Author: Max Hollweck

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Panorama

Golfers as trading cards: LIV Golf announces deal with Panini

LIV Golf launches golf trading cards together with Panini (Source: X @livgolf_league)
LIV Golf launches golf trading cards together with Panini (Source: X @livgolf_league)

Panini’s trading cards have long been a source of joy for young sports fans, spanning generations. Now, following a deal with LIV Golf, the first golf trading cards are set to hit the shelves. Panini will serve as the exclusive trading card partner for the LIV Golf League.

LIV Golf Introduces the First Golf Trading Cards

Panini’s inaugural golf lineup will feature physical trading cards adorned with match-worn memorabilia and autographs from players. Panini plans to unveil the first LIV Golf trading cards featuring its popular Prizm and Impeccable brands. Additionally, Panini will launch an LIV Golf Panini Instant card program, releasing real-time cards post-tournaments showcasing some of the season’s winning moments and best shots, as well as team sets. “LIV Golf is excited to collaborate with Panini, a global brand committed to connecting with fans worldwide through a shared love of sports,” said Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “Just as our league continues to evolve, bringing professional team golf into the mainstream, this partnership will introduce new products to millions of passionate fans and collectors worldwide. As a former player, I am particularly excited for our players and teams to expand their platforms in this realm.”

Players are also enthusiastic about the deal: “I’m an avid collector of various types of sports memorabilia throughout my career, so personally, it’s very exciting for me to have the opportunity to work with a premium trading card brand,” said Majesticks GC Co-Captain Ian Poulter. “While trading cards are often associated with younger demographics, I believe this partnership between LIV and Panini is a great opportunity to elevate professional golf to the same level as other professional leagues by creating memorabilia for the kid in all of us.”

Team Format as an Incentive

Panini is also venturing into new territory with this partnership, marking its first foray into golf. The format of LIV Golf ultimately convinced the company to take this step. “We’ve often pondered how to introduce some of our most beloved trading card brands into golf, but the sport always presented challenges. LIV brought an entirely new dynamic to the sport. The team and league format is something that didn’t exist and creates another level of collectibles for fans,” said Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America.

Panini collaborates with many of the biggest leagues and brands in the sports and entertainment industry, including the NFL, NBA, FIFA, Premier League, LaLiga, NASCAR, and more. The Panini Group was founded in Modena, Italy, in 1961 and is the international market leader in stickers and trading cards.

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Professionals

Legends Tour: Biggest schedule and record prizepool

The Legends Tour has unveiled plans for a record-breaking 2024 season (Source: Getty)
The Legends Tour has unveiled plans for a record-breaking 2024 season (Source: Getty)

Running from April to December, this year’s globetrotting schedule will feature 20 events – featuring new tournaments set to debut in Barbados, Kenya, Mexico, Spain, the UK and Zambia, with even more additions still to be announced. They join Legends Tour staples such as the flagship Staysure PGA Seniors Championship – which will return to Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen following the success of last year’s event – and the Irish Legends at Seapoint Golf Links.

Many of the Legends Tour’s brightest stars will be eyeing up Major victory in 2024 at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores Golf Club, the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club and The Senior Open presented by Rolex at Carnoustie Golf Links. The season will culminate with the MCB Tour Championship Mauritius at Constance Belle Mare Plage, where qualifying players will contest for the John Jacobs Trophy, which was won in 2023 by former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker.

Largest prize pool in Legends Tour history

As well as the tournament silverware, some of golf’s biggest names will also be competing for the largest prize pool in Legends Tour history. The €18 million (more than €8.6 million of which will be assigned outside of the Majors of senior men’s golf – the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the US Senior Open and The Senior Open presented by Rolex) represents a 100 per cent increase since the tour returned to a full schedule in 2022 following the Covid pandemic, with $2 million to play for in the final two events on the Road to Mauritius and a bonus pool of $100,000 for the top five players in the final standings.

Complementing the drama of the professional events will be the unique Celebrity Pro-Am, which sees stars from the world of sport and entertainment competing to raise money and awareness for their chosen charities. Meanwhile, passionate amateurs can tee off alongside their heroes in the Legends Experience, the tour’s one-of-a-kind pro-am experience.

Legends Tour on the rise

The announcement suggests the global growth of the Legends Tour – which hit new heights in 2023 – is set to continue. At the end of the season, the brand announced record figures for amateur participation, spectators and social media engagement, with the latter taking total reach across all channels to over 100 million people for the first time. In November, the inaugural Vinpearl DIC Legends Vietnam – the competition’s first foray into Vietnam – embodied the expansion into new markets, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Central America, that has characterized the Legends Tour’s first three years.

Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes, and 2024 promises to be another incredible year for the Legends Tour. “Securing new events in some truly spectacular venues around the world is always a key objective of ours, and we are thrilled with the additions to the schedule for this season, as well as the prestigious venues we are honored to return to. “Everything – from the standard of competition to the number of amateurs getting involved – has been growing year on year, and this year will be no exception. We cannot wait to see it all unfold.”

(Text: The Azalea Group)

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Panorama

Netflix Full Swing: What fans can expect in the second season

The second season of Full Swing starts on Netflix on March 6. Watch the trailer for the first glimpses. (Source: Twitter @PGATOUR)
The second season of Full Swing starts on Netflix on March 6. Watch the trailer for the first glimpses. (Source: Twitter @PGATOUR)

The excitement is huge among golf enthusiasts worldwide as the second season of “Full Swing,” a documentary series produced by Netflix offering a profound insight into the world of professional golf, is scheduled to air from March 6, 2024. With a trailer released on Wednesday during the Genesis Invitational, viewers were treated to initial insights into the upcoming season. The 27-second teaser not only reveals the titles of all eight episodes but also provides a sneak peek at which players will take center stage in each episode. Returning from the first season are protagonists such as Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Joel Dahmen, and Matt Fitzpatrick, while new faces include Tom Kim and Wyndham Clark.

Ryder Cup and Fusion Take Center Stage in Full Swing’s Second Season

The second season will primarily focus on two main themes: the announcement of a fusion between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the 2023 Ryder Cup. The initial two episodes are likely to delve into the battle for supremacy in professional golf between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League. Cameras from “Full Swing” evidently captured the moments when news of the fusion rocked the golfing world, promising viewers insights into the associated dramas in two episodes titled “The Game Has Changed.” The season will also conclude with a two-part finale. The last two episodes, titled “All Roads Lead to Rome,” are expected to meticulously follow the events of the Ryder Cup in Rome.

The production of the new season was a monumental task, involving over 900 hours of new footage and more than 10,000 hours of archival material. Consequently, fans can once again anticipate deep behind-the-scenes insights into the world of golf. While filming for the third season has already commenced, an official confirmation from Netflix is pending. The decision will hinge on the success of the second season.

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Korn Ferry Tour

Lowest round in PGA Tour history: Chilean plays 57

Christobal del Solar played the lowest round in PGA Tour history in Colombia with a 57. (Source: Getty, Twitter @KornFerryTour)
Christobal del Solar played the lowest round in PGA Tour history in Colombia with a 57. (Source: Getty, Twitter @KornFerryTour)

Until recently, the name Cristobal Del Solar may not have rung many bells, but now, it’s etched into golfing history. On Thursday, the Chilean golfer delivered a performance for the ages at the Astara Golf Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. Del Solar crafted an astonishing 13-under-par round of 57 strokes at the Country Club de Bogota-Pacos in Colombia. With this feat, Del Solar became the first player ever to achieve a score of 57 in an event sanctioned by the PGA Tour.

Record round at a PGA Tour event

Del Solar set this record on an unusually short par-70 course spanning 5718 meters at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters. With six birdies and an eagle on the front nine, he set the pace early with a score of 27 strokes, tying the Korn Ferry record for the lowest nine-hole score. Continuing his impressive play on the back nine, the 30-year-old golfer secured three more birdies and another eagle. With four pars to conclude the round, he solidified his place in golfing history.

In a virtual press conference following his remarkable round, Del Solar emphasized the favorable conditions of the course. Leading the field by only four strokes, his longest iron into a green was merely a 6-iron, even on a par-5 hole. “The course was definitely set up to allow for a very low round,” commented Del Solar. “The pins were tucked, but the greens were so soft that I could hit the driver as close to the green as possible. And when you chip well, the ball stays close to the hole.” Despite his exceptional performance, Del Solar acknowledged room for improvement, particularly lamenting missed opportunities on the latter half of the course.

How good was the 57 really?

Prior to Del Solar’s outstanding achievement, only two players had shot a 58 in PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments, both in 2016: Stephan Jaeger at the Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae and Jim Furyk at the Travelers Championship. In total, twelve players have scored below 60 in PGA Tour-sanctioned events. Due to the course’s short length and the altitude, there were immediate debates questioning the significance of Del Solar’s round. Some argued that it was only the 27th best of all time, as one Twitter user pointed out.

Del Solar himself has a clear perspective on the matter: “Yes, the course is short, we’re playing at altitude, but you still have to be able to get it done. You still have to go out there and make birdies,” remarked the Chilean golfer, who broke the 60 mark for the first time in his career. “I’ve never broken 60 before,” Del Solar added. “The course I play at home (Dye’s Preserve in Jupiter, Florida) is really tough, and when I play really well there, I’m at seven or eight under, but never close to the 60 mark.” Despite the factors favoring a low score, the 57 stands as an impressive feat, sealed by Del Solar with a casual two-putt on the 18th green.

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Top Tours

Rory McIlroy with a changed attitude towards LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy has changed his mind about the LIV Golf League. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy has changed his mind about the LIV Golf League. (Source: Getty)

As the LIV Golf Tour unveiled a new team just ahead of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, boasting the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy shared his thoughts on these significant player migrations. McIlroy, a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, surprised many with his altered perspective on players making the transition to LIV Golf.

Rory McIlroy: “At the end of the day, everyone has to do what’s right for them.”

Days before teeing off at the iconic Pebble Beach Links in California, McIlroy delved into the topic during a press conference on Tuesday. Expressing his views on Tyrrell Hatton’s move, McIlroy emphasized the importance of each golfer making decisions that align with their personal journey. “At the end of the day, everyone has to do what’s right for them. I had a lengthy conversation with Tyrrell on Sunday, and I completely understand where he’s coming from. They’ve reached a point in negotiations where he feels comfortable. He has to do what he believes is right, so I won’t stand in anyone’s way of making a living. And if they view it as life-changing money, absolutely,” McIlroy stated.

The multiple Major-winner also touched upon the topic of potential sanctions for players looking to return to their original tours. McIlroy firmly stood against punitive measures, advocating for mutual understanding and collaboration between tours to propel the sport forward. This marked a significant departure from his earlier stance, as McIlroy emphasized his changed perspective, fueled by a desire to ensure the best for the sport as a whole.

Justin Thomas on the latest additions to LIV Golf: “I’m done with it”

Adding to the discourse, Justin Thomas shared his thoughts on the recent influx of players into LIV Golf during the Pebble Beach event. “I feel like at this point, I’m done with it. It is what it is,” Thomas commented. Reflecting on the diversity of opinions surrounding the moves, he acknowledged that people make decisions based on what they believe is best for them. While expressing disappointment over Hatton’s departure, Thomas displayed understanding and refrained from passing judgment, acknowledging the individuality of each player’s choices.

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Professionals

Adrian Meronk Rumored to Move to LIV Golf League

Adrian Meronk looks set for a move to the LIV Golf League. (Source: Getty)
Adrian Meronk looks set for a move to the LIV Golf League. (Source: Getty)

Just recently, Adrian Meronk was named Player of the Year by his DP World Tour peers, but now the Polish golfer appears to be considering a move to the LIV Golf League. Meronk, who recently became a full-fledged member of the PGA Tour, is absent from the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, officially citing health reasons. However, speculations quickly arose linking his absence to a potential impending transfer.

Adrian Meronk set to join the Cleeks

Despite improving his world ranking to 39th after a strong performance in Dubai and securing a second-place finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, it seems the 30-year-old has made the decision to explore new opportunities. Initially reported by The Times in London, there are now numerous corroborating reports confirming Meronk’s imminent joining of Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks team. The Cleeks had a disappointing season on the LIV Tour, leading to the non-renewal of contracts with Bernd Wiesberger and Graeme McDowell. With the potential addition of Adrian Meronk, Team Captain Kaymer seems to have found a prominent player to fill one of the two vacant positions. A move to LIV Golf would likely result in Meronk being suspended from the PGA Tour before officially playing a round as a tour member.

However, Meronk isn’t the only player considering a move to LIV Golf. Rumors suggest that Tyrrell Hatton, ranked 16th in the world, might also be contemplating joining the LIV Golf League. Although Hatton emphasized his commitment to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour last weekend in Dubai, LIV Golf seems to have renewed interest in the Ryder Cup player. An insider revealed that a deal with Hatton, strengthening Jon Rahm’s team, is imminent but not officially confirmed.

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Equipment

International exhibitors and attendees increase their presence at the PGA Show

The german company Puttview at the PGA Show 2024. (Source: PGA Show)
The german company Puttview at the PGA Show 2024. (Source: PGA Show)

With around 200 exhibitors from 25 countries, in addition to the United States, and well over one thousand attendees from more than 80 countries, the PGA Show is proving every year its growing global reach and international impact.

The PGA Show: An industry highlight

“Since 2007, Trackman has consistently participated in the PGA show, with only one absence during Covid. Over the years, our presence has gradually grown, reaching its peak this year,” said Bernd Larsen Linde, Vice President of Marketing for Trackman, a renowned Danish manufacturer of simulators and range solutions.

“Since our very beginning, Trackman has collaborated with top coaches, fitters, and global brands. We always look forward to the PGA Show as an opportunity to reconnect with the many PGA professionals who have been our valued partners over the years and get to meet exciting and new business partners,” added Larsen Linde.

Trackman at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)

Like Trackman, German technology firm Puttview, specialized on interactive putting greens, has grown its presence at the PGA Show since their debut in 2018. “It is one of the most important events of the year in terms of the golf industry. It is an easy way to reach out to businesses, clients, golf clubs, with everybody there and together in one place,” said Ann-Kathrin Nahl, Marketing and Communication Manager for Puttview.

Puttview at the PGA Show 2024 (Source: PGA Show)

Exhibitors from all over the world

International exhibitors, like Trackman or Puttview, will make up about 12% of the Show Floor in 2024. They share the floor with education and meeting spaces, and exhibitors from the United States, some of which expand their operations beyond North America.

“For years, the presence of Latin Americans at the Show has been very important. It promotes new relations and clients, interactions with people that meet you in person for the first time. And you get great feedback about the status of golf in the region,” said Juan Pina, Regional Manager for Latin America at Callaway Golf.

While many of the exhibitors come from China, Canada, Korea; most of the regular international visitors to the PGA Show come from the Americas and Europe. However, all the continents and almost half of the world are represented through the combination of exhibitors and attendees.

“The PGA of America is actively sourcing more opportunities to partner with like-minded organizations, golf facilities and mission-driven individuals across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” said Sean D. Thornberry, Director of Global Development at the PGA of America.

The PGA Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) in partnership with the PGA of America, showcases that global interconnection in the golf industry and the international outreach of both organizations.

“To date, we have executed brand partnerships with golf facilities in 8 countries, merchandising relationships in China and South Korea, formalized an International Section with over 300 PGA of America Golf Professionals, introduced 1000s of golfers to player engagement programs and opened up education pathways to PGA Membership for non-US citizens and non-residents of the United States,” added Thornberry.

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Equipment

Arccos launches third generation of the Link Pro Device

Arccos launches new link pro device (Source: Arccos Golf)
Arccos launches new link pro device (Source: Arccos Golf)

Arccos, the leader in connected A.I. golf products and the Official Game Tracker of the PGA Tour, announced the launch of the Link Pro. This device marks the 3rd generation in Arccos’ successful product line and introduces a host of new features designed to enhance the golfing experience.

The features of the new Arccos Link Pro

Available for purchase today at Arccosgolf.com and select retailers globally, Link Pro is designed to automatically track a player’s shots without the need for a phone, seamlessly capturing on-course data from the convenience of the player’s front pocket. The redesigned device addresses member feedback, delivering a superior experience for shot tracking. Key features of the New Link Pro include:

  • Works in Pocket: Automatically tracks shots in the pocket without the need for a phone.
  • Wireless Charging Case: Boasting up to 12 rounds on a single charge, the case is quickly rechargeable and about the size of an average wallet, providing exceptional convenience.
  • Enhanced GPS: A new GPS chip ensures an incredibly quick satellite lock at the start of each round, enhancing data accuracy on the course.
  • Multi-Mic Configuration: This leading-edge approach ensures highly accurate shot detection while the device remains in a player’s front pocket.
  • Pin Set Button: The introduction of a dedicated button with click feedback allows users to accurately mark the hole location while Link Pro is in the pocket.

User-Friendly Design

Dave LeDonne, Arccos Vice President of Product, expressed, “Our product vision is to continuously remove friction from on-course data capture, and Link Pro is a giant step in that direction for amateurs and elite pros alike. It’s a major technical breakthrough by our in-house hardware team. When you add all the other benefits, the result is a device that’s precise, less intrusive, easier to use, and always ready for your next round.”

Compact and comparable in size to a car key fob, Link Pro (MSRP: $224.99) comes standard with the wireless charging case. Once paired with the Arccos app, Link Pro seamlessly integrates with Arccos Smart Sensors (sold separately) to track your game on the course. It allows players to choose how they want to use their phone during a round – keeping it in the bag, listening to music, taking a call, or leveraging Arccos’ A.I. Powered Rangefinder and caddie recommendations.

Largest dataset in golf

Link Pro is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and has already been approved for use under the Rules of Golf (Decision #2023-0650). The Arccos system, including Link Pro, is the only game tracking platform, other than ShotLink powered by CDW, approved for use on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Americas.

As golf’s #1 game tracker, Arccos has compiled golf’s largest on-course dataset, with over 850 million shots and 1.5 trillion data points recorded during nearly 18 million rounds played by Arccos members. Trusted by amateurs and elite players worldwide, the Arccos system, consisting of a sensor in each club grip that pairs with a mobile app, has revolutionized performance tracking in the golfing community.

Last year, Arccos announced a strategic fundraising round featuring golf’s biggest brands, including the PGA Tour, Ping Inc., TaylorMade Golf Company, Cobra Puma Golf, and Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. , among others. The company’s focus is to fully leverage and accelerate the growth of the game’s largest dataset to benefit the entire golf ecosystem, allowing players, coaches, club fitters, and product designers to make smarter decisions based on real performance data.

(Text: Arccos Golf)

Categories
Highlights Tours

Record hunt 2023: Bernhard Langer’s great triumph and more impressive performances

Some records were broken in 2023. Bernhard Langer continues to hone his legendary status. (Source: Getty)
Some records were broken in 2023. Bernhard Langer continues to hone his legendary status. (Source: Getty)

From impressive rounds to triumphant victories, the year 2023 in golf has been filled with astonishing moments. Bernhard Langer claimed the title of the most successful golfer on the PGA Tour Champions, Bryson DeChambeau left everyone in awe with a remarkable 58, and Scottie Scheffler’s wallet is likely brimming after a unique season. Let’s revisit the memorable records of 2023.

Bernhard Langers All-Time Record

At the 2023 US Senior Open, Bernhard Langer achieved a historic milestone by securing his 46th victory on the PGA Tour Champions, surpassing Hale Irwin’s record of 45 wins set in 2007. Langer, at the age of 65, showcased his excellence with an impressive seven strokes under par, maintaining a lead of two to three strokes over his competitors. This victory marked Langer’s twelfth major win on the Champions Tour, further solidifying his own record for the most senior majors. With numerous other successes in his illustrious career, Bernhard Langer remains a golf legend.

Bryson DeChambeau’s Picture-Perfect Round and a Double Record by Matt Wallace

While Bryson DeChambeau may not have reached legendary status yet, he astounded the golf world with a legendary round this year. At the Greenbrier Event of the LIV Golf League, the American clinched an undisputed victory, concluding the tournament with an impressive 58. A 59 is a rare feat, but a 58 in men’s golf is exceptionally uncommon. The last time such a low round was recorded was in 2016 by Jim Furyk on the PGA Tour and Stephan Jäger on the Web.com Tour.

However, record-breaking rounds were not limited to the LIV Tour. Matt Wallace set two records in a single round at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. While nine birdies in a round are impressive on their own, Wallace achieved nine birdies on the back nine, matching James Nittier’s record for the most consecutive birdies on the European Tour/DP World Tour and setting a new record for the Back Nine.

Long-Drive Record: No One Hits Farther than Kyle Berkshire

Kyle Berkshire, a multiple-time world champion and the number one-ranked long driver, set two new records in 2023. During his world record attempt, Berkshire struck the ball at an incredible speed of 241.6 miles per hour, a feat never before achieved in golf. This equates to approximately 388.8 kilometers per hour, establishing a new world record for the long-haired American from Maryland.

Just under two weeks later, Berkshire made another record-breaking announcement. In Wyoming, he launched the ball an astonishing 529 meters, aided by a tailwind of 32 km/h.

PGA Tour Money Shower

Early in the year, it became evident that 2023 would be a record-breaking year for players’ wallets, thanks to the generous prize money at PGA Tour Designated Events. In April, Jon Rahm surpassed the prize money record previously held by Scottie Scheffler in the 2020/21 season. Rahm had earned a record-breaking $14,465,840 at that point, driven by four victories, including the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Genesis Invitational, and the Masters, along with five additional top-10 finishes. By the end of the season, Rahm ranked second in the money standings with $16,522,608. Scottie Scheffler, however, outearned everyone, amassing an incredible $21,014,342 during this season.

Categories
Equipment

Equipment: Ludvig Aberg signs with Titleist

Ludvig Aberg signs his first sponsorship deal with TItleist. (Photo: Getty)
Ludvig Aberg signs his first sponsorship deal with TItleist. (Photo: Getty)

Ludvig Aberg, one of the rising stars of the 2023 golf season, made an impressive debut as a Titleist staff player just before the year-end. Participating in the Grant Thornton Invitational, Aberg showcased his skills with the new T100 irons from Titleist’s 2023 series, simultaneously confirming his fresh sponsorship deal with the equipment provider.

Ludvig Aberg enthusiastic about the Titleist irons

Having previously used the 2018-19 T100 irons, Aberg expressed his excitement about the transition, stating, “I’ve used the 2018-19 T100 before, but I really like the way these (2023 T100) lie, and they can enhance my game.” During the tournament, he highlighted his preference for the 2023 version, not just because of the new design. “One of the reasons I switched is that they (the 2023 set) are very similar to the 2019 version,” he added, revealing his plan to tee off with the blades from 4-iron to 9-iron. Aberg emphasized his inclination to avoid frequent equipment changes, especially with clubs, stating, “I’m not a big fan of changing too much, especially not with the irons, and I like figuring it out for myself.”

Now taking the next step in his professional career, the young tour star has signed with the company that has been a part of his golf bag since his amateur days. Reflecting on the smooth transition, Aberg mentioned, “The switch was very easy, and I feel like this week was a good time to get used to it, having a few weeks off and being ready for the next year.”

Aberg’s bag already features the TSR2 Driver and a 718 T-MB 2-iron from Titleist. His trust in Titleist extends to the greens, where he has been using the Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 9 Wedges from 2022 for an extended period. Completing his setup is the Pro V1x Golfball, showcasing Aberg’s commitment to Titleist across his entire equipment arsenal.