Golfing News & Blog Articles

Stay up-to-date on golfing news, products, and trends from around the world.

Major(s) News & Notes, April 27, 2023

Errors in play should be severely punished in finding hazards, but now the golfer wants his bunkers raked and all the unevenness of the fairway rolled out. A player does not get the variety of stances or lies that in olden times one was sure to have. A hanging lie or a ball lying in any position other than level is a blemish to the modern golfer. The science and beauty of the game is brought out by men having to play the ball from any stance. To play the game over a flat surface without undulations leaves nothing to the ingenuity of the player, and nothing is presented but an obvious and stereotyped series of hits.
C.B. MACDONALD


Live, Laugh and Love Golf

Live, Laugh and Love what you are doing. It just happens that golf is a great game where you can extend your life with exercise in the wonderful outdoors. Enjoy laughter with new friends who have a common bond with the love of golf. Your success depends on your interest in improving your game. But are your EMOTIONS getting in the way?

We all get inspired by the winners and leaders in the major golf tournaments. Jon Rahm may not have been your favorite to win The Masters but you had to be impressed by his ability to keep his emotions under control. The wind, rain and cold weather were all affecting the performance of every player, but Jon survived it all. SO WHY IS IT THAT JON AND MANY OF THE OTHER TOP PERFORMERS WERE CLOSE TO THE CUT LINE IN THE RBC HERITAGE TOURNAMENT at the end of the first day of play?

Controlling EMOTION AND CONFIDENCE ARE THE KEYS FOR SUCCESS
Every professional golfer saw the $20,000,000 prize money at the RBC Heritage, so they all had the motivation to succeed. All pros also have goals to win their first professional golf tournament or to be the top golfer of the year in order to earn major endorsement contracts.

Jon Rahm was his own worst enemy when he lost his temper but he sure has it under control now.

As a recreational golfer without the pressure to win the big bucks, you still want to improve your performance and possibly win a friendly match for a few dollars. The thrill of improving your game and victory are still the driving forces that bring you back to play your next game. So what should you be doing to control your emotions and to build confidence?

1/ Practice: Get professional assistance and practice at the range. Know what your weaknesses are and focus on the best solutions to improve your next round of golf.
2/ First Tee Jitters: Arrive at the course early and spend time hitting balls with different clubs and putting. Get comfortable with your practice shots and sort out the swing that works for you. I find that a 3 foot takeaway waggle gets my body rotating correctly for my actual swing.
3/ Avoid Mishits: You will make better contact with your ball if you take a practice swing at the same speed that you want for your planned shot. Don’t lose the feeling of that practice swing. Just step up and hit your ball at the same speed.
4/ Hitting from the Rough: Use an iron. The deeper the rough the more you need a lofted club to escape. Don’t hit for a long distance escape. Just get your ball back into the fairway.
5/ Missing Short Putts: Pros average sinking only 30% of their putts between 10 and 15 feet. Lag your putts within 4 feet of the hole. Practice MORE short putts to avoid 3 putt greens.
6/ Missing Long Putts: Lag them close and DON’T EXPECT TO SINK THEM. Take iron lessons to get your approach shots and chips closer to the hole.

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Ball Lab: Maxfli Tour (2023)

MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 Maxfli Tour. To learn more about our test process, click here.

About the Maxfli Tour

The Maxfli Tour now is one of three urethane-covered golf balls in the DICK’s Sporting Goods house brand Maxfli lineup. You could say it between the softer Tour S and the firmer four-piece Tour X.

In recent years, it’s become a popular choice among value-conscious golfers who aren’t willing to sacrifice performance. With a retail price of $39.99, it’s not quite the value it once was but it’s worth pointing out that DICK’S (and Golf Galaxy) frequently run specials and bulk promotions.

Maxfli Tour Construction

With the 2023 version, the Maxfli Tour remains a three-piece ball with a 318-dimple urethane cover. It’s the same dimple pattern found on many golf balls produced in Taiwan by Foremost.

Compression

On our gauge, the Maxfli Tour has an average compression of 85. That’s effectively the same as the previous version and about seven points softer than the 2019 model. Balls with similar compression include the Bridgestone Tour B XS and the Wilson Triad.

Maxfli Tour golf balls after being cut
The 2023 Maxfli Tour golf ball being measured in a compression gauge.
COMPRESSION CHART
The 2023 Maxfli Tour golf ball being weighed
a price summary for the 2023 Maxfli Tour golf ball
a photo of the core of the 2023 Maxfli Tour golf ball
a chart showing the consistency of the 2023 Maxfli Tour Golf Ball
the 2023 Maxfli tour golf ball
A graphic showing the report card for the 2023 Maxfli Tour Golf Ball.
COMPARISON TOOL
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Edel Golf Under New Ownership

Edel Golf is under new ownership. And it’s changing home addresses as well.

Former CoorsTek executive Doug Coors has acquired Edel Golf. In addition, to address and uptick in consumer demand, domestically and internationally, Coors moved Edel’s headquarters and primary assembly facility to Denver, Colo.

You’re likely picturing crisp, icy Rocky Mountain spring water, snow-capped mountains or a golden Banquet Beer logo. Yes, Doug is part of that Coors lineage. Beer and golf tend to go together like heat in the Sahara. But, in this case, the relationship is a bit more substantial.

In the mid-1960s, Coors Brewery Co. entered into a land swap agreement with the Board of Directors at what then was called Rolling Hills Country Club. In exchange for that land, Coors agreed to underwrite the cost of building a 18-hole Press Maxwell-designed championship course, clubhouse, pro shop, swimming pool and tennis courts. Then in 2018, the board purchased the land (and water rights) from Coors. Seven years prior, the membership voted to change the name to The Club at Rolling Hills. Doug and his family are long-standing members of the course but, ultimately, The Club at Rolling Hills likely doesn’t exist if not for Coors Brewery Co.

Back to Edel

Back to Edel Golf. Doug isn’t new to golf, golf equipment or the consumer experience. In fact, it might be the latter that provided the impetus to purchase Edel Golf.

An Edel golf putter.
Edel SMS Irons
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Jon Rahm begins title defense, LIV players contemplate Ryder Cup and more from the golf world

Nelly Korda is back at No. 1 and Chase Koepka inadvertently sparks a Twitter war. Here are the storylines to watch this week as the Mexico Open, JM Eagle LA Championship and LIV Golf Invitational Singapore get underway.

The Green Jacket

The tradition of the green jacket at the Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, dates back to 1937. The green jacket is awarded to the winner of the tournament and is one of the most coveted prizes in the sport.

The tradition began when members of Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is held each year, started wearing green jackets during the tournament to distinguish themselves as hosts. In 1949, the tradition was extended to the winner of the tournament, who was presented with a green jacket by the previous year's winner.

Since then, the green jacket has become an iconic symbol of the Masters and is closely associated with the tournament. The jacket is made of a lightweight, water-resistant fabric and features a single-breasted design with a buttoned front and slit pockets. The Masters logo is embroidered on the breast pocket.

The winner of the Masters is presented with a green jacket during a ceremony on the 18th green, where the previous year's winner helps to put the jacket on the new champion. The winner is allowed to keep the jacket for one year and is expected to return it to Augusta National Golf Club the following year.

The green jacket has become one of the most recognizable and prestigious symbols in all of sports, and the tradition of awarding it to the winner of the Masters is an important part of the tournament's rich history and tradition.

Canada, Latin America to form PGA Tour Americas

PGA Tour Canada and the PGA Tour Latinoamerica are merging to form one circuit that will be called PGA Tour Americas.

Costco Kirkland Performance + Golf Ball (Version 3)

It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Costco’s golf division. (That’s one of the weirdest sentences I’ve ever written.)

Anyway, in addition to new wedges and new irons, it appears Version 3 of the Kirkland Signature Performance + Golf Ball (AKA: The K-Sig) is coming to market soon.

As is the case with its wedges, Costco’s website shows no inventory for the current Performance + V2 ball (or any other ball, for that matter) and recent entries on the USGA’s conforming ball list suggest that’s likely because a new Kirkland Signature golf ball model is on the way.

Kirkland Peformance + V3 – What We Know

What we know so far is that the new Kirkland ball is a three-piece offering that will be available in white and yellow.

I like having options so I suppose that last bit is cause for some degree of excitement.

At the time of publication, Kirkland Signature Performance + golf balls are out of stock.
The Kirkland Signature Performance + V3 golf ball will be available in yellow
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Costco Kirkland Signature Wedges Version 2 

Credit to Golf.com’s Ryan Barath for spotting this on the USGA’s conforming list. It appears that Version 2 of the Costco Kirkland Signature wedge is on the way. 

The same remains true for the yet-to-be-launched Kirkland Signature Irons

It could be an exciting summer for fans of Costco golf equipment.  

What a world. 

Costco is sold out of its original Signature wedges (though a few sets are still available on Amazon) and the only wedges it has in inventory are the member-only exclusive Bettinardi HLX 3.0s. Given the uproar over the putters, it’s a safe bet the wedges were obtained outside of Bettinardi’s normal and approved distribution channels. 

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Is L.A.B. Golf the next big thing in putters?

Some of you are bad putters.

Don’t get mad. You might as well face the fact that some of you are just not good on the greens. Facing that ugly reality may be the first step to becoming a better putter.

Don’t feel bad about the flatstick faltering frequently. Even the pros struggle with putting. Look at Justin Thomas for example.He was impressive tee to green at the Masters but putted himself out of the weekend.

Ben Hogan famously described full-swing golf and putting as two separate games. He hated putting. Yes, the person with the most emulated full swing on the planet struggled on the greens.

If those guys struggled with putting, how can we mere mortals stand a chance?

Buy a New Putter, Obviously

Naturally, the best solution to a bad round of putting is to buy a new putter. Anyone who has played the game knows that each putter only holds a certain number of made putts. Once you pass that threshold, you’ll need a new one. It’s basic math.

L.A.B. Golf Link.1 putter from the top.
L.A.B. Golf Link.1 putter close-up of cavity.
L.A.B. Golf Link.1 putter at address..
L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 and Mezz.1 MAX putters from the top on a green.
L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 MAX putter from an upper angle view.
L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 MAX putter at address.
L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 and Mezz.1 MAX putters on a putting green.
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Hardy, Riley WD from Mexico Open fresh off win

Nick Hardy and Davis Riley withdrew from the Mexico Open on Monday after winning the Zurich Classic the day before.

Famous Mexican Golf Courses

Mexico is home to several world-class golf courses, many of which are located in popular tourist destinations. Here are some of the most famous Mexican golf courses:

  1. El Camaleón Golf Club - Located in Playa del Carmen, this course is famous for its unique design and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. It has hosted several PGA Tour events, including the OHL Classic at Mayakoba.

  2. Cabo del Sol Ocean Course - This course, located in Los Cabos, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in Mexico. It features challenging holes along the Pacific Ocean and has been named one of the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Magazine.

  3. Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course - This course, located in the resort town of Punta Mita, features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is home to the famous "Tail of the Whale" hole, which is a par-3 hole located on a natural island in the ocean.

  4. Club de Golf Mexico - This historic course, located in Mexico City, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and has hosted several Mexican Open tournaments. It features a challenging layout with narrow fairways and small greens.

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Evnroll Putters Sold

News dropped late last week that Guerin Rife’s Evnroll Putters has been sold to the Korean high-tech firm CREATZ, the parent company of the Uneekor golf launch monitor company.

First reported by Pulse News of Korea, the deal calls for CREATZ to acquire a 70 percent ownership stake in the Carlsbad-based Evnroll Putters. Rife will remain as CEO and chief designer. The existing management team will remain in place and sit on the board of directors.

The selling price is an estimated $15.2 million.

CREATZ, Uneekor and Evnroll

CREATZ is a growing Korean tech firm with a reported $50 million in sales in 2022. Its subsidiary Uneekor accounted for $17.6 million on its own.

“We feel that Evnroll, as a 100 percent US milled and technology-driven putter line is a great fit for Uneekor’s precision analytics in the launch monitor space,” says Eddie Lee, chief sales and marketing officer for CREATZ. “Together, UNEEKOR and Evnroll with represent the highest level of game improvement encompassing the full spectrum of performance-enhancing technology from tee to green.”

a picture of Evnroll putters
a picture of a Uneekor golf launch monitor
An image of a Uneekor golf launch monitor
a picture of new Evnroll putters
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Hensby wins Invited Celebrity Classic in playoff

Mark Hensby parred the fourth playoff hole after Charlie Wi hit his approach into the water Sunday to win the Invited Celebrity Classic, his first victory on the PGA Tour Champions.

Vu wins Chevron in playoff to claim first major

Lilia Vu won the Chevron Championship on Sunday in a playoff over Angel Yin for her first major on the LPGA Tour.

Riley, Hardy capture 1st PGA Tour wins at Zurich

Nick Hardy and Davis Riley birdied four of their final six holes to give both players their first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic on Sunday.

Herbert wins Handa Championship in playoff

Australian Lucas Herbert captured his third world tour title, Sunday, in a playoff against Aaron Cockerill of Canada, after the pair finished tied in the final round on 15-under 265.


GolfLynk.com