It was a HUGE year for Callaway Golf. 2 Majors, a Gold Medal, record sales, Top Golf, and on and on. Over the past 6-months, I have seen some amazing things, and if you have been following along, you probably have a good idea of my highlights and just how honored I am to be a part of this nitro-fueled rocket ship.
Now that the year is over and we are kicking off the 2021-2022 season in Napa, I thought it was the perfect time to put a button on this insane year with my top 5 equipment stories.
What a year.
#5 The truth on bounce…
This particular article was quite fun to write. To be fair, it was information that I had known for a long time, but in this case, I was able to really get down in the mud on it all with Roger Cleveland. I knew it well, but after getting schooled by the GOAT RC, I feel now like I may have a Ph.D. This article is also important for all golfers to understand wedges and the nuance that each model brings. Even more than distance, the short game is the fastest way to actually lower your scores.
#4 Xander’s switch into Chrome Soft X LS…
Callaway Golf has made SERIOUS strides in the golf ball arena, especially since the latest iteration of CSX. When Xander made the switch into CSX LS, it immediately validated the performance of that golf ball. I mean, it was a new idea, and Xander was already secured in the Top 10 in the world rankings. For someone at his level to make a switch while cruising along said a lot.
#3 Phils Driver switch going into Kiawah…
It doesn’t get mentioned enough, but the week Phil won at Kiawah was his first week playing with the now-famous juiced-up 47.99-inch Epic Speed driver. Granted, he had been tweaking and testing a ton with Gerrit Pon, but ultimately that was week numero uno with a new club…and he “won the PGA..so….”
#2 My Callaway WITB…..
Selfishly this one was important because it’s the idea of WITB’s that put me on this crazy path to Callaway in the first place. So to be able to slowly but surely curate my “gamer” bag AND play some of the best golf I’ve played in years means a lot to me. The point of my whole existence in this business is to inform you (and me) on why getting the bag right is so important to not only OUR scores but OUR enjoyment. With every click on the keypad, it’s an honor to share what I learn on TOUR and, with y’all, process the information. So…WITB as an idea means the world to me.
#1 Rahmbo
I’ve been infatuated with this kid since he was at ASU. The whispers of his greatness were strong even then and to be able to get a front row seat to his brilliance is such an honor. JR is a GOOD dude and his bag is my favorite to see on Tour. There is just so much of him in that bag. His transition into the Callaway equipment has been nothing short of miraculous but its the adoption of the CSX that has me the most proud. We work HARD on the golf ball and for Jon Rahm who is at the top of the game (and will be for sometime) to show the world exactly how well the ball performs, is PURE validation.
Lastly, there was something that happened this year that made me feel as much pride for my Callaway Tour Truck colleagues that almost transcended the wins..it was this quote from Rahmbo right after winning the Tournament of his life..in all my years covering the game I have NEVER seen a player do this…EVER. says a lot about Jon and our team. Well done.
This quote sums up the whole year and he was the guy to narrate it….thats a wrap.
Mic is now on the ground.
