Minjee Lee joines Callaway as staff professional in 2024. (Photo: Callaway)
Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced a new multi-year staff pro agreement with global women’s golf superstar, Minjee Lee. With this announcement, Lee will carry 14 Callaway clubs in the bag, including an Odyssey Putter, plus a Callaway golf ball, bag, and glove.
Minjee Lee joins Callaway Golf for 2024
The 27-year-old Australian native has been a dominant player throughout her golf career. Lee was the #1 ranked Women’s Amateur prior to turning professional in 2014, and since then she has won 10 LPGA Tour events, including major victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. She recently won two LPGA events in 2023 at the Kroger Queen City Championship and the BMW Ladies Championship. Her brother Min Woo Lee is also a Callaway PGA TOUR Professional.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Callaway Staff, and I’m excited to see how their equipment will help my performance going forward,” Lee said. “They’re the most played club brand on the LPGA, so I’ve seen how good the product is, and how much it’s helped my brother take his game to the next level. Now that I’ve had a chance to try their new driver and the Chrome Tour Ball, I feel confident in my setup, and I know that this is the right decision for me.”
“Minjee is such a special talent, and we want to help her reach her goals, win more events, and compete on the biggest stages,” said Tim Reed, SVP of Pro Tour at Callaway Golf. “Our fitters have had a great experience so far working with her, listening to her feedback, and getting everything dialed for her game. We can’t wait to see what she achieves with our equipment in play.”
The new Part One Collection 2024 from Galvin Green. (Photo: Galvin Green)
Premium hi-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green has today unveiled a new DRYVR™ line of 100% waterproof rainwear garments that headlines its functional 2024 Part One collection to ensure serious golfers are equipped for unpredictable weather conditions worldwide. Offering an unrivalled choice of responsibly sourced waterproofs on the market, the bluesign® approved DRYVR™ line-up consists of 21 jackets, hoodies and pants for men, women and junior golfers in a matchless choice of colour and size options. The long-lasting garments are crafted in more than 50 standout colourways using different forms of the widely trusted ‘Guaranteed to keep you dry’ GORE-TEX membrane fabric. “The depth of the new Galvin Green DRYVR™ collection is unrivalled in offering serious players the biggest choice of waterproofs on the market in an unmatched array of styles, colour choices and sizes,” said CEO Nicholai Stein. “Golfers are increasingly confronted by challenging wet weather conditions wherever they play around the world and our focus continues to be creating best-in-class outerwear they can rely on to keep them dry and able to perform at their best,” he added. The entire Part One collection features 36 brand new garments across five different layering categories, while many popular styles are carried over with the addition of new eye-catching colour combinations to suit several different outfit choices.
Galvin Green Part One 2024: eye-catching colors and 100 percent waterproof
Leading the DRYVR™ rainwear line-up is the new AMOS hooded jacket in GORE-TEX C-knit™ stretch fabric with slide and glide technology. The 100% waterproof and windproof jacket features a fitted hood with an elasticated drawstring for the perfect fit and adjustable cuffs and shaped sleeves to deliver complete freedom of movement during the swing. Suitable for both on and off the course wear, it also features a chest and two front pockets and comes in Navy, Forged Iron and Sharkskin. It is complimented by the best-selling ARMSTRONG jacket in GORE-TEX Paclite® Stretch fabric in two new colours, plus the mesh-lined ALBERT in a refreshing Navy/White option.The sporty LAYTON full-zip jacket and stylish LAURO vest are latest windproof and water-resistant INTERFACE-1™ garments. Both pieces feature Thermore® padding to deliver a top-level warming effect, while the LAWRENCE is offered in more bold colour combinations. The new DYLAN full-zip sweater with Thermore® padding spearheads the eco-generation INSULA™ range of warm mid-layers. Offering a soft and stretchy feel with top-level warmth, it is accompanied by the striking DAVE half-zip and DAWSON full-zip sweaters in super contemporary designs and daring colours, plus the lightweight DION half-zip. The award-winning INSULA™ mid-layer range is made using bluesign® approved materials and features garments crafted from recycled plastic bottles to minimize social and environmental impact.
The Dylan sweater from the Galvin Green Part One 2024 collection (Photo: Galvin Green)
The new MARCELO VENTIL8™ PLUS shirt is crafted using a pioneering drirelease® certified fabric to deliver superior moisture-wicking properties and thermal regulation on hot days. Other top styles include the stellar MIO in a 3-D print and the modern MATE shirt with a nuts & bolts print that is reminiscent of comic book franchises and superheroes. The highly breathable shirts offer UV 20+ protection and impressive quick-dry properties.
Galvin Green: A large selection of stylish textiles for women
In the women’s DRYVR™ offering, the popular ALLY jacket in GORE-TEX Paclite® Stretch fabric is now offered in a chic White/Cool Grey option to deliver a super eye-catching appearance. Shaped sleeves and adjustable cuffs deliver easy movement and an elasticated drawstring at the hem offers the perfect fit. The dazzling AIDA and ANYA jackets with mesh lining are available in two and three colour options respectively and come in sizes XS-XXL. A new addition to the multipurpose INTERFACE-1™ jacket range is the sleek LUCILLE padded vest with a contrasting full-length zipper. Offering a top-level warming effect, the windproof and water-resistant piece is joined by the full-zip LARISSA jacket in two new colours. For colder days, the elegant DESTINY full-zip sweater in INSULA™ fabric delivers incredible warmth and comfort and comes in five vibrant colourways to brighten up the fairways. It is complemented by the lightweight DIORA sweater and DAGMAR hoodie providing next to skin comfort and a soft feel. All three garments come in the stunning Camelia Rose option. Offering the opportunity for distinctively stylish pairings in the leading VENTIL8™ PLUS range is the striking MARGIE shirt and NICOLINE leggings. Both styles feature a free-flowing lined print to deliver a bold look, while the matching MAYLA shirt and MACY skort, both in Navy with contrasting White details, offers another fashionable outfit choice. Further opportunity for a sophisticated look comes in the tasteful MARSHA skort in up to four bright colours.
The Mate polo shirt for men and women from the Part One 2024 collection (Photo: Galvin Green)
Galvin Green: Trendy junior options
The leading junior pieces include the new REMI full-zip jacket and RONIE vest, both made from INTERFACE-1™ fabric, plus the REX INSULA™ sweater. The ultra-modern RICKIE shirt in VENTIL8™ PLUS fabric resembles a superhero theme print to round out a top junior offering. The 2024 Part One collection is completed by a selection of shorts and skorts, SKINTIGHT™ thermal garments, plus accessories such as caps, belts and bandanas.
The new Under Armour Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL golfshoes of the 2024 season. (Photo: Under Armour)
Designed with direct feedback from three-time major winner Jordan Spieth and Under Armour’s other PGA Tour athletes, including Maverick McNealy, Under Armour works closely with its golf athletes to create performance-enhancing products that meet the needs of golfers of all skill levels in both Spiked and Spikeless models.
Under Armour Drive Pro golf shoe: Stability, traction and performance
The new Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL deliver golfers the ultimate stability, traction, and performance through the innovative Swing Support System TM.
Developed with world-renowned biomechanist JJ Rivet, the revolutionary 3-layer Swing Support System TM supports the natural motion of the foot, with biomechanically correct diagonal and lateral support for golfers to unlock the power of their swing.
The Swing Support System is made up of three key advancements to take performance to new levels, while being lighter than common tour shoes in the market.
Starting from the ground up, smarter traction is delivered through a combination of Under Armour’s new custom S3 Spikes and the Tour Flex Pro Spike. Developed exclusively for Under Armour with CHAMP MacNeill Engineering, the S3 Spikes are utilised in the medial heel and lateral forefoot at the optimal angle to resist rotation in the golf swing, allowing you to harness more power.
(Photo: Under Armour)
In the midsole, Under Armour has developed the only dual-density midsole in golf. Featuring Under Armour’s HOVR TM foam and more supportive Charged Cushioning TM where it’s needed to help guide the foot in the golf swing. By using softer HOVR foam in the medial side, your foot is able to sink into the shoe when you apply your peak force and helps transition your weight more efficiently through the ball.
In the upper, Under Armour’s Swing Support Strap is fully connected to the with the S3 Spikes and integrated lacing system, providing optimised 360-degree lock-in from lateral ball to medial instep.
Under Armour Drive Pro SL: The innovative spikeless model
The Drive Pro SL replicates the same innovations in the midsole and the upper but with some notable innovations in its spikeless outsole. With a traction control plate and a hybrid outsole utilizing rubber and TPU, the Drive Pro SL provides ground penetration & torsional rigidity through the use of TPU, with rubber adding flexibility and friction to ensure there’s no compromise in performance by moving from a spiked to spikeless outsole.
Every spikeless traction point has been mapped to different heights and positions throughout the sole to ramp up performance further. By removing uniformity, Under Armour has been able develop an outsole that truly performs at the same level as spiked tour shoes.
“We’re excited to kick the new year off by releasing industry-leading footwear that help golfers take their game to the next level. The Drive Pro Series is years in the making, and we’re excited to get golfers’ reactions as they test them out on the course. Utilising Under Armour’s unique technologies, such as HOVR and the Swing Support System, we were able to create a golf shoe that pushes the boundaries of performance innovation to stand out in the market.” – Jake Haley, Senior Product Line Manager for Golf Footwear, Under Armour.
“Being a golfer isn’t a traditional 9-5 job. You’re on your feet walking the course for such a long time so it’s so important to be equipped with footwear that will help your body achieve its best on the course. I’m ecstatic that Under Armour has developed the Drive Pro, that combines comfort, style, and performance throughout the long days that we endure on the green. I look forward to showing firsthand the impact that Under Armour makes on the course with the release of the Drive Pro.” – Jordan Spieth
The Drive Pro Series can be found on UA.com and at golf retailers throughout the UK. The Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL retail for £150 GBP (EUR €170) and £130 GBP (EUR €150), respectively and carry a 1-year waterproof warranty.
The new TaylorMade Golf Team-Members. (Photo: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade Golf Company, an industry leader in product innovation and technology, announced today the signings of some of the youngest and hottest prospects on the Challenge Tour to play TaylorMade equipment from 2024. With an average age of 22 they join an already incredibly talented stable of athletes plying their trade on both the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour as part of Team TaylorMade.
Four new players for Team TaylorMade Golf in the 2024 season
Angel Ayora
Angel, who won the first stage of Qualifying School at Donnington Grove Golf Club at the end of September, 2023, joins Team TaylorMade after he secured his Challenge Tour card for 2024. At just 19-years-old from Spain, Angel played both the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open and ISPS Handa Australian Open at the beginning of the 2023/2024 DP World Tour season, making the cut on both occasions, finishing 33rd and tied-21st, respectively.
Angel Ayora sings with TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade Golf)
Angel is one the quicker players so getting him dialled in was very important. Tour Representative Sam Day started with a heavier driver shaft which offered him more control with little to no trade-off in club speed. Because of the better strikes and more connected feel with the driver, he was able to gain ball speed and play something that is designed to be more stable. His miss is to the right, so going down in head loft and using the FCT sleeve to change loft and face angle helped fix this problem (9.0 head set two clicks higher playing at 10.5 – the more loft added to a driver will close the face angle and therefore less likely to miss right). During golf ball testing, the soon-to-be-released 2024 TP5x was testing 3mph quicker with the driver, and when it came to irons, Sam actually moved his iron lofts a full 1 degree weaker to help him get better spin rates and land angles into the greens. Angel constantly works with his coach to increase his peak height, and with the new ball and iron lofts he gained 20 feet with his longer irons helping that stopping distance coming into greens.
Former French Number One Amateur, Martin Couvra, joins Team TaylorMade after becoming only the seventh player in history to win on the Challenge Tour as an amateur. Following his victory at the Challenge de España in September, 2023, Martin made the decision to turn professional. Martin finished the 2023 season ranked 46th on the Road to Mallorca rankings, solidifying a full Challenge Tour card for 2024 for the 21-year-old.
Martin Couvra sings with TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade Golf)
Martin likes to see a fade with the driver so he likes to see the ball starting left and falling to the right. Tour Representative Mark Thistleton worked with Martin a lot around face angle, and they found that the more Mark opened the face, the more fade Martin produced, reacting to what he saw at address. Couvra settled on a 10.5 head set a little lower playing at 10 degrees with a little open face angle that gives him the look of a fade club at address. Mark then worked on wedge options to better fill his distances after spotting that Martin previously carried a 52 & 58 degree Hi Toe wedge and left himself a 20-metre gap between PW & 52. Martin ended up in the new MG4 50 & 54 wedges to have his approach play dialled in ahead of the season. They both spent a lot of the session working with the new TP5 ball, which Martin loved right away. Martin is not one of the longer hitters out there and found speed especially in the top end of the bag with the new ball which he was sold on right away.
Two-time Walker Cup star and Wake Forest University graduate, Mark Power (23), has put his trust in TaylorMade equipment as he starts the next phase of his career. Prior to heading to the US College system in 2019, Mark was a three-time winner of the Irish Boys Order of Merit (2016, 2017,2018) and two-time winner of the Irish Open Boys Championship (2016, 2017). Mark graduated in 2023 before making his professional debut on the DP World Tour at the Horizon Irish Open last year, finishing tied-33rd. He also made the cut at the ISPS Handa Australian Open this season on the DP World Tour and will ply his main trade on the Challenge Tour this year.
Mark Power sings with TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade Golf)
Mark likes to play with a draw, and with the new Qi10 LS driver he was able to match the correct amount of launch and spin to make his go-to shot a lot easier and perform better. His drop-off in spin with his previous gamer was penalising his miss shot and therefore performance off the tee. Again, during ball testing, Mark gained 2mph ball speed switching into the 2024 TP5x golf ball from the 2021 TP5, and this was a massive step forward for him. Tour Representative Sam Day looked at the wedge and putter performance with the new ball to make sure the feel and sound married up with performance, which it did. The soft feel and low spin numbers he gained at the top end of the bag made this a clear winner.
North Carolina State University scholar, Max Steinlechner (24), from Austria, completes the roster for 2024. Max, a former Austrian Number One Amateur, had a stellar amateur career before heading off to play for the Wolfpack. He won the Austrian International Amateur Championship as a 17-year-old with a score of 11-under par, and won the Austrian Boys Strokeplay Championship for three consecutive years between 2015-2017. Max played the majority of his golf on the Challenge Tour in 2023, where he will look to build on a strong foundation moving into 2024.
Max Steinlechner sings with TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade Golf)
Max is very much a feel player and likes to focus on feel when testing clubs almost as much as performance. He does not change equipment easily or without validation, but he very quickly fell in love with the Qi10 driver. Tour Representative Mark Thistleton tested a couple of new shaft options, settling on the new Graphite Design VF in a 60 TX, tipped 1.25”, which is a little more than standard. Max has lots of speed and an extremely good ball striker, he offers precise feedback and any small changes Mark made to his equipment were seen instantly in the resulting ball flight. During pre-season was Max’s first testing session with a TaylorMade Golf Ball. This made up a huge part of the testing procedure, testing the range of TaylorMade golf balls, diligently looking at the numbers and giving his precise feedback on sound and feel. Mark and Max soon concluded that the soon-to-be-released 2024 TP5x ball was the perfect fit for his game. It controlled his spin in the long game and offered great feedback and feel through the rest of the bag.
“The golfing world all sees the success stories at the top with the likes of Rory, Tommy and Nelly when they win golf tournaments. But what they don’t see is how much work goes on behind the scenes in Team TaylorMade to find and develop the next generation of top class players. We believe this crop of talented young players from across Europe all have what it takes to compete and succeed on a world stage in the very near future. Each has their own successes as an amateur to be proud of, but more than that, we see a maturity and an attitude in these guys that stands them apart from their peers and because of this they are a great fit for the TaylorMade family. We are excited to continue this journey with them and look forward to seeing the individual success stories from each of them over the coming months and years.”
-Mark Thistleton, Tour Representative, TaylorMade Golf
Titleist in an interview with Golf Post about the new golf balls for the 2024 season (Photo: Titleist)
This season, Titleist is launching three new versions of its AVX, TruFeel and Tour Soft golf balls. The brand’s 2-piece and 3-piece golf balls are designed to appeal to a wide range of golfers. In this interview, Jeremy Stone from Titleist explains the differences between the models and provides exciting insights into the brand’s development process.
Titleist golf ball expert Jeremy Stone in an interview with Golf Post
Golf Post: Three new golf balls coming this year from Titleist. Can you briefly talk us through them first of all?
Jeremy Stone: Yes. So, three new golf balls from Titleist for 2024. New AVX, new Tour Soft, new TruFeel. AVX is an alternative to Pro V1 and Pro V1X. It flies lower and spins less than than pro V1. So if you’re looking for a golf ball that has that lower flight, lower spin or softer feel, AVX might be your ball. What we’ve learned from AVX players is that they love the distance of AVX. They love the soft feel of AVX. If there’s one thing golfers wish they had was maybe a little more greenside spin.
So new for this year, we have a reformulated Core. That reformulated core lowers the long game spin. We also have a new softer cover that gives us softer feel, but increased green side spin. That’s the magic of AVX. So a golf ball where folks love the distance and love the feel, it gets longer and softer, but it also gets a little more green side spin for players that are looking for just a little bit more.
The new Titleist AVX golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)
The new Tour Soft is a golf ball designed for people with very specific preferences about their game. If a golfer just wants to play their best, they should be looking at ProV1 or ProV1x or ProV1x Left Dash. Those are the golf balls that through a fitting process we can fit you into the best ball for your game.
But we do know there are golfers who have preferences for the colour golf ball they use. Maybe they want to use a yellow or a green golf ball. We also know there are golfers who have a price point preference. Tour Soft is at a lower price point. It’s a two piece construction golf ball. It has our largest core. The core is a bit of the engine.
This core is faster, giving us longer distance, but it also gives us a little bit more spin into the green with irons. So it’s a more playable all around golf ball designed to be soft, designed to be at a lower price point than a ProV1 as well.
And then finally TruFeel, I mentioned preferences. TruFeel is going to be our lowest price Titleist golf ball. It’s a very welcoming golf ball. There’s a lot of people coming to the game. But they want to trust the golf ball they play and they trust Titleist. TruFeel is the perfect golf ball for them because it connects them to our brand in a really unique, special way, but comes at a really agreeable price point.
It still goes through all of the rigorous Titleist quality testing because we know that every swing that you make, if you make a good one, you want to be rewarded for a great swing. TruFeel delivers on that promise. TruFeel comes in a white, yellow, and a matte red finish. So again, leaning into those preferences.
Golf Post: I assume that, in terms of customers you’re aiming for, in terms of ability, you went from top, I don’t want to say bottom because, that doesn’t sound very nice.
Jeremy Stone: No, but you know, what’s interesting is I wouldn’t use the word ability. I’d use the word mindset. Right? The way we look at it at Titleist is every player can benefit from the benefits of a well fit golf ball. Our well fit golf balls are going to start at the top. Pro V1, Pro V1X, Left Dash, AVX. And so If you want to play your best and that could be different for a lot of golfers, for some golfers that might mean they have a goal this year to break a hundred for the very first time.
Other golfers, they might have a goal to win their first PGA Tour tournament. Whatever your goal is, a well fit, high performing golf ball can suit you. And that stands out regardless of skill level. And so certainly if a golfer raised their hand and said, I want to play my best this year. We’re going to gravitate towards Pro V1 and we’re going to fit you for that golf ball.
The Titleist Pro V1 golfball. (Photo: Titleist)
But if you have a preference, if you are price point sensitive, we get that. We understand that. We want to have offerings because you shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of your ball just simply because of the price point.
Golf Post: The ProV1 and ProV1x are still your flagship products. Are there any plans to replace it at some point?
Jeremy Stone: The answer is yes, always. It’s just a matter of when our research and development team is constantly looking for ways to improve performance. And when there comes such a technology that absolutely outperforms Pro V1, that would be the time where we would look to replace our own product with something better.
And that’s happened multiple times throughout our company’s history. Most recently, when we introduced Pro V1 in 2000, it was replacing the current number one ball, which was the Titleist Professional. The Titleist Professional was absolutely the number one ball played on planet Earth.
It was the number one ball across the worldwide professional tours. And it just simply didn’t have the same performance opportunity that this new Pro V1 had due to the innovation of research and development. So, we don’t know when that will happen, but we know it will because this research and development team is constantly tackling the challenge of taking the best golf ball on earth and making it even better. And when that day comes, that will be when we replace Pro V1.
Golf Post: Generally in research and development, what is currently the main focus? Is it more about enhancing the performance of the current products? Is it about widening the range of products, to suit more different types of golfers? Is it both of it?
Jeremy Stone: Yes, it’s both. So we’re always looking at what golfers are striving for, and we’re always looking at how dedicated golfers play the game. That’s going to define the attributes we pursue in new golf ball development. And so when we look at new golf ball development, and we’re investigating the appropriate constructions and the needs of the golfer.
That’s what’s going to drive our decision making. We’re always looking at, to oversimplify it, the flight, the spin, and the feel. If we can fine tune the flight, spin, and feel for you, you’re going to play your best. And so, in the midst of that, we’re going to look at aerodynamics, we’re going to look at chemistries, we’re going to look at construction ratios between different layers of golf balls, and everything that would go into a core, a dual core, a casing layer, a cover, and the dimple pattern in the aerodynamics.
Through that process, we’re also going to look at ways the world around us and golfers are demanding more custom options, more alignment options, different elements to personalize their golf ball. And we love the opportunity to do that as well. So lots of different areas for us to innovate. Um, and that’s why the research and development team has over 80 scientists of a variety of disciplines to help us do that.
The new Titleist Vokey SM 10 Wedges 2024 (Photo: Titleist).
The Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges represent another step in Titleist’s evolution by offering advanced technologies and a variety of sole grinds specifically designed to provide golfers with enhanced control, feel and maximum spin. The Titleist Vokey SM10 series is characterized by its versatility, with six different sole grinds – F, S, M, K, T and D – available in 25 combinations of lofts, bounces and sole grinds. This wide selection should enable players to find the perfect wedge set-up to suit their individual swing type and the prevailing course conditions.
Titleist also incorporated feedback from tour pros and top amateurs into the development of the latest version of the Vokey Spin Milled Wedges. “Player feedback drives our development process,” says Corey Gerrard, Marketing Director of Vokey Wedges. “Whether we’re talking to tour pros or dedicated amateurs, every player’s input is important. All of the advancements we’ve made to the SM10, from the look and feel to the sole grinds and ball flight windows, reflect player input.”
What’s inside the Titleist Vokey SM 10 wedges
A key feature of the Titleist Vokey SM 10 wedges is the progressive CG positioning, which is designed to provide a lower, more controllable trajectory and a fuller feel across all wedges. This results in more precise distance and trajectory control with tighter dispersion, according to Titleist. The 46 to 52 degree models have a lower center of gravity for a smoother transition from irons to wedges and more consistent distance. The center of gravity is also positioned more in the middle of the clubface, which helps to achieve a neutral clubface at impact and a more solid feel. With the lofts from 54 degrees, the center of gravity is shifted upwards and forwards, which leads to a relatively lower trajectory and also supports a “square” clubface.
The center of gravity shift of the Titleist Vokey SM 10 Wedges 2024 (Photo: Titleist).
In addition, the patented Spin Milled process has been further developed. Each TX9 groove is individually cut and treated with high-frequency heat to ensure maximum durability and consistently high spin. Texturing is also applied between the grooves to maximize spin even on half shots. There are also extensive options for personalizing and customizing the wedges. As standard, they are equipped with the True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft and the new Titleist Universal 360 grip.
The sole grinds of the Titleist Vokey SM 10 wedges
The different sole grinds offer golfers a wide range of playing options.
Sole-Grinds:
F-Grind: Versatile, particularly suitable for full strokes
S-Grind: Particularly good for loft control, particularly narrow sole
M-grind: Good for versatile use of the wedge
K-grind: Highest bounce, ideal for bunker shots
T-Grind Little bounce and a narrow sole for precise short game
D-Grind: Lots of bounce, for steep attack angles
The grinds left to right: M, S, T, F, D, K. (Photo: Titleist)
The new SM10 wedges will be available in Tour Chrome, Jet Black and a new Nickel finish from February 15 for fittings and March 8 in golf stores worldwide. A raw finish can be ordered via WedgeWorks on Vokey.com. The retail price is 199 euros for steel shafts and 219 euros for graphite shafts.
What the pros say about the Titleist Vokey SM 10 Wedges 2024:
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.
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.
The new Titleist AVX, TruFeel and TourSoft golfballs. (Photo: Titleist)
With the three new balls for 2024, Titleist offers an expanded repertoire in terms of performance and variety. Each of these balls is tailored to specific aspects of the game of golf and is designed to provide golfers of all abilities with customized solutions. The TruFeel for consistent performance, the TourSoft with a new core and the AVX for improved distance and control.
Titleist TruFeel: Soft feel and reliable performance
The Titleist TruFeel, which is positioned as the softest ball in the Titleist portfolio, offers golfers a particularly soft feel. The ball is characterized by a gentle feel at impact. TruFeel is an accessible option for all players looking for a good feel with consistent performance. As such, the TruFeel golf ball offers a solid foundation for everyday play. The TruFeel will be available in white from January 24, 2024, followed by the yellow version from March 1 and the matt red version from May 15, starting at 34.99 euros.
The Titleist TruFeel golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)
Titleist TourSoft: Modern technology for optimized performance
The TourSoft is characterized by its large core, which enables improved performance on the court, according to the manufacturer. The ball is said to offer optimized aerodynamics thanks to the 346 double pyramid dimple design, improving ball flight. The ball is particularly suitable for those looking for a balanced mix of distance, feel and control. The TourSoft will be available from January 24, 2024 in white, high-optic yellow and green, and will also be available in pink from July 2024 from 44.99 euros.
The Titleist Tour Soft golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)
Titleist AVX: Top technology for ambitious golfers
The AVX has been completely redesigned and offers improved performance from core to cup, writes Titleist about the latest version of the golf ball. It is designed for golfers looking for improved distance with increased control. The Titleist AVX offers a lower ball flight and less spin compared to other Titleist models. With its high-gradient, high-speed core, a high-flex mantle layer and a softer urethane shell, the AVX is said to offer a combination of length paired with a softer feel and is ideal for players looking to increase their performance on the green. Available from January 24, 2024 in white and high-optic yellow from 59.99 euros.
Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)
Callaway today announced the signing of exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin as a new Staff Professional.
A winner on the DP World Tour after just 26 starts, the 21-year-old Northern Irish golf prodigy claimed his breakthrough victory at last year’s Porsche European Open in Germany, and will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, including the new Chrome Tour Golf Ball.
Tom made an incredible start to his golfing career at a very young age. He captured the Junior Honda Classic title in his age group when he was just 12-years-old, and among his many other amateur accolades, at just 16-years-old, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Ireland at the 2019 Home Internationals.
In 2019, his US success continued when he won the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina.
Prior to turning professional in 2021, Tom represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championship and played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Léglise Trophy the same years.
He will compete in his first DP World Tour tournament as a #TeamCallaway staffer at the Dubai Invitational, which begins this week.
Commenting on this important new signing, Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations, Callaway Golf EMEA, said: “Tom is an exciting prospect in the world of professional golf – already a proven winner – and we are proud to have yet another young star of the future join our Callaway and Odyssey families, representing us on the biggest stage.”
Tom added: “I’ve been testing new Callaway and Odyssey products with the Tour team over the winter and I can’t wait to put my new equipment into competitive play. I’ve been a long-time fan of Callaway equipment and I’m confident I can take a big step forwards in my career using their clubs and golf ball.”
