All the Gear: Who is using the new Mizuno MP-18 irons?
It has been two years since Mizuno released a new MP iron and blade fans have been drooling over the new MP-18s since the brand started releasing teaser material last week.
We’re not really allowed to talk about them yet (I’m not even going to mention the E-word) but seeing as they are in play at Royal Birkdale it seems rude not to.
I got them in my hands for the first time on Wednesday morning. After stepping onto the Mizuno truck I noticed a full set of the stunners with the initials JS marked on each one.
Thanks to @alex_thorne and @MizunoGolf_News for these new sexy irons #pure #nothingfeelslikeamizuno pic.twitter.com/sTQQNXzINN
— Jordan Smith (@Jsmithgolf) July 20, 2017
Unfortunately, they weren’t for me. And I’m not good enough to play them. But I’d still like a set please Mizuno.
So other than Jordan Smith, I saw England’s Mark Foster and Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas with different MP-18 models in play.
We’ll bring you all the details in a couple of weeks.
Irons to touch your soul. #MP18 @NickFaldo006 09.17 pic.twitter.com/jRd0iP2nMW
— Mizuno Golf Europe (@MizunoGolf_News) July 18, 2017
Poulter finds form with new Titleist 718 irons
Despite not really being allowed to, we have also been talking a bit about the new Titleist 718 irons which are being launched soon.
Rafa Cabrera Bello used the 718 MB models to win the Scottish Open last week and Ian Poulter also been putting them to good use in his solid opening round of 67.
We’ve seen the Englishman playing the AP2, AP3 and TMB models at Royal Birkdale.
There have been a few others opting for the TMB utility/hybrid/driving models this week which has definitely been a theme of equipment selection for the 2017 Open.
Ping G400 vs. G Crossover?
We’ve seen Lee Westwood gaming the original Ping G Crossover in round one in favour of the new G400 model.
I’ve been told there are a few players out there using the new G400 model – I spotted John Daly and Brandon Stone.
We’ve been testing the new G400 Crossover and can understand why some may favour the original model. But tour players should prefer the new one.
What is the verdict on Jason Day’s hi tops?
We reported yesterday how Jason Day was rocking a pair of retro Nike Jordan hi tops and after they were seen in live action today, there has been a mixed response.
We put the question out there to our Twitter followers and you can read some of the replies here.
I'd wear them ?♂️?
— Adam Schanhals (@ASchanhals) July 20, 2017
Can Justin Thomas tie down his first major?
Sorry, that’s bad. But it was certainly another talking point from the opening round.
When you have a tee time at 9:58 but a business meeting at 4 ? https://t.co/ZUTtVBeXj6
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) July 20, 2017
It’s nothing new. Ryan Moore brought back the cardigan and tie combo many years back.
But does it work for JT? You’ve had your say here.
But I’m not sitting on the fence when it comes to Martin Kaymer’s hideous jumper.
Hats off to the early starters
It was certainly a bit chilly on Thursday morning so those out before 9am could have been excused for a little thermal headwear.
But I have to take Jason Dufner to task here. If it’s cold enough for a bobble hat, at least put a jumper on first?
And it seems Russell Knox has been living in America for far too long. The weather today would have been classed as a scorcher in some parts of Scotland.
Disappointing from the Inverness native.
All the Gear: Epic Phil Mickelson Open Championship special
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
