Legendary gear talk with Adam Scott & Hideki’s proto putters (Inside the Ropes: Truist Championship) 9:04 AM (2 hours ago)

From the Philadelphia Cricket Club and the City of Brotherly Love, Tursky takes us behind the scenes at the Truist Championship for the coolest gear news of the week. We get a look at Collin Morikawa testing a new club, Hideki Matsuyama’s collection of custom putters he was testing this week, Justin Rose putter testing, and the ultimate WITB deep dive and legendary gear conversation with Adam Scott.

PXG Launches Bat Attack ZT putter, adding to its zero-torque lineup 6:22 AM (5 hours ago)

PXG created a lot of buzz last year with its first-ever zero torque putter, the Allan. Golfers everywhere were excited to get their hands on it to see how it stacked up against some of the other zero-torque models out there. With the success of the Allan putter, PXG has expanded its zero-torque offerings with the Bat Attack, one of its most popular head shapes over the past few years.

“With the Bat Attack ZT, we’ve taken one of our most iconic putter designs and made it better than ever,” said Bob Parsons, PXG Founder and CEO. “This flatstick delivers all the stability and control you need—without compromising on feel or feedback. If you’re serious about sinking more putts, this is the putter to beat.”

PXG combined the famous Bat Attack with its proprietary S-hosel to achieve a zero torque design that works with any putting stroke. The S-hosel positions the shaft axis just above the center of gravity so torque is removed and the putter face stays pointed at the target throughout the stroke. PXG engineers also incorporated two degrees of forward shaft lean into the S-hosel to get the grip and hands into a better position before the stroke is even made.

The Bat Attack ZT is milled from 303 stainless steel and features a hollow body that is filled with PXG’s own S COR polymer. Using S COR internally allows PXG to move more weight to the perimeter of the putter and increase the stability of the head. This polymer will also dampen vibration and further enhance the feel and sound of the putter. PXG’s tried and true Pyramid Face Pattern is milled into the putter for a roll that is more consistent, giving golfers better feel for distance control. Twin weights in the heel and toe of the putter allow PXG fitters to dial in the head weight for the perfect feel, no matter what specs a customer needs.

The Bat Attack ZT putter is available now, in right or left hand, at any PXG store or on the PXG website starting at $450.

Justin Thomas explains the reason why he has no plans to replace his 10-year-old Titleist fairway wood 3:10 AM (8 hours ago)

Justin Thomas recently got back into the winner’s circle with a big victory at the RBC Heritage, snapping a 3-year winless streak on tour.

Thomas is a Titelist staffer, and has some of the brand’s newest clubs in his bag currently. However, one permanent fixture in his bag over the last decade has been the manufacturer’s 915Fd 5-wood, and despite more modern editions now existing, JT has no plans to swap the club out.

Speaking ahead of the Truist Championship, Thomas revealed why he won’t change the 10-year-old club, explaining how it does exactly what he needs distance wise.

“I’m not (looking to swap it out). I think there’s definitely a reason it’s been in there.

“It doesn’t necessarily have as much to do with not being able to hit the newer stuff well or like how it performs. It’s more of just how it performs distance-wise is what I need.”

“I’ve hit a couple of the latest 5-woods, like the last couple editions or launches, and they just go a little bit further than I would like in a 5-wood. It’s just kind of a perfect club for me, I feel like. It’s unique in the sense that I feel like I can hit it 230 yards if I need to, but I can hit it 265 in the air if I need to.”

Check out Thomas’ full WITB here.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

Rory McIlroy reveals the worst he felt on Sunday at Augusta…and it’s not the moment you are expecting 2:57 AM (8 hours ago)

Rory McIlroy went through a roller coaster of emotions during the final round of the 2025 Masters, in what was one of the most pulsating major finishes of modern times.

The Ulsterman looked like he had the event won several times, before finally closing out the victory to complete the career Grand Slam in a playoff victory over Justin Rose.

Chaos ensued during the final round when McIlroy dumped a wedge shot into Rae’s Creek on the 13th hole, leading to a double bogey. However, speaking this week at the Truist Championship, Rory revealed that the worst he felt on Sunday was not after that disaster, but actually after his birdie on the 10th hole of the day to go four shots clear.

Explaining why it was that moment where he felt the worst, McIlroy told reporters:

“I said this to people, the worst I felt on Sunday at Augusta was probably when I held the birdie putt on 10 to go 4 ahead because I’m like, oh, I really can’t mess this up now. There’s that pressure.”

McIlroy added:

“You know that you’re not just trying to win another tournament, you’re trying to become part of history, and that has a certain weight to it. I’ve certainly felt that at Augusta over the years. I’m sure Jordan has felt that a bit going into each PGA that he’s had a chance to do the same thing.”

The 36-year-old will now head into next week’s PGA Championship with his major drought well and truly broken, and McIlroy believes that the release of that burden should help him in future majors.

“Yeah, it probably will feel a little bit different. I probably won’t be quite as on edge as I have been for the last few years when I’ve been at major championships. I’ll probably be a little bit better to be around for my family, and I’ll be a little more relaxed. I think overall it will be a good thing.”

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

While you’re here, check out the latest episode of Inside the Ropes. 

Ryder Cup 2025: Crossing to Bethpage – NY state park golf, part 3 2:49 AM (8 hours ago)

The history of the acquisition of lands for state parks and properties is a varied one across the Empire State. The first state park, Niagara Falls, was established in 1885. Many of us locals would love to have a scenic golf course located on Goat Island, with holes that ease their way next to Horseshoe, Niagara, and Bridal Veil Falls. We do understand, however, that the parkland is better suited to accessibility by and for all residents and visitors.

Work on state parks, especially the introduction of golf courses, ramped up in the 1930s, thanks to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress programs. The state continues to acquire lands today, to preserve open spaces and critical habitats. For the golfing faithful, the 24 state-owned golf course properties offer affordable and accessible municipal golf.

The birth story of the 24 golf courses has the following chronology:

Battle Island – 1919
Sag Harbor – 1926
Bethpage Green (as Lenox Hill) 1923; Blue and Red – 1935; Black – 1936; Yellow – 1958
Green Lakes – 1935
Saratoga Spa – 1936
James Baird – 1948
Wellesley Island – 1960
Dinsmore – 1962 (18 hole expansion)
Sunken Meadow – 1962 (18), 1964 (third 9)
Soaring Eagles – 1963
Indian Hills – 1964
Beaver Island – 1965
Chenango Valley – 1967 (18 hole expansion)
St. Lawrence – 1967 (18 hole expansion)
Montauk Downs – 1968 (current design)
Rockland Lake – 1969
Robert Moses Pitch and Putt – 1970
Bonavista – 1970
Springbrook Greens – 1995

From the golden age of the early 1900s to the end of the last century, the courses of the New York State park system grew from one to many. Some (Lenox Hills) were adopted into the system, while others (Chenango, St. Lawrence, Dinsmore) expanded from nine to eighteen holes. What does the 21st century hold? That’s a tough question to pose, much less answer, but it concludes its first 25 years with one of the most notable golf competitions on the planet, at its flagship park.

It’s easy to divide the 19 parks that host golf courses into regions, but much more challenging to build a tour. Our second trip, to keep the disappointment to a minimum, was scuttled. Simply not enough vacation time for this working stiff to make a trip along Lake Ontario and into the Adirondacks. I’ve played enough golf in the North Country, however, to know how special those upper region layouts are.

Battle Island

From Mary Gregg and the NYS Parks website, we learn a nice amount about Battle Island. Ms. Gregg offers these insights:

“This park derived its name from a battle which took place on a nearby island on the Oswego River in the mid-1700s. In  1916 most of the land owned by F. A. Emerick was deeded to the state. Battle Island officially became a state park in 1938 when the remaining land was turned over. The popular course near Fulton lies adjacent to the Oswego River and offers golfers magnificent views from a number of its
fairways and greens. The 18-hole Battle Island State Park Golf Course is a challenging one for the budding professional and amateur player.

“From my own experience working at both Green Lakes and Bethpage; Battle Island is a short course but a challenging one. We don’t have any bunkers on the course, but the greens are quite challenging, hard to find many flat areas for pin placements. The views of the Oswego River are quite manificient throughout the season and bring a variety of wilflife throughout the season as well.”

As a youth, I heard tales of Battle Island’s brief but fierce layout from an uncle, an alumnus of the city’s state university campus. Short hitters have nothing to fear at Battle Island, but the wayward driver of the ball should certainly have a long day over the golf course.

Dinsmore

Dinsmore was expanded to 18 holes in 1962. Tom Buggy penned an insightful history of the course for the Staatsburgh State Historic Site, and we are happy to link it here. The course is the northernmost state park layout along the Hudson River, located in Hyde Park, the retreat of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The history of Dinsmore is an interesting, curvy one. The original nine holes on property were a collaborative affair, built on 1890s land shared by three prominent area families. Known then as the Staatsburgh golf club, the daughter of the original designer would eventually donate the land to New York State, establishing the park that includes the adjacent historic homesite. An additional nine holes were added to the property in 1962. Two years later, the original holes were rerouted to form the current back nine, along the southern portion of the property.

Rockland Lake

The Rockland Lake State Park golf course could be forgiven for the occasional bout of envy. It sits in a neighborhood occupied by some of the mid-Hudson River’s finer private clubs. A half mile away is Paramount Country Club, an A.W. Tillinghast design. Tilly is also credited with the majority of the design work at Bethpage Black, a credit that he shares with Joseph Burbeck. Across the great river sits Sleepy Hollow Country Club, whose lineage involves work by Tillinghast, but mainly from C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor. And on and on.

In its origin days, Rockland Lake was used as a natural ice factory by the Knickerbocker company. So pure was the ice that emanated from its waters that the lake supplied much of New York City in those pre-home electricity days. In this new millennium, Rockland Lake plays host in summer months to many of the area’s golfers. Despite its proximity to the waters of the lake, a pond, and the river, none of the holes is within a mighty strike of the wet stuff.

Rockland Lake’s full-size course was designed in the 1950s by David Gordon, a well-traveled, regional architect from eastern New York and Pennsylvania. The big course sits on the northern end of the park. The property also boasts an 18-hole short course, located in the shadows of Hook Mountain, south of the lake that gives the park its name.

Saratoga Spa

Location is often everything. When your golf course is located not only inside a state park, adjacent to a popular performing arts center within the confines of the park, and a nearby, world-famous horse racing track, you have potential for a popular spot. Saratoga Spa’s original golf holes opened in the 1930s, although no architect is given credit for the design. In the late 1950s, William Mitchell did an overhaul of the layout, expanding it to the trace that is in the ground today. During the mid-2010s, Barry Jordan, another regional architect, came in to rebuild the entire 10th green and upgrade bunker drainage throughout the golf course.

Saratoga Spa boasts a testing, 18-hole layout that stretches beyond 7,000 yards. Alongside is a short course, with seven par-three holes and two par-fours. The course features a new fleet of motorized carts with GPS monitors, ensuring that golfers know where they stand at all moments of the round. In addition to the golf course, nearly a dozen natural springs flow through the Saratoga Spa Park. A large pool complex for recreation completes the park’s offerings.

Springbrook Greens

Alan Tomlinson may be the Hayden “Sidd” Finch of golf course architecture. He completed Springbrook Greens in 1995 … then disappeared. Nothing more is known about him, and no other courses bear witness to his skills as a router of golf holes. Springbrook Greens tips out at 5,800 yards and finds itself close to Lake Ontario’s southern shore. If you drew a vertical ray to the south, it would drop a bit west of Syracuse. It’s not much away from Battle Island, so there are a few state courses within a brief drive of each other, in this part of the state.

Springbrook Greens had an interesting first quarter-century of life, then COVID hit, and like many places, things went a bit off path. Fortunately for the region and its golfers, the Randall family leased the course from New York State Parks (much like Bonavista in an earlier step of this series) and brought the course back from a near-death experience. It’s pretty easy for a course to go astray, especially when basic maintenance elements break down. Among the images in the gallery, one will stand out for its lack of grass. Ron Randal tells the story like this:

“This was the 10th green in December the year before I took over. This was the worst but many had large spots that looked like this. I assumed it was a lack of proper maintenance but what I didn’t realize was that a lot of it was just irrigation heads that didn’t work or didn’t work right. This one was missing a head so the front 2 didn’t work at all and of the back 2 only one worked properly. Thank god it was a fairway head or there would have been no grass left at all.

“I assure you it looks better now.”

According to Randall, the fairways are back to what any destination course might offer. Putting surfaces have been expanded back to their original widths, offering a great many hole locations for diversity. Collars around each green and run-up areas have also been added to the course. The course spreads out over nearly 200 acres, is home to diverse, multitudinous wildlife, and amazing views.

Current projects include the rebuilding tees and the addition of back tees, to stretch the tips a bit. Trees have been pruned to allow sun to reach the most sensitive, grass-growing areas (greens and tees). If there ever was a look-at-us-now project among the panel of NYS Park golf courses, Springbrook Greens would give all others some stiff competition.

Saint Lawrence

The St. Lawrence state park course, a nine-hole affair across a wee road from the eponymous seaway, might nip Beaver Island (near Buffalo) for the Closest To Canada prize. The layout sits barely across a road adjacent to the shoreline, less than a mile from Ontario’s beaches. Since the STLS is a bit thinner than the mighty Niagara, it appears that the award goes to St. Lawrence.

St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course is a stand-alone feature, made up simply of a golf course. It was a privately owned layout for many years, near the city of Ogdensburg. The state purchased the acreage in the 1960s and leases the course to it present owners. The St. Lawrence course is a tiny, tidy experience, essentially a series of nine, straightish holes, the fairways are interrupted by the occasional crossing appearance of a wee burn, in the Scottish tradition.

From our inside folks at the course, we received this batch of intel:

“The Ogdensburg Golf Club was started in 1919 by a group of five Ogdensburg area golfers as a private golf and social club. Stock was issued to the original five investors and golfing privileges were obtained by the payment of annual dues to the club. The 151acre golf club, which consisted of five holes along the St. Lawrence River and four holes across New York State Route 37 were sold to New York State on December 18, 1967.

“The State of New York had plans to develop the remaining land into an 18-hole golf facility but those plans never came to fruition. The St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course was operated by New York State Parks until May of 2011 when it was leased to Golf Services, Inc. of Wellesley Island, NY.”

Wellesley Island

In the words of Peter McDermott, manager at the Wellesley Island State Park Golf Course, “(It) is a relatively short 9-hole course at 2,695 yards par 35 but the greens are tight and rewards the accurate shot.  Some of the more notable holes are two very challenging par 4’s, two drivable par 4’s and two scenic par 3’s.   For an added bonus, enjoy the captivating views of the St Lawrence River!”

Unlike its upstream neighbor at St. Lawrence State Park, Wellesley Island sits on the northern bank of the river, but still within the confines of New York State and the USA. The Wellesley course occupies a massive meadow, confined by trees but not defined by them. Rather than build a traditional, tree-lined fairway sequence common to the north country, Wellesley channelled the British Isles tradition of a wide open space for golf.

With one chapter remaining in our story of New York State Parks golf courses, we’re nearing the sad yet proud end to our journey. Still to come is the Long Island sojourn, followed by the Ryder Cup competition itself, at Bethpage Black.

Crossing to Bethpage Part One: Green Laks, Beaver Island, James Baird, the Bethpage Five

Crossing to Bethpage Part Two: Soaring Eagles, Chenango Valley, Indian Hills, Bonavista

Crossing to Bethpage Part Three: You just read it!

Xander Schauffele reveals the ‘on brand’ gift he’s handing out at the PGA Championship dinner 2:44 AM (8 hours ago)

As the victor of the 2024 PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele has the honor next week at Quail Hollow of hosting this year’s PGA Championship dinner ahead of the event.

In a tradition similar to the Masters, Schauffele will construct a menu for his guests, and in his own words, he’s not doing anything unique for the occasion. Speaking ahead of this week’s Truist Championship, Schauffele said:

“I didn’t go do anything unique. I’d say it was sort of middle-of-the-road, a steak option, a fish option. I wanted everyone to be happy or to be able to eat whatever they’d like.”

However, the 31-year-old did tease something that he’d be gifting to each past champion that attends the dinner, saying: “I think the gift is pretty fitting for everyone. I think they’ll enjoy it, and if they don’t like it, they can re-gift it pretty easily.”

Revealing what the gift is, Schauffele stated:

“Pretty on brand, I guess, a humidor and some cigars.”

The PGA Championship gets underway next Thursday from Quail Hollow.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

Viral video of Justin Bieber’s swing has got golf fans triggered 2:32 AM (9 hours ago)

It seems golf is one of the most popular forms of recreation for celebrities these days, and you can add Justin Bieber to the growing list of A-listers teeing it up in their spare time.

The smash-hit singer recently uploaded some videos of himself playing at the ultra-exclusive Madison Golf Club in California (where membership starts at $500,000 a year), but golf fans were left aghast by Bieber’s attire for the day.

Rolling up in an all-white setup of a tank top and baggy pants, the outfit got plenty of responses from golf fans.

Justin Bieber’s swing is _______. ?????

pic.twitter.com/t6wnZsC2pl

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 7, 2025

In response to the video, one user on X wrote: “Does this help or hurt the case that golf needs dress codes?” While another went in pretty hard, saying: “Disgraceful. We would never allow this at Bushwood.”

Bieber is believed to be a 10.2 handicap.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

What 7 or 9-wood is an absolute game-changer? – GolfWRXers discuss 2:07 AM (9 hours ago)

In our forums, our members have been discussing 7-woods and 9-woods. In a thread started back in 2023, and now revived and receiving plenty of traction, WRXer ‘LowandLeft32’ asks users for the ‘standout’ and game-changing’ 7-woods and 9-woods on the market, and our members have been sharing their top picks in our forum.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

• BlackFlamingo: “G430 max 7-wood for me as well. So easy to get in the air.”
• dcdavis25: “Paradym 7-wood has been amazing for me!  Lunches high and enough spin to hold greens from 210+ and is very forgiving.”
• tbsbama: “Taylormade M6. The 5-wood was so good I had to have the 7-wood. Effortless, straight shot for 205/210. I have owned a hundred hybrids that i never could hit, but this has changed that shot.”
• toddba11: “Ping G430 Max, 7-wood (21 degrees), installed a Tensei pro white 1K shaft (Stiff 70 gram) that I cut down from a driver.  Love this combo, has become a go to for me.”

Entire Thread: “What 7 or 9-wood is an absolute game-changer?”

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds Today: LAB Mezz.1 putter 1:42 AM (10 hours ago)

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a LAB Mezz.1 putter.

From the seller: (@ldillard1): “LAB Mezz.1 34″ | 71° Lie Angle – $425 Shipped OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: LAB Mezz.1 putter

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules.

Best irons of 2025: Most technology packed 7 May 2:55 PM (20 hours ago)

In our effort to assemble the 2025 best irons, we have again compiled an expert panel of fitters to help you find out which of the 2025 irons is optimally suited to your game.

Ultimately, the best way to find your personal best iron set is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor. The difficult part is that many golfers don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders, so at GolfWRX, we have done a lot of the work for you.

We are in the era of not just maximizing distance but also minimizing the penalty of common misses for each player — this applies to irons just as much as it does with any other club in the bag. And of course, proper set makeup and gapping are essential. This is why, now more than ever, custom fitting is essential to help you see results on every swing you make.

We want to give you the tools and information to go out and find what works best for you by offering recommendations for your individual iron set wants and needs with insight and feedback from the people who work every single day to help golfers get peak performance out of their equipment.

Best irons of 2025: The process

The best fitters in the world see all the options available in the marketplace, analyze their performance traits, and pull from their internal databases of knowledge and experience like a supercomputer when they are working with a golfer.

Modern iron sets are designed into player categories that overlap the outdated “what’s your handicap?” model, and at GolfWRX we believe it was important to go beyond handicap and ask specific questions about the most crucial performance elements fitters are looking at.

These are the best iron categories we have developed.

Best irons of 2025: The categories

• Overall performance
• Easiest to launch/Slower swing speed
• Pure enjoyment
• Shotmakers
• Most technology-packed
• Best blade

2025 Best irons: Most technology packed

This is the “give me everything you got” list. These irons are the cream of the crop for offering technology to improve feel, distance, and ball speed. The great thing about the technology category is it’s not reserved for higher handicap golfers — it’s for anyone looking to get everything they can out of their game in an iron that also suits their eye.

TaylorMade P790

Their story: With the latest iteration, Matt Bovee and company introduced advancements in face technology, materials, and weight distribution to enhance performance, feel, and consistency. The P790 irons feature a forged 4340M face material, which is 20-percent stronger than previous iterations, allowing for a thinner and faster face. The material change contributes to up to a 24-percent larger sweet spot in comparison to the previous P790 model, promoting more consistent distance across the set.

Fitter comments

• “Everyone’s favorite forgiving distance set to play, the story continues for P790. They are just fun.”
• “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Just make it look pretty.”
• “The perennial classic for a wide range of handicappers, but now with more spin and less jumpers.”
• “After many versions of this iron and always leaving something out, Taylormade has finally made the most complete iron. The spin consistency from this iron specifically over the last two iterations is the most consistent yet. The New 790 also has the best looking top line and feedback off the club face from long irons through the short. This is one of the most complete irons in the last decade.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Callaway Apex Ti Fusion

Their story: The Apex Ti Fusion irons feature an industry-first forged titanium face that promotes faster ball speeds for increased power. Callaway’s brazed titanium construction capitalizes on the power of a titanium face combined with the excellent forged feel of steel. Titanium, the same material used in driver faces, is designed to produce a larger sweet spot in an iron than possible with steel. The titanium face allows for more deflection and interaction alongside Callaway’s patented urethane microspheres. This interaction coupled with a forged, steel body is designed to provide a unique feel that is typically only found in single-piece forged irons.

Fitter comments

• “A ball speed producer, spin can be a little low sometimes, not for everyone, but it performs for the right swing.”
• “This iron is an absolute unicorn. It’s hot, but it launches and spins properly. Found its way into my bag. Wish it wasn’t $300 a stick.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Cobra 3DP Tour

Their story: The Cobra 3D Printed Tour irons are crafted using DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technology, which enables the creation of intricate lattice structures within the clubhead. This design reduces weight by 33%, allowing Cobra to redistribute up to 100 grams of discretionary weight for a low center of gravity (CG) and high moment of inertia (MOI). The result is a forgiving iron that delivers the soft feel and sleek look sought by golfers ranging from professionals to mid- and high-handicappers.

Fitter comments

• “This one is a unicorn. Lowest CG, amazing iron for its size.”
• “Forgiving yet very hot off the face and high launching for better players.”
• “No other OEM has a product like this, a little forgiveness, great feel and no hot face.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Srixon ZXi5

Their story: A new impact forging for Srixon that allows them to forge each iron in a way that boosts performance while giving great feel and feedback. The ZXi5 and ZXiU use a 14 percent softer forged steel in their faces compared to the Mk II versions. The third generation of MainFrame is in the ZXi5 iron faces. This combination of grooves, channels, and notches are milled into the back of the face with different thicknesses. The iron face then has more flexibility and at impact will generate better energy transfer on all shots.

Fitter comments

• “Great feel and forgiveness. It’s an annual favorite.”
• “Great turf interaction. Get a ton of “I never would have thought Srixon would be what fit best.”
• “Soft feel, for steep swings, an absolute monster of an iron that helps keep spin down.”
• “Best high-launch iron that fits a wide range of players.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Callaway Apex Ai200

Their story:  Similarly, engineers focused on refining the feel of each iron, eschewing a cast body design and relying on a fully forged construction with a hard steel face and soft steel body to deliver “tour-level” feel. Ai Smart Face: Callaway’s company-wide embrace of machine learning and artificial intelligence sees engineers refining face designs for optimum performance in the Apex Ai200 and Ai300 irons. Specifically, engineers leveraged the technology to deliver greater spin and launch consistency across the face while reducing any “hot spot” areas.

Fitter comments

• “Tons of ballspeed while maintaining a tight dispersion. Great sound and feel – fits a wide range of players.”
• “Smooth feel on contact throughout the face for players. Forgiving face. leading edge helps with thin shots.”
• “Worth the wait for the Apex forgiveness option. The redesigned DCB packs the same weighted punch, but is less of an eyesore than the previous version allowing casual golfers a great long-term iron option.”
• “A great performer in a forged package forgiving sole design with a minimal offset makes this golf club a top contender.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Best irons of 2025: Meet the fitters

Related: Best driver of 2025

Spotted: New Odyssey Ai-One putter roundup (Japan-only and red paint!) 7 May 9:43 AM (yesterday, 9:43 am)

Odyssey showcased several new putters out on the practice green ahead of the Truist Championship this week. A line of red putters with some new head shapes were glistening in the sun and a line of long-neck putters that are for the Japanese market only right now. The red Ai-One putters seem to have a metallic paint that is a brighter hue than the previous red Odyssey line. For now, the Giraffe-Beam putters won’t be offered here in the United States, but I love the color. A deep bronze looks great, and the longer neck should make these putters close to face-balanced with the L-neck full shaft offset.

Ai-One 24 “Red”

Ai-One Wingback “Red”

Ai-One Giraffe-Beam Double Wide

Ai-One Giraffe Beam 7

Ai-One Giraffe-Beam 2

Ai-One Giraffe-Beam Jailbird

• Check out the rest of our photos from the 2025 Truist Championship

Spotted: Hideki Matsuyama’s new Toulon putter 7 May 9:35 AM (yesterday, 9:35 am)

Hideki Matsuyama has long been a connoisseur of putters and isn’t afraid to try something new on the green. This week at the Truist Championship, Matsuyama had a new putter in the bag, but it wasn’t his usual Scotty Cameron. Instead, we spotted Matsuyama with a Toulon Hollywood prototype in his bag.

Toulon’s Hollywood is an Anser 2 or Newport 2-style blade, so it has a more squared-off look and sharper angles to it. Hideki’s eye seems to prefer this style of putter as they make up the majority of what we see in his bag from week to week. Toulon mills this putter from 904L stainless steel, the same steel Rolex uses on their watches, for its sound and feel. This version of stainless steel takes more time to mill and requires special tools in order to get it precisely the way they want it. On the sole, we see two weights that are permanently installed and probably made from Tungsten in order to get the head weight where Hideki wants it.

A big part of this putter is the face milling, as it is not something traditional to Toulon putters. The face looks to have horizontal grooves that run the full length of the face, which should give the putter a softer feel and quieter sound. Some of these grooves can alter how the ball comes off the face, reducing backspin or skipping, but Toulon isn’t dishing out details yet. The color looks to have a slight hint of gold to it and a nice satin finish. A single site line sits on the flange for alignment, while the topline looks to be a touch on the thinner side.

• Check out the rest of our photos from the 2025 Truist Championship

Drivers, shafts used by the PGA Tour leaders in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee 7 May 3:45 AM (yesterday, 3:45 am)

At GolfWRX, we have the unique opportunity to take a peek into the golf bags of the best players in the world every week (find those photos in our forum). Usually, we file our photos in the form of WITBs and general galleries, but every once in a while, we like to change it up a bit.

With this in mind, let’s look at what’s at the top of the bag for the PGA Tour leaders in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, along with photos of their equipment.

Through the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, May 4. When players have used multiple drivers, we have included the club played for the longest period of time this season. 

1. Rory McIlroy

via PGA TOUR

In March, Rory showed up to the Arnold Palmer Invitational with the new TaylorMade Qi35 driver in the bag before quickly switching back into the Qi10 before the event was even over. With the elusive Masters victory now under his belt with the Qi10 in the bag and in the top spot Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, it could be some time before the Qi10 is phased out of the bag.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 “Dot” (9 degrees @8.25, D4)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X (45 inches, tipped 1 inch)

2. Pierceson Coody

via PGA TOUR

The 25-year-old Longhorn alum has not yet collected his first win on Tour but finds himself second in SG: Off-the-Tee. Like Rory, Coody employs last year’s TaylorMade Qi10 “Dot,” which is a Tour-only model. The “Dot” heads have a spin profile that is lower than the retail Qi10, but higher than the Qi10 LS.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 “Dot” (9 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX

3. Niklas Norgaard

via PGA TOUR

Norgaard boasts elite-level ball speed (averaging 187.34 mph) and checks in at third on the list. In the bag for Norgaard is the previous-generation Titleist TSR3 driver.

Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X

4. Scottie Scheffler

via PGA TOUR

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (8 degrees @8.25, D4 swingweight)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (45 inches)

The OWGR’s No. 1 golfer checks in at 4th in SG: Off-the-Tee on the PGA Tour. Fresh off a victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which was one for the record brooks, Scottie is the third pro in the top five with a Fujikura shaft in the bag. Scottie currently has the TaylorMade Qi10 in the bag, but has been spotted testing the Qi35 recently.

5. Taylor Pendrith

via PGA TOUR

Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees @ 8 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ Six ST 65 M5

Rounding out the top five, and the only pro using a current generation driver, is Taylor Pendrith. In the bag for Pendrith is a Ping G440 LST paired with an Accra TZ Six ST 65 M5 shaft.

Best of the rest: Keith Mitchell (Mizuno ST-Z 230), Rico Hoey (Ping G440 LST), Kevin Yu (Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max), Robert MacIntyre (Titleist TSR2), Aldrich Potgieter (Titleist GT3)

Kelley: The two-point golf swing 7 May 3:06 AM (yesterday, 3:06 am)

For players and coaches researching the golf swing, there isn’t enough in-depth instruction on how the body should move from the face-on angle. Most instruction you find is from down-the-line angle discussing swing plane or just attempting to keep the tush-line back.

From my research, there is almost always an origin to what you see the club doing down-the-line and it starts with how the body moves. With help of a few world class golf coaches, this has lead me to strongly believe in what I teach now.

How the body moves is the engine to the swing. Getting the player to understand this concept will actually clean up most faults in the motion and make the swing more efficient and powerful. This applies for professional and even beginner golfers.

As an explanation or analogy of how I like to see the body move in the swing, I decided to call this motion the “Two-point turn” golf swing. This narrowly beat out the “One-direction swing” or “The simple swing”. Understanding this concept will forever change your golf game.

It all starts with the question “Where are we trying to go?” While setting up over a golf ball this mean obviously forward towards the target. A body starting and moving to go forwards one direction is a natural motion, or a simple turn back (one) and turn through (two) while going forward.

When our head is up looking towards the target like any throwing sport, tennis, boxing, a forward jumping motion, the body naturally moves more level around the spine in a direction to go forward and around towards the target. (Picture below)

This means the spine doesn’t tilt in front of the golf ball and then move back the opposite away backwards. (Picture below)

This leads to why the name the “Two-Point Swing”. Since the body is moving to go towards the target, it simply coils back keeping its original shape (one point) and and then unwinds towards the target (second point). The body turns back own way (1) and uncoils back the other way (2) while the mass moves towards the target like a throwing motion.

If golf was played off a tee four foot high, the body would move the same way as the other sports previous mentioned. Golf would be simple. Unfortunately, golf is hard because the ball is on the ground and we easily lose site of where we are going so our body can tend move the wrong direction especially when you don’t understand the concept of Pressure and weight.

A variation of the two point swing would also when the body works “low to high”. The shoulders will go down and around a bit earlier with the spine still staying behind the ball. The body can then go forward and up. Think jumping forward and up on a table to your side. This is how to efficiently use the ground.

And example of a three or even four-point swing would be where the body tilts and has to recover or find impact then come up into a finish position. Ten body tilts one direction, goes back the other direction, then finally into the finish position.

This two point turn idea is nothing new. There are examples from multiple past and current best players in the word. To start here is Bryson DeChambeau discussing his set-up and turn direction. Followed by Ben Hogan and Nick Faldo.

Bryson

Hogan

Faldo

There are many ways to skin a cat as the saying goes and that definitely applies to the golf swing. The best players in the world are blessed with talent so you will see many different patterns that can make it work including different direction of turns.

In terms of teaching a golf swing and making your swing efficient yet powerful, this simple direction of turn can simplify your golf swing while making it more powerful. Next time you look at your golf swing, look at it face-on in the mirror or on video to check the engine.

http://www.kelleygolf.com

Why John Daly is skipping the PGA Championship despite being able to ‘go there and miss the cut and get $6,000’ 7 May 2:52 AM (yesterday, 2:52 am)

Next week’s PGA Championship will feature the biggest names in golf, but fan-favorite John Daly will not be one of those competing at Quail Hollow.

Daly won the PGA Championship back in 1991, and teed it up last year at the event before withdrawing during the event. However, ‘Wild Thing’ has opted against playing the tournament this year, instead choosing to compete at the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama – the opening major of the year on the PGA Tour Champions.

Speaking on his decision, Daly questioned the schedule, saying

“I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000. But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor. But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks (Koepka) and all the guys?”

Daly, who has now been through 16 surgeries as well as having battled bladder cancer, added:

“I’m like Lazarus – I keep coming back from the dead. Waking up is a win for me.”

Daly heads into the Regions Tradition after a rough outing at the Inseprity Invitational where the two-time major champ shot 27-over par.

Those of you who may be surprised to hear that players missing the cut at next week’s PGA Championship will collect $6,000 might be interested to know that figure is up $2,000 from last year’s $4,000 paid to those who did not make the weekend.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

2 LIV stars among those invited to USA Ryder Cup dinner 7 May 2:52 AM (yesterday, 2:52 am)

On Tuesday evening, 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, Keegan Bradley, hosted a dinner for the hopefuls looking to book their place to Bethpage later this year.

As reported by Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, players ranked inside the top 20 as well as members of the 2023 Ryder Cup and 2024 Presidents Cup teams were all invited. Interestingly, two men from LIV Golf were also asked to attend – Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.

Tuesday night in Philly @Keegan_Bradley will host a dinner for the current top 20 in the @RyderCupUSA standings. Also invited are members of the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup Team and the 2024 U.S. @PresidentsCup team. LIV players @brysondech & @BKoepka are scheduled to be at the dinner.

— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) May 6, 2025

Per Lewis, the dinner was organised as a team building exercise ahead of the biennial event.

DeChambeau last appeared at the Ryder Cup in 2021, but appears to be a lock for Bethpage Black thanks to his stellar performances at the majors.

Koepka’s participation at the Ryder Cup is more up in the air, with the 5-time major champion missing the cut at the Masters and only registering  two top-10s in seven LIV appearances this year.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

Korn Ferry Tour pro shows vile abuse he recently received from unhinged gambler 7 May 2:52 AM (yesterday, 2:52 am)

It’s no secret that professional athletes are targeted online for abuse, but with the rise of gambling it appears that there is every chance that it could become more prominent in the game of golf.

Following a T10 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour, an unnamed professional highlighted one particularly vile abusive message he received following the event. Shared by Golf.com’s, Claire Rogers, the message shows that the motive behind the nasty comments was down to gambling losses on this particular player.

As a warning, the posts contains some distressing language.

The messages pro golfers get are insane.

A DM my friend received after his T-10 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour today: pic.twitter.com/fdziQSztd0

— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) May 5, 2025

You can only imagine the similar messages that others in the sport have received in recent times, and with the rise of gambling in golf, it is fair to say that it’s an unwanted issue that players are likely going to have to deal with more and more in future.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

PGA Tour pro shares porta potty story from Hilton Head that isn’t for the faint of heart 7 May 2:51 AM (yesterday, 2:51 am)

As far as inside the ropes storytellers on the PGA Tour goes, Michael Kim has got to be up there with the best.

Kim has shared details in the past on what free things pros receive at events, as well as how players sign with agents and agencies. The 31-year-old’s latest story though, well, it’s a little more low brow.

Taking to X, Kim shared a story from Hilton Head regarding an incident at a porta potty at the event, and it really isn’t for the faint of heart.

Check it out below, but remember, you have been warned!

Story from Hilton head:

There are player/caddie only porta potties near tee boxes. One caddie went to use one on Thursday morning and in the corner of the porta potty, sees a pair of boxer briefs with some ?.
They tried to find out who it was but couldn’t figure it out ?

The…

— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) May 6, 2025

As you might expect, fans have been wanting to know who the guilty party is, but so far, and it’s probably in everyone’s best interest, that person has remained anonymous.

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds Today: New Callaway Elyte mini driver 7 May 2:51 AM (yesterday, 2:51 am)

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a New Callaway Elyte mini driver.

From the seller: (@Campbells_Soup): “Elyte Mini Driver. New. Hit a handful of balls indoors, taped up. Perfect condition. 11.5* head with choice of Denali Charcoal 60 stiff or Denali Black 60 stiff. Comes with brand new head cover. Asking $375 shipped.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: New Callaway Elyte mini driver

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules.

Best irons of 2025: The shotmakers 7 May 2:38 AM (yesterday, 2:38 am)

In our effort to assemble the 2025 best irons, we have again compiled an expert panel of fitters to help you find out which of the 2025 irons is optimally suited to your game.

Ultimately, the best way to find your personal best iron set is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor. The difficult part is that many golfers don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders, so at GolfWRX, we have done a lot of the work for you.

We are in the era of not just maximizing distance but also minimizing the penalty of common misses for each player — this applies to irons just as much as it does with any other club in the bag. And of course, proper set makeup and gapping are essential. This is why, now more than ever, custom fitting is essential to help you see results on every swing you make.

We want to give you the tools and information to go out and find what works best for you by offering recommendations for your individual iron set wants and needs with insight and feedback from the people who work every single day to help golfers get peak performance out of their equipment.

Best irons of 2025: The process

The best fitters in the world see all the options available in the marketplace, analyze their performance traits, and pull from their internal databases of knowledge and experience like a supercomputer when they are working with a golfer.

Modern iron sets are designed into player categories that overlap the outdated “what’s your handicap?” model, and at GolfWRX we believe it was important to go beyond handicap and ask specific questions about the most crucial performance elements fitters are looking at.

These are the best iron categories we have developed.

Best irons of 2025: The categories

• Overall performance
• Easiest to launch/Slower swing speed
• Pure enjoyment
• Shotmakers
• Most technology-packed
• Best blade

2025 Best irons: The shotmakers

Each one of these irons was designed with a single purpose: to provide the ultimate shotmaking weapon. You don’t have to be a tour player to appreciate the pleasure of hitting a well-struck shot with a club engineered to offer superior feedback. This category is all about control — and that doesn’t mean it “has to be a blade.”

Srixon ZXi7

Their story: Srixon developed some new technology and processes to ensure the ZXi line pushed the limits of performance in each iron category. A new forging process and new materials help create strength in the irons while giving better immediate feedback. The ZXi7 irons use a softer S15c steel to make it the softest players iron engineers have ever created.  For the ZXi7 irons Srixon knows the focus is on pure strikes, precision distances, and workability. PureFrame is forged behind the sweet spot to help strengthen that section, reducing unwanted vibration and giving the golfer that soft and solid feel.

Fitter comments

• “Best turf interaction. A great players iron but with forgiveness and softer feel.”
• “Been killing it the last few years and this is no exception. The V Sole still works real well for slightly steeper players. Little less spinning than the better players clubs.”
• “Great head for mid to low handicapper, good forgiveness for the workability it has.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Titleist T100

Their story: “Titleist works closely with Tour players and amateurs, however, and they used feedback on previous models to improve upon the T100 canvas it had already, rather than disrupting what’s proven to work. As the collective consensus proved, improving the feel of the iron was paramount. To do that, Titleist designers enhanced the back bar that sits between the upper and lower portions of the dual-cavity construction. According to Titleist, the improvements create a more solid feel at impact, and the heads were tuned by the company’s modal testing for extra measure.”

Fitter comments

• “Classic design and great feel. 3rd gen T100 offers more forgiveness without sacrificing workability.”
• “Classic Titleist head with slight upgrades to an already phenomenal iron.”
• “Best look, feel and performance for a players iron.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

TaylorMade P7CB

Their story: Described by TaylorMade as a “players iron” delivering a traditional level of forgiveness with low launch and high spin. TaylorMade leveraged Compact Grain Forging and 2,000 tons of pressure to craft its P7CB irons from 1025 carbon steel. Engineers strategically placed mass in the clubhead for optimum feel, drawing on modal analysis and feedback from tour pros. Center of gravity is constant throughout the P7CB lineup for precise launch and spin, and the face and grooves of the irons are milled.

Fitter comments

• “Player-first orientation. Very well received in the bay with launch and forgiveness heelside.”
• “I personally believe this is one of the best CB/players design they came out with in a long time. The feel is superb and turf interaction is good the workabiity in this head is really good with what appears to be very little offset.”
• “If going into these heads, don’t expect to gain distance but more launch and control, because being pin high is the key.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Mizuno Pro S-3

Their story: Using their Grain Flow Forged HD technology in Japan, the Pro S-3 is crafted from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon steel. When you put those two together and then pair it up with Mizuno’s copper underlay, you will be getting an iron that offers exceptional softness as well as a great responsiveness on all shots. Mizuno spent lots of time refining the iron to ensure vibrations are managed to give a smooth and solid feel.

Fitter comments

• “A true players golf club made in the traditional manner for the golfer with a trained swing and higher swing speed.”
• “True forged iron feel with maximum control. Back to more traditional Mizuno look.”
• “Extremely fun to hit for better players. Hot face with that thin Mizuno feel.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Ping Blueprint S

Their story: “Developed after extensive testing with top Ping professionals, the Blueprint S features a forged cavity-back design, influenced by Ping’s existing “S” series irons. The compact shape, thin top line, and minimal offset make it visually appealing to forged club/blade enthusiasts. The forged 8620 carbon steel head has a clean cavity design with a textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish. Precision-milled grooves and a high-density toe screw enable swingweight fine-tuning. “Precision Pocket Forging” in the 3, 4, and 5 irons saves weight for increased MOI and optimized center of gravity. For improved sound and feel, the pocket is filled with an elastomer insert.”

Fitter comments

• “Progressive set that helps gain ball speed without losing spin rate as you reach longer irons.”
• “Really good iron that competes with ZXi7.”
• “Surprisingly good on off-center hits, nice look at address and solid ball speed.”

For more photos/info, read our launch piece.

Best irons of 2025: Meet the fitters

Related: Best driver of 2025

New LA Golf driver review: Swing speed-specific face design – Club Junkie Reviews 7 May 2:35 AM (yesterday, 2:35 am)

While bulge and roll isn’t a new engineering concept when it comes to golf clubs, LA Golf is taking it to a different level by creating driver faces that are optimized for different club head speed ranges. I completed the online driver questionnaire, and it recommended the 12-11 head for my swing speed (~102 mph).

You can listen to the full review on the Club Junkie podcast, streaming on YouTube or any podcast platform — and be sure to follow on Instagram.

LA Golf did a very cool job with how they package the driver. I received a plain cardboard box, but inside was a matte black bag with the LA Golf logo on it — just like the sole of the driver. You then tear the seal on the bag, and inside is the driver, head cover, and wrench. The driver looks very good, and while the basic-looking sole with the repeating LA Golf logo seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it design, I think it’s something different and on-brand for them.

A weight sits near the heel of the driver, which is used for swing weight purposes. On my build — stock length with an LA Golf A Series 60iD stiff shaft — the weight is 11 grams. LA Golf did a nice job with the shape at address, as it’s very traditional-looking with just a slightly triangular shape at the back of the club. I like the matte black finish; it makes the head look stealthy and eliminates glare from the sun. My 10.5-degree 12-11 head sits just slightly closed in the standard hosel setting, but not enough to bother me.

On the course, the LA Golf driver performs very well. I received a lot of questions in my Instagram messages about this driver, likely because the bulge and roll story has piqued the interest of many golfers. The first thing I noticed was a slightly lower, flatter trajectory — similar to some of the low-spin heads I’ve hit this year. Shots hit higher on the face still get up and carry a good distance, but center strikes are a little more penetrating.

Hitting more draw-shaped shots seems to be what this driver does best. I found it easy to turn over, and most of my shots on the course and range were landing left of the center line. I never really had to worry about the right side of the course, even when I set the hosel to what I assume is the fade setting.

Misses are handled well, and the driver seems to retain good ball speed on toe strikes. For me, heel misses dropped a little speed, but kept spin down. Overall, the driver seems to be on the lower-spin side, and I was seeing spin numbers that were close to the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond and TaylorMade Qi10 LS. I felt like this driver kept the ball in play well. Even with bad swings, the result was usually playable — though if your swing produces a big miss, it can still go a fairway over.

The sound is a little louder than some other drivers, but not obnoxious. It has more of a metallic ring to it, but the feel is fairly responsive and lets you know where you made contact on the face.

Overall, I think LA Golf has a very good driver offering, with a unique concept of using different faces for different swing speeds. It won’t fix every swing flaw, but it should produce long, pretty darn-straight drives.

Rickie Fowler WITB 2025 (May) 6 May 11:42 AM (yesterday, 11:42 am)

• Rickie Fowler what’s in the bag accurate as of the Truist Championship. Check out more photos from the event here.

Driver: Cobra DS-Adapt X (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX

Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper (13.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX

5-wood: Cobra LTDx LS (17.5 degrees)
Shaft: UST Mamiya Lin-Q M40X White 8F5

• See more in-hand pictures of Rickie Fowler’s clubs here.

Irons: Cobra King Tour (4-PW)

Wedges: Cobra Snakebite (54 @52, 58 @56), Cleveland RTZ Tour Rack (60-Low 6)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grip: L.A.B. Golf Press Pistol 2

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Tack

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

See more in-hand pictures of Rickie Fowler’s clubs here.

Tommy Fleetwood WITB 2025 (May) 6 May 10:49 AM (2 days ago)

• Tommy Fleetwood what’s in the bag accurate as of the Truist Championship. >14 clubs in bag. 

Driver: TaylorMade Qi35 (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus VeloCore+ Red 6 X

Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver (13.5 degrees @12)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus VeloCore+ Red 6 X

5-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 TX

9-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (24 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 TX

• Check out more photos of Tommy Fleetwood’s WITB here.

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (3), TaylorMade P7TW (4-PW)
Shafts: Project X 6.5

Wedges: TaylorMade Hi-Toe (52-09), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-12D), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks (60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

• Check out more photos of Tommy Fleetwood’s WITB here.

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
Grip: SuperStroke Mid Slim 2.0

Grips: Iomic, Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x Pix

Check out more photos of Tommy Fleetwood’s WITB here.

Tournament officials outline plan to make this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont an all-time brutal test 6 May 10:04 AM (2 days ago)

The U.S. Open is often one of the most divisive and entertaining tournaments of the year

Purists believe that the event should always be a test of par, while players in the past have reacted angrily to course set-ups that have been overly difficult in the past?

Well, if you’re a fan of U.S. Open’s that are exrutiatingly difficult, then the 2025 edition at Oakmont is likely going to please you.

According to Brian Giuffra of Minute Media who attended this week’s media day at Oakmont, tournament officials have outlined plans for 5-inch plus length rough, greens running 15 on the stimpmeter and a winning score of over par. Yikes.

At Oakmont ahead of the 125th US Open and they’re saying 5-plus length rough, greens running 15 on the stimpmeter and a winning score over par. Buckle up!

— Brian Giuffra (@brian_giuffra) May 6, 2025

Barstool’s Foreplay team were also on the grounds, and posted this video of the brutal rough…and the event is still a month away!

US OPEN media day yesterday. @USGA thank you.

Let’s just say the rough at Oakmont CC is a bit like me…. THICK!

What’s the low 4 day score this year at the US OPEN? @ForePlayPod pic.twitter.com/QzbKIJTeN0

— Barstool Beef (@BARSTOOLBEEF_) May 6, 2025

More from the 19th Hole

• Rory McIlroy’s silent treatment “didn’t have anything to do with Bryson“
• Tiger Woods, Hollywood stars amongst those to congratulate Rory McIlroy after Masters win
• “He’ll say that shot”; John Daly claims this is greatest shot that Tiger Woods has ever seen

Photos from the 2025 Truist Championship 6 May 5:56 AM (2 days ago)

GolfWRX is live this week as the PGA Tour heads to the famed Philadelphia Cricket Club and its Wissahickon course for the first time. The maiden voyage of the Truist Championship will see plenty of top-tier talent as the pros are keen to get dialed in ahead of next week’s PGA Championship.

So far this week, we have general galleries from the putting green with the usual impressive putter spread, WITBs — including Tommy Fleetwood — and some cool pullout albums (Odyssey Cinco de Mayo putter cover, for example).

Check out links to our galleries below and be sure to return throughout the week as we add more.

General Albums

• 2025 Truist Championship – Monday #1
• 2025 Truist Championship – Tuesday #1

WITB Albums

• Robert MacIntyre – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Keith Mitchell – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Taylor Pendrith – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Tommy Fleetwood – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Hideki – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Rickie Fowler – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Keegan Bradley – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Wyndham Clark – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Sam Burns – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship
• Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2025 Truist Championship

Pullout Albums

• Cameron putter – 2025 Truist Championship
• Odyssey Cinco de Mayo putter covers – 2025 Truist Championship
• Cameron putters – 2025 Truist Championship
• Adam Scott’s newest custom L.A.B. Golf putter – 2025 Truist Championship
• Will Zalatoris new custom L.A.B. Golf – 2025 Truist Championship
• Maverick McNealy’s Graphite Design shafts – 2025 Truist Championship
• Odyssey Ai-ONE Giraffe Beam putters – 2025 Truist Championship
• New Odyssey putters – 2025 Truist Championship

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