It’s the most wonderful time of the year (to be in my job). But January means not only new golf equipment for you, me, and the tour pros to salivate over, but plenty of stars putting pen to paper with different brands for the upcoming season. Here are a few that are on the move in 2020…
Koepka mixing it up?
Brooks Koepka is a free agent so can play with whatever gear he wants. But in 2020 he’s already used three different drivers, starting with the new TaylorMade SIM Max, then reverting to his trusty TaylorMade M6 before being spotted at the Saudi International with a Callaway Mavrik.
You can see BK’s full WITB rundown here.
Sergio’s surprise split
This one was so big it got its own piece. In a nutshell, Garcia split with Callaway after two years saying it “just wasn’t the right fit”. Over the Christmas break he tested a variety of equipment and went with what felt best for him…
But Wallace is going the other way
Callaway are spending the money saved on Sergio by signing a handful of European Tour stars, the highest profile of which is four-time champion Matt Wallace, who joins from Ping.
Wallace’s multi-year deal will see him play 14 Callaway clubs and as well as a branded cap and tour bag.
Here’s what’s in Wallace’s bag for 2020:
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero, (9º), Rogue Silver 130 70g
Fairway woods: Callaway Mavrik Pro, (15º), Rogue Silver 130 70g
Irons: Callaway Apex Pro, Nippon 120 X flex
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Jaws, (50°, 55°, 60°), Nippon 120 X flex
Putter: Odyssey prototype
Shoes: FootJoy
Wallace is joined by Oliver Fisher – the European Tour’s Mr 59 – who joins from Mizuno, as well as the owner of the best swing in women’s golf, Anne van Dam (unattached), Adrian Otaegui (TaylorMade), Guido Migliozzi (TaylorMade), Jorge Campillo (unattached) and Alexander Bjork (Cobra). Migliozzi has also signed an apparel and shoe deal with Adidas.
Pepperell Ping deal done
The big shocks just kept coming as Eddie Pepperell revealed that he and Mizuno are no more. The Oxford star has signed a multi-year agreement with Ping and will play a full bag of their gear. It’s going to take us a while to get used to this one…
Major signing for Ecco
Henrik Stenson is now part of the Ecco family and the Swede signed a multi-year agreement to wear the hybrid shoes. Given the Scandinavian heritage of Ecco we probably should have seen this signing coming.
He started life with Ecco in Saudi Arabia, where he is wearing the brand’s new S-Three shoes.
I’m delighted to announce that I’m joining the @ECCO_GOLF team. A brand with a true Scandinavian heritage, I look forward to a great partnership! #ECCOGOLF pic.twitter.com/zllZCVMdSF
— Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) January 16, 2020
He said: “I have never worn hybrid shoes to compete before but as soon as I tried the Ecco models, I was amazed by both the comfort and traction they provided. I honestly can’t see myself wearing cleats again.”
Beef x Puma = Fun times ahead
Andrew Johnston, Beef to you and me and everyone else, wins the best reveal award. Check out this swanky video on Twitter he put out to tell the world about his new apparel deal.
I’m really excited to sign with the PUMA Golf Family @pumagolfuk and looking forward to the journey over 2020 and beyond! #GAMEthatTRAVELS #ResistOrdinary pic.twitter.com/qvgAecz7KE
— Andrew 'Beef' Johnston (@BeefGolf) January 15, 2020
My favourite part was when he said “I guess I naturally push the boundaries” while wearing a head-to-toe black outfit. Such an innovative.
Anyway it’s not just Beef, Puma (and Cobra) have been busy with new signings recently after Jason Dufner signed on the dotted line back in November.
We all know it’s likely there are more big equipment reveals to come so keep your eyes on the NCG equipment page to stay up to date.
Are YOU making a switch this year? Let us know in the comments below or you can tweet me.