Golf News Roundup January 24, 2020

Golf News Roundup January 24, 2020

The news roundup this week features new websites from the PGA of America and Bridgestone, a new official ball for the Symetra Tour and more.

New PGA.Com Website Tries To Connect Pros and Consumers

The PGA of America has redesigned their PGA.Com website with an eye toward improving connections between PGA Professionals and consumers.

“PGA.com is designed to bring to life the special relationship between PGA Professionals and consumers through coaching and other consumer-focused services, with a vision that ‘your best golf is ahead of you,’” said PGA Interactive General Manager Rob Smith. “There are so many ways in which a journey in golf can positively impact your life. Our job is to identify the best ways to connect with PGA Professionals across all aspects of the game, beginning with coaching.”

The site — and its affiliated championship sites — will still offer coverage of PGA events such as the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, KPMG Women’s PGA and Senior PGA. The emphasis, however, has changed to coach-player relationships.

Bridgestone Launches VFIT Ball Fitting Program

VFIT, a new ball-fitting program from Bridgestone golf lets players upload video of their swing and receive a ball fitting report by email, detailing their launch conditions ( swing speed, ball velocity, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance and total distance) and providing an analysis of what ball fits them best. 

Bridgestone says that the VFIT program has a  98% accuracy rate, matching golfers into the same ball that live fitting does in greater than 9 out of every 10 swing analyses conducted. 

Bridgestone has for the last fourteen years been conducting live Ball fittings, helping players make educated decisions about which ball to play while collecting terrabytes of data on swings and ball performance.

Clear Golf Is The Official Ball of the Symetra Tour

Beginning in 2020, Clear Golf will partner with the Symetra Tour to supply Clear golf balls on the driving range at the Tour’s events.

Clear Golf manufactures what it calls “the most exclusive golf ball on the market.” It’s two tour level balls are the “CS” for Controlled Spin and “ES” for Enhanced Spin. Both feature a proprietary core with a cast urethane cover.

Clear replaces Volvik as the official ball of the Symetra Tour. While Volvik was sponsor, the players referred to the colorful splash of balls as “Easter Eggs.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Clear Golf and welcome them to the Symetra Tour family,” said Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer for the Symetra Tour. “Giving our players the chance to connect with an up-and-coming brand like Clear Golf opens a lot of doors for all parties involved. They also sponsor several Symetra Tour professionals, which gives the relationship even greater meaning.”

Lynx Golf Introduces New Clubs At 2020 Merchandise Show

Lynx Golf is making a comeback with a new line of products, including the innovative Prowler VT Switch Face Driver. The clubs were unveiled at this week’s PGA Merchandise Show.

The Prowler VT’s Switch Face Technology allows golfers to change the true loft of the hitting surface while keeping the clubhead square to the ball. This driver is designed with an entirely removable face that is secured to the clubhead via attachment screws – and different loft and lie combination faces are available.

“We have experienced impressive growth around the globe over the last 12 months, thanks to our continued commitment to providing golfers with equipment they can trust to perform,” says Steve Elford, CEO and co-owner. “We look forward to 2020 and what is sure to be a banner year for Lynx’s resurgence in the U.S.”