Alison Lee signs as new Ecco Golf ambassador. (Photo: Ecco Golf)
Leaders in golf shoe innovation, ECCO GOLF, have announced the signing of LPGA Tour star Alison Lee to its team of brand ambassadors. The 29-year-old Los Angeles native brings a wealth of talent and joins off the back of her most impressive year on tour to-date.
Alison Lee becomes brand ambassador for Ecco Golf
The World Number 18’s journey into professional golf was meteoric, going from college golfer to LPGA Tour player in just a year and a half, before featuring at the 2015 Solheim Cup for Team USA.
Whilst Lee is still chasing her first LPGA Tour victory, she has stepped into the winners’ circle twice on the Ladies European Tour to-date, having won the Aramco Team Series Sotogrande in 2021, and the Aramco Team Series Riyadh in 2023.
Lee, who has been a fan of ECCO GOLF shoes for a number of years, will step into the 2024 season wearing ECCO GOLF TRAY. “I can’t wait to get started in 2024 wearing ECCO GOLF shoes. They are by far the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever worn, and having the opportunity to take the next step with the brand as a global ambassador is a wonderful opportunity,” she commented.
(Photo: Ecco Golf)
Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF, expressed his excitement about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome Alison to the ECCO GOLF family,” he said. “Her impressive journey in golf perfectly embodies the values we have here at ECCO. We believe this partnership can help to elevate Alison’s game, and we’re excited to work with her in 2024 and beyond.”
The Ecco Golf Tray: a sporty sneaker for the golf course
The breathable and water-repellent golf sneaker seems to have won over Alison Lee. Thanks to Ecco’s Hydromax technology and a hard-wearing leather upper, the white studded shoe is said to be water-repellent and support good performance even in bad weather. The DriTan technology is said to save a lot of chemicals and water during the tanning process of the shoes. In addition, the E-DTS Twist sole with enlarged studs in high-wear areas ensures good grip in many conditions, according to Ecco Golf. The removable insole is also padded and breathable for even more comfort. With many exciting color variations, the shoe is also a visual highlight, which will also be seen on the fairways of the LPGA Tour in the future.
The new adidas TOUR360 golf show for the 2024 season. (Photo: adidas)
Heading into its 19th year of providing golfers with pinnacle performance in golf footwear, adidas completely redesigned its premium flagship footwear franchise from the inside out to introduce TOUR360 24. Wrapped in confidence, the newest chapter elevates every touchpoint for the foot with an eye on improving traction, stability and comfort to give golfers everything they need to perform their best on the course. The new footwear will come in both laced and BOA® models for men and women and will be available on adidas.com, the adidas app and at select retailers beginning Thursday, February 29.
The same way golf is a sport of constantly striving for perfection, adidas approaches each iteration of the TOUR360 with that same mindset. After pushing the TOUR360 to new heights in 2022, the brand utilized feedback from athletes and consumers around the world to target specific areas aimed at improving fit, durability and performance with this version. This in-depth and collaborative approach resulted in an elevated design with performance at the heart of every detail.
“For TOUR360 24, our objective was to take key learnings from nearly 20 years of TOUR360 development to enhance the performance of the shoe from the inside out,” said Masun Denison, global footwear director, adidas Golf. “We wanted to capture that feeling of confidence that comes when someone puts their foot into the shoe for the first time and gets excited to head to the first tee. The shoe features the classic signature look, but golfers will notice a difference in the way this one feels the minute they put them on.”
adidas Tour360 golf shoe: three key technologies
FIT: The new TOUR360 24 brings key technologies inside the shoe aimed at ensuring the footwear fits the right way. To offer golfers a better fit, adidas is introducing:
INSITE™ 2.0 Sockliner
Modified for TOUR360 24, this insole features updated shaping in the arch and heel aimed at improving fit and stability.
Internal 360WRAP
adidas included an internal fit sleeve on the sides of the tongue along with the new TORSION BRIDGE in the midsole that when combined is intended to give a feeling of 360 degree support throughout the swing.
Performance Last
TOUR360 24 is built on adidas’ performance last to help ensure fit consistency across other performance models in the range. Men’s models of TOUR360 24 will be offered in both medium and wide widths while the women’s model will be offered in medium width only.
PERFORMANCE: Perhaps one of the most critical pieces for golfers, the adidas team designed the new footwear specifically with performance in mind. Key features include:
TORSION BRIDGE
Comprised of a more rigid top plate and flexible bottom plate, this new TPU TORSION BRIDGE is designed to improve stability across the mid and forefoot for where golfers need it most, especially as they load and unload power through the swing. It also sits lower to the ground to help conform to uneven lies and surfaces.
JET BOOST / LIGHTSTRIKE
For the first time in golf, adidas is using JET BOOST in the heel, which fuses smaller, firmer energy capsules together to provide the ultimate blend of stability and comfort. By combining this technology with LIGHTSTRIKE in the forefoot, the adidas team sought to provide the perfect balance of cushioning and stability throughout the swing.
Replaceable THINTECH 7-spike outsole
Designed for optimal traction, the TPU outsole features replaceable spikes where golfers need them most. adidas also included flex grooves in the secondary traction, finished with high gloss to help reduce clogging in the footwear. adidas also placed a spike closer to the toe with an aim of allowing for better toe-off through the swing and improved power from the ground.
DURABILITY: Golfers find themselves in a variety of conditions as they play, so adidas included some key features to go along with the premium leather and microfiber materials to help the shoes last from season to season:
‘T-Shape’ suede microfiber heel
This new three-piece construction combines a soft, anti-abrasive sandwiched textile that runs from the center heel to the half collar to help reduce wear and tear over time while enhancing overall comfort.
Waterproof leather upper
This premium, soft, waterproof leather upper is designed for long-term durability and protection in wet conditions.
The adidas THINTECH Spikes. (Photo: adidas)
As part of the TOUR360 24 range, adidas is introducing a new BOA® model for men and women to provide another option for improved fit and performance. Hidden within the upper of the footwear, adidas collaborated with the BOA Technology team to create a shell pattern fit system that works in conjunction with the lining of the leather upper to enhance overall fit and function. Featuring the micro-adjustable Li2 dial, the system sits underneath a zipper shroud in the upper for a premium and clean aesthetic. Wrapping around the midfoot, golfers can feel even more locked-in as the BOA Li2 dial provides a customized fit.
The new TOUR360 24 will be available in a variety of colorways in laced and BOA versions for both men and women, along with a junior model inspired by the footwear, beginning Thursday, February 29 on adidas.com, the adidas app and select retailers worldwide.
Spearheading an exciting 2024 collection, the Fuse Stand Bag is OGIO’s newest golf product, designed as a lightweight, bold and functional carry option for golfers of all ages and abilities.
As part of the range, OGIO is offering the eye-catching Hawaiian-themed Aloha Fuse bag, which sees the top section of the over mould hydro-dipped for water transfer printing, creating designs whereby no two bags are the same.
Infused with OGIO features such as the fit-disk carry system, rapid access pocket and three-ball silo, the Fuse Bag is available in a range of five subtle colourways.
The four other designs – Black Sport, Brush Stroke Camo, Graffiti Kaleidoscope, Navy Sport – feature new overmoulded tops, while all Fuse bags also come with a four-way full length divider top for traditional organisation of clubs and six front facing pockets, including a rapid snap access pocket.
Brush Stroke Camo – Hybrid. (Photo: OGIO)
Unique designs and modern technologies
Building on the success of the limited edition 2023 All Elements Silencer Cart Bag, OGIO has released seven new designs as part of its 2024 golf bag range as it reaffirms its trend for bold, classic and cool designs mixed with technology and functionality.
Featuring OGIO’s unique silencer technology, a premium 15-way moulded top that delivers a more efficient way of organising sets by easily locking each club into place to prevent noisy rattling and damage, the new limited-edition range of designs sees an array of new colourways introduced, including the green and blue Tiger Swirl and the black and white skater-styled Warped Checkers.
Tiger Swirl – Silencer. (Photo: OGIO)
The All Elements Woodē Hybrid Bag has also returned to the market in a range of fresh, distinct designs matching the bold and daring colours of the Silencer Cart Bag. The full waterproof bag features an eight-way top, waterproof shoulder straps and an insulated cooler pocket.
The perfect accompaniment for the 2024 golf bag range, OGIO kickstarted the year by releasing a range of premium golf accessories in four themes including towels and head covers for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and putters.
Michael Birch expects “great success”
Michael Birch, OGIO sales and marketing manager EMEA, said: “OGIO has always looked to differentiate from the competition and constantly innovate, and these new products prove that is still very much the case.
“New OGIO products like our Fuse Stand Bag and limited-edition designs on some familiar, favourite products continue to move us in the right direction and we are confident that the 2024 golf bag range will be a great success.”
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
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:
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.
