gear – Golfing Networks

A simple gear change helped Nelly Korda win a U.S. Women’s Open

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:48:19 +0000

Nelly Korda put fresh wedges in play at Riviera, a reminder that worn grooves can quietly cost everyday golfers spin and control.

Nelly Korda’s winning setup at the U.S. Women’s Open was full of equipment most golfers would expect from the best player in the women’s game.

There was a TaylorMade Qi4D driver, a TP5x golf ball, a Stealth 2 7-wood, P·7CB cavity-back irons and a prototype blade putter. In other words, gear that can make everyday golfers drool and lean closer to the screen, even if that exact setup might not be ideal for the average player trying to take on Riviera Country Club, which ranks 17th on Golfweek’s Best Classic Courses.

That’s the effect “winner’s bags” can have. A great player wins a huge tournament, the equipment list gets posted, and golfers start looking for magic.

However, the most useful gear lesson from Korda’s U.S. Women’s Open victory at Riviera may not be that she plays a Qi4D driver, TaylorMade’s TP5x ball or a prototype blade putter. It might be that before one of the biggest tournaments of the year, she paid attention to something many recreational golfers ignore until it is too late: Nelly put fresh wedges in the bag.

According to TaylorMade, Korda added fresh MG5 wedges for Riviera, specifically a 50-degree SB and a 54-degree HB, to get fresh grooves for firm turf conditions at the U.S. Women’s Open. That may sound small compared with a driver switch or a new putter, but around Riviera, where firm greens, tight lies and recovery shots can expose inconsistencies, it matters.

Most amateurs understand that grips wear out, balls get scuffed and driver faces can crack.

Wedge grooves are different. They wear down gradually, almost invisibly, until one day the ball that used to check near the hole starts releasing like it has a dinner reservation somewhere behind the green.

Fresh grooves are not about making a wedge “better” in some mysterious, Tour-only way. They restore consistency. When grooves are sharp and clean, especially on partial shots, bunker shots and pitches from grass, they help the face manage moisture, debris and friction. That can create more predictable spin and launch.

As grooves wear, you won’t lose control immediately. Instead, you may notice that one shot checks and the next one hops and runs. Suddenly, what felt like a technique problem might be an equipment maintenance problem.

For Korda, the move was tied to Riviera’s firm turf. On softer courses, players can use trajectory and landing angle to help stop the ball. On firm courses, especially major championship setups, spin control becomes more valuable because the margin for error shrinks. Otherwise, a good shot can become a 25-footer.

Korda’s week was not won only with wedges. She drove the ball beautifully, hit controlled iron shots and leaned on the all-around game that has made her the dominant player in women’s golf.

But the wedge detail is important because it shows how elite players think about equipment. They are not just asking, “What is the newest club?” They are asking, “What does this course demand?”

You probably do not need Korda’s exact driver specs, her prototype putter or to organize your golf life around what a major champion uses, unless you also have a world-class swing, elite speed control and a short game that travels under U.S. Open pressure.

But you probably need to look at your wedges because most avid players use them for too long.

If you play a lot, practice from bunkers, hit range balls with your wedges or use the same 54-degree or 56-degree club for everything inside 100 yards, the grooves may be more worn than you think.

That does not mean you need to replace your wedges every few months like a Tour player. Tour pros hit more shots, practice more often and compete on firmer, faster surfaces where tiny differences are magnified. But recreational golfers often go too far in the other direction, keeping wedges in the bag for years while expecting them to perform like they did when they were new.

For you, the better question is whether your wedge shots still behave the way you expect. Do half-wedges launch higher and spin less than they used to? Do chips release more than they did a season ago? Do bunker shots feel like they are sliding up the face?

Maybe it is technique, but maybe your wedge grooves are dulling.

Scoring clubs are precision tools, and precision tools wear.

Golfers love to talk about gaining 10 yards with a driver. Distance is fun. Drivers are cool, but nobody walks into a golf shop and says, “I would like to spend money on spin consistency from 47 yards,” unless they are either very serious or their short game is in bad shape.

Before Riviera asked her to control trajectory, spin and distance under major championship pressure, Nelly Korda made sure two of her most important scoring clubs were fresh.

A fresh wedge won’t make you as good as Nelly Korda, but it might make your next pitch behave more like the shot you thought you hit.

David Dusek is a senior writer for Golfweek, covering equipment and technology.

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Callaway USA 250 collection adds patriotic style to familiar gear

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:55:02 +0000

Callaway’s USA 250 Collection gives drivers, wedges, putters and balls a patriotic look to celebrate America’s milestone birthday.

Back when Jerry Pate won the 1976 U.S. Open at the Atlanta Athletic Club, no one thought about how golf equipment provides a great canvas for storytelling. Whether it’s the sole of a driver, the back of a wedge or a headcover, there are lots of places where players and brands can express some style and personality, but with the USA 250 Collection, Callaway is leaning into one of the biggest themes of 2026.

Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the limited-edition lineup of clubs and balls takes Tour-proven gear and dresses it up in American stars, stripes, eagles and words.

The drivers, built on the Quantum platform, are the same heads you’ll find in the standard lineup. The same thing goes for the Opus SP wedges, Odyssey putters, and the Chrome Tour and Supersoft balls. What changes is what you see when you set the club down behind the ball.

On the drivers, an eagle graphic and red, white and blue accents give the crown and sole a different personality. The wedges feature color laser etching, adding detail without altering feel or turf interaction. The putters, particularly the “Free Bird” versions, lean into the theme with bold alignment visuals and Americana-inspired finishes. And the golf balls carry modern flag-inspired graphics that are equal parts functional and decorative.

From a performance standpoint, nothing about this collection is going to add 5 yards or fix a slice. But that’s not really the point.

Golfers have always customized their bags in small ways, whether it’s a favorite headcover, a meaningful ball marker or a colorway that just feels right. This collection taps into that instinct while bringing patriotism to the course. And for a lot of golfers, that’s more than enough reason to take a closer look.

Available May 1, the USA 250 collection includes drivers ($649.99–$699.99), Opus SP wedges ($219.99), Odyssey putters ($379.99–$429.99) and golf balls ($27.99–$59.99).

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Cleveland, Srixon and SWAG go all in with High Roller gear

admin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:23:26 +0000

Cleveland, Srixon and SWAG add casino style to proven wedges and balls with a limited High Roller release that’s all about personality.

There are plenty of ways to chase better golf. New driver, new swing thought, maybe even a new putting grip you swear is “the one” this time.

And then there’s this.

Cleveland Golf, Srixon and SWAG are back with another limited-edition collaboration, the “High Roller” collection, and it feels like it was pulled straight out of central casting for “Ocean’s 11.” The Frank Sinatra version, please. Red felt. Face cards. A little swagger. You can almost hear Sammy Davis crooning in the background and Don Rickles busting someone chops in the front row at The Sahara as you pull a wedge from the bag.

Here’s the thing, though: nothing here is actually new. The wedges are Cleveland’s RTZ Black Satin models. The golf balls are Srixon’s Z-STAR Diamond. If you’ve played them before, you already know the story, and it’s a good one.

The RTZ wedges are designed to create extra control, feel and spin around the greens. The Z-Star Diamond blends distance off the tee with a soft urethane cover to provide Tour-level performance.

In other words, the gear is already proven, so the house knows exactly what it’s dealing. What’s changed is everything you see.

Each wedge is tied to a playing card, from Jack (50, 52 degrees) to Queen (54 degrees) to King (56 degrees) to Ace (58 degrees), with a Joker (60 degrees) added in the mix. The designs are unmistakably SWAG. Bold, a little irreverent and about as far from standard “Tour-issue” as you can get. These aren’t clubs that blend in quietly. They walk into the room like they own the joint.

The golf balls follow suit with diamond-themed graphics that tie everything together. Same three-piece, Z-STAR Diamond construction, just dressed for a night on the Strip.

And honestly, that’s the play here, because golf has always had a little bit of Vegas in it. You try a carry over water you probably shouldn’t. You convince yourself a flop shot is absolutely the right call. You stand on the first tee box and say to the other guys in your foursome, “Let’s make this interesting.”

This collection oozes that mindset.

It’s not about unlocking new performance. The High Roller Collection is about how the gear makes you feel. And if pulling an Ace-inspired wedge gives you a jolt of extra confidence when you’re hitting to a tucked pin, that’s not nothing. Confidence in golf can be like a hot streak at the table. When it shows up, you ride it.

There’s also a bigger shift happening in equipment right now.

For years, everything looked clean, simple, almost uniform. That still matters, but plenty of golfers want something with personality. Something that says a little bit about who they are before they even hit a shot. That’s where SWAG has built its identity, and collaborations like this show the larger brands are willing to play along.

The key is they didn’t mess with the fundamentals. The RTZ wedges still deliver performance. The Z-STAR Diamond is an elite ball. You’re not giving anything up, you’re just changing the vibe.

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Gear up for golf season with deals on tech, apparel, golf balls

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:34:07 +0000

Spring time is the best time to reignite your love for golf, regardless if you’re a seasoned player or you’re just beginning to dip your toes into the sport.

With the Masters coming up in April, refreshing your golf gear and equipment is a must. Many retailers are in the midst of slashing prices on top items like rangefinders, golf clubs and other accessories.

Regardless of your skill level, you’re sure to find something that peaks your interest. Before you head out for your next tee time, shop below and treat yourself to some of the top deals in golf right now!

Golf technology on sale

Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder

Along with slope technology, this rangefinder includes an improved PinSeeker with Visual JOLT for accuracy.

Save $70 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Garmin Approach R10 Portable Launch Monitor

See your stats and track various intervals like ball speed, direction, spin and more.

33% off at PGA Tour Superstore

Golf apparel on sale

Moisture Wicking Men’s Golf Polo Shirt

Stay cool on the course with a fresh polo shirt that’s made from polyester spandex.

17% off at Amazon

FootJoy Traditions Previous Season Style Golf Shoe

Durable golf shoes that feature a foam midsole for lasting comfort on the course.

Save 34% at Amazon

Rhoback Men’s Looper Delta Short

Shorts that keep its shape while wicking away sweat while also coming with a stretch waistband for flexibility.

20% off at Rhoback

Golf accessories on sale

Titleist 2026 Pro V1x Left Dash AIM Enhanced Golf Balls

Enjoy high flight and low spin with the Pro V1x golf balls. Four dozen are included.

$58 off at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Two Layer Golf Trunk Organizer

Store all your golf essentials with this trunk organizer. Stores two pairs of shoes and compartments for everything you need. Available in 11 different colors.

24% off at Amazon

Dual Speed 10′ Putting Mat

Golf club sets on sale

Top Flite 2024 XL 13-Piece Complete Set

Cobra 2025 XL 16-Piece Stand Bag Complete Set

Best places to shop spring golf deals

With spring ringing in the start of peak golf season, countless retailers are dropping prices on golf gear, including the likes of Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstore and Rhoback among others.

Whether you’re looking for new clubs or a refresh of your on-course wear, you’re sure to find what you need at one of those storefronts this spring.

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Masters golf gear to bring Augusta home

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:54:04 +0000

From azalea headcovers to pimento polos, here’s how to bring Masters style to your bag if you’re watching from home

Our year-long period of mourning is nearly complete. The azaleas are in bloom in Georgia, as are the dogwoods. The West Coast Swing is a memory, and the Florida Swing is complete. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Masters.

If you have a badge and are among the fortunate few who will be making the pilgrimage to Augusta National Golf Club for the season’s first major championship, we’re envious. Enjoy the pimento cheese and bring an empty bag to carry all the T-shirts, quarter-zips, polos and gear you’ll be buying at the merchandise pavilion.

If you didn’t hit the lottery and will be watching the 2026 Masters from home, you can still get in the spirit of the tournament by picking up some of these items. True, they’re not official Masters Tournament gear, but everyone in your foursome will know Georgia is on your mind.

Smathers & Branson Azalea Pattern Putter Headcover, $125

Made from 100 percent hand-stitched needlepoint and trimmed with Italian leather, this Velcro-closing putter cover is not guaranteed to stop you from 3-putting, but it adds a splash of springtime color to any bag.

Johnnie-O Performance Jersey Polo – Pimento, $105

From a distance, your playing partners will see a four-way stretch, moisture-wicking polo with SPF 50 sun protection, but a closer look reveals the pattern is made up of hundreds of our favorite Masters munchies: pimento cheese sandwiches.

Shop Johnnie-O Pimento polo

Callaway Major Series Chrome Tour “April Major” balls, $59.99 per dozen

From a performance standpoint, these balls are identical to the standard four-piece, urethane-covered Chrome Tour balls that were updated in January, but each is numbered “90” to commemorate the 90th playing of the season’s first major and is adorned with a 360-degree pink-and-white flower pattern.

Shop Callaway April Major golf balls

Puma Suede G 30904 spikeless golf shoes, $130

The cream-colored suede accented by a green Puma logo might have given it away, but that name is one of those #IYKYK things because 30904 is the ZIP code for Augusta, Georgia. The green pyramids on the sole provide traction, and the green peach on the tongue that says, “Georgia on my Mind,” is a sweet detail.

Shop Puma Suede G30904 golf shoes

Whoop SuperKnit Band “Azalea,” $49 each

Did you notice the pink band on Rory McIlroy’s right wrist in his last TGL match? That was a Masters-themed Azalea band for the 2025 champion’s Whoop. The company is offering it, along with a brilliant green band, to users of the fitness and sleep tracker.

Shop Whoop Azalea band

Rhoback Azalea Collection Hesi Performance Hoodie, $122

Made with Rhoback’s VSoft fabric, this green lightweight hoodie is covered with pink azaleas.

Shop Rhoback Azalea hoodie

Stitch Spring Tradition Dancing Headcover, $98

Green and white umbrella, check. Pimento cheese sandwich, check. Peach ice cream sandwich, check. This 100 percent leather cover will make anyone’s driver worthy of Amen Corner.

Shop Stitch Masters-themed headcover

Precision Pro Titan Elite Rangefinder, Azalea edition, $349

Like the standard Titan Elite, the Azalea edition allows golfers to measure distance to the flag quickly and accurately, and the unit’s GPS system reveals the distance to the front, middle and back of the green. The green and yellow coloring, along with the pink azaleas on the non-magnetic side, make it a rangefinder unlike any other.

Shop Precision Pro Azalea edition rangefinder

Sun Day Red Icon chain stitch hoodie, $160

The logo for Sun Day Red features a tiger with 15 stripes, one for each of Tiger Woods’ majors, and five of those represent wins at Augusta National.

Shop Sun Day Red hoodie

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