Jack Nicklaus and Miura Introduce Commemorative Irons

July 22, 2020July 20, 2020 / Until The Next Tee / Leave a comment

The Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons brings together two masters of their craft who have inspired generations with finesse, class, and a lasting passion for perfection.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (July 20, 2020)– The idea was simple: unite Jack Nicklaus, legendary golfer, with Katsuhiro Miura, legendary club-maker.

The result? A limited series of hand-forged iron sets for serious collectors drawn to both beauty and function.

Japanese clubmaker Miura Golf today announced a historic collaboration with Jack Nicklaus for a limited-edition set of irons devised by the 18-time major champion. Nicklaus and Katsuhiro Miura, Miura Golf’s revered master craftsman, have joined together to construct a breathtaking adaptation of the classic Miura blade, designed by the influence of Jack’s preferred specifications.

Both Nicklaus and Miura-san stand for the same things: timelessness, class, artisan craftsmanship – and the lasting legacy of family. Their coming together was meant to be. The limited-issue irons combine Nicklaus’s club-design ideas – developed over 60 years – with Miura-san’s 60-year obsession in the pursuit of club-making perfection.

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The Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons are the first clubs to bear the Nicklaus name in more than a decade. The sets arrive in the first quarter of 2021 and are available now for preorder at www.miuragolf.com/nicklaus.

A Collaboration Years in the Making

Nicklaus has an abiding respect for the Miura family that goes back decades. In 2014, he visited the Miura forging house in Himeji, Japan to meet Miura-san. Two patriarchs, living legends of the game, speaking the same language: golf. On that day, Nicklaus became the second person, only after Miura-san, to sit in the grinding line’s first chair.

“The day Jack visited the factory was the best day of my life,” Miura-san said. “My family is honored to produce this set of irons for golf’s greatest champion and see our family’s crest share a clubhead with his seal of approval.”

Following the visit, Nicklaus was inspired to integrate his timeless insights with Miura’s six decades of craftsmanship.

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“I’ve spent decades designing golf equipment, and I cherish the painstaking craftsmanship that goes into enhancing the tools of my trade,” Nicklaus said. “The Miura family and I share this passion for doing everything the right way and leaving no detail overlooked, and we have worked closely in this collaboration to highlight the superior subtleties of Miura forged steel.”

In 2007, Nicklaus partnered with the entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Milstein to further the growth of the Nicklaus Companies. Subsequent to Nicklaus’s introduction to Muira-san in Japan, this partnership eventually evolved into 8AM Golf, the holding company that oversees Milstein’s golf companies — which includes Miura Golf.

“This collaboration between two of the greatest giants in our industry has been a true melding of generational genius,” President of 8AM Golf and CEO of Miura Golf, Hoyt McGarity said. “It’s a union that’s nothing short of inspiring and together they have produced a remarkable set of irons.”

Over his illustrious career, Nicklaus’s finely tuned eye for detail has dictated how his equipment is molded. Forged from premium S20C soft carbon steel and finished in satin chrome, the Nicklaus- Miura collaboration is designed to visually and viscerally delight golf purists.

The Dream Has Finally Taken Form

Nicklaus’s discerning eye and immense feel helped him develop specific preferences in his clubs. The Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons leave no detail overlooked in capturing the Golden Bear’s meticulous standard of excellence. These irons have design elements dear to Nicklaus.

The ultimate goal in this collaboration was for Miura-san to understand Nicklaus’s preferences and then use his design and craftsmanship to deliver a modern version of the Nicklaus blade. Key in the implementation were the “look” and “sole,” both of which were achieved through grinding techniques so subtle that most might not notice unless they were pointed out.

Miura-san was able to move the center of gravity closer to the toe by removing a precise amount of material from the hosel of each individual iron, all the while making certain that the distribution of weight in the head allowed the club to perform as Jack needed.

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Nicklaus’s preference was to have his irons designed with standard offset, uniform through the set. This delivered the ball flight and performance he wanted. Additionally, subtle grinding in the neck of the club enabled Miura san to give Nicklaus his preferred “look” and resulting confidence at address. This grinding delivers more “effective offset” without increasing the measured offset Jack preferred.

Now, for the first time, Nicklaus’s preferences carry the stamp of Miura.

The Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons are constructed to the legend’s distinct specs. The clubs can also be preordered for a custom fit. The irons are currently available for order online at www.miuragolf.com/nicklaus.

About Miura Golf

Miura Golf makes the world’s finest forged golf clubs, which are designed and manufactured by the Miura family in their factory in Himeji, Japan. The entire family works hands-on in the factory and continues to carry on the Miura legacy.

World-renowned craftsman Katsuhiro Miura began hand-crafting and grinding irons in 1957 and has created one of the most-respected brands in the golf industry. Miura’s endless quest for the perfect club has brought to the world more than 10 product series, a number that grows as the next generation of the Miura family – led by sons Shinei and Yoshitaka – continue their meticulous refinement and evolution of product lines. Each club is individually handcrafted and will never be mass-produced, as generations of steel-making skill and passion bring us the world’s finest golf clubs.

About 8AM Golf

Miura Golf is part of the 8AM Golf family. 8AM Golf was created by golf entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Milstein as the holding company that oversees his golf companies — all of which help golfers at every level enjoy the game more. In addition to Miura, other 8AM Golf companies include the Nicklaus Companies (in partnership with Jack Nicklaus); GOLF Magazine and the GOLF.com website; True Spec Golf, a brand-agnostic club-fitting company that has fit more than 30,000 golfers worldwide; GolfLogix, the most-downloaded GPS app in golf; and Club Conex, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of adjustable golf club adapter systems.

JON RAHM WINS THE MEMORIAL AND BECOMES WORLD NO.1

July 20, 2020 / Until The Next Tee / Leave a comment

Team TaylorMade’s Jon Rahm collects his 4th PGA TOUR victory in as many years as a professional using SIM driver, SIM fairways, and TP5 ball.

Carlsbad, Calif. (July 19th, 2020) – One of the most consistent players on TOUR, TaylorMade’s Jon Rahm won the Memorial at Muirfield Village GC with rounds of 69-67-68-75 to win by 3.

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In becoming world no.1, Jon becomes just the second Spanish golfer to reach the no.1 spot with Seve Ballesteros being the only other. He’s been on a steep OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) ascent ever since he turned professional in June 2016 and even during his amateur year’s where he earned OWGR points.

Rahm’s OWGR end of year ranking by year is as follows:

2014: 1,548
2015: 585
2016: 137
2017: 6
2018: 4
2019: 3
2020: 1* (* year-to-date)

Jon plays 14 TaylorMade clubs and balls including the SIM driver, two SIM fairways, P750 irons (which he has weakened since the re-start to adjust for a slight reduction in iron spin rates from his swing), MG2 wedges, Spider X and the TaylorMade TP5 ball.

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NEED TO KNOW

This is Rahm’s 4th PGA TOUR victory since turning professional in June 2016
Rahm moves to world no.1 for the first time in his career
Jon switched into TP5 from the TP5X earlier this year for more spin and control with his irons and wedges
Rahm weakened the lofts in his irons slightly as he was hitting them further since the break and wanted to better manage his trajectory and descent angle
Cumulative through all 4 rounds, Jon was ranked 1st in SG: Tee to Green (+15.426) and SG: Around the Green (+6.261)

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JON RAHM WITB

SIM 10.5 driver Aldila Tour X
SIM 15.0 fairway Aldila Tour X
SIM 18.0 fairway Graphite Design Tour AD X
P750 4-PW
MG Hi Toe 52°
MG2 56° and 60°
Spider X chalk
TP5 #10

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NIAGARA PARKS ANNOUNCES NEW TAYLORMADE PERFORMANCE CENTRE AT LEGENDS ON THE NIAGARA GOLF COURSE

July 16, 2020 / Until The Next Tee / Leave a comment

Niagara Parks Golf partners with leading golf supplier TaylorMade for the opening of the newest TaylorMade Performance Centre

Performance Centre to open on July 18, at Legends on the Niagara Golf Course

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Niagara Falls, ON – Legends on the Niagara Golf Course will now have another reason for players to visit. Niagara Parks Golf has partnered with the sport’s leading equipment manufacturer TaylorMade and will be home to its newest TaylorMade Performance Centre. As one of only eight of these facilities in Canada, Niagara Parks is proud to offer this exciting new addition to the local golf community, and further, establish the course as one of Canada’s premier public golf destinations. The Performance Centre will officially open to the public on July 18.

TaylorMade Performance Centres offer state-of-the-art fitting services that represent the latest technology to optimize player performance and game improvement while providing the ultimate golf club fitting experience.

TaylorMade’s Launch Monitor Technology allows a Certified Club Fitter to gain scientific data using a player’s ball flight analysis to recommend a correct fit. A wide variety of custom and stock metalwood, iron shafts and clubs will be available for guests to test on-site to validate the correct fit. An on-site concierge service will assist golfers with purchases and any follow-up appointments needed to check or adjust specs.

Fitting services at the Niagara Performance Centre will be facilitated by Niagara Parks Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Professional staff who have been certified and trained to facilitate high-performance club fittings.

The Niagara location will include an industry-leading instructional programming in addition to custom fitting services. More information can be found at niagaraparks.com/performance.

ABOUT LEGENDS ON THE NIAGARA

The Legends on the Niagara facility is Canada’s premier public golf destination. The grounds feature two championship courses, a par-3 executive course, a 360° driving range on 45 acres, state-of-the-art training academy, and spectacular clubhouse facilities.

For more information, or to book an appointment at the TaylorMade Performance Centre, visit www.taylormadefitting.ca/tmpc-niagara/

For more information on Niagara Parks Golf, or to book a tee time, visit www.niagaraparks.com/golf

ABOUT NIAGARA PARKS

Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops, and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions, and adventure.

For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:

Chris Giles Acting Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

cgiles@niagaraparks.com

(905) 809-0182

Stay Connected:

Facebook: @NiagaraParks

Instagram: @niagaraparks

Twitter: @NiagaraParks

Blog: niagaraparks.com/blog

#NiagaraParks

“First Impressions” Review – Cleveland Golf CBX 2 FULL-FACE Wedge

July 14, 2020July 13, 2020 / Until The Next Tee / Leave a comment

In light of my recent press release that focused on the RTX ZIPCORE wedges, I feel that it was appropriate to write a review that I intended to post much sooner than this. Yet, here we are. The product being highlighted here is the Cleveland Golf CBX FULL-FACE wedge. A wedge that was released on Demo Day in January which consequently won the “Top Wedge” category for the 2020 Teezy Awards.

Before continuing. I would like to pose a question. If the majority of golfers use cavity-back irons, why do you use a blade for your wedges? Control, better look at address, or maybe because it’s all that you’ve ever known to do? Perhaps, the last point was because there were no other feasible options being available. Well, maybe the time has come to change your thinking.

The Set-up

When it comes to the CBX FULL-FACE wedge from Cleveland Golf, there are a few things that we need to look at that makes this design perform.

Firstly, and very important to note is the fact that the CBX FULL-FACE, just by the design of its face alone, offers golfers a larger face area and more versatility on those tricky greenside shots that often plague a golfers scoring ability. How is this accomplished? Well, the larger face allows for the grooves to be extended.

A high-toe design, also allows golfers to get aggressive with their shots because the higher toe profile slides under the golf ball. Have you ever tried to hit a tempermental greenside lob/flop to a short-sided pin, just to watch the shot get flubbed? The CBX FULL-FACE wedge can help counter this “golfer’s malaise”. Also, the Cleveland Golf CBX FULL-FACE “delivers a unique half-cavity design with a cavity near the heel and solid muscle back on the toe, which pushes the center of gravity away from the heel and closer in line with strike patterns for improved consistency and feel”.

Rounding out some of the tech points about this wedge offering from Cleveland Golf is the “Rotex FULL-FACE”. Rotex Milling, Laser Milling, and the Zip Grooves that you’ve come to expect from Cleveland Golf cover every sliver of the face. Resulting in maximim versatility and maximum spin rates.

Finally, the CBX FULL-FACE features what Cleveland Golf calls its “Low C-Shaped Sole”. Optimized for open face shots (flops, lobs, and bunker shots) FULL-FACE offers Cleveland Golf’s lowest Cleveland CBX grind to date. The grind is C-Shaped to provide relief on the heel and toe.

The Transition

I’d like to say that the CBX FULL-FACE won it’s category solely on the fact that they were the only wedge manufacturer that allowed you to test all facets of the short-game. But, that simply wouldn’t be true. Did it help them? Yes, it might have contributed a little bit because, I was able to see what these wedges could do in “real-world applications”. Pitching, chipping, bunker shots… Everything! An advantage over many others in the category.

Aesthetically speaking, the CBX FULL-FACE wedge is a nice-looking wedge. While it may not be a classic forged blade, the “Gun Smoke-ish” finish I found to be eye-pleasing. If there’s a knock, it’s that this is the only finish. For me, I really like the finish. The heel to toe length appears to be longer than some but, it’s a small price to pay for the forgiveness and the “groovy face” of this wedge. Speaking of the face, I actually was pretty enamored with the face at first glance. I think much of that has to do with all of the grooves and the height of the toe.

Initially, I had fun chipping with the 56º model. Just working on chips, and I have to be honest. I was very impressed with how this wedge performed. Intentionally, I hit a couple of shots fat and the forgiveness was on full display. Even these misses provided excellent results, and these were results that I know would not have been possible with other wedges. Also, the spin characteristics were on full display as golf balls (Srixon Q Star Tour) routinely checked up. But then, I decided to switch things up and have some serious fun. I put the 64º wedge into my hands. Until now, the most loft that I’ve ever tried was a 60º, regardless of who the manufacturer was.

The 64º CBX FULL-FACE was a blast. It provided me the most fun that I’ve ever had around a green. Flops were easy to execute, even from the tight lies of the dormant grass that layed greenside. Greenside pitches stopped on a dime. And then there were the bunker shots. The traps at Orange County National Golf Resort and Lodge contain sand that is very “soft and fluffy’ in nature. Just thinking about those bunker shots with the CBX FULL-FACE wedge brings a smile to my face. Into the wind, my shots came out of the sand with ease and shots to a tough short-sided pin saw fantastic results. I didn’t mind chewing on a little grit from the blowback to get those type of results.

Forgiveness-wise. I’ll keep this talking point short and sweet. These are without a doubt the most forgiving wedges that I’ve had the pleasure of swinging.

The Finish

The CBX FULL-FACE wedges were very much deserving of the Gold Medal in the Teezy Award voting. There isn’t anything that these wedges can’t do to help golfers and their short game regardless of what your handicap might be.

The wedges look smart, feel great through impact, and impart boatloads of spin. Of course, this latter point depends on your ability to hit down on the ball. But, say you hit one a little thin or fat, you’ll see satisfactory results. I highly recommend these wedges to anybody looking to add some help to their golf bag on the low-end.

The CBX FULL-FACE wedges come in only one finish and only in four lofts. These lofts are 56º, 58º, 60º, and 64º respectively. All models have 10º of bounce and remember, bounce is your friend. Shafts offered are in both steel (True Temper Dynamic Gold 115 in Wedge Flex) and Graphite (Rotex Precision Wedge Flex).

For a more in-depth look at these wedges wedges from Cleveland Golf, please visit the Cleveland Golf website.

Until The Next Tee!!

#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee

COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS SECOND PGA TOUR TITLE WITH VICTORY AT WORKDAY CHARITY OPEN

July 13, 2020 / Until The Next Tee / Leave a comment

Team TaylorMade’s Collin Morikawa collects his 2nd PGA TOUR inside 12 months using SIM driver, SIM Max Rescue, and TP5 ball, following a playoff.

Carlsbad, Calif. (July 12, 2020) – A little over twelve months ago, Collin Morikawa turned professional and joined Team TaylorMade. Now, not even 24 years old, he has two PGA TOUR titles to his name. Morikawa, 23, shot rounds of 65-66-72-66 to win in a playoff after the 3rd extra hole and move to world no. 13.

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Morikawa relied on his stellar iron play as well as his SIM Max Rescue 19° this week to reduce the par 5 5th hole to a eagle-birdie-birdie-eagle across all 4 rounds. Collin has two SIM Max Rescues that he interchanges depending on the course and approach shots he faces. He has a 19° that goes high, landing softly at 245 yards and another 19° that has a flatter trajectory landing at 245 yards with roll.

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