Oh Rory, you haven’t? Yes, it’s a new putter for McIlroy
By James Savage
We were lucky enough to spend a couple of hours with Bob Vokey down at Woburn this week to film a new short-game video series.
Spoke too soon… pic.twitter.com/gLOnukxSBZ
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) May 2, 2018
It was a real test for all concerned as the weather was about as useful as an inflatable dart board.
But Mr Vokey was a true professional. Didn’t moan once, was happy to crack on as the rain fell and was as engaging and as insightful as ever.
A few tips from Bob @VokeyWedges today to help me get some more spin. I’d save some serious shots if I could take him with me on every round… pic.twitter.com/YfW2CFABBq
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) May 2, 2018
Stay tuned for the video series…
It was also nice to get out onto the course and play in my first qualifying competition of 2018 at Hillsborough.
Nice to give the @GolfstreamUK Vision trolley a run out @Hillsborough_GC It’s a no-nonsense product with a lovely clear screen and smart design ? pic.twitter.com/gxQpG6IDaX
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) May 3, 2018
I was testing out the brand new Golfstream Vision trolley which has an impressive anti-glare screen and runs very smoothly.
Pardon? Oh, 35 points, finished sixth, safely in the buffer zone, thanks for asking.
Here’s a round up of the gear news you may have missed this week.
Another new Rory McIlroy putter…
When Rory McIlroy stormed to victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the stats showed it was one arguably the best putting performance of his career.
So when we reported the success was partly due his switch to a new TaylorMade TP Black Copper Soto putter, we thought it could have been the start of a long and prosperous relationship.
But after a pretty poor showing in the final round of the Masters, we’ve seen McIlroy change his putter again.
I make that about the sixth change in the past 12 months.
In fairness it’s not a huge change. He’s still using a TaylorMade TP Soto putter but this new model has a plumber’s neck and no face insert.
His previous Soto had a slant neck and a red face insert.
This model doesn’t have the heel and toe weights either.
I’m the last person in the world to call someone out for a rash equipment change but maybe it was worth persisting with the model which he had his best-ever putting tournament with?
As ever, we hope it works and that McIlroy can challenge for more major titles in 2018.
A closer look at Tiger’s new irons
Sticking with TaylorMade, we reported earlier this week how Tiger Woods was putting his first set of TaylorMade irons into play.
The TW.Phase 1 are prototypes which the 14-time major winner and TaylorMade have been working on since he joined the brand in early 2017.
They are a classic-looking blade, not too dissimilar from his old Nike forged irons.
New Titleist stand bags introduced
Titleist have added three new stand bags for the 2018 season.
The Players 4Up StaDry Stand Bag (£230) features lightweight designs with advanced stand and strap systems.
Titleist say this model is fully equipped to endure any playing conditions with seam-sealed zips to ensure complete waterproofing.
The ultra-lightweight design and cushioning foam straps makes life easier out on the course.
Titleist have also added the Players 4 (£165) and Players 14 (£230) Stand Bags to the range.
More information can be found on the Titleist website.
The best new putters for 2018 – tried and tested
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
