Golf Solutions | Golf News &amp; Updates

Srixon Z-Star, Z-Star XV golf balls https://ift.tt/2O7nfLm

Gear: Srixon Z-Star, Z-Star XV golf balls
Price: $42.99 per dozen
Specs: Three-piece, urethane-covered ball (Z-Star); Four-piece, urethane-covered ball (Z-Star XV). Available in white and yellow.
Available: Feb. 26

For elite golfers, sacrifice when it comes to selecting a golf ball is not an option. They want distance off the tee, demand feel on approach shots and won’t compromise spin around the greens. For 2021, with the release of the seventh generation of the Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV, the Japanese company believes it has a pair of options that can give accomplished golfers precisely what they want.

The three-piece Z-Star features a large core that is very soft in the center and gradually gets firmer near its edges. Srixon refers to it as a FastLayer core, and it is designed to provide more ball speed off the tee with a softer feel.

Srixon Z-Star. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

The core is encased in a mid-layer, which has been made firmer, then covered by an updated urethane cover. Srixon gave the ball a new 338-dimple pattern that the company said will make it more aerodynamic and better able to bore through the wind. The cover itself also is slightly thicker, so the grooves in short irons and wedges should be able to grab it more effectively to generate spin on approach shots, chips and pitch shots.

To further enhance spin, Srixon added a coating to the ball called Spin Skin. Srixon has used Spin Skin coatings in the past to improve performance on short-game shots. This version has an additive the company calls Slide-Ring Material (SeRM), which is designed to distribute the force of wedge shots more evenly to increase durability.

Srixon Z-Star XV. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

With the four-piece Z-Star XV, Srixon put a greater emphasis on increasing distance. The ball has a soft, fast inner core that was updated for 2021 to be “more springy” for enhanced ball speed. By encasing it in a firmer core, then a mid-layer that is firmer still, Srixon can reduce spin off the tee and with longer clubs while still maintaining speed.

The Z-Star XV has the same 338-dimple pattern now found on the Z-Star.

Srixon said both balls will fly slightly lower than the previous generation, but the Z-Star XV will still fly higher than the Z-Star.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/2YJJCIO

Bryson DeChambeau in the hunt, David Horsey leads at Saudi International

Bryson DeChambeau in the hunt, David Horsey leads at Saudi International https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After missing the cut in his previous two appearances in Saudi Arabia, David Horsey is leading the way at the Saudi International.

The 35-year-old Englishman was on 59 watch after beginning the event on a roll. He began his round with two birdies and then went on a roll after the turn. He began the back nine with five straight birdies, adding two more on 16 and 17 to sign for a 61 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

“It’s a shock, actually,” Horsey said, according to the European Tour. “I’ve been playing rubbish the last couple of weeks. Didn’t feel like I controlled my ball the first two events.

“Had a conversation with a pal back home last night, talking a few things through and suggested something that I work on away from the tournament. I thought, well, can’t get any worse, so I may as well try it and here we are.”

Horsey missed the cut in his last two events, a T-67 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and a T-89 at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

One shot behind Horsey is Stephen Gallacher who birdied five of his last six holes take solo second after Round 1. Bernd Wiesberger shot a bogey-free 64 to claim third. Five golfers including Bryson DeChambeau sit T-4 at 5 under. The reigning U.S. Open winner began his round with a bogey on 11 but rattled off three birdies in four holes to complete his first nine. He added four more birdies on the front nine to finish 5-under 65.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and 13 others including Lee Westwood and Tyrell Hatton sit T-17 is at 3 under.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/39L9Tg2

Don't miss these 7 amazing homes on golf courses available right now

Don't miss these 7 amazing homes on golf courses available right now https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

We’re guessing you’ve settled into a routine this winter, watching golf on TV while hoping spring is fast approaching so you can get back on the links.

If you live in chilly climates, this is about the time you start fantasizing about a move to a warmer region of the country, one in which you make 18 holes a daily staple.

With that in mind, we’re rolling out another edition of golf course properties currently for sale, with a few in warmer spots that will be sure to please.

But for those still looking for functionality, we’ve added a couple from areas in which skiing and golf coexist.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3tu1Yvp

What do some PGA Tour pros think of legal sports betting?

What do some PGA Tour pros think of legal sports betting? https://ift.tt/39IEuLl

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sports betting is now legal in 21 states and another five recently passed bills.

Media outlets are spending more time discussing wagers and new TV shows are springing up to promote the odds and ends of sports gambling.

This week, during the live TV coverage of the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Golf Channel and NBC, streaming service Peacock Premium will debut what it’s billing as the “first-ever betting companion show during a PGA Tour event – a live second-screen experience entitled NBC Sports Edge BetCast.”

NBC will have 10 hours of this content – 2 ½ hours a day – spread out over the four days of competition. A big focus will be how golfer’s odds change throughout the course of a round or the week.

Arizona is not among those states were betting is legal, so fans on site at the Phoenix Open this week won’t be legally betting on a particular golfer.

But beyond this week’s event, how will legal sports betting affect the PGA Tour? Three golfers in the field at the Phoenix Open were asked for their opinions.

Webb Simpson

Yeah, I’m not well-versed in this area. I’ve been in conversations with guys where the only thing it seems like most guys are worried about is while we’re playing, is there going to be more chatter before and after shots or before and after made or missed putts, guys out there gambling on us. Hopefully the PGA Tour has a very strict plan on that kind of banter from spectators to players. Hopefully they’ll put a strict plan in place that we’re not going to have kind of the comments from the bettors out there during the round. That’s obviously something we’ve never dealt with. Hopefully we don’t have to. That’s just one potential problem I see.

Justin Thomas

It seems to be the way, gambling and the live gambling on sports. Obviously as a player, selfishly, I worry about any sort of sketchiness going on with whether it’s communication within someone that’s out on the grounds and could potentially yell or do something to affect a person that would have, say, a wager or something and that’s a serious, serious concern. We’re out here playing. … this is our job and we’re out here trying to win golf tournaments and a lot of people are supporting families and supporting themselves. I would hope it would never come to that. But at the end of the day you can’t sit there and tell me that that’s not a realistic chance. I would hope that it wouldn’t happen, but I’m sure it’ll turn out great, and yeah, I’m interested to see how it goes.

Jon Rahm

I’ve never put a bet on a sports game in my life, so I have no clue about this. Like none whatsoever. … I mean, somebody having $20 on me making or missing the putt is not going to affect what I do. I can tell you that. I’m pretty sure most of us players have a lot more on the line by making or missing a putt. It’s not what I’m thinking about. It’s something that’s been going on since I was a pro. It’s been going on for a long time. A lot of times you hear fans and they’ll bet between each other. I mean, it’s part of the culture, I would say everywhere. I’m a person that didn’t grow up betting on sports, but it’s becoming bigger in Spain, bigger in Europe. It’s already big here. It’s part of the entertainment, as well. Again, I don’t know much about it, but, I mean, I don’t have a problem with it. Fans got to do what they’ve got to do to enjoy the day.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/2Mz5rbx

Folds of Honor opens scholarship applications for K-12 recipients

Folds of Honor opens scholarship applications for K-12 recipients https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Folds of Honor announced scholarship applications are now open for kindergarten through 12th graders interested in receiving awards for private education tuition and tutoring.

The scholarships, which began accepting applications Feb. 1, also cover higher education tuition assistance for spouses or dependents of fallen or disabled service members.

Since its founding by PGA Member and F-16 fighter pilot lieutenant colonel Dan Rooney in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 29,000 scholarships totaling more than $145 million. Forty-one percent of scholarship recipients are minorities.

Rooney, played college golf at Kansas and has spoken twice for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, is currently stationed at Eglin AFB Florida as a member of the 301st Fighter Squadron.

Visit Folds of Honor’s website for scholarship applications.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3tkRRt3

This NFL star took his mind off the retirement question by playing Phoenix Open pro-am

This NFL star took his mind off the retirement question by playing Phoenix Open pro-am https://ift.tt/39IEuLl

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has yet to announce a decision on his future, he said at Wednesday’s Waste Management Phoenix Annexus Pro-Am at TPC Scottsdale.

Fitzgerald, having completed his 17th season with the Cardinals, was in golf mode as the celebrity player in a group that included PGA Tour pros Cameron Champ and Jason Day. He was twice asked about his future.

“I’m just playing golf right now, that’s all I’m worried about,” Fitzgerald said. “No timeline. I’m just taking it day by day.

“Honestly I haven’t given it much thought.”

Fitzgerald said he was “banged up” at the end of this past season and just started feeling better, so he hadn’t played as much golf as he would have liked to before Wednesday.

He said he’s enjoyed his offseason so far.

“The kids have been keeping me busy, normal offseason, nothing different,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald, wearing green pants and carrying his own red bag full of clubs, was a hit on the course with the fans, even with attendance limited to a few thousand throughout the day. He hooked his first shot of the day off the tee and the ball landed under a tree, after which it took him two more shots to get to the green.

“Luckily there was no spectators over there, I would have had a lawsuit on my hands if that was the case,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m glad I was able to rebound and get it going later in the day. I know I beat Patrick Peterson, that’s all that matters.”

Peterson, Fitzgerald’s Cardinals teammate, also took part in the pro-am.

Fitzgerald birdied the third hole, dropping in a short putt after a quality third shot over the rough. Then he called to a young fan holding a football and motioned for him to throw the ball.

The teenager tossed the pass, Fitzgerald yelling “Kyler!” in reference to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

“I hope so,” said 16-year-old Jake Walden, a golfer at Gilbert Higley High School who played catch with Fitzgerald, asked if he hopes the longtime Cardinal will be back. “I would give anything to see him back on the Cardinals for one more season, especially with where we’re at with D-Hop (Deandre Hopkins), Kyler. I mean, it’s up to him though, he’s been in the game for a long period of time. Whatever he does I’m still going to support him and follow him.”

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald at the Annexus Pro-Am at the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA Today Network)

At the famed 16th hole, which has only one deck this year and will not be as rowdy with far fewer people in the stadium seats, Fitzgerald’s opening shot was deemed to be the closest to the flag of any player taking part.

Fans cheered him, chanted his name and implored him to come back. Fitzgerald signed a few autographs, posed for socially-distanced photos and made conversation with bystanders and his golf group.

“It’s always a fun time to come through that tunnel and see the support that this community gives to this event, which is magnificent,” Fitzgerald said of walking into No. 16.

Gilbert residents Jeremy Holmes and his young son Carter, who followed Fitzgerald around the course, also hope for a Fitzgerald return.

“I just hope he keeps playing. He’s my favorite player,” Carter said. “He’s just all around amazing, on and off the field.”

Even other athletes who played Wednesday offered thoughts on Fitzgerald. Nolan Arenado, the former Colorado Rockies All-Star third baseman now with the St. Louis Cardinals, said Fitzgerald should keep playing.

“He’s still good. There’s no reason to retire. Larry’s a cool dude, I’ve gotten to talk to him a little bit,” Arenado said. “He’s a good genuine dude and he’s still performing at a high level, so he needs to keep going.”

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3rcod7k

Jon Rahm sets sights on winning his home game at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Jon Rahm sets sights on winning his home game at Waste Management Phoenix Open https://ift.tt/36ETsQA

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jon Rahm has played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open five times. Little did he know that there’s actually grass left of the bunker on 18 at TPC Scottsdale.

“Usually there’s stands and people,” he said. “So, the look is different; the feel is the same.”

Indeed, there is no way to replicate the madness of hundreds of thousands of spectators at the greatest party on grass. Count Rahm among the players who are happy that this year’s party hasn’t been canceled, but rather significantly downsized. The PGA Tour has had a smattering of fans at tournaments in Texas, Mississippi and Hawaii, but none of the California events the previous two weeks or the upcoming two events have permitted spectators.

“I’m glad we can have at least 5,000 a day. Makes a big difference out there,” Rahm said. “After having nobody for so long on the golf course, 5,000 feels like a lot. I’m going to tell you that right now. You can feel their presence. They’re making themselves felt. They’re a little bit more active. They want to be part of it because they’ve missed it, as well, not being able to be a part of anything for so long.”

Rahm, an Arizona State alumnus, experienced his coming out party here, finishing T-5 as an amateur in 2015. He’s finished 16^th or better in all five of his starts in the event and despite still adjusting to his off-season decision to change to Callaway clubs, he’s recorded three straight seventh-place finishes and has been seventh or better in seven of his past nine events.

“When you change clubs, manufacturers, like that, you’ve got to get used to the tendencies of each one to find the perfect one,” he explained. “Still trying to get there, but really happy with where I’m at.”

Ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Rahm is arguably the current holder of the dubious distinction of being the best player never to win a major. Still just 26 years old, Rahm should be a force for years to come, but his Masters preparation and potentially his participation this April could be impacted by the impending birth of he and wife Kelly’s first child.

“I think it’s second week of March is going to be week 36, and as my mom has told me, because she’s been a midwife many times, starting that week it can come any day,” he said. “No matter where I am and what I’m doing, if the phone rings I’m flying back, and I’m going back home to be there for the birth of my son. Before anybody asks, yes, if I’m at Augusta and I’m playing well and she starts (going into labor), I’m flying back. I would never miss the birth of my firstborn in a million years, or any born for that matter.

“Yeah, that last month I’m going to be really focused on what’s going on. I don’t know how we’re going to do it at Augusta because we can’t have our phones in. I might need to ask for an exception in that sense.”

For the time being, Rahm would like nothing more than to clutch the winner’s trophy on Sunday of the tournament that has become his personal fifth major.

“It’s a home event. Get to sleep in my own bed, so it’s nice,” he said. “My first cut made on the PGA Tour was here. Had a great finish as an amateur, and the whole Sun Devil vibe and just the familiarity with everything. I love the event, love the fans.”

Listen to Adam Schupak preview the Phoenix Open with Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 AM in Phoenix (scroll to 24:48 mark):

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3oNMCOV

Play with the Pro… Vista Pro

Play with the Pro… Vista Pro https://ift.tt/2O5sJX1

Fujikura engineers a brand-new Vista Pro shaft line for 2021

Even as custom fitting goes more mainstream, some golfers—new and old—are hesitant to be fit. We’ve all heard the typical reasons such as, “I’m not good enough,” “fittings are too expensive” or “shafts are too stiff.” First, let’s dispel a myth. You ARE good enough, regardless of ability. And, second, most fitted clubs do come with an added cost compared to “off-the-rack” models with stock shafts. As it should be. But not all quality custom-fit equipment is exorbitantly priced. For instance, the popular shaft company, Fujikura, offers a broad spectrum of fitting options with a vast range of prices.

Let’s take a closer look. Fujikura primarily sells three premium-priced aftermarket driver shafts: the flagship Ventus, $350, the powerful Motore X, $275, and the workhorse Vista Pro, $125. To draw a parallel with automobiles, BMW has the 7 Series, 5 Series, and 3 Series. The crème de la crème is the 7 Series. However, the 5 Series has many of the same features, and even the 3 Series possesses some bells and whistles. All three brands deliver a satisfying experience. Just like Fujikura’s shafts. “The Ventus is an absolute performance machine, like buying a sports car,” says Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion Golf, the industry’s largest high-end custom fitter with 77 locations nationwide. “It fits a lot of people but not everyone. The best part about Fujikura is the wide array of products and price points to hit so many types of golfers looking for and needing different types of performance.”

Do you want to be custom fit without breaking the bank? Tell the fitter you’d like to try the Vista Pro. Maybe it’ll be a good match. The Vista Pro has been a dependable, go-to shaft for years. And now, in 2021, the Vista Pro’s been redesigned with higher-quality materials and new construction. In essence, the company’s R&D team leaned on Enso®, a proprietary 3D motion-capture system, to build a better mousetrap. There are more carbon fiber and less resin throughout the shaft. Also, small pieces of carbon (called “plies”) in the tip section were replaced by material that extends the length of the shaft for improved feel.

Golfers can expect similar launch and spin characteristics to the previous model, with the payoff of added stability and a smoother feel. “Vista Pro has always been a vital line to us, as it’s a great price point and fits many golfers,” says Sherburne. “With so many weights and flexes, along with the lower price point, custom clubs are more accessible to [people with] many different budgets.”

Engineered for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, or irons, the new Vista Pro is available in five flex options (“Ladies” to “Extra Stiff”) and a selection of weights (48 to 75 grams). In the lighter shafts, players should see higher launch and more spin whereas the heavier ones produce mid-launch shots and moderate spin.

Lastly, the company gave Vista Pro a cosmetic makeover. A stately black foundation extending the full length replaces the two-tone silver and black with bright red accents.

Take the Vista Pro for a test drive at one of Fujikura’s authorized dealers [fujikuragolf.com/dealer-locator]. You might just like how it handles.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3cFtG2q

Rory McIlroy on USGA, R&A Distance Insights Report: 'It's a huge waste of money'