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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

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Equipment

TaylorMade introduces new Wedge with All-New Spin Tread Technology

TaylorMade unveils its latest breakthrough in wedge design – the Milled Grind 4 (MG4) with the all-new Spin Tread technology. Built upon the success of its predecessors, MG4 represents a significant advancement in the Milled Grind family, offering golfers acombination of spin control, versatility and premium feel.

A Game-Changer in Wet Conditions

Bill Price, the Senior Director of Product Creation, Putter & Wedge is extremly happy about the new wedge: “This is a major step forward in the progression of the Milled Grind family. With MG4 we have evolved our approach to wet spin and developed an all-new Spin Tread technology. We use a laser etching treatment to create face roughness, which translates to better friction and moisture channeling for optimal ball control, especially on partial shots.”

This innovation proves crucial, particularly in wet conditions, where players experience higher launches and reduced spin. By combining the laser treatment with strategically designed grooves and a raw face, TaylorMade has achieved notable improvements in wet spin rates compared to prior models while also increasing face durability. The technology works in a similar fashion to the tread on a tire, which creates space for water to exit so the tire can have direct contact with the pavement and better grip the road. In the case of MG4, the treads channel away moisture and allow the golf ball to stay on the face longer while imparting more spin. With MG4, TaylorMade has not only focused on performance and technology,but also prioritised aesthetics and player feedback. MG4 features a refined finish with a slightly darker tint, minimising glare and providing a more unified appearancethat blends seamlessly with the raw face as it oxidises over time. Furthermore, the redesigned back geometry enhances the wedgewith a more solid and softer feel – all complimenting its refined Tour-inspired shaping and address versatility.

Innovative Wedge Design: Unveiling Enhanced Feel and Versatility

Greg Cesario of the TaylorMade Wedge Design Team says what he thinks is important about new wedges: “The feel component is a significant factor. By replacing thechrome-plated face withraw finishes early in the Milled Grind evolution, we were able to influence spin and also enhance the overall feel of the wedge. Adding our reconstructed backbar, with more weight positioned directly behind the strike zone, allows us to help players achieve their desired shot trajectories and spin rates with premium feel and confidence.”

Sole Grind Options for Performance Excellence

TaylorMade has introduced a comprehensive range of sole grinds in the MG4 lineup,offering golfers more versatility while also simplifying the selection process. The grinds are categorised into three main options: low bounce (LB), standard bounce (SB) and high bounce (HB). However, to cater to different swing dynamics, the company added alternative options in each category, providing a total of six bounces to meet the player’s unique requirements. The new MG4 wedge range features the following sole grinds:

Standard Bounce (SB): All-around performance that prevents excessive digging and allows the clubhead to glide through the turf smoothly. Standard Bounce C (SBC): Provides increased versatility for players who prefer to manipulate face angles, without compromising bounce performance. High Bounce (HB): TaylorMade’s standard high bounce designis playable for skilled golfers and defies the convention that high bounce wedges are only for high handicappers. In fact, Rory McIlroy uses a HB 60° Milled Grind 4 depending on course conditions. High Bounce Wide (HBW): With an increased sole width, this high bounce option offers improved playability and excels in sand play. Tiger Woods Grind (TW): Offered in 56° and 60° lofts, each sole on the MG4 TW was inspired by Tiger’s grind. The 56° wedge is a dual sole with heavy heel relief, while the 60° has an extremely high bounce on the leading edge with a shaved heel. Designed to be supremely versatile, these unique grinds allow Tiger to take on any shot, on any course, anywhere in the world. Milled Grind 4 wedges are available in two premium finishes, Tour Satin Chrome and Tour Matte Black (SB only). Milled Grind 4 will be available at retail on September8, 2023 with an RRP of £159/€199.

(Text: TaylorMade)

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Equipment

TaylorMade Launches the Latest Iteration of the Acclaimed P 790 Irons

TaylorMade Golf’s P·Series irons each have their own unique artistry that positions them among the highest-performing irons in the marketplace. Recently TaylorMade announced the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. With precision mass optimisation in each iron, tungsten weighting and SpeedFoamTM Air, every individual iron has a unique internal structure. This AI-optimised construction is engineered to create an unrivaled blend of distance, forgiveness and accuracy. “P 790 is a collision of art and engineering. The allure lies not only in the clean design and visual appeal, but also in the high-performance machine that lives within. It’s the total package, an ideal blend of external elegance and internal power”, says Matt Bovee, the Director of Product Creation Irons.

FLTD CG-Technology for consistent performance

For the first time, P·790 features FLTD CGTM, a strategic design that positions the centre of gravity (CG) lowest in long irons and progressively shifts it higher throughout the set. This intuitive design concept allows for easier launch and more forgiveness in the long irons, while the shorter, weaker lofted irons are designed to control ball flight and optimise spin. In the long irons (3-4), CG has been shifted almost a millimeter lower compared to previous generations, while CG starts to creep up as you go through the set. Overall, there is a linear trend from low-to-high giving the golfer spin exactly where they need it to promote accuracy, control and consistency from top to bottom.

It’s what’s inside that counts

The internal structure of every P·790 iron was uniquely designed with AI-driven mass optimisation, ensuring every gram of weight was strategically placed to deliver the best possible result with that specific iron. The most notable visual difference from one iron to the next is the sound stabilisation bar, which sits above the tungsten weight framework. Located in the three through seven irons, each bar is uniquely shaped and positioned to individually optimise feel and performance by controlling the amount of unsupported space between the internal structure and the topline of the club. The design minimises unwanted vibrations at impact and ensures that every iron creates a premium forged feel with optimal CG placement. In the long irons, the sound stabilisation bar moves more toward the centre of the club while the tungsten weight frame is positioned nearer to the sole. Mass distribution is specifically arranged to lower the centre of gravity, making it easier to launch the golf ball high with low-lofted irons. Compared to prior generations of P·790 irons, a larger face opening gave engineers more space to push tungsten weights farther towards the toe. In conjunction with a thick-thin back wall that creates additional mass savings, this new construction allows for a shift in mass that’s designed to produce more consistency throughout the set. Moving weight lower and towards the perimeter of the club further allowed engineers to design for improved forgiveness and control CG positioning. Within the scoring clubs (8-PW), CG progressively shifts higher for more control, better spin properties and enhanced accuracy.

Refined Aesthetics and proven technologies

P·790 irons have always been revered for their clean and minimalistic appearance, and the latest model upholds that history. A band of tour satin scratch bisects the pearl satin chrome finish to create premium appeal. With refined aesthetics, P·790 irons seamlessly blend with P·770 irons in a combo set to create a unified look throughout the bag. The 2023 P·790 irons still feature SpeedFoamTM Air, which is 69 percent less dense than the original SpeedFoam. A forged 4140 high speed face creates a hollow body construction that houses the internal technology and sustains a premium feel. A staple of TaylorMade designs, the Thru-Slot Speed PocketTM works in unison with unique internals constructions to expand the sweet spot while also protecting ball speeds on low face strikes. P·790 irons include machined grooves for precision craftsmanship, a characteristic that is paramount throughout the P·Series lineup. P·790 features a pearl satin scratch finish and tour satin stripe that runs down the middle of the club, with a sharp tonality on the polishing.

The all-new P·790 irons are available for pre-order on August 8, 2023, with sets hitting the shelves on September 1, 2023. They sell for £172 or €220 per iron for the steel version and £200 or €257 for the graphite version. P·790 irons are offered in 3-PW, AW (RH/LH) with True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 (S) and Dynamic Gold 95 (R) steel shafts and Mitsubishi MMT 75S, 65R and 55A graphite shafts. P·790 irons come equipped with Golf Pride’s Z Grip +2.

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Equipment

TaylorMade survey: clear majority against golf ball change

The announcement by the USGA and R&A to introduce a Modal Local Rule (MLR), which would limit the maximum length of golf balls for elite tournaments, has found more opponents than supporters in the professional sector. TaylorMade has now surveyed almost 45,000 everyday golfers from over 100 countries on their opinion of the possible split between professional and amateur golf – and the opinion picture is quite clear.

81 per cent of respondents said they were against the proposed rule change and the division it would create between the professionals and amateurs and believed it would not be good for the game of golf. 77 per cent of respondents to the TaylorMade survey also believe that there is no need to restrict the hitting distances of the pros at all.

Will golf ball changes divide pros and amateurs?

While the R&A and USGA officials are interested in regulating only the stroke lengths for professionals, as they would otherwise “become a significant problem for the next generation” thanks to ever-improving training and equipment possibilities, as USGA boss Mike Whan points out, many people, however, fear a drifting apart of professionals and amateurs if they play different balls. Almost half (48 percent) of the respondents affirmed that it was extremely important for them to be able to play the same equipment as the pros, and only 17 percent did not attach any importance to this.

The context of this survey on the part of the equipment manufacturer Taylormade is also that the majority of the respondents are good and experienced players who have a great interest in professional golf. 87 percent of the participants stated a handicap of under 20, 33 percent even a handicap of under 10. Almost three quarters of the respondents (73 percent) played golf for more than ten years, more than half (51 percent) for more than 20 years.

The results of the survey speak for themselves. (Photo: TaylorMade)

However, almost four-fifths of the participants (79 per cent) said they mainly play golf for recreation and only one-fifth play competitive golf. Accordingly, 85 per cent of participants believe that the Modal Local Rule (if it is actually introduced) would have no impact on their own playing behaviour. Some consider the rule proposal “fair”, ” needed” and “good”. However, the overwhelming opinion in the survey is that the proposed change to golf balls is “stupid”, “unnecessary”, “ridiculous”, “wrong” and “confusing”.

TaylorMade to provide feedback to USGA and R&A

“The goal of our survey was to give golfers the opportunity to voice their opinion on this proposed ruling as we absorb the MLR and its potential effects on the everyday golfer,” David Abeles, TaylorMade CEO, said. “The overwhelming amount of responses show the passion, knowledge and care for the game our audience possesses. Each response and data point is being reviewed as we will utilize this feedback in our preparation to provide a response to the USGA and R&A.”

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Equipment Products

TaylorMade P-Series: P-7MB – “The Ultimate in Shot Making”

The all-new P·7MB was designed for the best ball strikers in the world who demand surgical control and precision shot making. Each strike with P·7MB is sensory overload, delivering unfiltered feedback and best-in-class feel.

As a result of detailed fee dback from testing with Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, P·7MB features a shorter blade length, brand new sole geometry, and progressive offset to create a minimalist profile that’s designed to control shot shape and trajectory.

TaylorMade P-Series: P-7MB – narrower sole, slightly more bounce

The sole of P·7MB is one millimeter narrower than previous, meaning TaylorMade engineers had to add slightly more bounce to the leading edge which creates a completely different sensation through the turf.

Total effective bounce is a combination of sole width and bounce angle, which engineers were able to perfect by increasing the bounce angle to keep the sole from getting caught in the turf.

“The narrower sole width of P·7MB is a direct result of testing and feedback from Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and our TaylorMade Tour pros. Rory and Collin worked with us to identify the right sole geometry and bounce to match what they were looking for and we perfected that with P·7MB. Having two of the best players in the world being a driving force behind the design of this iron have us extremely excited to bring it to the marketplace.”
(Matt Bovee, Director, Irons Product Creation)

TaylorMade P-7MB: “blend of traditional muscle back with a contemporary look”

P·7MB is a seamless blend of traditional muscle back iron performance with a contemporary look and design. The shorter blade length of P·7MB allowed TaylorMade engineers to create an updated backbar using symmetrical geometry. This allows for more mass to be positioned directly behind the face to support the point of impact and elevate feel. This design creates a timeless look both in the playing position and in the bag. P·7MB also features the Compact Grain Forging and machined face and grooves that are also seen in P·7MC.

TaylorMade P-7MB Specifications, Pricing & Availability

P·7MC & P·7MB are available for preorder on December 6 and at retail beginning January 20, 2023 for an RRP of £165 / EURO 220 / SEK 2,286 / NOK 2,200 / DKK 1,643 / CHF 229 per iron. P·7MC & P·7MB are offered in 3-PW and come equipped with KBS Tour Steel shafts (X130g, S120g) as well as Golf Pride Z-Grip 360 in Grey/Black
Press Release by TaylorMade Golf

Categories
Equipment Products

TaylorMade P-770: “Built For Those Who Love The Grind”

The all new P·770 features a compact, tour proven shape with a thinner top line, less offset in long irons and a shorter blade length when compared to P·790. With its hollow body construction and forged L-Face, the 2023 P·770 yields elevated distance, forgiveness and excellent feel in a smaller sized head.
P·770 features FLTD CG™, a strategic design that positions the centre of gravity (CG) lowest in long irons and progressively shifts it higher throughout the set to the shorter, weaker lofted irons. The tungsten weighting scheme in the long and middle irons has been redesigned, shifting more weight to the longer irons’ low tungsten mass, and a reduction in the middle irons’ tungsten, resulting in an ascending CG through the set.

New TaylorMade P-770: Forgiving long irons and sportive scoring clubs

This encourages easier launch and playability in the long irons, while optimising trajectory and spin in the scoring clubs. The intuitive concept promotes consistency and control from top to bottom.
The sound and feel of P·770 is pristine with the addition of SpeedFoam Air™, the technology introduced in 2021 with the launch of P·790. SpeedFoam Air dampens sound and strategically supports the face with a material 69 percent less dense than SpeedFoam, which was seen in the prior generation of P·770.

In addition to the added speed made possible by the thinnest P·770 face TaylorMade has produced, the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ and Inverted Cone Technology help unlock increased ball speed across the face and forgiveness low in the face, where mis-hits happen most commonly.

TaylorMade P-770: “A clean and classic iron”

“P·Series irons need to be technical, elegant and timeless and the new P·770 design has all of that in spades. We wanted to take as much performance and hide it on the inside of the iron to where you look at it and it looks like a clean and classic iron with the pearl satin chrome finish and a hint of mirror on the toe. On the inside, the technology we have poured into this iron creates a product that we believe is truly one of one in this space.”
(Matt Bovee, Director, Irons Product Creation)

TaylorMade P-770: Specifications, Pricing & Availability

P·770 irons are available for preorder on December 6 and at retail beginning January 20, 2023 for an RRP of £ 165 / EURO 220 / SEK 2,286 / NOK 2,200 / DKK 1, 643 / CHF 229 per iron. P·770 is offered in 3-PW/AW and comes equipped with KBS Tour Steel shafts (X 130g, S 120g) as well as Golf Pride Z-Grip 360 in Grey/Black.
Press Release by TaylorMade Golf

Categories
Equipment Products

TaylorMade P-7MC: “Play as Good as They Look”

With precision playability and a hint of forgiveness, every angle of the all-new P·7MC is meticulously scrutinised to meet the performance demands of the game’s best ball strikers.

The tour-inspired P·7MC fits the eye of discerning players. With minimal offset and perimeter weighting, this classically shaped iron delivers ultimate control and precision. A narrow sole and tight leading edge ensure consistency through the turf.

TaylorMade P-Series: P-7MC – “sophisticated craftsmanship comes to life”

TaylorMade’s Compact Grain Forging™ process uses 2,000 tons of pressure, more than double the industry standard. Used in both P·7MC and P·7MB, the additional force gave TaylorMade engineers precision control at a micro level, producing a tighter grain structure for the best possible feel and strength properties.

Compact Grain Forging delivers a refined composition inside and out. The sophisticated craftsmanship comes to life with a satin finish and forged “Metal-T” within the cavity back, creating the unmistakable aesthetic of a premium TaylorMade iron.

TaylorMade P-7MC: “There’s no better feeling than a solidly hit forged iron”

Precision in P·7MC is paramount, which is why the face of this iron is continued to be machined. Machining the face ensures precision and quality with TaylorMade’s most aggressive score line geometry for exacting shot making.

“There’s no better feeling than a solidly hit forged iron. For pure ball strikers, the consistency of P·7MC rivals anything in the marketplace today and has been a favorite among skilled golfers. For players who chose to combo, our cohesive design language allows you to seamlessly pair it with either P·770 or P·7MB. No two golfers play the game exactly alike, and one of the things I love about our P·Series family is the ability for golfers to personalise a set to match their needs and maintain aesthetic unity.”
(Matt Bovee, TaylorMade Golf, Irons Product Creation)

TaylorMade P-7MC Specifications, Pricing & Availability

P·7MC & P·7MB are available for preorder on December 6 and at retail beginning January 20, 2023 for an RRP of £165 / EURO 220 / SEK 2,286 / NOK 2,200 / DKK 1,643 / CHF 229 per iron. P·7MC & P·7MB are offered in 3-PW and come equipped with KBS Tour Steel shafts (X130g, S120g) as well as Golf Pride Z-Grip 360 in Grey/Black
Press Release by TaylorMade Golf

Categories
Driver Equipment

TaylorMade Stealth: A new era begins for golf equipment

The Stone Age, Bronze Age and Titanium Age are over – long live the Carbon Age. At least if TaylorMade has its way. Much of the new TaylorMade Stealth series revolves around the material, which is simultaneously strong but also feather-light. Dive into the new age of golf equipment.

TaylorMade Stealth stands out.

TaylorMade is quite familiar to our company, as we work closely with their latest product launches. First, both parties formally agree that no information will leak out before the official release date. Afterwards, they present the technologies, advantages and details of the new products. There is some spare time to ask questions to the engineers on site before it is over. Finally, it’s off to a driving range or golf course to see the new toy in action and take first pictures and videos.

This year things were a little different at TaylorMade. Our colleague from Golf Post, Johannes Gärtner lived the entire TaylorMade experience, and he knew that something extraordinary was coming. Walking through a specially constructed “disco tunnel” at the European headquarters, a show room was waiting. The theme was the great changes in humanity. Starting with the invention of the wheel, followed by the automobile and the moon landing. TaylorMade is really coming on strong.

TaylorMade masters the “Carbonwood” equipment

During the presentation, Gärtner was handed a driver head that had been disassembled into all its individual parts. The clubface of the new TaylorMade Stealth Drivers is made of carbon, not titanium as usual. This is also the reason for the new term “Carbonwood”, which TaylorMade immediately had protected as a trade mark.

The new face of the TaylorMade Stealth Driver is not only made of carbon, but also in deep red. (Photo: TaylorMade)

English-speaking golfers coined the term “metalwood” after the first major material innovation. Now it is to be the carbon woods that change the game of golf forever, just as the first “metalwoods” once did. Admittedly, this technology is not entirely new. TaylorMade has been working on carbon club faces for about 20 years now.

However, this technological possibilities have not always existed. Back in 2013, there was a strictly limited special promotion that was only available to the Japanese market. TaylorMade Gloire used a carbon face for the first time back then. Moreover, it is a question of cost and use ratio. What it started as a dream became true, TaylorMade has now succeeded, but the new drivers cost more than in previous years.

The first impression

Besides this big surprise, they also presented fairway woods, rescues and an iron set, which belong to the new TaylorMade Stealth family as well. In contrast to the drivers, they are (still) equipped with a traditional titanium face. However, the topic of carbon still plays a big role, as more and more parts in the club head are being replaced with this wonder material. It is extremely stable, holds the driver together and weighs significantly less.

The next day Johannes Gärtner gave it a try at the North Hants Golf Club driving range. There, Justin Rose grew up and was immortalised everywhere in the clubhouse. It is customary to have a small tee box of one’s own to prevent passers-by from seeing the new clubs. To keep them secret while testing them on the course becomes more difficult. Therefore, a huge TaylorMade tent isolated us from the rest and we were not allowed to take photos or videos of the clubs. The new clubs should remain a secret at all costs. At the end, the Americans proved to be exceptionally fond of the clubs.

TaylorMade makes it unforgettable

The feel and sound of the shot with a TaylorMade Stealth Driver are completely contrary to what you have experienced so far. It also feels like the ball sticks to the clubface at first. This is actually due to the fact that the ball has longer contact with the driver because of the carbon construction. After that, it whizzes away. Equipped with a Trackman and new TP5, the statistics validated the first feeling. With the same club head speed, the TaylorMade Stealth drivers deliver more ball speed.

More carbon in the wood and hybrid

The woods also cut a fine figure. The red colour theme is reminiscent of the M5 and M6 generation. The differences to the predecessor models are not that drastic in comparison with the Drivers. Nevertheless, the trained eye perceives small nuances. In particular, a small aiming aid at the top of the clubface and a visible edge at the end of the club. Both help to orientate better.

In addition, the shaping and weighting also experience minor changes that optimise the desired parameters. More forgiveness, a little larger clubface and a come more speed – true to the motto: “A little better every year.”

As with the woods, there is more carbon in the crown of the hybrids – or as TaylorMade calls them, rescues. The same game as always. Weight is saved at one corner in the club, redistributed so that in the end stability, centre of gravity and speed can be improved.

The two fairway woods appeal to different target groups. (Photo: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade Stealth – hot irons

The look of the TaylorMade Stealth irons is extremely close to that of the popular P7 family. Surely, a big step in the right direction. Game Improvement irons have always been thick, chunky, round, big and/or fat. This optical problem has been taken up again and again in recent years in order to improve it. The predecessor models, on the other hand, look much more backward.

In the Game Improvement category, the new TaylorMade Stealth iron is definitely an eye-catcher. (Photo: TaylorMade)

One particular change concerns the tip of the head. With the toe-wrap technology, weight is strategically redistributed within the club. In addition, there is only one set of irons, not two different ones as usual.

Separate variant for the ladies

In recent years, TaylorMade has not had an extra colour option for women golfers. Luckly, this changed. Small adjustments in head weight, angles, shaft and grip tailor these clubs specifically to the preferences of most ladies so they can play to their full potential. However, the core technologies are all the same as for the men.

Text from Johannes Gärtner

Categories
Team USA

Rickie Fowler To Play Special Edition Taylormade PIX Ball at Arnold Palmer Invitational

It has become a yearly routine for PGA Tour professional Rickie Fowler to pay homage to one of the greatest to ever play at the Arnold Palmer Invitational via a collection of special edition Arnold Palmer themed gear including shoes, hats, and bags. For the 2020 edition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Fowler will be seen playing a special edition Arnold Palmer “umbrella” ball designed by Taylormade. Unfortunately, for the majority of us that would love to purchase this ball, it will be unavailable for retail purchase. Below are pictures of Fowler’s ball that will be in play this week.

Rickie Fowler will begin his 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday, March 5 at teeing off at 12:44 Eastern Time alongside Australian Marc Leishman and last week’s winner Korean Sungjae Im.