Categories
Equipment Satellite Tours

TaylorMade: Look to the Next Generation with New Team TaylorMade Athletes

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 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.

Angel Ayora Expected WITB

  • Qi10 LS 9.0 driver
  • Qi10 16.5 3HL fairway
  • P770 3 iron
  • P7MC 4-9 iron
  • MG4 46.SB, 52.SB, 56.TW and 60.TW wedges
  • TP Reserve B13 putter
  • 2024 TP5x golf ball

Martin Couvra

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 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.

Martin Couvra Expected WITB

Mark Power

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 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.

Mark Power Expected WITB

  • Qi10 LS 9.0 driver
  • Qi10 Tour 15.0 fairway
  • P7MC 4-PW
  • MG4 50.SB, 54.SB and 58.LB wedges
  • TP Reserve M47 putter
  • 2024 TP5x golf ball

Maximilian Steinlechner

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 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.

Maximilian Steinlechner Expected WITB

  • Qi10 LS 9.0 driver
  • Qi10 Tour 15.0 fairway
  • P7MC 4-6 iron
  • P7MB 7-9 iron
  • MG4 46.SB, 50.SB, 54.SB and 58.SB wedges
  • TP Reserve M47 putter
  • 2024 TP5x golf ball

“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

Text: TaylorMade Golf

Categories
Equipment Products

Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 10: The new generation of iconic wedges

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).
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:

    Categories
    Equipment

    Arccos launches third generation of the Link Pro Device

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

    The features of the new Arccos Link Pro

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

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

    User-Friendly Design

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

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

    Largest dataset in golf

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

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

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

    (Text: Arccos Golf)

    Categories
    Equipment

    Titleist golf ball trio: the new 2024 golf balls

    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.

    The Titleist AVX golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)
    Categories
    Equipment

    New TaylorMade Qi10 series: New drivers, woods and irons for the 2024 golf season

    TaylorMade presents its new golf clubs for the 2024 season. Qi10 is the name of the series, which includes everything from short irons to drivers in various designs for different types of players. Behind the cryptic name lies an achievement that TaylorMade is particularly proud of. With the “Quest for Inertia” (Qi), the industry giant claims to have entered a new dimension. A moment of inertia in the driver of 10,000 g/cm² is said to offer more forgiveness than any other club before. The other new products (fairway woods and irons) are also designed with playability in mind. For the better players, there are variants that promise low spin despite high forgiveness.

    TaylorMade Qi10: New golf clubs for the 2024 season

    TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver: The Qi10 Max is the flagship of TaylorMade’s new driver series and aims to offer exceptional forgiveness. The Moment of Inertia (MOI) is specified at 10,000 g/cm², which according to the manufacturer is significantly higher than all previous in-house productions as well as those of the competition. A higher MOI potentially offers more forgiveness for shots that are not optimally hit. TaylorMade highlights that the driver enhances overall performance through the integration of four key technologies – including advanced construction methods, an optimised head shape, carbon face technology and a specially developed shaft. Stated benefits include a low and low centre of gravity for optimal launch and spin conditions, as well as improved ball speed and energy transfer at contact. The retail price of the TaylorMade Qi10 Max is €649.

    TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver: According to the manufacturer, the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver is designed for advanced golfers with higher swing speeds and is intended to offer a lower spin rate (LS = Low Spin) and a lower launch angle. The design includes a deeper clubface and a more compact overall head shape. TaylorMade promises that this model offers improved aerodynamics and an advanced adjustable weight system, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and optimised inertia for a forgiving but low-spin experience. The TaylorMade Qi10 LS is available at a price of €669.

    TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: The standard Qi10 driver is described as an all-rounder that offers distance and forgiveness in a balanced form. The club head has a visually larger shape at address which, together with the Infinity Carbon Crown and a high contrast top rim, is designed to promote confidence at alignment. The Carbon Twist Face technology used aims to maximise and maintain ball speed across the entire clubface. Priced at €649, the TaylorMade Qi10 positions itself as a versatile option in the range.

    The new TaylorMade Qi10 fairway woods and hybrids for the 2024 golf season

    TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway and Rescue family: The TaylorMade Qi10 series of fairway woods and hybrids includes the Qi10, Qi10 Max and Qi10 Tour models, each designed for different types of players. All models emphasise an optimised clubface design that aims to maximise ball speed across the entire clubface. The Qi10 and Qi10 Max models are said to offer improved forgiveness and an increased launch angle thanks to the Infinity Carbon Crown and precisely positioned mass pads. The Qi10 Tour version, on the other hand, offers a more compact, titanium-based design with an adjustable weight system for customised flight curve options. Prices vary by model, with a starting price of €379 for the Qi10 and Qi10 Max Fairways and €329 for the corresponding Rescue models.

    The new TaylorMade Qi10 irons for the 2024 golf season

    TaylorMade Qi10 irons: The TaylorMade Qi irons are designed to deliver straight-line distance and precision in the game-improvement iron category. TaylorMade highlights the integrated system design, which is intended to provide optimised performance for each individual iron. Features such as cap-back design technology and customised HYBRAR echo dampeners are said to offer improved sound and feel. With prices starting at £183 per iron for the steel version, the Qi irons are aimed at a wide range of players looking to improve their accuracy and distance.
    The HL irons are designed for golfers looking for a higher launch speed and faster club head speed. The lighter and loftier irons (HL = High Launch) are designed to provide increased trajectory and improved overall performance. With a similar price point to the standard Qi irons, these are designed for players who are specifically interested in optimising their long shots.

    Both the TaylorMade Qi10 irons and the HL version are also available in a ladies version. The lofts are the same as in the men’s clubs. Only the shafts are designed for slightly slower swing speeds. Many female golfers will be particularly pleased that the clubs do not differ visually from the other models. No pink, no pastel – TaylorMade is now focussing on a sporty look here too.

    TaylorMade expands its range with the Qi10 series

    With the Qi10 series, TaylorMade is continuing its strategy of broadening its range of golf clubs. Golfers of all levels are catered for, without having to sacrifice individuality and personal requirements. While beginners will find a variant designed for support in the Max variants (woods) and the HL iron series, better players can make their own adjustments with the Qi10 Tour (fairway woods) and the Qi10 LS driver using a movable weight and thus adjust the new TaylorMade golf clubs according to their own wishes.

    Categories
    Brands Equipment Products

    Callaway Golf announces new Paradym Ai Smoke woods and irons

    Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new family of Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers, Fairway Woods, Irons, and Hybrids. Designed with extensive player data and a new Ai Smart Face to create sweet spots across the entire face, these clubs are available for pre-sale on January 12, and at retail starting on January 26.

    “Sweeter from every Spot” – The new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers 2024

    The Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey, with the most sophisticated face they’ve ever created from player data and machine learning. The Ai Smart Face optimises driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of golfers. By leveraging Ai and Machine Learning, these swing dynamics are used to create over 50,000 virtual face prototypes, optimising performance for each head shape.

    With Ai Smart Face technology, micro deflections are activated upon impact helping to optimise launch and spin on off-centre shots. The result is sweet spots not just in the centre, but all over the face. The 360° Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote increased weight distribution. By adding an internal titanium support structure, the Carbon Chassis is now 15% lighter. This mass has been redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions and add forgiveness.

    Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is suited for every level of player with a forgiving shape and adjustable perimeter weighting for up to 19 yards of shot shape correction. MAX D is built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile for players looking for shot shape correction. Triple Diamond is for better players looking for increased workability, and MAX Fast promotes lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.

    Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods

    The Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. Every face is designed to optimise launch and spin, creating sweet spots across the entire face. Based on player testing and feedback, the Callaway engineering team focused particularly on improving performance low on the face, where a lot of misses with fairway woods take place.

    Their Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote enhanced launch, spin, and increased forgiveness. And the Tungsten Speed Cartridge pushes the centre of gravity (CG) low and forward for improved launch and distance.

    Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is the most extensive offering for consistent launch and a neutral ball flight. MAX D is built with high MOI for players looking for shot shape correction, and Triple Diamond is suited for better players who want more workability. MAX Fast is the lightest weight model, providing a forgiving shape that’s easy to launch with draw bias.

    Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids

    The hybrids use Ai Smart Face to promote maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green. They feature a shallower profile for high, easy launch while the Tungsten Speed Cartridge creates exceptional distance. A more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact.

    Three models are available: Ai Smoke features a brand-new contemporary design with a larger profile for amplified forgiveness and instilled confidence at address. Additionally, a more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact. Ai Smoke HL is designed to increase distance, improve launch, and tighten dispersion. The lightweight Max Fast promotes more swing speed and launch.

    Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons

    A total revolution in iron performance from Ai Smart Face. With the Ai Smart Face, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons promote exceptional distance, tight dispersion into the green, and optimal launch in a modern construction. The new shape consists of longer blade lengths, thinner toplines, and optimised sole widths to create a forgiving, yet streamlined look at address. An all-new Dynamic Sole Design features a pre-worn leading edge with variable bounce that cuts through the turf with extreme efficiency.

    Three models are available in this game-improvement lineup: Ai Smoke is best suited for golfers with average to high swing speeds looking to maximise distance and improve dispersion. Ai Smoke HL is made for higher launch and more spin for players that need those added benefits. MAX Fast is built to optimise swing speed and increase launch.

    Text: Callaway GolfThe new Paradym Ai Smoke family from Callaway promises better hits across the entire clubface. To achieve this, the developers are once again supported by artificial intelligence.

    Categories
    Brands Equipment Products

    Callaway announces new Chrome Tour and Chrome Soft Golfballs 2024

    Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new line of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft Golf Balls. From cover to core, these golf balls are the new gold standard for Callaway in performance, and they will all be available at retail on February 2.

    Every detail in this lineup has been optimised, including the new Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and the cover formulation. Each of these technologies are measured through industry-leading manufacturing, with over 100 million proof points, for the most consistent performance. Throughout the development, Callaway’s R&D team has worked extensively with some of the best Tour players in the game, incorporating their detailed feedback into the engineering and performance characteristics of these golf balls.

    Callaway Chrome Tour Golfballs: Designed for the best golfers out there

    Chrome Tour is engineered for better players who want the best in distance and feel. It provides outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control. The core is engineered for the optimised balance of long distance and soft feel. The aerodynamic package is built for consistently stable ball flights in any condition. Additionally, better players can aggressively go after shots from added spin through the bag, while the cover system provides outstanding control and Tour-level feel.

    Chrome Tour X is for the best players who want speed and the ultimate control from their Tour Ball. It provides outstanding distance, workability, and spin so you can experience your best performance from tee-to-green. The core promotes maximum ball speed and distance, especially off the driver, while the Seamless Tour Aero promotes consistently penetrating flight with enhanced workability for every club. Better players can also take advantage of the spin and workability in Chrome Tour X to hit the most precise iron and wedge shots.

    Completing the lineup, Chrome Soft provides outstanding performance with faster ball speeds, a new seamless Tour Aero to optimise your ball flight, increased greenside control, and soft feel. It’s built for aspirational players who are looking for a Tour quality ball. Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft will be available for purchase on February 2.

    Text: Callaway Golf

    Categories
    Equipment

    Equipment: Ludvig Aberg signs with Titleist

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

    Ludvig Aberg enthusiastic about the Titleist irons

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

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

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

    Categories
    Equipment Products

    The new Callaway Odyssey putters with artificial intelligence

    Today Odyssey Golf, an industry leader in putter innovation and the #1 Putter on Tour, announced its exceptional new lineup of Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled Putters. Featuring revolutionary insert technologies for more consistent ball speeds, even on off-centre hits, these new offerings are designed to help you putt smarter.

    The new Odyssey AI-One Putter 2023

    In the new Ai-ONE, Odyssey has leveraged Callaway’s industry-leading Artificial Intelligence design and super-computing capabilities to create the most advanced insert in golf. A multi-material construction includes unique contours on the back of the face that minimise ball speed losses on off-centre hits, and greatly increase the sweet spot. Their revolutionary Ai-ONE urethane insert delivers more consistent ball speeds, even from off-centre hits, leaving putts up to 21% closer to the hole*.

    To achieve this unmatched level of performance, the back of the insert is crafted out of aluminium and a White Hot Urethane is added to the grooved striking surface for the iconic White Hot feel that millions of golfers love. These enhancements provide incredible feel, speed control, and consistency in a design that’s changing the face of putting.

    In a unique addition for Ai-ONE, Odyssey’s designers have developed a Panlite® window that makes the contours visible; it’s built from an automotive grade polymer that provides great clarity and scratch resistance. The window truly makes these putters unlike anything that’s come before and highlights this extraordinary technology.

    A lightweight SL 90 steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight is placed in the butt end, an evolution of Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Weighting that will appeal to even more golfers. These putters all feature a beautiful navy blue PVD finish that really sets them apart and gives them a premium look.

    Ai-ONE is already gaining attention on Tour and performing on golf’s biggest stages. Jon Rahm used an Ai-ONE model to go undefeated while earning 3 points for the victorious European Team in Rome, and Sam Burns gamed an Ai-ONE model for the U.S. Team. Plus, Women’s World #1 Ruoning Yin is already using an Ai-ONE in competition.

    The milled Version of the AI-One

    The new Ai-ONE Milled also leverages Callaway’s industry-leading Artificial Intelligence design and super-computing capabilities. These premium putters feature a 100% milled stainless steel body fit for the beauty and precision that the most discerning golfers appreciate, along with a 100% milled titanium insert.

    This multi-material construction includes unique contours on the back of the face that minimise ball speed losses on off-centre hits, and greatly increase the sweet spot. With Ai-ONE Milled, putts finish closer to the hole on average than a traditional milled putter*.

    The unique champagne finish complements the navy blue PVD of the head to give the putter a rich and striking look that sets it apart from other offerings. A lightweight SL 90 steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight is placed in the butt end, creating an evolution of Stroke Lab Weighting.

    Text: Callaway

    Categories
    Apparel Equipment

    Galvin Green unveils Open Skies capsule collection

    Leading high-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green has today unveiled a new premium “Open Skies” capsule collection of top-performing garments in supremely vibrant aquatic colour combinations and patterns that will brighten up any golfing wardrobe and golf trip.

    Ideal for serious golfers looking to play in warmer regions this winter, the latest collection from the innovative Swedish brand features six fashionable shirts, a pair of shorts, plus two sweaters and a matching baseball cap centred around the vibrant Aqua colour and lighter shades of Grey and White that form the mix of colours associated with vast open skies.

    Drawing upon the positive reaction to several styles in the core collection, Galvin Green has introduced two eye-catching colour combinations to the Mani and Markos Ventil™ Plus shirts, plus a classy new colourway on each of the Manolo, Malcome, Mo and Madden shirt styles. The striking Durante and popular Daxton Insula™ sweaters are now offered in a sharp new colourway for when the weather turns colder, while the Percy shorts and Sanford cap with bold branding complete the technically advanced collection.

    “We’ve added a series of pastel, aquatic colours in this stunning range to offer an incredible choice on styles that have proved popular from our core collection,” said Designer Batur Raza Muhammad. “With Aqua being such a prominent colour in each style, we’ve integrated clear points of difference with lighter tones that are easy on the eye to deliver a superb all-round look for golfers jetting off to warmer destinations in the coming months,” he added.

    Working with responsibly sourced fabrics, Galvin Green ensures that the garments provide best-in-class and long-lasting performance, while minimising the social and environmental impact in the manufacturing process.

    The trendy Mani (Aqua and Cool Grey) and Markos (Aqua/White and Cool Grey/Aqua) shirts both feature an exquisite individual design that projects a bird’s eye view of a glimmering ocean from above to deliver a standout look. The shirts incorporate a tailored collar, as well as open sleeve ends for extra comfort.

    The Manolo (Aqua/White) style is a distinctively bright shirt that ties the nautical world and golf together via a fun print of small lighthouses and tee pegs that form a key part of golfing experiences at coastal bucket list venues. Featuring an equally daring design, the Malcome (White/Cool Grey/Aqua) shirt with an all-over bird-print offers something totally different from anything else in the collection and is a perfect choice for those looking to make a bold statement in a supremely vibrant design.

    The Madden shirt in the super stylish Aqua/White colourway incorporates a striking wave print to resemble the powerful free-flowing movement of the ocean, while offering a sporty appearance that is sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.

    The Mo (Cool Grey/White/Aqua) shirt design also features a maritime theme with a print across the chest that is reminiscent of a sun setting on a distant horizon to provide a shirt that is totally different from anything else on the market.

    The matching Percy shorts in Aqua feature a shirt gripper waistband and built-in stretch function for optimum comfort and a perfect fit. They also offer two handy front and back pockets to carry belongings and scorecards. All Ventil™ Plus garments provide excellent moisture-transportation properties and top breathability to keep the body dry, while offering UV 20+ protection in warm conditions.

    The smart Durante (White/Cool Grey/Aqua) half-zip sweater in Insula™ fabric delivers outstanding warmth and comfort for when the weather turns chilly on the course. The athletic design incorporates Thermore® padding on the shoulders and back to deliver extra comfort and warmth, while the three-tone colour scheme provides a top-quality look.

    The Daxton (Aqua/Cool Grey/White), one of the brand’s best-selling pullover models, features a predominantly Aqua-themed colour scheme in a vivid three-tone design that is guaranteed to brighten up any cold weather day. Providing a soft and stretchy feel, all eco-generation Insula™ sweaters are crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles to keep the body warm and comfortable.

    The smart Sanford baseball cap, which incorporates an adjustable width, is designed with Ventil™ Plus moisture-wicking fabric that dries exceptionally quickly for greater comfort during the round. The all-over Aqua design matched with the stylish ‘G’ logo to the side of the cap delivers a supremely refreshing look on sunny days.

    The OPEN SKIES capsule collection from Galvin Green is available from leading stockists and can be viewed at www.galvingreen.com.