When it comes to the best-looking hybrids in golf clubs, the most important factor that stands out is the element of confidence it provides to the player. As a club that replaces the challenging long irons, a hybrid that instills positive feelings in the golfer before the swing can greatly impact their performance on the course. The Golf Digest Hot List Summit gathered feedback from 32 players who emphasized the significance of confidence when selecting a hybrid club. In rating clubs based on the Look/Sound/Feel criterion, players are asked to assess the Look of the club before actually hitting it.…

The Golf Digest Hot List features a mix of objective and subjective information, with criteria such as “Look” being open to individual interpretation. However, when it comes to factors like feel, golfers tend to have more uniform opinions. Achieving a soft feel in a club depends on the construction, with single-piece forging being easier to achieve compared to thin-faced or hollow body irons. Club designers use technology like badges or thermoplastic urethane to dampen vibrations and deliver a pleasant impact sensation that resonates with all golfers. This year’s Hot List features irons that have taken softness to a new level,…

Drivers are an essential part of a golfer’s game, but many average golfers struggle with hitting the ball too low off the tee. This issue can stem from a lack of proper fitting for their current driver, leading to launch angles that are too low. Launch angle, the degree the ball launches above the horizontal plane before being hit, is crucial for optimizing total distance, especially for golfers with swing speeds below 120 miles per hour. A recent Golf Digest test revealed that over a third of average golfers had launch angles of less than 11 degrees, indicating a need…

When looking for a new club, the first thing you typically do is put it in the address position, waggle it a few times and react. Sometimes, you may quickly realize that a club is not for you based on its appearance. However, more often than not, the reaction to a new club ranges from acceptable to “Man, I have to hit this!” This initial reaction can vary depending on the player and the club being ogled, as what looks good is truly subjective. At the 2024 Golf Digest Hot List Summit, a panel of 32 players rated each club…

When it comes to putters, weight is a crucial factor that can greatly impact a player’s performance on the green. Typically, putters have a head weight in the range of 345-365 grams, along with a standard shaft and grip weight. However, for players at the Hot List, the focus is more on the feel of the putter in hand rather than the actual weight in grams or ounces. This feel, known as “heft,” is determined by various factors such as swing weight, balance point, and overall stability during the stroke. To assess the heft of each putter, players at the…

Mother’s Day is just around the corner on May 12, 2024, and if your mom happens to be a golfer, you’re in luck. Golfweek has put together a list of some of our favorite Mother’s Day gifts for under $100. From brands like Nike, Adidas, Fore All, TravisMathew, New Balance, Malbon Golf, B. Draddy, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the special woman in your life. Looking for more Mother’s Day gift ideas? Golfweek has a variety of lists to help you find the perfect present for the golfer in your life. Check out our first…

Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour’s Chief Competitions Officer, recently referred to the announcement of the PGA Tour Enterprises Player Equity Program as a historic moment. This program, a collaboration between the PGA Tour and Strategic Sports Group, will distribute $1.5 billion in equity to 200 qualified PGA Tour players based on various criteria such as career achievements, future participation, and services. The grants are specifically available to qualified players, providing them with the unique opportunity to become owners of the organization. Dennis expressed excitement about the program, highlighting the significance of having a large number of athletes as owners of…

Tyler Dennis, the Chief Competitions Officer of the PGA Tour, recently referred to a new initiative as historic. This initiative, known as the PGA Tour Enterprises Player Equity Program, is a joint venture between the PGA Tour and Strategic Sports Group. The program aims to reward 200 PGA Tour players with $1.5 billion in equity based on their career achievements, future participation, and services, among other factors. Qualified players will have the opportunity to become owners of the organization, making the PGA Tour unique in having a large number of player-owners. The Player Equity Program has garnered positive feedback among…

The top PGA Tour players are set to receive substantial compensation for their loyalty, with Tiger Woods expected to receive $100 million, Rory McIlroy $50 million, and Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas $30 million each. A total of $750 million will be distributed to the top 36 players based on a formula that considers their career success and popularity. This move is seen as a way to reward the players for their commitment to the Tour. The payments will be spread out over the next eight years, requiring the players to remain loyal to the Tour during that time. Additionally,…

Mike Norman, a former teacher and coach, was attending the 2024 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links when he experienced an unexpected incident. On hole No. 1, professional golfer Sepp Straka accidentally hit Norman in the head with a ball, causing him to fall and sustain a minor injury. Despite the incident, Norman declined medical attention and chose to stay at the event. Norman, along with his wife and nephew, watched a few more groups play before deciding to walk back along the course. It was then that they noticed his head injury had reopened, prompting them to call…