Juan "Chi Chi" Rodriguez, whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport's most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday.
Golfing News & Blog Articles
Mickelson mulls role in LIV Golf amid dip in form
Phil Mickelson would step aside from competing in LIV Golf if he cannot play at the level he desires, the six-time major champion said while previewing the Saudi-backed circuit's upcoming Illinois event.
Chi Chi Rodriguez, a Hall of Famer and one of golf’s brightest showmen, dies at 88
Chi Chi Rodriguez, a World Golf hall of famer and one of golf’s brightest showmen, died Thursday. He was 88.
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Teaching pro: ‘99 percent’ of players who ask for help are gripping club wrong
Teaching pro Michael Alexander says “99 percent” of players who ask him for help are gripping the club wrong. He demonstrated this in a video.
The post Teaching pro: ‘99 percent’ of players who ask for help are gripping club wrong appeared first on Golf.
How to generate more power from a smaller frame, per Luke Clanton
20-year-old amateur Luke Clanton shares a few moves that can help players with smaller frames generate more power in the golf swing.
The post How to generate more power from a smaller frame, per Luke Clanton appeared first on Golf.
Swiss golfer Metraux shoots 66, leads at halfway
Swiss golfer Morgane Metraux shot 8-under 28 on the front nine en route to a 66 and a one stroke lead over China's Ruoning Yin after the second round at the Olympics.
Tropical storm pushes Wyndham start to Friday
The PGA Tour has moved the first round of the Wyndham Championship to Friday, with as much of 6 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Debby expected to fall Thursday.
Topgolf Callaway Announces “Formal Strategic Review”of Topgolf
Topgolf Callaway dropped a bit of a bombshell late yesterday.
In its second-quarter financial report, the company reported that disappointing stock performance and same-venue Topgolf sales are prompting it to conduct a full strategic review of the Topgolf business.
Specifically, that review will include “a potential spin of Topgolf.”
“We remain convinced Topgolf is a high-quality business with significant future opportunity,” Topgolf Callaway CEO Chip Brewer told investors. “At the same time, we have been disappointed in our stock performance for some time, as well as more recent same-venue sales performance.”
Brewer says the strategic review of Topgolf is underway.
Do You Need a More Forgiving Wedge?
You’ve probably noticed most wedges on the market meet the modern definition of a “blade” and, for the most part, they don’t look much different than wedges of the past.
That’s not to say nothing has changed but the evolution of the wedge seldom manifests itself in the form of visible technology. And when there is technology you can see, it’s rarely found where golfers are looking for it.
Why do most wedges look like blades?
On its face, the ubiquity of blade-style wedges may seem a bit odd.
The use of blade irons on pro tours is in decline. And while there are a few misguided blades will make me a better ball striker types among us, the category accounts for the smallest percentage of iron sales.
By contrast, the game-improvement iron category is the most popular at retail. You can chalk that up to larger, more forgiving and, ultimately, easier-to-hit heads. Most of us need all the help we can get and, with that, it may seem a bit odd that game-improvement wedges are few and far between.
My 3 Favorite Pieces from PXG’s Twilight Round Collection
It’s time to announce some new gear from PXG!
No, we aren’t talking about clubs (although I’ll always give kudos to PXG for offering their clubs in left-handed because it makes me feel slightly less left out). If you are looking for the skinny on all of the new PXG irons, wedges and more, you can check that out here.
The purpose of this piece is to shine a light on the other, perhaps most underrated, side of PXG’s business: apparel. The new fall/winter apparel collection is here and it deserves some serious praise. From the understated, yet effective, color palette to the sheer number of garments available, PXG is becoming more and more of a legitimate option in the apparel space.
The first few pieces belong to a sub-collection entitled “Twilight Round.” This limited-edition drop will be followed up with the release of the entire fall/winter lineup on Aug. 29.
1. Comfort Fit X Sleeve Texture Polo
While I’m generally a fan of bold patterns and fun textures, the subtlety of the Comfort Fit X Sleeve Texture Polo from the PXG Twilight Round collection definitely caught my eye. Perhaps it’s the stark contrast of the grey and marigold colors, but this is one I can absolutely see contributing to my closet.
Can You Buy a Better Golf Game with $500?
It’s an interesting question. One that I’ve been thinking about a lot.
Is there anything you could buy with $500 that would make you instantly better at golf? No lessons, though. We’re strictly talking golf gear.
I don’t want to influence what you choose, so I’ll keep my list to myself. But I will share a few things I know I wouldn’t spend $500 if I wanted to improve my golf game.
Golf shoes. I don’t think any golf shoe can instantly make you a measurably better golferNew clothes. While you might look better, I don’t forsee a new polo making you betterTraining aids. I’m not a big fan of most training aids, and personally don’t see much value in most any of themSo, how would you spend your $500? New clubs? Golf balls? There are a million different things you could do. But what will have the most impact?
Drop a comment down below and let me know. I’ll choose a winner and send you a MyGolfSpy care package!
How To Take Care of A Laser Rangefinder
Once you have invested in the best laser rangefinder you can afford, you’ll want to ensure you take care of it. Most do’s and don’ts of maintaining a laser rangefinder are self-explanatory.
However, we’ve seen a few mishaps and if these tips can save you from having to replace your rangefinder, they are worth sharing.
Do’s
Be smart before you trust the magnet
Most rangefinders we analyze in our annual best golf rangefinder test have strong built-in magnets. Even when playing a hilly course or traveling over rough terrain, the rangefinder should stay securely in place.
When you purchase a rangefinder, be cautious when testing the magnetic attachment. Test on the grass, not the cart path. Be sure it’s got a strong hold before you trust it.
Clean the lenses properly
A microfiber cloth is the best for cleaning laser rangefinders. Some rangefinders come with a cleaning cloth but you can easily purchase a small one to keep in the case. Paper towels or abrasive materials can scratch the lens. Using your shirttail or golf towel may not get the job done and could cause damage.
Forum Member Review: Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedges
The new Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges, released in March, promise to enhance versatility, distance control, trajectory and spin. This review explores the Vokey SM10 wedges from four MyGolfSpy Forum members who detailed their experience from fitting to on-course performance.
Key highlights from the Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
Versatility and Spin Control: The Vokey SM10 wedges excel in providing consistent spin and distance control across different lofts and grinds.Fitting Experience: Personalized fittings were crucial, with each tester highlighting the importance of tailored bounce and grind options.On-Course Performance: Testers reported exceptional spin control, especially on partial shots, and praised the wedges’ performance in varying conditions.Durability and Finish: The finish holds up well over time, maintaining the wedges’ aesthetics and groove sharpness.What testers said: Titleist Wedge Selector Tool
The testers found the Titleist Wedge Fit App to be a valuable tool in their fitting process. HeathS16 mentioned, “The app provided a great starting point and helped narrow down the options before the in-person fitting.” Snoopy79 appreciated the app’s guidance: “It was easy to use and gave me confidence that I was selecting the right specs.” MIGregB highlighted the convenience: “The app’s recommendations were spot on, making the fitting session more efficient.”
The Titleist fitting process
A key component of the testing involved a personalized fitting session. Each tester underwent a comprehensive fitting with a Titleist fitting professional. This fitting process ensured that each golfer received wedges tailored to their specific swing characteristics and playing conditions. It also helped testers navigate the complexity of wedge grinds and how they can dramatically affect a golfer’s experience.
HeathS16’s Experience
HeathS16 had his fitting at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Okla., with Chris Perkins. “Chris’s expertise was invaluable. We used Trackman data to analyze my shots and it was fascinating to see how different bounce and grind options affected my performance. I ended up with a 50-degree wedge with 12 degrees of bounce, a 54-degree wedge and a 58-degree wedge, each perfectly suited to my game.”
Snoopy79’s Experience
Snoopy79’s fitting took place at his local golf club with a Titleist fitter. “The fitting process was incredibly detailed. We looked at my swing dynamics and typical course conditions. I appreciated how the fitter explained the benefits of each grind and bounce option. It was clear that this was about more than just picking a club off the shelf; it was about finding the perfect match for my game.”
Wyndham play to begin without fans due to storm
The PGA Tour's final event of the regular season, the Wyndham Championship, will start on Thursday without fans due to the expected dangerous weather conditions from Tropical Storm Debby.
One Shot You Need to Break 80
Sports Illustrated blog GOLF.COM published an interesting article by Nick Dimengo last week about the shot you need to score well in every round of golf that you play. Of course, every shot counts but a good drive landing in the fairway gives you the chance to par or birdie every hole.
Control Your Swing Path
If you’re a slicer, lining up for a slice is a bad solution. To break 80, you have to eliminate your slice and avoid lost balls and balls going out of bounds. Swinging over-the-top, causes the clubface to open-up and cut across as it impacts the golf ball.
One drill that Dimengo found really helpful is to draw a line on your golf ball — similar to what you’d do to line up putts. Instead of pointing this line straight at the target, point it a little out to the right (for right-handed golfers). This is the path that you want to swing on.
Line-up your feet square to your target line and close your shoulders in line with the line on your ball. That’s the direction that you want to swing into the ball to create a straight or a draw shot. That’s going to keep your upper body closed to the target and get you to swing a little bit more from the inside.
Shallow Your Swing Path
To ensure that you are swinging from the inside for your driver as well as your iron shots, flatten your leading wrist during your backswing so that your trailing elbow will stay close to your side during your downswing. This process was not in Demingo’s article but I find that it forces my swing to come from the inside and across the ball.
Yururi Seida KM-2501 Iron
Introducing the New YURURI KM-2501, the highly anticipated and updated model of the KM-0312. �¥ Now, I must warn you: This iron has been intentionally designed with a unique round toe, a shorter hosel, and extra offset. It is tailored specifically for the player who desires a soft-feeling, single-piece forged iron crafted for maximum forgiveness.
Expertly made in Japan from premium S25C steel in the renowned region of Himeji, the KM-2501 also boasts a new and innovative chrome finish that aims to reduce glare. This feature is a welcome addition, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of this meticulously designed iron.
The combination of advanced Japanese CNC milling technology and the traditional methods of Himeji golf club forging creates not only a stunning addition to any golfer’s bag but also an incredibly easy-to-hit iron that feels sublime at impact. So, who is this iron designed for? It is perfect for the player who expects something truly special in terms of both looks and feel. It caters to those who prefer semi-traditional lofts and don’t mind looking down at offset, understanding that offset is often an ally, assisting in squaring the club face at impact.
Mr. Keita Miyoshi, the owner, designer, and master of YURURI Golf, has been a prominent figure in the Japan Golf Industry for over three decades. He has crafted some of the best-selling wedges here at TourSpecGolf and holds the title for having the Yururi Raw Gekku as the #1 most produced wedge in the history of the KYOEI Golf Factory. All of Mr. Miyoshi’s clubs share his distinctive sense of design, making his products stand out in the market.
I have known Mr. Miyoshi for nearly two decades, during which we have shared countless dinners together. He knows me, my wife, and even my children. We have visited each other’s homes, and I consider him a close personal friend, feeling truly honored to know him. The value he has brought to the entire Japan golf industry is immeasurable.
I tried it: The last golf travel gear you'll ever buy
I am a traveler, which means I'm not a golfer for bells and whistles. Thankfully, with the following items, I have everything I need.
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French golfer Boutier thrills fans with 65, big lead
France's Celine Boutier rolled in seven birdie putts and chipped in for another birdie to lead the Olympic women's golf event by three strokes after a first-round 65.
A range bucket can instantly improve your ball-striking. Here's how
When your ball-striking is inconsistent, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Bender says using a bucket of range balls can instantly help you improve.
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