Sunday, April 16, 2023

USGA Accepts Record 10,187 Entries for 123rd U.S. Open

The USGA has accepted a record 10,187 entries, including 15 champions, for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club’s North Course. The U.S. Open will be held at the club for the first time on June 15-18, 2023.

The number of entries eclipses the total of 10,127 accepted for the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2. It is the 11th consecutive time and the 14th time overall that entries have surpassed the 9,000 mark, and just the second time entries have exceeded 10,000. The USGA accepted entries for the 2023 U.S. Open from golfers in all 50 states, including 1,282 from host state California, as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and 87 foreign countries.

Friday, April 14, 2023

Edel Golf SMS Pro Irons Review

The new Edel SMS Pro irons are unique irons.  And I mean jaw-dropping wow unique.  SMS Pro are a cavity back design but almost feel like blades.  Lofts are slightly weaker than comparable cavity backs on the market but distances actually rival players distance irons.  And the forgiveness you get in such a compact shape is pretty much off the charts.

SMS Pro irons would be compelling just for these reasons alone.  But what makes these SMS Pro most unique, really what separates and distinguishes them from all other irons is their ability to optimize performance for a variety of swings in a way that actually matches your unique swing.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

First Look at New St Andrews Links by TravisMathew Tartan Collection

TravisMathew has launched their St Andrews Links by TravisMathew Tartan Collection, the second collection in the partnership between the California-based lifestyle apparel brand TravisMathew and St Andrews Links, “The Home of Golf”.

The collection seamlessly merges classic with contemporary, on-trend with the explosive resurgence Tartan has had in the fashion industry.

Cobra Golf Unveils Limited Edition 50th Anniversary AeroJet Drivers

COBRA Golf has reached the incredible milestone of fifty years of industry-leading golf club innovation, and to celebrate their journey, they have unveiled two Limited Edition 50th Anniversary AEROJET drivers.  Like the standard AEROJET, the 50th Anniversary models feature aerodynamic shaping, PWR-Bridge Weighting Technology, and PWRSHELL with H.O.T Face, allowing for faster ball speed and longer distance.

The limited-edition drivers, available in both AEROJET and AEROJET LS models, have a sleek look with a black and gold color scheme as well as unique 50th Anniversary graphics and headcover.

Major Success at Augusta for Fujikura Golf

Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be the #1 driver and wood shaft at the first Major championship of the year.

At the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, Fujikura dominated the standings with the #1 spot in the driver and wood shaft counts during the event. A total of 39.1% of the field used a Fujikura driver at the Masters, with another 30.0% of the field using a Fujikura wood shaft.

Shot Scope Launches PRO L2 Laser Rangefinder

In combination with the recent launch of the X5 GPS Golf Watch … the Next Generation in the Company’s Award-Winning Performance Tracking and Distance Measuring Smart Watch Technology  … Shot Scope (www.shotscope.com), a leading international manufacturer of GPS-based golf management systems, today introduced the PRO L2 Laser Rangefinder, a multi-function, high performance distance measuring device (DMD) at an unmatched $149.99 price point.

The easy-to-use PRO L2 offers a breadth of advanced innovation that cannot be equaled for a DMD under $150. Hit the target quickly and accurately with Shot Scope's rapid-fire technology and every time a golfer locks onto a target, the target-lock vibration inside the PRO L2 sends a short pulse, confirming that the golfer has hit their target. What's more, the PRO L2 easily mounts on your cart or pushcart with the extra strong built-in magnet.

TRUE Linkswear Launches TRUE Apparel Collection for 2023

TRUE linkswear (TRUE), purveyors of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear designed for the rigors of walking, is launching its highly anticipated “TRUE Apparel Collection,” already worn on the PGA TOUR by TRUE’s crew of brand ambassadors, including Co-Founder Ryan Moore.

The TRUE Apparel Collection includes the brand’s recently released All Day Chinos, 5-Pocket Pants, Joggers and Hybrid Joggers. Just in time for golf season, it now features a stable of elevated essentials to cover golfers [literally] from head to toe: the All Day Hoodie, Quarter Zip, Crew Neck, Three Unique Polos, a Refreshed Custom Hat Program and New Performance Socks.

Portland Golf Club Clubhouse and Golf Course Earn Exclusive Historic Designation

The Portland Golf Club Clubhouse and Golf Course have been added to the National Register of Historic Places as maintained by the National Park Service. The exclusive designation is typically reserved some of the country’s most prestigious clubs and courses, many located on the East Coast.

National Park Service’s approval was especially gratifying to Portland Golf Club members since preparation of the application required extensive historical research dating back to the property’s beginnings in 1913 when construction on the golf course commenced.

Eight of the World’s Top-10 Including World No. 2 Nelly Korda and No. 3 Jin Young Ko Commit to Inaugural JM Eagle LA Champinship

Major champion and World No. 10 Georgia Hall and Southern California natives / LPGA Tour winners Danielle Kang and Lilia Vu headline the latest commitments to the 2023 JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, an inaugural event on the LPGA Tour taking place at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, April 27-30.

The championship will feature a $3 million purse, one of the largest prize funds on the LPGA Tour outside of major championships.

Titleist Introduces New Players 4 StaDry, Players 4, and Players 5 Stand Bags

The new Titleist Players Series stand bags, engineered for dedicated golfers seeking a lightweight stand bag without sacrificing storage or durability, have been redesigned with a hyper focus on functionality. Every single pocket of the new Players 4 StaDry, Players 4 and Players 5 models has been constructed to ensure optimal organization and accessibility, helping make a golfer’s favorite walk even more enjoyable.

From advanced waterproof performance to premium lightweight constructions and enhanced storage and organization features, the 2023 Players Series family offers stand bag models to fit every player’s needs.

New PXG 0317 CB Players Irons Deliver Total Control and a Gratifying Touch of Forgiveness

New PXG 0317 CB Players Irons offer total control with a gratifying touch of forgiveness for elite ball strikers and single digit handicap golfers. Using industry-leading manufacturing techniques, these stunning, milled cavity back irons feature a high-performance body design that is easy to manipulate for advanced shot shaping and trajectory control.

“For golfers who love the look and playability of a blade but know their game could use a little forgiveness every now in then, our new CB Irons are just the ticket,” PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons stated. “From clubhead size, offset, and sole design to a flighted trajectory, these irons perform beautifully in the hands of better players.”

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Adidas Introduces First Ever Ultraboost Golf Shoes

The iconic sportswear golf has been waiting for is ready to hit the fairways. Today, adidas is introducing the first-ever Ultraboost Golf that’s specifically designed for the course. Inspired by the original Ultraboost silhouette that was first unveiled in 2015, this version will offer golf-specific features to accompany the fresh style and maximum comfort that Ultraboost is so widely known for.

To celebrate Ultraboost coming to the sport for the first time, adidas is making this launch special by offering two limited-edition colorways: the legendary OG black and purple as a tribute to the first Ultraboost, and an all-grey version with pops of green. A special silver/olive colorway will be available exclusively on adidas.com to adiClub members beginning April 13. All colorways will be offered in unisex sizing.

Black Desert Resort Golf Course Featured in Pre-Masters Show "The Masterful Tom Weiskopf" Scheduled to Open in May

Black Desert Resort Golf Course was featured in the lead-up to Sunday’s Masters coverage during Jim Nantz Remembers Augusta: The Masterful Tom Weiskopf, which aired on CBS from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. The show featured an interview with Weiskopf’s longtime design partner, architect Phil Smith, and included footage of the new Black Desert Resort Golf Course, the duo’s final design together before Weiskopf passed away in August of 2022.

After opening nine holes to limited preview play last November, Black Desert Resort will open 18 holes to daily-fee play on May 27, 2023 – an additional 19th hole will open later this year. Set amid ancient black lava fields of Ivins, Utah, near St. George, Weiskopf and Smith designed the par-72 course with playability in mind, with most fairways 70 to 100 yards wide. The course features two drivable par 4s – the 5th hole and 14th hole – a Weiskopf hallmark, bringing both strategy and risk/reward elements into play. The property’s distinct black lava rock, called basalt, originated as lava that intermittently flowed from small local volcanoes approximately 2.3 million to 20,000 years ago.

New Tom Fazio Golf Course Coming to Reynolds Lake Oconee

Acclaimed golf course architect Tom Fazio is returning to Reynolds Lake Oconee. The world-famous designer has completed plans for nine holes that will join his existing Bluff nine on The National course to create an entirely new 18-hole layout.

The original, Fazio-designed 18-hole National course opened in 1997. In 2000, its two nines, The Ridge and The Bluff, were joined by an additional nine holes—called The Cove—allowing for various combinations of play.

Srixon Irons Combo Sets Offer Golfers More Versatility

SRIXON, a global leader in tour-quality golf equipment and innovation, is excited to announce the launch of ZX Mk II Iron Combination Set options, available through a new online custom build experience or at any authorized Srixon dealer location.

Srixon’s ZX Mk II Iron Combination Sets give golfers the ability to fine-tune their Iron setup based on performance needs and personal preference. Whether looking for added forgiveness in longer Irons or more workability in the short Irons, ZX Mk II Irons all share a design language and can be built to meet any play style.

Montcalm Golf Club Offers Stay and Play Packages

A New Hampshire golf trip should be on your list – and when it is – whether late spring, summer or autumn, look no further than the award-winning 6,829 yard Montcalm Golf Club, one of Golf Digest’s and Golfweek’s top rated courses and one of New England’s (and New Hampshire’s) premier golf experiences.

Located in Enfield, New Hampshire, Montcalm, which opens April 29, is taking reservations for Stay & Play packages that provide visitors access to their remote hidden gem with unlimited use of the course and club’s practice and training facility as well as preferred tee times. The packages, which are offered now through the fall, include accommodations at the Club’s nearby Hanover Inn on the campus of Dartmouth College and the Courtyard by Marriott Hanover Lebanon.

Monday, April 10, 2023

RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links: Aon Risk Reward

In 2022, more than 37% of the field made birdie or better at the 15th hole at Harbour Town. A strategically placed tee shot gives players their best opportunity to keep pace.

Favoring the right side of the hole with the drive is the play here: over the last 5 years, players in the right fairway are more than twice as likely to go for the green in two as players in the left fairway. That’s huge, as players who go for this green in two average about one-quarter of a stroke better than those who lay up.

Jon Rahm Prepares for Winning The Masters Using Full Swing Technology

Jon Rahm took home his second major championship in style, winning the 2023 Masters with an amazing come from behind victory after using Full Swing’s entire suite of technology.  He has the option to prepare in his home using the Full Swing Pro 2.0 Simulator, Virtual Green or to take his Full Swing KIT launch monitor on the range outdoors.

“I always wanted to be the best player in the world, that hasn’t changed,” said Rahm when interviewed in his simulator about Full Swing’s technology, “Practice smarter, play better, win more. That’s why I chose Full Swing.”

Masters Champion Plays Graphite Design Tour AD-DI Wood Shafts in Victory

Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced today that the winner of the Masters Tournament, held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA was playing Graphite Design Tour AD DI-8 X-Stiff flex wood shafts in his Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond T 16° #3 and 18° #5 fairway metal woods.  The champion shot a tournament score of 65, 69, 73, 69 for a total of -12 under par, claiming his 2nd major title and 4th PGA Tour win this season.

“Congratulations to the 2023 Masters champion on his second major and 4th victory this season.  The Masters champion used his Callaway Paradym 3 and 5 woods when accuracy and distance are so important at one of the most challenging courses in the world” stated Erik Boysen, Vice President of Tour Promotions, Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

EA Sports PGA Tour Road to The Masters (Exclusive Home to All Four Men's Majors) Now Available Worldwide

 Electronic Arts Inc. has launched EA SPORTS PGA TOUR worldwide for PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via the EA App, Steam and the Epic Games Store.

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR is the exclusive home of all four majors in men’s golf – the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open Championship and The Open. The game features 30 courses at launch, THE PLAYERS Championship and FedExCup Playoffs, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and all-new Pure Strike gameplay featuring ShotLink Powered by CDW. EA SPORTS PGA TOUR will also launch with Road to the Masters which incorporates challenges, online tournaments and gear tied to the Masters.