Golfing News & Blog Articles

Stay up-to-date on golfing news, products, and trends from around the world.

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood and Hybrid

Mizuno announces the ST-Z 230 fairway wood and hybrid.Both feature a speed-enhancing CORETECH chamber.Retail price is $299 (fairway) and $249 (hybrid).Availability begins Feb. 23.

To the degree that the Mizuno ST driver franchise finds success in 2023, it should also prove beneficial for the ST-Z 230 fairway wood and hybrid. And like its JPX line of game-improvement irons, Mizuno is providing plenty of evidence that it’s much more than an iron brand for better players.

Maybe that’s not the rosy, unicorns and rainbows lede you were expecting. But it’s the nature of the arduous task ahead for the brand that, fair or not, has a penchant for reminding golfers that “Nothing Feels Like A Mizuno.”

To its credit, over the last four years, Mizuno has put a substantial amount of resources behind its metalwood development and believes the 2023 line is a culmination of those efforts.

Mizuno ST-Z Fairway

The ST-Z 230 fairway features a carbon composite crown, expanded Z-axis weighting and the same CORETECH Chamber technology as in the ST-230 series drivers. In addition, Mizuno is sticking with the thin MAS1C face, albeit with a slightly altered topology.






Continue reading

Vokey SM9 T Grind Wedge and Lightweight Options

Titleist has added the T Grind to its Vokey SM9 retail lineup.The T Grind is a popular low-bounce option on Tour (and with MyGolfSpy staff).Lightweight shaft options have been added to the lineup.Availability begins March 10.

Filed under “It’s about damned time” or perhaps more eloquently under “Finally!”, Titleist and Vokey have made the glaringly obvious (to me anyway) decision to add the low-bounce T Grind to the Vokey SM9 retail lineup.

Because the design parameters are the same as other SM9 wedges, we’re not going to rehash the particulars here, though it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if you wanted to read all the details of the Vokey SM9 lineup here.

As far as the T Grind itself is concerned, if you haven’t heard of it, it’s an exceedingly popular grind on the PGA TOUR. To date, Vokey has made the T Grind available only through its custom WedgeWorks program.

The retail offering of the Vokey SM9 T Grind is much the same as what you’d find through WedgeWorks. It’s available in 58 and 60 degrees, both with four degrees of bounce. The SM9 T Grind solidly qualifies as a low-bounce option and, for all intents and purposes, should play as the lowest-bounce wedge on the market today.

a photo of a Titleist Vokey SM9 T Grind Wedge
A view of the sole relief on a Titleist Vokey SM9 T Grind wedge
A closeup of the toe stamp on a Titleist SM9 T Grind wedge
a photo of a 60-degree Titleist Vokey SM9 T Grind Wedge
a photo of a 60-degree Titleist Vokey SM9 T Grind Wedge leaning on a GolfMechanix lie loft gauge
The mitsubishi tensei shafts that are a stock option for Titleist Vokey SM9 Lightweight option wedges
The KBS Tour Lite is the stock steel shaft for Titleist Vokey SM9 Lightweight option wedges
Continue reading

TaylorMade Spider GTX and GT Max Putters

TaylorMade launches the new Spider GTX and GT Max putters.The Spider GTX adds a new weight element to the 2022 Spider GT design.The Spider GT Max features innovative adjustable weight technologies.Spider GTX will be available for pre-order on Jan. 19 and at retail beginning Feb. 24 with an MSRP of $349 USD. Spider GT Max arrives this spring.

Every year, TaylorMade either revises or radically redesigns their popular Spider putter. In 2023, they are doing both. Granted, accomplishing this feat does require more than one new Spider model. More Spiders? Sounds good to me. Is there really such a thing as too many new putters?

The Spider getting a revision this year is the 2022 Spider GT. The new 2023 Spider GTX retains most of its predecessor’s architecture. The body shape is mostly the same, with the new GTX featuring new colors and a new rear weighted design.

The other putter, the Spider GT Max, hides its newness a bit. At address, the Spider GT Max resembles the Spider GT Splitback. However, that similarity ends as soon as you flip the putter over and see the new adjustable weight system. No, we are not talking about the usual sole weights that swap in and out. The weights on the Spider GT Max are moveable, not removable.

This new weight scheme is a radical departure from the norm.

.truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * (100% - 430px)); } @media screen and (max-width: 991px) { .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * 100%); width: 100%; } }

GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT

Unbiased. No Guesswork. All Major Brands. Matched To Your Swing. Advanced Golf Analytics matches the perfect clubs to your exact swing using connected data and machine learning.

™









































Continue reading

Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedges

Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedges – Key Takeaways

Updated, full-face version of Cleveland’s CBX wedge lineFeatures ZipCore, HydraZip and UltiZip technology$169.99 per wedgeAt retail Feb. 3

The new Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedges make up the newest song in Cleveland’s concept album, Dark Side of the Wedge.

But seriously, folks …

Cleveland debuted its ultra-forgiving, cavity-back CBX wedge line in 2017. Back then, Cleveland told us that if you play game-improvement irons but not game-improvement wedges, you’re probably doing it wrong. And since 84 percent of us play game-improvement irons, well, you can do the math from there.

Two iterations and a couple of sub-launches later, we’re getting a full-face version of the most recent CBX. On the face of it, this launch looks like a simple line extension of the 2021 CBX ZipCore.

But in actuality, the face of it is the thing that tells a slightly different story.

Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge
Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge
Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge

Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge
Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge

Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge
Continue reading

How to watch the PGA Tour, Masters, PGA Championship and FedEx Cup playoffs on ESPN, ESPN+

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the PGA Tour, Masters, PGA Championship and FedEx Cup playoffs on ESPN and ESPN+.

How to watch PGA Tour's The American Express on ESPN+

The next stop on the PGA Tour is La Quinta, California, for The American Express. Here is how you can watch all of the action.

Power Rankings, two World No. 1s, a possible LIV TV deal and more this week in golf

The American Express is loaded with talent, what's up with two world No. 1's and LIV Golf might have a new TV deal.

Looking ahead to the LPGA season -- Upcoming events, predictions, players to watch, more

Previewing the 2023 LPGA season as the season kicks off at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x Golf Balls (2023)

Titleist has announced new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.The 2023 models feature high-gradient cores for more distance, lower long-game spin and tighter dispersion.Retail price is $54.99.Availability begins Jan 25.

The story of the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls is relatively simple.

Before we dig into what’s changed, however, what you need to know is that what’s true for one ball is basically true for the other.

For example, spin properties have changed a bit for both but the relationship between the two remains the same.

The Pro V1 is still a mid-flight, mid spin ball while the Pro V1x remains Titleist’s highest-launching and -spinning option. Compression ratings haven’t changed, either. The Pro V1 is still a high-80s compression ball while the firmer Pro V1x runs in the high 90s.

A photo of 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls
A photo including the cores of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.
The core of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 golf ball
A closeup of the side stamp of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 golf ball
A photo of the 2023 Pro V1x including the core.
The core of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1x golf ball
A closeup of a slice of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
A closeup of a Titleist Pro V1 left dot golf ball
A closeup of a Titleist Pro V1xl eft dash golf ball
Retail packaging for the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 golf ball
Continue reading

Dumb Mistakes that Ruin Your Round

I found a great summary of mistakes published by Josh Berhow when interviewing PGA pros at GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers Summit . You really don’t have to change your game to lower your scores. just don’t make the following mistakes.

Golf.com used this image to help you understand how bad you may feel during a bad round of golf. Don’t make these DUMB MISTAKES!
Arriving Late for Your Tee Time: Arrive early for your tee time or your round will suffer. Warm up with stretching and hit some wedges, chips and putts. Ideally you should get there earlier, don’t rush, practice with a purpose (stretch and practice your woods, chip, putt, etc.) and stroll to that first tee with confidence.Play from the right tees: Choose the tee that allows you to reach the green in 2 shots on the longest par-4 hole. Do it and you will have a lot more fun.Hit the Shots that Work for You: If you are hitting a 10-yard slice with their irons and a 20-yard slice with the driver on the range, don’t try to make changes during your round. Use the shots that work for you. Stick with it. Own it. Be confident in it. And if the issue is still there after your round or again for your next, then it’s time to check in with a teacher.Know your gear: Don’t try to get more out of your clubs than they are designed to give you. Understand that your 5-wood will give you a higher ball flight (than a 3-wood) with more stopping power on the green. Apply the same rule for all of your clubs.Stop going after pins: Just don’t do it. Even pros don’t go at every flag. Aim for the middle of the green and favor the side with less trouble. Even Bernhard Langer has said he sometimes does this when he has a lead down the stretch. He calls it being “cautiously aggressive.”Find the fairway when you are struggling: World GOLF Teachers Hall of Famer Mike Adams says, in short: tee it low. This makes you hit more down on the ball, and if you stand a little closer and flare your lead foot out, it will force you to rotate and, worst case, your mishit will be on the heel and lead to a harmless cut that still finds the short stuff.Avoid double bogey or worse: Stop playing hero shots and get your ball back in play. Punch out from a dire situation, find the green and two-putt for bogey. Call that a win and move on.Know your distances: High-handicaps miss short way more often than they miss long. Golfers with a handicap of 21 or higher missed short 70 percent of the time. So, if you are in between clubs, remember that stat.Get over bad shots and move on: After a poor shot Tiger Woods told his son, Charlie: “I don’t care how mad you get. Get over it and be 100 percent committed to the next shot. That’s all that matters. That next shot should be the most important shot in your life. It should be more important than breathing.”Don’t get too cute around the greens: Unless you really know how to hit a high-lofted wedge, chip with a safer club or if you are close enough to the green, use your putter. Learn to let the bounce of the wedge do the work for you after your round of golf.These tips will help your game without changing your swing. Why not practice with GOLFSTR+ to help you learn 6 types of swings with a straight leading elbow and to control your wrist position for putting, chipping and iron shots. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

Share

Poulter: Could turn down Ryder spot if qualified

LIV Golf's Ian Poulter said Tuesday that it's no guarantee he would play for Europe in the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome if he does manage to qualify.

Wilson Staff Dynapower Drivers, Fairways and Hybrids

Wilson Staff Dynapower Drivers, Fairways and Hybrids Key Takeaways

Wilson Staff revives a classic name from its past.Two new adjustable drivers: one all-titanium, one with a carbon-fiber crownAI-optimized dynamic face thickness$499.99 in carbon fiber; $429.99 in titaniumPresale starts Feb 22; at retail March 1

The new Wilson Staff Dynapower drivers, fairways and hybrids have an awful lot going on. Not the least of which is the name.

Wilson’s social media has been warning us that something retro is brewing. And that something is the resurrection of Dynapower. The original 1956 Dynapower was an iron-focused weighting technology. You can read more about that technology in our companion piece on the new Dynapower irons but you’ll notice the “buy-a-vowel” labeling on both the irons and metalwoods reads “DYNAPWR.” So in text, it’ll be “Dynapower,” but on the sticks it’s DYNAPWR.

Just so we’re CLR.

But give Wilson Staff credit. As an outside-looking-in player in the driver game, this modern take on a retro-classic name is bringing something unique to the table: dueling drivers.

Made from different materials and with different performance characteristics.

Wilson Staff Dynapower metal woods

Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower

Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower


Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower
Wilson Staff Dynapower metal woods


Continue reading

Wilson Staff Dynapower Irons: Wilson Goes Retro

Wilson Staff Dynapower Irons – Key Takeaways

Wilson revives a classic tech name for 2023.Game-improvement irons designed by AI$799.99 in steel, $899.99 in graphitePresale Feb 22; at retail March 1

The new Wilson Staff Dynapower irons check all the requisite boxes for a modern game-improvement iron.

Low CG for high launch? Check

AI-designed variable face thickness for max ball speed? Check

Lofts strong enough to cause outrage in certain circles? Double-check

Retro naming that highlights a 67-year-old—and still relevant—technology? Wait. What?

Wilson Staff Dynapower irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons


Wilson Staff Dynapower Irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons

Wilson Staff Dynapower irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons
Wilson Staff Dynapower irons


Continue reading

A Master of Craft & Design Introducting Ohkoshi-San of AXIS Golf!

I’m a huge fan of AXIS golf! The product’s quality, feel, shape and options sit well above most.  Seriously the options are better than Mizuno’s old Yoro-craft and can toe up with Miura’s MCW,  This is complete custom GRIND work done by a true master, not those instant masters you see on Instagram. The only limitation really is the mold itself.

A couple of weeks ago I visited Ohkoshi-san and Yomoto-san at their factory in Sai Tama Japan, then a week later some Shabu Shabu in Nihonbashi over a dozen beers.

The brand AXIS Golf is really about Ohkoshi-san’s skill and experience.  In short, he worked hard and put in his time on the Japanese professional golf circuit as a crafter.

Ohkoshi-san was born and raised in Noda city in Chiba, Japan. Ohkoshi-san was part of his high school golf team.  Around that time, he started playing with wedge grinding just for fun.

His Aunt worked as a reception clerk at a local driving range.  After school,  he would visit and she would let him hit golf balls starting when he was around 14 years old influenced by his friend who was playing competitive golf at that time.






Continue reading

Titleist TSR2 and TSR3 Hybrids

Titleist has announced the TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids.Reimagined shaping and lower/deeper CGMAP $299 eachPre-sale starts Feb. 2 with full retail availability on Feb. 23.

Because we discussed the Titleist TSR2 and TSR3 fairway woods several months ago, you might have assumed that Titleist released TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids concurrently. 

If so, I forgive you. 

And given the cacophony of equipment releases this month, it would be easy for Titleist’s updated TSR2 and TSR3 hybrid launch to come and go relatively unnoticed.

But I’m working to change all of that. After all, ain’t no party like a hybrid launch party. 

Let’s discuss.







Continue reading

Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls

Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls – Key Takeaways

13th generation of Srixon’s softest ballTwo-piece ionomer, 60 compressionNew FastLayer core$22.99/dozen. Available Feb. 16

The newest edition of Srixon Soft Feel golf balls would appear, if you checked the specs, to be no different from the previous edition of Srixon’s Soft Feel golf balls.

Both are two-piece ionomer-covered balls priced to move at $22.99 per dozen. Both releases report a compression of 60 for the standard model and 58 for the Soft Feel Lady version. And both tout a “new”  FastLayer core that is Srixon’s softest yet. Even the cover thickness—or in Srixon’s case, we should say “thinness”—is the same.

Even the Soft Feel Brite colors are the same: matte red, matte green and matte orange.

So what’s new and/or different?

It’s hard to say. But we can say OEMs don’t spend a lot of time, energy, effort or money pumping innovation into two-piece ionomer-covered balls that sell for $22.99. Any innovation is usually trickle-down stuff from the next tier or two of golf balls.



Srixon Soft Feel Brite
Srixon Soft Feel Brite
Srixon Soft Feel golf ball
Srixon Soft Feel Lady
Continue reading

Birdie-birdie finish powers Kim to Sony Open title

Si Woo Kim brought a sleepy Sony Open to life on Sunday in Honolulu with a birdie-birdie finish, giving him a 6-under 64 and a one-shot victory over Round 3 leader Hayden Buckley.

Fernandez de Oliveira wins, gets spot in 3 majors

Mateo Fernandez de Oliveira closed with a 5-under 67 on Sunday to win the Latin America Amateur Championship, earning a spot in three majors this year.


GolfLynk.com