DOGLEG BREWERY: BEER AND GOLF • THE WESTIN RESORT: PARADISE IS PERSONAL
WINTER 2021
EQUIPMENT WOODS, IRONS, AND GEAR PEPPERDINE MEN’S GOLF RANKED #1 IN THE COUNTRY TORREY PINES AND JON RAHM A PERFECT MATCH
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CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
18 10 Editor’s Note
How Aristotle Can Lower Your Score
12 PGA Show The Virtual Golf Show 14 Pepperdine Men’s Golf Team #1 Team in the Country 18 The Westin Resort
24 WINTER 2021 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 1
Paradise is Personal DOGLEG BREWERY: BEER AND GOLF • THE WESTIN RESORT: PARADISE IS PERSONAL
20 Jon Rahm
Torrey Pines and Jon Rahm
24 Equipment Woods, Irons, and Gear 30 Golf Instruction
WINTER 2021
EQUIPMENT WOODS, IRONS, AND GEAR PEPPERDINE MEN’S GOLF RANKED #1 IN THE COUNTRY TORREY PINES AND JOHN RAHM A PERFECT MATCH
Jon Rahm Fundamentals 34 Dogleg Brewery Beer and Golf Go Together
On the cover: New Golf Technology for 2021 Photo Courtesy: SRIXON
Visit us online at calgolfnews.com and be sure to LIKE us at facebook.com/calgolfnews. 8
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EDITOR’S NOTE
HOW ARISTOTLE CAN HELP LOWER YOUR SCORE AND TRANSFORM HOW YOU PERFORM ON THE COURSE
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ristotle was interested in the question: how should one live? His answer: seek true happiness. But what does he mean by this? Some people might think that true happiness consists of doing things they enjoy, like taking an exotic vacation or playing 18 at Pebble Beach. But Aristotle tells us that happiness can’t be achieved through fleeting feelings of bliss. In fact, he believed that happiness isn’t about how we feel at all. Instead, he believed that happiness consists of our overall achievement in life. Good and bad fortune, which is largely out of our control, also plays a role. But Aristotle believed that we can increase our happiness by developing good character. How do we do this? He tells us that we need to “feel the right kind of emotions at the right times” which will help us behave well, develop good character, and achieve a good life. This can also be applied on the course. Maybe you’ve seen some epic club tosses. Perhaps you’ve even whipped your five iron into a lake in a fit of rage or sent your wedge spinning into a tree after chunking a chip. Negative feelings like these lead us to act poorly and develop bad character, which will lead to unhappiness both off and on the course. So that’s the bad news. The good news: you can make your own choice about how you choose to play. You can choose to feel the right kind of emotions — e.g., happiness, calmness, gratitude, and respect — which will help you behave well and achieve a well-played game. And while this might not knock ten shots off your score, you will have developed good character and achieved true happiness both on and off the course, and that, as Aristotle would say, is the
whole point of philosophy and the whole point of the game. Aristotle also tells us that virtues are good character traits while vices are bad traits. Think about it. If you’re quick to anger, take no responsibility for your actions, and lack kindness, empathy and respect for others, you will never achieve true happiness or a good life. The same holds true with golf because if you’re quick to blame your instructor for messing up your swing, become angry when you shank a shot, and are impatient with the pace of play of other players, you will never achieve true happiness as you play or fully master your game. This might seem like just a bunch of inspirational, self-help stuff. But Aristotle believed that people need to be able to live together well with others in a wellorganized society, and true happiness, he tells us, can only be achieved by interacting well with others in a wellordered political state. The same can be applied to golf because true happiness and mastery of the game can only be achieved by interacting well with others and simply living by the rules of etiquette—e.g., respect for fellow players, respect for the course, and respect for the game—and let’s face it: living and playing well with others is what golf (and life) is all about. So what’s the takeaway? Aristotle would say that to live and play well both on and off the course, we should seek true happiness by feeling the right emotions (kindness, gratitude, empathy, and respect) which will lead us to behave well, develop good character, and achieve a life well-lived and a game well-played. Enjoy your walk, Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D.
CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL PUBLISHER Eric Woods EDITOR Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D. ASSISTANT EDITOR Laird Hayes ART DIRECTOR Long Tran ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mike Stubbs, Ed Travis SENIOR WRITERS Randy Youngman, Jim Dover, Tom LaMarre CONTRIBUTORS Ian Leggatt, Ed Vyeda, Leonard Finkel, Tom Stankowski, Ken Lane PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Weinstein, Tom Neas, Mark Susson, Channing Benjamin TRAVEL EDITOR Larry Feldman EQUIPMENT EDITOR Scott Kramer, Ed Travis WINE + GOLF John Finney, Matt Palaferri CONTRIBUTING INSTRUCTORS Eric Lohman, Kris Moe, Perry Parker, Ted Norby, Scott Heyn, John Ortega, John Burckle Accounting Jep Pickett
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California Golf + Travel is published by Golf Lab Media LLC 1224 Village Way, Ste. D, Santa Ana CA 92705 Phone: (714) 542-4653 website: www.CalGolfNews.com California Golf + Travel is published bimonthly and distributed to California golf courses, country clubs, practice facilities, golf retailers, hotels, and resorts Entire contents of this publication is copyrighted Golf Lab Media LLC 2021, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. For subscriptions, go to calgolfnews.com and sign up online or send your name, address, phone number, and $20 to Golf Lab Media at the Above address. For advertising opportunities and editorial information: Please call (714) 542-4653 or email to info@calgolfnews.com
California Golf + Travel
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VIRTUAL SHOW
VIRTUAL PGA
MERCHANDISE SHOW 2021 By ED TRAVIS
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he 68th PGA Merchandise Show scheduled for January 27 – 29 in Orlando, Fla., was yet another major conference morphed into a virtual event due to COVID-19 health concerns. Rather than over 40,000 attendees walking the 10 miles of aisles with 1,000 exhibits in the Orange County Convention Center, all that was required of the 11,000 people registering was an Internet connection. The question in everyone’s mind was would it work and like many things in life the answer is yes and no. Show attendance is restricted to PGA Professionals and industry members and as it is every year the most important item on the agenda was the extensive continuing education courses for PGA members. Experience has shown virtual education sessions can work well when conducted by qualified moderators. This year’s education schedule gave club professionals at-home access to training adding to the already extensive in-person and virtual programs the PGA conducts throughout the year. However, the PGA Merchandise Show has other critical functions starting with relationship building between vendors, product buyers, and other industry members such as the media. From the standpoint of marketing, it is an efficient way for new brands to create exposure, for established brands to reinforce their visibility and for manufacturers to get their latest into the hands of potential buyers. This year approximately 420 companies set up virtual booths on the “electronic floor.” Most were recognizable names with relatively few first timers, Apparel brands traditionally use the Show to show off the
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new styles and the virtual format must have been a challenge compared to the familiar personal sitdowns. The biggest positive and ironically also a drawback of large virtual events is for topics such as new product introductions. Mass meetings via computer screen can readily convey information but do not encourage give and take between presenter and audience. They might be compared to the anonymity of college classes in a 500-seat auditorium. The other unfortunate aspect is that audio and video problems frustrate meeting planners not to mention attendees. The angst level spirals sharply upward with each one-on-one meeting or product presentation experiencing technical hiccups. Virtual participants must overcome both any aversion of face-to-face becoming face-to-computer and the inherent issues when the whiz-bang software does not work. Also, for some, Internet bandwidth can be a problem. All this is unfortunate because after a record year in 2020 driven by the pandemic restrictions the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show could have been an industrywide celebration of the robust health of the golf business. Golf Datatech reported 2020 U.S. equipment sales were up 10.1% and the number of rounds exploding 13.9%. Golf’s inherent social distancing combined with a healthy outdoor activity makes our sport an ideal cabin-fever remedy. The usual Orlando confab would have been a chance for everyone to pat themselves on the back. It is safe to say the industry hopes 2022’s PGA Merchandise Show will be back in Florida’s sunshine.
JASON KOKRAK | MATTHEW FITZPATRICK | MATT KUCHAR
85 WORLDWIDE TOUR WINS AND COUNTING... discover more at bettinardi.com California Golf + Travel
NOV/DEC 2020
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PEPPERDINE
Pepperdine’s 1997 NCAA Championship Team
Michael Beard
PEPPERDINE’S PATH TO By Roger Horne he Pepperdine University men’s golf program boasts a proud legacy, winning the 1997 NCAA championship and more West Coast Conference titles than any other school. But over the past nine seasons the Waves have seen a truly remarkable rise, shedding the midmajor label and establishing a foothold among the nation’s elite programs. A new day began in December 2012 when Pepperdine alum Michael Beard returned to Malibu as head coach. An All-American in 2000 and 2002 and a former assistant coach, he inherited a team that would eventually finish outside the nation’s top 100. In the subsequent six years, the Waves’ end-of-season Golfweek/ Sagarin ratings went #95 to #78 to #41 to #28 to #25 to #16. And then, during the 2019-20 season, Pepperdine reached the pinnacle, hitting #1 in both computer rankings. Moving from outside the top 100 to #1 took some vision, some commitment and some luck. To reach the highest level, a school needs a combi-
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nation of the right players and access to the most prestigious tournaments, neither of which Pepperdine had enough of in Beard’s early days. He took the job knowing one crucial piece was in place. He would have the full support of Director of Athletics Dr. Steve Potts and the rest of the athletics department. “We had to raise the money to do the things we wanted to do, but Steve let me do them,” Beard said. “He knew the significance of a strong schedule so if it made sense, he let us go. He also understood how important recruiting was going to be and I don’t remember a time he told me we couldn’t go somewhere. We didn’t have limitations that a program at our level at that time could or would have. I was so appreciative to hear that.”
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With strength of schedule an important part in the rankings, Beard set out to improve the caliber of the Waves’ opponents. That was not easily achieved, as the best tournaments attract the best teams, and Pepperdine wasn’t there yet. Occasionally the Waves would get an invitation to a higher-tier event, either as a favor or based on Pepperdine’s name recognition. Then, as the Waves rose in the rankings, more opportunities came along, such as regular spots in the Southern Highlands Collegiate and U.S. Intercollegiate. Early on, recruiting was also a challenge. The Waves have always had selling points—the 1997 national championship, its recognition as a top-50 academic institution, a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, year-round sunny skies to practice, and access to excellent courses in the area, including their long-time associations with North Ranch Country Club and The Saticoy Club, with Sherwood Country Club later added to the mix.
2019 NCAA Division I Golf Championships
But, as Beard chased after the nation’s top recruits, he heard the same thing over and over. “We heard from a lot of recruits back then that they liked what we were doing, but they wanted to go play with the best players,” Beard said. The Waves finally landed one when Sahith Theegala arrived in the fall of 2015. The native of Chino Hills, Calif. and graduate of Diamond Bar High School wasn’t considered to be quite on the level of the highest-rated recruits in his class, but Beard saw someone who could become a gamechanger. That was indeed the case as Theegala shattered most of Pepperdine’s records in his tenure with the Waves, earning three-time All-American honors and capping things off as the nation’s #1-rated player in 2020 along with a sweep of the Haskins, Hogan and Nicklaus National Player of the Year awards. Theegala and fellow classmate Roy Cootes were the first two pieces. A year later, they were joined by Clay Feagler and Joshua McCarthy. That foursome contributed to a crucial point in the timeline, according to Beard. They were the driving force behind the Waves qualifying for the 2017 NCAA Championships at Rich
Sahith Theegala California Golf + Travel
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PEPPERDINE
Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. It was Beard’s first trip to the finals as head coach and ended a five-year absence for the team. Pepperdine finished 13th—the program’s best finish since 2004. The Waves played well enough to make the first cut, but didn’t achieve their goal of making the final eight and match play. “We finish 13th and we get in the car,” Beard said. “We’ve got two freshmen and two sophomores there. And Josh said, ‘Coach, we didn’t even play that well, we could have made match play.’ And that’s where the light bulb went off. We knew we had a good team, but from that moment on, we knew we belonged. “When I first started, if we got a top-five finish, it felt like a victory. Then it got to a point where we could win, and finally to the point where we expect to win. 2017 set the tone for that expectation.” With the Waves rolling and recruiting picking up, Pepperdine added one of the nation’s top freshmen in Joe Highsmith ahead of the 2018-19 season. Even with Theegala missing the entire year with a wrist injury, the Waves returned to the NCAA Championships and moved up to an 11thplace finish. “Finishing 11th without Sahith was a great example of the guys meeting the standard we had set,” Beard said. “We weren’t always getting the A+ recruits. When you look at some of their junior resumes, there was no guarantee about what they would do in college. But the guys we brought in had personalities that meshed which brought out the best in them. They knew that they were building something big. Being part of this school, being around an environment where they could be themselves and where they could compete at a high 16
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level, they took ownership in it.” That set up a highly anticipated 2019-20 season. Theegala was back for a fifth year, McCarthy and Feagler were seniors, Highsmith was a sophomore, and the Waves added their most highly touted recruit in program history, William Mouw. Qualifying rounds proved to be some
earned his first college title and both received All-American first team honors. Pepperdine ascended to #1 in the computer rankings for the first time in program history. A second national title was in Pepperdine’s sights—until everything came to an abrupt end in mid-March when the NCAA canceled all remaining championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A disappointed group of Waves went home, but, as consolation, they did so as the nation’s #1-ranked team according to the Bushnell Golfweek coaches poll and by Golfstat. “The timing of Mouw being a top recruit, having Sahith back, plus eight other guys capable of being All-Americans, it all seemed like last year everything had fallen into place,” said Beard, who received the Dave Williams Award as the National Coach of the Year. “With 4 1/2 scholarships and recruiting the way that it is, it’s difficult to replicate a squad like that. It felt like it was going to be our year.” Theegala turned professional, but the rest of the Waves came back for 2020-21. The program quickly gave notice that the previous year was not a fluke, and that the William Mouw Waves were intent on retaining their spot as of the most challenging events of the a top program. The prestigious East year, with 10 golfers capable of fillLake Cup invited the top four teams ing just five slots in the lineup. in the previous year’s rankings to “We’ve recruited extremely comcompete, and after a round of stroke petitive guys that bring it every day,” play, the Waves defeated Texas Tech associate head coach Blaine Woodruff and Oklahoma in match play to claim said. “If they don’t, they’re going to the trophy. get passed. Nobody wants to be the “Ultimately, it’s about the playguy that doesn’t get to travel. They ers,” Beard said. “We’ll do our best get better because they want to beat to make them better. I’d like to think each other.” our recent success will make it easier The Waves won three of their eight for recruits to decide that Pepperdine tournaments, came in second twice should be one of their top schools to and finished no worse than fifth. look at on the West Coast. Our goal Theegala won a pair of events, Mouw is to be a top program every year.”
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California Golf + Travel
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GOLF RESORT
PARADISE IS PERSONAL THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT AND SPA L
ocated in the Coachella Valley in the city of Rancho Mirage, The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa sits on 360 acres in the beautiful Californian desert landscape. Recently renovated, this relaxing retreat features the Fireside Lounge with live entertainment, Pinz & Pints restaurant bar and game room, Lobby, and courtyard with friendly vibes and fire pits, this resort helps guests discover their smiles. Ranked as one of the “Top 50 Golf Resorts in North America” by Golf Digest and home to a stunning Pete Dye championship course, the resort offers several on-site dining experiences, from sophisticated Italian to convenient grab-and-go options. It also boasts 100,000 square feet of newly renovated event space and unique on-site programs. Begin your day with yoga, a workout in the open-air gym or swim in the pools. In the afternoon, the luxury spa is the perfect spot to unwind before falling asleep on a Westin Heavenly Bed®. Relax, unwind and energize with spectacular mountain views in the California desert. Paradise is personal—yours is waiting for you.
Visit www.playmissionhills.com/stay-play for limited time special offers.
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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
JON RAHM
LOVES TORREY PINES, AND IT LOVES HIM BACK
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By GARRETT JOHNSTON Photos MICHAEL WEINSTEIN welve worldwide wins and five on the PGA Tour is the amazing record for Jon Rahm who’s still only been a pro since June 2016 when he put the golf world on full attention with his third place finish at the Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club. The fiery Spaniard got his first professional win and opened the floodgates of his talent starting at Torrey Pines when he won the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open in dramatic fashion punctuated by a 60-foot eagle bomb on the 72nd hole. When asked specifically why he loves Torrey Pines and its two courses, the Spaniard had zero hesitation.
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“Oh it’s the length, I feel like it plays exactly to my strengths,” Rahm said confidently on the Beyond the Clubhouse podcast. “You’ve got to hit it long off the tee, it’s not going to roll much so you can carry it, and then the greens are very similar to what I grew up on (in Spain). I grew up on bentgrass and poa annua mix so I’m very familiar with (Torrey’s greens).” What a massive comfort factor, especially for a player of Rahm’s bullish talent (at press time he was number two in the world, only trailing Dustin Johnson). “I know how they’re going to respond when you chip, I know how they’re going to respond when you putt, and I feel very confident on that course,” Rahm said. And it shows.
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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Entering this year’s event Rahm had won in 2017, tied for 29th in 2018, tied for fifth in 2019, solo second in 2020, and tied for seventh in 2021. He smiles when he thinks back to his magical Sunday there in 2017. “It was a phenomenal driving week for me. I drove it so well and so that made it a lot easier,” Rahm said. And the beauty and risk-reward aspect of the South course’s closing stretch is not lost on the Spanish superstar. “Sixteen is one of the prettiest holes you’re going to ever play, seventeen can be a good opportunity for birdie but you’ve got to hit two really good shots, especially the second one,” Rahm said. “It’s a target green, you need to hit it very close to the pin otherwise you can go sloping away from the hole.” Then we get to the par 5 final hole. “Eighteen is a hole that requires a massive drive to be able to go for it. If you decide to go for it, it’s not easy because they have those four quadrants where the pin can be,” Rahm said. “If you’re in the wrong spot, you’re going to struggle. So, you’ve got to pick and choose. When I played, I played aggressive and it paid off. But I’m sure there have been a couple people who have played aggressive and it didn’t. “It’s a course I believe is pretty much a ball-striker’s course and that’s probably why Tiger‘s always played really well there and Brandt Snedeker. You can take it deep and just never get too far out of position and that’s why I feel like it’s a great spot.” Rahm takes a lot of pride in winning there as a rookie. “It’s not a place where a rookie usually wins, PGA Tour rookie or first time (Farmers Insurance Open) player,” Rahm said. “To not just win but to
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get it done the way I did and stuff like that with two eagles on the back nine the way Tiger did when he won (2008 US Open third round). It was a miraculous back nine from thirteen and in. That gave me so much confidence and you could not script a better finish than that. I thought I had a chance, I never thought I was actually going to finish and win by more than one.” Rahm won by three, but felt his pursuers even inside his group, like SoCal native and former Aztec golf team standout J.J. Spaun. “J.J. was playing with me and was right there with me until eighteen. There were like twenty guys within a couple shots,” Rahm said. “I was, what was I? I was one under on the day and thus seven under par total standing on eleven tee and I think I was three shots back. And that’s when I went birdie, par, eagle. I was tied there and nobody would then expect the finish I had after that, not even me. “That’s what makes it even more impressive for me, just to get it done when I had to.” Rahm’s caddie since September 2016 at the Safeway Open, 23-year veteran Adam Hayes, knew the importance of his man getting the job done. “There were a lot of expectations on him so it’s unbelievable that he won that day,” Hayes said. “And the fashion of that win was so cool because that’s just who Jon is. He’s just so competitive. He may look like he’s so cool and calm on the outside but on the inside I know his engine is running at like 10,000 RPM. He’s just wound up and ready to go. “It was definitely a special win.” It’s better to be lucky than good as they say, and Rahm is clearly both.
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EQUIPMENT
New Drivers for the New Season By ED TRAVIS ach season when the new clubs are introduced drivers get the most attention for a good reason. That new number-one wood may be the answer to taking our game to a higher level, one where we hit our tee shots farther and straighter…well, at least that’s the dream. Unrealistic perhaps, but at the same time the quest for “better” is the only way our games will improve and that is true for touring professionals as well as weekend amateurs. California Golf has researched the latest driver offerings from manufacturers and here are those we feel should be on anyone’s short list. And as we preach each time don’t spend your money unless you have a professional fitting. The fitting’s cost is simply an insurance policy on your future enjoyment of the game.
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Callaway Golf Big Bertha B-21 The B-21 is engineered for high launch and low spin using Callaway’s Flash Face design using their supercomputer and artificial intelligence software. Inside are the familiar Jailbreak rods tying the sole and carbon fiber crown together to put more impact energy into the ball. To straighten out the usual left to right curvature of most recreational players extra weight was located towards the heel. $500.
Callaway Golf Epic There three new Epics and all were designed using Callaway’s proprietary artificial intelligence software. The Speed model was reshaped for lower aerodynamic drag and the MAX is a game-improvement driver. They are joined by the MAX LS (low spin) for those with higher swing speeds and better players. All use the Flash Face SS21 and replacing Jailbreak rods, a Jailbreak Speed Frame to reduce head distortion. $530. 24
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Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 The ZX5 (game-improvement category) and ZX7 (better player category) have a larger carbon fiber crown with the ZX5’s being more rounded along with a larger footprint and designed for higher launch. It has a pointed rear shape and shorter skirt than the ZX7’s rounded rear profile and taller skirt. The ZX7 is a low spin low launch design. Both use Srixon’s Rebound Frame with flexible and stiff zones. ZX5 $500, ZX7 driver $530.
Cobra Golf Radspeed A new internal weight configuration, Cobra calls radial weighting, which was arrived at by calculating the radius of gyration resulted the Radspeed’s most interesting feature, placing significant weight behind the face for low spin and adding rear weight to maintain high launch and keep up ball speed when impact is off center. Three variations including a draw bias slice-fighter are available. All have Arccos Cobra Connect. $449.
Ping G425 Following up on the G410 drivers the new G425 lineup has three models, the MAX, LST and SFT targeted for three types of players. MAX with its 26-gram sliding weight will be the choice of most and the LST with smaller clubhead, 17-gram sliding weight and lower spin the selection by higher swing speed golfers. The SFT has a 23-gram weight in the heel to counter left to right ball spin, the dreaded slice. $500.
Ben Hogan Golf GS53 Max A 460cc head of four-piece construction game-improvement driver comes standard in either 9° or 10.5° loft with an adjustable hosel allows +/- 1° change and a forged variable thickness face of titanium. The carbon fiber crown and tungsten weight in the sole means the center of mass is low and towards the heel for a slice reducing bias while producing a high ball flight. Available only on BenHoganGolf.com $355.
Titleist TSi2 and TSi3 A game-improvement model, the TSi2, is a high launch, low spin design with a “Speed Chassis” clubhead while the better-player TSi3 tends to a mid to high launch with low spin along with a sliding weight. The TSi2 has a replaceable rear weight that comes in 2-gram increments. Both models have a new titanium alloy face the company says produces more ball speed and distance. Pricing for each is $549.
XXIO Prime Driver Every component of the XXIO Prime driver is lightweight to help slow-to-moderate swing speed players generate more ball speed and distance off the tee. The frame of alternating stiff and flexible areas promotes added yards as well and the flat cup face of Super-TIX PLUS Titanium is extremely strong. A counterbalance grip helps overall performance and straighter ball flight along with the draw bias face bulge. $899.99.
Tour Edge Exotics C721 Driver In a real design departure for the latest in the Exotics line the crown of the C721 driver has a titanium brace from face to skirt with carbon fiber panels wrapping around onto large areas of the sole. This lowers the CG and improves launch characteristics. The face uses their variable thickness Diamond Face tech to help on off center impacts. A 10-gram adjustable rear sole weight improves the Exotics C721 forgiveness. $399.99.
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EQUIPMENT
Improve Your Game with New Irons By ED TRAVIS tatistics show golfers replace their irons less often than they do drivers or putters but having the proper set of irons to fit your swing is more important than that pricey one-wood you use off the tee. The logic is simple. A round of golf requires maybe 14 tee shots with a driver but many more iron shots from the fairway or rough plus of course those critical scoring shots from 100 yards or less. Having irons that fit your eye at address, have the potential to produce more distance at the proper trajectory with the right amount of spin gives players the best chance to lower their scores. With irons it is all about control. Each season there are a multitude of new iron models and for 2021 California Golf has surveyed the latest so when you go for a fitting you can have an idea of what is reasonable for you. Our selection is those we consider the most significant from the most respected club manufacturers and suitable for the majority of golfers.
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Srixon ZX7 These new player category irons have a forged cavity back design with a narrower, shorter blade than the ZX5s and Srixon has built in a tungsten toe weight in the low and medium lofts. Grooves are progressive throughout the set and turf interaction has been improved with a Vshaped sole. At address the smaller blade with thin topline and minimal offset is what better players want. 8-piece set $1,299.99 (steel only)
XXIO PRIME Lightweight premium materials help players with slower swing speeds create more distance, straighter flight with more control in these counterbalanced irons. The face is an extremely strong titanium alloy saving grams and behind the face are two interior slots or grooves that help preserve ball speed when impact is low on the face. Turf interaction is improved from any lie with the stepped sole. 4-piece set $1,099.99
Honma Golf TR21X This distance iron is targeted for play by better players to mid-handicappers with a blade-like look at address and a hollow body construction. A tungsten bar (weight varies with loft) inside pushes the head’s center of gravity down low and the head is filled with foam to dampen vibration. The face is a L-cup design and lofts are strong but with high launch and lots of stability. $188 each steel shafts, $212 graphite.
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Tour Edge Exotics C721 Irons This player’s distance iron is a hollow-body construction with TPU injected in two places to improve feel by dampening vibration. The L-cup face is very thin maraging steel welded to the stainless-steel body with the face shape acting as a hinge to give better ball speed. The face has 92 interwoven diamond shapes of three thicknesses giving extra forgiveness across the entire area. $142.99 each graphite shafts, $129.99 steel
Callaway Golf Apex 21 A family update of the Apex 19 includes the Apex 21, Apex Pro 21, and Apex DCB. All have forged heads with an A.I.-designed face cup for individual lofts, internal tungsten weighting and urethane microspheres to absorb vibration from ball impact. DCBs are a true game-improvement model with a deep cavity back design for those wanting ball launch help in a wide sole iron. $185 each steel shafts, $200 each graphite
Ping G425 The face of hyper steel is constructed like that of metal woods with a variable thickness to improve impact when the ball is not struck in the face’s center while the top rail and sole allow the face to “hinge.” This improves both distance and control which along with the toe and heel weighting plus more weight around the outside of the head increase the iron’s MOI. Arccos Smart Grips. $137.50 each steel shaft; $150 each graphite shaft
TaylorMade Golf P770 Compared to previous P790s the P770 model has a shorter blade length and slightly smaller clubhead with thin topline, these players-distance irons also feature a forged hollow body foam-injected design with tungsten near the sole which has a slot for better flexing of the variable thickness of the forged face. Company says they are ideal for combining with other P-series irons. 7-piece set $1,400 steel shafts
Cobra Golf Radspeed Using a similar radius of gyration calculation to set the location of internal weighting as the Radspeed woods, Radspeed irons have a 3-gram heel weight and 10-gram toe screw in the forged head. The variable thickness face is L-shaped and the topline is carbon fiber to further push weight lower towards the sole. In an industry first, the medallion is a 3D printed latticework. 7-piece set $899 steel shafts, $999 graphite
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EQUIPMENT
Great Gear for On and Off the Course By ED TRAVIS here is no question whether its an enjoyable round with friends, a quick nine after work or time in the park with the kids, having the right clothing and accessories can make all the difference. California Golf staffers are outdoors types too and know the right gear is a must to get the most out of whatever you are doing. Here are a few of our favorites likely to improve the quality of life and we are sure you will like them as we do.
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Linksoul Kirkwall Down Hoodie Overcome cold weather with this extremely lightweight down-filled nylon jacket. The two exterior zippered pockets plus two on the interior, the draw closure at the bottom and a draw string on the hoodie make this very practical outerwear complimenting its stylish looks. The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding making the Kirkwall great for pre-dawn beach walks or late day hikes. Two color choices $195.
Good Walk Coffee We like a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning, maybe even carrying our second to the first tee and if you haven’t heard of Golf Walk Coffee you don’t know what you are missing. This direct-to-consumer brand uses the best imported beans (Asia, Africa, Central America) which are roasted and packaged here in the U.S. with a variety of roasts available. Three-month subscription plans ($47.50) are available.
Vessel Player III Golf Bag The Player III Stand Bag from Vessel is a premium update of the previous Player model including a larger top and a choice of six or 14 dividers. It has generous storage including a fulllength apparel pocket and two insulated beverage sleeves with magnetic closures. The top accessories pocket is lined with microfiber and with its magnetic closure a perfect place to stash a laser rangefinder. Five color choices $375.
Duca Del Cosma Masters Golf Shoe Handmade of Italian design this eight-soft spike golf shoe gives even vigorous swingers great traction and stability. The quality construction is evident from the upper made of a mixture of patent leather and luxurious Nappa leather and accentuated by the wax laces. In addition to looking great these Masters shoes have a waterproof “bootie” with a breathable membrane and memory foam leather covered insole. $259 per pair. 28
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High Camp Fairway Flask Here is a flask that is rugged enough for the course with the looks to take a space on your home bar. The Fairway Flask is made of surgical steel with the tumbler securely and seamlessly fasten with the integrated magnetic locking system. The model 375 ($85) comes with a single double-wall tumbler and the model 750 ($125) with two. The smaller Fairway Flask holds a generous 375 ml of your favorite beverage or one-half bottle of whiskey and the larger one, you guessed it, 750 ml. Both Fairway Flasks are light weight with vacuum insulation to keep contents either warm or cold for 24 hours and the top is leak-proof with a stainlesssteel plug cap set in a silicone seal. High Camp Flasks in addition to their looks have several nice touches such as the lip is no drip and they fit in the drink holder of a golf cart. Custom engraving is available.
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INSTRUCTION
GOOD WEIGHT TRANSFER LEADS TO A BETTER SWING
1 By JOHN BURCKLE Photos MICHAEL WEINSTEIN on Rahm has a very compact backswing that allows him to generate a ton of power but amazingly accurate. Rahm’s lower body action gives him the ability to create power with his legs and accuracy with balanced footwork. The average golfer can learn a lot from watching his fundamentally sound golf swing.
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In Photo 1, you can see great extension with his arms comfortably swinging away from his lower body as his weight shifts into the inside of his right foot while his left shoulder and rib cage get behind the ball. His quality posture allows the left shoulder to comfortably rotate under his chin, making it easier to complete his takeaway. As he rotates his shoulder, he doesn’t manipulate the club with his hands, so the club face angle is the
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INSTRUCTION
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same as his spine angle when the shaft is parallel to the ground—not toe to the sky or shut to the ground. In Photo 2, he’s transferred his weight into an athletic right leg while maintaining perfect balance on his right foot at the completion of his backswing while his relaxed left leg allows the knee to kick in and slightly point towards the ball while keeping 90% of the weight on his right leg. Rahm’s sound posture also allows his left shoulder to comfortably rotate underneath his chin. He’s now fully loaded up and ready to fire. Photo 3 shows Rahm’s downswing transition where his lower body weight has shifted onto his left side but his right foot is still on the ground almost as if he’s sitting into his knees. We call this a solid base. His left shoulder and rib cage are still coiled behind the ball waiting for just the right moment to uncoil and release his body and club through the ball. In Photo 4, we see a beautiful release of his body and arms. Notice how his left glove hand is underneath his right hand and his forearms are basically touching. He’s allowing the toe of the club to rotate over through impact, creating a full release which many players struggle to do. You can also see his eyes are still focused on the ground where the ball was which allows his arms to relax and extend away from his body instead of his body chasing the ball towards the target. The fundamentally sound posture he has maintained through his swing allows his right shoulder to comfortably rotate under his chin, producing a smooth uninhibited rotation from start to finish.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
DOGLEG BREWING COMPANY
Driven by passion. Steeped in tradition.
Jim McCaskey (left) and Nick Lumsden
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he inspiration behind Dogleg Brewing Company is deeply rooted in the game of golf. Founded by four friends who met on the links, Dogleg embodies the social connection created both on the course and over a pint of delicious craft beer. After all, what better way to cap off a round with friends than to sip on a crisp lager while swapping epic golf stories? It was during a round of golf that one co-owner, Nick Lumsden, met award-winning homebrewer Jim McCaskey, and they soon formed a friendship over their passion for craft beer. Dogleg Brewing Company offers an eclectic variety of craft beers brewed by Lumsden & McCaskey, who is also a retired U.S. Navy Commander of 23 years. Patrons can find beers to delight every flavor palette, from the refreshing Compadre Mexican Lager to the rich and fruity Dubbel Bogey Belgian Dubbel. Completing the craft beer experience is a tasting room that fuses a relaxing and rustic atmosphere with a nod to the traditions of the game. Patrons can tee it up on the Foresight Sports GC Hawk simulator, roll putts on the indoor green or simply enjoy the views from the patio. Located in Vista, Calif., the brewery overlooks the old Carlsbad Raceway. For craft beer lovers and golfers alike Dogleg Brewing Company is the perfect (dog-friendly) spot to get your golf fix in while enjoying a pint of your favorite beer. Learn more about them at doglegbrewingco.com. Here are some of the crowd favorites:
Dogleg tasting room
COMPADRE MEXICAN LAGER – 5.2% ABV A collaboration with Almigos golf brand, Compadre is Spanish for “comrade” or “friend.” This light Mexican Lager is crisp, semi-sweet and contains a bready body finished with a lime aroma imparted solely by its zesty hops. PRESS IPA – 6.8% ABV Press IPA is a classic and highly attenuated India Pale Ale with a complex balance of tropical, citrus and pine notes with the assertive bitterness you need coming down the 18th. ORIGINS SCOTCH ALE – 5.8% ABV Influenced by the home of golf, this Scottish ale has a subtle roastiness, hints of caramel-toffee and smooth finish for a perfect combination of tradition, complexity and sweetness. RANGE SESSION IPA – 5.2% ABV Refreshingly light IPA with a delicate bitterness and prominent tropical notes of mango, pineapple and coconut…just enough kick to get you over any first tee jitters. PATRON’S PORTER – 5.5% ABV This coffee vanilla porter was a delicious collaboration with Good Walk Coffee as part of a special release for Beergusta – a Masters-inspired Dogleg event. The malt-forward porter has a dark and roasty body with a full mouth feel and slightly bitter finish.
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CHANGE YOUR GAME IN 2021
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