Tag: equipment

Categories
Equipment Highlights Tours

WITB Jon Rahm: The Winning Equipment at the LIV Chicago Event

Jon Rahms WITB for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahms WITB for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

Another win for Jon Rahm at the LIV Tour. In Chicago Rahm captured the victory with a three shot lead in front of Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann. The Spaniard thus crowned his debut season on the tour. with the “Individual Champion” title. In his golfbag is an array of old and new club from his longterm partner Callaway. With the new Ai Smoke series and the Chrome Soft golf ball Rahm trusts the 2024 innovations coming from Callaway as well.

WITB Jon Rahm 2024

(Image: Callaway)

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5°)

(Image: Callaway)

Fairways Woods: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond T (16° and 18°)

Image: Callaway

Irons: Callaway Apex UT 

Image: Callaway

Irons: Callaway Apex Pro (4)

(Image: Callaway)

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB (5-10) 

(Image: Callaway)

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (52-10, 56-12, 60-10)

(Image: Callaway)

Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Rossie S 

(Image: Callaway)

Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X 

Categories
Equipment

Big Max Presents New Products for the Fall Golf Season

Big Max has unveiled new products for the fall 2024 golf season. (Source: Getty)
Big Max has unveiled new products for the fall 2024 golf season. (Source: Getty)

Big Max has unveiled new products for September 2024, ensuring you are well-equipped for your autumn rounds. The right golf equipment can make all the difference. The latest products from Big Max and Zoom set new standards in terms of lightness, comfort, and functionality. Here’s an overview of some of the most exciting new items in the golf world.

Big Max: Two New Bags for Autumn

DRI LITE FEATHER – Ultra-Light Design for Maximum Comfort

The DRI LITE Feather Stand Bag impresses with its ultra-light design, especially appealing to golfers who value comfort and functionality. Weighing only 1.6 kg and made from lightweight nylon, this bag is barely noticeable on the shoulder. Despite its light weight, it offers ample storage space for equipment and personal items with its 5-way full-length divider and six water-resistant pockets. With the Leg Lock system and a trolley-compatible base, the bag is perfect not only for carrying but also for use on a golf cart.

The new feather-light golf bag from Big Max (Source: Big Max)

DRI LITE SEVEN G – Compact Lightness for a Quick Round

The DRI LITE Seven G is the ideal choice for golfers looking for a quick 9-hole round or a short practice session without sacrificing functionality. Despite its compact size, it provides ample space to store all the essentials. The winter top and four storage compartments are well-suited to the needs of golfers who play even in wet conditions. Water-resistant materials and zippers keep your equipment dry. Weighing 2.0 kg, it is slightly heavier than the Feather but remains light and comfortable to carry.

Optimally equipped for the fall. (Source: Big Max)

Precision at Every Distance

With the ZOOM Focus Tour, measuring distances becomes effortless. This premium rangefinder features a compact, elegant design and is incredibly easy to use. The device accurately measures distances up to 800 meters and offers brilliant optical clarity, thanks to its 7.5° field of view and 6x magnification. Practical functions like target vibration mode and the slope function, which can be disabled for tournaments, make the ZOOM Focus Tour an essential companion on the course. With an excellent price-performance ratio, this device is one of the top contenders in its category.

High-precision measuring. (Source: Big Max)

Protection from Wet Autumn Weather

The AQUA UV Umbrella is the perfect companion for both rain and sun. With a diameter of 132 cm, the umbrella provides generous coverage, while its special UV coating (50+) offers excellent protection from harmful sun rays. The automatic opening function allows for quick and easy handling, and the soft grip ensures maximum comfort. This umbrella is available in six different colors and comes with an included fabric cover for easy storage.

Perfect protection in any weather. (Source: Big Max)
Categories
Equipment

WITB: Matt Wallace Triumphs with Four Different Brands

WITB: Matt Wallace (Image: Getty)
WITB: Matt Wallace (Image: Getty)

Matt Wallace wins the European Masters in Switzerland with clubs from Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway. It is the Englishman’s fifth victory on the DP World Tour.

WITB: Four brands for the win

The Englishman currently uses the Ping G430 LST driver (10.5˚). With the Ping model, he finished twelfth in the “Strokes Gained: Off the Tee” statistics at the European Masters and eighth in driving accuracy. With the Qi10 Tour (16.5˚), he also has a TaylorMade club in his bag as a fairway wood. For the hybrid, Wallace currently relies on the TSR2 (18˚) from Titleist. The fourth brand in the 34-year-old’s bag is Callaway. From the 4-iron to the 9-iron, he relies on the Callaway X Forged CB model. The rest of the golf bag is filled with Titleist clubs. Wallace plays the Titleist Vokey SM10’s wedges with 46, 50 and 54 degrees of loft and the SM10-WW Proto model with 60 degrees of loft. The Titleist Scotty Cameron Tour Only T-9 putter and Titleist Pro V1 X-balls (2023) complete the set.

Matt Wallace WITB

Image: Ping

Driver: Ping G430 LST

Image: TaylorMade

Fairway wood: TaylorMade Qi10

Image: Titleist

Hybrid: Titleist TSR2

Image: Callaway

Irons: Callaway X Forged

Image: Titleist

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Wallace moves up the Race to Dubai Rankings

Matt Wallace, currently in 73rd place in the world rankings, improved to 22nd place in the Race to Dubai with his victory at the traditional tournament in Crans Montana. He is therefore currently safely in the top 50 of the season rankings. The top 50 players are allowed to compete at the DP World Tour Championship in November.

Categories
Equipment

WITB Keegan Bradley: BMW Championship

Keegan Bradley WITB: Ryder Cup captains wins with mixed set. (Source: Getty)
Keegan Bradley WITB: Ryder Cup captains wins with mixed set. (Source: Getty)

Keegan Bradley won the BMW Championship with a mixed set of clubs. The Ryder Cup captain supplemented his iron set from the Japanese brand Srixon with a hybrid from Callaway, a 3-wood from TaylorMade and a driver from Ping. An Odyssey club was used as the putter. Bradley’s victory in Colorado not only secured him a hefty prize purse, but also vaulted him into the top 5 of the FedExCup rankings and secured his participation in the Tour Championship at East Lake. “I’m a little shocked because this time a week ago I didn’t think I’d be coming here,” Bradley said. He had barely slipped into the BMW Championship field in 50th place in the FedExCup rankings. “A lot of magical things had to happen for me to play in this tournament, and when I got here I was so grateful just to be here. I’ve been playing very steady all week, which is not normal for me.”

Keegan Bradley WITB: Company Mix Ensures Participation in the Season Finale

Image: Ping

Driver: PING G430 LST (10,5°)

Image: TaylorMade

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (16,5°)

Image: Callaway

Hybrid: Callaway Apex Utility Wood

Image: Srixon

Irons (3-5): Srixon ZX5 Mk II

Image: Srixon

Irons (6-PW): Srixon ZX7 Mk II

Image: Cleveland

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore

Image: Srixon

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade: The new Kalea Gold family for women of all handicap levels

The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)
The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade has taken a further step in the development of golf clubs specifically for women with the introduction of the new Kalea Gold line. The Kalea Gold irons are part of this new premium line characterised by innovative technology and elegant design, according to TaylorMade. The clubs were designed by women for women and are intended to help players of all abilities improve their golf game.

The Kalea Gold irons are the result of a comprehensive development process in which TaylorMade involved a wide range of groups, playing strengths and types. This included the TaylorMade Women’s Advisory Board, which is made up of female golf professionals from different areas of the industry. This group, along with other test panels and feedback from users of the previous model, Kalea Premier, helped to accurately identify the needs and preferences of female golfers. A particular focus was placed on the appearance and performance of the clubs.
The Kalea Gold family focuses on elegant colours such as white, blue and gold, a deliberate departure from the pastel shades often used for women’s clubs. The club heads of the irons are slim and modern in design, with a thinner topline that offers a clear, clean look in play.

Image: TaylorMade

TaylorMade Kalea Gold: Optics and performance should go hand in hand

The Kalea Gold Driver utilises the Carbonwood™ construction which allows the mass to be strategically placed in the club head. This optimises energy transfer, increases launch angle and maximises distance while ensuring a high level of forgiveness and stability.

The fairway woods and rescue clubs in the line are also equipped with the latest technologies. The Speed Pocket™ and Inverted Cone Face technology minimise miss-hits on off-centre shots. In addition, the ultra-light carbon construction ensures better launch conditions and higher ball speeds.

TaylorMade Kalea Gold irons: Maximum performance in a new design

Technologically, the Kalea Gold irons are characterised by several features that are designed for maximum performance. They utilise the Cap Back™ design in combination with Speed Pocket™ technology to optimise ball launch and forgiveness. The irons also feature an ECHO® Damper for improved sound and feel. The club faces are specially designed to enable higher ball speeds, which should lead to more length.

Another feature of the Kalea Gold irons is their increased loft option compared to the previous Kalea Premier version. This should better cover the gaps between the different clubs in the set and help players to achieve a consistent trajectory. In addition, the irons have a progressive upright lie angle, which supports a slight draw bias and should therefore help against the slice.

The Kalea Gold irons are not only suitable for beginners, but also for advanced golfers looking for a powerful club that will help them take their game to the next level. TaylorMade offers the irons with customisation options so players can tailor their clubs perfectly to their needs.

The Kalea Gold clubs will be available to pre-order from 20 August 2024 and will be available in stores from 6 September 2024. The prices for the individual clubs are in the premium segment: the driver costs £449 / EURO 599, fairway woods £249 / EURO 329, rescue clubs £199 / EURO 269, irons £122 / EURO 165 per iron and the putter £249 / EURO 329.

Categories
Uncategorized

WITB Hideki Matsuyama 2024: FedEx St. Jude Championship

Hideki Matsuyamas PPGA Tour WITB with Srixon and TaylorMade. (image: Getty)
Hideki Matsuyamas PPGA Tour WITB with Srixon and TaylorMade. (image: Getty)

Hideki Matsuyama’s golf bag this week is not being carried by his regular caddie Shota Hayafuji, who had to return to Japan due to a stolen passport, but by Taiga Tabuchi, Ryo Hisatsune’s actual caddie. Thanks to the quick replacement, Matsuyama doesn’t have to lug his Srixon, TaylorMade and Cobra equipment around the TPC Southwind himself and even changes his putter at the last minute before the tournament.

Hideki Matsuyama WITB: Woods From Three Companies Ensure Success in the FedExCup Playoffs

Image: Srixon

Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9,5°)

Image: TaylorMade

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15°)

Image: Cobra

5-wood: Cobra King RadSpeed Tour (17,5° at 19°)

Image: Srixon

Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3), Srixon Z-Forged II (4-9)

Image: Cleveland

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 4 Forged Prototype (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Prototype

Image: Srixon

Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Categories
Equipment Uncategorized

Versatility and Control: TaylorMade Introduces Hi-Toe 4 Wedges

The new TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges. (Source: TaylorMade)
The new TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges. (Source: TaylorMade)

In the world of golf, perfecting the short game can make the difference between a good score and a great score. TaylorMade recently introduced the Hi-Toe 4 wedges, an evolution of their successful Hi-Toe range, designed to set new standards in control and versatility. These wedges are the result of continuous research and development and promise to improve the game around the green for golfers of all abilities and playing conditions.

Source: TaylorMade

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges Continue Successful Series

Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Hi-Toe 4 wedges bring a new level of innovation to the course. As described by Matt Bovee, TaylorMade’s Global Category Director of Irons and Wedges, the new wedges “are a great option for any player who gains confidence from a wedge with a larger face and full-face grooves to ensure maximum spin regardless of where you strike it on the face.Now with Spin Tread RAW face technology and a new array of grinds, the Hi-Toe 4 has more performance and versatility than ever before.”

Full-face grooves ensure optimum spin. (Source: TaylorMade)

Larger Profile and Full-Face Grooves for Ultimate Control

One of the most noticeable changes in the Hi-Toe 4 wedges is the more pronounced toe mass pad, which gives the club a larger profile. This design feature provides golfers with an added layer of confidence, which should enable them to execute a full suite of short game shots with ease. Additionally, the wedges feature full-face grooves on lofts of 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60°, allowing golfers to utilize the entire face and strike the ball with good control from various parts of the face.

The Hi-Toe 4 wedges also incorporate an elevated center of gravity (CG), similar to the Milled Grind 4 wedges, promoting a low launch and maximum spin. This results in a penetrating, high-spin ball flight that should remain consistent across different playing conditions.

Debut of the Spin Tread Technology and Enhanced Aesthetics

TaylorMade’s Spin Tread technology makes its debut in the Hi-Toe wedge line with the Hi-Toe 4. This face finish is designed to increase friction and spin, displacing moisture in wet conditions to maintain control. Whether it’s a downpour or a dewy morning, golfers can expect the Hi-Toe 4 wedges to deliver consistent performance. The raw face finish reduces glare and enhances the overall appearance of the club.

Source: TaylorMade

The Hi-Toe 4 wedges not only perform but also stand out visually. The grooves extend across the entire clubface, ensuring maximum spin regardless of where the ball is struck. A distinctive gold bottom groove contrasts with the copper finish, assisting golfers in centering the ball at address and aiming accurately at the target. The copper finish not only reduces glare but also develops a unique patina over time, adding a touch of personalization to each wedge.

All-Terrain Grinds for All Playing Conditions

Recognizing the diverse needs of golfers, TaylorMade offers the Hi-Toe 4 wedges in multiple All-Terrain grinds. Each grind is machine-milled to ensure maximum sole consistency, catering to a wide range of playing conditions and swing styles. As Greg Cesario from the TaylorMade Wedge Design Team explains, these grinds were developed to offer golfers versatility and forgiveness, whether they are tackling bunkers or varying lies on the course.

Grind Description Available Lofts
ATS (All Terrain Standard Grind) The most versatile grind, suitable for players with a neutral club angle. It enables generous manipulation of the clubface. 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
ATV (All Terrain Versatility Grind) Asymmetrical bounce with concave sole, ideal for flat entry angles and firm terrain. 56°, 58°, 60°
ATC (All Terrain C Grind) Lowest bounce option with unique C-sole. Suitable for players with flat turns and firm conditions. 58°, 60°
The different grinds. (Source: TaylorMade)

Pricing, Availability, and Customization

Golfers can pre-order the Hi-Toe 4 wedges starting August 14th at a price of £149 / €199 / SEK 2,199 / NOK 2,199 / DKK 1,499 / CHF 199 per wedge. The wedges come standard with the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115g steel shaft and the Lamkin Crossline 360 Black/Copper 52g grip.

For those seeking a personalized touch, the My Hi-Toe 4 feature offers golfers the option to choose from fully raw, chrome, and black finishes, allowing them to tailor their clubs to their specific preferences.

Text: TaylorMade

Categories
Brands

Mixed Quarterly Results at Callaway – Topgolf in Focus

Callaways earnings report. (Photo: Getty)
Callaways earnings report. (Photo: Getty)

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. While the company wants to send positive signals in some areas, it is struggling with some challenges and is particularly critical of developments in the Topgolf segment.

Callaway: Financial results for the second quarter

In the second quarter of 2024, the company generated a net income of 62 million dollars. Compared to the previous year, this represents a decline of 47.1 %. However, excluding certain exceptional items, adjusted income rose to $83 million, an increase of 9.9%. Adjusted EBITDA, which represents operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, was USD 206 million, exceeding expectations.

Consolidated revenue, on the other hand, fell by 1.9 % to 1,157.8 million dollars. This decline is mainly due to lower demand in the golf equipment and active lifestyle segments. In the golf equipment segment, sales fell by 8.2%, which Callaway said was the result of a planned shift of the market launch of equipment products compared to last year. This was compounded by challenges such as negative FX trends, persistently high inflation and weaker than expected visitor numbers at top golf locations.

Despite the decline in sales, the company was able to maintain its leading position in the US market for golf clubs and golf balls. Callaway’s products, in particular the new Ai Smoke clubs and Chrome Tour golf balls, continued to show strong sales figures.

Sales at Topgolf below expectations

Topgolf, a central component of the company, recorded an overall increase in sales of 5% in the second quarter of 2024, but this was mainly due to new locations. Locations that have been in operation for 24 months or more saw an 8% decline in sales. This development is due to lower customer frequency at existing locations. Commenting on Topgolf’s performance, Chip Brewer, CEO of Topgolf Callaway, said: “We have been disappointed in our stock performance for some time, as well as the more recent same venue sales performance.”

In light of these figures, the company has initiated a strategic review of Topgolf, considering various growth strategies and potential structural changes. Brewer added: “This review includes the assessment of organic strategies to return Topgolf to profitable same venue sales growth, as well as inorganic alternatives, including a potential spin of Topgolf.” However, Brewer also emphasised that the company remains a firm believer in the potential of Topgolf: “We remain convinced that Topgolf is a high-quality business with significant future opportunities. It is transforming the game of golf and we believe it will deliver significant growth and financial returns over time.”

Adjusted annual forecast and financial measures

Due to the current challenges, the company has been forced to revise its annual forecast downwards. The expected annual turnover is now between 4,200 and 4,260 million dollars, while the adjusted EBITDA is estimated at 570 to 590 million dollars.

In order to be in a stronger financial position, the company has also repaid 50 million dollars of its debt ahead of schedule and increased its liquidity, i.e. its available funds, by 136 million dollars compared to the previous year.

Categories
Apparel Equipment

Callaway Apparel: Vibrant High Summer Collection 2024

The Summer Collection from Callaway Apparel. (Image: Callaway)
The Summer Collection from Callaway Apparel. (Image: Callaway)

Callaway Apparel has unveiled a new micro-line of High Summer 2024 apparel for men and women, presenting a fresh, vibrant product line for the extended summer season.This collection will stay true to the brand’s authentic, performance-driven golf heritage, while delivering fashion-inspired polos, skorts and light layering garments specifically designed for the warmest part of the year.

Callaway Apparel 2024: Cooling Fibers and UV Blocking

A host of leading Callaway Apparel technologies also features across the new apparel capsule, including Eco Cooling, which comprises gel-like fibers interwoven into garments offering an immediate cooling effect, and Swing Tech™, which consists of re-engineered construction and materials that provide noticeably less restriction and more stretch to maximise range of motion.

(Image: Callaway Apparel)


UV Block fabric technology is also an important aspect of the High Summer micro-line and a key feature in the women’s long-sleeved garments, increasing the protection against the sun’s strong and harmful rays.

(Image: Callaway Apparel)


Finally, proven Opti Dry™Technology, a fast-drying Polyamide based fibre technology, offers the wearer the benefit of exceptional moisture management to keep you dry and light during high summer activity.
Commenting on this range extension, Helen Willsmer, Brand Director at Callaway Apparel, said: “With our Summers seemingly extending every year, it makes perfect sense to add a new micro-line that has been carefully curated for the warmer temperatures.
“As with all Callaway Apparel garments, our new High Summer capsule fuses athletic performance with a classic fit, and game-changing innovation.”

Text: Callaway Apparel

Categories
Equipment

Ecco Golf Unveils Contemporary Lifestyle Twist in New Street 720 Model

Ecco Golf Street 720. (Photo: Ecco Golf)
Ecco Golf Street 720. (Photo: Ecco Golf)

Global golf footwear pioneers, ECCO GOLF, have once again pushed the boundaries of comfort, style and innovation with the introduction of the sneaker-style ECCO GOLF STREET 720 as part of the Danish brand’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection.

A golf shoe designed to be worn all day and night, the fresh new model offers big city vibes with a birdie mentality, making it perfect for a night out on the town or a quick 9 holes – or both!

Ecco Golf: Sneaker-sytle Street 720 for on and off the course

Based on a sneaker from ECCO’s lifestyle collection, the new ECCO GOLF STREET 720 represents an invitation to the game for everyone, making it simple to lace up, get out on the course, and then head out to enjoy some post-round vibes. With the E-DTS™ TWIST outsole added for multi-directional traction, you can play now and play anywhere, anytime, on and off the course. Sporty, smooth and perforated ECCO leather elevates the urban, versatile look of the hybrid shoe for men and women that comes in a choice of colourways, including all-white and colour-block styles.

From the streets to the fairways, your feet will stay dry and comfortable with GORE-TEX Surround ®  for waterproof protection and breathability, along with innovative midsole channels that enable air ventilation. While the ECCO GOLF STREET 720 looks like a sneaker, it performs like a golf shoe, with technical features including enhanced stability.

Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF, commented: “We are always looking to push the boundaries between what is considered a golf shoe and a shoe that can be worn away from the course – and with STREET 720 we have taken those lines and blurred them even further!

“This design is truly an introduction to the game for anyone who sees golf and lifestyle as two things that go-hand-in hand, and we are excited to see the STREET 720 on fairways and in cities across the world. It’s a fresh new design with the performance qualities that are synonymous with ECCO shoes, and we are proud to continue to drive forward innovation in golf shoe design.”

ECCO GOLF shoes are worn around the world by Rick Shiels, Erik Anders Lang, Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjørn, Erik van Rooyen, Lydia Ko, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Alison Lee, and Freddy Schott among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, please visit golf.ecco.com.

(Text: Ecco Golf)