Golfing News & Blog Articles

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried:

The FootJoy Quantam golf shoe. It’s supposed to have “out of this world comfort.” Rarely do I find FootJoy shoes comfortable so I’m curious if FootJoy finally cracked the comfort code.

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Content and resident sneakerhead. I saw the Quantam make its way to the UK earlier this year and wondered when I’d get a shot at it. I’ve never been more intrigued by a FootJoy shoe so I eagerly awaited my chance and took them straight to the course as soon as they showed up at my door.

A first for FootJoy

I’m not going to pretend I know every FootJoy shoe in existence. But, by my estimation, the Quantam is really FootJoy’s first attempt at what I like to call the “all-day golf shoe.” My definition is simple: Is the shoe so comfortable that you can wear it all day? Then it meets my criterion for an ADGS.

This type of golf shoe is becoming more prevalent. Already this year we’ve seen shoes like the Under Armour Phantom, PUMA ELECTROCAT NITRO and more burst onto the scene with mac-n-cheese type comfort.

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus was the best driver of 2023. To see how a 2023 winner would stack up against the 2024 releases, we included it as part of 2024 testing. The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus couldn’t pull off back-to-back wins but it managed to grab a top-five finish in the 2024 test. Even though the Stealth 2 Plus is not the newest release from TaylorMade, the results of the 2024 test raise the question of whether the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is worth it in 2024. Maybe even more importantly, is it a better buy than the TaylorMade Qi10 LS? 

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus versus TaylorMade Qi 10 LS

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus finished in fifth place overall, narrowly beating out the TaylorMade Qi10 LS. Let’s break down how they compared in important categories like forgiveness, accuracy, distance and price. 

Distance 

The Stealth 2 Plus and the Qi10 LS both scored 8.4/10 for their distance performance. When we examine the data more closely, we find that the Stealth 2 Plus had an average total distance of 255.46 yards. 

The Qi10 LS’s average total distance was 252.65. The Stealth 2 Plus is about three yards longer on average. 

Model	Total Average Distance (Yards)
TaylorMade Stealth Plus 2	255.46
TaylorMade Qi10 LS	252.65
TaylorMade Qi10	250.25
TaylorMade Qi10 Max	245.89

Accuracy 

In the accuracy category, the Qi10 LS beat out the Stealth Plus 2. It finished with a score of 7.8 compared to 7.4 for the Stealth Plus 2. 

One of the most romantic parts about golf is that it is a game played on a living, breathing course.

Every course in golf’s history is different from the next. The conditions, the aesthetic, the strategy required—it all changes based on which course you are playing.

That is why appreciating the subtlety in brilliant course design can make your experience in the game even more gratifying. Like understanding the nuances in a glass of pinot noir or a perfectly crafted song, digging into the intricacies of golf course architecture connects people to the game in a singular way.

As a golfer who has a vague understanding of golf course architecture, I wanted to learn what would be the best steps for someone like myself to become a golf design nerd. That is especially because it has become increasingly popular over the past decade as discussion about course architecture is reaching a fever pitch.

To do so, I enlisted the help of Connor Lewis, founder of the Society of Golf Historians and host of the TalkinGolf History podcast.

PING continues to deliver standout irons across multiple categories, each suited for golfers of varying skill levels. In this article, we’ll analyze the performance and rankings of the PING G730, G430, i530, i230 and Blueprint S irons, based on the 2024 Most Wanted iron testing. Each iron is designed for a specific type of golfer and we’ll show how they ranked, highlight their key strengths and discern the types of golfers they are best suited for.

Overview of categories and rankings

Super game-improvement irons: Built for maximum forgiveness and easy launch, designed for high handicappers and beginners. (10 irons tested)Game-improvement irons: Targeting mid to high handicappers seeking forgiveness and consistent distance. (17 irons tested)Player’s distance irons: Designed for mid to low handicappers looking for distance with some forgiveness. (18 irons tested)Player’s ions: Aimed at low handicappers, emphasizing precision, control, and feel. (19 irons tested)

Defining the difference: PING G Series, i Series and Blueprint Series irons

G Series (G730, G430): The G series irons are designed for forgiveness and distance. They have a larger clubhead, more perimeter weighting and a lower center of gravity. All of this makes them ideal for mid to high handicappers and beginners looking for help with launch and consistency.i Series (i530, i230): The i series irons are made for mid to low handicappers seeking a blend of control, distance and forgiveness. These irons have a more compact head with less offset, offering a balance between workability and playability.Blueprint Series (Blueprint S): Blueprint irons are built for low handicappers and advanced players. These irons emphasize precision, feel and workability, featuring a compact fully forged design.

Note: The PING Blueprint T was not included in the 2024 Most Wanted testing.

Detailed breakdown of each PING iron

PING G730 Irons

Category: Super game-improvement IronsOverall Ranking: Seventh out of 10Performance Highlights: A lower overall ranking due to eighth-place finishes in accuracy and forgiveness. However, these rankings only tell part of the story as the PING G730 ranked first overall in distance. 

PING G430 Irons

Category: Game-improvement IronsRanking: Eighth out of 17Performance Highlights: Unlike its sibling, the G730, the G430 ranked near the bottom in distance with a 16th-place finish. It made up for that lackluster performance by earning a sixth overall finish in accuracy and fifth in forgiveness. 

PING i530 Irons

Category: Player’s distance IronsRanking: Third out of 18Performance Highlights: Another PING iron and another entirely different profile. The i530’s lowest rank was second-last in forgiveness. It made up for this very low ranking by coming second in distance and sixth overall in accuracy, leading to a top-three overall ranking. 

PING i230 Irons

Category: Player’s IronsRanking: Second out of 19Performance Highlights: The runner-up in the player’s iron category, the i230 had a solid all-around performance, ranking second in accuracy, sixth in distance and tied for 15th in forgiveness. 

PING Blueprint S Irons

Category: Player’s ironsRanking: Eighth out of 19Performance Highlights: The second club included in this category didn’t fare quite as well but still showed up. The eighth overall performance was a result of T-10 finish in accuracy, T-11 ranking in distance and T-7 ranking in forgiveness. While not a clear standout in any one category, average finishes in all led to a strong overall ranking. 

Comparative rankings and performance overview

PING irons displayed a variety of rankings across the categories. The G430 claimed eighth out of 17 in the game-improvement category, offering solid accuracy (sixth) and forgiveness (fifth), despite a lower finish in distance (16th). The G730, ranking seventh out of 10 in the super game-improvement category, excelled in distance (first) but struggled in forgiveness and accuracy.

In the player’s distance category, the i530 ranked third out of 18, excelling in distance (second) but with lower forgiveness (17th). The i230 performed consistently across the board, finishing second out of 19 in the player’s irons category while the Blueprint S placed eighth, offering average results for accuracy, distance and forgiveness.

Suggested golfer profiles

PING G730 irons

Who They’re Made For: High handicappers and beginners needing maximum distance and easy launch. Golfers looking to add distance to their game should gives these a look as it is where they really excelled in our testing. Who They’re NOT For: Mid to low handicappers seeking control and shot-shaping ability. The G730 irons are too focused on forgiveness for skilled players. 

PING G430 Irons

Who They’re Made For: Mid to high handicappers looking for a forgiving, easy-to-hit iron with accuracy and forgiveness. These irons are reliable and consistent, making them ideal for golfers who need help with ball striking.Who They’re NOT For: Low handicappers or players focused on shot-shaping and precision. Golfers wanting added distance could also be better suited to other irons in the category. 

PING i530 Irons

Who They’re Made For: Mid to low handicappers seeking a balance of distance and control. The i530 offers distance without sacrificing too much accuracy, perfect for golfers wanting to hit longer without losing playability.Who They’re NOT For: High handicappers who need more forgiveness and consistency. These irons might be too demanding for those still working on ball striking.

PING i230 Irons

Who They’re Made For: Lower handicappers who prioritize precision and control. The i230 irons excel in shot-shaping and offer excellent feel, making them ideal for players who focus on accuracy over distance.Who They’re NOT For: High handicappers or golfers who need more forgiveness. The i230 irons require a consistent swing and aren’t forgiving on mishits.

PING Blueprint S Irons

Who They’re Made For: Advanced players and low handicappers who want maximum control, shot-shaping and feedback. The Blueprint S irons offer minimal forgiveness but are an excellent option for those looking for a fully forged PING iron. Who They’re NOT For: Mid to high handicappers or those who need help with forgiveness and consistency. These irons are not suited for players who struggle with ball striking.

Conclusion

PING’s 2024 iron lineup showcases a range of performance capabilities across various skill levels. Whether you’re a high handicapper needing maximum forgiveness and distance with the G730, a mid-handicapper seeking control and accuracy with the i530, or a low-handicapper looking for precision and shot-shaping with the i230 or Blueprint S, PING has an iron to suit your game. While rankings provide valuable insight, it’s important to get fitted to ensure the best possible performance tailored to your unique swing and playing style.

Each week, we’re going to bring you the best deals to improve your game. Wednesday is all about golf shoes. Spiked, spikeless, traditional, performance; the options are endless when it comes to picking a golf shoe. We’ve searched the web to find you the best deals to take advantage of when selecting a new pair.

Check out this week’s deals below to find the golf shoes that meet your style and performance needs.

Puma Golf Men’s Proadapt Alphacat

Adapt Foam provides stable cushioning while the Exo shell upper provides stability and waterproof protection against the elements. Save HUGE on these shoes NOW!

FootJoy Men’s Hyperflex Carbon

A leader in the golf shoe industry, FootJoy knocked it out of the park with the Hyperflex Carbon. Excellent traction, comfort and stability backed by a two year waterproof warranty.

Air Jordan Men’s 1 Low G

Inspired by one of the most iconic shoes of all time. Air cushioning comfort designed for the hardwood meets your newest pair of golf shoes.

Jordan Spieth, recovering from wrist surgery, told Golfweek that he expects to be ready for the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season.

The Masters and CBS are expanding television coverage for next year's tournament by five hours, which includes two hours on Saturday and Sunday through the Paramount+ streaming service of CBS.

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf world that doesn’t always fit into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried

Cobalt Q-6 Slope Laser Rangefinder

Your Laser Blazer

Dave Wolfe– The OG MyGolfSpy Laser Rangefinder Tester

We Tried It: Cobalt Q-6 Slope Laser Rangefinder

Some of you may be wondering why the MyGolfSpy putter guy is reviewing a laser rangefinder. As history will attest, this proud purveyor of putters was actually the first to run our head-to-head test with lasers.

While our testing protocols have matured since then, my love of golf gadgets has not wavered. When given an opportunity to target laser beams at pins (and perhaps my fellow golfers), I had to shoot my shot.

If we did a wedge popularity contest, your pitching and sand wedge would likely be the winners. Many golfers put a gap wedge in their bag to help with loft gapping but never take it out to use it on the course. There are great uses for the gap wedge—if you know when and how to play with it. Look at this gap wedge guide before you play. Try to incorporate a few gap wedge shots into your next round and see if it helps with accuracy. 

When to use the gap wedge

The gap wedge has several uses. The most common are awkward yardage shots, longer bunker shots, approach shots under 100 yards and longer greenside pitches.

Awkward yardage shot

Pitching wedges and sand wedges often have 10 or more degrees of loft separating them. 

What you’ll often see with this large gap in the loft is one club that, for example, flies 120 yards and another that only goes 100. 

The gap wedge fits perfectly in between and hits the 110-yard shot. Of course, yardage will vary depending on swing speed and the wedge you purchase.

Each week, we’re going to bring you the best deals to improve your game. Tuesday is all about golf balls. The golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every shot. Whether you’re looking for more distance off the tee, softer or firmer feel, or more spin and control around the greens, there’s a ball to match your game. Playing the same ball consistently will also help you know what to expect on each shot, giving you more precision on your course strategy.

Check out this week’s deals below to find the best ball for your game.

Maxfli Tour

A MyGolfSpy favorite, the Maxfli Tour series of balls has been a consistently strong performer in our testing. Grab these at one of the best prices out there for a tour level golf ball.

Vice Drive

If you’re looking for soft feel and distance off the tee, look no further than the Vice Drive. This durable, two piece surlyn covered ball is designed for low to mid swing speeds.

Titleist ProV1 Folds of Honor Edition

The most played ball on tour featuring the special edition Folds of Honor logo and custom play number 13. Support a great cause in addition to playing an excellent ball. This ball isn’t on sale, but this special edition won’t last long!

LIV Golf attempted to strike a deal with the DP World Tour over fines Jon Rahm faces for skipping events in favor of LIV, but the World Tour turned it down.

Oakmont Country Club has restored more than 24,000 square feet of surface to its notoriously fast greens in preparation for next year's U.S. Open.

Rahm replaced a long-standing piece of equipment in the bag and elevated his game to new heights off the tee.

The post ‘Big difference’: Jon Rahm explains season-defining gear tweak appeared first on Golf.

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Cameron McCormick shows how using two tees can help you gain better clubface control and fix your slice.

The post Use 2 tees to fix your golf grip and finally cure that frustrating slice appeared first on Golf.

Major champion Adam Scott sat down with GOLF's Claire Rogers to discuss a bunch of fun topics, including whose swing he admires.

The post Sweet-swinging Adam Scott reveals whose swings he admires appeared first on Golf.

Bethpage State Park is home to the golf world's most famous bargain (the Black), but an even more interesting course hides out in the open.

The post Why Bethpage is American golf’s best value (and not the Black!) appeared first on Golf.

Jon Rahm recently appealed his sanctions for joining LIV, thereby allowing him to play DP World Tour events. One pro isn't happy about it.

The post ‘Sour taste’: Ex-LIV pro calls out Jon Rahm’s loophole back to DP World Tour, Ryder Cup appeared first on Golf.

As GOLF's Josh Sens experienced first-hand, practically nothing in South Korea is untouched by the country's fervent love of golf.

The post The Golf Fix(ation): Inside South Korea’s obsessive love of the game appeared first on Golf.

Instead of our annual One Word Survey, this year we’ve decided to introduce something new. Our golf brand “stock ticker” survey aims to track your perception of golf brands over time.

We want to know if you think the golf brands, influencers and media listed within the survey are trending up, down or staying the same. And while it’s often forgotten in today’s online world, if you don’t have an opinion, that’s perfectly OK, too.

There aren’t any firm guidelines here. We’re just asking for your opinion but here are some things you might want to consider:

For equipment brands, we’d suggest thinking about the quality of recent offerings and the technology and innovation baked into them. Feel free to consider your own excitement level and the buzz (or lack thereof) for the brand.

For apparel companies, again, consider your own interest level, the buzz and, I suppose, whether or not the company and its products are on trend for our ever-evolving sport.

Each week, we’re going to bring you the best deals to improve your game. Monday is all about golf clubs. While year to year advancements in club technology may not show marked gains in performance, there’s a good chance you’re leaving yards, accuracy, and more on the course with those clubs you’ve been playing for the last 10 years or more.

Check out this week’s deals below to modernize your bag and get on the road to lower scores.

PING G430 Max Driver

Forgiving and accurate, the PING G430 Max will help you keep the ball in play. Ranked 3rd in our testing for accuracy and above average for distance and forgiveness.

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood

One of the top performers for fairway wood testing in 2023, the Stealth 2 from TaylorMade finished first in distance and third in ball speed. If you’re looking to gain distance, look no further.

Mizuno Pro 225 Irons

The Mizuno Pro 225 excelled in our Player’s Distance irons testing in 2023, finishing fourth overall and third in accuracy. Give this set a look if you’re in the market for new sticks.