Thursday, January 21, 2021

Titleist Introduces New Pro V1 and Pro V1x Golf Balls – Longer Distance, More Greenside Spin, Softer Feel


Core-to-Cover Innovations Establish New Standard of Golf Ball Performance

(FAIRHAVEN, Mass.) — Increasing performance through every single layer of the golf ball, the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x models are designed for longer distance, even more greenside spin and control and softer feel – with the unmatched ball-to-ball consistency and quality that golfers expect from Titleist.

Available beginning Jan. 27 in golf shops worldwide, 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the result of new core, casing layer, cover and aerodynamic technologies – including proprietary 388 (Pro V1) and 348 (Pro V1x) dimple designs optimized for extraordinary distance and consistent flight – that combine to make the most trusted and best performing golf balls in the game even better.

2021 PRO V1 & PRO V1x PERFORMANCE

From the best players in the world to amateurs of all skill levels, new Pro V1 and Pro V1x are designed for golfers who prioritize performance  above all else. Both new 2021 models deliver longer distance, increased Drop-and-Stop™ greenside control, softer feel and long-lasting durability – while maintaining their differences in flight, feel and spin:

• New Pro V1 offers the greatest combination of speed, spin and feel in the game, providing the best fit for the majority of golfers. Pro V1 flies lower than Pro V1x with a penetrating trajectory and has a very soft feel.

• New Pro V1x has a fast, high flight and delivers spin when and where a golfer wants it. Pro V1x is designed for players who want a higher trajectory and increased spin relative to Pro V1, with a slightly firmer feel. 

“When a golfer chooses Pro V1 or Pro V1x, they are choosing absolute performance,” said Jeremy Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “Our R&D and Operations teams have spent years engineering new technology into each and every component of 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x. When it comes to the performance and quality of these products, we will continue to go to every length possible to help golfers play their best and shoot their lowest scores.”

2021 PRO V1 AND PRO V1x TECHNOLOGY

Advancements in Titleist’s industry-leading multi-component technology are precisely designed to work together, providing total performance and extreme consistency on every shot:

• Reformulated 2.0 ZG Process Cores deliver increased distance in the solid core Pro V1 and dual core Pro V1x.

• Faster High-Flex Casing Layer adds speed and lowers long game spin. This highly-resilient, high-speed ionomer was initially developed for and validated by Pro V1x Left Dash.

• New, Softer Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover – the softest cover formulation ever used on a Pro V1 or Pro V1x – increases greenside spin for more control in the short game.

• New Spherically-tiled Tetrahedral Dimple Designs – featuring a 388 dimple layout for Pro V1, and 348 for Pro V1x – are optimized to each model to maximize distance and flight consistency. Pro V1 maintains its penetrating trajectory while Pro V1x will fly higher than the prior generation.

AERODYNAMIC BREAKTHROUGHS

The new dimple designs on 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x – the first entirely new patterns since 2011 – are the result of Titleist’s unparalleled commitment to understanding and improving the flight of the golf ball.

Since the original Pro V1 debuted 20 years ago, Titleist R&D has designed, manufactured and tested more than 1,900 aerodynamic patterns. That includes more than 60 different iterations of 2021 Pro V1’s 388 dimple layout, and more than 30 versions of Pro V1x’s 348 dimple design.

“When we find a pattern we like, the next step is making sure we find the best possible version of that pattern by building and testing different variations of dimple depths, diameters, shapes and surface coverages,” said Mike Madson, Titleist R&D’s Director of Aerodynamics & Research Engineering “It takes years of work – we’ve been working on these new packages for almost a decade – but it is that commitment to research that ensures each golf ball is optimized to fly at its longest and most efficient trajectory.”   

PRECISION MANUFACTURING

The continued investment in advanced technology and quality control at Titleist Ball Plants 3 and 4 – where every Pro V1 and Pro V1x are manufactured by Titleist associates to the industry’s highest performance and quality specifications – ensures that every new generation of Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the best performing and most consistent models ever. Consistency from ball to ball, and dozen to dozen is critical to allowing golfers to consistently execute the same types of shots, round after round.

PLAYER VALIDATION

Since their October 2020 introduction on the PGA Tour, many of the world’s best players have teed up new Pro V1 and Pro V1x in competition including Adam Scott (Pro V1x), Justin Thomas (Pro V1x), Tony Finau (Pro V1), Ryan Palmer (Pro V1x), Scottie Scheffler (Pro V1) – and Cameron Smith, who became the first player in the history of The Masters to finish with all four rounds in the 60s while playing new Pro V1x.

“When I first tested it, it was a bit hotter off the driver, which was great,” Smith said. “The ball flight and windows were great. But the biggest thing that stuck out was the control coming out of the rough and around the greens. I can control my shots – especially those difficult, soft shots – so much better.”

AVAILABILITY: The new 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls will be available in golf shops beginning Jan. 27, 2021. Available in White (play numbers 1-4, 5-8 and all the same play number 00 or 1-99) and  High optic yellow (play numbers 1-4). $49.99 MAP.

Unboxing the Palm Beach Fedora from Carkella

Ahead of the future spring season and with many taking to the golf course as the perfect socially distanced activity, sun protection on the golf course is important to keep top of mind. Even during the colder months, the sun’s rays can still be just as harmful to the skin as they are during the hot summer season.

Colorado-based hat company Carkella offers UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 30+ and 50+ styles that combine fashion and functionality, perfect for keeping you well-protected and stylish. Classic styles like the Palm Beach, Parker, and Sydney hats come in multiple colors and is easily packable and transportable.

Learn more at www.carkella.com.

Callaway Golf Introduces New ERC Soft Golf Balls


(CARLSBAD, Calif.)
— Callaway Golf Company, an industry leader in golf equipment and innovation, has officially introduced its new ERC Soft Golf Balls. This new lineup will appeal to a wide range of golfers, and each offering promotes fast ball speeds, exceptional feel and outstanding greenside control.

ERC Soft is Callaway’s longest golf ball with soft feel, and it’s built for increased control around the green. To create all that distance, their engineers developed a High Energy Core that promotes maximum speed and total performance from tee-to-green.

The ERC Soft also features a new Hybrid Cover made with a PARALOID Impact Modifier from Dow. This high performance, multi-material construction promotes high launch and low spin for long distance, along with great feel in a durable offering. Around the green it provides outstanding control, so golfers can play aggressively on approach shots, and in their short game. With the PARALOID additive, Callaway is able to deliver the exceptional speed and spin profile for this ball.

To complete the ERC Soft design, a High Speed Mantle works with the core and cover to further enhance ball speed and greenside control. And the Company’s popular Triple Track alignment utilizes Vernier Hyper Acuity to help you choose the right line for better putting accuracy. ERC Soft will be available at retail on February 25th at a retail price of $34.99 per dozen. It will be offered in white and yellow color options.

For more information, visit www.callawaygolf.com.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

FootJoy Introduces All-New HyperFlex Collection


(RELEASE)
— FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf, has been trusted by the greatest golfers in the world for a singular dedication to the game of golf and relentless commitment to innovation performance, style, comfort and quality. In fact, FootJoy has been the #1 shoe chosen by players at every PGA Tour tournament for 75 straight years.

As part of their continued commitment to performance innovation, FootJoy introduces the all- new HyperFlex, tuned specifically for golf to deliver crazy-soft comfort and performance along with support that returns energy to the golfer.

HyperFlex features an advanced midsole/outsole combo that includes two new technologies that provide unrivaled comfort and performance where you need it out on the golf course.

• STRATOFOAM CUSHIONING: FJ’s StratoFoam cushioning is a proprietary foam blend that provides optimal support and comfort in any conditions. This midsole design provides the perfect blend of cushioning which helps absorb shock while maximizing energy return to reduce foot fatigue.

• OPTIFLEX OUTSOLE: The all-new OptiFlex outsole design features dual flex grooves that flex naturally with your foot for comfort as well as a thin, semi-rigid TPU flex plate that promotes multidirectional flexure and traction where you need it in the golf swing.

“When you take the first steps in HyperFlex, you’ll notice that the shoe moves in unison with the foot,” said Chris Tobias, Vice President, FJ Footwear. “This new outsole technology is designed to mimic the natural flexure of the foot, so not only are you getting a great walking shoe, but a shoe that will maximize the ground force throughout every movement in the golf swing.”

WRAPID, powered by the BOA® Fit System

HyperFlex features breakthrough performance fit technology, delivered with athletic-inspired styling and materials in both a laced version as well as the all-new WRAPID, powered by the BOA® Fit System. This innovative new system features an asymmetrical configuration that ensures a dialed-in, precision fit with a reduction in pressure on the top of the foot. It enables the shoe to move with you, wrapping your foot in complete security, all while providing powerful support through the swing.

Tour players have already made the switch to incorporate HyperFlex in practice and in play at tournaments around the world, including Rafa Cabrera Bello and Bernd Wiesberger.

“They look and feel so athletic,” said Rafa Cabrera Bello. “Super comfortable the moment you put them on.”

“It’s a great looking shoe that you can just slip into,” said Bernd Wiesberger. “You get that great stability without sacrificing on comfort.”

HYPERFLEX FOOTWEAR FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

- All-new StratoFoam midsole compound for enhanced comfort

- Engineered mesh with Hot Melt yarns for enhanced structure and support

- OptiFlex outsole for enhanced range of motion and flex featuring Pulsar LP cleats by Softspikes

- Molded High Density EVA FitBed® for comfort and control

- Laser Sport Last: Full rounded toe character, standard fit across the forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heal

- Added toe spring for athletic profile

LAUNCH AT RETAIL:

- February 1, 2021

AVAILABLE STYLES: LACED

- Blue/Grey, Navy/White, Charcoal/Grey

- SRP: $170.00

WRAPID, powered by the BOA® Fit System

- Grey/Red, Midnight Blue, Black/Black

- SRP: $200.00

Launching in unison with the HyperFlex footwear is the all-new HyperFLX® glove and HyperFlex Pullover, featuring the same commitment to innovation performance, style, comfort and quality.

“As the leader in gloves and apparel, we have a commitment to enhance the golf experience through golf-specific innovation, which is evident here with these new product launches,” said Whitney Trimble, Vice President, FJ Apparel, Gloves and Accessories.

The new HyperFLX glove features a Premium Cabretta Leather Palm that provides a super-soft, comfortable feel, and a lightweight MicroVentTM FiberSofTM material on the back of the hand for added breathability. The PowernetTM Mesh along the knuckles is placed with purpose, increasing moisture control and fit consistency.

Designed to deliver where it matters most, the new HyperFlex Pullover features a lightweight stretch woven fabric that is windproof with a DWR finish, engineered to best protect you from the elements. The lower back pocket acts as a self-stowing pocket that easily stores in your golf bag, providing easy on-the-go removal as conditions change.

FJ is the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf and the leader in on-course apparel, founded on a heritage of innovation and focus on delivering the ultimate in performance for golfers around the world.

Learn more at www.footjoy.com or follow @footjoy on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

HYPERFLX GOLF GLOVE FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

- Premium Cabretta Leather Palm: Targeted micro-perforated leather palm provides soft, comfortable feel, durability along with excellent water and perspiration resistance

- Microvent Back: Lightweight MicroVent FiberSof material on back of hand

- Powernet Mesh Knuckles: Precise placement of finer gauge elastics across the knuckles to increase moisture control, fit consistency and breathability

- Tailored Fit: Tailored placement of soft, flexible elastics with angled ComforTab Velcro® closure secures a tailored fit

LAUNCH AT RETAIL:

- January 1, 2021

AVAILABLE SIZING:

- Men Regular Left: S – XXL

- Men Cadet Left: S – XL

- Men Regular Right: S – XL

- SRP: $23.00


HYPERFLEX PULLOVER FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

- Woven & Knit Fabric Mix: Engineered to best protect you from the elements

- Outside Scorecard Pocket: Converts into a stuff sack for easy storage

- Angled Side Hem: Allows for easy on/off as conditions change

- DWR Finish: Repels water in a light rain or mist

- Windproof and Water Resistant

LAUNCH AT RETAIL:

- February 1, 2021

AVAILABLE SIZING:

- Men: S – XXL

- SRP: $165.00

PING Re-Signs Brooke Henderson and Tyrrell Hatton


(PHOENIX)
– Brooke Henderson, the winningest Canadian golfer of all time with nine career victories, and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, reached agreements on new equipment contracts with PING. Terms of the agreement were not released.

“Brooke is the pride of Canada, and I can tell you we are very proud of her in the United States for her winning track record, her competitive fire, and how she represents the game and our brand with such class and positive energy,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “Since she burst onto the scene with an eight-shot win her rookie year, she’s never let up, putting together four consecutive multiple-win seasons, a mark of consistency few can match. We’re thrilled she’ll continue representing PING; in turn, we will continue to surround her with the support she needs to achieve her goals.” 

Since her rookie year in 2015 when she won the Cambia Portland Classic as a non-member of the LPGA, Henderson, 23, has built an incredible resume of sustained success. Among her nine wins, including a major (the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship), are 54 top 10s. She won twice each season between 2016 and 2019. The Smiths Falls, Ontario, native represented Canada in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Her career winnings top $7 million. 

“From the tour staff at PING who fit me into the game’s best clubs, to the great teams at PING Canada who’ve supported me since my earliest junior days, being treated like family has contributed to my success for sure,” Henderson said. “Because I have the backing of so many people, and I’m playing clubs that bring out the best in my game, I give myself an opportunity to play well every week. I’m really happy to pursue more victories with PING and build on all that we’ve accomplished together.”

Hatton has enjoyed a string of victories and high finishes worldwide in recent months.

“You could hardly turn on a golf telecast over the past year and a half and not see Tyrrell among the leaders, and on a few occasions he’s been holding the trophy at the end,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “Tyrrell has won six times since 2016 and has climbed to 9th in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s brought the success he achieved on the European Tour over to the states, where last March he earned his first PGA Tour victory on a big stage at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. We appreciate his competitiveness and determination, and we’re proud to be associated with a truly international player who can compete with anyone, anywhere. His record of consistency proves that.”

In addition to his PGA Tour win, Hatton has five European Tour victories, most recently in October at that tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, where he gave the G425 driver its first title in its professional debut. The 29-year-old has had four top-10s at majors and was a member of the victorious Team Europe at the 2018 Ryder Cup. He is pleased to be continuing his years-long affiliation with PING.

“There’s a comfort level with the people at PING and with their clubs tee to green that gives me a lot reassurance and confidence that I’m always in a good position to play my best golf,” Hatton said. “I have enjoyed working with PING for a number of years now, and the team knows exactly what I need to compete at the highest level. I’m excited for the future knowing that I will continue to have PING as part of my team.”

Introducing Stability Tour Black: A Limited-Edition Putter Shaft


(Richardson, TX)
– Breakthrough Golf Technology introduces the new Stability Black, a Barney Adams Limited Edition putter shaft.  In the spirit of Ely Callaway and Karsten Solheim, Barney Adams is one of golf’s great icons. This shaft is an ode to his devotion to the game and his passionate contribution to the industry.

This premium putter shaft is designed with a stealth black matte shaft and glossy branding.  Each shaft will come with an authentication card and have a holographic, numbered seal to ensure its authenticity making it a true unique piece of art.

Stability Black was built on the tour design platform; it will play and perform like the Stability Tour; which has a diameter and balance point closer to conventional steel.

- Complete blackout looks to eliminate all distractions.

- Each shaft is numbered with a holographic seal to ensure its authenticity

- Stability Black built on the Stability Tour chassis

   * Stealth, streamlined look

   * Better golfers can replace their steel shaft without appreciably changing the balance of the putter

   * Similar balance point and flex profile of steel

   * Exceptional accuracy and distance control

Stability Black is a Limited-Edition model and will retail for $299.99; which are now back in stock after an unprecedented demand of the initial launch.

Breakthrough Golf Technology website: breakthroughgolftech.com.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Nexbelt Tour Staff Professional Kevin Na wins the Sony Open in Hawaii

(RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA) – Nexbelt Tour Staff Professional, Kevin Na, captured the 5th victory of his PGA TOUR career this past weekend at the Sony Open held at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Na nearly withdrew from the event when he felt pain in his ribs on Wednesday. He’d missed the previous two years tournaments with injuries after arriving on site. This year, with the help of his trainer, he battled on, and on Sunday afternoon he tapped in a final hole birdie to claim victory.

“On Wednesday morning, warming up in the pro-am, I hit one hard and I pulled my rib, and I didn't know what to expect. ... I was like here we go again,” Na revealed. “My trainer that I just added to the team, Cornel Driessen, he helped me out a lot. We worked on it, loosened it, and the next day I woke up, it felt great and felt like nothing happened. Had he not been here, I don't know, it might have been a different story."

It’s been an incredible run for the Korean-American who has now won in his last four seasons, joining Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau as the only other players to have a similar active streak going.

Na surged to 10th in the FedEx Cup standings and jumped to 23rd in the Official World Golf Rankings after this latest win.

Kevin Na loves to wear Nexbelt’s Apollo buckle which is featured in their Newport Series. Available on the Nexbelt website, click here: https://www.nexbelt.com/search?q=newport

With over 40 players now wearing Nexbelt on the Professional Golf Tours, it’s considered “The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf”. Its team of PGA TOUR Staff Professionals for 2021 includes Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, Marc Leishman and many others.

Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.

Nexbelt is 100% committed to offering its customers superior customer service and the most innovative and technologically advanced products available.

Nexbelt's DRIVE Vision ...

Deliver what we Promise with Integrity.

Retain the Human touch

Invest in Good People generously.

Value our Customers Unconditionally.

Embrace Change with Innovation.

For more information about Nexbelt, visit www.Nexbelt.com.