Tried. Examined. True.
That’s our mission, the mantra that fuels our on a regular basis actions.
The aim? To offer you, the golfer, the reality concerning the golf gear you’re spending your cash on and corporations you’re giving cash to.
Why? Your recreation is our job. It’s that straightforward. You need to play higher golf and we would like you do exactly that.
Your recreation is the very first thing we take into consideration after we’re testing a brand new driver. It’s the only consideration in terms of recommending a brand new pair of golf footwear. It’s the one factor that basically issues to us.
Within the hopes of creating your recreation higher, we’ve created, refined and executed our Most Needed Testing for 15 years. This data-driven methodology of testing is what we do greatest.
That stated, knowledge shouldn’t be the one factor you contemplate earlier than your subsequent buy. Our annual Editor’s Selection Awards permits us to shine a highlight on merchandise, corporations and types which have left an impression on us – even when they didn’t place No. 1.
Listed here are our Editors’ Selection Awards for 2023.
Story of the 12 months: The PGA TOUR-PIF “Merger”
Elevate your hand when you had this one in your 2023 golf bingo card. No? Didn’t assume so.
It was a traditional, quiet Tuesday morning when the primary experiences of a “merger” between the PGA TOUR and Saudi Arabia’s multi-kajillion greenback Public Funding Fund hit the information wires. It got here from to date out of left subject that the knee jerk response was “is that this April 1st?” But it surely was no joke. Cash makes unusual bedfellows and leaders of the PGA TOUR testifying earlier than Congress is fairly freaking unusual.
There’s a lot about this “merger” that we nonetheless don’t know. What is going to the PGA TOUR appear to be? What occurs to LIV? Does Jay Monahan keep? Does Greg Norman go?
And, perhaps most significantly, is that this actually only a billion-dollar gambit by Yasir Al-Rumayyan to attain himself memberships with the R&A and at Augusta Nationwide?
The sheer craziness of all of it makes the PGA TOUR-PIF “merger” the hands-down high golf story of 2023. And we’ve simply scratched the floor on loopy as a result of what’s formally being known as a “merger” seems, smells and tastes just like the Saudis try to purchase males’s skilled golf.
Know-how of the 12 months: Sportsbox AI
Whereas I suppose AI is the expertise of the yr, Sportsbox AI, an AI-powered 3D-motion seize and evaluation software is making waves, albeit considerably quietly.
You might not be acquainted with Sportsbox but. As a swing evaluation software, it’s nonetheless a little bit of a product in the hunt for an viewers however, past its utility as an tutorial software, it may show to be the subsequent huge factor in clubfitting.
As producers and becoming manufacturers search to higher perceive why some golf equipment work higher for golfers than others, AI will completely be part of that. And whereas Sportsbox isn’t a family identify, it has established itself as a pacesetter in AI and appears to be positioned for a breakthrough.
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Golf Firm of the 12 months: Titleist/Acushnet
With regards to selecting a Golf Firm of the 12 months, Titleist/Acushnet checks all of the bins.
Stable to excellent performers in each membership class? Verify. Stable to excellent performers within the ball class? Verify. Stable to excellent performers in glove, shoe and attire classes? Verify once more.
Moreover, Titleist/Acushnet is as sound financially because it will get in golf. Gross sales progress is regular. Profitgrowth is regular. Even when a enterprise unit underperforms, it responds rapidly and … steadily. Even itsacquisitions – the latest being Membership Glove – are regular. It is a firm that makes cash andmoves ahead.
All of the manufacturers below the Acushnet umbrella – Titleist, FootJoy, Vokey, Scotty, KJUS and the remaining – are atthe high of their video games. And only for enjoyable, when you have been to take Topgolf out of Callaway’s equation, the twocompanies can be battling neck and neck for the title of golf’s high canine.
In our e-book, for this yr anyway, that top-dog title goes to Titleist.
Driver: COBRA AEROJET LS
Essentially the most hotly contested of our Editor’s Selection awards, after a lot debate, we landed on the COBRA AEROJET LS. It completed second general on this yr’s Most Needed take a look at whereas main the pack in distance. We’ll concede the identify is just a little humorous, however the AEROJET LS delivers collection efficiency, particularly for golfers with the velocity to profit from the aerodynamic shaping.
Sound and really feel are considerably improved over the earlier mannequin, and we’d notice that as mainstream drivers have crept to (after which rapidly blown previous the $600 mark), at simply $549, your complete COBRA AEROJET household gives a little bit of worth.
Fairway Wooden: Callaway Paradym
We’re just a little forward of our Most Needed fairway wooden take a look at however we will let you know that Callaway’s Paradym fairway woods – notably the Paradym X – are proving extraordinarily standard with our testers.
It goes with out saying that Paradym Fairway Woods are confirmed winners on Tour and never simply with Callaway staffers. Whereas that tells us lots, the fitters we’ve spoken with inform us that, with three fashions at their disposal, Paradym is the one to beat this season, and it’s successful a complete lot most of the time.
Hybrid: PING G430 Hybrid
It isn’t usually that we’ve a dominating efficiency in Most Needed Testing. Nevertheless, the PING G430 hybrid dominates. It’s the greatest hybrid for accuracy. Moreover, it ranks second general for forgiveness and distance. Sure, you learn that accurately: the G430 Hybrid is correct, forgiving and lengthy. Excelling in all three of our scoring classes makes it an absolute no brainer. Go strive it out.
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Utility/Driving Iron: PING iCrossover
Utility irons, driving irons … whichever time period you need to use, they aren’t for everybody. And but, we’ve a transparent winner: PING iCrossover. In the event you can’t hit a hybrid and wish to fill a distance hole in your golf bag, try the PING iCrossover. It’s a phenomenal golf membership. The PING iCrossover destroys the sector by being the perfect for distance and accuracy. It narrowly misses out as being the perfect for forgiveness as effectively.
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Participant’s Irons: Mizuno JPX 923 Tour Irons
Mizuno all the time impresses within the participant’s iron class. This yr, Mizuno JPX 923 Tour irons are the perfect participant’s iron. There are two key efficiency traits expert golfers need: accuracy and consistency. Mizuno JPX 923 Tour irons are the perfect for accuracy and forgiveness (which is how we measure consistency). If you’re a high-level, aggressive golfer, Mizuno JPX 923 Tour irons have to be in your demoing record.
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Participant’s Distance Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons
One of the best participant’s distance irons for 2023 are Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons. All through Most Needed testing, it was obvious that ZX5 Mk II irons have been contenders. Finally, they’re the perfect for accuracy in a aggressive iron class. Moreover, they provide distinctive forgiveness and distance. A mess of golfers can recreation participant’s distance irons. If you’d like new irons, it is advisable to demo Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons.
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Sport-Enchancment Irons: TaylorMade Stealth Irons
TaylorMade Stealth Irons dwell as much as excessive expectations. Since their launch, they’ve carried out exceptionally effectively in Most Needed Testing. The TaylorMade Stealth irons are the perfect game-improvement irons in back-to-back years: 2022 and 2023. For 2023, the Stealth irons are the perfect for forgiveness, scoring 98/100. Not solely are they forgiving however they provide excellent accuracy with a rating of 89.5. The one knock towards Stealth irons is their distance rating relative to the sector however don’t let that deter you. If you’re a mid to excessive handicap golfer, TaylorMade Stealth irons are a must-try.
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Tremendous Sport-Enchancment Irons: Mizuno JPX 923 Scorching Metallic HL Irons
It’s no shock that Mizuno JPX 923 Scorching Metallic HL irons declare the title of greatest tremendous game-improvement irons 2023. They rank as the perfect tremendous game-improvement iron for forgiveness and accuracy. These two efficiency traits are pivotal for tremendous game-improvement irons and Mizuno JPX 923 Scorching Metallic HL irons obtain this. The Mizuno JPX 923 Scorching Metallic HL irons can profit a plethora of golfers, particularly those that need to maximize accuracy and forgiveness.
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Wedges: Vokey SM9
Whereas the SM9, like different Vokey wedges, seldom disappoints, what gained us over is Vokey’s dedication to constructing a whole wedge ecosystem.
Whereas it’s most likely truthful to say its wedge-fitting app hasn’t caught fireplace, we applaud the trouble to make wedge becoming obtainable to the lots. We additionally love that Vokey lastly introduced the T-Grind mainstream whereas persevering with to leverage its WedgeWorks platform as not solely a car to launch actually cool stuff but additionally as a way to make area of interest grinds obtainable to the gamers who want (or need) them.
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Blade Putter: L.A.B. Hyperlink.1
The Hyperlink.1, L.A.B. Golf’s tackle the enduring Anser design made fairly the splash this yr. One way or the other, the design wizards at L.A.B. Golf have been in a position to instill their Lie Angle Steadiness and nil torque expertise into a really conventional wanting blade. Certain, it has some further weights right here and there and a novel hosel, nevertheless it positively retains that traditional heel/toe weighted look.
Like different L.A.B. putters, the Hyperlink.1 discovered its method into Tour baggage this season. Essentially the most notable consumer was Charles Howell III who rolled his Hyperlink.1 to a LIV Tour victory at Mayakoba in February. He simply couldn’t miss along with his Hyperlink!
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Mallet Putter: Odyssey Jailbird
The 2023 putter story of the yr needs to be the Odyssey Versa Jailbird resurgence. I’m unsure it needs to be thought-about the putter of the yr because it was really made a couple of decade in the past. Nonetheless, no different putter gave the yippers hope this yr just like the Versa Jailbird.
The story is wild. First, a well-liked golfer not on Odyssey’s workers grabs a putter from 2014. Subsequent, the participant modifies it to a counterbalanced design and begins climbing leaderboards for the primary time in years. Subsequent, have that participant’s buddy copy him and use the putter to win the U.S. Open.
Watch golfers go Jailbird loopy. See Jailbird costs rise by 1,000 % on eBay. Odyssey releases a contemporary model that sells out instantly. What a narrative!
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Golf Ball: Titleist Professional V1x
Whereas not a groundbreaking yr for golf ball expertise, Titleist made its Professional V1x just a little bit higher (or at the least just a little bit longer) by taking a little bit of spin out of the lengthy recreation with out sacrificing spin across the inexperienced.
Whereas that’s lots good by itself, what makes the 2023 Titleist Professional V1x notable is that it’s presently the one ball from a serious producer to function a real dual-core design.
With extra eyes targeted on the within of the ball than ever, rivals have leaned into the easier-to-make twin mantle. Titleist, nonetheless, stays dedicated to twin core and the improved spin efficiency it gives.
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Golf Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Professional White
For the higher a part of the final 5 years, the premium shaft class has belonged to 1 identify. To make sure, Fujikura’s Ventus stays a powerhouse however Mitsubishi is making some noise with its Tensei 1K Professional White.
Mitsubishi’s lineup is large and generally excellent merchandise get misplaced within the crowd however the early returns counsel the 1K White is a standout that has momentum with each high-end customized fitters and on Tour.
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Rangefinder: Bushnell
The unquestioned king of rangefinders simply retains getting higher. Bushnell’s 2023 lineup of rangefinders was flat-out superior. Between the award-winning Professional X3 and the V6 Shift collection of rangefinders, Bushnell has cemented itself as the perfect of the perfect. Their continued dominance within the rangefinder area is not any shock.
Numbers matter and no one does numbers higher than Bushnell. Anybody who’s seemed by a Bushnell rangefinder may absolutely see the Editors’ Selection Award not too far off within the distance.
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Glove: PXG Gamers
No one makes golf gloves the way in which PXG does. Interval. The PXG Gamers glove has dominated the class for a number of years now. What makes a dominant golf glove? Strive ultra-soft really feel, nice grip and a one-to-one match.
Verify, test, test. The PXG Gamers glove checks all the bins that make an ideal golf glove and, in flip, they’ve checked the field for an Editors’ Selection Award.
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Spikeless Shoe: adidas Ultraboost Golf
It’s not usually {that a} spikeless shoe excites your complete workplace. However after we heard adidas was bringing out the Ultraboost Golf, we knew we needed to give it a strive. This trendy golf shoe might not objectively be a high performer however the extraordinarily snug BOOST midsole cements the Ultraboost Golf’s spot in our Editors’ Selection Awards.
The unique Ultraboost shoe is amongst our favourite informal footwear. It’s about dang time that adidas turned it right into a golf shoe. The one situation? We’re working out of trunk area.
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Spiked Sneakers: adidas ZG23
Sensing a theme right here? adidas has had one heck of a yr in terms of golf footwear. The Model with Three Stripes continues to innovate and iterate upon its profitable golf shoe lineup and it’s working. Enter the brand-new adidas ZG23. Whether or not you’re lacing up the usual model or choosing the Tony Covey-recommended BOA variant, the ZG23 is an all-around beast.
And for Dave Wolfe’s chubby-footed associates, you’ll discover nice consolation within the match and width of the adidas ZG23. A golf shoe made for everybody? We name {that a} winner.
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DTC Firm of the 12 months: Takomo Golf
Within the more and more crowded direct-to-consumer market, Finland’s Takomo Golf established itself as a severe participant seemingly in a single day. Its iron lineup, which incorporates single-piece forgings and extra advanced hollow-body designs, was a surprisingly robust performer in our Most Needed testing.
Maybe extra interesting nonetheless, full-set pricing begins at lower than $500. That’s all however extraordinary for a completely solid design.
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Comeback Firm of the 12 months: Adams Golf
This was an admittedly straightforward choice given the one-time recognition of the Adams model. Whereas not precisely the identical firm it was at its peak, the revitalized Adams Golf launched with a full membership lineup (extra on the way in which) and an informal, enjoyable vibe that seeks to enchantment to the brand new technology of golfers.
It’s too quickly to say if the corporate has any actual endurance however, if nothing else, it proves that an organization could be enjoyable with out compromising efficiency.
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Greatest Development: Golf Ball Patterns and Customization
Adorning your balls has by no means been simpler.
Golf ball patterns and golf ball customization is maybe the most well liked development in golf and it’s straightforward to see why. Between what Callaway is doing with TruVis and TaylorMade’s new customization program, it’s by no means been extra enjoyable to purchase golf balls. Stripes, emojis, animals, you identify it. Ditch the plain white ball and go along with one thing just a little extra enjoyable … that’s what the sport is about, in any case
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Golf Ball Sample: Callaway Fade
Yeah, this award is just a little outdoors the field however we need to encourage manufacturers which can be all-in on the concept that a golf ball could be greater than white (or yellow).
Callaway’s Fade sample seemingly flew below the radar (in an already under-the-radar class). It doesn’t have practically the excitement of Triple Observe or Truvis however, for our cash, it’s the corporate’s most purposeful sample up to now.
It seems cool, and when you’re scuffling with a putter, the alignment options are pure magic. We’d like to see the sample discover its technique to a premium ball.
Greatest Collab: PUMA Golf x PUMA Hoops
There are solely two phrases wanted to explain the PUMA Golf x PUMA Hoops collab: slam dunk. Essentially the most thrilling play in each golf and basketball offers a becoming depiction of simply how cool this collaboration is.
The stylish, trendy attire and accent collaboration made its debut on the Rocket Mortgage Basic and rapidly discovered its method into our hearts (and closets) right here at MyGolfSpy.
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Coaching Support: The Stack
It’s changing into a well-recognized decide however you’d be hard-pressed to discover a coaching support with extra documented success tales than The Stack. I suppose being a product of the digital age helps with that.
The Stack works for gradual gamers, quick gamers and anybody in-between. It’s additionally enjoyable (and nearly like train).
Over the past yr, the Stack has added new velocity packages and diversified to incorporate a brand new placing module.
When you think about what golfers are prepared to spend on a brand new driver in the hunt for a extra distance, how will you not be excited a couple of product that continues to ship simply that?
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Greatest Attire (Males’s): Rhoback
It’s secure to say that our workers can’t get sufficient of Rhoback’s golf attire. If there ever was an attire model that makes us swoon like Gollum over the One Ring, it’s Rhoback’s buttery-soft hoodies and quarter zips.
The whole lineup of Rhoback attire is well-designed, thought-out and performs with the perfect of the perfect. From the primary put on, it was clear to us that Rhoback deserves an Editors Selection Award.
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