previous models, it will still feature Adidas full-length BOOST cushioning technology for added comfort with every step.

NEW Galvin Green Collection Builds on Top Selling Lines

The Part Two shirt collection launched this month by leading high-performance apparel brand Galvin Green builds on the brand’s top-selling Part One range that has captured the imagination of golfers looking for stylish, breathable garments that minimize impact on the environment.

Designed to help serious golfers reach their peak and stay protected in the warmer temperatures, the new collection incorporates a series of eye-catching pyramid designs chosen to challenge traditional golfing conceptions. The collection boasts 11 bold designs in a variety of striking colors, including the combination Blue bell/Black, to keep golfers looking sharp for the ultimate GameDay experience.

PUMA Golf Celebrates the US Open with Collection of LOVE H8 Apparel and Accessories

As the best golfers in the world head to Boston, Mass for the third major of the year, PUMA Golf is introducing the Love H8 collection. Inspired by the all too familiar love, hate relationship we all have with the game; this capsule of broken hearts and broken clubs will have all of us feeling seen.

Launching just in time for one of the toughest showdowns in golf, the collection includes pieces for everyone – men, women, and juniors.

SIK vy LA Golf Delights Patriotic Golfers with New Limited Edition USA Putter

Just in time for 4th of July, SIK by LA Golf -- developer of Patented Descending Loft Technology (DLT) -- announced a USA Edition SIK PRO putter. Available in the PRO C-Series model with a plumber’s neck hosel, the USA Putter is precision milled from a solid block of 303 Stainless Steel and features SIK by LA Golf’s famed DLT face technology, which helps provide more consistent launch angles and improved roll.

The new Limited-Edition model features a traditional blade profile with a blue and red PVD finish, which provides a stunning look in different lighting conditions. In line with the USA-themed design, the new putter also comes with an American flag graphic on the face. The Limited-Edition USA putter also features a premium, low-deflection LA GOLF composite P-Series shaft in white with an American flag graphic. A limited SIK USA headcover and red SIK Iomic putter grip finishes off this limited edition putter.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

USGA Golf Museum Exhibit Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion During U.S. Open

As part of a collaborative initiative by the USGA, The Country Club and Town of Brookline to advance a dialogue on inclusion in golf, the USGA Golf Museum and Library will debut a fan exhibit at the 2022 U.S. Open Championship that showcases legends who broke down barriers to participation in the game.

Titled “Hard-Earned Glory,” the exhibit will celebrate golf’s unifying power by connecting fans to powerful stories brought to life through photographs, digital highlights and 50 significant artifacts from the archives of the USGA Museum. The exhibit presents a broad timeline of key milestones in golf that mirror broader cultural movements through American history, from women’s rights to civil rights, accessibility to the LGBTQ+ revolution.

Late Saturday Push Puts USA on Precipice of Victory

When Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup captain Elaine Ratcliffe addresses her team on Saturday night, she might want to eschew a big speech for the Greek mythological story of Sisyphus. He’s the character who kept rolling a big boulder up a hill, only to have it keep falling back to the bottom.

That’s what Saturday in the 42nd Curtis Cup Match at Merion Golf Club felt like for the visiting side. When it looked like GB&I might sweep the Americans in the three afternoon foursomes matches, the USA managed to get a split – one win, one tie and one defeat – to keep its five-point advantage.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

Our first international guest review comes from Steinthor in Iceland.  And we get some gorgeous, historic countryside golf course scenery to boot.  Steinthor I'm going to have to get over to Iceland sooner than later!

Steinthor won my new Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch Giveaway, and plans on using it all summer to dial in yardages and track his statistics.  He's found the new V3 GPS Watch to be "very comfortable" to wear and "quite accurate" compared to his rangefinder.

PAYNTR Golf Enters Global Market

PAYNTR GOLF announced today they have established new distribution partners in various markets outside of the U.S. and UK including Europe, Asia, and South Africa, among others, under the umbrella company of PAYNTR GOLF GLOBAL.

The unprecedented sales success within two years of launching the first model of PAYNTR GOLF shoes, the PAYNTR X 001 F, raised the bar for customers seeking a performance advantage in their golf footwear. With a full line of products available for purchase including shoes, gloves, headwear, socks and golf bags, the demand for PAYNTR GOLF rose significantly, especially following the introduction of the PANYTR X 002 LE and PAYNTR X 003 F.

PXG Opens First Retail Store in Colorado

PXG, a global research and development company dedicated to creating the world’s finest golf equipment and apparel, has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Colorado. PXG Denver is the company’s latest store opening and another example of its rapid retail expansion efforts, which will see the company end 2022 with 24 locations in the U.S.

“It’s no secret that PXG golf clubs are amazing! And with our wide portfolio of top-notch products, we’ve got something for everyone,” said PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons. “As we continue to deal direct and build to spec, we’re setting up shop in markets where there is an appetite and the opportunity to better serve the golf community. The Denver metro area certainly tops the list as a hot spot for golfers despite the cold winter months!”

Vokey WedgeWorks Launches 2022 T Grind

Master Craftsman Bob Vokey’s long-trusted T Grind – an original Vokey tour grind and a favorite among tour players including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas – is now available through WedgeWorks.

Inspired by Vokey’s work with one of the game’s all-time best wedge players, the T Grind was designed for great hands and a vivid short-game imagination. Available in 58º and 60º lofts, it is ideal for a shallow angle of attack in firm conditions, with low bounce and a narrow crescent surface. Compared to Vokey’s L grind, it has a wider back flange which allows for lower measured bounce.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Grips, Gadgets, Gear, and More: 2022 Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is fast approaching (June 19th) and there are more choices than ever before for the golf dad in your life.  I'm here to help make sure you whatever you get dad is something he'll truly and completely enjoy.

All the ideas here are products, gadgets, and gear I've used, tested,, played, and reviewed so I know first hand these are can't miss.  Dad will look better, play better, and just have more fun with any and all of these golf must haves.

PopStroke Announces Official Opening of Orlando Location

PopStroke Entertainment Group, a national leader in golf entertainment co-owned by Greg Bartoli and Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures, today announced the official public opening of its PopStroke Orlando location is set for Monday, June 13 at 9 a.m. The Orlando location is located at 321 N. Alafaya Trail in Waterford Lakes Town Center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m., hosted by PopStroke along with representatives from TGR Design, Stevens Construction, government officials, and the East Orlando Chamber. This is the first of several Orlando locations planned. Details will be released on future locations later this year.

Arcis Golf Acquires Four Bridges Country Club in Ohio

 Arcis Golf—the second largest and fastest-growing owner and operator of private, resort and daily fee clubs in the United States—has added Four Bridges Country Club in Liberty Township, Ohio, to its growing portfolio. This is the 9th club acquisition completed by Arcis in less than a year.

The Four Bridges community has 3,200 residents within Liberty Township, located in Ohio’s Butler County, and is in the center of the fast-growing I-75 corridor north of Cincinnati.

Today is Women's Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day, the global movement that engages, empowers, and supports females through golf, is an annual one-day sporting and community celebration taking place today Tuesday June 7th!

WGD was founded by Elisa Gaudet in 2016.  Now in its 7th year, WGD unites people across the globe through golf.  Starting in Australia and ending in French Polynesia, events will take place for 24 hours straight.  There are events in every continent, apart from Antarctica.