Golf Magazine

Clubhouse

In July 2020,
Perrotta

powered her
way to a win at
the New Jersey
Women’s Mid-Am
Championship.

This Golfing Life with Michael Bamberger

The Gamer
It’s no gimme that Sam Perrotta excels at golf. In a sport requiring inner calm,

she’s prone to uncontrollable quirks and fits. But she plays through. Sublimely.

SAMANTHA PERROTTA, the reigning Women’s Player “That,” she said immediately. She was pointing to a tiny

of the Year in the New Jersey State Golf Association, white speck in the lower left-hand corner of the photo. A lone

plays at the Old York Country Club, about 20 minutes south of golf ball.

Trenton. That is, 20 minutes by car, in normal traffic. Those “Sam has her own way of seeing the world,” Geoff Jones

two details are for Sam. She likes precision. She tends to be told me by phone. Geoff played at Houston, a couple years

literal. That quality presents challenges in her everyday life behind Fred Couples. He might know more about Hogan’s

but it’s oddly helpful to her golf. swing than Hogan did. But teaching Samantha Perrotta brings

Her unpretentious club has ample parking, a rentable ban- him more joy than anything he has done in his career.

quet hall and a grass driving range, where Sam will some- Geoff ’s wife teaches kids with profound mental and phys-

times hit 1,000 balls in a day. Sam works occasionally in the ical challenges. Samantha’s path to golf, through her autism,

club’s pro shop. She has her name on a parking space, as the gives Geoff a deeper appreciation for his wife’s lifework and

reigning women’s club champion. The reserved spot means also for the struggle some people endure to find a place in this

nothing to her. Status symbols mean nothing to her. What the game. But Samantha’s struggles, starting with a childhood in From left: New Jersey State Golf Association; Andrew Redington/Getty Images

club title means to Sam is harder to say. She has an uncon- which she never had an easy day, have also yielded opportu-

ventional mind. nities to Sam and the people she trusts.

I interviewed Sam on a recent quiet Sunday for two and a “Sam is a thousand times more extroverted now than

half hours in the Old York pro shop. It felt like 15 minutes, as when we started,” Geoff said. She’s been playing golf for a

if I had fallen into a trance. She barely moved, although she decade and they’ve been working together for eight. Some-

spun a black basketball at times. She’s tall, thing like that.

strong and athletic. Samantha’s a This is crude, but it’s insightful: “One side

As best as I can tell, she’s in her early 30s. voluble talker, or of her brain is very smart,” Geoff said. “And

“Something like that,” she said. It’s not just she can be. She the other side of her brain is like an eight-year-

me. Her golf instructor, Geoff Jones of Tex- described for old’s. If that.”

arkana, Texas, said he didn’t know her exact me the panic She’s a voluble and unreserved talker, or

age either. attacks and she can be, and open about her autism. Sam

On a shelf in the pro shop was a pale wide- meltdowns she described for me the panic attacks and melt-

anglecolorphotographofOldYork’s9thgreen. has had in downs she has had in tournament play, includ-

The photo, wrapped in clear plastic and avail- tournament ing in USGA qualifiers and in the handful of

able for purchase, depicts tall trees, a grayish play, including in USGA Mid-Amateurs in which she’s played.

sky, a wide green and a rainbow that appears USGA qualifiers She described some of the tension she has

to run right into the top of a skinny flagstick. and a handful of had with opponents, who did not understand

I asked Sam what she saw in the photo. Mid-Amateurs. her quirks. She often wears two gloves, long

48 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

sleeves, wraparound sunglasses. She doesn’t make small talk. She checked out my stance. “It’s too wide,” she said.
I made the mistake of trying to fist-bump Samantha upon “Why is that bad?”
meeting her. She doesn’t like skin-to-skin contact, nothing “You’ll sway.” I do.
to do with the pandemic. “What should I do?”
“Narrow it.”
She is deeply knowledgeable about the swing, and shares You want to hear something direct and true, listen to Sam. She
Geoff ’s passion for Hogan. She pursues well-defined posi- told me about a 2019 dispute with a USGA official. The “rules
tions at every moment of the swing, but the ball, curiously guy dude” said she made a 15 on one hole. She said it was a 7.
and tellingly, is one moment in a pathway for her. Her swing His whiffs were her practice swings. She was DQed for signing a
is powerful, round and spectacular, like a swing you’d see on wrong card and is still mad about it. I’m siding with Sam. She’s
an LPGA range. She’s not close to that level. She has rounds literal. She’s precise. In her own way, she’s incredibly aware.
where the longest putt she makes is about a three-footer.

Tee To Green With… G: So you got a good jumper.
How about your defense?
Collin CM: Defense is fine. I’m
Morikawa short—five-nine. I’m not
guardin’ six-five guys, I’ll
The 24-year-old reigning tell you that.
PGA champ has his guilty G: How would you describe
pleasures—but spiders your on-course style?
aren’t one of them CM: I gotta keep it young,
but I don’t wanna be too
GOLF: Hey, Collin, CM: You hear [it] every- G: What’s your most irra- flashy. I’m not wearin’
you’re a big baseball where, but… “You gotta tional fear? neon, but I like bold
fan. What’s cooler, walking play your game.” CM: It’s not even irrational. colors. I want to stand out
to the first tee or walking to G: What was your worst I hate spiders. from other guys. Nothin’
the batter’s box? subject in school? G: What’s the question you’re too crazy, though.
CM: Oh, batter’s box. CM: [Laughs] English. the most tired of answering? G: Are you an edgy dresser
G: What’s the most nervous G: If you were stuck on a long CM: “Has it sunk in yet?” off the course?
you’ve been on a first-tee shot? flight, which golfer would G: Has it? CM: I’ve got a lot of
CM: First tee with Tiger. you want to sit next to? CM: It hasn’t, because for Yeezys.... You can always
G: What’s your favorite pre- CM: Max Homa. Good guy. me it’s just like, let’s go on find me in a T-shirt and a
round breakfast? G: What’s a guilty pleasure to the next tournament. pair of basketball shorts.
CM: Oh, man. Portuguese TV show you wouldn’t tell Like, let’s keep winnin’. G: What’s the last actual
sausage, bacon, eggs and your friends you watched? G: Got a hidden talent? movie you watched?
rice. Some pancakes. CM: Madame Secretary... CM: I can shoot threes CM: Actual what?
G: What’s the best golf tip My girlfriend made me pretty good—as long as G: Movie.
you’ve ever received? watch it. no one’s blockin’ me. CM: I don’t think people
watch movies anymore.
Come on.
G: Man, you really are a
young guy, huh?
CM: [Laughs] There’s a
lotta Netflix out there.

Condensed and edited for
clarity from the original
Tee To Green vodcast on
GOLF.com.

LOVETHEFEEL

The lie, the carry, the wind, the strike.
Knowing you have a perfectly fit club in your hands for every shot

adds confidence to every round. The professional fitters at
GOLFTEC will make your favorite club, all of your clubs.
Love the fit, the feel, the confidence. Love The Journey.
Club Fitting & Lessons on Sale in March

LESSONS • CLUB FITTING • golftec.com

GOLF Pg.

Club2021 DRIVERS
Test
Pg.

WOODS

Pg.

HYBRIDS

Pg.

IRONS

Pg.

WEDGES

With the help of GOLF’s research partner True Pg.
Spec Golf, we asked 40 testers to hit more than 150
different clubs over three days to deliver the most PUTTERS
inclusive and in-depth review of new gear in the
30-year history of our ClubTest franchise. Fact: The Plus:
perfect woods, wedges, putters and irons for you Fitting
are out there—and working with a custom fitter is Facts
the fastest way to find them.
Nine reasons
B Y J O N A T H A N WA L L , managing editor, equipment & A N D R E W T U R S K Y, senior editor, equipment why this is
the year to
max out your
game with
custom clubs

51

CLUBTEST 2021

Drivers

Manufacturers continue to push the technology envelope.
The difference these days is that they have your swing in mind.

Striking Hello, ball speed! heaping praise on A proven
everything from the
a balance Callaway feel at impact to the winner
Epic ’21 impressive Tour-
Callaway quality sound. “I put it Cleveland
Big Bertha Our take: Golfers through its paces and Launcher
B21 have come to expect it never let me down,” HB Turbo
a lot from the Epic said one tester.
Our take: This name, specifically The details: The latest Our take: No-nonsense aesthetics
eye-catching, more speed, distance, game-changing tech and clean lines appeal to tradition-
draw-biased driver is forgiveness and from Callaway is a alists who want nothing more than
perfect for correct- stability. Testers Jailbreak A.I. Speed drives that fly straight and far.
ing a pesky slice, but found all three Epic frame that consists of Said one of our testers, “It looks
it’s the feel at impact models to be up a red-hot Flash Face shut at address, but it feels great
that left a number of to the challenge, SS21 and new internal and shots fired flew straight as
our testers asking if structure that not a needle and plenty far enough.
they could immedi- only stiffens the head Love that matte finish as well.” In
ately take the BB B21 vertically but also addition to Cleveland’s ultralight
home: “Can I give it a provides horizontal hosel, redesigned HiBore crown,
triple love? I love the stability. It all adds deep-weighting sole pad and a
feel, launches high up to eye-popping counterbalanced shaft, it’s the
and it’s extra for- ball speed gains. Epic turbocharged cupface that
giving. This was my Speed’s aerodynamic delivers the knockout punch.
favorite by far.” construction reduces The details: A cupface is as it
The details: To drag for more speed, sounds—the face extends beyond
achieve the perfect while the Epic Max the front in a cup-like shape, making
balance of spin and offers a new level of it stronger, resulting in faster ball
speed, Callaway forgiveness and shot- speeds across more points on the
chose to freshen shaping via a 17-gram clubface. The retweaked crown
up the usual driver sliding weight. The lowers the CG for a higher launch
recipe, positioning fade-biased Epic and greater forgiveness, and the
the CG low and Max LS features an deep-weight scheme raises the MOI
forward to drop spin. adjustable perimeter to lessen unwanted twisting.
The thought here is weight to tune flight. HB Turbo: 10.5˚, 12˚
that reducing overall Epic Speed, Max: 9˚, HB Turbo Draw: 12˚; $350
spin will negate the 10.5˚, 12˚; Epic Max
sidespin that causes LS: 9˚, 10.5˚; $530
wayward shots to go
out of play. The end Driver-buying advice Ben Hogan GS53
result is a spin-killer and the fastest way
that doesn’t skimp Named in honor of Ben
on consistency and to pick up a new Hogan’s famed ’53 cam-
forgiveness. It’s a gamer—and serious paign, this driver carries
package any high- a similar swagger. “It’s
handicap slicer will no yards off the tee: no nonsense all the
doubt appreciate. proshop.golf.com way through,” said one
9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚; $500 tester. “It’s simple, feels
good, goes a long way.
It’s not a hard choice.”
Fairways over flash.
GS53: 9˚, 10.5˚; $325
GS53 MAX: 9.0˚,
10.5˚; $355

52 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1





A science-based The details: Cobra Making a move Speed and
is known to push forgiveness
weighting system the boundaries with Mizuno ST for days
game-changing
Cobra technologies. This PING G425
RadSpeed year is no different. In
addition to a new-age Our take: Mizuno is Our take: Some drivers offer flashy
Our take: With a CNC infinity milled making big strides distance while others provide sturdy
hammer-like sound face and carbon-fiber when it comes to stability. PING’s G425, however,
and impressive feel, crown, Cobra also metalwoods of late, checked both boxes for our testers. In
RadSpeed delivered reimagined its sole with the ST drivers his first time hitting the Turbulator-
in a big way during weighting system. proving that the crowned driver, one GOLF tester called
GOLF’s ClubTest. The OEM used tenets company is equally it “wife material” due to its alluring
As one tester raved, from a popular dedicated to creating speed and forgiveness. “All my mishits
“I love the aesthetic. engineering formula high-performing went straight,” another said. Players
There’s some slight called the Radius drivers with the same also found the impact sound to sing a
carbon fiber you can of Gyration (“Rad” measure of success deep, booming note.
see in the back, and stands for “radius”) found in its popular The details: By combining tech
you can’t go wrong to spread the iron iterations. from previous releases, PING says it
with matte black. weights in the sole of New models not has designed its most forgiving and
Feels great, looks the drivers farther only launch the ball highest-launching driver, the G425
great.” This was the to the front and the farther with more Max, with the help of a 26-gram
general consensus back of the head for ball speed, they look adjustable tungsten weight in the back
with Cobra’s desired performance and sound better of the head. For golfers with a slice,
latest big stick. In enhancements than any Mizuno PING offers the draw-biased G425
addition to noticing throughout drivers tested to SFT, and for higher-speed players who
lower spin and a the lineup. The date. need reduced spin, the G425 LST is
more penetrating RadSpeed standard The details: A there to lend a hand.
flight (thanks head is lower spinning forged SAT2041 G425 Max: 9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚; G425 SFT:
to a reimagined and lower flying Beta Ti face 10.5˚; G425 LST: 9˚, 10.5˚; $540
adjustable sole while the RadSpeed delivers impressive
weighting system), XB (“Xtreme Back” ball speeds and, Honma
the CNC-milled weight) is higher depending on the T//World GS
face offers sneaky launching and more model, a carefully
alignment assistance, forgiving. And if designed blend of Speed is what Honma
framing the ball at you need a slice- carbon-composite was looking for with its
address. It’s easy to killer, RadSpeed XD construction and brand-new T//World GS
see why this neon- (“Xtreme Draw”) has internal weighting driver, and that’s just
yellow-and-black heavy heel weighting to promote either a what it gave testers,
beauty is the driver to encourage a much- draw bias (ST-X) or thanks to a new radial
of choice for U.S. needed draw-shot low-spin trajectory face and crank-slot sole.
Open winner Bryson shape. (ST-Z). The hosel also “Even on my misses,
DeChambeau and RadSpeed: 9˚, 10.5˚ offers four degrees I didn’t feel like I was
Rickie Fowler. RadSpeed XB: 9˚, of loft adjustability. giving up very much dis-
10.5˚, 12˚; RadSpeed ST-X: 10.5˚, 12˚ tance,” one tester said.
XD: 10.5˚, 12˚; $450 ST-Z: 9.5˚, 10.5˚; 9˚, 10.5˚, 11.5˚; $500
$400

53

DriversC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Meaner, leaner and “THE TRADITIONAL
friendlier on your pocketbook SHAPING AND RED
LINE ON THE BACK
PXG 0811 LOOK GREAT. THE
X Proto BALL FEELS REALLY
FAST OFF THE FACE.
Hold on Our take: Thanks The details: Both IT’S THE BEST DRIVER
to the warm hearts 0811 X Proto drivers I’VE HIT TODAY.”
to your hat! at PXG, they’ve come with the
made a Tour-only aforementioned Srixon ZX
PXG 0211 driver available to us adjustable weight
mortals. The 0811 X ports and hosels, A big-time dual threat
Our take: The 0211 Proto and 0811 X+ and both feature a
received high praise Proto both feature high-performance Srixon ZX
from GOLF’s stable four adjustable anti-glare finish.
of testers for an weight ports and Additional features Our take: The ZX packs a two-
impressive level of adjustable hosels for include a hybrid fisted punch of added distance and
forgiveness and total customization crown construction, forgiveness. One tester chimed in by
stability. “I put some and have a matte- a honeycomb TPE saying, “The traditional shaping and
swings on this club black finish that, sole insert and a high- the red line on the back look great. The
that I know were if you pay any speed face—tons ball feels really fast off the face. It’s
not great,” said one attention to high- of tech, we assure the best driver I’ve hit today.” Speaking
tester. “But the 0211 tech gadgetry these you. The 0811 X is of hits, the two models offer golfers
held steady, and my days, is the color and tuned for golfers a choice between a higher trajectory
ball managed to stay finish du jour. Our with downward with the ZX5 or a more penetrating
on line longer than it testers agreed, with attack angles, and flight courtesy the ZX7.
deserved to.” Thanks one claiming, “I love the 0811 X+ is geared The details: A carbon crown and
to a titanium-alloy the matte black,” for players with rebound frame combine to increase
face and substantial and another saying, ascending attack distance and forgiveness on off-center
back weighting, “The flight with these angles. strikes. Additionally, an adjustable hosel
golfers don’t have to drivers is awesome, 0811 X Proto: 9˚ and two rear and low weight ports ena-
worry about the head and I love the sound 0811 X+ Proto: 10.5˚, ble golfers to fine-tune the CG place-
twisting at impact. and feel.” 12˚; $375 ment and face angle for a draw or fade
The details: The shot shape. The more triangular ZX5
0211 is designed to Honma has a higher MOI and produces a higher
feel and sound as TR20 460 ballflight, whereas the rounder ZX7
good as it performs, affords more shotmaking playability
thanks to a vibration- Pardon his language, but and produces a flatter launch.
dampening TPE “badass” is what one tester ZX5: 9.5˚, 10.5˚; $500
insert in the rear sole. blurted out when he picked ZX7: 9.5˚, 10.5˚; $530
That’s also where up the TR20. “It has spoiled
they’ve placed the me with speed.” With extra
single weight port weights added for even
designed to max more adjustability, testers
out MOI and create came away gushing about
a deeper, launch- Honma’s smart titanium
optimizing center frame and carbon body
of gravity. design.
9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚; $375 8.5˚, 9.5˚, 10.5˚; $600

54 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Better than before Slice- and spin-killers F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF
TaylorMade Titleist
SIM2 TS I. You’re Ready—Now!

Our take: Asked to describe the Our take: It wasn’t By Kris McCormack, VP of Tour & Education
look of SIM2, our testers labeled long ago when
them “futuristic,” “modern” and Titleist was super So many people walk around in
“fast.” And who can argue when choosy about its dated clothes because, they swear, “I’m
there’s all that new-age carbon driver iterations, going to start a diet soon.” They’d shop in the-
on the sole? While the drivers usually offering one ory for the body they want but won’t in reality
carry on the original SIM (Shape or two models from for the body they have.
in Motion) name that excelled in which to choose in a I face this kind of thing all the time. “I’m not
2020, the company has made a few given series. The TS ready for a fitting because first I want to work on
big changes. One initially skeptical driver line eschews my swing... take a few lessons... hit the range...
GOLF tester took notice of the that strategy play more golf.”
improvements: “I tried to hit the completely with four Here’s the thing: The way your body moves, the
original SIM last year, but this driver models. While motor patterns you have ingrained, are essentially
new one feels a million times TS2 and TS3 have your sequences—your golf DNA. When you play
more solid.” been replaced by equipment that doesn’t complement the angles
The details: TaylorMade combined TSi2 and TSi3 (see you create and your natural movement patterns,
proven technologies from following page), the your swing becomes one built around compensa-
recent years (TwistFace, Inertia slice-busting TS1 tions. That means anybody can benefit right now
Generator, speed-injected faces, and sub-460cc TS4 from having a fitting pro look through their bag.
thru-slots, carbon crowns) with all- continue to deliver. Among the almost infinite number of variables
new designs to make the drivers The details: The TS1 (head, shaft, weight, flex, grip size, lie angle…),
more forgiving. Most notably, a is geared for players there will be something(s) that can be tweaked to
new sole plate is made entirely of with moderate swing take what you do well and expand upon it.
carbon composite to save weight, speeds who want “Yeah, but what if I take lessons and change
and there’s a blue aluminum back more distance and my swing?” Changing a motor pattern, how
ring that connects the rear sole forgiveness. The your body naturally moves and maintains bal-
to the crown. The pieces work speed comes from a ance, how you change direction and apply load
together to drive weight back for feathery 275-gram to a shaft—that’s all difficult for better players,
better performance on mishits. head that’s light by never mind average players. And, like good fit-
The lineup consists of a fade- today’s standards. ters, most good teaching pros work with, rather
biased SIM2, ultra-forgiving The TS4 is a smaller than try to reinvent, their clients.
SIM2 Max and the SIM2 Max D, head shape for The strong likelihood is that six months or a
designed to induce a draw. maximum versatility year down the road, your motor patterns aren’t
SIM2: 8˚, 9˚, 10.5˚ and shot-shaping with going to change very much. What could improve
SIM2 Max: 9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚ a low, forward CG to is your consistency and your ability to repeat,
SIM2 Max D: 9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚; $530 cut down on spin. i.e., your skill at finding the center of the club-
TS1: 9.5˚, 10.5˚, 12.5˚ face more often. As a result, those golf clubs I fit
TS4: 8.5˚, 9.5˚, you for are only going to respond better as you
10.5˚; $340 become a better player. So come on in—now!

Icons by La Tigre 55

DriversCLUBTEST 2021

F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF

II. Skill Doesn’t Matter

By Allen Gobeski, General Manager

Like buying a bespoke suit, those Not your father’s Titleist Luxury made easy
not in the know about custom clubfitting
can potentially find the whole notion intimidat- Titleist TSi XXIO Eleven
ing or opaque. There’s the fear of being judged as
not good enough, or not serious enough, or not Our take: We can’t get over how Our take: The
whatever enough. Then there’s all those tools, amazing the face on the TSi drivers premium XXIO line
technology and jargon: lie machines and Track- looks, feels and performs. Said an is chock-full of some
man and ball speed, oh my! excited tester: “It’s a bit bubbly gorgeous luxury
So please hear me: Clubfitting is for you, looking, but the ball flies hot off the equipment, and the
regardless of your skill level. clubface.” Said another: “It’s the Eleven driver is by all
You’re a beginner? Great. Welcome. The club- number-one driver that I’ve tried.” means no exception.
fitting experience will help you navigate your Those are high praises for Titleist, “It’s so easy to hit,”
bag much more assuredly than otherwise. You’ll considering the challenge it faced in said one of our
understand that each club we recommend for you creating a driver with a clubface made testers. “It’s very
has a specific purpose. It’s possible that you’ll from an incredibly unique, aerospace- light and performed
wind up with a partial (aka transitional) set to grade titanium. way better than I
get you started, with gaps filled in later as your The details: The red-hot ATI 425 expected.” Being easy
game develops. face (the material was originally to hit is the modus
You’ll be making the most of a clean slate too. developed for military applications, operandi behind this
So many newcomers wind up with borrowed or including tank and body armor) club and XXIO delivers
hand-me-down clubs, almost guaranteed to be features multi-dimensional stability on that premise in a
way off on length, swingweight and other key for a tighter spin range between big way.
characteristics, ingraining bad, compensatory shots hit away from the center of The details: A Star
habits. With custom-fit clubs, you’re not start- percussion. Other improvements Frame rib structure
ing behind the eight ball—and why should you? include an aerodynamic package that supports an ultrathin
Like newbies, high-handicappers fluctuate a reduces drag for speed and carefully sole, enabling weight
fair bit in terms of the consistency of where they positioned weights to optimize launch. to be redistributed
strike the ball on the clubface and the angle of Available in two models: the TSi2 for higher launch and
the face at impact. The bright side is that they’re for maximum distance and TSi3 for added forgiveness.
more consistent than they realize. A good fitter added ball control and weight, with CG It also comes with
can identify those consistency patterns and find manipulation via a SureFit CG track. a cupface, making
products that will reward your motion rather TSi2: 8˚, 9˚, 10˚, 11˚ the face stronger to
than penalize it. TSi3: 8˚, 9˚, 10˚, 11˚; $550 minimize distance
Golf is a game of misses for everyone. In the loss on off-center
end, custom clubfitting is a study in miss man- “IT’S A BIT BUBBLY hits. And since this
agement—and that’s something everyone can LOOKING, BUT THE driver is designed
benefit from. BALL FLIES HOT for moderate swing
OFF THE CLUBFACE.” speeds, it also comes
56 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1 with weight implanted
Titleist TSi in the shaft beneath
the grip, making the
club feel lighter and
easier to swing fast.
9.5˚, 10.5˚, 11.5˚;
$650

“SO EASY TO HIT. IT’S VERY LIGHT AND
PERFORMED WAY BETTER THAN I EXPECTED.”

XXIO Eleven

Ideal for moderate Tour Edge Hot Tour Edge Everything you need
Launch Exotics EXS Pro
swing speeds (and nothing you don’t)
The C521 and E521 are both The engineering built into
XXIO Prime smartly designed for play- the latest driver offer- XXIO
ers who need some launch ing from Tour Edge was X Black
Our take: For golfers and distance help. Testers derived from insights
who have moderate to responded well to what from the 100-plus PGA Our take: Designed for the player who
slow swings—a large Tour Edge describes as the Tour Champions pros who wants some shotmaking versatility and
percentage of the diamond-patterned “mini have played the compa- who also needs some extra clubhead
playing population—a trampolines” in the face, ny’s clubs. That feedback speed, the X provides more distance
lightweight driver is which boost less-than-pure resulted in a compact, without sacrificing the playability
the perfect option hits. “Lively feel off the anti-left clubhead that better players crave. We happen to
for adding clubhead face and feels light,” one delivers low spin and think this is a player type ripe for
speed with minimal tester said. piercing ballflight in a more innovation, and hopefully more
effort. The Prime is C521: 9.5˚, 10.5˚, 12˚ handsome package. products, as not all players who desire
just that—a 250-gram E521: 10.5˚, 12.5˚, 15˚; $230 9.5˚, 10.5˚; $400 shotmaking versatility happen to have
driver that is both faster swing speeds. Good on XXIO
lightweight and strong Wilson Staff D9 Wilson Staff for bringing more attention to this
to help golfers swing Launch Pad category.
faster without really Using advanced computer The details: A cupface design makes
having to swing harder. modeling, Wilson sorted Intended for beginners more of the face hittable, reducing
It’s on sale too, making through hundreds of and high-handicappers, distance loss on off-center strikes.
it perhaps one of the designs to arrive at its Launch Pad takes aim at the Underneath, the sole has carbon fiber
best bargains around, most forward-thinking dreaded banana ball with in key areas to help redistribute and
if you happen to want line to date. Don’t picture an arsenal of compensatory lighten the club’s weight for a faster
a premium, luxury a traditional sweet spot. features, including an offset clubhead and better distance. To help
product. The D9 features a “peak hosel, upright lie angle and 13 golfers add even more mph, there
The details: The Prime kinetic response clubface,” grams of added weight in the are weights placed under the grip
is forged from Super- or PKR, which divides the heel. Not that the club itself end of the club to lower the club’s
Tix Plus titanium, a face into zones of varying is heavy—at 272 grams, it swingweight, making it feel even
lightweight yet high- thickness for optimal ranks among the lightest lighter and easier to swing faster.
strength alloy. The performance. drivers on the market. 8.5˚, 9.5˚, 10.5˚; $700
cupface provides added 9˚, 10.5˚, 13˚; $350 9˚, 10.5˚, 13˚; $300
distance via a hotter
sweet spot that’s also
103 percent larger than
the previous model.
The SP-1000 shaft is
extremely light and
adds a dose of extra
clubhead speed and
distance.
10.5˚, 11.5˚; $900

57

CLUBTEST 2021

FairwayWoods
Need a solid option off the tee or a reliable club to reach par 5s
in two? These high-tech beauties have you covered.

Worthy options

Callaway
Epic

So long, slice Our take: It’s good The details: The Driver-like power in
to have options. With fairways feature
Callaway Big Callaway’s new-look Jailbreak A.I. Velocity a fairway wood
Bertha B21 Epic Max and Epic Blades that are
Speed, testers found spread wider apart to Cleveland
Our take: Testers two equally appealing stiffen the structure Launcher HB Turbo
found it easy to packages: one geared for improved face
work the ball in both for those who need a flex. The forward Our take: If you’re a fan of the
directions with the Big bit more forgiveness CG location on Epic Launcher HB Turbo driver, you’ll surely
Bertha B21. “I’m hitting and another for the Speed, combined love the fairway woods since they pack
a draw on command,” better player craving with a new leading- much of the same technology, albeit
said one tester. “I a penetrating launch. edge design, in a slightly more diminutive size.
can’t tell you when “I could put both promotes a strong They’re made for speed, which means
I even considered in the bag,” said a ballflight. An oversize if you’re looking for a solid driver
using the other side tester. “Both were head and shallow alternative off the tee and/or really
of the course with a fantastic on misses, face make Epic Max want a fairway wood that will help you
fairway wood.” and the flatter flight an ideal option for get after those par 5s, the HB Turbo
The details: The Big of the Speed was a wider handicap is an excellent choice.
Bertha B21 fairway very consistent. range. Launch and The details: The fairways have a
woods are made to I could totally see spin can be altered cupface design for a hotter clubface
reduce a slice, with myself throwing in a depending on where and increased ball speed, even if you
additional technology strong-lofted Speed two sole weights are miss the sweet spot on occasion. It
to help golfers get the and Max 5-wood positioned. also comes with deep weighting for
ball off the turf more to launch it high. Epic Speed: 13.5˚, a raised MOI and a retooled HiBore
easily. The shallower That sounds really 15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚, 21˚ crown that lowers the center of gravity
face and increased appealing.” Don’t be Epic Max: 13.5˚, 15˚, to help the ball get airborne quickly.
offset promote high surprised if other 18˚, 20˚, 21˚, 23˚, Tack on the high balance point on the
launch and draw spin. golfers follow suit. 25˚; $300 Miyazaki C. Kua shaft and you have a
Callaway’s Flash club just as practical for hitting bombs
Face and Jailbreak Expert advice—and off the tee as it is for launching shots
technology ensure the chance to buy the off the fairway.
you’ll generate more metalwoods of your 13˚, 15˚; $230
than enough speed.
15˚, 18˚, 21˚, 24˚; dreams, among
$300 dozens of options—
at proshop.golf.com

58 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Beauty and brawn Precision A great new look Long and strong

Cobra performance PING G425 isn’t just
RadSpeed
from the fairway Our take: This year, for drivers anymore
Our take: Club designers know PING loses its familiar
they have a winner when golfers Mizuno Turbulators from the PXG 0211
are raving about the head shape. ST-Z crowns of its fairway
“It’s amazing,” said one tester. woods and hybrids, Our take: The PXG
“I’m obsessed with the clean look,” Our take: Like the replacing them with 0211 fairway woods
said another. You get the point. If new drivers, the three alignment dots. prove that hitting
a fairway wood looks clunky, it’s ST-Z fairway packs How did our testers bombs isn’t exclusive
going to get the Heisman. In this more punch than like the new look? to the tee box
case, testers couldn’t get enough we’ve ever seen in a “This alignment aid anymore. According
of RadSpeed’s sleek profile. Praise Mizuno wood, further is so much better,” to a pleased tester,
was also heaped on Cobra’s Baffler proving the brand is one tester declared. “These woods feel
Hollow Split Rail sole design, which taking its metalwood Testers also found that incredibly solid, and
is made to keep the club from design philosophy the low-profile designs the ball jumps off
digging into the turf at impact. very seriously. This made getting the ball the face in a hurry.
The details: The radial weighting time, though, the in the air much easier They look good, feel
system found on the RadSpeed technology is hidden than with other clubs. good and perform
driver is prominently positioned on within a throwback The details: Fittingly great.” We concur,
the fairway wood but with a twist. shape, appealing to called Facewrap having experienced
The weights are placed in smart golfers who want a technology, the new these woods to be
locations on all three models to traditional-looking face now wraps around among the leading
produce different ballflights, shot fairway that they can the crown and sole candidates for
shapes and spin rates. With 16 use to hit a variety to provide more ball the best driver
grams of weight near the face and of shots speed and launch. alternative out there.
seven grams situated in the back, The details: An ultra- PING also increased The details: With
RadSpeed is geared for low spin. lightweight carbon curvature on the face features including
The oversize Big Tour (designed to crown lowers the CG to especially help a high-strength
be used off the tee) and compact for better spin and with the low miss. For stainless-steel
Tour feature 23 grams near the an improved MOI golfers with differing clubface, a hybrid
face to reduce spin and flatten performance, while needs, such as lower crown, honeycomb
launch. And the draw-biased the reengineered spin or draw-bias, TPE insert, an
RadSpeed Draw lives up to its Wave technology PING placed tungsten adjustable hosel and
name with 16 grams situated positions more mass weights in strategic railed sole geometry,
in the heel (along with seven in the sole. The net spots on the soles you’d think we were
grams in the back) to launch it effect is a fairway of the three options. describing a driver,
high and get rid of that nagging that’s super stable G425 Max: 14.5˚, but we’re not. The
slice for good. and produces a low- 17.5˚, 20.5˚, 23˚ weight-forward
RadSpeed, RadSpeed Draw: spin launch for added G425 LST: 14.5˚ design of each wood
14.5˚, 18.5˚, 22.5˚ control. Each head G425 SFT: 16˚, 19˚, helps create a low-
RadSpeed Big Tour: 13.5˚ offers an adjustable 22˚; $330 spin ballflight for a
RadSpeed Tour: 17.5˚; $280 hosel with 4 degrees boost in ball speed
of loft and face angle and overall distance.
tuning. 15˚, 18˚, 21˚; $250
15˚, 18˚; $300

59

C LU B T E ST 2 0 2 1 Fairway Woods

Top-selling models at
your fingertips,

complete with custom
after-market premium

shaft options, at
proshop.golf.com

Impressive distance The details: The Get some “pop” Lower weight,
0341 X Proto higher flight
and forgiveness from comes with Srixon ZX
PXG’s adjustable TaylorMade
the fairway Precision Weighting Our take: The ZX SIM2
technology, an woods are made to
PXG 0341 adjustable hosel, a be just as at home off Our take: “I love the high launch.”
X Proto low CG configuration, the tee as they are on With that simple statement, one of
a high-strength the fairway, as they our testers summed up exactly what
Our take: When a maraging-steel face tout big distance TaylorMade was striving for with its
manufacturer uses with variable face and forgiveness. SIM2 fairways. While the overall look
the word “Proto” in thickness, a multi- According to one is comparable to the original SIM
a product category, level and variable tester, “These woods heads, our GOLF testers repeatedly
we take immediate thickness carbon- have a great pop commented on the higher trajectories
notice. Enter the fiber crown and a sound and make it they were seeing. “Even my mishits are
O341 X, which honeycomb TPE easy to get the ball towering—the ball just flies,” another
includes a slew of insert. Combined, all airborne. The ball tester said. “It feels lively and easy to
newfound technology this new-age tech jumps off the face in hit off the ground.”
including a low- yields faster ball a hurry.” The stepped The details: It’s no accident our
profile sole design, a speeds and distance crown may take some testers saw noticeable height
carbon-fiber crown levels previously getting used to if you increases with the SIM2 fairways. That
and customizable reserved for long- prefer sleekly shaped was by design. While continuing to
weights for the finely hitting drivers. woods, but you’ll soon evolve its versatile V-steel soles of last
tuned trajectory of 15˚, 18˚, 21˚; $425 dismiss it when you year, TaylorMade has redesigned the
your choice. Said a see the ball fly long SIM2 heads to move weight lower to
tester, “Once again, and straight. the ground for higher launch and more
I love the matte The details: Like forgiveness. TaylorMade’s smaller
finish, and the ball the driver bearing and more workable SIM2 Titanium
flew low and with a the same name, the heads utilize 80-gram sole plates and
piercing trajectory. ZX fairways have a ZATECH titanium faces, whereas
These feel great.” carbon crown and the SIM2 Max fairways are designed
rebound frame for with C300-steel faces and have
both added power bigger heads for increased accuracy
and a raised MOI for and distance.
more forgiveness. SIM2 Titanium: 14˚, 15˚, 19˚; $400
That said, these SIM2 Max, SIM2 Max D: 15˚, 16.5˚,
woods are designed 18˚, 21˚, 24˚; $300
to be workable off
the tee and fairway, Honma
hence the low-spin, T//World GS
penetrating launch
angle. Underneath, Honma looked to give
the Cannon sole has players an easy way to
a forward-facing increase distance just by
weight pad, further changing clubs. It seems as
enhancing launch though they did just that.
conditions and “It feels like I added speed
bolstering ball speed. without even changing my
13.5˚, 15˚, 18˚, 21˚; swing,” one tester told us.
$270 15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚, 21˚; $370

60 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

“EVEN MY MISHITS ARE TOWERING— F I T T I N G FAC T S
THE BALL JUST FLIES. IT FEELS with TRUE SPEC GOLF
LIVELY AND EASY TO HIT OFF THE
GROUND.” III. Fitting
Solves Problems
TaylorMade SIM2
By Ryan Richardson, President & COO
Extra technology
to reach par 5s in two Fact: 87 percent of all golfers fitted for
new clubs reduce their handicap by at
Titleist least 10 percent. Among the many things that
TSi stat says is that fitting solves many problems for
many different types of golfers.
Our take: Today’s fairway wood models are so long and forgiving, it’s While even the best fitting won’t necessarily
not surprising to see them used more often from off the tee. Said “fix” swing flaws, custom-fit clubs absolutely offer
one of our surprised testers of the new Titleist TSi2 fairways, “The better feel and better feedback. This derives from
TSi2 woods have a creamy feel and are easier to hit than some other finding the right shaft and head combination and,
models we’ve tried.” Speaking of the TSi3, “Mishits weren’t as penal in turn, helps the player square the clubface more
as I expected from such a traditional head shape. It felt money and often. The upshot: a tighter dispersion and less
promoted a solid ballflight. It’s the best-looking fairway wood head curvature, i.e., better misses and fewer lost balls.
in the bunch.” Fitting also gives you a better grip… on your real
The details: There are two models in the TSi line. The TSi2 is distances. Going through the process and figur-
designed for added distance and forgiveness and comes with ing out how far each club carries (on average, not
hosel adjustability, a revamped Active Recoil Channel, variable just the occasional one you hit dead solid perfect)
face thickness and optimized weighting for a high-launch, low-spin is invaluable where it counts—on the golf course.
ballflight. The TSi3 comes with an adjustable hosel, a SureFit CG For fitters, creating appropriate gapping is Job 1.
track for CG adjustability, a revamped Active Recoil Channel, For players, knowing your 6-iron carries 175 yards
variable face thickness and optimized weighting for a mid-launch, when you’ve got 178 to cover the water? Priceless.
low-spin ballflight. Most golfers don’t realize how low they hit the
TSi2: 13.5˚, 15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚, 21˚ ball and how little they spin it versus what’s opti-
TSi3: 13.5˚, 15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚; $300 mal. In recent years, the golf industry has empha-
sized a better player issue, namely, too much spin,
Tour Edge Hot Launch and responded with clubs, shafts and balls that
reduce it. Meanwhile, most everyday amateurs,
As with its C521 and E521 drivers, Tour Edge’s game- who don’t have a high amount of clubhead speed,
improvement metalwoods of the same name serve play- are struggling with not creating enough spin.
ers in need of help (C521) or a lot of help (E521). Finding the right shaft and head combination
C521: 15˚, 17˚, 19˚, 22˚ that produces an optimal launch window, apex
E521: 16˚, 20˚, 23˚, 25˚, 27˚; $150 height and ball spin rate is thus a huge compo-
nent of fitting. On approach shots, it provides a
steep enough landing angle to have control when
the ball lands on the green. On drives, it maxi-
mizes total distance between carry and roll. And
that’s no spin job.

61

C LU B T E ST 2 0 2 1 Fairway Woods

F I T T I N G FAC T S A Tour Max out your new
with TRUE SPEC GOLF Champions favorite fairway wood’s
performance by
IV. It’s for Tour Edge
All Ages, Sexes EXS Pro making sure it’s a
match for you
By Scott Anderson, VP Sales Our take: This “sleeper” pick,
according to one tester, excels because and your swing. Try
It isn’t only at courses where the ste- of something you won’t find in most a premium
reotype of golf as mainly old and male metalwoods: a titanium face. The
is going by the wayside—it’s in the clubfitting titanium saves weight and adds ball custom fitting at
studios too. It’s so encouraging to see the game speed, resulting in “great feel and truespecgolf.com
growing increasingly family-oriented as more flight,” a tester noted. The compact,
women and kids come on board. workable head will appeal to the Back in blue
Women and juniors have been trending way better players for whom the clubs
up over the last 18 months, and especially the are designed. There’s a reason these XXIO Eleven
past nine months, partly due to the pandemic, models are a common sight on the
as new and returning golfers decide to get cus- PGA Tour Champions. Our take: Color
tomized equipment. As a result, companies like The details: Even better players need research (yes, it’s a
True Spec Golf have had to devote time, thought some help, and the EXS Pro delivers thing) tells us that
and resources into stocking components to best with its “Flight Tuning System,” or blue is considered
fit these players. That means, for example, need- adjustable weights that help promote a cool, calming and
ing more higher-lofted woods and hybrids and draws, fades or neutral shots. The soothing tone, and
lightweight, shorter shafts—stuff that’s easy to clubs look great, sure, but they also on XXIO’s Eleven
swing and launch the ball higher for slower or sound great, courtesy of a Sound fairway woods it
intermediate clubhead speeds. Diffusion Bar inside the clubhead looks fantastic. But
The good news: With the market for women’s that Tour Edge says “perfects the we aren’t fooled—
and junior equipment getting bigger and broader acoustical properties of the club.” these woods are
every year, more companies are catering to these 13.5˚, 15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚; $300 red hot, making it
booming segments. Any fitter worth his launch easy to hit bombs
monitor will tell you, the more options availa- THE COMPACT, from the fairway
ble in the arsenal, the better fit you can give your WORKABLE HEAD and, for that matter,
player. Rewind the clock 10, five or even just two APPEALS TO BETTER from the tee as well.
years ago and I’d have struggled to give women PLAYERS FOR WHOM They’re particularly
and juniors as good a fit as I can now, whether THE CLUBS ARE useful for golfers
that’s one club, a partial set or a full bag. DESIGNED. THERE’S with moderate swing
One of golf ’s past hurdles has been making A REASON THESE ARE speeds who want
women and children feel comfortable rather than SEEN ON TOUR. to add some extra
intimidated on the course. To my mind, making oomph simply
the clubfitting fun and engaging, getting them to Tour Edge EXS Pro by switching to a
enjoy the process and working together to iden- lighter club.
tify what it is they’re after, is central to our task. The details: The
Clubfitting isn’t just about fitting clubs to golfers; cupface design helps
it’s about creating lifelong golfers too. make shots hit off
the center more
62 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1 forgiving, while the
Cannon sole comes
with a weight pad
low and behind the
face. This weighting
scheme boosts speed
and distance, again
for higher, longer
flying shots with
ample spin. It’s a
surefire luxury club
for a player who
wants more distance
in a beautiful, no-frills
design.
15˚, 16.5˚, 18˚, 20˚,
23˚; $400

THEY’RE EASY TO SWING Wilson Staff
AND, BECAUSE THEY’RE Launch Pad

LIGHT, YOU CAN TACK ON A Testers reported that it
FEW EXTRA MPH. was easier to get shots
airborne from the short
XXIO Prime grass, while the offset
hosels minimized weak
flares to the right. “Feels
fast,” one tester remarked.
“High launching,” said
another, who described the
performance as “surpris-
ingly good.” 14˚, 18˚; $200

Luxury and elegance in a mean fairway design Built for The details: The X
Black has a cupface
XXIO Prime distance, design that enhances
the hitting area on
Our take: XXIO has solid footing in the luxury club market, thanks in forgiveness and the face, making off-
part to its Prime collection of ultralight fairway woods that make it center hits much
easier to get the ball airborne—especially for players with moderate added playability more forgiving in
swing speeds. They’re easy to swing and, because they’re light, it’s terms of distance
easy to tack on a few extra mph to your swing without exerting any XXIO and accuracy loss.
extra effort. Isn’t that what we all want? X Black It also comes with
The details: Constructed with a titanium cupface forged from a Cannon sole,
Super-Tix PLUS titanium, the Prime also comes with an expanded Our take: Heeding which includes a
toe and narrowed heel shaping, tungsten-nickel internal weighting the same strategy weight pad low and
and a lightweight hosel for an optimized CG location in the center as the driver in the behind the clubface
of the clubface. Lastly, the reduced stiffness at the tip of the Prime X Black Series, the for even greater
SP-1000 shaft helps increase the launch angle for a higher ballflight X fairway woods ball speed and
and added spin. aim to provide distance, especially
15˚, 18˚, 21˚, 24˚; $400 more distance on shots hit low on
and forgiveness the face. Weights
Wilson D9 to golfers with under the grip
moderate swing make the clubhead
A beautifully simple look. That was the con- speeds, without feel lighter, adding
sensus among our testers, who singled out the having to give up clubhead speed
D9s for their “good neutral acoustics.” Better on the shotmaking instantly.
yet, the clubs produced long and penetrating playability that 15˚, 18˚, 20˚; $400
shots, thanks in part to a computer-generated better players
design that creates hot spots across the prefer. The payoff
entire face. 15˚, 18˚, 21˚; $220 here is a fairway
wood that makes
the game easier,
without sacrificing
the maneuverability
required to hit a
variety of shots
from the fairway
or tee.

63

CLUBTEST 2021

Hybrids

We once valued hybrids for their rescue ability. Now we can
marvel at their power. The 2021 crop can really send it.

Quietly brilliant Better player power An easy, high launch

Ben Hogan Callaway Callaway
VKTR Apex Big Bertha B21

Our take: Hogan’s face with variable Our take: “It has an Our take: The return of Big Bertha
VKTR hybrids have face thickness works iron look, but the ball to its super game-improvement roots
been on the market in concert with the flat out goes,” a tes- turned into a boon for 20-plus-handi-
for nearly a half- above to improve the ter commented while cap golfers who might want to throw
decade now, and launch character- taking a few cuts two or three hybrids in the bag. The
while the manu- istics of each shot. with Callaway’s Apex oversize profile and noticeable offset
facturer has made The face is forged Pro hybrid. Testers kept the ball in play, even when testers
major strides to for a purer feel while gave high marks to caught the extreme heel or toe. One
increase forgive- the high toe position the consistency of tester summed it up best: “Solid and
ness and playability gives the appearance the standard Apex straight. I don’t feel like I need my best
they’ve managed to of a club that’s more (shown below) and to have fun with this club.”
do so while remaining iron than wood. The the slim profile of The details: Like the Big Bertha B21
true to their initial crown aesthetics are the Apex Pro. drivers and fairway woods, the hybrids
goal: versatility. The simple and muted, a The details: Calla- are made to launch it high, reduce a
newest VKTR (a new favorite among tes- way’s newest Apex slice and unlock more distance for
design reimagined ters, and fixed weight hybrid blends an those who need it near the top of the
for 2021) was an ab- in the rear helps to A.I.-designed cupface set. Each hybrid was smartly designed
solute favorite in lower the CG and and internal Jailbreak with dual metal-injection-molded
the hybrids category improve the club’s blades, connecting tungsten weights in the sole to gener-
during ClubTest, overall playability. the crown and sole to ate a towering launch. For those who
particularly for its 18˚, 22˚, 26˚; $150 produce greater face struggle to hit and hold the green from
design. “Doesn’t feel flexing on misses longer distances on their approach
like a hybrid, just a catching the upper shot, this addition is a welcomed sight.
bigger iron,” said one and lower portion of 19˚, 21˚, 24˚, 27˚, 30˚, 33˚; $250
tester. “Nice thin look. the face—otherwise
Surprisingly amaz- known as the com-
ing!” In a lot of ways, mon misses for most
the VKTR hybrid is golfers. The standard
a perfect metaphor Apex has a larger
for Hogan himself: profile, includes an
quietly brilliant. adjustable hosel to
The details: The alter launch and
VKTR hybrid is built features tungsten in
from two pieces of back for forgiveness
steel with minimal and launch purposes.
offset and a slightly The iron-like pro-
larger clubhead size file and low-launch
for added forgive- characteristics of the
ness. A bulge club- Pro should appeal to
better players.
Apex: 19˚, 21˚,
24˚, 27˚
Apex Pro: 18˚, 20˚,
23˚, 26˚; $270

64 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Buy hybrids with the Tons of pop Clean-looking high performance
click of a mouse or
touch of a finger— Cobra PING G425
and customize them RadSpeed
Our take: PING’s new G425 hybrids
any way you want—at Our take: The beauty have a smoothed-out crown, and our
proshop.golf.com of a hybrid is in the testers appreciated the clean matte
versatility it pro- look with subtle dots for aiming.
A do-it-all club from all lies vides. It can be used “I love the new alignment aid,” one
from the fairway tester said (and something that was
Cleveland HALO 4 or tee and offers a repeated for all clubs in PING’s new
level of forgiveness flagship wood lineup). “These are
Our take: Hybrid higher launch, the that most long irons extremely sleek looking.” Players also
clubs are golf’s triple-fin Gliderail can’t sniff. Oh yeah, found the G425 hybrids to launch high
version of a Swiss design improves it brings the ball and go where they’re aimed, even on
Army knife: You can stability as the club speed too. “Love the misfires. Isn’t that the point of rescue/
use them many ways makes contact with pop off the club. It’s utility clubs?
and to hit a myriad of the ground and the humming,” comment- The details: Hybrids are called upon
shots from a variety high-strength steel ed one tester. The for varied reasons and often from
of lies. The HALO 4 clubface produces uptick in speed is de- precarious lies. For those who need
makes this a cinch. an elevated COR for rived from a forged help finding the sweet spot, PING
The Gliderail tech an added dose of high-strength face stretched it out on the G425 club-
underneath holds the distance across more insert and forward face for extra forgiveness, especially
clubhead stable as of the clubface. Top weighting that low- on pesky thin shots hit low on the
it interacts with the it off with one of the ers spin and opti- face. Also, to achieve the consis-
turf, and the sleek best paint jobs we’ve mizes launch for tency our testers spoke of, a
HiBore crown makes seen and you have a more distance. If tungsten weight sits in the sole of
it easy to launch the hybrid destined for you’re in need of the hybrids, driving weight down and
ball higher and with players who want some pop, RadSpeed launch up.
optimal spin. reliability and consis- is your new go-to. 17˚, 19˚, 22˚, 26˚, 30˚, 34˚; $290
The details: The tency from any The details: The
HiBore crown pushes type of lie. RadSpeed is one of 65
the CG down for a 16˚, 19˚, 22˚; $200 the few hybrids of-
fered in two lengths.
You can purchase a
standard length or go
full Bryson DeCham-
beau and opt for a
shorter variant (37.5
inches) that comple-
ments Cobra’s Rad-
Speed One Length
irons. Hollow speed
rails enhance turf
interaction, especially
if you’re constantly
catching it heavy.
And if you’re big on
crown finishes
and aesthetics,
you can rest easy
knowing there’s a
matte and high-gloss
option.
17˚, 19˚, 21˚, 24˚;
$230

HybridsC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Ready for takeoff ! You can kiss your long irons goodbye The 2021 crop of new
hybrids sets a new
PXG PXG 0317 X Proto standard for utility
2021 0211 power, forgiveness
Our take: Hybrids often carry fewer and versatility.
Our take: Your ball bells and whistles than fairway woods Imagine if they were
can end up in some and drivers do, but that’s not the also fit for you and
challenging spots. case with PXG’s 0317 X Proto. These your swing. Find out
Maybe it’s sitting hybrids are chock-full of tech, helping
down in the long to make them easy to hit and provid- at truespecgolf.com
grass or on top of ing plenty of distance. “These hybrids
hardpan. Perhaps make me feel confident,” opined one of Very pretty, even more potent
you even kept your our testers. “The smaller head looks
ball in the fairway great, and it’s easy to get the ball Srixon ZX
only to see it roll airborne with a solid launch. It also has
into someone else’s great acoustics.” Our take: When shotmaking versa-
divot. Frustrating, The details: The 0317 X Proto fea- it comes to hybrid tility, the ZX hybrid
yes. But PXG’s 2021 tures a variable high-strength marag- design, we strong- has a stepped crown
0211 hybrids are here ing steel face, steel heel and toe with a ly feel that less is design and rebound
to help you escape carbon-fiber crown, a honeycomb TPE more. Or, at the very frame for added
consistently and insert and adjustable Precision Weight- least, if it’s going to power and stability.
with confidence. ing technology to fine-tune your desired be packed with tech, It’s a player’s
“The black matte launch characteristics whether it be a we want to see it hybrid if there ever
finish looks great, draw, fade or neutral. The low-profile hidden in a sleek and was one, with each
and the club delivers sole design helps lower the CG for classic design. So loft promoting a
a soft, solid strike faster and higher initial launch angles. goes the ZX model, penetrating launch
on contact,” said a 17˚, 19˚, 22˚, 25˚, 28˚; $375 which is packed with with low spin—
tester. “But for me, a design features that ideal for players
hybrid shows its true make it a cinch to who want to shape
mettle when you’re hit while being easy shots on command
in trouble. I purposely on the eyes. If we from the fairway,
played from some were to gripe about rough, wherever.
hairy lies, and the anything, we hate Oh, and did we men-
0211 came through to see it get dirty. tion how we don’t
like a champ.” Seriously. like to get a speck
The details: The dis- The details: A of dirt on it?
tinguishing feature Tour-inspired 16˚, 19˚, 22˚, 28˚;
of these long-iron shaping for added $300
alternatives is the
can’t-miss, oversize
square face design,
which not only pro-
motes consistently
clean contact but
also rockets the ball
down the fairway
with incredible speed.
The 0211s are ver-
satile and forgiving,
and while the hybrid
crown construction
(carbon-fiber center,
stainless-steel pe-
rimeter) is designed
for durability and
mass reduction, it
must be said that
it also results in an
aesthetically striking,
modern appearance.
19˚, 22˚, 25˚, 28˚;
$275

66 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

“I LOVE THE FLIGHT The hybrid that’s F I T T I N G FAC T S
BECAUSE I DON’T with TRUE SPEC GOLF
HAVE TO WORRY rocking the Tour
ABOUT MISSING IT V. Prep Makes Perfect
LEFT. THE SMALL TaylorMade
PROFILE LOOKS SIM2 By Kris McCormack, VP of Tour & Education
GREAT TOO.”
Our take: Taylor- Most people go crazy brushing and
TaylorMade SIM2 Made’s original SIM flossing the day before a dental appoint-
Max rescue clubs ment. It’s silly and maybe counterproductive—
Honma T// of 2020 took the just like taking lessons or banging 1,000 balls at
World GS professional game by the range before a clubfitting.
storm, finding their Instead, first, focus your energy on identify-
For seniors or slower way into the bags ing your game’s strengths and weaknesses in the
swingers, this hybrid will of top golfers such lead-up to a fitting. It’s incredibly useful to have
help you deliver more as Rory McIlroy and clients who can articulate what they’re looking
punch from all surfaces. Dustin Johnson— for, how their current clubs are underperform-
The CG is positioned players who hadn’t ing and/or what they want to see different. What
deep within the head to used hybrids for most clubs do you have confidence in? What don’t you
help launch shots played of their illustrious like about a certain club? Which misses are left,
from any lie up into the careers. Like those right, heavy, thin—it helps us so much to know
sky with ease. previous rescues, the what’s lacking in your game. Take notes!
18˚, 21˚, 24˚, 27˚; $220 new SIM2s continue Second, do your homework on potential fit-
to prove their value ters. Do they have a launch monitor? Are they
Honma TR21 to better players by brand agnostic? How many brands are availa-
eliminating the left ble? How about non-stock shafts? Do they offer
Simpler is better, and miss that deters putter fitting? Asking fellow golfers you know and
that’s one thing that some golfers from trust about their fitting experiences is useful too.
appeals to our testers using hybrids in the Third, set a realistic budget. Some clubfit-
when they look down at first place. “I love the ting newcomers have a notion that they’ll spend
address. Honma’s TR21 flight because I don’t $1,500 and get a full set of high-end custom-fit
hybrid line accomplishes have to worry about and -built clubs. No fitter wants to have a dis-
this lofty goal while also missing it left,” one of couraging conversation after the fact. Likewise,
keeping things looking our testers said. “The if there’s a specific club you want to try, let the
simple. It comes stan- small profile looks fitter know beforehand so it’s available.
dard with proprietary great too.” Finally, come fitting time, relax. Swing the
Honma VIZARD shafts. The details: McIlroy swing you swing on the course. Don’t chase ball-
18˚, 21˚, 24˚; $250 and Johnson, both flight. Players who hit three balls right and then
newfound hybrid users “fix it”—yanking shots the other way by strength-
last season, provided ening their grip, closing their stance and what-
their insights for the not—complicate and may even undermine the
new compact SIM2 fitter’s work, which involves constantly chang-
designs of 2021. With ing variables with the equipment to dial you in.
their help, Taylor- At the fitting, you do you.
Made engineered
a new leading edge 67
and sole geometry
and used weight to
implement more
forgiveness without
sacrificing iron-like
workability. Given the
success of SIM Max
last year, TaylorMade
has expanded this
year’s hybrid lineup
to include a SIM2
Rescue and a SIM2
Rescue Max. No
excuses.
SIM2 Rescue: 17˚,
19.5˚, 22˚; SIM2
Rescue Max: 19˚, 22˚,
25˚, 28˚, 31˚; $280

HybridsC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

A boon for steep swingers No extra effort required A complete package

Titleist TS XXIO Eleven XXIO Prime

Our take: There’s mized weighting and Our take: If there’s one thing we’ve Our take: Often
no reason a long-hit- razor-thin crowns learned over the years it’s that most when a hybrid touts
ting hybrid shouldn’t for added distance. of a player’s best hybrid shots are the more distance and
sound and feel as The TS2 is a long- ones where they swing aggressively forgiveness, versa-
good as fairway iron replacement and attack the ball like they would tility gets reduced,
woods and drivers option for players with a mid-iron. That said, having making the club a
do, and Titleist went with steep swings more clubhead speed is key, and the one-trick pony. That’s
to great lengths who want maximum lightweight Eleven, like the majority of not the case with the
to make a pair of forgiveness. The TS3 XXIO clubs, is designed to help in- XXIO Prime, as it’s
hybrids that do just has a more compact crease swing speed without requiring designed to help golf-
that. “I love the clean shape, making it any extra effort on the player’s part. ers with moderate
profile and hit baby ideal for players with “I felt the increase on my first swing,” swing speeds enjoy
draws on perfect faster swings who one tester claimed. yardage and forgive-
shots,” said one of hit down on the golf The details: The Eleven hybrid’s re- ness boosts without
our satisfied testers. ball. It’s also the designed cupface adds more strength giving up its ability
“I could use either model that affords to the strike area for a more efficient to shape shots. Said
one of these hybrids added shot-shaping energy transfer from club to ball, while our tester, “These are
in my bag right now.” capabilities. the Cannon sole places weight in the super fun!”
The details: Both TS2: 17˚, 19˚, 21˚, ideal spots to help those with moder- The details: The
models in the TS 23˚, 25˚, 27˚ ate swing speeds launch the ball higher forged maraging
hybrid line feature a TS3: 19˚, 21˚, 23˚, and farther into the air. The Weight steel cupface is
SureFit hosel, opti- 25˚; $230 Plus system features mass located more powerful than
under the grip and a smart weight previous models,
allocation toward the hands that helping increase
makes the club feel even lighter and ball speed off more
easier to swing. points on the club-
18˚, 20˚, 23˚, 26˚; $230 face. The toe region
is expanded and the
“I LOVE THE CLEAN heel is narrowed, and
PROFILE AND HIT BABY the stepped crown
DRAWS ON PERFECT lowers the CG for
SHOTS. I COULD USE what XXIO says is
EITHER ONE OF THESE their most forgiving
HYBRIDS IN MY BAG Prime hybrid to date.
RIGHT NOW.” It also comes with a
high-performance
Titleist TS lightweight shaft
made with Torayca
T1100G carbon fiber
and nanoalloy resin.
23˚, 26˚, 29˚; $260

68 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Tour Edge Tour Edge Hot “IT’S THE
Exotics EXS Pro Launch E521 PERFECT
Offset HYBRID
One tester summed up FOR ME.
the EXS Pro perfectly: Tour Edge claims the Hot LOW-SPIN
“Low-spin forgiveness Launch E521 Offset is spe- FORGIVE-
with Tour-level tech.” cifically designed to be the NESS WITH
The limited-edition club easiest hybrid to hit on the TOUR-
pleased many testers with market. Based on our tes- LEVEL
its better player design, ters’ results, it’s definitely TECH. SITS
distance and anti-hook in the running. They espe- SQUARE AT
characteristics. Originally cially liked the innovative ADDRESS.
conceived as a prototype Houdini sole. Also available IF I COULD
restricted to Tour players, is the competition-ready WALK OUT
the EXS Pro proved so Hot Launch C521. OF TESTING
popular that Tour Edge E521 Offset: 19˚, 22˚, 25˚, WITH IT,
brought it to the masses. 28˚; C521: 19˚, 22˚, 25˚, I WOULD IN
17˚, 18˚, 20˚, 22˚; $250 28˚; $130 A SECOND.”

Tour Edge EXS Pro Fast-swing distance for those
who don’t swing fast
Expert buying
advice—and the XXIO X Black

chance to put Our take: Be honest: You’re a player
a game-changing who doesn’t really turn heads when it
comes to swing speed. That doesn’t
and scorecard- mean you should curb your search
saving hybrid or two for any extra yard you can muscle. In
terms of your hybrid power game, the
in your bag—at X Black can help. You’ll quickly find a
proshop.golf.com boost in miles per hour, thanks to a de-
sign and weighting scheme that makes
Wilson Staff D9 Wilson Staff the club feel lighter than it actually
Launch Pad FY is. And when clubs feel lighter, they’re
There’s nothing quite easier to swing faster.
like the confidence boost Wilson’s newest hybrid is a The details: Comes with a cupface
that comes from clubs staunch ally to newbies, 90- design for more power across more
that look and feel just plus shooters and anyone of the clubface and a Cannon sole
right. The D9s stood out who struggles with a slice. design that optimizes weight low and
in GOLF’s ClubTest for In its own testing, Wilson behind the face—helping to improve
their sleek profile and found that a 41-inch shaft launch, especially on hits off the lower
balanced weighting, which paired with a 19.5-degree region of the face. XXIO’s Weight Plus
allows them to sit naturally face was the easiest-to-hit technology employs brass and rubber
square at address. combo for golfers with weights atop the grip end of the club
17˚, 19˚, 22˚, 25˚, 28˚, 31˚; 10-handicaps and higher. to make it feel lighter and tack on a
$200 19.5˚; $180 few extra mph of clubhead speed.
18˚, 20˚, 23˚, 26˚; $300

69

CLUBTEST 2021

Irons

Simply put, today’s irons can do it all while simultaneously

meeting the needs of any player, from newbie to discerning vet

Back in business Another winner Classic looks and performance

Ben Hogan Callaway Callaway Apex MB21
Icon Apex
Our take: This should be where we
Our take: If you’ve (for control) and Our take: Apex led offer our take on Callaway’s shiny Apex
seen Ben Hogan irons high in the scoring the way as one of MB21, but one tester took the words
before, you won’t irons (for maximum the most requested right out of our mouth: “Best turf
be surprised by the precision). With irons during testing. interaction of the bunch I tested,” he
Icon’s look; if you’ve minimal offset, a The new-look Apex stated. “Sole slices through the ground
ever played Hogan compact head and Pro had testers with impressive precision, and the lack
irons, you’ll recognize thin topline, the Icon gushing over the of offset is going to appeal to the guy
that their design has all the trappings blade profile and who likes to work the ball.” Enough said.
hasn’t changed you’d expect from a game-improvement The details: Forged from 1025 carbon
much either over the traditional blade. The forgiveness while steel, Apex MB is built for superior
years. “It’s classic Icon comes in two Apex and Apex DCB ball strikers who crave the look and
Hogan through and finishes—chrome- earned high marks feel of a classic blade. There’s little in
through,” one tester nickel and black for their clean the way of mishit protection with this
said. “Old-school look metal—for a simple aesthetics and compact head, but the musclepad does
with a validating feel look (as in simply solid feel. include a removable weight that allows
at impact. Could play brilliant). The details: In swingweight changes to be made
these all day.” These 4-PW; $800 addition to the without altering the center of gravity
clean-cut muscle- standard Apex, location. It’s a feature the better
backs are designed Expert advice—and a larger profile player will surely appreciate.
to bridge the gap the chance to buy a Apex DCB offers 3-PW; $1,480
between gorgeous fresh set of blades or a wider sole, more
design and top-tier cavity-backs from offset and deeper Honma
performance—a dozens of options— cavity. The hollow- T//World GS
better player’s iron at proshop.golf.com cavity Apex Pro
for sure. is made for speed The main purpose behind
The details: If you and forgiveness these clubs is right there in
were to search the while still allowing the name: GS. It stands for
dictionary for the better players to “Gain Speed,” or, in other
definition of “forged reap the benefits of words, the thing everyone
blade,” you just might a compact profile. is trying to do these days.
find a photo of the 3-PW; $1,480 From the L-cupface to
Icon. Progressive the flexible pieces built
weighting keeps the into the sole, each part of
CG low in long irons this club is about creating
extra ball speed.
7 clubs; $1,225
($1,400 graphite)

70 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

An iron that does it all of the original Big Efficient power “EVEN THOUGH THEY
Bertha, the new B21 LOOK LIKE BLADES
Callaway Big is designed around Callaway AT ADDRESS, THEY
Bertha B21 a Flash Face cup X Forged COME WITH AS MUCH
design that received CB 21 FORGIVENESS AS
Our take: Owning Callaway’s A.I. ANY GOLFER COULD
an iron that keeps treatment, fine- Our take: Better WANT.”
mishits on the map is tuning the thickness players will nitpick
critically important of the structure in the way an iron Cleveland Launcher
when you’re a 20-plus specific areas to goes through the
handicapper because, benefit golfers who ground. If it sticks Shotmaking capabilities
well, you know bad don’t consistently or impacts the turf with a high launch
shots are going to find the center of in an inefficient
happen. The goal, the face. A visible manner, a hook is Cleveland Launcher
then, becomes tungsten energy imminent. Based
finding ways to core adds another on tester feedback, Our take: The Launcher irons come
mitigate the big miss layer of forgiveness, golfers needn’t worry in two forms: the ultra-forgiving,
and helping you even targeting more about this issue with hollow-bodied Launcher HB Turbo
break into the 80s. mass behind the X Forged CB. The irons and the versatile Launcher UHX
For our mid- and lower portion of subtle sole camber, in that mix hollow and cavity-back forms
high-handicapped the hitting area to particular, received in a single set. Said one of our testers
testers, Big Bertha launch the ball high, high marks from about the HB Turbo irons, “You don’t
B21 fit the bill—a regardless of where several eagle-eyed have to do much to get the ball high
smart-looking iron it impacts the face. testers who claimed in the air.” And of the HB UHX irons,
that can help keep Proprietary urethane it produced the best “Even though they look like blades
the ball in play. The microspheres are turf interaction of at address, they come with as much
pronounced offset also strategically any iron they tested. forgiveness as any golfer could want.”
allowed some testers positioned to soak up “It’s poetry when club The details: The HB Turbo irons have
to draw the ball unwanted vibrations meets golf ball,” said a progressively shaped hollow-body
on command (for and improve the one tester. construction that includes a HiBore
the first time!) and overall feel at impact, The details: The X crown for supreme forgiveness, added
generate comparable without impacting Forged CB utilizes distance and towering ballflight.
distances on off- ball speed. a multi-material The UHX feature a contemporary
center misses. 7 clubs; $900 construction rather cavity-back design in the short irons
The details: With ($1,000 graphite) than a one-piece and the mid/long irons, which also
a look reminiscent design to help feature a hollow-body, blade-like
players achieve construction. This yields the ideal
Honma TR21X distance and blend of forgiveness in longer clubs
consistency. In and shotmaking playability in the
Honma’s newest line of classic X Forged shorter ones.
irons takes various cues fashion, though, the 4-PW; $800 ($1,028 HB Turbo)
from past iterations and new CB still comes in
combines them into one. an appealing better 71
A whopping 73 grams of player shape with a
dense tungsten is tucked head forged from
deep within the clubhead 1025 carbon steel and
to aid those mishits. If that a back weight to tune
isn’t enough, an L-cupface swingweight.
brings the ball speed in a 3-AW; $200 per club
big way.
7 clubs; $1,300

IronsCLUBTEST 2021

Smooth operator A high-tech marvel The details: Using “THEY LOOK SO CLEAN.
a mixture of 304 FOR SOMEONE WHO
Cobra King Cobra King stainless-steel PLAYS A BLADE, IT
Forged Tec Tour MIM metal powder, Cobra FITS THAT HANDICAP
designers were RANGE. EASILY THE
Our take: Cobra’s Our take: Knowing able to create an PRETTIEST IRONS I’VE
King Forged Tec where the ball iron using a metal- TESTED.”
knows how to wow impacts the face injection molding
the masses. The can tell you a lot process typically Cobra King RF Proto
compact profile is about the quality reserved for finely
appealing to a wide and consistency of shaped weights Fowler’s favorite
range of handicaps your swing. Missing housed inside
but so is the feel. it off the heel or confined spaces. Cobra King RF Proto
“Smooth as can be toe could be a sign (Think tungsten
at impact,” a tester that your clubs weights crammed Our take: The RF stamped on the
exclaimed. The aren’t fit properly into a hollow-cavity toe lets you know these irons were
otherworldly feel (or if a lesson is in iron.) The end result designed for a certain Cobra staffer.
comes from the your future). Our is a softer feel “I can see why Rickie Fowler likes these
foam microspheres testers never once at impact that’s irons,” commented a tester. “They
residing inside had to wonder comparable to look so clean. For someone who plays a
a hollow cavity where the ball was many carbon-steel blade, it fits that handicap range. Easily
designed to fine-tune impacting the face forgings. A tungsten the prettiest irons I’ve tested.” With
sound and soften on the King Tour toe weight also helps sharper edges, a razor-thin topline and
feel. MIM. “My favorite reposition the center almost no offset, the MB RF is built for
The details: It’s a by far,” one tester of gravity behind the elite ball strikers, like Fowler, who want
game-improvement proclaimed. “I’m sweet spot to deliver to work the ball both ways and demand
iron stuck inside the getting a responsive a tighter dispersion precise turf interaction.
body of a muscle- feel that tells me with rock-solid The details: Codesigned with Fowler,
back blade. That’s exactly what’s going stability. the traditional blade is forged from
the best way to on at impact.” A 4-PW; $1,300 soft 1025 carbon steel and then
describe King Forged new manufacturing machined using a 100 percent CNC-
Tec. A PWR Shell process plays a milling process. From start to finish,
face and tungsten role in the superior it takes 155 minutes to produce a
toe weights enlarge feel. So, too, does single head that lives up to Fowler’s
the sweet spot for a thermoplastic exacting standards. The lack of offset
enhanced distance polyurethane insert and ultra-compact profile scream
and heel-toe mishit situated in the scratch golfer, but thanks to a slug of
protection. There’s a cavity that’s built to tungsten in the toe, the stability and
One Length version mitigate vibration. feel at impact is kicked up a notch.
as well, if you want to 4-PW; $2,500
be like Bryson. Mizuno
4-PW; $1,100 JPX 921 Hot Metal

Made for players who want
irons that pack distance and
forgiveness in a traditional
shape, the JPX 921 Hot
Metal are Mizuno’s emphat-
ic answer to whether or
not the company is serious
about game improvement.
The Hot Metal Pro features
a slightly smaller profile for
the better player.
4-GW; $1,000

72 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Serious street cred On the radar F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF
Cobra RadSpeed Haywood
MB/CB VI. The Build Is as
Our take: It’s impossible to miss Important as the Fit
Cobra’s RadSpeed iron. The electric Our take: Haywood
yellow markings situated in the cavity flies under the radar By David McKee, Build Shop Manager
are meant to make it stand out, for some consumers,
and more than a handful of testers but none of the Just like there are lots of golf clubs,
confirmed they “absolutely loved testers will forget shafts and grips in the world, there are
the look.” Said one tester, “You can’t the brand after lots of clubfitters around, too, with more and
miss these irons. They certainly have their experience at more seeming to pop up daily. And just like a
a look my son and his buddies would ClubTest. “The ball deviously designed drivable par 4 or risk-reward
embrace.” But looks will take you only flies forever, even par 5, choice can sow the seeds of doubt in your
so far. What many testers noticed was when I’m missing mind. To simplify things a bit, remember that in
that the 3D-printed nylon medallion it,” one tester said. clubfitting and most things in life, you generally
and detailed lattice structure served “That’s freakin’ get what you pay for.
a dual purpose, enhancing feel and special.” The clean Going to see your buddy who builds clubs in
shedding unwanted weight at the same looks of both the MB his garage as a hobby? As dangerous as a visit to
time while upping the iron’s street cred. and CB were also a shade-tree mechanic to check the brakes on
The details: Cobra took an noted, and a crisp the family wagon. A poor fitting can do at least
unconventional path to bring sound at impact is as much damage as a poor lesson. A demo day at
RadSpeed to life, partnering with HP the cherry on top of a club or driving range has its own set of issues.
and Parmatech to 3D-print specific these sticks. You’re hitting just one manufacturer’s 6-iron,
parts of the iron. Weight saved from The details: say, off a lie board, with a limited array of shafts.
the cavity was repositioned in the low Haywood’s newest Maybe a good match can be found… but who’s to
toe and heel to dial in head weight line of MBs emulates say there isn’t something better out there?
and improve overall forgiveness. To the classic style and A reputable and brand-agnostic fitting estab-
increase speed and optimize launch, shaping of traditional lishment opens up your world. True Spec Golf ’s
the irons also have what Cobra calls a forged blades that dynamic fitting process, for example, offers more
PWR Shell face insert made from 17-4 have been optimized than 35,000 combinations, with the ability to test
stainless steel that’s built thin and for playability shafts and clubheads independently and control
flexible. A carbon-fiber topline gives throughout the variables of the manufacturing process for our
the head a unique look in the address entire set. If you’re demos. And precise data filters out the noise and
position. (You’ll notice it when you look not quite ready for doubt as we zero in on the target.
down.) In addition to the standard- the workability of the One final and sometimes overlooked consid-
length version, a variable length MBs, check out the eration: Even a very good fitting experience can
provides progressive head shapes, CBs. The two-piece, still be compromised by poor build quality, where
grooves and hosel lengths to optimize hollow-body design is the specs aren’t precisely executed in the clubs
launch for every iron in the set. Very crafted with stainless that get delivered. This is where paying a pre-
impressive stuff. steel optimized for mium guarantees—we at True Spec do it in writ-
5-GW; $900 distance. ing—that the end product is going to perform at
MB (3-PW); $700 least as good and likely better than it did during
CB (4-PW); $650 the fitting process.

73

IronsCLUBTEST 2021

F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF

VII. You Will Improve

By Ryan Richardson, President & COO

Guarantees and hyperbole love to One happy family All the feels of
ham-and-egg it. Nothing is guaranteed in
life. The only guarantees in life are death and taxes. Honma TR20 a blade with
It’s a bit much. There are reasonable guarantees
a well-trained clubfitter can make and, while it’s Our take: Honma’s TR20 iron set added forgiveness
not impossible, You’ll hit every club 20 yards far- can rightfully be thought of as one
ther! isn’t one of them. family with three different children. Miura
Fitting is meant to be an educational environ- Each group (P, B, V) features a TC-201
ment. We’re looking to provide clients with access better player’s sleek profile but can
to a Rolodex of information so that they can grasp be combined with the others for Our take: For iron
the whys. I can guarantee that you’re going to maximum feel throughout the bag. “As aficionados and
leave my fitting with a better understanding of a scratch golfer, this makes it easier connoisseurs of
why your current equipment does what it does. to find the best setup,” one tester exquisite Japanese
You will learn some of the basic laws of ballflight opined. That means total freedom for forgings, Miura’s
and how equipment can affect it. As another old you to choose what combo set works TC-201 irons prove
saying goes, We’re not just giving you a fish, we’re best for your game without sacrificing that a muscular
teaching you how to fish. performance. cavity-back design
Another guarantee: You no longer have to build The details: Honma’s irons are can have it all: world-
a swing around compensations. With the proper better known as “Peak Sleek,” and class feel and Tour-
clubs in hand, when you swing your swing, it will its engineering team has focused on caliber performance
produce a more consistent ballflight than you’ve delivering that across each iron group. combined with
seen with your previous equipment—full stop. The muscle-backs (B) incorporate a a heaping of
There will also be no reason whatsoever that progressive bounce system for proper forgiveness where
you can’t take your new clubs right out of the box turf interaction while the cavity-backs it’s needed. Said one
and shoot better scores. That’s not to say your first (P, V) lower the center of gravity for of our testers, “This
round with them will definitely be a career low, a higher launch profile. The P irons is the best-looking
but even if there’s a big change made to weight are bent one degree strong for added iron I’ve tested, and
or length the learning curve will be fast-tracked distance with a forgiving face. the shot dispersion
because of the confidence you get knowing the TR20 B (4-PW); $1,300 is phenomenal. I’m
equipment is right for you. TR20 P, TR20 V (5-GW); $1,225 throwing darts out
Lastly: honesty. Rarely, but sometimes, a per- here!”
son comes in with a club that’s already the best Mizuno JPX 921 The details: The
club for them. We’re going to tell you, “Surprise! Forged TC-201 irons combine
That driver is really good for you. Is there another a muscle-back feel
part of the bag that’s causing you issues that we Mizuno has a knack for and shotmaking
can take a look at?” Fitting, like golf, is a game shrouding forgiveness and capabilities with the
of integrity. added distance in what added forgiveness
looks like traditional iron found in a cavity-
74 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1 designs, and the JPX 921 back. The heel
Forged does that perfectly. and toe weighting
They look like pure scoring combined with
clubs but come with a progressive sole
healthy dose of playability weighting lowers the
and added workability that CG in the longer irons
impressed testers. for a better launch,
4-GW; $1,400 and a higher CG in
the short irons adds
more control.
3-PW; $2,400

Longer and stronger— Delivering and promote a high Crafted for discerning
trajectory, and the golfers who want the best
but with that same forgiveness and wide sole design
features four angles Miura MB-101
buttery feel distance in a forging for added versatility
and less turf Our take: Better players demand
Miura for any skill level resistance through clubs that perform precisely to their
CB-301 impact. The added shotmaking specifications. They
Miura clubface progression want irons that are controllable,
Our take: Miura’s PI-401 ensures that the predictable and that generate the
forging is legendary— head shape retains trajectories they need to dial in
the feel is there. But Our take: When an appealing look their distances—not to the yard but
the CB-301 is mostly Miura develops a through the entire set. sometimes to the foot. The MB-101s
crafted to deliver new iron design, 4-GW; $330 per club are engineered to do just that. They
high performance it’s safe to assume are forged and built with extreme
for players who want they went all-in in Get the most from craftsmanship unparalleled in the
total shotmaking terms of research, a new iron set game today.
control. The CB-301 development and The details: Forged from soft carbon
represents a new era, engineering to ensure by making sure it’s steel, the MB-101 uses some of the
being that they’re they deliver the best fit for you and best features of earlier Miura iron
the longest forged possible version of your swing: models with subtle refinements to
cavity-backs Miura what they have in make the sole drift across the turf
has ever made. Said mind. As is the case truespecgolf.com with less friction. Additionally, the
one tester, “The with the all-new dual- sole width and face thickness have
wider sole prevents material PI-401 irons, been optimized (when compared to
it from digging too which are designed to the older MB-001), allowing for even
much, and even be exceptionally long, better feel and feedback.
though it performs forgiving and playable 3-PW; $280 per club
like a game- for all player types.
improvement iron, it The details: Forged “THIS IS THE
oozes with the feel of of two types of BEST-LOOKING
a forged blade.” carbon steel, the IRON, AND THE
The details: face is specifically SHOT DISPERSION
Each CB-301 is constructed to IS PHENOMENAL.
meticulously forged increase ball speed I’M THROWING
with variable sole DARTS OUT HERE!”
and cavity thickness Mizuno MP-20 MB
designed to enhance Miura TC-201
performance and For purists who want a
better position blade designed for maxi- 75
the CG for both mum shotmaking perfor-
added distance and mance, distance control
forgiveness. Miura and a responsive feel, the
claims these irons MP-20 MB irons are among
have the largest the crème de la crème.
sweet spot of any 3-PW; $1,300
iron it’s ever built,
thus making them a
playable option for all
player types.
3-GW; $280 per club

IronsC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Designed for Outstanding control The details: With Mizuno
short blade lengths, MP-20 HMB
shotmakers PING less offset and
Blueprint narrow soles, PING’s Mizuno completely
Mizuno JPX Blueprint irons are hides its cutting-
921 Tour Our take: Not all the choice for high- edge technology
golfers have full caliber golfers such within the body of
Our take: Exquisitely command of their as Tony Finau and the MP-20 HMB
designed irons shots, but PING’s Louis Oosthuizen. irons, making them
are not new to Blueprint irons The forged 8620 deceptively easy
Mizuno. Neither is it are for those who carbon heads have to hit and more
uncommon to find do. The blade- machine-milled faces playable than they
our testers raving style, forged-head and grooves, giving appear. A boost in
about how they look Blueprints represent precise ball strikers distance with every
and perform. Case PING’s smallest iron the spin and flight club in the set is a
in point: One tester offering, and the control they need. good thing.
who we thought heads are designed Unlike other blade 3-PW; $1,400
was literally going specifically for better irons, though, the
to steal them said, ball strikers. Due Blueprints feature Iron heads with
“Can I cuss? I can to their compact a tungsten weight driver-like faces
barely describe how profiles and thin in the toe section
beautiful these irons toplines, these to provide an extra PING G425
are. They speak to irons provide Tour touch of forgiveness.
me. I’m in love.” We players and low- 2-PW; $230 per club Our take: Before buying irons, you
get the sentiment, handicappers with must first start by assessing your own
having felt the same the shot-shaping Expert advice—and game. What are your weaknesses and
way about Mizuno’s capabilities they the chance to buy a how do you fix them? PING’s G425
legendary Grain Flow crave. One low- fresh set of blades or irons fit the bill for those looking for
forging for a long handicap tester cavity-backs from higher launch and more distance. “The
time now. explained that the dozens of options— higher launch was a sight to behold,”
The details: Forged Blueprint irons “help at proshop.golf.com one tester said. Sometimes, tech-
from pure select mild work the ball both packed irons sacrifice in sensory
carbon steel, these ways on command.” categories, but GOLF testers noted
irons feature the feel, their soft feel and sound.
sound and perfor- The details: If the G425 irons perform
mance better players more like metalwoods, maybe that’s
demand, with toe- because they’re designed to do just
bias weighting for a that. To improve speed and height
CG that yields added on its G425 irons, PING took notes
distance, accuracy from the face design of its successful
and, perhaps most drivers and fairways. As such, they
importantly, consist- now use variable face thickness (VFT),
ency from strike to which means the face is thinner in
strike. A pearl-brush certain areas to increase speed.
finish helps reduce Thanks to weight savings from the
glare. face, PING was able to add extra
4-GW; $1,300 weight into the hosel and toe sections
to foster forgiveness.
“CAN I CUSS? I CAN 4-LW; $140 per club
BARELY DESCRIBE HOW
BEAUTIFUL THESE IRONS
ARE. THEY SPEAK TO ME.
I’M IN LOVE.”

Mizuno JPX 921 Tour

76 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

“THESE IRONS FEEL
SO GOOD. I WOULDN’T
CHANGE A DAMN
THING ABOUT THEM.”

PXG 0211

Stealthy distance A high- Triple threat: power,
performance and playability
PING G710 launching blade
PXG 0211
Our take: GOLF testers found the PING i500
G710 irons to be mean-looking distance Our take: There’s a lot to love about
machines. “The ball just goes forever,” Our take: For our the 0211 Irons, including some leading-
said one of our slower-speed testers. GOLF testers, the edge tech to make the game easier
The performance comes packaged PING i500 looks were and, frankly, more fun to play. Our
in a stealthy black look too. As one deceiving but in the testers seem to agree, with one noting,
tester said, “It’s a mean look that could best way possible. “These irons feel so good. I wouldn’t
also serve a purpose by reducing sun While the irons have change a damn thing about them. No
glare.” PING offers a range of different blade-style looks doubt as soon as these are in my bag,
iron designs, but if you’re a mid- to that might intimidate I’ll be taking money from my buddies.”
high-handicapper searching for the a mid- to high- Now that’s the kind of confidence we
ultimate in distance, the G710s are handicapper, they’re like to see an iron set provide.
designed for you. actually made for The details: The tech is plentiful in
The details: As our testers noticed, towering trajectories these irons, leading with a maraging
PING says its G710 irons are the and big distance. steel face that PXG calls the “thinnest
longest and most forgiving irons in its “These blew me face in golf,” an angled top rail that
lineup. To achieve this, the company away,” one tester removes weight from the topline so
combined maraging steel faces with said. “As a low-ball it can be repositioned toward the toe,
17-4 stainless-steel bodies that hitter, these helped a DualCOR system that uses soft
function more like metalwoods than me out so much. and firm polymers for better energy
irons. They also have tungsten weights They just fly into the transfer and stability throughout the
in the toe and heel sections to expand sky. That’ll certainly set. Simply put, these irons really do
the sweet spot for golfers who need come in handy on have it all. Lastly, the 0211 also comes
some additional forgiveness. a lot of approach in a simplified blade version (0211
4-SW; $175 per club shots.” ST) for purists who prefer a no-frills,
($190 per club graphite) The details: Tucked classic head shape.
inside what initially 0211 (4-LW); $115 per club
Mizuno seems like a blade 0211 ST (4-PW); $195 per club
MP-20 iron, the i500 heads
MMC are hollow-bodied 77
to capitalize on face
Mizuno has proven flexing for distance
with the multi- and height. The 17-4
material MP-20 MMC stainless-steel body
that even difficult couples with the
things can be accom- C300 maraging steel
plished when done face to act like mini-
with precision design, trampolines. Also,
top-notch engineering the geometry of
and a titanium mus- the sole helps shift
clepad that expands weight lower in the
the sweet spot for head, thus helping
shots that don’t catch the ball fly higher.
the center. 3-PW; $1,400
4-PW; $1,225

IronsCLUBTEST 2021

For players Tour-preferred “I FELT LIKE I MISHIT
performance A FEW HERE AND
seeking distance for those who can THERE, BUT YOU’D
handle it NEVER KNOW IT BY
and feel THE AMPLE AMOUNT
PXG OF FORGIVENESS.”
PXG 0311 0311 ST
Gen3 Srixon ZX
Our take: Just as is PXG’s spin on a
Our take: PXG has many of us can’t traditional blade. The A soft feel with added
a knack for being help picking up a company’s modifiable strength and power
very discerning set of butter-knife tungsten weights
about the players it blades, PXG couldn’t can be found in the Srixon ZX
designs clubs for, but resist making a Tour heel and toe region
with the 0311 Gen3 blade with the elite and titanium weights Our take: When we see and try an
series, the company pro or amateur in in the center for iron that combines the soft feel of a
welcomes a wider mind. And by the a precisely tuned forged iron with the added distance
range of golfers looks of it, the 0311 center of gravity and forgiveness of a multi-material
into its fold. Said a ST (“Super Tour”) and optimal launch construction, we get all giddy inside.
satisfied tester, “Feel is as pure as it gets, conditions for every According to a club tester talking
is always what gets with a bevy of design iron in the set. The about the ZX, “I felt like I mishit a few,
me with PXG irons. features that make thin topline and but you’d never know it by the ample
They feel buttery it an ideal choice for minimal offset means amount of forgiveness. They aren’t far
smooth, even when shotmakers who greater workability, a off from the set I normally play, but
I’m not at my best. want to work the ball streamlined look and with a lot more give.”
What was surprising on command and hit more control over the The details: The multi-piece
is how far they go— a variety of shots face for experienced construction combines tungsten toe
each iron is about a into the green. “This shotmakers. weights with a forged carbon-steel
full club longer than is my kind of blade,” 3-PW; $375 per club body, resulting in optimal weighting
my current set.” said a tester. “It looks and better vibration dampening and
The details: All mean but certainly control. There are two models here
models feature a delivers in the feel to choose from—the ZX5 and ZX7.
DualCOR system, department.” The ZX5 has a wider sole and a slightly
whereby a soft The details: Triple longer profile for more stability and
polymer inner core forged and CNC forgiveness, while the ZX7 is more
and high-strength milled, the 0311 ST compact and has a thinner topline
polymer outer core for enhanced shotmaking versatility.
are injected into the Tour Edge Exotics Mixed sets are available if you want
forged, hollow-body EXS Pro the best of both worlds.
iron for added feel, ZX5 (3-PW); $1,300
performance and “If looks could kill,” ZX7 (3-PW); $1,300
distance. The T is mentioned one tester
more Tour-blade-like during GOLF’s extensive
for added workability, ClubTest, sold on the
the XP is the model Exotics EXS Pro before
with the most offset they had even taken one
and forgiveness swing. “Sexy look,” the
and the P is the tester said. “As someone
Goldilocks iron mixing who weighs appearance
workability with heavily, I’d totally take
added forgiveness. these for a test spin.”
3-LW; $250 per club 4-AW; $1,200

78 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

New-age construction proves Explosive shots from F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF
you can have it all a small package
VIII. A Good Fit
Srixon ZX4 TaylorMade Builds Confidence
P770
Our take: Hollow-body irons are By Allen Gobeski, General Manager
gaining popularity, thanks to a slew Our take: Lower-
of new innovations that have made handicap golfers tend Let’s say you’re getting ready for a first
them more streamlined, compact and to gravitate toward date. (Married folk, remember the old
attractive to better players. That’s irons with smaller days, for better or for worse.) You don’t just grab
exactly what the ZX4s represent—a shapes, while higher whatever is nearest in the closet—you carefully
hollow-body iron that comes with handicaps usually pull together a sharp outfit for the occasion. You
added forgiveness yet delivering opt for larger game- get your hair just so, maybe use a dab of cologne
the feel and versatility of a forged improvement irons or a spray of perfume. You do everything you can
blade. “Srixon really nailed it with that provide more think of to feel confident, to give yourself the best
this one,” chimed one of our testers. height, distance and chance to put your best foot forward.
“These irons have a consistent feel, forgiveness. Our Golf ’s the same way. There’s a reason Dr. Bob
performance and a great sound.” GOLF testers found Rotella’s book, Golf Is a Game of Confidence, is so
The details: A midsize, hollow-body the TaylorMade popular—namely, it’s true. With ill-fitting equip-
iron paired with a forged-steel face P770 irons, though, ment that doesn’t complement the angles your
insert, the ZX4 also features Srixon’s to satisfy both body naturally wants to create, you’re making
new MainFrame technology, milled on needs. “These look a series of subconscious compensations. Con-
the back of the clubface in a variable sleek, and I love the versely, when you know your equipment is dialed
face thickness pattern. The net effect towering launch. The in, it lets you swing your swing—confidently.
is a higher COR for improved ball speed ball is going even on A confident swing feels exponentially differ-
and distance. Additional features misses.” ent from a deliberate, steering swing, because
include a V.T. sole for smoother The details: Think it is exponentially different. It’s freer, with less
turf interaction. of the P770 as a tension. It’s also more repeatable and relaxed.
8 clubs; $1,300 slimmed down P790. Clubfitting as confidence builder isn’t just a
The thin topline, mindset issue, either. Properly fitted clubs pro-
Wilson reduced offset duce far more playable misses by tightening
Launch Pad and shorter blade dispersion both left and right and in terms of
length is paired distance. They also add shots to your arsenal.
If the sight of an with a distance- With proper shaft flex, say, you’ll launch the ball
extra-wide sole at inducing, hollow- at an optimal trajectory, and you may well now
address gives you bodied construction be able to work the ball both ways instead of anx-
some much-needed that bumps up the iously guarding against a persistent fade or hook.
confidence, you’ll speed. Housed The upshot? You’ll both limit big numbers
love the look of the inside the cavity is and attack the course, taking advantage of scor-
Launch Pad, which TaylorMade’s familiar ing opportunities instead of white-knuckling it
boasts a hybrid-like urethane SpeedFoam around. Like that proverbial first date, a little
sole profile that that enhances feel, swagger never hurt, and that’s precisely what
gets progressively something our GOLF custom fitting done right can provide.
wider as the clubs testers appreciated.
get longer. 3-AW; $1,400 79
4-PW; $700 (steel);
$800 (graphite)

IronsC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Player-inspired An upscale design for and narrow soles. A compact profile with
In addition to the
shapes with the better player expected looks, the mishit protection
modernized blades
engineered distance TaylorMade use geometrics in the TaylorMade
P7MB back cavity to control P7MC
TaylorMade mass placement
P790 Our take: Bag throughout the set. Our take: Looking down at these
appeal. There’s just Also, the P7MB irons irons from address, you might think
Our take: Looks something about the are forged from that the P7MC irons are a traditional
can be deceiving, as way a shiny set of 1025 carbon steel blade, thanks to the compact head
our GOLF testers blade irons glisten in using a 2,000-ton shape and minimal offset. The P7MCs,
discovered after the sun, isn’t there? forging press to however, offer a bit more leeway on
hitting the P790 While TaylorMade’s strengthen the grain shots hit across the face. “These have
irons. One tester P7MB irons have structures, helping a traditional look with exceptional
called them “an minimal badging and provide that soft and feel, even when I didn’t catch it dead
ultra-forgiving iron a classic blade design, solid feel our testers center,” a GOLF tester explained. “If
trapped inside of a there’s a raised reported. you’re a better player who still needs
blade.” Essentially, triangular mass 3-PW; $175 per club a touch of forgiveness to bail you out,
that’s exactly what on the back cavity these should do the trick.”
the P790 irons are that gives them The details: Also forged from 1025
all about: providing more of an “upscale carbon steel in a 2,000-ton press to add
game-improvement- look,” according strength and feel to each head, P7MC
style performance to one of our low- irons have thinned-out cavities (rather
in a shape that’s handicap testers. Of than muscle-backs) to push weight
welcomed by even course, looks aren’t out toward the edges. With more
low-handicappers. everything. Testers weight around the perimeter, there’s
The details: also commented on increased protection on off-center hits.
Despite a blade- the solid-but-soft 3-PW; $1,400
like appearance, the feel off the face and
hollow-bodied iron ballflight control. Fit for a G.O.A.T.
construction has a The details:
thin forged face and TaylorMade’s P7MB TaylorMade P7TW
tungsten weighting irons were developed
in the toe section based on input from Our take: “It’s Tiger’s iron!” one
to achieve higher the world’s top GOLF tester exclaimed. Surely, you
flight, forgiveness golfers, including can understand the excitement.
and distance. To Dustin Johnson, so Tiger Woods is one of the best iron
soften up sound naturally they’re players of all time, and while none
and feel, the irons going to have the of us can match his finesse with a blade, you can now hit the
are also injected familiar blade shapes same P7TW club he does. For one low-handicap tester, the irons
with SpeedFoam, a that better players lived up to the hype: “Nothing else I hit came close to these from
foam-like urethane prefer, including a feel perspective… the most pleasing feeling ever.”
material. This is a thin toplines, The details: For the last few years, Woods has been using
best-of-both-worlds reduced offset TaylorMade’s P7TWs, which were developed based on his
kind of iron. exact preferences: longer blade lengths, thinner toplines and
4-PW; 1,400 traditional lofts. The soles are also CNC milled to eliminate
variance in head manufacturing, and tungsten slugs are
positioned in the head to help with flight, feel and control. That’s
what Woods wants, and the P7TW retail models are built to
match his specs.
3-PW; $2,000

80 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Fast-feeling irons that Shaping and Some serious muscle
from the fairway
forgive like crazy performance
Titleist
TaylorMade that never 620 MB
SIM2 Max
go out of style Our take: Muscle- The details:
Our take: The typical knock on game- back irons are still Featuring a pure
improvement irons is that they look too Titleist popular among muscle design,
big or feel too harsh. When it comes 620 CB better players who the 620 MB irons
to the new SIM2 Max irons, though, want the utmost in are forged from a
one tester mentioned how they “look Our take: We’ve workability, feel and single piece of 1025
visually smaller” and “feel really good.” come to expect top- distance control. carbon steel and
And they said, that’s “tough to do with tier player-oriented Make no bones about have reduced offset,
a game-improvement iron.” Looks and irons from Titleist. it—they aren’t going a progressive heel-
feel aside, testers also highlighted the After many years to be as forgiving on toe length depending
fast feel off the face and the power making some of off-center hits as a on loft, a retooled
they produced. the best you can cavity-back, but if sole for improved
The details: After charting thousands buy, the 620 CB you’re the kind of turf interaction and
of shots from real golfers and plotting irons sport both an player who hits the a Project X steel
where they hit the ball on the face, aesthetic feel and sweet spot more shaft. It’s a set
TaylorMade developed an all-new performance that often than not, a that’s exquisitely
technology to help golfers where they are familiar but also muscle-back design crafted for maximum
need it most. TaylorMade calls it a completely new at like the 620 MB may shotmaking
“Cap Back Design” that’s evidenced the same time. “Paint be just what you playability and comes
by a lightweight polymer material that me impressed,” need to take your with a feel you can
stretches across the back cavity. The said a happy tester. scoring from the only get from a
design establishes stiffness behind the “They’re actually fairway to the next forged muscle-back
topline of the irons, and it allows for much more forgiving level. “I never have design.
more flexing on the face to increase than they look, and to wonder about 3-PW; $1,400
speed and distance. TaylorMade’s speaking of that, Titleist’s blades,” said
evolved Echo Dampening system the aesthetics are a tester. “They’re Get the most from
then helps to mute sound and feel, incredible.” always consistent, a new iron set
as well. Available in standard and with The details: The regardless of the by making sure
an offset. 620 CB is designed iron I pick up. I don’t
7 clubs; $800 ($900 graphite) around a refined sole, ever want to guess it’s fit for you and
reduced offset and if I’m going to hit my your swing:
Wilson thinner topline for number. These are
Staff Blade a Tour-proven look perfect.” truespecgolf.com
and feel through the
It’s hard to overstate turf. The long irons “THEY LOOK VISUALLY
the positive feedback are co-forged with SMALLER AND FEEL
these Wilson Staff tungsten weighting REALLY GOOD. THAT’S
Blades received from for added balance TOUGH TO DO WITH
our testers. “This and forgiveness. It’s A GAME-IMPROVEMENT
is the best set of the total package IRON.”
blades Wilson has for players who want
ever made,” said forged performance TaylorMade SIM2 Max
one. “It’s like they and feel with
wrapped up all the forgiveness where
best features and it’s needed.
jammed them into 3-PW; $1,400
one iron.”
8 clubs; $1,300

81

IronsC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

A premium price tag— Where classic looks hollow-body irons for A better players iron if
maximum distance
but the performance and feels meet and forgiveness. there ever was one
T200 (4-AW); $1,400
backs it up with modern tech T300 (4-SW); $980 Titleist T100
T400 (5-SW); $1,500
Titleist Titleist Our take: Catering to competitive
CNCPT T-Series Expert advice—and players who want the best of
the chance to buy a everything, the T100 irons have quickly
Our take: All three Our take: If you’re fresh set of blades or become popular for their stellar
CNCPT irons have a golfer who cavity-backs from performance. They’re designed to be
cutting-edge tech, appreciates an dozens of options— more forgiving in the long irons, but you
materials and iron with a classic at proshop.golf.com wouldn’t know it by how compact and
construction that are look and feel but streamlined they look, and how easily
so next level, Titleist also wants to take maneuverable the short irons are.
has no qualms about advantage of new The details: The T100 features a
slapping a $500 innovations and forged, small cavity-back profile
price tag on each fresh technologies, with added tungsten weighting
one. And it’s not all the T-Series from hidden in the heel and toe regions for
show. According Titleist may be extra stability and to control the CG
to our testers, the precisely what you’re location as irons get progressively
CNCPTs deliver. looking for. “Just larger and longer. The cambered sole
“The ball explodes looking at these is reconfigured for both faster and
off the face with a irons you can see cleaner turf interaction, making it
towering launch. I they’re loaded with easier to hit crisp, clean iron shots.
now regret my last new technology,” Also comes in a T100 S model with
iron purchase!” stated a club tester. lofts that are 2 degrees stronger
The details: The “I love being able to throughout the set.
hollow-body CP-04 see what I’m getting. 3-AW; $200 per club
is designed around a It lets me know it’s
red-hot L-face insert worth the price of Some serious magic
and tungsten in the admission. And when
heel and toe for a you hit one on the Tour Edge
powerful launch and screws, you’ll get the Hot Launch
added forgiveness. same joy I did. Boy, do
The CP-03 offers these go.” Our take: “Please forgive me,
the same tech but The details: The Golf Gods, for I have swung. The
in a more workable, T-Series is expansive, Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 and C521
streamlined profile. starting with the irons have answered my prayers,” according
The CP-02 best T200, a set with a to one tester during GOLF’s ClubTest. “As a high-
resembles a muscle- robust polymer core handicap golfer, I’ll take all the heel-toe forgiveness I can get,”
back, designed behind the sweet the tester said. “The sound was especially good for an iron at
specifically for spot, tungsten this size.” Amen.
added shotmaking weighting and a The details: Forgiveness is featured throughout the E521
capabilities. forged clubface for and C521. The E521 includes a Houdini sole that reduces turf
3-GW; $500 per club a premium feel at interaction by 35 percent, according to Tour Edge; hollow-
impact. The T300 is a body perimeter weighting that creates distance properties of a
midsize set of “fast- metalwood; and a shallow cup forged face that produces higher
feeling” cavity-backs, launch angles. The C521 includes an expanded undercut cavity
also with a polymer that moves more weight back for stability and a wide sole design
insert and tungsten that lowers the center of gravity for more consistent contact.
toe weighting. Lastly, E521 (3-AW); $800; C521 (4-PW); $500
the T400: a set of

82 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Easy launcher A breeze to hit More accurate Smooth operator

Wilson D9 XXIO Eleven shots without XXIO X
Black
Our take: The follow-up to Wilson’s Our take: We breaking a sweat
popular D7, the D9s boast a straight, like XXIO’s clear Our take: Color one
clean topline and ultra-thin face, giving messaging: The XXIO Prime tester impressed:
the club a player’s iron aesthetic. Eleven irons are “These are definitely
Wilson’s lowest ever center of gravity designed simply Our take: Packing irons for a better
in an iron ensures ease of launch as well to make the game a lot of technology player,” he said. “But
as a steeper angle of descent. easier. According into an iron can be they have just enough
The details: What happens when you to our testers, they a tall order for club offset to help with
use computer modeling to simulate do just that. “These designers. But rest mishits and still
hundreds of iron variations? You end up irons are a breeze assured, XXIO’s deliver that silky feel.”
with an iron that boasts strategically to hit. Just get it Prime irons are able No wonder Ernie Els
positioned urethane-filled “Power somewhere on the to heap on loads plays them—they’re
Holes” around the face. Their purpose face and the ball of tech without as smooth as he is.
is twofold: to increase deflection and is going.” Distance cluttering its looks. The details: Forged
maximize flex, both of which allow for comes easier, too, Our testers agreed. for a softer, more
greater energy transfer to the ball. In especially for golfers “I couldn’t put them responsive feel, the
short, the D9 promises players more with moderate swing down,” said one. “I X Black features a
speed and distance—with no extra speeds. Sounds nearly wore myself Speed Groove behind
effort on your part. exactly like the kind out.” These irons the face that helps it
5-PW; $650 ($750 graphite) of stuff we all need. have the marks of a flex more, resulting
The details: Comes luxury product for in increased distance.
Reliable and consistent with a hot-forged sure, but they’re The V-shaped
titanium faceplate super-friendly for sole lessens turf
Wilson Staff CB and a Double golfers who have interaction and
Undercut cavity to moderate swing encourages a
Our take: Better players will increase ball speed, speeds and want to downward strike.
appreciate the power and consistency and a tungsten sole hit the ball farther, Weights under the
of Wilson’s top-tier irons. “Best turf weight for improved straighter and with grip promote a
interaction by far,” enthused one forgiveness and more more forgiveness on smooth, lighter feel
tester. “Club never caught during the stability. Weight Plus off-center hits. that’s easy to swing.
swing. It’s a neat sensation.” Turns technology under The details: The face 5-PW; $1,200
out, that’s by design. Twenty grams the grip region of the is made of Super-
of tungsten weighting in the toe of composite shafts TIX PLUS titanium
the long and mid irons enhances head make the club feel and has CNC-milled
stability at impact and lowers the lighter and faster speed grooves for a
center of gravity for consistent shots. to swing. bigger sweet spot,
The details: The CB is an evolution 6-PW; $1,000 more ball speed
of the much-loved Tour V6. A new and greater overall
Tri-Brace stabilizer, which provides distance. The shorter
a structural connection between the profile design pairs
topline and central impact mass, with tungsten-nickel
results in improved stability, sound and weighting for added
feel while a forged 8620 carbon-steel forgiveness, and the
face (backed by an integrated Impact SP-1000 graphite
mass area) and cavity-back design shaft is made with
offer a winning combination of muscle- carbon fiber and
back feel and shot-shaping consistency. resin materials that
4-PW; $1,000 help produce more
speed and distance in
a smoother, easy-to-
swing profile.
5-AW; $275 per club

83

CLUBTEST 2021

Wedges

Classic looks and profiles are giving way to more forgiving and
higher-spinning head designs. Time to take advantage.

Tour looks and spin for the masses Wedge versatility
personified
Callaway MD5 Jaws
Cleveland CBX
Our take: Roger help the club Here to help
Cleveland’s latest glide through Our take: The CBX Full-Face wedge
wedge creation the turf. Callaway sports a design that makes it easy to
for Callaway was The details: Mack play a variety of open-faced shots.
a massive hit with Callaway’s MD5 Daddy CB You’re sure to impress your buddies
testers who admitted Jaws remains one while popping the ball up high and tight
to normally having of the most popular Our take: As some with this one. According to a seasoned
trouble producing wedges in the higher-handicap tester, “I like the way the ball feels
enough spin on professional and testers found out, a coming off the face, and the milling
short-game shots. recreational ranks. cavity-back profile marks on the toe give it a high-end
“I sometimes ‘skid’ With a multitude can reinvigorate your look.” Bonus: This wedge delivers all the
shots into the green, of loft and bounce short game. “With spin you can handle.
but these wedges combinations, three the subtle offset and The details: Cleveland’s Rotex face
make me feel like finishes (including slightly larger head, milling and Zip grooves can be found
I’m a competent a raw offering) and I got the feeling that across the entire face of the CBX
player again. Even five grinds, the I couldn’t miss,” said a wedge for big-time rpm. Additionally,
when I didn’t catch it family is capable tester. “The grooves the half-cavity design places the
perfectly clean, I still of fitting a wide deliver consistent CG in an optimal position, and the
saw the ball check range of handicaps feel too.” low C-shaped sole grind make these
and settle.” Testers and preferences. The details: With easy to hit when laid open like a
also gave high marks Callaway’s groove- a slightly more pancake. Contrasting the CBX is the
to the low-bounce W in-groove technology forgiving profile and traditionally shaped CBX2. Don’t be
grind and its ability to delivers all the bite generous sole width, fooled by its clean looks—beneath it
you can handle this wedge is a worthy hides a healthy dose of forgiveness in
through sharper option for those a hollow-body design.
groove radiuses who struggle with CBX: 56˚, 58˚, 60˚, 64˚
designed to impart consistency. And if CBX2: 46˚, 48˚, 50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚,
greater shot- you’re worried about 58˚, 60˚; $130–$160
stopping spin. sacrificing greenside
23 loft/bounce spin with a cavity- Mizuno ES21
combinations; $160 back design, you can
rest easy knowing Here, most of the magic
that the CB comes is on the inside. Sure, a
with the same groove hollow-body wedge is not
technology as the the type of scoring club
Tour-level MD5 Jaws. we’ve come to expect from
46˚, 48˚, 50˚, 52˚, Mizuno, but consider us
54˚, 56˚, 58˚, 60˚; among the true believers
$130 of the ES21’s awe-inspiring
technology and surprisingly
efficient performance.
54˚, 56˚, 58˚, 60˚;
$200

84 GOLF.COM

Mizuno Learn more about
T20 the loft and bounce
combinations that
Strength and versa-
tility in a no-nonsense best suit your
design, and Mizuno’s game—and build
use of boron looks as them into your
though it’s here to stay. favorite wedge right
According to the manu- on the spot—at
facturer, boron is great proshop.golf.com
for adding strength and
ensuring consistency in
a wedge design.
46˚, 50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚,
58˚, 60˚; $150

A lifetime material in the heel Finding forgiveness
region that optimizes from around the green
of extra short- the CG for better
control. It also raises Cleveland
game spin the MOI for improved Smart Sole 4
trajectory control
Cleveland and shotmaking Our take: “The wide sole is a genius design,” said one tester.
RTX consistency. Testers “It should be embraced by more golfers—including me. It’s the
ZipCore especially liked the epitome of an anti-chunk wedge.” More golfers should take this
new Ultizip grooves tester’s feedback to heart. Getting up-and-down from around
Our take: Cleveland for added spin and the green isn’t easy, particularly if you struggle with consistent
takes its wedges an all-new heat- contact and turf interaction. Smart Sole 4’s futuristic profile
very seriously, as it treatment process differs greatly from a traditional blade wedge, but that’s by
should, having made that makes these design. The generous sole and deep cavity add an impressive level
some of the most wedges exceptionally of forgiveness and stability to the head. The entire package will
influential designs durable. Comes in make the chunk a thing of the past.
in the last several three finishes and The details: The Smart Sole wedge comes with a wide, three-
decades. The all-new three grinds in a tiered sole and added leading-edge bounce. That feature heaps
RTX ZipCore wedge variety of lofts, on tremendous forgiveness from the fairway, rough or out of the
rewrites the way making it easy to bunker—especially if you’re a golfer who tends to swing a little
Cleveland interprets choose the ideal on the steep side. Milled grooves and an optimized CG deliver the
wedge design setup. perfect combo of spin and accuracy that’s sure to help you shed
with a slew of new 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 56˚, shots off your scorecard.
innovations intended 58˚, 60˚, 62˚; $150 42˚, 50˚, 58˚; $120–$130
to help players gain
consistency while “THE WIDE SOLE IS A GENIUS DESIGN.
also enabling more IT SHOULD BE EMBRACED BY MORE
versatility. Which, GOLFERS—INCLUDING ME. IT’S THE
in case you haven’t EPITOME OF AN ANTI-CHUNK WEDGE.”
noticed, is a damn
hard thing to do. Cleveland Smart Sole 4
(Well, maybe for
Cleveland it’s not.) 85
The details: The
RTX ZipCore wedges
feature a low-density

WedgesC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Bite for days A do-it-all design Tour Edge
Hot Launch
Cobra Honma E521
King Cobra T//World W4
The Tour Edge E521
Our take: “Am I Our take: Honma offering, boasting wedges, like the
seeing that right?” went to great elegant curves and a E521 irons, feature
one tester inquired lengths to up the hand-shaped profile. the Houdini sole,
after watching the feel and spin control Flip the wedge over which, according
ball check and stop on found inside the T// and you’re greeted to one tester
a dime from 30 yards World W4. Testers with an eye-catching during GOLF’s
out. “I don’t normally were keen to the sculpted back that ClubTest, worked
get that kind of improvements, with serves a practical “like magic.”
sauce!” Cobra’s new one proclaiming, “I’m purpose. In the 52˚, 56˚, 60˚; $90
Snakebite groove getting the touch and lower lofts, mass
design impressed spin I expect around is positioned low in Spin from any lie
more than a few the greens. It feels the head for a solid
testers. This new as if the grooves are feel on full shots. PING
groove-cutting grabbing the ball and Additional mass is Glide 3.0
method allowed then placing it softly situated higher in the
designers to tighten on the green. It’s a head on the higher Our take: It’s a harsh reality: Most
the tolerances and feeling I’ve rarely felt lofts for trajectory golfers miss more greens than they
sharpen the edges with my wedges.” control. hit. To deal with the consequences
for maximum zip. With two sole grinds 48˚, 50˚, 52˚, 54˚, of all those wayward approaches,
The details: In delivering versatility 56˚, 58˚, 60˚; golfers are constantly on the lookout
addition to Snakebite and superior turf $150 for more spin. PING’s Glide 3.0
grooves, there’s interaction, it’s easy wedges, with machine-milled grooves
progressive groove to see why testers and redesigned cavities, delivered
and face technology gave Honma’s latest it in spades throughout our testing
to dial in spin and creation high marks. process. Said one tester, “I expect to
launch. Stronger The details: The T// lose some zip on the ball from thick
lofts feature tighter World W4 looks like lies, but it came off hot and spinning.”
grooves for more your traditional blade The details: PING completely
control on approach overhauled its previous wedges to
shots; shallow craft the new Glide 3.0 versions, which
grooves in the are made to spin more, feel softer and
weaker lofts deliver forgive like never before. They feature
maximum spin. Three milled grooves with razor-sharp edges.
specialized grinds Larger CTP (Custom Tuning Port)
also ensure you’ll inserts behind the head deliver the
never have any issues softness; credit the back cavities for
with turf interaction. the extra spin and Tour-like lower shot
Single-length is also trajectory. The Glide 3.0 lineup has a
available. number of head options for different
50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚, players, but the return of PING’s
58˚, 60˚; $150 classic Eye2 shape is certainly the
most nostalgic.
“AM I SEEING THAT Eye2 grind: 54˚, 56˚, 58˚, 60˚
RIGHT?” ONE TESTER Standard: 46˚, 50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚,
INQUIRED AFTER 58˚, 60˚; Wide Sole: 54˚, 56˚, 58˚,
WATCHING THE BALL 60˚; Thin Sole: 58˚, 60˚; $160–$180
CHECK AND STOP ON A
DIME FROM 30 YARDS.
“I DON’T NORMALLY GET
THAT KIND OF SAUCE!”

Cobra King Cobra

86 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

Max feel and forgiveness Top-dollar F I T T I N G FAC T S
with TRUE SPEC GOLF
PXG 0311 technology
Forged IX. It Works for Wedges
PXG
Our take: We think the best wedges Sugar By Nick Kopp, Build Team Leader
on the market today are the ones Daddy
that disguise technology in a simple, “Drive for show, putt for dough.”
versatile design. The PXG 0311 fits Our take: Wedges You wouldn’t know it from how golfers
that bill, as it’s both easy to use for a that emphasize go about clubfitting. At True Spec Golf, we do
variety of shots and has forgiveness versatility are four to five driver fittings for every one putter
and feel hidden within its relatively among our favorite fitting—and fewer wedge fittings than putter
benign appearance. (Again, that’s kinds because, like fittings. Short-game fitting is the most under-
a good thing.) Said a happy tester, you, we’re prone to utilized tool out there.
“These wedges are very well-balanced, needing a do-it-all club Golfers are generally distance-driven—even
are controllable and feel great. I’d to protect our scores. though wedge shots and putting account for at
definitely put these in play.” The premium-priced least half your shots on course. If your short game
The details: Triple forged from soft 0311 Sugar Daddy is isn’t a strong suit, there’s so much value to be
carbon steel, the 0311 comes with considered PXG’s gained via fitting.
PXG’s proprietary weighting system most engineered Players tend to obsess about a putter’s feel to
that combines tungsten and titanium wedge yet. According the exclusion of all else. A putter fitting brings in
weights for an elevated MOI, high toe to one of our testers, tons of other important information—the club’s
weighting that moves the CG up the “It sits on the ground dynamics, weight, weighting (toe hang versus
face for better control on open-faced beautifully and is face balanced), shape, color, optics and so on,
shots and a tapered sole designed to balanced really well. on top of your stroke’s characteristics. All these
make it more playable from a variety I can really feel the components complement how you perceive the
of lies. clubhead, which is key putter, aim it and return it to impact. A player who
50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚, 58˚, 60˚; $150 if I want to get crafty aligns left, for example, might be corrected to
around the greens.” square simply with a different-shaped clubhead
Tour The details: Both to change his or her visual perception.
Edge triple forged and CNC The same holds true for wedges. Fitting data
EXS Blade milled, the 0311 Sugar plus detailed, in-depth questioning about typical
Daddy uses tungsten turf conditions, shot selection and what you are
Tour Edge emphasizes and titanium weights experiencing on the course all unite in a discov-
that their EXS Blades to strategically ery process that eventually lands upon a head/
“are engineered to manipulate the CG so shaft combination that complements what you’re
deliver exact distance it’s in the perfect spot trying to do with that club.
control, maximum ver- to play open-faced All this and the price is right. A TSG wedge
satility and superior pitch and chip shots. fitting typically takes an hour, a putter fitting 90
spin.” The engineering The Sugar Daddy also minutes versus about four hours for a full bag. If
effort did not escape comes in two sole you’re getting fit for only a portion of your bag,
one of our testers, options: the 09 for strongly consider getting fitted for the clubs you
who said, “The wedges all-around versatility use the most. Hitting only four to five greens in
have reached a tech and playability from a regulation per round? You do the math.
high point.” wide variety of playing
50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚, conditions, and the
58˚, 60˚; $150 07, which is narrower
and optimized for
open-face shots from
tight turf conditions
and tight lies in
general.
50˚, 52˚, 54˚, 56˚,
58˚, 60˚; $650

87

WedgesC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1 Take it from Tiger Game-changing
innovation yet again
A face that means business TaylorMade
MG TW Grind Titleist Vokey
TaylorMade Design SM8
Hi-Toe Our take: As you
MG Raw can imagine, the sole Our take: Spin-milled clubface, resulting
grind Tiger Woods wedges by Bob Vokey in an increased MOI,
Our take: As the name implies, the uses—featured get better with improved balance and
Hi-Toe MG Raw wedges don’t have a here—doesn’t look or each new iteration, unique, resounding
finish on their faces. Our testers found perform like a normal proving that the feel. The SM8 also
this to help produce notably higher wedge. “This grind wedge is not only the comes with spin-
spin rates on shots from around the let’s me play it square most versatile club milled grooves for
green. “This raw face had me ripping or open,” one tester in the bag but the better spin and is
the ball back on command,” one tester said. “Tiger is a smart most important. Our available in four
said. Also, when hitting shots from thin man!” Of course, testers spoke boldly finishes and six sole
lies, testers commented positively on few, if any, have the of the SM8, stating, grinds (depending
the way the leading edges sat closer to short-game skill of “These wedges have on loft) for different
the ground. Tiger Woods, but his some serious sauce. player types and
The details: These wedges, as our custom-milled TW The low-bounce varying turf and sand
testers experienced, are built to spin, Grind design should models are amazing, conditions. “Not
even in wet conditions. The Hi-Toe give you a boost. and nary is there only are these great
concept drives weight higher in the The details: The a wedge that cuts wedges with a ton of
head to influence a lower launch. That Tiger Grind features through the turf as Tour pedigree, the
combination means golfers can more unique relief in the well as the SM8s do.” glut of loft/bounce
easily hit zipping low-spinners, just heel, trailing edge High praise again for and grind options
like their favorite Tour players. Need and near the leading Vokey. We expected makes you feel like a
more forgiveness? TaylorMade is also edge to help him— nothing less. kid in a candy shop,”
offering a Hi-Toe Big Foot wedge with and you—hit from The details: raved one tester.
a wider sole and a versatile C-grind for all sorts of lies Tungsten weighting “How do you choose
greater playability. with different face in the toe and just one—or four?”
Hi-Toe MG Raw: 50˚, 52˚, 54˚, positions. There’s variable hosel 46˚, 48˚, 50˚, 52˚,
56˚, 58˚, 60˚, 62˚; Hi-Toe MG Big also a healthy amount lengths place the CG 54˚, 56˚, 58˚, 60˚,
Foot: 56˚, 58˚, 60˚; $180 of needed bounce. out in front of the 62˚; $160
The retail MG TW
wedges come stock
with the shafts and
grips TW uses too.
56˚/12˚, 60˚/11˚;
$200

“I LOVE THE FACE PROFILE, AND Wilson Staff
THE RAW FACE IS A COOL TOUCH.
BEST YET, THE TW GRIND LET’S ME Wilson relied on their ros-
PLAY IT SQUARE OR OPEN. TIGER ter of Tour players to pro-
IS A SMART MAN!” vide feedback on the look,
performance and playabil-
TaylorMade MG TW Grind ity of each wedge. The re-
sult: three iterations—the
88 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Staff Model, Tour Sole and
High Toe—that tick all the
boxes and stand out from
the crowd.
Staff Model: 48˚–60˚;
Tour Sole: 56˚–60˚; High
Toe: 56˚, 60˚, 64˚; $130

CLUBTEST 2021 Ben Hogan
Precision
Putters Milled

Modern updates to proven classics and a glut of forgiving mallets Forged and CNC
that feel like blades make this the greatest flatstick market ever milled to elicit a
consistent feel
Forward weighting in a purer end-over- Classic shapes and roll, Hogan’s
end roll with added extensive putter
for straighter putts stability—key factors with a soft feel line features blade
in getting the ball and mallet offerings
Cleveland started on line. The Cleveland with an impressive
Frontline proprietary Speed Huntington uniform mill pattern
Optimized Face Beach Soft from heel to toe.
Our take: Many technology pattern $200
putter manufacturers promotes consistent Our take: The HB
look backward ball speed while Soft putters proved High performance, eye-catching looks
when distributing a 2135 alignment popular for their but-
weight. Cleveland, system gives you tery-soft feel, which, Cleveland Huntington
in its new Frontline, a perfect look no for one tester, meant Beach Soft Premier
is looking forward, matter where you “it was easy to know
with a front-facing set your eyes at how the ball would Our take: How a putter looks to the
weighting scheme address. Offered in respond off the face eye matters almost as much as how
that pulls mass four primary styles with every stroke, it performs. If it doesn’t look right, it
closer to the face for with multiple hosel no matter how long just won’t feel comfortable to putt
better stability. “The connections, all in the putt.” Testers with. The new Huntington Beach Soft
face lends instant matte black. also appreciated the Premier putters feature all that makes
feedback and really 4.0, Elevado deep face milling: “It stock HB Soft putters so great and
helps with distance (shown), Iso, Cero; makes for a premi- coats them with a gray satin PVD finish
control,” said a tester. $180–$200 um, Tour-worthy look for reduced glare. Put it this way: They
Of the streamlined and really helps with look so soothing and smooth, you can’t
appearance, another distance control.” help but feel relaxed.
tester cheered the The details: The HB The details: HB Soft Premier putters
putters’ subdued Soft features the feature a precision CNC-milled face
look, saying, “Matte same proprietary pattern that’s unique to each model
black is a really good face technology as and Cleveland’s Speed Optimized Face
look on the eyes.” the Frontline (see technology for a silky-soft feel and
The details: A left) and a precise, smooth end-over-end roll. Specific to
tungsten forward- CNC-milling pattern the Premier line is not only the PVD
weighting plan sets that feels soft finish but also a black putter shaft and
the CG closer to without getting Lamkin Sinkfit pistol grips. As with
the front of the mushy. Multiple head the standard line, multiple head styles
putterface, resulting styles are available. are available.
3, 4, 8, 10.5, 10.5C, 3 (shown), 4, 8, 10.5, 10.5C, 11, 11S, 14;
11 (shown); $130 $160

89

PuttersC L U B T E S T 2 0 2 1

Proven performance

Odyssey White Hot OG

Rave reviews Our take: Ask and and milling marks Soft feel, Tour-player input
you shall receive. surrounding the
Odyssey After years of clam- two-part urethane PING 2021
2-Ball Ten oring for a putter insert. For those who
with the iconic White are wondering, the Our take: PING’s new 2021 putters
Our take: Odyssey’s Hot insert, Odyssey insert formulation are packed with tech on the face to
decision to combine delivered in a big is identical to the help golfers roll the ball better, but
its now-legendary way with the OG. original urethane from address “they’re clean and sharp
2-Ball design with One tester summed creation, so you can looking,” as a GOLF tester described.
its innovative Triple it up best: “I can’t rest easy knowing it’ll White toplines against black chrome
Track alignment tell you how happy feel identical to your finishes proved to be decipherable
system in a new head it makes me that trusty gamer. Each alignment aids as well. On the feel
shape resulted in one Odyssey brought putter is outfitted scale, PING’s new face designs reg-
of the most popular back the original with a classic gray istered “marshmallow soft, in a good
putters at GOLF’s White Hot insert. I DFX rubber grip and way,” according to one tester.
player testing. “This can make the same either a stepless steel The details: To deliver the soft feel
feels like cheating,” stroke and know how or multi-material our tester enjoyed, the 2021 line is
raved one tester. the ball is going to Stroke Lab in candy- built using dual-durometer Pebax
“Get set, aim, fire— come off every time.” apple red. Eight prov- face inserts. The putters also feature
that’s it!” The putter Two decades after it en head styles are weights in the toe and heel sections
also comes with a was first introduced, available. that increase forgiveness, and they
redesigned Stroke White Hot remains #1, #1WS (shown), have face grooves to help with speed
Lab shaft that helps the standard for put- 2-Ball, Rossie, consistency. While there’s a whopping
keep putts on line. ter inserts. No need Rossie S, #5, #7, 11 head models in the lineup, two nota-
The details: Beyond to mess with success. #7s; $220 ($270 for ble designs stick out: the Cameron
the alignment The details: Outside Stroke Lab) Champ–inspired Tyne 4 and the
tech, the 2-Ball Ten of the adjustable Viktor Hovland–inspired DS 72—each
showcases a sleek heel-toe sole weights, developed through PING’s impressive
mallet shape that’s the White OG line Putting Lab Design (PLD) program.
gaining traction is a nod to the cult Anser, Anser 2, Anser 4, Harwood,
among the pro classic with a rich Kushin 4, CA 70 (shown), DS 72,
ranks. It’s all part of silver PVD finish Tyne 4, Fetch, Oslo H, Tyne C; $270
Odyssey’s plan to ($380 for Harwood)
help all golfers better “I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW
“frame” at setup and HAPPY IT MAKES ME THAT Mizuno M.Craft
ensure everything’s ODYSSEY BROUGHT BACK
lined up correctly. THE ORIGINAL WHITE Mizuno’s commitment
Bonus: Each head HOT INSERT.” to precision clubmaking
features the high- is evident in the M.Craft
performance and Odyssey White Hot OG putter line, which com-
Tour-proven White bines precision forging,
Hot Microhinge face CNC milling, tradition-
insert. Also available al stylings, cool color
sans Triple Track. options and removable
$300 weights. I, II, III, IV
(shown), V, VI; $300

90 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

A firmer feel for those who need it It’s all aces—and a Tour Edge
Exotics
PING Heppler super-high MOI Wingman

Our take: Not every putterface is PXG With a carbon-fiber
made to be soft. Some golfers pre- Blackjack sole plate, “lock-on”
fer a firmer feel with more feedback. alignment technology,
PING’s Heppler putters are made for Our take: Can a a micro-groove face
those golfers. “I like this firmer feel so putter do all the and interchangeable
I know where I’ve hit it on the face,” work? That’s how weights, the Wingman is
said one GOLF tester. “And the copper the Blackjack felt in packed with tech—and
with the black provides nice contrast.” our testers’ hands, looks every bit the part
The details: PING’s Heppler putters thanks to its bi- of something destined
feature solid faces instead of face material construc- to keep putts on line.
inserts to create that firmer feel tion, high MOI and Two hosel options. $200
many testers noticed and liked. Also, tremendous bal-
PING uses a combination of steel and ance. The aesthetics Elegant performance The details: Milled of
pressure-cast aluminum materials in killed, to boot. As one aerospace-grade
the head to manipulate weight in order tester put it, “This with aggressive aluminum and high-
to raise forgiveness. An adjustable grip putter looks mean density tungsten, the
system helps golfers troubleshoot with as hell. Better yet, it aesthetics Closer features a
length as well. From one tester’s lips to keeps putts on line golf-ball-width cavity
your ears: “This thing putts itself.” even when I missed PXG Closer for improved ball po-
Anser 2, ZB3, Fetch, Floki, Ketsch the sweet spot.” sitioning at address,
(shown), Piper Armlock, Piper C, The details: It Our take: High-MOI two adjustable sole
Tomcat 14 and Tyne 3; $230–$250 starts with an putters appear to weights, traditional
aerospace-grade be trending again, alignment markings
Expert advice—and aluminum body with with several models and a pyramid face
the chance to buy high-density tung- designed to make design for a smooth-
the putter of your sten, a large sight- even the yippiest of er end-over-end
dreams from among line alignment aid strokes as smooth as roll. Available with
dozens of options— and four adjustable a grandfather clock. double-bend,
at proshop.golf.com sole weights that The Closer from PXG plumber’s neck and
max out MOI and may not look like one, heel-shafted hosel
provide rock-solid but it has an MOI options.
stability. Testers so high that testers $425
liked the pyramid struggled to miss
face pattern, too, with it—a testament
which induces a fast- to an ingenious design
er end-over-end roll. that places the CG
Available in multiple toward the back. And
hosel configurations, it’s not all perfor-
including heel-shaft- mance here—it de-
ed, plumber’s neck livers a buttery-soft
and a double-bend feel time and again.
option (with or with-
out armlock).
$285

91

PuttersCLUBTEST 2021

A winning update A mallet with blade-like feel

TaylorMade TaylorMade Spider SR
Spider EX
The best of two worlds characteristics, Our take: The 2021 Spider lineup
Our take: Taylor- TaylorMade seeks to boasts some unconventional head
Made has a new face TaylorMade offer a blade-like feel designs. This one’s a bit more tradi-
insert (PureRoll2) for Spider FCG but in a mallet head tional. “The SR has more of a classic
its 2021 Spider EX, shape that helps add look that I’m used to,” one tester said.
and it didn’t take long Our take: The forgiveness. For a As with the other new Spiders, testers
for our testers to T-shaped white sight precise feel that’s praised the easy-to-align contrasting
notice it. “The insert lines on the crown right for you, the colors, soft feel and forgiveness.
on this one delivers,” of TaylorMade’s FCG heads also have The details: TaylorMade’s new Tour-
one tester said. “It Spider FCG (forward adjustable weights in style Spider S heads, which feature
just has a great feel.” center of gravity) the sole. Impressive a two-pronged rear design, are built
Credit the insert’s head proved prac- stuff. Three hosels for forgiveness with unique shapes
wider and deeper tical for our GOLF are available: flow and weight structures. The putters
grooves, which im- testers. “The white neck, “L” neck also feature the company’s Fluted
prove roll and launch stripes really help and single-bend. Feel shafts. Essentially, the shafts
over the original. you set things up at $350 are broken into two sections: The top
“The ball goes where address,” one tester two-thirds have a round shape while
it’s supposed to. I’m commented. Players the lower third is fluted. The design is
not used to this kind also found the aged meant to help you maintain a feel for
of consistency!” copper Pure Roll the putterhead without losing stability
The details: In addi- inserts, which weigh in your hands.
tion to the new face, 25 grams, to provide $280
the 2021 EX features a consistent roll and
improved stability soft feel. A forgiveness champion
and alignment. For The details: With
the latter, Taylor- significantly forward TaylorMade
Made widened the weight placement, Spider S
True Path channel TaylorMade’s Spider
and added three FCG putters are Our take: The Spider S’s unique
alignment dots to the made for those with construction not only boosts
center of the crown. arcing strokes. Given stability, our testers found it
On the forgiveness the FCG’s weight to improve alignment too. “The
front, check out open section helps frame the ball
what the lightweight Max out your new at address as well as any putter
aluminum body with putter’s perfor- I tested today,” one tester said.
heavy weights set mance by making Being that our crew hit dozens of putters during our ClubTest,
around the perimeter sure it’s a match for those are big words, but hey, TaylorMade indeed calls the
do for you. you and your stroke. Spider S its most forgiving putter.
White Platinum, Try a premium putter The details: The open section and white-colored True Path
Ghost White, custom fitting at alignment aid on the crown both mimic the exact width of a
White Navy (shown); truespecgolf.com golf ball. As our testers discovered, the concept makes it
$350 super easy to line up the ball directly in front of the sweet
spot at address. Make no mistake: This putter is built for
forgiveness with extreme back weighting and a fluted section
of the shaft to enhance feel and control.
$280

92 GOLF.COM / M a r c h 2 0 2 1

XXIO As if this Tour favorite
could get any better...
These putters feel right
at home in the premium Titleist
putter arena, considering Scotty
all of XXIO’s clubs are Cameron
luxury products known for Special
their exquisite craftsman- Select
ship, technology and high
performance. Available Our take: The Special
in mallet (shown) and Select putters set
blade. $300 the standard for
what many premium
The mallet that took over Reconfigured tom X line of high- putter lines strive
the PGA Tour MOI putters have to be—the perfect
for even better been revamped to marriage of classic
TaylorMade Spider X take better advan- looks, shape, feel
performance tage of the stain- and renowned
Our take: If you’re wondering why less steel/aluminum craftsmanship. It’s
TaylorMade’s Spider X putters have Titleist construction, with no wonder they’re so
been red hot on Tour over the last few Scotty the new 5.5 cater- often relied on by the
years (to say nothing of the market- Cameron ing especially to world’s best players.
place), one of GOLF’s testers may Phantom X players who want a Cameron is a name
have cleared it up: “These are like gamer that resem- you can trust.
putting with the autopilot switch on!” Our take: We’ve seen bles the one used The details: The
With heads jam-packed with forgive- Tour players grav- by none other than entire line features
ness and alignment features, Taylor- itate to high-MOI major champ Justin sleek putterheads
Made’s color-contrasted Spider X models perhaps more Thomas. The com- milled of a solid block
mallets easily deliver on their promise now than ever, and plete Phantom of 303 stainless steel,
of stability and foolproof aiming. Scotty Cameron X series, which each with thinner
The details: As the Spider putters has decided to dou- includes additional toplines, refined
continue seeing industry-wide success, ble down on the cate- neck configurations, neck configurations,
TaylorMade keeps upping the ante by gory with the release encompasses a soft tri-soles and
adding different looks, head shapes of new models in variety of styles and performance-
and performance benefits to make the popular Phan- alignment aids to fit balanced weighting.
putting easier. The new Spider X put- tom X putter series. the eye of any dis- They come in classic
ters for 2021 feature a segmented Said an ecstatic cerning player. “I love Newport (shown),
fluted shaft that allows golfers to tester, “These are the that Scotty offers Newport 2 and
better feel the head throughout the best-looking putters different alignment Newport 2.5 blade
stroke. They also now come in a in the bunch that I’ve options. The three styles, a refined Del
Hydroblast finish and are offered with tried. I love the feel dots really work.” Mar, a new Fastback
two new hosels—a single-bend and a and the different 5 (shown), 5.5, 11, 1.5, Squareback
flow neck—for golfers who want to alignment options. 11.5; $430 2, Flowback 5 and
prioritize feel. The black and yellow Flowback 5.5 mid-
$280 pops!” mallet models.
The details: Four $400
Wilson Staff models in the Phan-
Infinite Buckingham 93

Here’s a bold new
addition to Wilson’s Infinite
line, which includes a slick,
dark-matte finish that
reduces glare and
accentuates sight lines.
Its counterbalanced tech-
nology, which one tester ac-
knowledged “tightened up my
consistency,” is a big bonus
for those with non-repeating
strokes. Nine other Infinite
models available. $100

Reasons to Love
Golf Right Now...

...Ways to Make
the Most of It!

Edited by John Ledesma and Sean Zak

Lucky for us,
golf contin-
ues to ride a
high tide of
favorability
and good for-
tune. As spring
approaches,
let’s take a
moment to
note a few of
the things we
appreciate
most about the
game and dis-
cover new ways
to enjoy them
to the fullest.

1

P L AY I N G G O L F

IS POPULAR

AGAIN

The game boomed in
the second half of 2020.
According to the National
Golf Foundation, the coro-
navirus shutdown cost
the industry 20 million
rounds last spring. When
the clouds finally lifted in
June, golf exploded as a
recreational activity
for everyone who’d been
stuck indoors, even non-
golfers. Year-over-year
play increased steadily
each month, reaching 57%
in November! Now you
have more golf friends
than you did last year. It’s
a beautiful silver lining.

The 12th hole at the Jack
Nicklaus–designed Punta
Espada proves there’s
magic in the air these days
in all things golf.

95