The post Cleveland/Srixon is turning back the clock on Masters wedges appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland/Srixon is turning back the clock on Masters wedges appeared first on Golf.

Roger Cleveland’s influence is once again making an impact at the Masters.

Cleveland returned to the company he founded last year and his designs have started to infiltrate not only the bags of Srixon/Cleveland staffers, but non-staffers too.

Take J.J. Spaun, who earned his third PGA Tour win last week at the Valero Texas Open and first since his breakthrough at the U.S. Open. While Spaun still uses a previous generation RTX 6 Zipcore lob wedge platform, his lobber features a unique wide sole grind with both leading and trail edge relief.

The wide sole starts with the original shaping from Cleveland’s 588 Wide wedge design from the late 1990s, which is one of the most famous in clubmaking.

“We were doing a lot of grinding to get to what he wanted,” Srixon Tour Rep Michael Jolly told GOLF. “That’s just a lot of trial and error of him hitting different shots and trying to find the right combination of open face, bunker [versatility], and all of those things.”

But Spaun’s wedge is not the only Cleveland wedge prototype inspired by the original 588 shape.

Several pros this year, including Gary Woodland who won with it two weeks ago in Houston, are using a prototype offset lob wedge built on Cleveland’s updated RTZ platform with the 588 Wide sole.

“It started with the sole,” Jolly said. “More and more players are seeing the benefits of a wide sole. The 588 Wide goes back to 1998; it’s something we’ve always had. We wanted to reintroduce it with the new RTZ material. That has gone really really well.

“With Roger being back, Roger has talked a lot about offset and the benefits of offset. It’s not something that the young players are used to seeing it, but there a lot of benefits to offset.”

Offset, when the leading edge of the club is set behind the hosel, often scares good players away because it makes the face easier to square and gives the club a left bias.

But on wedges, offset can help give the feeling of trapping the ball. Though it naturally adds a little dynamic loft, most players will instinctively add shaft lean, which lowers flight and adds spin.

In addition to Woodland, Rickie Fowler is using an offset RTZ wedge this season, while Justin Rose just added an RTZ with the 588 Wide sole to the bag for the Masters specifically.

Cleveland RTZ Tour Satin Wedge

All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. For classic groove length and head shape, select either FULL, MID, or LOW sole grinds. For Full-Face grooves and a higher toe profile, select the new ADAPT sole grind —the only full face groove option for this generation—crafted on tour for open-faced finesse shots.

$179.99 from Cleveland Golf

Jolly added that players like Spaun prefer the grind with leading and trailing edge relief because they like to manipulate the face, while players who like the full sole usually keep things more square.

Srixon ZXi irons show remarkable consistency

Srixon irons had a tremendous year last season, racking up eight victories, including Spaun’s U.S. Open and they’ve already collected two more this season from their 15 staff players.

Eight of Srixon’s 10 staff players at the Masters this week are using the company’s latest platform, ZXi, with all eight employing some sort of combo between the ZXi5 and ZXi7.

Jolly also noted that the staff had an unbelievable stat for the entirety of last season.

“After the first event of the year, we had zero iron shaft changes across the whole staff,” Jolly said. “That speaks to the consistency the guys see with our irons week in and week out. It just performs the way they want it to and there’s not really a reason to go fishing down that stream.”

What irons and wedges Cleveland/Srixon’s staff is using at the Masters

Keegan Bradley
Irons: Srixon ZXi5 (4-5), ZXi7 (6-9), Z-Forged II (PW)
Lofts: 25/27/31/36/39/43/47
Lies: 62/62/62.5/63/64/65/65
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold X100
Length: 37.25″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 52 Mid, 56 Mid, 58 Low (C)
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Nico Echavarria
Irons: Srixon ZXi5 (4-5), ZXi7 (6-PW)
Lofts: 24/26/31/35/39/43/47
Lies: 62/62.25/62/61.5/62.25/62.5/63.5
Shafts: Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 X (4-5), Nippon Modus3 Tour 125 X (6-PW)
Length: 37″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 54 Mid, 60 Low
Shafts: Nippon Modus3 Tour 125 X (50), True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400 (54, 60)

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Ryan Fox
Irons: Srixon ZXi (2), ZXi5 (4), ZXi7 (5-PW)
Lofts: 19/24/26/31/35/39/43/47
Lies: 60/60.5/61/61.5/62/62.5/63/63.5
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Blue+ HB 10-X (2), True Temper Dyanmic Gold X100
Length: 36.75″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 56 Mid, 60 Full LB
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold X100 (50, 56), True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400 (60)

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Naoyuki Kataoka
Irons: Srixon ZXi5 (4-5), ZXi7 (6-7), Z-Forged II (8-9)

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 52 Mid, 58 Mid

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Brooks Koepka
Irons: ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Lofts: 23.5/26.5/31/45/38.5/42/46
Lies: 60.5/61/61.5/62/62.5/63/63.5/64
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold X100
Length: 36.75″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 56 Mid, 60 Full C
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400

Shane Lowry
Irons: Srixon ZXi (3), ZXi5 (4-5), ZXi7 (6-PW)
Lofts: 21/24/27/30/34/38/43/47
Lies: 61.5/63/64/64.5/65/65.5/66.5/66.5
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 9-X (3), Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 X (4), KBS Tour X (5-PW)
Length: 37″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 56 Mid, 60 Low C
Shafts: KBS Tour X

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Hideki Matsuyama
Irons: Srixon Z-Forged II (4-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400

Wedges: Cleveland RTX4
Lofts/Grinds: 48, 52, 56, 60
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Andrew Novak
Irons: ZXi5 (4), ZXi7 (5-PW)
Lofts: 23/26/30/34/38/42/46
Lies: 61.5/62/62.5/63/64/65/65
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold X100
Length: 37″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 54 High, 60 Full LB
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

J.J. Spaun
Irons: Sirxon ZXi5 (4), ZXi7 (5-PW)
Lofts: 23/26/30/34/38/42/46
Lies: 60/60.5/61/62/63/63.5/64
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Length: 37″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Rack (50), RTZ Tour Rack (54), RTX 6 Tour Rack (60)
Lofts/Grinds: 50 Mid, 54 Full, 60 Low C
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Sepp Straka
Irons: Sirxon ZXi5 (4-5), ZXi7 (6-PW)
Lofts: 24/27/30/34/38/42/47
Lies: 61/61.5/62/63/64/65/65
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Length: 37″ 7-iron

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ
Lofts/Grinds: 52 Mid, 56 Full, 60 Full HB
Shafts: True Temper Dyanmic Gold S400

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

Want to find the best irons and wedges for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Cleveland/Srixon is turning back the clock on Masters wedges appeared first on Golf.

The post J.J. Spaun’s clubs: What’s in his Valero Texas Open-winning bag appeared first on Golf.

The post J.J. Spaun’s clubs: What’s in his Valero Texas Open-winning bag appeared first on Golf.

J.J. Spaun finally has his follow-up victory to his U.S. Open breakthrough as he survived a marathon Sunday at the Valero Texas Open to earn his third PGA Tour win.

Spaun’s clubs remain nearly exactly as they were at Oakmont 9 months ago, with one minor exception, as Spaun opted for a 7-wood this week instead of the 5-wood he used at Oakmont. Both clubs are TaylorMade Qi10s with Mitsubishi Diamana PD shafts, so it’s simply a course-dependent adjustment for Spaun.

What has changed are his sponsors. While his main endorsement contract with Cleveland/Srixon covers his ZXi irons, Cleveland wedges and Srixon balls, Spaun has a brand new partnership with L.A.B. Golf, just announced this week.

“I switched to L.A.B. and had an amazing season, including a U.S. Open win. I love working with the L.A.B. guys,” Spaun said in the announcement. “The fact is, these guys know things about putters and putting that nobody else does. The margins out here are so small, and I want every advantage I can get. L.A.B. is that advantage. The golfers who do their homework will figure it out.”

Spaun was the first player ever to win a major championship with a Lie Angle Balanced, “zero torque” or low-torque or putter last June. He capped it off with a memorable 64-foot bomb on the 72nd green and tossed his L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter in the air.

Like at Oakmont, Spaun again put the Valero away by driving the 71st green, but this time, he drilled the 9-foot eagle putt to go ahead by a shot at 17 under, a total no one could match on a windy, cold and wet day at TPC San Antonio.

But where Spaun really did his damage this week was with his irons, as he was second in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, picking up 6.7 shots.

He has a unique set of Srixon ZXi irons, gaming the players’ distance ZXi5 model for his 4-iron and the more compact ZXi7 in the 5-PW.

The unusual part is that Spaun’s iron set doesn’t have the typical half-inch length and half-degree lie increments that most players use. Instead, Spaun’s short irons are standard length, while his mid and long irons are slightly shorter than standard. Meanwhile, his lie angles jump by a degree for the 6-7-8-irons.

Spaun isn’t a unicorn for this, but it’s still rare on Tour. Pros and OEM reps spend hours and hours testing clubs to make sure each one is dialed for the individual player. That’s exactly what the Srixon team has done with Spaun.

Keep reading below for more on Spaun’s detailed specs.

J.J. Spaun’s winning clubs at the 2026 Valero Texas Open

Driver: Titleist GT3 9.0
SureFit Hosel Setting: B1
SureFit CG Setting: T1
Shaft: Fujikura 2024 Ventus Black Velocore+ 6-X

Titleist GT3 Custom Driver

GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping. For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control. Seamless Thermoform Crown A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence. Split Mass Construction A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact. Advanced Aerodynamics GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.

$649.00 $449.99 from Fairway Jockey

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3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15.0
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX

7-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 21.0
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX

TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Fairway Wood

PROVEN RECIPE TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility. The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance. ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight. 4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts. REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence. Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels. TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes. Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance. Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits. Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.

$379.99 from Fairway Jockey

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1/2

2/2

Irons: Sirxon ZXi5 (4), ZXi7 (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Loft Progression: 23/26/30/34/38/42/46
Lie Progression: 60/60.5/61/62/63/63.5/64
Length Progression: 38.25″, 37.75″, 37.25″, 37″, 36.5″, 36″, 35.75″

Srixon ZXi5 Custom Irons

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Srixon ZXi7 Custom Irons

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Wedges: Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Rack (50), RTZ Tour Rack (54), RTX 6 Tour Rack (60)
Lofts/Grinds: 50-10 Mid, 54-12 Full, 60-6 Low
Lie: 1˚ Flat
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Cleveland RTZ Full-Face Custom Wedge

All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. Plus, there’s an all-new ADAPT grind featuring full-face grooves, to give RTZ Wedges more versatility than ever before.  Z-Alloy  Z-Alloy is a brand-new steel with better feel. It’s softer, lighter, and remarkably durable. It gives RTZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency. On RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, Z-Alloy’s rust-resistant properties ensure longer-lasting, like-new performance.  HydraZip HydraZip is a unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is dynamically configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximizing spin in adverse conditions.  ZipCore This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.  UltiZip UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker. 

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Length: 34″
Lie: 70˚
Loft: 2˚
Shaft Lean: 2˚
Color: Charcoal
Shaft: L.A.B. X TPT
Grip: Scotty Cameron

L.A.B. Golf DF3 Putter (Stock)

Ever since we launched our first putter, Directed Force, golfers have been asking if we could make it less weird. DF3 is that putter. DF3 still does everything golfers love about the original. It stays square by itself. It’s still irrationally forgiving on mishits. But there’s a lot less to think about. The DF3 is entirely CNC milled from 6061 aluminum, with 8 screws on the bottom made of steel or tungsten in various densities to precisely target swing weight and lie angle balance each putter.

$449.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Ball: 2025 Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND Golf Balls

Z-STAR SeriesWhether you’re chasing major championships or your next personal best, the all-new Z-STAR series is the choice for serious players everywhere. Featuring reformulated cores and covers across the line, this generation of Z-STAR golf balls delivers greater distance, optimized spin, and tour-level stopping power around the green. It’s a formula designed to give you one thing: pure performance when it matters most. With a blend of greenside control and long-game distance, the new Z-STAR ♦ DIAMOND also delivers the unique benefit of increased spin on long and mid Iron shots.

$49.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58R

Want to overhaul your bag for 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post J.J. Spaun’s clubs: What’s in his Valero Texas Open-winning bag appeared first on Golf.

The post The 6 wedges our staff loved during testing | Fully Fit 2026 appeared first on Golf.

The post The 6 wedges our staff loved during testing | Fully Fit 2026 appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Fully Fit 2026, GOLF’s new platform for providing you with real-golfer insights into what 2026 gear might be best suited for your game. To this end, we assembled six GOLF content creators of varying abilities and ran them through the gauntlet of six full-bag fittings (driver to putter!) at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, Calif. Our hope: that you might see shades of your own game in one of our panelists’ and take some learnings and inspiration from their fitting experiences. In this installment (below), check out the wedges that each of our Fully Fit 2026 panelists chose for their golf bags. You may browse each of our panelists’ full 2026 dream bags here:

Jake Morrow (0 handicap) | Johnny Wunder (2) | Wadeh Maroun (2) | Jack Hirsh (2.4) | Maddi MacClurg (5.6) | Sean Zak (7.8)

MORE FULLY FIT: Fully Fit hub page | Why we’re ‘testing’ golf clubs differently this year | Inside 6 days of fittings and testing | Browse 2026 drivers | Browse 2026 irons | How 5 days of club fittings changed my mind on golf equipment

Wedges are the precision scoring tools of a golfer’s bag and there’s a ton of nuance that goes into finding the right setup. Wedge fitting is often a supremely overlooked process for building out your golf bag, but our panelists spared no time in dialing in the optimal loft and grind combinations for our games.

Perhaps no other category across all of Fully Fit was dominated like wedges were by Titleist’s Vokey SM11 wedges, with four of our panelists selecting Vokey’s latest line for our 2026 bags.

Interestingly, between our four lob wedges, only two of the six grinds selected were M and S, but each grind had both a 60 and 58-degree lobber represented.

Keep reading below for our entire detailed wedge setups.

Jack Hirsh’s Wedges

Heads: Titleist Vokey SM11 Raw
Lofts/grinds: 46.10F, 50.12F, 55.14F (@ 55), 60.08M
Shafts: Nippon N.S.Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X (46, 50), Project X Wedge 6.5 (55, 60)
Length: +.5″ (35.5″ 60-degree)
Lie: 2˚ Flat (62˚ on 60-degree)
Swingweight: D6.5 60-degree

Titleist Vokey SM11 Raw Custom Wedge

A Grind For Every Player For every player, there’s a set of grinds fit for clean contact. SM11 provides a leading combination of lofts, bounces, and grinds to promote solid contact (between grooves 2-5), predictable performance, and the confidence to take on whatever the shot demands. Grind Comparison Consistent CG Location For a given loft, SM11 features the same CG location in all grinds, resulting in a controlled, consistent launch angle. No matter which sole design fits your swing or course conditions, your launch window is locked in—leaving you free to choose the lofts and grinds that work for you. A Smarter Way To Spin The new Vokey Spin System combines an angled face texture, shot-specific groove shapes, and deeper spin milled grooves to deliver the right amount of spin from any lie, in all conditions  

$229.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Titleist

Why they’re in my bag: The new Vokey SM11 switch from my previous set of SM10s was the easiest test I have made over this whole project. What really makes the transition so easy is the process and lengths Vokey fittings go through. I got to work with TPI’s Louis Raynard, who put me through the blind grind test. We hit shots with each of the six options, listening for strike, watching the launch window and then the spin on the green. Neither he nor I knew which one we were hitting at the time.

By the end, we revealed the M-Grind as my favorite, which was surprising as I’d previously played the higher bounce D- or V-Grinds. But the more I think about it, the more I realize the work I’ve done to shallow my attack angle, and the M-Grind was producing much more spin.

I stuck with the 54.14F sand wedge bent to 55˚ to contrast that mid-bounce lob wedge. I’m also sticking with the 46˚ specialty pitching wedge because of the higher bounce on the sole and getting the Vokey grooves out of the rough. Another big change I made with this set was switching from my wedge shafts (previously the DG S400) to my iron shafts, which brought more control with clubs, that are full-swing clubs, even if I don’t always hit them “full.” The other thing was switching from the DG S400 to the Project X wedge shaft. Even though I’m leaving the standard Project X shafts in my irons, the wedge part gives me the ability to flight the ball down without trying to force it, something I’ve always struggled with.

See Jack’s full bag here

Jake Morrow’s Wedges

Heads: Cobra King RAW
Lofts/grinds: 50V (Custom Grind) 56W (Custom Grind), 60T (Custom Grind)
Shafts: Nippon Tour Modus 125 Wedge
Length: 35.5″
Lie: 2º Flat

Cobra KING Custom Wedge

Crafted from 8620 steel using MIM (Metal Injection Molding), KING Wedges are one of the softest feelings in market. Choose from four new grinds (DROP, WIDELOW, VERSATILE, TOUR) for enhanced greenside creativity and optimized CG with Flight Window Technology (F.W.T) for tour inspired launch. The redesigned Cobra Speed Notch, 67% larger than before, ensures better glide and speed on open-face shots. MIM (METAL INJECTION MOLDING) Experience precision with MIM technology, offering 50% tighter tolerances than traditional casted wedges. Each head is heat-treated to nearly 1400°C, ensuring a tighter grain structure for a softer feel and enhanced longevity, resisting groove degradation for lasting performance. COBRA SPEED NOTCH Discover the newly redesigned Cobra Speed Notch, featuring softer, blended shaping that complements our new grinds. Now 67% larger, it ensures smooth glide through the ground while maintaining speed and delivering high spinning shots.

$189.00 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Cobra

Why they’re in my bag: I had the very fortunate opportunity to work with both Jose Miraflor and Cobra tour rep Ben Schomin on this set of wedges. With the 50º and the 56º, we took off just a little bit of the toe and the heel, and we also gave the leading edge a bit more of a blunt shape, and slightly squared off. My primary use for the 56º is on full shots, or out of the bunker, so something with a bit more of a ski effect on the leading edge was really helpful. The W-grind is quite lovely on the 56, as it’s a lower bounce option that’s easy to play on approach shots, but it’s a wide sole that works really well in wet conditions or out of the bunkers. The 60º has been through a couple of iterations and the latest one, courtesy of Ben and a night spent on the Cobra tour truck, is actually inspired by a Rickie Fowler custom grind I found lying on the truck one night. Lots of heel relief, and a little bit taken off the back of the wedge to make it come out of the turf a bit cleaner. The Cobra King wedges are highly underrated, but they’re really, really good. The spin just as well as anything else, and I really appreciate the shape of the wedges as well as the CG locations. They just seem to come out of a perfect window for my game. Yes, I am a bit biased. It helps when you’ve gotten a little extra attention and some custom grinds.

See Jake’s full bag here

Johnny Wunder’s Wedges

1/5

2/5

3/5

4/5

5/5

Heads: Vokey SM11 (44/50/54/58)
Lofts/grinds: (44.10F, 50.08F @ 49, 54.12D, 58.08M)
Shafts: Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Length: Std (35″ 58-degree)
Lie: 64˚ on all

Titleist Vokey SM11 Raw Custom Wedge

A Grind For Every Player For every player, there’s a set of grinds fit for clean contact. SM11 provides a leading combination of lofts, bounces, and grinds to promote solid contact (between grooves 2-5), predictable performance, and the confidence to take on whatever the shot demands. Grind Comparison Consistent CG Location For a given loft, SM11 features the same CG location in all grinds, resulting in a controlled, consistent launch angle. No matter which sole design fits your swing or course conditions, your launch window is locked in—leaving you free to choose the lofts and grinds that work for you. A Smarter Way To Spin The new Vokey Spin System combines an angled face texture, shot-specific groove shapes, and deeper spin milled grooves to deliver the right amount of spin from any lie, in all conditions  

$229.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Titleist

Why they’re in my bag: When PGA Tour fitter Aaron Dill dials you in, there is kind of nowhere else to go. As a player who always wants to hit his wedges down, the SM11 brought down my launch by about two to three degrees with a ton of spin. Couple that with the new Callaway CTX ball, and it’s become a no-brainer.

1 key data point: From 60 yards, 27˚ launch, 8300 RPM

See Johnny’s full bag here

Maddi MacClurg’s Wedges

Heads: SM11 Tour Chrome
Lofts/grinds: 52.08 F Grind, 56.12 D Grind, 60.10 S Grind
Shafts: Nippon 850 GH R
Length: -1″ (34″ on 60-degree)
Lie: 1° Flat (63˚)

Titleist Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Custom Wedge

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Titleist

Why they’re in my bag: I selected the Vokey SM11 wedges because the combination of grinds gives me the versatility I want around the greens. The 52° features an F-grind that’s great on full-swing shots. The fuller sole inspires confidence and resists digging. For my 56°, we went with a D-grind. It gives me a blend of forgiveness and versatility, so I can open the face without fear of the leading edge digging. And the 60° S-grind has a slightly narrower sole that feels reliable when I need to control my trajectory and spin on delicate shots.

See Maddi’s full bag here

Sean Zak’s Wedges

Heads: Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome
Lofts/grinds: 50.12F, 54.14F, 58.10S
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Length: 35″ on 60-degree
Lie: 64˚

Titleist Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Custom Wedge

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Titleist

Why they’re in my bag: I think they’re in the bag because of the blind wedge test my fitter put me through. He laid all different types of grinds on the turf and wouldn’t let me look at the grind before playing various short game shots. We played to short-sided pins, bump-and-run pins, hop-and-stop pins, and even a few shots from bunkers. The whole point became obvious: some grinds work for me and how my short game mind wants to attack various shots. My short-game instincts, if you will. All my fitter did was try and find the best performing grind for the shots that I feel most comfortable playing. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

See Sean’s full bag here

Wadeh Maroun’s Wedges

Heads: Cleveland RTZ Tour Rack
Lofts/grinds: 50-Mid, 54-Mid, 58-Low
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S300
Length: -0.5” (34.5” on 58-degree)
Lie: Standard (64˚ on 58-degree)

Cleveland RTZ Custom Wedge

All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. Plus, there’s an all-new ADAPT grind featuring full-face grooves, to give RTZ Wedges more versatility than ever before.  Z-Alloy  Z-Alloy is a brand-new steel with better feel. It’s softer, lighter, and remarkably durable. It gives RTZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency. On RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, Z-Alloy’s rust-resistant properties ensure longer-lasting, like-new performance.  HydraZip HydraZip is a unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is dynamically configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximizing spin in adverse conditions.  ZipCore This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.  UltiZip UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker. 

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Cleveland

Why they’re in my bag: They look and feel amazing. I haven’t had a lot of time with them on course, but out of all the wedges I was able to test before making this decision, these felt the best. The spin around the greens and the ability to flight and play full wedges with confidence is why they are staying in the bag.

See Wadeh’s full bag here

Watch Fully Fit 2026 below!

Ready to overhaul your bag in 2026 like our Fully Fit panelists? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post The 6 wedges our staff loved during testing | Fully Fit 2026 appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland CBZ wedges bring Tour-level feel to cavity-back design appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland CBZ wedges bring Tour-level feel to cavity-back design appeared first on Golf.

Cleveland is bringing its new Z-Alloy material to its most forgiving wedge line.

On Tuesday, the company announced the new CBZ wedge line of cavity-back, game-improvement wedges. The wedge is the company’s second wedge, and first game-improvement focused wedge, to utilize its new Z-Alloy, a proprietary metal created by Cleveland that is less dense than other materials, making for softer wedges.

The Z-Alloy material was first used in the RTZ wedge line, which was in the bag of U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. These are the first wedges the company has released since the return of founder and legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland.

Here’s what the new Cleveland CBZ wedge is, who it might be for, and what I think about the new wedge.

What are Cleveland CBZ wedges?

Cavity-backed wedges have been a growing segment of the market, and Cleveland’s own research shows that 87 percent of golfers indicated they played a set of forgiveness-focused irons. So why play blade wedges?

Cleveland has long made cavity-back wedges, and now they’re taking the latest tech from their top-of-the-line RTZ wedges and putting it into their more game-improvement wedges.

With the new Z-Alloy, Cleveland says the new CBZ wedges are 25 percent softer than the CBX 4 Zipcore wedges.

“When Z-Alloy was first formulated, it was designed to outperform every wedge material on the market, including 431 stainless steel, which is commonly used in cavity back wedges,” said Cleveland senior research engineer Boeing Smith in a press release. “While 431 is durable, its hardness and lower density come at the cost of feel. Z-Alloy changes that. It’s significantly softer and less dense than 431, delivering tour-level feedback traditionally reserved for blade wedges. Now, golfers who prefer to play cavity back models no longer have to sacrifice feel.”

CBZ wedges feature pre-selected grinds tailored to the loft, making it easier for players to choose the right wedges. But players will have the option of either traditional or full face grooves.

Who are Cleveland CBZ wedges for?

CBZ wedges will pair well with any player who plays game-improvement irons and wants soft-feeling wedges.

Players who want a custom-designed wedge will also be able to select from custom skin designs for their wedges, as well, in what the company calls an industry first.

My thoughts

Cavity-backed wedges are an ever-growing segment of the wedge market, and one of the main reasons golfers shy away from them is feel.

When the RTZ wedges were released last month, they were only billed as 10 percent softer than the previous generation. But incorporating the Z-Alloy in the CBZ wedges has improved feel by 25 percent, according to Cleveland.

Golfers have needed the forgiveness of cavity-backed wedges for a long time, and now they don’t have feel as an excuse anymore. That’s going to help a lot of golfers with forgiveness around the greens and lead to lower scores.

Price, Specs and Availability

Cleveland CBZ Custom Wedge

The Metal That Does More At the core of the CBZ Wedge is Z-Alloy, a revolutionary new steel formula developed exclusively by Cleveland Golf. Lighter, softer, and built for performance, Z-Alloy provides golfers with an unrivaled feel at impact. In fact, CBZ Wedges are 25% softer than the previous CBX 4 ZipCore models, while maintaining the durability and responsiveness expected from Cleveland Golf’s tour-trusted Wedges. Greater Forgiveness, Greater Consistency CBZ Wedges are built with the same performance-driven DNA as the acclaimed RTZ Wedge, incorporating technologies like ZipCore, which repositions the Center of Gravity closer to the impact zone for improved MOI, control, and spin. To further elevate performance, CBZ Wedges also feature UltiZip grooves for cleaner contact and consistent spin through turf and debris, while HydraZip face technology enhances spin in wet or challenging conditions, both optimized by loft for balanced results across the set. Finally, a redesigned Gelback TPU insert, now 94% larger, helps dampen vibrations and delivers a smoother, more responsive feel, even on mishits.

$179.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Cleveland CBZ Full-Face Custom Wedge

The Metal That Does More At the core of the CBZ Wedge is Z-Alloy, a revolutionary new steel formula developed exclusively by Cleveland Golf. Lighter, softer, and built for performance, Z-Alloy provides golfers with an unrivaled feel at impact. In fact, CBZ Wedges are 25% softer than the previous CBX 4 ZipCore models, while maintaining the durability and responsiveness expected from Cleveland Golf’s tour-trusted Wedges. Greater Forgiveness, Greater Consistency CBZ Wedges are built with the same performance-driven DNA as the acclaimed RTZ Wedge, incorporating technologies like ZipCore, which repositions the Center of Gravity closer to the impact zone for improved MOI, control, and spin. To further elevate performance, CBZ Wedges also feature UltiZip grooves for cleaner contact and consistent spin through turf and debris, while HydraZip face technology enhances spin in wet or challenging conditions, both optimized by loft for balanced results across the set. Finally, a redesigned Gelback TPU insert, now 94% larger, helps dampen vibrations and delivers a smoother, more responsive feel, even on mishits. CBZ Versatility For an added layer of versatility, CBZ Wedges have a Full-Face design option allowing players who make inconsistent contact to receive more spin on off-center shots. For those not afraid of the occasional open-face shot, CBZ’s Full-Face hosel-to-toe grooves and extended high-toe area help maximize contact on more creative shots for more consistent spin, flight, and stopping power.

$179.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Cleveland Golf

Cleveland CBZ and CBZ Full-Face wedges will be available to order starting Friday, September 5. Both groove options will cost $179.99.

The standard CBZ will be available in two-degree loft increments from 44˚ to 60˚, while the full-face option is available from 50˚ to 60˚.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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The post Join our Roger Cleveland livestream Q&A for chance to win RTZ wedges appeared first on Golf.

The post Join our Roger Cleveland livestream Q&A for chance to win RTZ wedges appeared first on Golf.

If you know golf, you know the name Roger Cleveland.

Cleveland has been designing iconic golf clubs for nearly 50 years — first for the eponymous company he founded, and then, for nearly three decades, for Callaway Golf. Earlier this year, Cleveland returned in an advisory role to Cleveland Golf, with the goal, he said, “to push boundaries of design even further.”

A fascinating brain to pick? We thought so!

On Monday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. ET, Cleveland will join GOLF’s director of equipment, Johnny Wunder, for a special livestream conversation available only to InsideGOLF members. If you’re already a member, there’s not much you need to do: the livestream link will be emailed to you shortly before Cleveland and Wunder go live on May 5. If you’re not an InsideGOLF member, join now (only $39.99/year!) for access to this interactive Q&A and a host of other exclusive benefits.  

CLICK HERE TO JOIN INSIDEGOLF

Cleveland and Wunder will delve into Cleveland’s approach to equipment design and the evolution of the golf-equipment space at large. Have questions for Cleveland? He’ll be fielding those, too! Simply click through to the YouTube stream and you’ll have an opportunity to ask both Cleveland and Wunder questions about all things gear. Bonus: The two viewers who ask the most thoughtful questions (as determined by Wunder!) will each win a set of Cleveland RTZ wedges.

We hope you can join us!

For access, click here to join InsideGOLF today.

Cleveland RTZ Custom Wedge

All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. Plus, there’s an all-new ADAPT grind featuring full-face grooves, to give RTZ Wedges more versatility than ever before.  Z-Alloy  Z-Alloy is a brand-new steel with better feel. It’s softer, lighter, and remarkably durable. It gives RTZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency. On RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, Z-Alloy’s rust-resistant properties ensure longer-lasting, like-new performance.  HydraZip HydraZip is a unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is dynamically configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximizing spin in adverse conditions.  ZipCore This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.  UltiZip UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker. 

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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The post Join our Roger Cleveland livestream Q&A for chance to win RTZ wedges appeared first on Golf.

The post Why Roger Cleveland’s return to Cleveland Golf is a big deal appeared first on Golf.

The post Why Roger Cleveland’s return to Cleveland Golf is a big deal appeared first on Golf.

I first met legendary club designer Roger Cleveland about seven years ago.

As a gear reporter and junky, I long had had Cleveland on my Mt. Rushmore of people to meet, and I still recall my extreme nervousness on that day in the winter of 2018.

You know what they about your heroes disappointing you? In this case, the result was the polar opposite. Roger not only maintained his hero status but also became a dear friend — one of the relationships I’ve made in this racket that I will cherish forever.

My admiration for Roger was rooted in his talent: He designed what I think is the greatest-ever wedge — the 588 — and one I had played religiously for more than two decades before I met him. There are four designs whose DNA still lives in a staggering number of clubs you see on the shelves. The Ping Anser and Anser 2, and the Cleveland 588 and 485.

Back when I got into this game in 1994, Cleveland was to wedges what Titleist is to golf balls today. They dominated the market, because the 588, in particular, seemed to work for any type of player. It was a clean, versatile design that allowed all players to hit a number of shots around the greens. The club didn’t come in countless grinds or options, because they weren’t necessary.

Keep in mind that the 588 was launched in 1988! The design lived and succeeded for 12 years before a successor (the 900) was introduced to the market. Think about that with today’s launch cadence. Can you think of a modern-day club that hasn’t changed in a dozen years?

The list of players who had Cleveland wedges back in the day was insane.

Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Payne Stewart, David Toms, Ernie Els, Jose Marie Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie, David Duval, Lee Janzen, Nick Price, Corey Pavin, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and on and on. In 1996, Roger moved to Callaway, where he transformed the company’s wedge and iron program and his work landed in the bags of countless other brand-name pros.

If you know the 588 design well, you would know that most of what you see on the shelves these days samples Roger’s work, in the same way that musicians might sample classic tunes from the 70s or 80s. I love that this happens; it’s an acknowledgment of Roger’s greatness than anything else. Sometimes designs are so good they stand the test of time.

Much like the reputation of this great man.

RC, as I call him, more or less took me under his wing from that first meet-up.

He gave me his number. We spoke periodically if I had a question. He was always available for interviews and quotes for an article. When I joined Callaway, he looked after me in almost a fatherly way. He would always want to know how I was adjusting to the travel, to being on Tour, etc. I loved our chats and checking in on one another whether things were good or bad. He always was home base for me.

I love the man deeply, and selfishly I always wanted him to return to where it all started for him. That time has come.

On Wednesday, Cleveland officially announced that Roger is coming home to consult on its wedge program, opening the opportunity for one more 588 run.

I’m writing this to congratulate my friend and to express my excitement. When I first heard whispers of his return to Cleveland, it kinda felt like Ken Griffey Jr. playing his last games in a Mariners uniform. One last run on the team he helped define.

For that I’m grateful.

More to come.

Cleveland RTZ Custom Wedge

All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. Plus, there’s an all-new ADAPT grind featuring full-face grooves, to give RTZ Wedges more versatility than ever before.  Z-Alloy  Z-Alloy is a brand-new steel with better feel. It’s softer, lighter, and remarkably durable. It gives RTZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency. On RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, Z-Alloy’s rust-resistant properties ensure longer-lasting, like-new performance.  HydraZip HydraZip is a unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is dynamically configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximizing spin in adverse conditions.  ZipCore This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.  UltiZip UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker. 

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Cleveland Golf

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why Roger Cleveland’s return to Cleveland Golf is a big deal appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland RTZ wedges: 6 things to know about the 2025 line appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland RTZ wedges: 6 things to know about the 2025 line appeared first on Golf.

Introducing a new material to design a clubhead is a risky proposition for any equipment manufacturer. It often requires years of research and development to ensure it’s a meaningful step forward. When it comes to wedges, few companies have the credentials and expertise to drive change. Among the exceptions, though, is Cleveland Golf, as evidenced by its latest line.

Keep reading for six things to know about the 2025 line of Cleveland RTZ wedges.

1. New steel for improved feel

The Cleveland RTZ Wedges feature a revolutionary new steel called Z-Alloy, a lower-density material that, Cleveland says, makes the RTZ wedges 10% softer than the popular RTX 6 ZipCore wedges. This allows engineers to move the center of gravity (CG) closer to the center of the clubface, optimizing the sweet spot for better performance.

“When we first started working with Z-Steel, we quickly realized it would give us more flexibility in wedge design, allowing us to create without limitations,” said Patrick Ripp, Cleveland’s tour engineering manager. “The benefits of this material show up in every area that matters: the feel is pure, the aesthetics are cleaner and consistency around the greens is improved.”

2. Rust-proof for longevity

Rust is a divisive topic among wedge enthusiasts. Some golfers love the raw, weathered look, while others avoid it. But the key to generating spin isn’t rust — it’s the grooves and face texturing do the work. While rust may reduce glare, it can also accelerate groove edge deterioration. That’s why Cleveland’s new raw RTZ Tour Rack is engineered to retain its high-spin properties for a longer period, providing more consistent performance over time while staying rust-free.

3. A grind for every golfer

Cleveland consulted with Tour players when developing four versatile grind options: Low, Mid, Full, and a new Adapt grind, explicitly designed for open-faced shotmaking.

“To ensure optimal turf interaction, we tailored each leading-edge radius to complement the sole’s shape and bounce profile,” Ripp said. “For the first time, each RTZ leading edge is precision milled for the most accurate and consistent shape, delivering more consistency and precision around the greens.”

4. Customization options galore

The new RTZ wedges come with a range of customization options, especially in the Tour Rack version. Golfers can select finish options, preferred sole grinds, leading-edge curves, engraving, paint fill, and even custom ferrules for a truly personalized look.

5. Proven technology Is back

While the Z-Steel alloy takes center stage, the 2025 RTZ wedges still feature the same proven technologies found in previous models. These include HydraZip face milling for better spin in wet conditions, ZipCore technology (which removes weight from the heel and hosel, replacing it with vibration-dampening material), UltiZip grooves for sharper, deeper grooves that boost spin, and Rotex milling to increase friction on both square and open-faced shots. Additionally, a new shaft option — the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 — has been added, a shaft commonly found in the bags of tour professionals.

6. Price and availability

The Cleveland RTZ Wedges are $169.99/each, and the RTZ Tour Rack wedges are $189.99/each. They will be available starting Jan. 17.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Cleveland RTZ wedges: 6 things to know about the 2025 line appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland Golf Launcher HiBore XL Drivers: 6 things to know appeared first on Golf.

The post Cleveland Golf Launcher HiBore XL Drivers: 6 things to know appeared first on Golf.

Cleveland Golf is the latest OEM to venture into the world of Artificial intelligence to craft a golf club.

In bringing back the legendary HiBore name for its Launcher HiBore XL drivers, the company turned to AI to fine-tune the shaping of the new driver, which it says is its most forgiving ever.

“As our R&D research has developed hand in hand with advancements of our AI simulation capabilities, the realization came that removing the constraints of a ‘traditional’ looking Driver shape would allow for new and exciting performance opportunities,” said senior product manager Casey Shultz in a release. “By taking advantage of the unique HiBore philosophy of a performance first design, we were able to unlock levels of forgiveness and distance that weren’t possible before. But there is one key difference with the new model compared to that of the past… it also sounds great!”

Here are six things to know about the Cleveland Launcher HiBore XL drivers.

Triangular chassis

One of the first things golfers will notice about the new HiBore drivers is that they feature a triangle shape, as opposed to the round or pear-shaped drivers that are typical today. The sharp angles are aimed at increasing forgiveness and the shape was created using AI simulations to narrow the head, allowing it to meet the desired head volume.

This also helps support a face that is 19 percent larger than the company’s previous driver, which translates to an expanded sweet spot.

The triangular design also means the driver’s sound profile is audibly optimized without the use of internal ribbing.

ActivWing

On the heel side of the crown are small airfoil-like shapes Cleveland is calling ActivWing technology. As the heel of the club leads the clubhead through the downswing, the company is using ActivWing to tune the aerodynamics and enhance consistency at impact.

The new tech is specifically designed to provide added stability through the downswing.

Counterbalanced

The new HiBore drivers will come stock with an 8-gram weight tucked into the end of the shaft to slightly counter balance the club. The Action Mass CB will help players retain control of the club, without any extra effort.

HiBore XL Lite

For players who struggle with a slice or need a little extra distance, the HiBore XL Lite is the ultralight option in the lineup. The Lite version also has weight concentrated in the heel to produce a draw bias, but also maintain MOI and ball speed benefits of the standard version.

Adjustability

Cleveland is upping its game in the adjustability department with both drivers in the lineup featuring a brand-new 1.5-degree loft sleeve. The HiBore XL driver will also feature a 12-gram adjustable weight in the rear of the club head so players can dial in the swing weight of their preference.

Availability

Both the Cleveland Launcher HiBore XL and HiBore XL Lite ($399) are available now for pre-order on Fairway Jockey with a launch date of Dec. 6.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Cleveland Golf Launcher HiBore XL Drivers: 6 things to know appeared first on Golf.

The post Hideki Matsuyama leads Olympic Men’s Golf with this club setup appeared first on Golf.

The post Hideki Matsuyama leads Olympic Men’s Golf with this club setup appeared first on Golf.

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama shot an opening round 8-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the 2024 Olympic golf competition being held at Le Golf National in Paris France. He leads current PGA and British Open champion Xander Schauffele of the United States by two shots after he shot a first-round 65, with Joaquin Niemann, Emiliano Grillo and Tom Kim tied for third at 5-under.

Take a closer look at the gear Matsuyama is using in Paris.

Driver: Srixon ZX5 LS (Low Spin) MK II (Graphite Design Tour AD DI8 shaft), 9.5 degrees

Srixon ZX5 LS MKII Driver

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3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 9TX shaft), 15-degrees

5-wood: Cobra RadSpeed Tour (Graphite Design Tour AD-DI shaft), 19 degrees

Irons: Srixon Z-Forged (4-PW; True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts)

Srixon Z-Forged II Irons

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Wedges: Cleveland RTX-4 Forged (52, 56 and 60 degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts)

Cleveland RTX6 Zipcore wedges

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Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS

Golf Ball: Srixon Z-Star Series Prototype

Srixon Z-Star XV Golf Balls

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Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Hideki Matsuyama leads Olympic Men’s Golf with this club setup appeared first on Golf.

The post These 2024 irons improve toe misses, according to robot testing appeared first on Golf.

The post These 2024 irons improve toe misses, according to robot testing appeared first on Golf.

Golf Laboratories’ swing robot has produced a wealth of gear insights for GOLF’s 2024 ClubTest, many of which we’ve shared in our testing insight reports over the last few months. The goal is always to inform and make golfers more knowledgeable about the current offerings in the marketplace. It’s also to highlight performance attributes that help negate some of the most penalizing spots on the face.

In this case, we’re talking about a toe miss on the 7-iron.

Robotic swing data revealed that carry distance decreased by 12.5 yards across all models tested on a common toe strike. That’s roughly one less club. Unless you’re playing at a course where the greens are the size of Texas and have nary a hazard in sight, losing 10-plus yards could lead to some big numbers.

So, how do you regain some of that lost distance? You could work on your game and shore up impact consistency, or you could seek out an iron that mitigates distance loss on toe misses. Which is exactly what we’re highlighting in our most recent insights report.

If there’s one thing we noticed, it’s that you don’t need a super game-improvement iron to see performance gains on toe strikes. The list below is an eclectic mix of better-player, player’s distance and game-improvement offerings, which means there are options for everyone.

(Methodology: All testing was conducted with a 7-iron at 80 mph — using the same shaft and attack angle — with six shots recorded from the geometric center and toe. The carry numbers below compare center and toe distances to achieve a carry delta.)

***

Ping i530 | 7 yards of distance loss

Cleveland ZipCore XL | 7.5 yards

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast | 8 yards

Cobra Air-X | 8.5 yards

PXG 0317 T | 9.1 yards

PXG 0317 T Custom Irons

Meet the ultimate tour performance players iron. PXG 0317 T Irons are built for highly skilled golfers craving workability with a boost of forgiveness. With a hollow-bodied design and stabilizing S COR™ polymer core, these irons increase spin performance, improve distance control and overall consistency. The compact head shape has a slightly larger profile for enhanced MOI and mishit forgiveness.  XTREME SHOT MAKING Small workable club head design increases the player’s control over the clubface. HIGH SPIN PERFORMANCE Proprietary S COR™ material increases stability and limits face movement during impact which produces higher spin rate performance. SUPERIOR DISTANCE CONTROL Thin face hollow bodied construction delivers very consistent distance control for highly skilled players. EXCELLENT SOUND AND FEEL 3X Forged 8620 soft carbon steel

$189.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

The post These 2024 irons improve toe misses, according to robot testing appeared first on Golf.