Golfing News & Blog Articles

There are about 16,000 golf courses in the United States, but less than one percent of them have lights. 

That could change in the coming years as many in the golf industry feel we are at the beginning of a night golf trend. 

Why? For starters, interest in par 3 courses—which are usually the only types of layouts to include lights—has increased dramatically the past few years. 

The Google search history for “par 3 golf near me” is up more than 60 percent since the pandemic started, which easily outpaces the growth in general “golf course near me” searches. And according to the National Golf Foundation, 50 percent of new course openings in the United States over the last decade have been nine-hole layouts or short courses. 

They are quicker to play, easier for beginners and generally less expensive—successfully combating three of golf’s biggest participation obstacles (time, difficulty and cost). 

After successfully tracking down a host of awesome vintage golf hats, I figured it’s time to show off a little more vintage golf gear.

Vintage golf bags, anyone?

With heritage brands like Penfold and Jones still around and newer names like Stitch and Mackenzie putting out vintage-inspired golf bags, it’s only right that I really sift through the archives to find some real vintage stuff.

Maybe you’ve got one in your garage. Perhaps you’re on the hunt for that special bag you had as a kid. Either way, eBay is a treasure trove of vintage golf gear for buyers and sellers.

Who knows? Maybe that ancient bag you’ve held on to for so long is finally worth some cash.

It’s February—the luster and excitement of those lofty New Year’s resolutions have faded away for many of us. Here’s hoping you’ve kept up with yours but chances are it’s been a struggle. And it’s likely a great many of those on-life-support resolutions revolve around fitness. Eat less, eat better, work out, maybe lay off the sauce a bit, and hit the ball a hell of a lot farther… This was the year you were going to do all that. Unfortunately those goals are already fading away, if they’re not already gone.

Why is that? Why is it so damned hard to follow through and actually get in the shape you want to be in? The truth is that it doesn’t have to be. As cinema giant and philosopher Rob Schneider once said, “You can do it!” Jan. 1 is just a date on the calendar, that’s all. So let’s get you back at it. This time with a plan and a method that can help you make lasting gains that will translate to the golf course and your daily life.

First, let’s revisit the “why.”

Photo Courtesy of Fit for Golf

A Pre-Game Speech

I won’t belabor the point that getting in shape is a good idea. Fire up the Google machine and search “how to prevent chronic illness” or “how to live longer” or “how to thrive as you age” and see what comes up. I’ll save you the trouble: the top two hits will be diet and exercise.

But for you, the golfer, let me drive the point home a little more clearly. We’ve all heard the cliché that “golf is a game you can play your whole life.” Well, it won’t be if you don’t take care of yourself. That probably comes across as harsh but think about it. If you’ve forfeited your strength, mobility and flexibility, are you really going to want to keep playing the game as a broken-down shell of the golfer you used to be or, maybe worse, the golfer you could have been?

The Testing Opportunity

The golfing industry is seeing a lot of smaller apparel companies hit the market. When niche brands such as Malbon and lululemon sign Tour players to sponsorship deals, that adds significantly more interest in this space.

Realgolfers.co  is one of those smaller brands working hard at making a big splash. It can be tough for newcomers to break through and separate themselves from the field. In order to do that, they must make high-quality clothing that fits great, feels great, looks great and lasts.

Founded by Henry McGannon, RealGolfers’ mission is to make the best golf shirts accessible and affordable.

“At RealGolfers, we like to limit restocking and prioritize frequent small product releases. This allows us to maintain a fresh and unique selection of designs, ensuring that our golfers always have access to uncommon and distinctive products.”

MyGolfSpy Forum chose four members for this testing opportunity.

Get an inside look at the GOLF team's weekend on the ground at Riviera Country Club, host of this week's Genesis Invitational.

The post Inside Genesis Invitational Day 6: Hideki Matsuyama makes history at Riviera appeared first on Golf.

Jordan Spieth goes viral with seven words of ‘advice’ for Hideki Matsuyama following Matsuyama’s win at the Genesis Invitational.

The post Jordan Spieth goes viral with 7 words of ‘advice’ for Hideki Matsuyama appeared first on Golf.

Maintenance struggles aside, Cape Breton Highlands Links remains as a beautiful a walk as any in the game

The post Is this Canadian course North America’s greatest muni? appeared first on Golf.

In today's edition of Play Smart, we look back at a vintage Lee Trevino video that explains the biggest key to ball striking.

The post Vintage Lee Trevino video reveals the secret to hitting crisp irons appeared first on Golf.

Are you tired of hearing about AI? Doesn’t it seem like AI has found its way into every golf club tech story this year?

While I have a finite understanding of its application in golf club design and engineering, I am intrigued by AI’s ability to make recommendations based on specific promptings.

For example, what if I wanted to buy a new pair of golf shoes? I need them to look cool and feel comfortable. Traction and stability aren’t as important to me. And I’m on a budget so I’d like to find something that’s less than $150.

Can ChatGPT (or any AI bot) make a solid, data-driven recommendation?

I prompted three different AI bots to recommend golf shoes based on my criteria listed above. Each was given the exact same prompt in order to provide an accurate comparison. The results are very interesting. Besides reaching some solid conclusions, the difference between each bot offers an intriguing glimpse at just how vast—and potentially dangerous—AI can be.

“Matt! All you do is talk about golf. You watch golf. You play golf all the time. You need to do something in golf!”

Those words of wisdom from a loving wife, a “nobody cares, work harder” mentality and a love for sneakers gave Matt Senna his start in golf.

Nearly six years after those inspirational words were spoken and more than a decade since conceiving the idea, Senna Made is bringing luxury goods (and inclusive spaces) to the game of golf.

For Senna, a designer, artist and maker, it signifies the fulfillment of a dream he’s had since he was a boy watching his dad worshiping on the golf course on Sunday mornings instead of in a church pew.

From that sentimental start, Senna’s journey became much more convoluted than linear. Before founding Senna Made, he apprenticed in the world of sneakers and streetwear.

Having a hard time hitting a draw? Is your ball continually slicing no matter what you try? The slice is a frustrating miss and learning to hit a draw can truly change your golf game. We tested The Draw Board, a tool designed to get you hitting a draw after just a few swings. Take a look at our results and whether this is a training tool worth investing in.

What We Tried: The Draw Board

The Draw Board. A training aid designed to help golfers of any level master the draw shot.

Why Hit A Draw?

If you are wondering what the big deal is about hitting a draw, it’s two fold.

You will get more distance than you do with a slice or fade. Draw spin maximizes the carry and roll on a shot. You should be able to hit a draw on command: a tucked pin or moving your drive around a dogleg.

Who Tried It:

Britt Olizarowicz. MyGolfSpy writer and scratch golfer. My natural ball flight is a draw but teaching others what it feels like to hit a draw is challenging. I tested this to see if The Draw Board creates a natural draw.

What Is The Draw Board?

The Draw Board is like a large wedge with a hitting mat on top. The mat has the proper swing path for a draw outlined.

About TPT Golf

TPT’s parent company, NTPT, is more than just a golf company. The Swiss-based company was not initially associated with the golfing world. With a background in making fine watches as well as marine, aerospace, motorsports and aeronautical parts, they transferred that knowledge and experience to the golfing world.

TPT (Thin Ply Technology) has a fully integrated process for making their golf shafts, starting with their resin formulation and extending to the end result of shaft manufacturing. By maintaining control throughout the entire process and using automated processes, TPT shafts offer “no fiber off-axing, no parasitic bending during swings, and tight dispersion” by using continuous winding with “one start, one stop.”

TPT recently partnered with L.A.B. Golf to make specialized putter shafts, resulting in two wins on the PGA Tour and one on the Korn Ferry Tour.

The science behind their golf shafts is impressive and has resulted in some bold claims which we want our members to put to the test.

What Is Being Tested?

TPT Golf released a series of golf shafts they call the “Power Range.” The Power Range of shafts includes a driver, fairway wood and hybrid shaft. All meant to deliver a consistent feel in all three, allowing for “each shaft and swing to feel the same.”

Will Zalatoris had a wild week at the Genesis Invitational. It left him choked up — and with a heavy message to share.

The post Will Zalatoris’ painful week ended in heavy emotions and important reminders appeared first on Golf.

GOLF’s editors and writers discuss Tiger Woods' week at the Genesis Invitational, Jordan Spieth’s disqualification and more.

The post Tour Confidential: Tiger Woods’ week, Jordan Spieth’s DQ and shanks   appeared first on Golf.

Hideki Matsuyama's oscillating ball at the Genesis Invitational set the golf world ablaze. But it looked much different from up close.

The post At Riviera, Hideki Matsuyama’s controversial finish looked different appeared first on Golf.

Hideki Matsuyama rallied from a 6-shot deficit with a 9-under 62 Sunday to set the Riviera record for the lowest closing round by a winner in the Genesis Invitational.

Hideki Matsuyama used an epic 30-minute stretch on Riviera's back nine to cement his Genesis Invitational victory.

The post How an epic 30 minutes (and a little chaos) decided the Genesis Invitational appeared first on Golf.

From Hideki Matsuyama's caddie taking in the action with a vape, to Jim Nantz shutting down armchair rules officials, get caught up.

The post Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie goes viral, Jim Nantz lays down the law | Rogers Report appeared first on Golf.

John Daly makes an 11 on a hole, withdraws from the PGA Tour Champions event — then shares the wincing reason behind the WD.

The post John Daly makes 11 on hole, withdraws — then shares the wincing reason why appeared first on Golf.