The post Tour issue vs. retail clubs: The truth every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

The post Tour issue vs. retail clubs: The truth every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

Let’s talk about a topic that gets gearheads fired up and average weekend warriors reaching for their wallets: Tour-issue golf clubs. 

You’ve probably heard the term thrown around by your buddy who insists his driver is “the same one Rory uses.” Or maybe you’ve been browsing eBay and stumbled across a listing that screams: “RARE TOUR ISSUE, HOT MELT, X-FLEX, TC SERIAL – NOT FOR MORTALS.” But what exactly are Tour-issue clubs, why do people want them so badly, and should you even be swinging one? Let’s get into this “taboo” topic. 

What is a Tour-issue club? 

In the simplest terms, “tour issue” means a club built specifically for professional golfers. These clubs are often identical in design to retail models but with tighter tolerances, custom tweaks and extra attention to detail. We’re talking hand-picked heads for precise loft and lie, special shafts, swing weighting down to less than a gram, and sometimes a secret dollop of hot melt (Tour sauce) inside the head to fine-tune sound and feel. 

Think of it like this: You can buy the same sneakers LeBron wears, but LeBron’s pair probably fits his foot like it was grown in a lab. Tour-issue clubs are the same concept; they’re precision tools built for a specific job … and a very specific player. 

Fairway Woods

Why do people want them? 

Because we all want to believe we’re one shaft upgrade away from the PGA Tour. Likewise, we always want what we can’t have. At least, I do … Just me? OK, moving on… 

Let’s be honest, there’s some ego involved. Owning a Tour-issue club feels like you’re part of an exclusive club, like you just got the secret menu at In-N-Out. You think, “If it’s good enough for JT, it’s good enough for me.” And sure, there’s some cool factor to playing something built for a Tour player. But cool doesn’t always equal best for your game.  

Also, there’s a myth floating around that Tour issue means “better” or “hotter.” Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. It means more precisely built to meet a pro’s exact numbers — and not necessarily built to save your slice or boost your launch angle. In some cases, the heads actually start “slow.” Why? Well COR/CT testing on Tour. These players hit thousands of balls and literally beat the face in leading to the faces getting thinner and essentially “hotter” as the season goes on. You also have to keep in mind that some of these players hitting thousands of balls are at 185 mph-plus ball speed.

“Aren’t they faster?” Nope, wrong again. If anything, they are slower. A Tour player doesn’t want to be so close to the conforming tolerance that they even risk a penalty. With that being said, most Tour heads are actually slower. Modern players just have enough speed to make the rest of us feel THAT much slower.  

Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal HL Custom Irons

The JPX925 Hot Metal HL redefines the performance of an already industry-leading franchise. Combining the power and speed of Nickel Chromoly with a newly engineered CORTECH Design featuring a Contour Ellipse face, the consistency of distance across the entire impact zone has never been as long and predictable. The HL model is also proven to provide higher ball flight throughout the entire set, enhancing performance for players seeking more carry and forgiveness. Contour Ellipse FaceA completely re-engineered multi-thickness face profile, with a 30% thinner face than the previous generation. The Contour Ellipse enhances center ball speed and ensures maximum speed retention at impact. Multi-Material ConstructionTungsten positioned low in the 4-7 irons creates a higher launch with a lower sweet spot, producing a steeper landing angle. Balanced Stability FrameBalanced weighting improves control while maintaining forgiveness and producing a tour preferred vibration and sound. Acoustic Sound RibsPrecisely dialed in vibration patterns for a solid, explosive impact sound.

$165.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Also available at: PGA Tour Superstore, Mizuno Golf

How are they different from retail clubs? 

Here’s a breakdown of how Tour-issue clubs differ from the ones on the rack at your local shop: 

Tolerances: Tour heads are measured and sorted so the reps on the trucks know exactly what the specs are and what they are building with. Retail heads can be off by a degree or two and still pass QC. And the reality of that is, most of us would never notice. 

Weighting: Tour clubs often have hot melt added or internal weighting adjusted for feel and sound. Most retail clubs are what they are. Not to say you can’t doctor up a retail head. I do it all the time. Did someone say lead tape? 

Shaft matching: Tour players get shafts spined, frequency-matched and tested. You? You get whatever was in the “stock” bin at the factory. Which works perfectly fine for a huge population of players. 

Serial numbers: Tour issue clubs usually have a “T” or “TC” serial number; aka: the mark of the gearhead golf nerd. (my people) 

No warranty: Buy a Tour-issue club and you’re on your own. If it breaks, no sending it back to the mothership for a replacement. Which is a big risk, considering that Tour heads are usually sold at a much higher price than those available at retail.  

Approach Shots

Why most people shouldn’t play them 

Here’s the part nobody wants to hear: Unless you’re a +2 handicap with a launch monitor in your garage and a part-time club fitter on speed dial, you don’t need a Tour-issue club. In fact, it might actually make your game worse. I have been there, done that and got the T-shirt.  

Tour-issue clubs are often set up for players who swing out of their shoes, compress the ball like we have never seen and want to take spin off their shot, not add it. If you grab a Tour-issue driver built for a guy swinging 120 mph with an X-stiff shaft and 8 degrees of loft … and you swing at 95 mph with a baby fade, you’re gonna hate your life. 

And don’t even get me started on Tour-issue blades. Unless you enjoy the feel of your fingers vibrating off your hands, leave those to the pros and masochists. 

Play what makes sense for you 

At the end of the day, golf is hard enough without making it harder by chasing gear that’s not built for your game. There’s no shame in playing forgiving clubs. Or lighter shafts. Or weaker lofts. Where are my 7-wood people at?  

Play what gives you confidence. Play what gets the ball in the air. Play what makes the game fun. 

That “could” be a Tour-issue 3-wood. Or, it might be a game-improvement 7-iron with a 40g graphite shaft. Who cares? The scorecard doesn’t ask what you hit, just how many shots it took to get there. 

Tour-issue clubs are cool, no doubt. They’re the F1 cars of golf equipment — fast, precise and finely tuned for elite drivers. (No pun intended.) But most of us are just trying to find the fairway and keep our dignity intact. So, next time you get the itch to buy something “built for the Tour,” ask yourself: Is it built for me? Chances are, the clubs that are built for you will help you play better golf and have more fun doing it. 

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

The post Tour issue vs. retail clubs: The truth every golfer should know appeared first on Golf.

The post 5 reasons why you need to consider a mallet putter appeared first on Golf.

The post 5 reasons why you need to consider a mallet putter appeared first on Golf.

Scottie Scheffler uses a mallet putter. Should you too? This week’s tournament, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, is the one-year anniversary of when Scheffler made the switch to a TaylorMade Spider putter, so this seemed like the perfect time to make a case for mallet putters, especially if you have never considered one before.

First, here are the pros of them:

Higher MOI (moment of inertia) — Mallet putters are more forgiving on off-center hits, meaning mishits still roll relatively straight and travel the intended distance.

Alignment assistance — Many mallet putters have longer alignment lines or visual aids, making it easier to line up putts accurately. (Putts don’t fall if you aren’t hitting your lines.)

Stability and consistency — The added weight and balanced design help with a smoother, more controlled stroke. That means better facial awareness. With over 90 percent of the result of your putt coming from face angle at impact, this is kinda important.

Great for ALL putting strokes — Mallet putters are typically face-balanced, making them ideal for players with a more linear (straight back, straight through) stroke. But, with the correct neck design, a mallet will complement an arcing stroke too.

Weight distribution — The weight is often pushed to the perimeter, which helps with stability and reduces twisting on impact.

TaylorMade 2025 Spider Tour X Black Custom Putter

BLACK PVD FINISH The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish with sole plate, back badge and copper accents. TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT The patented alignment system provides visual clarity and helps golfers better envision the line to the hole. WHITE TPU PURE ROLL™ INSERTMade from a combination of Surlyn and aluminum, the white TPU Pure Roll™ insert creates a softer feel. Grooves are angled at 45° to encourage optimal forward roll as well as better sound, feel and overall roll characteristics. The white insert also creates better symmetry with the white True Path alignment. THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance. HYBRAR ECHO®DAMPENER HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feel on every putt with the best possible sensation. TSS WEIGHTING TSS weights provide balanced weighting and help optimize performance for all various putter lengths. STEEL WIREFRAME Allows engineers to better control weight distribution and CG location.

$349.99 from Fairway Jockey

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I will admit, the blade putter definitely looks a lot cooler in the bag than a mallet, especially when you have it in the bag next to a set of blade irons and some classic raw blade wedges. Blade putters are usually the preferred weapon of choice for Tour players, more accomplished putters or players with a strong arc in their stroke.

Although that trend has recently changed too.

In 2022, there was a shift on the PGA Tour that saw 62 percent of the top 50 players in the world use a mallet putter. In March 2024, Scheffler made the aforementioned change to a TaylorMade Spider and went on to secure nine worldwide wins that year, which included victories at the Masters, Players, Olympics and Tour Championship.

Scheffler isn’t the only elite player who has made the change and reaped the benefits of more stability and consistency and seen their putting stats improve. Several marquee players have converted to a mallet and not looked back. Some of the noteworthy names include Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Denny McCarthy.

With many of the best players in the world making the switch, why wouldn’t you give it a try?

But Kris, a mallet is just too bulky and awkward. I’m a feel player and like to arc the putter in my stroke.

OK, I got you covered! We are seeing multiple companies offer mid-mallets or blade-style options with a wider sole, adjustable weights and face inserts to help with feel and forgiveness. Ping, Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi, Odyssey and EVNROLL all have a variety of options available that sit between a traditional blade and a full-size mallet.

With all the options available, take the time to get fit and figure out what works best for your game. A mallet could be exactly what you have been missing. Or, better yet: NOT having one could be WHY you have been missing. See what I did there?

You can browse more putters here, and if you are looking for the perfect putter for your game, consult a fitter at your local True Spec Golf.

Shop Putters on Fairway Jockey

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The post These are the 3 most important clubs in your golf bag appeared first on Golf.

The post These are the 3 most important clubs in your golf bag appeared first on Golf.

When it comes to shooting lower scores and playing better golf, modern stats help us quickly and easily recognize what clubs are the most important, as it pertains to scoring. Knowing what those clubs are and properly understanding their specs can help you properly analyze potential change and when it might be time to upgrade — so let’s dive in.

Driver

Year in and year out, the driver is the most important club in the bag for professionals. For amateur golfers, it’s even more important because most don’t have the same ability to generate 300-yard pokes on a regular basis — something many professionals do on command.

Gear

The way that I put this into perspective for those who still try and use the old phrase “drive for show and putt for dough” is that it is almost impossible to take a penalty stroke with your putter by hitting it into a hazard or out of bounds, but with a driver, it’s a lot more likely.

Having a properly fit driver plays a significant role in consistent contact, which in turn can lead to more opportunities from the fairway. All of these things hopefully reduces the risk of bringing a big number into the equation.

So when looking at your driver, or looking to upgrade by working with a fitter, focus on keeping your spin rate in check, maximizing carry distance, and choosing one that helps reduce your dispersion without sacrificing overall distance.

Fairway Jockey

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Irons

Once you get off the tee, the next club you are likely to hit is an iron, and so rather than one club, the next most important club in your bag is your iron set and how you choose to build it.

Having a set of irons that best fits you based on your swing speed and skill level can offer a big advantage for hitting it closer and missing less often, and when you miss it less often, you put less stress on your short game, and boom! You start lowering those scores. (Yes, I realize this is still easier said than done.)

The 3 most important details to understand when looking at your iron set are the “Three Ds”: distance, dispersion and descent.

When it comes to distance, you want to have a set of irons that offers you the most distance possible while also providing proper distance gaps between the clubs in your bag. There’s no point in having two or three clubs that all go the same distance.

As for dispersion, having a smaller miss pattern puts you at less risk of hitting it somewhere you don’t want to be around a green and also gives to the confidence to aim closer to your intended target.

Last but not least descent aka. descent angle is the angle the ball comes into the ground at and the steeper the angle the more stopping power you have when hitting into a green. Too many golfers focus strictly on iron distance and sure it’s one thing to hit 6 iron 200 yards but if it only carries 170 yards and doesn’t stop for nearly 100 feet, you’re going to put yourself into a world of trouble.

So if you find yourself a set of irons that can do all three you’re going start knocking down more flagsticks.

Fairway Jockey

SHOP CUSTOM IRONS

All of the hottest brands & new golf equipment custom built to your exact specifications. Recently been fit? Enjoy 20% Off by uploading your specs. Buy Online Today.

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Wedges

I know what you’re probably thinking — how can wedges be more important than a putter, well, let me explain.

Although every golfer is going to three-putt at some point, a huge reason for that is based on proximity to the hole and just like with your driver and irons, reducing dispersion instantly puts you in a better position to make the next shot. On top of that amateur golfers miss a LOT of greens (you saw the pie graphs above right?), and when you miss greens you have to get those next shots onto the green as quickly as possible to save strokes.

Fairway Jockey

SHOP CUSTOM WEDGES

All of the hottest brands & new golf equipment custom built to your exact specifications. Recently been fit? Enjoy 20% Off by uploading your specs. Buy Online Today.

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When you have the right wedges or even a short game specialty club like the Ping Chipr you give yourself a better chance to make the next putt or at the very least create a situation where you are less likely to 3-putt.

PING ChipR Wedge

WHAT IS IT? A fully engineered chipping solution that combines elements of a putter and wedge to help golfers improve performance around the greens and lower their scores. WHO IS IT FOR? Golfers who lack confidence with their traditional wedge and frequently struggle with their chip shots around the green. Our research indicates 1/3 of all golfers would greatly benefit from a PING ChipR. HOW DOES IT WORK? Recommended for shots within 40 yards of the green from the rough or fringe, golfers apply a putting-like stroke to achieve distance control and consistency without fear of chunking or blading their shots. THE TECHNOLOGY Hydropearl chrome finish Investment-cast 431 stainless steel Perimeter weighting, high MOI Composite cavity badge Compact size for confidence MicroMax grooves for spin control on chips of every length Shallow face height (between putter and wedge) Cambered sole for versatility from rough and fringe

$179.99 from Fairway Jockey

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If you are a golfer who struggles with your wedges I suggest starting by using the matching gap/approach wedge to your iron set and then have a single 54-56° sand wedge, that allows you to focus on technique and building confidence before adding a higher lofted 58-60° lob wedge.

If you can follow these steps and build your golf game and your golf bag around your driver, irons, and wedges, you’re going to put yourself on the right track to lower scores.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post These are the 3 most important clubs in your golf bag appeared first on Golf.

The post Why are premium golf clubs more expensive? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post Why are premium golf clubs more expensive? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover premium gear and why they command higher price tags.

Why are premium clubs more expensive than other clubs at my local retailer? – Jake

This is a great question, Jake, and like many questions people ask here, the answer is a bit more nuanced than most people think. If you thumb through the pages of GOLF magazine or browse the hundreds of product reviews, videos, and golf club analyses right here on GOLF.com, you’ll notice that golf club prices not only vary but also differ in terms of features and benefits. Premium clubs, sometimes have price tags hundreds of dollars higher than mass-marketed products that cater to wider audiences.

To answer your question, we have divided the reasons why golf club manufacturers charge more for premium clubs into four categories:

Major research and development goes into premium clubs

After discussions with major golf original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), we know firsthand that the premium category often undergoes extensive research and development. These manufacturers continually strive to push the boundaries of performance, leading to significant investments in cutting-edge technology. This includes hiring more product engineers, designers, and material experts to develop innovative club designs, materials, and manufacturing processes. Also, the R&D phase is costly, involving advanced computer simulations like artificial intelligence (AI), prototypes, and live testing facilities. These all play a factor in the final price.

Premium clubs often feature high-quality materials

Different brands use various materials, and top-end golf clubs are often crafted using carefully selected top-quality materials known for their specific characteristics, performance benefits, and tight quality control. For example, manufacturers may employ titanium alloy, carbon fiber, high-grade stainless steel, or tungsten in clubhead constructions to optimize strength, weight distribution, and forgiveness. Similarly, shafts may be made from graphite or other advanced composite materials to enhance flexibility, control, and overall feel. These premium materials come at higher prices, increasing the cost of manufacturing.

Impeccable craftsmanship and customization

Premium clubs are sometimes produced in small, handcrafted batches by skilled artisans with expertise in custom club building. When it does, each club is meticulously handcrafted to meet precise specifications and undergoes rigorous quality control, which naturally raises the price. Additionally, clubs that are forged or milled cost more than those built from cast molds because of the machine time and tooling that goes into those processes.

Custom club options, such as personalized shaft lengths, grip sizes, and clubhead loft adjustments, further contribute to the increased price.

XXIO 12 Driver

Click through to purchase a new XXIO 12 Driver.

$699.99 from us.dunlopsports.com

Limited editions and exclusivity

Premium golf clubs are sometimes sold as limited edition releases, particularly in the case of putters, but don’t think that it’s for the sole purpose of simply charging more. Limited production runs or exclusive collaborations oftentimes use more expensive materials and are produced in facilities that cater to smaller batches using specialty tools, and just like with materials, these tools require more time to produce a club or club parts.

It’s no different than many parts of high-end cars because these vehicles have features not found in other cars and since the features require specific parts and there are fewer of these cars made, the end result is a higher cost to ensure quality is maintained through the process.

In conclusion, premium clubs usually justify their higher price tags in terms of performance and build quality. However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to shell out extra money just because you think premium clubs will work better for you. Premium clubs often cater to better players with specific demands related to shotmaking and precision or adding lost distance. If that aligns with your needs, that’s great. However, if it doesn’t, there are plenty of more affordable clubs available that can suit you just as well, excluding the flashy ones dipped in gold.

XXIO 12 Irons

Click through to purchase a set of XXIO 12 irons.

$219.99/ea from us.dunlopsports.com

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why are premium golf clubs more expensive? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What midseason gear tweaks should you try? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What midseason gear tweaks should you try? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover what gear tweaks you should make to play better for the remainder of the season.

My game has been going in the right direction but I still feel like there is more to gain with how I am swinging the club, what are some potential gear tweaks I should make to play better for the rest of the summer? – Marc

Hard to believe we’re less than two weeks from July, but here we are approaching the middle of the golf season. For many of you, that means it might be time to assess what is and isn’t working in your golf bag.

To assist you, we’ve compiled a short list of signs that point to a mid-season adjustment. Let’s go:

Inconsistent driver performance

Dealing with an inconsistent driver is a drag, particularly when you’re uncertain about which direction the ball is going. Apart from potential swing issues, an erratic shot pattern with the driver might indicate a poorly fitted club for your swing. The shaft is often the culprit, being either too weak or too stiff for your tempo. Alternatively, the loft and face angle of your clubhead might be incorrect as well. Consulting a local club fitter can help you resolve these issues and enhance your miss hits, rather than improving your already great shots.

Srixon ZX7 MKII

Click through to purchase a new Srixon ZX7 MKII driver.

$499.99 from us.dunlopsports.com

Regripping mid-swing

Has your local pro pointed out that you’re adjusting your grip during your swing? Many golfers may not be aware of it, but fluctuating grip pressure throughout the swing can cause the club to twist or slip at different points. The obvious solution is to get a new grip with enhanced traction, but the real issue could lie in the diameter of your grips, which might be too big or too small. If you find the grip uncomfortable, consider trying a larger or smaller grip to see if it prevents you from re-gripping the club mid-swing.

Difficulty holding greens

Not everyone can execute chips like Wyndham Clark did at the US Open. However, if you feel that your wedge grooves have lost their bite and the ball isn’t sticking the landing, it might be time to upgrade your wedges. While it’s true that spin depends on grooves, technique and ability — a fresh wedge face can certainly help improve your short-game performance.

Cleveland RTX Full-Face Black Satin Wedge

Click through to purchase a new RTX Full-Face Wedge from Cleveland Golf.

$159.99 from us.dunlopsports.com

A simple test is to hold your wedge in your palm and scrape your nails across the grooves with your other hand. If they’re grabbing your nails, you’re good. If your nails slide right over the grooves with no grabbing, it’s time to upgrade.

Also, don’t forget that high-performance urethane golf balls will generate more spin and stopping power too!

Neglected long irons

By now, after playing enough rounds this season, it’s time to be honest with yourself: How often do you actually use that 3-iron or 4-iron? If you use them only once or twice in a dozen rounds, it might be worth considering swapping out your long iron(s) for a hybrid or higher lofted fairway wood. Alternatively, you could remove a long iron from your bag and add an extra wedge in its place.

Cold putter

If you feel like you’ve been missing too many putts, the issue might not be with your technique but rather with your putter itself. The first step in selecting a putter is to choose a model that aligns with your stroke type. If you have an arcing stroke, a putter with more toe hang or one that isn’t face-balanced might be more suitable for you.

On the other hand, if you have little to no arc, a face-balanced putter might be a better fit. Other factors to consider include shaft orientation, head shape, alignment aids, length, grip types, and more. Remember, your favorite player’s putter may work great for them and look great in your hands, but it could be a poor match for your putting stroke.

Lastly, consider experimenting with different golf balls during mid-season practice or casual rounds.

Even if you have a preferred ball, it’s worth trying something different that may offer more benefits where you need them. This doesn’t mean switching from a 2-piece to a 4-piece ball or changing from a Surlyn cover to a Urethane one. Instead, consider exploring different options within the same ball family and evaluate if they perform better or worse for you.

Implementing mid-season adjustments like the ones mentioned above might help you get back on track and achieve lower scores. Remember, if possible, to seek guidance from your local club fitter. They’re experts for a reason, and whether you’re a high handicapper or a scratch golfer, they can find something to help you play better.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post What midseason gear tweaks should you try? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post Can new grips help you stop slicing? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post Can new grips help you stop slicing? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover what effects new grips can and will likely have on your golf game.

Will new grips help me stop slicing? – Jake

This question aligns perfectly with the essence of what we aim to address in Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, because the answer isn’t always straightforward or logical. At first glance you might think, what could grips have to do with slicing? But dig a little deeper and you’ll soon learn there’s a lot more to it.

We’ve been covering golf equipment and how different components affect how well golfers play for quite a while now, and through extensive testing and collaboration with club fitters and swing professionals, we have arrived at some conclusions regarding the impact of grips on your performance. The consensus is as follows: new grips, especially brand-new ones, can in fact influence your swing and shot-shaping ability.

Let’s dig into what this entails:

New grips can potentially reduce slicing.

To address your question directly, yes, a new grip can assist in reducing the banana ball. Slicing occurs when the clubface fails to rotate to a square position in relation to either your target line or swing path at impact (depending on your desired shot shape). To counteract this, a new, skinnier grip can sometimes increase your hand speed by helping you grip the club more in the fingers, facilitating a faster release of the hands through impact.

But, if you prefer not to use smaller grips (we’re referring to grips with a smaller diameter than your current or old grips), a new grip with improved traction can help reduce hand and wrist tension, which also leads to a better-timed release of the hands. According to a handful of instructors we know, gripping the club too tightly often contributes to slicing, and according to them, the lighter you can hold the club without compromising your grip, the less prone you’ll be to miss it out to the right.

New grips might lessen your hook.

As expected, the approach for countering a hook is somewhat reversed, but it involves more nuanced considerations. If you use a grip with a larger diameter, not only can it potentially slow down your release, it’ll shorten your long ball, too. Accomplished players (who typically battle hooks more than slices) often build up the lower part of the grip where the lower hand is positioned and not to the top end of the grip which will slow down the hands too much. This thickening of the lower diameter, known as “reduced tapering,” minimizes the likelihood of the lower hand flipping over and producing a hook while still keeping the upper hand moving at full speed. While most skilled players acknowledge that reduced tapering is not a foolproof solution for eliminating hooks, it certainly serves as a reminder to both the hands and mind to avoid an overly active release from the lower hand.

Speaking of reminders, new grips can also enhance accuracy.

Lastly, certain grips, known as reminder grips, can assist in hitting the ball straighter. What exactly are reminder grips? These grips feature a long rib on the underside and inside, creating a built-up section that is subtly detectable by the fingers upon gripping the club. The term “reminder” refers to the rib’s role in helping golfers remember the ideal hand placement when gripping the club. The underlying idea is that the more consistently you grip the club, the straighter and more consistent your shots will be.

Reminder grips are not available in all grip styles, but they can be found in various options to suit your preferences. If you require assistance in maintaining proper hand positioning during your grip, a reminder grip may be precisely what you need. (And rest assured, they are fully compliant with the Rules, in case you were wondering.)

Srixon ZX5 MKII Driver

Click through to purchase a new Srixon ZX MK II driver.

$500 from us.dunlopsports.com

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Can new grips help you stop slicing? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What kind of wedges will players use at the US Open? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What kind of wedges will players use at the US Open? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover what wedge specs we think players will want to employ at the US Open.

Do you think players will bring different wedges to the U.S. Open? – Charlie S., Pennsylvania.

That’s a great question, Charlie, and some of us (including myself) are native to SoCal and have played a few rounds at Los Angeles Country Club (LACC) and other golf courses around LA’s westside. While Riviera, a mere 6 miles away (which could easily take an hour to get to), is known for its grabby Kikuyu lawn, LACC’s Bermuda fairways are tightly mown like a green version of nearby Hollywood’s red carpet. But, it’s not all glitz and glamour at LACC. The course features rugged bunkering in both the fairways and along the greens, which will surely have players opting for a specific type of wedge to help them get the ball up and down as often as possible.

What does the ideal wedge configuration look like at this year’s US Open? Here’s our best guess:

It should have some bounce to work with

Based on our firsthand experience at LACC, we know that the fairways will be cut extremely low, resulting in plenty of tight lies with little room for error. However, players will encounter long grasses and rugged terrain outside the fairways, particularly around the bunkers. Therefore, we suspect players will want to use a wedge with a low-to-mid bounce angle.

This will ensure they can strike the ball cleanly from the fairway and navigate the natural rough and waste areas. For this course, we recommend an 8-degree bounce angle using a 56-degree wedge and no less than 6 degrees of bounce for the lob wedge. (Note: Low bounce is consider to be 6 degrees and lower, and high bounce refers to 12 degrees.)

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The leading edge should be sharp

The curvature (radii) of the leading edge is often an overlooked feature on a wedge. While most wedges have a subtle curve, a sharper leading edge can be beneficial for tight fairways and for gouging out of thick rough. However, a sharper leading edge also increases the risk of hitting the ball fat, although this is usually not a problem for Tour players (but can be a concern for average golfers.)

It should have plenty of loft (58 degrees and above)

Most players will carry at least two wedges, with some carrying upwards of four or five. Regardless of the number, a high-lofted lob wedge will be essential for hitting high shots that bite on LACC’s tricky green complexes. While opening a lower-lofted wedge can work sometimes, doing that adds considerable bounce, making it more difficult to slide the wedge under the ball from a tight lie.

It might have a stiffer flex

Tour players understand that increasing spin involves increasing one’s spin loft. The greater the difference in attack angle and loft, the more the ball will spin. While playing with a softer shaft can help increase spin (as can a fresh set of grooves, which we’ll discuss below), it also comes with the risk of hitting the ball too high, spinning it excessively, or sacrificing trajectory control. We believe that players at LACC will prioritize control above all else, and a stiffer shaft will help them better dial in their distances for precise shotmaking.

Some players like their wedges a little flat

With irons, most players tend to hit the ball with the same swing speed every time. There are exceptions of course, but generally, players have one, maybe two gears for how fast they swing their irons. But with wedges, there’s a near infinite range for how fast or slow they need to swing to hit their shots to precise distances.

For some players, hitting less than full speed means it becomes easy to smother the ball and hit a hook. To prevent this, some players look to wedges with a slightly flatter lie angle to prevent any inclination to come over the top and miss it left on shots hit less than full speed.

It should be brand new

Using an old wedge on a golf course (and especially in a golf tournament like this one) doesn’t make sense to us. Players will want the sharpest and most consistent grooves possible to control the ball to the best of their ability. Therefore, using a fresh, new wedge is the best way to ensure optimal performance.

These are merely our best guesses regarding what we think the players at this year’s U.S. Open will prefer in their wedges. However, wedge selection is a highly personal choice, and a specific wedge setup may produce completely different results in the hands of different players.

This is why we recommend getting fitted for your wedges just as you would for any other club in your bag, and a great place to start is with Cleveland Golf’s online Wedge Selector. There, you’ll find model comparisons, explanations of bounce and grind, custom options, and a quiz that assesses your strengths and needs when it comes time to find the perfect wedge. Don’t miss it.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post What kind of wedges will players use at the US Open? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post How high should you tee the ball? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post How high should you tee the ball? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover tee height and what it means for all your clubs.

How high or low should I tee the ball with my clubs? – Henry R., South Carolina

That’s a good question because how high or low you tee the ball has a huge impact on the type of ball flight you’re likely to produce. And for the matter, tee height isn’t something anyone should take lightly and is definitely not something to overlook.

We’ve broken down some tee tips for you in three different parts to help you better understand tee height dynamics and what it means for every club in the bag. (Except for the putter, of course.)

Tee the ball higher for a higher launch with less spin

To achieve the desired high launch/low spin ball flight that seemingly every professional golfer is capable of these days, you want to tee the ball above the center of the face. The reason for this has to do not only with deadening spin by hitting above the sweet spot but also because the higher on the clubface, the more loft your clubface actually has.

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This refers to the slight curvature of your clubface known as the “roll” from top to bottom (whereas “bulge” references the convex nature of a clubface from left to right). A typical 10-degree driver has upwards of a degree or two of loft on the top half of the face, thus helping you launch ball higher.

As for reducing spin, as mentioned, hitting about the sweet spot will do the trick, but so will actually swinging the clubhead on a more ascending path which a higher tee will help you do. Remember, the max height you should tee the ball (with a driver) is with the equator of the ball no higher than the top edge of the clubface.

Tee the ball lower for more backspin

Your intuition may tell you that to hit the ball lower you should tee it lower, but we’re here to tell you that’s not always the case. If there’s no wind in play, teeing it lower will likely produce a lower shot at first, but it’s still likely to have more backspin than you’d get from the middle or upper region of the clubface. And, when facing the wind coming back at you from the target, even with a lower initial launch, the added backspin may cause the ball to balloon up into sky, robbing you of precious distance.

The point is, teeing it lower can help you hit lower shots sometimes, but into the wind, it might not be your best choice. Also remember, the lowest you should consider teeing it up (with a driver) is with the top of the ball just barely above the top leading edge of the clubface.

Use tees with your irons whenever you can

Drivers

Obviously, you can’t do this from the fairway, but you should be using a tee from every tee box with your irons to ensure a clean, crisp shot. Also, a slightly lifted ball will help you ensure you make contact with the ball first before scalping the ground.

The ideal tee height is just barely above ground (2-3 millimeters up), but if you want to tack on a few yards and hit your iron further and higher, a centimeter up will do the trick. Any more than that, you’ll likely struggle with finding the sweet spot. And by the way, the same holds true for hybrids and fairway woods. Using a tee barely off the ground will make it easier to make solid contact.

Bonus: If your local practice facility has tees that are too high or too low, best not to use them

Sometimes all you have is a practice mat are your local club to work with, and sometimes, that means using a rubber tee that’s either too tall or way too short. In either case, you’re better off not using either and bringing your own reusable tee and using it whenever you’re relegated to using a practice mat.

Also, if you do practice on grass, it doesn’t hurt to mark your tees with a line to indicate just how far you want to push the ball in the ground. This little hack will help you tee it up the same every time and it’s something you can do to all your tees while playing on the golf course as well.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post How high should you tee the ball? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post Gear tips for hot weather? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post Gear tips for hot weather? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we cover a few heat-related gear tips to abide by this summer.

It’s already getting hot here in Arizona. Do you have any gear tips for playing in the heat? – Shannon R., Arizona

Warm summer days are approaching, and like you, we can’t wait to spend as much time as possible on the golf course. However, we’re not immune to making mistakes with our golf equipment in hot, sunny weather. To help you avoid the errors we’ve made and dispel some myths about playing in warmer conditions, let’s dive right in:

The trunk is the worst place to store your clubs, with the garage being a close runner-up.

Storing your clubs in the trunk is a bad idea due to the bumps on the road, which can cause excessive clanging in the bag and damage your clubs. The situation worsens with excessive heat, which can loosen and degrade the epoxy holding the clubhead to the shaft and significantly reduce the lifespan of your grips.

Storing clubs in hot and humid garages isn’t much better. If possible, store your clubs indoors in a closet where they can rest safe and sound.

Hot weather leads to increased hand sweating. Carry at least one backup glove.

As your hands sweat more, the glove absorbs more perspiration and oil, reducing its effectiveness and making it slippery. Glove ripping often occurs when a soggy glove dries out, affecting the leather’s suppleness. So when your glove gets wet, make sure to dry it outside on a flat surface and not like a crumbled-up dollar bill. This helps prolong its lifespan.

Warmer temperatures don’t significantly impact ball flight.

The primary weather factor affecting ball flight is wind, not temperature. While there will some difference in distance between a 40° day and a 100° day (warmer humid days may result in slightly farther ball flights), the variance is generally not noticeable between an 80° and an 85° day.

Even though humidity may make it less enjoyable to be outside and may affect breathing, the impact on distances is also likely negligible. The reason you might hit the ball farther in warmer weather is often attributed to looser muscles and increased flexibility, not the dew point.

Wear breathable summer golf shoes.

During summer, consider lightweight golf shoes, especially spikeless and non-leather models. The ground tends to be drier and firmer, so the need for extreme traction is less and breathability helps your feet fell comfy from start to finish. For example, ASICS offers the GEL-COURSE Glide, which combines the profile of a running/walking shoe with a spikeless outsole to deliver traction and comfort. These shoes are equally suitable for wearing around the house or anywhere else during the summer, both on and off the course.

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Use UV protection spray to guard your bag against fading.

Ever wonder why fabrics fade in the sun? When UV rays beat down on fabric, they can actually break down what are called “chromophores”, which are basically what emit photons of color in different wavelengths. We won’t pretend to be experts on that, but we do know that some colors are more susceptible to fading, like reds and some purples (which have red in them.) And while we haven’t personally tested this method, based on what we’ve seen and heard, using UV fabric protectant spray appears to be a viable hack for preventing golf bag fading from prolonged sun exposure. Look for a variety of options on Amazon and choose a spray that you can apply to your bag and let dry.

Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.

Wearing sunscreen is a must, and we’re sure you don’t need a reminder, but it’s worth emphasizing: apply sunscreen generously and reapply frequently. As for sunglasses, there are many golf-specific models available, including some with warm amber colors that enhance ground contours and make it easier to track the ball in the air. Also, when choosing sunglasses, polarized lenses may not always be the best option as they can limit depth perception. While effective in reducing glare (useful when playing around water), wearing polarized lenses is akin to wearing microscopic mini blinds over your eyes. Consider non-polarized options for better clarity and ensure they provide complete UV protection.

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Hydration multipliers can enhance your performance.

Finally, staying hydrated is crucial to your health, preventing dehydration, exhaustion, and more severe conditions like heatstroke. New to the game are hydration multipliers that can be added to water, providing a boost in electrolytes, potassium, calcium, and sodium — essential components for effective water transportation in the body. As a general guideline, aim to drink 3-4 bottles of water per round. For an added stamina boost, consider using a hydration multiplier to keep you at your best physically and mentally throughout the entire round.

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Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below!

The post Gear tips for hot weather? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What is swing weight and how does it work? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

The post What is swing weight and how does it work? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask, a GOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. This week we unpack matters relating to total weight, back weighting and the often-confusing swing weight measurement.

Can you explain in simple terms what’s up with total weight, back weight, and swing weight? – Mike W., Iowa

Ahh, back to the basics this week. We’re down to answer this and will do our best to keep things simple. We covered this topic about a year ago, but why not provide another quick overview? Here we go:

Let’s begin with club weight. This is easily understood since it measures the total weight of a golf club, including the clubhead, shaft, and grip. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has various regulations regarding club lengths and dimensions, but it does not impose restrictions on total weight. This means you can have a club that is as light or as heavy as you want it to be. Additionally, many drivers now have adjustable weighting, allowing you to add or remove weight at the clubhead end to alter the club’s feel and performance (more on this below). And in case you’re wondering, your clubs typically weigh slightly less or slightly more than a pound, with the short irons, wedges, and putter usually being the heaviest.

Next, let’s discuss back weighting, also known as counter-weighting or counter-balancing (which are all the same thing). Back weighting a club involves adding weight to the grip end of the club, either through lead tape placed under the grip or a weight cartridge inserted at the grip end of the shaft. This adjustment, which we will explain in more detail in the next section, can actually make your club feel lighter despite increasing its overall weight. Now it may sound strange to think of adding weight to make something feel lighter, but it’s true. To feel this firsthand, try holding any club from your bag by its clubhead end and swinging it. You’ll notice that the club feels significantly lighter compared to swinging it from the grip end.

Now, onto the complex part—swing weight. Swing weight measures how heavy a golf club feels during a swing. It depends not only on the club’s total weight but also on the weight distribution. Swingweight is determined using a balance scale, where the club is balanced on a fulcrum 14 inches from the grip end. The extent to which the clubhead end pulls down indicates the swing weight, and values are assigned on an alphanumeric scale ranging from lightest at A0 to heaviest at G10.

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Still with us? Most clubs available on the market fall within the C7 to D7 range, with each measurement differing by approximately 2 grams in the clubhead, 9 grams in the shaft, and 4-5 grams in the grip. The length of the shaft also matters as a difference of 0.5 inches longer or shorter can impact the swing weight by up to 3 scale measurements. As you can see, swing weight can get finicky really quickly.

Why does it matter? Swingweight is undoubtedly a matter of feel, but it can also affect your ability to strike golf shots. For example, increasing swing weight will likely slow down your swing, but for some, an increase in swing speed is a worthwhile trade-off if it results in hitting more fairways or straighter iron shots. On the other hand, players seeking more power, who already have consistent ball striking, may opt for a lighter swing weight. Although accuracy may be slightly compromised, the gain in clubhead speed outweighs the possible loss in accuracy.

Swing weight doesn’t only affect distance. Some players prefer a heavier clubhead to feel more in control, while others prefer a lighter feel that matches their slower tempo. There is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to what swing weight value is best for any player. Just know that a simple adjustment in grip, shaft, lead tape, or even a weight cartridge can significantly alter your club’s swing weight and greatly impact its feel. Next time you have a chance, head over to your local club fitter and get your clubs weighed for total weight and for swing weight. Not every club has to be the exact weight, and some players like a heavier swing weight in the shorter clubs and lighter swing weights in the longer clubs, or vice versa.

Again, swingweight is a feel thing and the right answer for you is what feels best for your swing.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at industry-leading True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

The post What is swing weight and how does it work? | Gear Questions You’re Afraid to Ask appeared first on Golf.