You've guessed it. There was another first-time winner on the European Tour last week as Nike Golf Haotong Li claimed the Volvo China Open on home soil. The 20-year-old started the final day two shots back but a flawless closing 64, mixing eight birdies with zero dropped shots, meant a fourth consecutive sub-70 round to claim his maiden victory by three. Overnight leaders Aguilar and Bjerregaard carded rounds of three-under and two-under respectively, but it could have been so much better for Aguilar. Whether it was pressure or just one of those shots, Aguilar will wish he could replay his tee shot on the par-3 16th which found the water 30 yards short of the green, effectively costing him the tournament. Regardless, Li birdied 17 and held his nerve down the last to record an emphatic win, possibly the first of many for this young gun.

What equipment did he use?

• Driver - Nike Vapor Pro (9.5)
• Fairway Wood - Nike Vapor Speed (15)
• Irons - Nike Vapor Fly Pro (3&4); Nike Vapor Pro (5-9)
• Wedges - Nike Engage (48, 54 & 60)
• Putter - Nike Method Matter B2-05
• Ball - Nike RZN Tour Platinum

Rain and thunderstorms shortened last week's PGA Tour event to 54 holes, with a Monday finish required to settle matters. In the end there was a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, with Brian Stuard, Jamie Lovemark and Byeong-Hun An all closing out their three rounds on 15-under-par - An and Stuard birding the final hole to tie Lovemark for the lead. So a playoff was the order of play, with the three golfers heading down the par-5 18th in this sudden death format. An was the first golfer to be eliminated after bogeying the first playoff hole, the other two making pars. On the second playoff hole, a beautiful 160-yard approach to two foot by Stuard saw him birdie the hole and claim his first victory on the PGA Tour - a common theme among this week's winners. That's not the only thing that Stuard has in common with other recent winners, as he is the 5th Callaway Staff winner in as many weeks. Surely this is telling you something?

What equipment did he use?

• Driver - Callaway Great Big Bertha (9.5)
• Fairway Wood - Callaway XR Pro (15)
• Hybrids - Callaway Apex (20 & 23)
• Irons - Callaway Apex Pro (4-PW)
• Wedges - Callaway Mack Daddy 3 (52 & 58)
• Putter - Odyssey Works Marxman Fang Tank
• Ball - Titleist Pro V1x

To see the options we have available on our golf shop, head tohttps://www.foremostgolf.com/. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to give us a call on +44 (0) 800 500 3194.

If you’ve been following our blog over the past few weeks, you may have noticed two common themes running across recent winners: first-timers and Callaway Staff players. This week carries on that trend as Jeunghun Wang produced a wonderful putting display to claim the Trophée Hassan II in a fascinating playoff against Nacho Elvira. When on the 72^nd green, Wang was faced with a 15 foot birdie putt to tie clubhouse leader Elvira and force extra holes. He duly delivered. Going down the 18^th again in the playoff, Elvira looked in complete control after hitting the par-5 green in two whilst Wang was 35 foot away in three. As is the case in many matchplay situations – which a sudden-death playoff effectively is – Wang nails his birdie putt whilst Elvira two-putted for his four. Back down 18 they go. This time round Elvira missed the green in three, leaving Wang a putt for his birdie-four and the title, which he drains. That’s seven wins in a row for Callaway Golf players across tours, leaving us to think that there must be something special in their 2016 range…

What equipment did he use?

Driver – Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816

Fairway Wood – Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816

Hybrid – Callaway Apex

Irons – Callaway irons

Wedges – Vokey SM5

Putter – Odyssey White Hot RX

Form is temporary, class is permanent. How often have we heard this saying ring true? Well we can add James Hahn’s remarkable return to form on the PGA Tour to that list. Hahn has been struggling with his game over the past few months. Following a string of missed cuts (eight straight if you’re counting) and no round sub-70 in his last 18, not many people would have backed Hahn at the Wells Fargo Championship last week. After three-putting the 72^nd hole for bogey, Hahn finished the tournament tied for the lead with Roberto Castro, meaning a playoff was needed once again. Castro found water with his drive at the first playoff hole, handing the initiative to Hahn, who found the fairway and then set up victory with a solid second to the heart of the green. It just goes to show, a return to form may just be around the corner for us all…

Here’s what he had in the bag:

Driver - PXG 0811X (9 degrees)

FairwayWood - PXG 0341 (15 degrees)

Hybrid - PXG 0317 (17 degrees)

Irons - PXG 0311(3-iron), PXG 0311T (4-9)

Wedges - PXG 0311T Milled (47), Vokey SM5 (54 & 60)

Putter - Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0

Ball – Titleist Pro V1x

To see the options we have available on our golf shop, head tohttps://www.foremostgolf.com/. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to give us a call on +44 (0) 800 500 3194.

Jason Day put on a golfing masterclass last Thursday when a nine-under-par 63 tied the course record and set Day on his way to a wire-to-wire victory at The Players Championship. Going into the final round with a four-shot lead, the world number one averted a potential disaster after playing the front nine in two-over-par, coming home with three birdies to regain his overnight cushion and take his sixth victory in his last 16 starts. This win puts Day amongst elite company, making him the fifth man to have won The Players, a Major and a World Golf Championship. Comparisons with Tiger are inevitably starting to rear their heads – which doesn’t come as a surprise – but it’s important to remember that this time last year it was Spieth, and the year before it was Rory. Until someone does it year after year, Tiger will be in a category of his own.

Here’s what Jason had in the bag:

Driver – TaylorMade M1 (10.5 degrees)

Fairway Wood – TaylorMade M2 (17 degrees)

Irons – TaylorMade RSi (2-iron), TaylorMade RSi (4-PW)

Wedges – TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF (47, 52 & 60)

Putter – TaylorMade Ghost Spider Limited Red

Ball – TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

That’s 8 in a row – if you’re counting. Jeunghun Wang made it back-to-back wins at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open after a closing stretch-collapse from Siddikur Rahman paved the way for Wang. Rahman was three ahead with just three holes left to play, but a double on 16 followed by a bogey on 17 turned the tournament on its head, both golfers tied for the lead going down the par-5 18th. A brilliant bunker shot by Wang led to a closing-hole birdie to finish on six-under-par, claiming his second victory in as many weeks and an eighth-straight for Callaway Golf. Wang will be facing far stiffer competition over the coming weeks as the European Tour returns to the UK, but with the bit between his teeth you can’t rule out this 20-year-old on current form.

What equipment did he use?

Driver – Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816

Fairway Wood – Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816

Hybrid – Callaway Apex

Irons – Callaway Irons

Wedges – Vokey SM5

Putter – Odyssey White Hot RX

Golf bags are available in abundance nowadays, with so many different options to choose from. This can make it a little overwhelming for those who are shopping in a golf shop for the first time. But, there is no need to fret, as we are going to talk you through the different aspects that must be considered.

• Type of bag – One of the first things you need to think about is what type of bag you are going to go for. Popular options include pencil bags or Sunday bags, stand bags, cart bags, and tour bags. The latter is the largest type of bag, cart bags are designed specifically to fit in golf carts, stand bags have legs so they stand up, and a pencil bag is a lightweight carry bag.

• Dividers – Next, determine whether you want a bag with dividers. This means that you will have separate compartments for your golf putters, golf irons, golf woods, and golf drivers. Of course, you can opt to keep them all together. There is no right or wrong when it comes to this.

• Strap size – The strap size is vital, especially if you are purchasing one of the carry bags. Generally, you will find the bag a lot easier to carry if the strap is big, as the weight will be distributed more evenly.

• Pockets – The type, placement, and size of the pockets is also important. Most golf bags have a number of different pockets and some of them will have specialist functions as well.

• Material – The material of the bag is vital, as you want to make sure it is durable and long lasting. Three of the most common materials for golf bags are canvas, leather, and nylon. The latter is often the most popular, especially amongst those playing in all-weather conditions. However, if you are looking for something luxurious, consider leather.

New PING G Family - Review

Introducing a new generation of distance control…

As the most famous name in golf, there is always a unique pressure on PING to come up with something new and revolutionary in the build up to a new season. The ‘G’ Family is their latest offering. We review what it brings to the table to get the golfing juices flowing…

Styling

It’s difficult not to be impressed with the aesthetics of the brand, especially the G30 Driver. A stunning black matt finish and classy lettering, it will light up any golf bag.

On address the irons in particular ooze believe and confidence with individually crafted grooves and heavily refined finishing touches.

It shelters the adjustable technology which we like, avoiding the in your face approach of rival brands; proving no less effective in performance.

Our Assessment

The PING G Family is made of all the usual suspects; driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons. The continuity throughout the range is remarkable and provides a genuine confidence on every address.

The Driver

The most noticeable feature is also the latest technology, the engineered Turbulators located on the crown ensure faster speed and ball velocity. This leads to longer drives and a more piercing connection.

We were impressed with the impact of this aerodynamic advancement, producing noticeable gains for varying levels of player. Combined with Straight Flight Technology (SFT) the driver promotes a better, straighter flight. The secret is in the weight transference from heel to toe on impact for a consistent energy throughout the face.

The new thinner, lighter face was highly impressive too, making the swinging process less demanding and more controlled.

Fairway Metals

As expected with modern distance clubs, the metals include the fixed hosel adjustable technology (typically found in the driver). This allows for great shot making and versatile hitting. We experimented with low draws with great success and eliminated the need to carry an abundance of fairway technology.

The metals feature a super thin face to generate more ball speed and power. On address it offers a lower profile which in turn, lets the club perform like a long iron in terms of control but without cranking down on valuable yardage.

It performs equally well from the tee packing a great punch and tremendous launch.

Hybrids

The rescue club of the family features an extremely progressive centre of gravity that offers extreme control on landing. We found this hybrid performed better than most at approaching greens from distance. Complete with 17-4 stainless steel it allows for more distance with the steeper landing angle you need to hold shots on and around the green.

The top rail is flatter and the heel section is raised, providing a very square face on address that helps with alignment. It feels soft and allows for a regular strike that will not let you down.

Irons

Each iron is designed with an undercut cavity with help position the CG low-back to optimize launch and forgiveness while ensuring a solid feel, really inspiring confidence on a consistent basis.

The progressive offset ensures a more penetrating, controlled trajectory with the scoring clubs.

The irons are complete with a soft elastomer badge which further contributes to improved feel and sound in the perimeter-weight.

Under testing, we enjoyed the shot making capabilities, especially in the middle irons allowing the user to combat strong winds, narrow angles and tight lies with ease.

Conclusion

There is really not much to dislike about the new PING G Family. It offers improvements in all the right areas of performance but maintains the brands typical winning formula and consistency throughout the set.

Priced towards the top end of the market, it is fair to say that you get what you pay for in this instance.

Here at Foremost Golf, we supply all the latest brands and PING are no exception. Review all our listings today and find the perfect game changers for you.

Well, that was an eventful U.S. Open, wasn't it? From the stop-start nature of the first round, followed by greens trickier to navigate than Mount Everest, to the USGA's moment of madness late on Sunday which threatened to overshadow a wonderful final day. The second Major of 2016 had it all.

TaylorMade Brand Ambassador Dustin Johnson was centre stage. Heading into the final round four behind overnight leader Shane Lowry, Johnson mixed three birdies with two bogeys to card a one-under-par 69, winning the 166th U.S. Open by three shots.

But should it have been four?

The American was given a post-round one-shot penalty following the conclusion of his 72nd hole, due to an incident on the 5th green. Johnson was going through his pre-shot routine when his ball moved as he went to address it. He did the right thing, calling over a rules official to inform him what happened. The official told him to play it as it lies, no infringement. Seven holes later, standing on the 12th tee leading the U.S. Open by two, a USGA official informed Johnson that it would be reviewed after his round. It caused massive controversy, with many players, including Spieth and McIlroy, lambasting the USGA calling it ‘a joke’ and ‘ridiculous’ amongst other things.

Was this going to be another blow for DJ? Coming so close to his elusive Major win but to see it taken away from him in the cruellest of circumstances?

Thankfully it didn’t change the outcome. Dustin carried on, taking things one shot at a time, playing solid golf down the stretch and holing some crucial putts. He won it in style too: splitting the 18th fairway off the tee, striping a majestic iron to six feet before holing the putt for birdie. DJ deserved this one, make no doubt about it.

He averaged 30 yards more than the field off the tee, hit 64% of fairways and an astonishing 76% of greens around the monster that is Oakmont Country Club. Well played, sir. A worthy champ.

What equipment did DJ use?

• Driver – TaylorMade M1 (10.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – TaylorMade M1 (17 loft)
• Utility Iron – TaylorMade UDI (2)
• Irons – TaylorMade Tour Preferred (3-PW)
• Wedges – TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF (52 & 60)
• Putter – Scotty Cameron
• Ball – TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

Golf shoes come in two general types – cleated or spiked golf shoes and spikeless shoes. If you have never played golf before, you may be at a bit of a loss regarding what type of shoes to go for. So, before you purchase shoes from a golf shop, read on to discover more about the two types of shoe.

Cleated Golf Shoes

Let’s begin with cleated golf shoes, which are also known as spiked shoes. This is the classic type of golf shoe and you will find many options available online. So, if you decide this is the type of shoe for you, make sure you browse carefully and determine what qualities are important to you. In general, however, these shoes are known for providing traction, breathability, water resistance, and comfort. One of the key benefits of this shoe is that the upper is more stable, which means you can expect better grip and stability when swinging. These shoes have advanced considerably over the years, and technology means that you now have the perfect balance between stability and being lightweight.

Spikeless Golf Shoes

The other type of shoe you should think about is the spikeless golf shoe. This is a recent development and it is something that more and more professionals are wearing. Previously, it was thought that these shoes were just for the casual golfer, but that is not the case. They are designed for comfort first and foremost, and they are exceptionally lightweight. Instead of golf spikes, there will be dimpled soles or rubber studs, which makes them great on firm surfaces, like the driving range, and they are ideal for the 19^th hole. One thing you do need to bear in mind is that these shoes don’t offer as much grip or stability.

So there you have it – the benefits of both types of golf shoes. It is worth noting that some people do wear golf boots or sandals. Nevertheless, most tend to go for one of the two mentioned above, and choosing your shoes is just as important as your golf balls or golf clubs.

On what was another weather-affected event, Henrik Stenson put his Callaway Golf clubs to good use to win the BMW International Open in Germany. This was Stenson’s 10th European Tour victory, something which didn’t look too likely a week ago when he pulled out of the U.S. Open through injury. His fitness was put to the test on Sunday as he endured 36 holes having been prevented from taking to the course on Saturday due to torrential rain curtailing play before he teed off.

A bogey-free 67 in his first round on Sunday meant that Stenson went into the final round with a one-shot cushion over the field. The Swede went on to birdie the first during his closing 18, before a mid-round stutter gave the chasing pack some hope. Four dropped shots in a wobbly seven-hole stretch meant the tournament was wide open once again. However, Stenson showed why he is in the world’s top 10, regaining his composure to birdie three holes on the back nine, claiming a three-shot victory in the process.

Stenson is widely known as a brilliant ball-striker who hits the ball a long, long way. This week was no different as he led the field in driving accuracy with over 83% of fairways hit, as well as in green in regulation at 86.1%. Well played, Henrik!

What equipment did Stenson use?

• Driver – Callaway XR 16 (9 loft)
• Fairway wood – Callaway Diablo (13 loft); Callaway XR 16 Pro (18 loft)
• Irons – Callaway Legacy Black (3-PW)
• Wedges – Callaway Mack Daddy 3 (52 & 58)
• Putter – Odyssey White Hot

Three shots was also the winning margin on the PGA Tour last week, as Billy Hurley III secured his maiden title at the Quicken Loans National. Hurley’s success couldn’t have been any sweeter, coming in his home tournament with his friends and family in close attendance.

A three-putt bogey at the 12th threatened to derail the American’s charge on Sunday, and when he was faced with a nervy 10-footer for par at the following hole, many started to question whether Hurley would be able to hold on. But any fears soon subsided as he chipped in for birdie at the 15th, followed by a birdie at the par-5 16th to extend his lead to three shots. Pars at the final two holes paved the way for Hurley to win his first PGA Tour event, a life-changing moment he will never forget.

What equipment did he use?

• Driver – TaylorMade M1 (9.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – TaylorMade M2 (15 loft)
• Hybrid – TaylorMade SLDR (19 and 21); Adams Pro Mini (23
• Irons – Bridgestone J40 (4-PW)
• Wedges – Vokey SM6 (47); Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (54 & 60)
• Putter – TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider

What makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball the pick of the bunch?

Simply put, the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball is a golfing icon. Other balls have come and gone, trying to accomplish the lofty heights of Titleist’s premium offering, but have consistently come up short.

In this blog post, Foremost Golf looks at the reasons behind the dominance of the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball whilst trying to answer one simple question:

What makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball so special?

The golf ball is the only piece of equipment that is used for every shot on the golf course, so it’s vitally important that you can trust what you’re using. And trust is something that is synonymous with the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

Anyone who plays golf will know that the Pro V1 has dominated the ball market over the last decade. There’s no arguing it. The fact that the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball has been at the top for such a long time, without any drastic changes, speaks volumes for what Titleist has been able to achieve.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, Titleist undertook unparalleled research and comprehensive testing with both professionals and amateurs before releasing the 2015 version of the ball. When asked how the Pro V1 could be improved, the pros were adamant in their response:

“Don’t change anything, just add some more control around the green”

We don’t want to delve too much into the technical side of things, but the way Titleist has achieved this is quite remarkable. Now urethane covers aren’t new, but Titleist’s version certainly is. They’ve built their patented Elastomer cover in-house so that they’re in control of the characteristics it provides, rather than adding a pre-made urethane cover that isn’t necessarily designed for a golf ball. All this means that they have created an extremely soft ball offering premium feel off the clubface.

So what can you expect from the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball?

• Extra distance
• Softer feel
• Enhanced durability
• Greenside control
• Optimum trajectory

Most golfers would take one or two of these characteristics in a ball if it was going to improve their performance. So when you get all five in the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, you can see why it’s the number one ball across worldwide tours.

But this ball isn’t just for professionals. The exceptional tee-to-green performance makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball a firm favourite for golfers of all skill levels.

How can added distance and increased greenside control not be beneficial?

Our rating?

Quite simply: 5 out of 5. Unbeatable.

Golf clubs are available in different shapes and sizes, and it is important to know what clubs to have in your golf bag if you are going to take up the sport. Most golf bags will consist of three woods, seven irons, a putter, and at least one hybrid, although it does differ from player to player. With that being said, continue reading to discover more about each type of club.

• Putters – A putter is a golf club that has one purpose, and this is to get the ball in the hole. There are different golf putters to choose from, including the mallet, heel-toe, bent, long, belly, short, and more. All of these are used on the green.

• Irons – Next we have irons, which is what you are going to use if you are approximately less than 200 yards from the green. A standard set of golf irons will have 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons, as well as the PW (Pitching Wedge). ‘3’ and ‘4’ are the most difficult to hit. Moreover, the higher the iron you will use the closer you are to the green.

• Wedges – Golf wedges are basically a special type of iron. You have the PW, which we have just mentioned. These tend to be between 46 and 48 in loft, making it the highest lofted iron. Aside from this, you have the LW (Lob Wedge), the SW (Sand Wedge), and the AW (Approach Wedge). Wedges are suitable for when you are close enough to the green that you require improved shot control and shaping.

• Woods – Woods are used to hit long shots. Golf drivers, which are also called the 1 wood, have the lowest loft of any type of golf club.

• Hybrids – Finally, we have hybrids, which have become very popular golf clubs over the last few years. Hybrids combine the length shaft of an iron and the head design of a fairway wood.