I just spent a week in Carlsbad, Calif., visiting many of golf’s leading equipment manufacturers, and let me tell you…this summer is going to be epic for golf club releases.
I know, it’s weird to think about the summer as an active time for gear drops. January is usually dominated by metalwood releases, and lately late-summer or fall have been reserved for iron launches.
But this year, and moving forward, I think we’re increasingly going to see more manufacturers release new lines in May, June and July — the peak of golf season. Makes sense, right? Why push new stuff in September when golf season is winding down, kids are back in school and Christmas isn’t for another three months.
This year, you might see the summer/fall launch season kick off in July, but next year, I think it’s reasonable to expect “second-launch season” to start even earlier. We’ve already seen teases from Titleist and Ping about what’s coming this summer, and from the looks of things, they’re poised for head-turning launches.
I can’t tell you yet what products are still to come in 2025, but, from my Carlsbad visit, I can tell that you’ll be really impressed. Among my stops on the trip were TaylorMade, Callaway, Fujikura and Titleist, all of whom have new products in all categories on the horizon.
We also spent time with Cobra, which has been making waves with its 3D-printing technology and FutureFit33 hosel, which I think is by far the best adjustable hosel in the game right now. We got to test some of their latest prototypes, and it’s clear both technologies are here to stay.
If I had to pick one brand I’m most excited for? It’s Titleist. Not only is getting to visit the Titleist Performance Institute a golf nerd’s dream — they recently renovated the facility to include a nine-hole David McLay-Kidd-designed golf course within the range — but they also have an outstanding team to show off their latest products.
Titleist has been No. 1 or 2 in every category on the PGA Tour for years now, and they’re setting up to continue that trend with some forthcoming 2025 launches.
I’m pumped. You should be, too.
3 things I’m thinking
Rory’s driver: At the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy led the field in strokes gained off the tee with the same TaylorMade Qi10 driver head he used at the PGA Championship. That head is virtually identical to the one he won the Masters with, so safe to say it’s going to be in the bag moving forward.
Big win for L.A.B. putters: J.J. Spaun became the first player to win a major with a L.A.B. putter. Believe me, his fellow players took notice, so I could see this jumpstarting a second wave of zero-torque fever on Tour.
