A statue honouring Spanish golf icon Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros has been removed from its location in his hometown of Pedreña, prompting a police investigation and drawing condemnation from his family and local residents.

The life-size bronze sculpture, which had stood in the coastal village since 2017, was discovered missing earlier this week.

Authorities believe the statue was deliberately removed rather than damaged, and Spain’s Guardia Civil is investigating the incident as a suspected theft. No arrests have been made and the statue has not yet been recovered.

DETAILED PLANNING

The sculpture depicted Ballesteros celebrating one of his most iconic victories and had become a landmark in Pedreña, where the five-time major champion was born. Due to its size and weight, investigators believe the removal would have required planning and equipment.

In a public statement, Ballesteros’s nephew, Iván Ballesteros, condemned the act, describing it as “cowardly” and an attack on shared memory rather than on an individual.

“The removal of Seve Ballesteros’s sculpture from his hometown is not a simple act of vandalism,” he said. “It is an act of cowardice, targeting someone who is no longer here to defend himself, and forcibly removing a place of remembrance that belonged to everyone.”

Iván Ballesteros noted that the statue’s placement had been suggested by Seve Ballesteros himself to a family member who later served as mayor, and that the tribute was inaugurated after the golfer’s death as a gesture from the town rather than a political or personal statement.

“Seve was always deeply rooted in Pedreña,” he said. “He carried the name of his hometown around the world with pride and never forgot where he came from.”

LOCAL ANGER

Local officials confirmed that the statue’s removal had not been authorised. Residents expressed shock and anger at its disappearance, calling it an offence to the town and to Ballesteros’s legacy.

Severiano Ballesteros, who died in 2011 at the age of 54 after battling brain cancer, is regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history. He won five major championships and played a central role in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup, becoming a national sporting icon in Spain.

Authorities have appealed to the public for information, asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the site to come forward.

Iván Ballesteros called for the statue to be recovered and returned, saying the issue goes beyond nostalgia.

“Respect for those who came before us says a great deal about the kind of society we choose to be,” he said.

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Increased 3D Stability Enables Enhanced Accuracy

Hi-Res Images: LINK

Carlsbad, Calif. – COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, today introduced its new family of OPTM metalwoods. Features of the new OPTM family include POI (Product of Inertia) Shaping, Adaptive POI Weighting, H.O.T. Face and FUTUREFIT33. The four models available are OPTM LS, OPTM X, OPTM MAX-K and OPTM MAX-D.

The groundbreaking new low POI design of each OPTM driver, which is delivered via both improved shaping and adaptive weighting, works with Cobra’s other metalwood technologies to reduce shot dispersion by up to 23 percent. Unlike MOI (moment of inertia), which is a measure of how resistant a clubhead is to twisting on off-center hits on the vertical and horizontal axes, POI measures how a clubhead rotates diagonally across all axes at once. For that reason, a high MOI is desired to correct off-center hits while a low POI is desired to deliver more accurate shots that don’t create as much gear effect. The result is tighter dispersion down range.

“MOI is still important, but POI is the next frontier in terms of overall accuracy,” said Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections at Cobra Puma Golf. “In design, we want to increase MOI (stability) while also reducing POI (3D twisting). POI finetunes forgiveness into directional consistency as it allows the clubhead to rotate more naturally with your swing. If you’re playing a 10k driver but wonder why hits on the high toe, for example, are still producing noticeably wild results, it’s probable your driver has a high POI design, which is a common fault of many current high MOI models.”

Each driver in the OPTM family features unique AI-Optimized POI Shaping to increase rotational stability as well as AI Optimized Adaptive POI Weighting for enhanced CG placement. Clubhead shapes are more rounded to place the CG more in the center of the clubhead, while AI-optimized external weights are placed in new locations with the goal of producing the lowest POI possible. The LS driver, which features a Tour profile and tends to work best for faster swingers, features weight ports in the high toe, mid heel and back, with 11g, 7g, and 3g moveable weights, while the X model features a Tour preferred profile and weight ports in the mid-high toe and back with 11g and 3g moveable weights. The Max-K, the most forgiving of the four models with the highest MOI, features an oversize profile for maximum forgiveness and a fixed 11g rear weight. The Max-D, which is aimed at players who desire slice correction, features a lightweight design, built-in draw bias, and oversized profile with a fixed 11g weight in the heel area of the clubhead.

“A poll of golfers asking what would inspire them to buy a new driver indicates the top three reasons are distance, accuracy and forgiveness,” said Miraflor. “Cobra is traditionally known for distance and in 2025, our Max-K driver delivered exceptional forgiveness. In 2026, we are delivering our longest, most accurate drivers ever.”  

The new OPTM metalwood family also features COBRA’s patented FUTUREFIT33 ADJUSTABLE HOSEL SYSTEM, which is the most significant and innovative metalwood fitting technology to date. The system allows for 33 unique loft and lie settings that can be adjusted independently, unlocking an unprecedented number of fitting options. All 33 settings can be accessed quickly and easily on the spot, allowing fitters and golfers the opportunity to make desired adjustments in a studio, at home or on the range.

All four new OPTM drivers also feature a multi-material construction with lightweight gloss carbon crown and lightweight titanium frame. A forged face insert with H.O.T. Face Technology with 15 hot spots across the clubface delivers a higher CT across the face for more robust distance and ball speeds.  

The men’s OPTM family of drivers ($599 each) are available in the following specifications:

OPTM LS Driver Specifications:

The OPTM LS comes in RH/LH (*LH available in MCA Kai’li White 60 (S) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of three premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes including: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S); MCA Kai’li Blue 60 (R and S), and True Temper Project X Denali Black Frost (S and X). Lamkin® SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard. 

OPTM X Driver Specifications:

The OPTM X Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock MCA Kai’li Blue 60, (R and S), with all other shafts custom) with a choice of five premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes including: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S and X); MCA Kai’li Blue 60 (R and S); MCA Kai’li Red 50 (R and A); True Temper Denali Black Frost 60 (S); True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60 (R). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard. 

OPTM MAX-K Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-K Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60, (R and S) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of four premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S); True Temper Denali Blue 60 (R, S, X); MCA Kai’li Red 50 (R and A); True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60 (S and R). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard.    

OPTM MAX-D Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-D Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock Denali Red 50 (R) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of two premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes: MCA Kai’li Red 50 (A, R, S); MCA Vanquish 40 (R and A). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard.

The OPTM MAX-K and MAX-D Drivers are also available in a women’s edition ($599), featuring a black gloss crown and sole with gloss silver and mint green accents.  

OPTM MAX-K Women’s Driver Specifications:

OPTM MAX-D Women’s Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-K and MAX-D Women’s Drivers come in right hand and left hand (the MAX-D left hand is available in custom only) with an aftermarket MCA Vanquish 40 (43g) shaft in Ladies flex. An undersize Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grip (45g) comes standard.

OPTM Fairways and Hybrids

Complementing the impressive line of OPTM drivers is a full lineup of fairway metals featuring the same innovative technologies, including ADAPTIVE POI WEIGHTING, FUTUREFIT33, and H.O.T. FACE. The new OPTM fairway metals are available in three models (LS, X, and MAX) to fit the full spectrum of golfers. Details of the three new models:

OPTM LS Titanium Fairway ($469) – The LS is designed to provide a combination of maximum ball speed and accuracy with the deepest face and lowest spin rates of the three OPTM models. 3g, 11g, and 14g moveable weights in the rear, heel, and toe areas allow for optimized POI and customized performance while a low and forward CG location yields the fastest speed in the OPTM fairway family. Other features include FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning and variable thickness H.O.T. Face Technology for improved launch and faster ball speeds on off-center strikes. The LS comes in 3W (14.5 ^o), 3 HF (16 ^o) and 5W (17.5 ^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li White 60 (X and S) shaft.  

OPTM X Fairway ($369) – The OPTM X provides the most balanced combination of fast speed and forgiveness of the three fairway models. The X model features a mid-CG location and medium face height with 3g and 17g moveable weights in the rear and toe areas of the clubhead. Other features include FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning and variable thickness H.O.T. Face Technology for improved launch and faster ball speeds on off-center strikes. The X model comes in 3W (15.0 ^o), 3HF (16.5 ^o), 5W (18 ^o), 7W (21 ^o), and 9W (24 ^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li Blue 60 (X, S and R).

OPTM MAX Fairway ($329) – The MAX is designed to provide the most forgiveness with draw bias in the OPTM fairway line with a back and heel biased CG and the shallowest face of the three models. Weight ports in the rear and heel positions with 14g and 3g moveable weights allow for customized performance. The MAX fairway is available in 3W (15.5 ^o), 5W (18.5 ^o), 7W (21.5 ^o), and 9W (24.5^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li Red 50 (S, R and A) shaft.  

The OPTM MAX is also available in a women’s model in 3W (18.5^o), 5W (21.5^o), and 7W (24.5 ^o) with Mitsubishi Vanquish shaft in Ladies flex.  

New OPTM hybrids ($329 each) fill out COBRA’s collection of new metalwood offerings and feature updated shaping that includes a slightly larger address profile and shallower face height for easier launch and optimized trajectory. ADAPTIVE WEIGHTING for improved CG placement and H.O.T. FACE Technology for added speed make the OPTM hybrids faster and easier to launch than previous models. Like all clubs in the OPTM family, FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning, is also standard. The OPTM Hybrids are available in 3H (19 ^o), 4H (21 ^o), 5H (24 ^o), and 6H (28 ^o) with KBS PG HYBRID graphite shafts in 85 (S), 75 (R), and 65 (A) flexes. OPTM Women’s Hybrid is also available in 4H (21 ^o), 5H (24 ^o), 6H (28 ^o), and 7H (31 ^o) with KBS PG Hybrid 55 (L) flex graphite shafts.

All COBRA OPTM products will be available for fitting and pre-sale on January 13, 2026, and will be available at retail and online on January 20, 2026. For more information, visit www.cobragolf.com.

Media Contacts:

Emily Scott, JDPR, emilys@jdpr.com

About COBRA PUMA GOLF

COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company, promoting game enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles. The brand’s full-range portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high-performance drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, putters, and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport lifestyle inspired footwear, apparel and accessories. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. For more information, visit cobragolf.com and cobragolf.com/pumagolf.      

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TaylorMade has unveiled its new Qi4D driver range, introducing four models designed to deliver increased speed, improved consistency and greater fitting options for golfers of all abilities.

The Qi4D family consists of the Qi4D, Qi4D LS, Qi4D Max and Qi4D Max Lite, with TaylorMade describing the range as its fastest and most fittable driver lineup to date.

All four models will be available for pre-order now, with retail availability from January 29, priced at £549. Launch Monitor Enabled (LME) versions will also be offered at £579.

According to TaylorMade, modern driver performance is increasingly defined by speed and personalisation, and the Qi4D range has been engineered to deliver both.

“Golfers are looking for a driver that’s fit for them and gives them speed off the tee,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Vice President of Product Creation. “From aerodynamic head shapes to improved face design and the use of lighter materials, we’ve created our fastest family of drivers.”

Carbon face technology at the core

At the heart of the Qi4D range is a new carbon face design, which TaylorMade says produces faster ball speeds than traditional titanium faces while also improving durability.

A reengineered roll radius across the face is designed to deliver more consistent spin and distance on shots struck both high and low on the face.

The drivers also feature an updated Speed Pocket, developed using Finite Element Analysis, to improve face flexibility and ball speed on common impact locations low on the face.

TaylorMade’s proven 60x Carbon Twist Face technology remains, helping reduce dispersion on off-centre strikes.

Aerodynamics and fitting

Each Qi4D head shape has been refined through hundreds of simulations to balance aerodynamic efficiency with forgiveness and stability.

TaylorMade says the improved shaping allows golfers to swing faster while maintaining confidence at address.

A major focus of the range is fitting. Drawing on data from more than 11 million driver shots, TaylorMade has developed its new REAX shaft lineup, designed to suit golfers based on their swing rotation rate — high, mid or low.

Golfers can now determine their rotation rate using a simple face-on video of their swing, helping fitters recommend the most suitable REAX shaft.

The system aims to simplify the fitting process and make customisation more accessible to everyday golfers.

Matthew Simone, Director of Product Category, Custom, said: “With Qi4D, we’ve brought custom fitting to our stock shafts.

Our driver fitting process is now more precise and efficient than ever.”

Model overview

• Qi4D: The most adjustable head in the range, featuring four moveable weights that allow golfers to fine-tune launch, spin, forgiveness and shot shape. Available in lofts from 8° to 12°.

• Qi4D LS: The lowest-spinning and fastest model, designed for players seeking maximum speed and workability. Two moveable weights allow precise control of flight and spin.

• Qi4D Max: A high-MOI driver built for forgiveness and stability, using an aircraft-grade aluminium collar to save weight while maintaining adjustability.

• Qi4D Max Lite: An ultra-light option aimed at golfers looking to increase clubhead speed, featuring lighter components throughout and a distinctive two-tone head design.

All models feature a 4° loft sleeve for additional adjustability and are available with a range of REAX shaft options.

Early tour adoption

Qi4D drivers have already made an impact on the professional tours. World number one Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood all put the Qi4D into play towards the end of 2025, while Nelly Korda, Charley Hull and Brooke Henderson also adopted the new drivers.

On the DP World Tour, Jayden Schaper secured back-to-back victories at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open using the Qi4D LS.

TaylorMade expects the Qi4D range to see widespread use across both men’s and women’s tours as the 2026 season gets underway.

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