Golfing News & Blog Articles

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Srixon Z-STAR DIVIDE – Key Takeaways

The new Srixon Z-STAR DIVIDE yellow/white golf balls beg one simple and obvious question.

Why?

Fortunately, there’s a simple and obvious answer to that simple and obvious question.

Why the hell not?

I’m sure a bit more went into Srixon’s decision-making than why the hell not? There had to be questions of market potential, unit forecasting, break-even points, new-equipment capital expenditure and amortization, the potential for cannibalizing existing sales versus market share growth and so on. Those are all for the grown-ups to decide.

Hideki Matsuyama made up a five-shot deficit on the back nine and then won the Sony Open in a playoff with one of the best shots he never saw, a 3-wood into the sun to 3 feet for an eagle to beat Russell Henley on Sunday.

Russell Henley fired a 3-under 67 Saturday at the Sony Open in Hawaii and earned a two-shot lead over Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama with one round to go on the Waialae course in Honolulu.

Russell Henley played his final six holes in 6 under and finished with a 63 on Friday to take a three-shot lead in the Sony Open. First-round leader Kevin Na fell seven back.

For 2022, Mizuno has launched ST-X 220 and ST-Z 220 driversIncreased stability is the emphasis for both modelsRetail price is $449. Availability begins February 3rd

In our story on Mizuno’s new drool-worthy Mizuno Pro Iron lineup, we talked about a new approach at Mizuno. Call it a modernization perhaps or simply the necessary adaptation to the changing nature of golf. Evidenced by that Mizuno Pro, however, is the notion that a newly modern Mizuno isn’t likely do anything radical—no red faces on these drivers.

The release of new ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 drivers is all about steady progression. Improvement without embellishment—performance with universal appeal that still speaks to the guy who loves Mizuno for what it has always been.

With that in mind, don’t expect the ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 to be radical departures from what came before them.

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For 2022, Mizuno has launched ST-X 220 fairway woods and hybridsIncreased launch and slight draw bias is the emphasisRetail price is $229 (fairway) $224 (hybrid). Availability begins February 3rd

Mizuno makes historically and quantifiably kick-ass irons. Use any metric you’d like but that’s the case and pretty much everyone gets that.

However, the primary opportunity cost for that success has been an admittedly lackluster line of metalwoods. At least until several generations ago.

One could argue that the 2019 ST 190 driver served as a line of demarcation. At that point, Mizuno acknowledged that the primary barrier to entry is top-end ball speed. Meaning that while a driver might have plenty of wonderful features, nothing can overcome a lack of top-tier ball speed.  In the driver world, speed is currency and Mizuno didn’t have enough disposable income.

Since that point, Mizuno’s renewed focus on fairway woods and hybrids has allowed the brand to take a stance that its entire metalwood line-up is no longer an industry afterthought.

Kevin Na matched his career low with a 9-under 61 on Thursday at the Sony Open.

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Where do you play golf most often? Private courses or the local tracks?

As the number suggests, golf is, at its core, still a game played by recreational golfers on public courses. According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2020, there were roughly 16,100 courses at 14,100 facilities in the U.S. Of that total, 75 percent are open to the public: 2,500 municipal and 7,900 daily-fee. That leaves approximately 4,025 courses labeled as private.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Municipal courses are owned by a city or other municipality. In general, so-called “munis” tend to be the most economically efficient option though costs can vary based on your official address of residence. Some noteworthy examples: Bethpage State Park in New York (Black Course) and Torrey Pines (San Diego).

Daily-fee courses accept public play but are generally privately owned. So long as you’re willing to pay the fee and can claim a spot on the tee sheet, you’re in like Flynn. Notable examples: Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach.

Private courses require a membership which often includes an up-front initiation fee and monthly/annual dues. If you don’t belong to a private course, members can typically invite guests, though more exclusive courses tend to limit access to non-members. Notable examples: Augusta National, Pine Valley and the really nice country club you’re trying to justify joining this year.