Tag: short game

Cleveland Golf Introduces RTX 4 Wedges
Cleveland Golf has just introduced the new RTX 4 wedges – claiming they are the most “tour authentic” wedge Cleveland has ever made. This is the fourth generation in the Rotex line. RTX 4 wedges will be available in North America on Sept 14, 2018.

Cleveland Golf remains at the forefront of wedge design, producing short game innovations and technologies since 1979. With the RTX 4, Cleveland held nothing back during development, creating a made-for-tour wedge in its purest form. Many of the innovations originally created to help tour players score better are being put to good use in the RTX 4 wedges to help golfers of all abilities.

“With the new RTX 4, we spared no expense in trying to achieve the best possible wedge for the best players in the world, and then bring that wedge to the consumer,” said John Rae, Vice President at Cleveland Golf. “We worked tirelessly with our tour staff to refine every detail of the wedge and its shape to fit their needs.”

The foundation of RTX 4 is the 4th generation of Cleveland’s proprietary Rotex Face Technology. Following four life cycles, years of research, and millions of data points, the tolerances were tightened to help provide ultimate short game control. RTX 4 generates more spin through the sharpest Tour Zip Grooves, most aggressive face milling, and more precise laser milling.

“It feels like the ball is really spinning off the face,” said Shane Lowry. “There are extra little grooves in there, which makes it spin more and it definitely does spin more.”

Following extensive tour feedback, RTX 4 features a more compact blade shape, with less offset and a smaller overall profile to provide that classic blade design that tour players prefer. Additionally, RTX 4 offers four new sole grinds, including an all-new XLOW grind, to provide the versatility to execute the most challenging greenside shots.

“I mean it’s got that soft feel which is so nice,” said Graeme McDowell. “I really love the bounce profile here. I like the feeling of using the back bounce on the wedge so, when I look at that, it’s something that really appeals to me.”
“What I love about this wedge is the sole in the bunker,” said Keegan Bradley. “It doesn’t dig in too much, and I’m able to really clip the ball and put a lot of spin on it. We are all very excited to play this wedge.”

Key Innovations of RTX 4 Wedges

Rotex Face Technology: The 4th generation Rotex Face features Cleveland’s sharpest grooves and most aggressive face milling pattern.

Tour-Developed Sole Grinds: Four sole grinds, deliver enough versatility to execute every short game shot imaginable.

Progressive Feel Balancing Technology: Next- generation Feel Balancing Technology is optimized by loft for even more short game control.

Tour-Authentic Components: RTX 4 comes standard with the #1 wedge shaft and #1 wedge grip on the PGA Tour.

Tour Shaping: Tour-driven compact shaping uses less offset to provide more workability and confidence at address.

“Having something that you can mishit a little bit and still see the results of what you’re trying to accomplish is amazing,” said Sean Crocker. “Cleveland wedges have already been the best wedges in the game, and this just makes it even better because to improve on their wedges is something hard to do, but they’ve done it with RTX 4.”

Cleveland’s RTX 4 wedges are offered in a variety of different degrees and grinds. The FULL (three dots) Sole grind is offered in 56 through 60 degrees, the MID (two dots) Sole grind is offered in 46 through 60 degrees, the LOW (one dot) Sole grind is offered in 56 through 64 degrees, and the XLOW Sole grind is offered in 58 and 60 degree lofts. The wedges are available in three different finishes (Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Raw) and left and right-handed options. Cleveland’s RTX 4 wedges are priced at $139.99 MAP (minimum advertised price).

More Photos
Left to Right: XLow, Low, Mid & Full Grinds

Tour Raw Finish w. Rotex Milling

Cleveland RTX 4 – All Finishes

RTX 4 – All Grinds
August 11, 2018
Callaway Mack Daddy PM-Grind Wedge

Phil Mickelson has a lot of influence in the design and construction of his clubs, and his relationship with Callaway has greatly benefitted them both. These days, Callaway has one of the hottest (and longest named) drivers on the market in the Big Bertha Alpha 815 Double Black Diamond. It also has possibly the best new golf ball on the planet in the Callaway Chrome Soft.

Phil Mickelson’s influence has never been more apparent than in his feedback during the design of the new Mack Daddy PM-Grind wedges. According to Callaway, Phil gave his direct input to Callaway wedge maker Roger Cleveland on the design of these wedges. They have a unique shape and design that make it easier to hit aggressive shots out of deep rough, bunkers, on flops, and all the toughest shots that players face around the greens.

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The Mack Daddy PN-Grind wedges will be available in loft & bounce combinations of 56-13, 58-10, 60-10 and 64-10. Pricing starts at $129 and several custom shaft & grip options are available. The Mack Daddy PM-Grind wedges will be available starting May 15, 2015.

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Check out the 3D view of the new wedge below.

May 14, 2015
The Floppy Indoor Practice Balls

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There aren’t many practice aids these days that are designed to be used indoors, and even fewer yet that encourage you to make full swings indoors! To all the wives, girlfriends or significant others of golfers out there, I apologize in advance for this review. For all those golf nuts who are stuck in a snowy climate and can’t afford a fancy golf simulator in their basement, I think I’ve found the ideal practice aid to help you get through the winter and keep things fun all year round.

It’s called The Floppy, and it’s a really simple idea that is perfectly executed. The floppy is an indoor practice ball designed to help people practice their short game without having to worry about breaking windows and making a huge mess. The Floppy is the same size as a regulation golf ball, has a woven fabric cover that goes over a proprietary liner and is filled with some sort of granular material to add weight and feel. The cover feels soft and pliable to the touch, but is durable enough to hit full wedge shots. Because it is soft it will bounce harmlessly off walls, windows and furniture.

[caption id="attachment_2074" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Click photo to enlarge..."][/caption] I received a 4 pack of balls to try out and immediately found myself whacking it all around the house. While watching the weekend golf coverage, I used my Cleveland CG15 lob wedge (shameless plug, I know) to aim at various objects while messing around during the commercials (And when Johnny Miller was talking). While this ball isn't as heavy or hard as a real golf ball, I think you get enough feedback from it to get legitimate practice value from using it. Although the makers claim it spins like a real ball, I wasn't able to hit the low spinning chip shots that check hard. I can't expect to spin this ball much either, considering this ball is made of cloth and plastic. All you need to get some practice in with the Floppy is an open, carpeted area and a target. I used the Floppy to practice hitting pitch shots into a basket about 20 feet across the room, and just for fun, I set up a soda can on the top of the door jam and tried hitting it off its perch. I could see this ball being used outdoors too, but it was primarily designed for indoor use. [caption id="attachment_2075" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Click photo to enlarge..."][/caption] The Floppy is available online at www.thefloppy.com. For $19.95, you get a 4 pack which should last you a long time - that is, unless your kids find them! Back when I lived up North, I used to paint those solid white plastic balls orange and play in the snow, and more than once I destroyed the ceiling drywall in my basement when making golf swings. If I had the Floppy back then I probably would have caused less damage to my dad's house. If you want to drive your Wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/sister/brother/housemates crazy and get some short game practice at the same time, pick up The Floppy! By the way, try not to take too deep a divot out of your living room carpet...
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March 27, 2010