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Equipment

WITB: Bryson DeChambeau Wins the US Open 2024 With Irons From the 3D Printer

Bryson DeChambeau's winning WITB at the US Open 2024. (Image: Getty)
Bryson DeChambeau's winning WITB at the US Open 2024. (Image: Getty)

Bryson DeChambeau plays his way to victory at the US Open 2024 with a series of prototypes from the 3D printer. A look inside the Major winner’s bag shows a mixture of innovative designs and well-known classics from Ping and Titleist.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

A look inside Bryson DeChambeau’s bag

As a driver and 3-wood, the long hitter relies on the Krank Formula Fire series with an LA Golf shaft specially developed for Bryson. With a 5 degree loft, the American gets the maximum out of his driver and uses his swing speed to maximise his distance from the tee. The DeChambeau special shaft is also used for the three wood, here too his choice is below the standard for this wood with a 12 degree loft.

The irons in his bag have two special features. As “one length” irons, they all have the same shaft length and should have the advantage that every shot can be played the same way. Regardless of the loft of the club, the swing does not change and should therefore provide more consistency. In addition, the heads are all 3D-printed and specially designed according to DeChambeau’s requirements.

For the wedges, he opts for the Ping Glide 4.0, the brand’s latest performance wedge. The wedges aim to score points with a soft elastomer insert in combination with carbon steel. There are also significantly more grind and loft options available in the latest version of the wedges.

The armlock putter comes from SIK and the Pro C-Series, combined with the Left Dash Pro V1x golf ball from Titleist, DeChambeau has a strong record on the greens with just one three putt for the whole tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open Winner-WITB

Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (LA Golf Bryson Series shaft), 5 degree loft

3-wood: Krank Formula Fire (LA Golf Bryson Series shaft), 12 degree loft

Irons: Avoda Prototype (LA Golf Bryson Series shaft), 5-PW

Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (LA Golf Bryson Series shaft), 46-12S @ 45, 50-12S, 56, 60

Putter: SIK Pro C-Series Armlock/LA Golf Proto (LA Golf C2L-180 shaft, JumboMax JumboFlat 17 grip)

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash

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Equipment Tips

Equipment: The Buyer’s Guide to the Perfect Golf Shaft

The shaft plays a crucial role in determining the ball flight. (Photo: Getty).

Acting as the “engine” of the golf club, the shaft forms the crucial connection between the clubhead and the golfer. Its length, flexibility, kick-point, weight, and alignment profoundly influence the club’s performance, warranting a thorough examination. Our experts at HIO Fitting are here to provide detailed insights.

Types of Golf Shafts

Golf shafts come in many types and subtypes, each with distinct properties affecting the game. Modern shafts are typically made from steel, graphite, or composite materials.

The Difference in Shaft Material: Steel or Graphite

The notion of “precision with steel vs. speed with graphite” is debunked by HIO Fitting experts. Golfers comfortable with graphite shafts will achieve precise shots, and those handling steel’s weight won’t necessarily swing faster with lighter graphite shafts. The increased swing speed associated with lighter shafts is due to their reduced weight, not their material.

Technological advancements from 2000 to 2015 have nullified the old belief that steel shafts offer more precision. Graphite shafts now dominate woods, while steel shafts are still preferred in hybrids for power players. The advantage of graphite in long clubs lies in their lighter weight and customizable profiles.

Steel Shafts

Heavier and stiffer, steel shafts suit players with high swing speeds and are cost-effective to produce. Typically weighing between 90g and 130g, they offer flexes from Regular to Extra Stiff (R-X). Though technically feasible, making steel shafts lighter and softer is prohibitively expensive.

Graphite Shafts

Our HIO Fitting experts dispel common myths about graphite shafts:

  • Graphite shafts are durable and don’t wear out or become fatigued.
  • Modern graphite shafts offer stability and precision even for high swing speeds.
  • They provide a consistent feel, ideal for perfect iron sets.

Graphite shafts are manufactured by wrapping graphite tape with epoxy resin around a steel spindle. After heating, the spindle is removed, and the shaft is ground, cut, and painted.

The primary advantage of graphite shafts is their low weight. Available from 29 grams in woods to 39 grams in irons, they can also weigh up to 125 grams, matching steel shafts in weight. Graphite shafts cater to all flex variants, from “Ultra-Light” to “X-Stiff,” accommodating every swing speed. They are also beneficial for golfers with joint issues due to their vibration dampening properties and can be customized to individual preferences.

Multi-Material Shafts

Multi-material shafts, which emerged in the mid-2010s, combine the best properties of steel and graphite, revolutionizing irons and wedges. New methods to incorporate steel fibers into graphite have made these shafts stiffer and lighter.

High-End Carbon Fibers

Innovations in the 2020s have introduced pure graphite shafts with advanced carbon fiber structures, like Mitsubishi Chemical’s “Braided Carbon Technology,” integrating new fibers like 1K Carbon Fiber or MR70. These shafts achieve high stiffness at low weights, with some as light as 30 grams or customizable in weight distribution.

Key Golf Shaft Terminology

What is Flex?

Flex refers to the shaft’s ability to bend, categorized into Ladies/Light (L), Amateur (A), Senior (S), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). Flex levels vary by manufacturer, lacking a unified standard. Flex is measured by the shaft’s vibration frequency (CPM) before installation. During fitting, stiffness is adjusted by trimming the narrower end (tip trimming).

The Impact of Flex on Ball Flight and Feel

A shaft that’s too soft bends excessively, resulting in higher trajectories and leftward spins, while a stiff shaft does the opposite. However, HIO Fitting experts note that these effects vary among golfers. During fitting, flex is tailored to swing speed and golfer development, with a focus on feel and control.

Driver Distance and Corresponding Flex

  • Ladies Flex: Driver distance less than 175 yards (160 meters).
  • Senior or A Flex: Driver distance 175 – 210 yards (160 – 190 meters).
  • Regular Flex: Driver distance 210 – 240 yards (190 – 220 meters).
  • Stiff Flex: Driver distance 240 – 275 yards (220 – 250 meters).
  • X-Stiff Flex: Driver distance over 275 yards (250 meters).

What is Torque?

Torque measures the shaft’s twisting under load, impacting the clubface on off-center hits. Lower torque means less twisting but a stiffer feel, potentially losing feedback and distance. Finding the right torque value is essential for individual swing speeds.

What is a Kick-Point?

The kick-point is where the shaft bends most during a swing, influencing feel and ball flight trajectory. High kick-points result in lower ball flights, while low kick-points lead to higher trajectories.

The Weight of the Shaft

Shaft weight, measured in grams, affects clubhead speed and distance. Lighter shafts increase speed, while heavier ones provide stability. Proper weight distribution can significantly improve coordination and reduce mishits.

The Length of the Golf Shaft

Correct shaft length, determined by measuring the wrist crease to the ground, is crucial. Longer shafts increase distance but require repeatable, solid shots for consistency. Accurate fitting prevents distance loss due to off-center impacts.

Better to Get Fitted Than to Guess

Fitting, once exclusive to tour players, is now widely accessible. An experienced fitter can demystify shaft selection through a comprehensive fitting process, including static and dynamic fitting, ball flight analysis, and personalized adjustments.

How Can the Right Shafts Improve Your Game?

Hitting Further

A lighter shaft or optimized ball flight parameters through dynamic fitting can increase distance.

Hitting Straighter

A stiffer or heavier shaft can reduce dispersion, but lab conditions are recommended for comparison. Properly bent angles in irons and wedges also help.

Hitting Higher

Light shafts with low kick-points or heads with deep, rearward centers of gravity produce higher flights through increased backspin.

Hitting Lower

Heavy shafts with high kick-points or heads with forward centers of gravity achieve lower flights with reduced backspin.

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Equipment

WITB Tiger Woods – Equipment for the US Open 2024

An overview of Tiger Woods WITB for the PGA Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
An overview of Tiger Woods WITB for the PGA Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)

After another month break Tiger Woods makes his next tournament appearance at the US Open 2024. The record golfer trusts a mix of TaylorMade golf clubs with his iconic Scotty Cameron putter and a Bridgestone golf ball.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

WITB Tiger Woods for the US Open Golf 2024

(Image: TaylorMade)

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (10.5°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

3 wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15°)

5 wood: TaylorMade M3 (19°)

Driving Iron: TaylorMade P770 (3)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Irons: TaylorMade P7TW (4-PW)

(Image: Titleist)

Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 (56), Milled Grind 4 (60°)

Tiger Woods Putter (Image: Getty)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS

Follow the US Open 2024 on the live blog
Categories
Equipment

Golf Club Choice: The Comprehensive Guide for Golf Wedges

Arguably the most important part of your game: Golf Wedges. (Image. Getty)
Arguably the most important part of your game: Golf Wedges. (Image. Getty)

Golf wedges are the scoring clubs. 70 percent of all shots occur within 100 yards of the green, making wedges essential for every golfer’s game. Wedges are crucial for creating birdie opportunities from the fairway or saving par after missing the green, but they can also cause significant trouble for golfers who struggle within the 100-yard range. Therefore, it is crucial that the wedges you have in your bag suit you and support your game.

Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled 9 Wedge

To the Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled 9 Wedge

Even though golf wedges may seem to have undergone less technological development compared to irons or drivers, this is not true upon closer inspection. There are many different wedges with unique specifications, making the search for the right club to enhance your game a worthwhile endeavor. The following explanations are intended to expand your knowledge of golf wedges and help you make a decision for or against a wedge to improve your game.

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The different types of Wedges

There are basically four different types of wedges:

Pitching Wedges (PW)

The first and most widely used wedge is the pitching wedge. It generally has a loft of 44 to 48 degrees and is primarily used for full swings into the green and longer chips. Many club sets today tend to give the pitching wedge a lower loft, making it “longer”. This suggests to the player that they have more distance in their shots, but it also creates a gap in the shot distances, necessitating a gap wedge.

Callaway Mack Daddy Forged Wedges

To the Callaway Mack Daddy Forged Wedges

Gap Wedges (GW)

As the name suggests, the gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. The loft usually ranges between 50 and 55 degrees. In terms of use, it is very similar to the pitching wedge, but the gap wedge is used from slightly shorter distances and offers a wider range of options from the fairway and around the green.

Sand Wedges (SW)

Typically, sand wedges have a loft of around 56 degrees and are primarily used to escape green-side bunkers or for short pitches. Due to the design of the sole, they are specifically tailored for these shots but also offer additional options for approach shots.

Your WITB – Show the Community which clubs you have in Your bag!

Lob Wedges (LW)

Gradually, the lob wedge has gained increasing popularity and significance in golfers’ club selections. As the name suggests, the lob wedge has the highest loft – usually 60 to 62 degrees, sometimes even up to 64 degrees – to allow the player to achieve extreme heights on the ball with pitch and chip shots. It is mostly used as a short-game club around the green rather than for approach shots. For shots from deep rough or sand, it is often more suitable due to its high loft, though it is more challenging for the less experienced golfer to play compared to wedges with lower loft.

TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge

To the TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedges

Loft and Bounce – The Angles in Golf Wedges

The loft of a golf wedge is simply the angle at which it lifts the ball off the ground. As mentioned above, wedges range from about 44 to 64 degrees. Most professionals, as well as many amateur golfers, have three to four wedges in their bag to have the widest possible range of options for short shots. The higher the loft of a wedge, the higher the ball flight will be, with a correspondingly shorter distance.

Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore Wedges

To the Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore Wedges

The bounce of a wedge refers to various characteristics of the club’s sole. The bounce focuses on the part of the club that touches the ground during a shot, causing the club to ‘bounce’ through the ball. Bounce is the overarching term for the elements involved in the design of the club’s sole: the bounce angle, the width of the sole, the leading edge, and the camber (the curvature of the sole). Finding the right bounce for your wedge will especially improve your chipping and pitching.

Golf wedges come with different bounces. The bounce refers to the sole of the club.

For firm ground, such as that found on links courses, a lower bounce wedge is generally more suitable. This produces a “sharper” ball contact because less surface area of the club interacts with the ground due to the flatter angle, resulting in a shallower divot. In contrast, a standard bounce is more appropriate for softer ground as it allows the club to dig deeper into the ground after impact, enabling a steeper, more aggressive swing.

Finishes of Wedges

Wedges are crafted from various materials and thus come in different finishes, which refer to the various surface treatments of a club. Here’s a selection of common coatings and their benefits.

Chrome

The traditional coating in which most wedges are delivered is chrome. It provides the classic look, a soft, solid feel, and simultaneously protects the club from corrosion.

Black Nickel

Black Nickel is a special color variant of the classic chrome coating. It offers the same durability and the same soft, solid feel as traditional chrome coating.

Nickel

Similar to the Black Nickel finish, Nickel provides a blend of the alloy’s soft characteristics with the steadfast properties of the surface. Additionally, the matte color of nickel reduces potential reflections that can occur with shiny materials, giving the wedge a traditional appearance.

Rusty/Raw

These untreated steel wedges are designed to rust over time. The corrosion on the surface provides the player with a more immediate feel and increases the spin imparted on the ball. These wedges are also matte but have the shortest lifespan of all finishes and are typically used by better players.

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge

To the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge

Oil Can

This finish is offered by some companies and is created through a special heat treatment. This process produces a non-reflective appearance as well as a soft feel. Over time, the Oil Can finish will evolve more and more towards a Rusty/Raw finish.

Beryllium Cooper

This finish shares the characteristics of both the Oil-Can and Rusty/Raw variants, producing an extremely soft feel. The difference from the aforementioned options lies in the material composition. Over time, the Beryllium Copper finish will darken as oxygen reacts with the metal.

Wedge shafts are mostly made of steel

Nearly all golf wedges come with steel shafts, except for clubs that are part of a graphite shaft set or have a custom fitting option. Additionally, most wedges come with a standard wedge flex in stores. This flex is similar in flexibility to a steel shaft with a stiffness rating of ‘stiff’, but tailored to the length – or rather, the shortness – of a wedge. It is designed to provide maximum feel and accuracy, but flex is generally less critical in short clubs like wedges.

Ping Glide 4.0 Wedge

To the Ping Glide 4.0 Wedge

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Equipment Uncategorized

WITB: Robert MacIntyre Wins with a Mix

Robert MacIntyre's winning WITB 2024. (Image: Getty)
Robert MacIntyre's winning WITB 2024. (Image: Getty)

After a thrilling final, Robert MacIntyre can finally call himself a PGA Tour winner. The 27-year-old Scot prevailed against strong competition at the RBC Canadian Open 2024 and emerged victorious.

WITB: Robert MacIntyre with a diverse mix

Robert MacIntyre is one of the few players on the tour who is left-handed and therefore stands out. The Scot has been dreaming of winning on the PGA Tour for several years. On 2 June, his dream was to come true and he celebrated an emotional triumph. The clubs that led him to victory are a colourful mix of Titleist, Cobra and TaylorMade. His father supported him on the bag, which is hugely important for the left-hander: ‘It was always my dream to win on the PGA Tour when I got my PGA Tour card and I just can’t believe I did it with my dad on the bag. The guy taught me how to play golf.’

Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9°)

3-wood: Cobra Aerojet LS (14.5°)

Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (19°)

Irons: Titleist 620 CB (4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46°), SM9 (50°, 56°), WedgeWorks (60°)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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Equipment

Golf club choice: For whom is a Golf hybrid suitable?

Hybrids are intended to replace long irons and are an alternative to short woods. (Photo: flickr/proforged)
Hybrids are intended to replace long irons and are an alternative to short woods. (Photo: flickr/proforged)

The industry is known to be very inventive. After the loft of golf clubs became less and less over time and the difficulty of the so-called “long irons” increased at the same time, the hybrid was born. This is one of the reasons why sets from 5 iron upwards are sold today; the longer irons can easily be replaced with hybrids. The advantage of hybrids is that the center of gravity is low and very close to the clubface. Hybrids are therefore easier to play than long irons.

The evolution of the loft – example: 4 Iron

1960s & 70s 1980s early 1990s late 1990s
4 iron Loft: 28° Loft: 26° Loft: 25° Loft: 23° – 24°

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Fill Out Your “What’s In The Bag”

The Golf Hybrid is the replacement for irons

A hybrid should primarily be regarded as a replacement club for an iron. Due to the shaft length, a hybrid 5 replaces a 4 iron, a hybrid 4 a 3 iron and so on. You can find out how to find the right irons here. Alternatively, if you assume that a golfer always swings the ball the same way, a hybrid 3 can also replace a 5 wood, a hybrid 4 a 7 wood and a hybrid 5 a 9 wood. You can find out how to find the right woods here. Basically, however, humans are not robots, so it is always a question of swing type and preference.

The steeper the swing, the more likely a golf hybrid

The combination of hybrids in the bag is usually determined according to the golfer’s swing speed and preference. It is quite possible that up to three hybrids are suitable for the player. However, hybrids are not suitable for every swing type. As a guide, the steeper the vertical angle of attack, the better suited you are to hybrid clubs and the more you can carry in your golf bag. The flatter the impact angle, the less or no hybrids are recommended.

Loft intervals of the hybrids depend on swing speed

At a swing speed of less than 50 miles per hour (approx. 80 km/h; e.g. with the 6 iron), a loft interval of five to six degrees between hybrids is recommended. At a swing speed of up to 75 miles per hour (120 km/h, 6 iron), a loft interval of four to five degrees is recommended; at more than 75 miles per hour (6 iron), three to four degrees between the hybrids. You can find out how to increase your swing speed here.

swing speed (with a 6 iron) 50 Mph 75 Mph more than 75 Mph
Loft-Intervall between the hybrids 5° – 6° 4° – 5° 3° – 4°

Is the focus on length or precision? As hybrids are primarily iron replacement clubs, it is generally clear that precision is the main focus with these tools. So don’t expect extra length in your shots. If you are looking for length, you should consider woods.

Ball position like a wood or more like an iron?

Ball position like a wood or more like an iron? Experience has shown that if you position the ball like a wood, it will be topped with the hybrids. The ball position should be more like a 5 iron, even if hybrids are visually closer to woods. The ball flight height of the hybrid is flatter compared to irons and higher compared to woods.

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Equipment

Golf Driver – Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Driver

The driver is not only the longest club in your bag but also the most spectacular. (Photo: Getty)
The driver is not only the longest club in your bag but also the most spectacular. (Photo: Getty)

Advances in sweet spot technology, size, launch angle, composition, ball speed, and forgiveness are just a few categories where manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade or Cobra invest considerable time and money in research and development. The result is a vast array of drivers on the market, each with unique features and benefits.

How to Choose the Right Driver: Key Factors and Considerations

Golfers face a tough decision in selecting the “right” driver from this extensive range, while pairing this with goals like aiming for shorter approach shots, greater distances, or even the chance for eagles. Although it’s just one club in the bag, it’s often the most expensive. To help you make an informed decision, here are the key factors to consider when buying a driver.

What Driver did Xander Schauffele use to win the PGA Championship?

Key Considerations for Choosing a Golf Driver

Clubhead Size: What’s Right for You?

Clubheads are measured by volume in cubic centimeters (cc), with the maximum allowed size being 460 cc. Nearly all modern drivers utilize the full 460 cc, offering more forgiveness. Compact or mini drivers are available for players seeking greater control and precision. The shape of the clubhead, whether vertical or horizontal, and its degree of forgiveness and loft vary based on the manufacturer’s design.

Best Material for the Driver

Driver technology has come a long way from persimmon and even steel woods. Today, drivers are predominantly made from titanium, carbon or similar lightweight materials. Titanium is favored for its strength, durability, and light weight, allowing for larger clubheads without a significant increase in weight. This enables faster swings, longer drives, and greater forgiveness thanks to a larger sweet spot. Some drivers feature a mix of materials, incorporating light substances like carbon or heavier ones like tungsten to optimize performance.

Create your own virtual golf bag on Golf Post! Show the community which clubs you have in your bag and fill out your “What’s in the Bag” now.

Fill Out Your “What’s In The Bag”

Moment of Inertia (MOI) and Center of Gravity (CG)

The CG of a driver is a singular balance point. Adjusting fixed or movable weights in the clubhead shifts this balance. Generally, a lower and rearward CG produces more spin, resulting in a higher ball flight and increased forgiveness. Moving the CG forward enhances ball speed but reduces spin and MOI, which impacts forgiveness. A higher MOI means less likelihood of club twisting on off-center hits.

Optimal Launch Angle for Your Driver

Getting fitted by a professional is crucial to determine the best launch angle. Key factors influencing ball flight include ball spin and launch angle. The loft angle significantly affects how high or low the ball launches.

Selecting the Right Loft

Loft determines the ball’s flight height and is measured vertically. Most drivers have a loft between 8 and 12 degrees. Higher loft creates more backspin, lifting the ball. Many golfers mistakenly believe lower loft equals longer drives, but a higher loft often results in a longer carry for most players.

Recommended Lofts and Shafts for Drivers by Skill Level

Player TypeShaftLoft
Women and seniors with a swing speed of less than 60 mphLadies or seniors13 – 15 degrees
Seniors with a swing speed of 60 – 75 mphSeniors13 degrees
Players with a swing speed of 75-85 mphRegular12 degrees
Players with a swing speed of 85-95 mphStiff10 – 11 degrees
Players with a swing speed of more than 95 mphStiff or X-Stiff< 10 degrees
The Driver World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler uses

How Does Adjusting the Driver Work (Loft, Clubhead & Weight)?

Loft

Determining the ideal loft and launch angle can be challenging. To address this, manufacturers have introduced adjustable features that allow customization by turning a screw. Many drivers enable loft adjustments of up to 4 or 5 degrees, varying by brand and model. It’s important to realign the clubface during these adjustments, as misalignment can affect the ball’s horizontal flight, causing it to veer right or left.

Clubhead

The clubhead’s angle to the target is crucial. When the clubhead is perfectly vertical, it is perpendicular to the target. Turning the clubface away opens the clubhead and reduces loft, while turning it towards the player closes the clubface and increases loft. For players who slice, a closed clubface helps maintain the target angle and prevent the ball from veering right. Conversely, an open clubhead can help players who hook to the left achieve straighter shots. Here are some tips to improve your clubhead speed.

Driver Weight

Adjustable weights in the clubhead can significantly influence the ball’s flight by affecting the center of gravity and moment of inertia. The goal is to achieve the optimal center of gravity at impact, regardless of weight settings. Drivers can have various weights ranging from 1 to 20 grams, which can be positioned on the sole to promote a draw (more weight at the back), fade (more weight at the front), or higher ball flight (more weight at the back). Each manufacturer offers different methods for adjusting these weights.

COR Value and Smash Factor: What Do They Mean?

COR (Coefficient of Restitution) measures the energy transfer from the clubhead to the ball, with a maximum allowed COR of 0.83. The smash factor indicates how efficiently energy is transferred, calculated by dividing ball speed by clubhead speed. An ideal smash factor is 1.50.

Shaft Type and Length: How They Affect Your Driver

The shaft is crucial for driver performance. Manufacturers offer shafts in various flexes, such as regular (R), stiff (S), and extra stiff (XS). Less stiff shafts promote a higher, right-to-left ball flight, while stiffer shafts create a lower trajectory with a tendency to the right. The standard driver length is 48 inches, but most range between 43 and 46 inches. A longer shaft can generate more speed but may reduce control.

What Comes After the Driver?

Once you’ve nailed your driver shot from the tee, the goal is to reach the green in regulation or better. This brings fairway woods and irons into play. Check out our comprehensive guides on fairway woods and irons for more insights.

By considering these factors and getting properly fitted, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect driver to enhance your game.

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Equipment

OGIO Serves Up Limited-Edition Tequila Golf Bag

The new tequila inspired golf bag range from OGIO. (Image: OGIO)
The new tequila inspired golf bag range from OGIO. (Image: OGIO)

OGIO Europe has unveiled its limited-edition signature design for 2024, the eye-catching tequila-themed Agave Ahora golf bag range, just in time for the next happy hour.

Inspired by the agave plant used to create the popular spirit, the collection serves up a fun-filled print of agave flowers and tequila glasses, accompanied by a slice of lime and cube of ice.

(Image: OGIO)

The new Design Highlight in the OGIO Golf Bag Range

Continuing to shake up the golf bag market, the white and green design is the latest bold, stand-out marquee colourway produced by OGIO and is available on three of the brand’s much-loved golf bags.

Launching for the first time in Europe at the start of this year, the Fuse Stand Bag – now available in six colourways following the launch of the Agave Ahora collection – is designed as a lightweight, bold and functional carry option for golfers of all ages and abilities. All Fuse bags 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.

(Image: OGIO)

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 All Elements Silencer Cart Bag is available to buy in the Agave Ahora design, while the All Elements Woodē Hybrid Bag – a full waterproof bag featuring an eight-way top – is also available in the design.

Michael Birch: “We Have Always Looked to Push the Boundaries”

Michael Birch, head of OGIO, said: “At OGIO, we have always looked to push the boundaries when it comes to creating something different and distinctive in a crowded marketplace.

“Our limited-edition Agave Ahora design is a great example of that, and if pre-sales are anything to go by, this promises to be one of the most popular golf products in the history of our business.”

The latest OGIO range hits the market just a month after the release of its first premium synthetic golf bag, the OGIO SHADOW.

Taking inspiration from the aerodynamic lines and meticulously crafted details of a luxury sports car, the SHADOW is the latest addition to OGIO’s industry-defining portfolio. The bag combines modern design with a timeless aesthetic, including a perforated hip pad for maximum carrying comfort and a magnetic pocket for accessories.

Founded in 1987, OGIO has become well established with its inventive designs and technologically advanced personal storage products – making them a vital cog in the wheel across a wide variety of sports.

Text: OGIO

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Equipment

WITB: Shane Lowry’s Clubs for the PGA Championship 2024

Trailing close behind at the PGA Championship 2024: Shane Lowry. (Image: Getty)
Trailing close behind at the PGA Championship 2024: Shane Lowry. (Image: Getty)

The Moving Day of the PGA Championship 2024 is over and Shane Lowry just missed a record score that hasn’t been broken for over 100 years by a few centimeters. The 62 he played has been played only four times in the history of the major event. With two mediocre rounds on the first two days, Lowry’s only goal was to get himself back into the tournament, which he certainly did. Helping him reach the newest record round after Schauffele’s 62 on the first day, was his selection of clubs.

PGA Championship 2024: Shane Lowry WITB

Driver: Srixon MX5 MKII (8.5°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (18°)

(Image: Srixon)

3-iron: Srixon ZX Utility

(Image: Srixon)

4/5-iron: Srixon ZX5 MKII

(Image: Srixon)

6-iron-PW: Srixon ZX7 MKII

(Image: Cleveland)

50°/54° Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6

(Image: Cleveland)

58° Wedge: Cleveland RTX ZipCore Full Face

(Image: TaylorMade)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour Z

(Image: Srixon)

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV

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Equipment

Arccos Announces Matthew Fitzpatrick as Investor & Tour Ambassador

New investor and Tour ambassador for Arccos: Matt Fitzpatrick.
New investor and Tour ambassador for Arccos: Matt Fitzpatrick.

Arccos proudly welcomes U.S. Open Champion Matthew Fitzpatrick as an investor and Tour Ambassador, which will see him continue using Arccos to analyze his performance and refine his preparations for PGA Tour events, major championships and Ryder Cups.

Currently No. 14 on the Official World Golf Ranking, Fitzpatrick has tracked his on-course data for over a decade, leveraging it to become the world’s top-ranked amateur by winning the 2013 U.S. Amateur Championship. As a pro, the native of Sheffield, England has represented Europe in three Ryder Cups and claimed eight DP World Tour titles along with the 2022 U.S. Open and the 2023 RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour.

Matt Fitzpatrick as Arccos’ pioneer

Fitzpatrick became the first client of Molinari’s analytics service, now called Arccos Pro Insights, which he credits as key to his U.S. Open victory at Brookline Country Club. Arccos Pro Insights counts more than 35 top professionals as clients – including Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, and Nelly Korda – with Molinari serving as Arccos’ Chief Data Strategist and Lead Tour Ambassador.

“Matt’s success to this point and the role data has played is so impressive to me and speaks to the authenticity of his relationship with Arccos,” said Sal Syed, Arccos CEO & Co-Founder. “He is a user and true advocate for the power of what we have built, especially through his accomplishments while working with Edoardo. With Matt now an investor in Arccos and using the system to capture his data, the insights he provides will help fuel our product development and further accelerate our growth.”

Large variety of data

Arccos has built the sport’s largest on-course dataset, now encompassing over 900 million shots and more than 1.5 trillion data points across 18 million rounds recorded by Arccos members. The system, featuring a smart sensor in each club grip paired with a mobile app, is a trusted tool for both amateurs and elite players worldwide.

“I’ve always had a huge interest in the power of data and how it can help me play my best. That’s why I started to work with Edoardo Molinari and what drove me to use Arccos,” Fitzpatrick shared. “After learning more about the company and meeting CEO Sal Syed, I’m thoroughly impressed by how much they’ve helped golfers make smarter decisions and shoot lower scores. On Tour we use the data to shave a fraction of a stroke so you can imagine the impact Arccos insights have for amateur players.”

New convenient tracking device

Arccos recently launched Link Pro, a device that tracks a player’s shots automatically without a phone and works inside a player’s front pocket to seamlessly capture on-course data. Ideal for use in professional competitions, Link Pro is the size of a car key fob and comes standard with a wireless charging case that provides up to 12 rounds on a single charge.

About Arccos Golf LLC

Arccos Golf LLC offers a game tracking experience that integrates Artificial Intelligence with real-time on-course data to deliver insights that help players maximize their potential. Listed among the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company, Arccos boasts the golf industry’s richest data set. Among its official partners and investors are PGA Tour, PING, Cobra PUMA Golf, TaylorMade, Srixon-Cleveland Golf, Club Champion, EA Sports, Golf Digest, Topgolf, Callaway Brands Corp. and others.