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Bridgestone Test Drive

Bridgestone Golf has restarted their club “test driving” program to allow consumers an easy way to try their clubs without spending lots of money to purchase them. Described as low cost and no hassle the program called Test Drive features direct shipped new kits of demo equipment from the TOUR B JGR family.

Golfers choose a “kit” of demo equipment based on their shaft flex and loft preferences on the Test Drive website for a $20 fee charged to a credit card covering the shipping cost. A pre-authorized hold is put on the card for the retail value of clubs which is released if the clubs are returned within 21 days.

“Bridgestone’s clubs have garnered a cult-like following among serious golfers,” said Zack Kupperbusch, Golf Club Marketing Manager – Bridgestone Golf.  “Our reputation for quality forgings and high-quality construction has made us a popular choice of better players, especially.  That said, we have limited retail distribution where a niche audience of golfers have access to our clubs.  Test Drive allows us broaden our reach and provide golfers throughout the lower 48 with the opportunity to demo our award-winning offerings at their convenience, anytime, anywhere.”

At the outset Test Drive includes the TOUR B JGR driver with a choice of three lofts, fairway woods (3 lofts), hybrids (5 lofts), HF1 and HF2 irons (6-iron). Bridgestone says they be adding the new players model XW-1 wedges in early March.

KBS Shafts for 2019

Three new shafts from KBS were launched at the PGA Merchandise Show. KBS shafts are a favorite on Tour and used by both OEMs and aftermarket fitters. Additional information can be found by clicking on this link: KBS shafts

$-TAPER LITE
The NEW $-Taper Lite is a lightweight version of the worldwide winning $-Taper. It provides the KBS signature feel while maintaining shot workability and tight dispersion for players seeking the ultimate tour shaft with mid/high trajectory and low/mid spin performance in a lighter weight frame.
MAX GRAPHITE
The KBS MAX Graphite is designed for a wide range of players seeking to MAXimize the performance of their iron shafts with trajectory, spin, and distance in a consistent, lighter weight package, making it easier for you to produce performance on every shot.
CT TOUR PUTTER
Gathering information from Tour players and the worldwide leaders in putter design KBS has introduced the KBS CT Tour putter shaft. It is the first putter shaft to make use of KBS Golf Shaft Technology.

Callaway Sets Records

Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) reported results for 2018 reflecting their rapid growth the past three years with sales up 19% and operating income up 62%. Sales were $1,243 million compared with $1,049 in 2017 and $871 million in 2016. The complete report may be found at Callaway Investor Relations. For 2019 the company is forecasting a flat to slightly up equipment market with their growth to be in the mid-single digits for equipment and double-digit growth for TravisMatthew and OGIO.

In Case Anyone Should Ask:

Mickelson’s 44th PGA Tour Win with all Callaway
Driver: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero Driver (9°) – HZRDUS T1100 Shaft
Fairway wood: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (13.5°) – Fubuki J Shaft
Irons: Callaway X Forged UT (3-iron) – KBS Tour V 125 Shaft; Callaway Epic Pro (4-iron) – KBS Tour V 125 Shaft; Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (5-iron) – KBS Tour V 125 Shaft; Callaway Apex MB 18 Irons (6-PW) – KBS Tour V 125 Shafts
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy PM Grind 19 (54°, 60°, 64°) – KBS Tour V 125 Shafts
Putter: Odyssey Versa #9 White
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Equipment Counts:
For the sixth week in a row Titleist drivers were the most popular with 42 in play by the 156 professionals including 37 of the latest TS model—5-TS2 and 32-TS3. Titleist also won the counts in hybrids (30), irons (42) and wedges (205 approach, sand & lob). Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x lead as usual in the ball count with 115 players versus 16 teeing up the Callaway Chrome Soft of Chrome Soft X.

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