Golfing News & Blog Articles

With prices dropping to $34.99 or less, the 2022 TaylorMade Tour Response now is one of the best “deals” in the urethane golf ball category. But we know that even when a golf ball is on sale, it’s not always worth your money. Here’s a look back at our Ball Lab review of the 2022 TaylorMade Tour Response to help you decide whether you want to pick a few up while it’s lower in price.

Built for moderate swing speeds

The 2022 Tour Response is a three-piece golf ball with a cast urethane cover. It’s designed to offer soft feel and higher launch without sacrificing too much ball speed.

It’s not as soft as TaylorMade’s ionomer-covered Soft Response but it’s still on the soft side of the market. The average compression is 73, just one point firmer than the 2020 version.

Spin profile

The Tour Response falls into the “value urethane” or “non-Tour urethane” category where performance typically leans toward lower spin, higher launch and a softer feel. The caveat is that these value-type urethane golf balls usually have less greenside control than premium “tour” balls.

Our robot testing from the 2023 MyGolfSpy Golf Ball Test revealed a slightly different story. Despite its soft compression and cast urethane cover, the Tour Response was actually one of the lowest-flying urethane balls in the mid-speed iron testing.

Since the 2022 Masters, Xander Schauffele hasn’t missed a cut. That’s 62 straight cuts and during that time, he became a two-time major champion. We dug into nearly three years of Xander Schauffele WITB archives to see what has stood the test of time in Xander’s bag — and what got the boot.

Driver evolution

During the period of these 62 cuts, Xander Schauffele went through four different driver models. What hasn’t changed is that they are all 10.5 degrees, tipped down slightly and feature the Mitsubishi Diamana PD shaft.

New mini driver

In January 2025, Schauffele added a Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver (13.5° @12.5°) to his bag. Mini drivers offer a blend of driver distance with 3-wood control. The mini driver is not replacing his Elyte Triple Diamond and he ended up going with the higher-launching 3-wood, likely to prevent an overlap in performance.

3-wood

When the mini driver came into the bag in 2025, Schauffele switched to the new Elyte HL with the Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80 TX shaft that he had used in fairway woods for years. The 3-wood is set at 16.5 degrees.

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB

The Callaway Apex TCB irons have been in Schauffele’s bag since at least 2022. He put a Mizuno MP-20 HMB 3-iron in play for about a year but left the TCB 4-PW intact this entire time. The irons have always had the True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts.

For most beginner golfers, the fear of bunker shots stems from leaving the ball in the bunker the first, second and maybe even third time you try to hit it out. Bunker shots intimidate many golfers but with the right tips and basic practice, you can confidently get your ball onto the green in just one swing. Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to successful bunker shots.

Choose the right golf club

Before you get into the mechanics of bunker shots and how to get the ball out, choose the right club. For greenside bunker shots, you want to choose high-lofted clubs.

A sand wedge (typically with 54 to 58 degrees of loft) is designed to smoothly glide through sand. A lob wedge, which is closer to 60 degrees, can also be a good fit. Using the right club helps you achieve the necessary loft and spin to clear bunker lips and stop quickly on the green.

Forget the ball—focus on the sand

The key to great bunker play isn’t hitting the golf ball; it’s hitting the sand behind it. Focus your eyes on a spot a couple of inches behind the ball. The goal is to hit the sand at that point and have that sand carry the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

Sometimes this simple focus adjustment is all you need to start getting the ball out. When you practice in a bunker, draw a line in the sand (no ball) and work on trying to hit the line. When you get good at that, put a ball down an inch or two in front of the line and keep aiming for the line.

With Rory McIlroy winning the Masters and becoming the first player since Tiger Woods to complete the career Grand Slam, that pursuit of capturing all four majors has been on our minds lately.

McIlroy is just the sixth man in history to accomplish the feat. Doing so puts him in rarefied air in terms of the greatest golfers to ever live, and there is even a case he could be included in the top 10 on that list.

An interesting question we have been asking is: Who will be next to join McIlroy?

Last July, I speculated that only two players from this era of players will get there. I didn’t pick the right guys, apparently, as I said McIlroy would never win the Masters. Oops.

However, there is still time for guys like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

Tommy Fleetwood might be the best player on the PGA Tour without a win. Since joining the Tour in 2018, he’s earned over $27 million, made 130 cuts in 153 events and posted 25 top-five finishes. While his trophy case may be missing a PGA Tour title, Fleetwood’s game is elite. If he’s offering tips, we are all ears.

Tommy Fleetwood’s fairway wood setup

Fairway woods can be one of the hardest clubs to hit cleanly. The longer shaft, lower loft and larger clubhead make it easy to hit behind the ball, top it or catch it thin.

Here’s what Fleetwood does to be more successful with fairway woods.

Grip down slightly

Fleetwood grips down on every club including his fairway woods. This shortens the club just enough to give more control without sacrificing too much distance.

Ball position towards front foot (lead heel)

For a stock shot, he plays the ball just inside his front heel. Not as far up as the driver but certainly forward of center. This encourages a sweeping strike.

Are you bored with your traditional Q-zips?

Don’t get me wrong. I love a good quarter zip. But they tend to all look and feel the same at a certain point.

Recently, I rediscovered a garment from Johnnie-O that’s been sitting in the back of my closet begging to be worn. And it reminded me just how good a proper quarter zip can be.

The Hybrid Performance 1/4 Zip Hoodie from Johnnie-O is a more modern take on the cult-classic pullover. It’s thinner, lighter, and features a comfy hood that adds both a layer of protection and a more trendy look.

Seriously. Just take your favorite quarter zip and combine it with your favorite lightweight hoodie. That’s what this thing is. It’s so freaking good. I wear it to golf, to church and to work. Classy enough for the clubhouse, but comfy enough to slum it in the office with the bros.

The second major of the year in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow is quickly approaching! After seeing Rory hang on for victory and complete the career grand slam, does he carry that momentum into a course he’s been very successful at in the past? No matter who you’re rooting for, rocking some gear featuring the classic colors and logo of Quail Hollow is a no brainer.

Check out the items below to stock up before the action starts next week!

’47 Brand 2025 PGA Championship Downbirst Trucker Hat

This trucker hat from ’47 has a retro inspired look with scripted lettering and a rope across the front. A mid-crown fit with a curved visor and snapback closure will have you feeling and looking sharp while supporting your favorite tour players.

Ahead 2025 PGA Championship Joe Quail T-Shirt

I love the incorporation of a quail posing as a caddie on this t-shirt. It’s a fantastic play on the course’s name, with colors done in Quail Hollow’s signature branding. A cotton/polyester blend cut in a regular fit will be ultra comfortable to wear throughout the day!

Barstool 2025 PGA Championship Quail Golfer T-Shirt

This Barstool Sports shirt takes a fun and cartoonish take based on Quail Hollow. I love the bold lettering and oversized quail resting on a tee in this logo. You’ll find the PGA Championship logo adorned on the front chest pocket of this t-shirt, and a Barstool logo on the sleeve. Show your fun side during this tournament with this tee!

The 2025 PGA Championship will air on CBS and ESPN. Here's everything you need to know to watch the PGA on TV, including a full TV schedule.

The post 2025 PGA Championship TV schedule: How to watch the action at Quail Hollow appeared first on Golf.

Quail Hollow takes on an inch of rain and will play long this week. But the rough is manageable and the greens are still (somehow) firm.

From burgers to fish tacos, pizza to sausage rolls and Spam, there are many options on the golf course other than a hot dog at the turn.

The post Is the best food in golf this Spam-based dish? Here’s what it’s up against appeared first on Golf.

Here are nine surprising players you won’t see at this week’s PGA Championship, played at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.

The post 9 surprising players you won’t see at the 2025 PGA Championship  appeared first on Golf.

Struggling off the tee? In this week's episode of Emergency 9, Drew Stoltz explains a simple tee-height strategy that can help.

The post This simple tee-height tip can help salvage a bad driving round appeared first on Golf.

A first-time caddie made waves and won big. A five-time major champ made a big change. Rory and JT dished takes. More in the Monday Finish.

The post Major champ’s yip fix, 1 caddie’s unlikely payday | Monday Finish appeared first on Golf.

In today's edition of Play Smart, we look at a huge mistake high-handicaps make according to the Arccos annual Driving Distance Report.

The post Improve this key skill if you want to shoot lower scores appeared first on Golf.

Jordan Spieth is on the clock. Scottie Scheffler is heating up. Here are our questions (plus some answers) for the 2025 PGA Championship.

The post Jordan’s turn? Scottie surging? 10 burning PGA Championship questions appeared first on Golf.

Discover the top 5 sunscreens designed for golfers to ensure optimal sun protection on the course.

The post Top 5 Best Sunscreen for Golfers to Stay Protected on the Course  appeared first on Golf Blog, Golf Articles | GolfNow.

Spectators were rained out for Monday's practice rounds at the PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Aspiring PGA Tour player Drew Mathers helped out and caddied for his buddy Sepp Straka at the Truist Championship. They both won big.

The post The biggest winner on Sunday? This fill-in caddie appeared first on Golf.

Staying calm under pressure in golf (or any sport) is key to performing well, especially when facing challenging shots or situations. Here are some strategies to help maintain composure when the heat is on:

1. Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

• Having a consistent routine before each shot helps you stay focused and calm. This could include a few deep breaths, a specific practice swing, or a mental checklist.

• A solid routine gives you control over your actions, reducing the chance of nerves or rushed decisions.

2. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

• Instead of worrying about the result of the shot (e.g., making the putt or hitting the fairway), focus on executing the right swing or technique.

• By shifting your focus to your actions rather than the result, you can reduce anxiety and stay in the moment.

Can Rory McIlroy win his second major of the year? Which LIV golfer can contend? We break down the PGA Championship from the clear favorites all the way to the players looking to make the cut.