Bridgestone Golf Unveils TourB Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids and Irons
Ultra-premium, Japanese-crafted Models Available Mid-Spring
(COVINGTON, GA) – Bridgestone Golf – Innovator and manufacturer of premium golf balls, clubs and accessories – unveils its ultra-premium TourB Series of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, available through specialty retailers for a limited time beginning mid-Spring.
The drivers are offered in three unique models, the XD-3, XD-5 and XD-7, each featuring a matte finish and adjustable hosel that allows eight face-angle / lie configurations. Details include:
- XD-3 – 455cc head, round shape with deep face to promote a medium launch, neutral shot shape.
- XD-5 – 460cc head, flatter, shallow-face design to promote a high launching draws.
- XD-7 – 445cc head, classic pear shape that encourages low launching, fade-biased shot shape.
Each shares a variety of innovative features, including Flex Action Speed Technology (FAST), which increases ball speed for maximum distance, even on off-center hits. Working in conjunction with F.A.S.T., are Power Ribs in each driver’s base, promoting stability for increased ball speed and dampening vibration for excellent feel. The face of each of the TourB woods feature the company’s Power Milling, which stabilizes the ball at impact to increase quality compression and reduce surface slipping or skidding.
All three driver models come with a set of interchangeable weights (2g, 4g, 6g, 8g, 10g, 12g) to help players dial-in preferred trajectory and shot shape. Additionally, a variety of exotic premium shafts are offered stock, including top models from Mitsubishi Diamana, Fujikura, UST Mamiya and Aldila (estimated added value of more than $300).
“We wanted to do something really special this year and decided to go ultra-high-end in every facet to create a line that combines incredible craftsmanship with the latest technological innovations,” says Zack Kupperbusch, Golf Club Marketing. “To launch the product, we will be working with a select group of authorized fitters, who will custom build each club to perfectly suit customer needs and preferences. Further information on fitting locations will be available shortly.”
The XD-F fairway woods feature a shallow-face to encouraging solid contact from both the fairway and tee box and are available in 15* and 18* lofts. Designed with the compact shape preferred by better players, the XD-H hybrids are available in 18*, 21* and 24* options. Both fairway woods and hybrids include the same technological features outlined above for driver models.
Adding to Bridgestone Golf’s celebrated line of forged irons for low handicappers is the cavity-backed X-CB and traditional X-Blade. Both feature high-quality 1020 Endo forging, 15 premium shaft options and minimal offset for a clean address and excellent workability. Additionally, the two have a forged mass strategically placed behind the impact zone for incredibly solid feel and response. The X-CB is engineered with a wider sole to prevent digging and encourage smooth turf interaction, while the X-Blade has a narrow sole, preferred by many Tour players, to help shape shots of all varieties.
Drivers will be priced at $699, while fairway woods and hybrids are listed at $399 and $249, respectively. Both the X-CB and X-Blade will be $1200 (4-PW).
The Tour B Series joins the respected Bridgestone line-up of Tour-proven drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters tailored to players of all abilities.
Bridgestone’s professional staff features 14-time major championship winner Tiger Woods, FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker, Olympics bronze medalist Matt Kuchar, Masters winner Fred Couples, three-time major champion Nick Price, Bryson DeChambeau, and LPGA Tour star Karrie Webb.
PING introduces Glide 2.0 wedges
PHOENIX (Jan. 18, 2017) – Precision-milled faces with sharper groove edges than any previous PING wedge model dramatically increase spin rates and trajectory control in the new Glide 2.0 wedges, leading to more precise short-game performance from all conditions, PING announced today.
“The new Glide 2.0 wedges represent a major breakthrough in performance for a number of reasons, but it’s the new grooves that are most exciting,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “As many golfers are aware, we have a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to evaluating and designing grooves. We worked closely with our tour staff to improve every aspect of the wedges. The players have been very pleased with the increase in spin rates, overall trajectory control, including lower ball flights, and the consistency of the carry distances. Around the greens, they’re impressed with the turf interaction and how the ball is reacting off the face to give them the precision they need to hit it closer.
“They’ve also commented how much they appreciate the refined, compact look. When you set the club down — whether it’s a full swing or a touch shot around the green — you’re confident you can play the shot. Plus, the feel and sound are incredible,” Solheim said. “Most of our tour players, including Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen, have already converted to the new wedges. Together with the multiple sole grind options, the new Glide 2.0 wedges offer all golfers a tremendous opportunity to improve their short games.”
The Glide 2.0 wedges are available for pre-order today at authorized PING golf shops around the world.
In testing, Tour players are seeing spin-rate increases of 1,000-1,500 rpm on partial shots (40 to 70 yards) and gains of more than 500 rpm on full shots when compared to their current wedges.
The soft, 431 stainless steel heads are distinguished by a hydropearl chrome finish, which adds a new level of performance by repelling moisture for reduced sole friction. The lead edges and sole grinds have been carefully crafted for exceptional surface interaction and versatility, gliding through the turf and sand to enable creativity and shot making.
The patented design has key refinements to the four sole grinds (SS, WS, ES and TS) ensure Glide 2.0 wedges can be fit to a golfer’s divot depth or attack angle and most common turf conditions.
SS GRIND (46°/12°, 50°/12°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 56°/12°, 58°/10°, 60/10°)
An all-purpose mid-bounce sole with heel and trail edge relief to create versatility on touch shots around the green. Ideal for moderate attack angles and divots. Fits most golfers.
WS GRIND (56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60/14°)
Full-sole design that provides turf security for players with a steep angle of attack. The reduced camber and added width prevent the sole from skipping into the ball.
TS GRIND (58°/6°, 60°/6°)
A PING WRX-inspired design based on the Tour-proven half-moon grind. The TS grind facilitates shot making and precision from even the most difficult lies. The heel relief allows shots to be executed with an open face to difficult pins or from firm lies without fear of the lead edge sitting too high.
ES GRIND (54°/8°, 56°/8°, 58°/8°, 60°/8°)
Eye 2-inspired sole design provides the ultimate in bunker performance, resulting from the classic dish profile along with the tapered hosel. A refined lead edge upgrades all-around performance with the iconic ES grind.
The Glide 2.0 wedge’s grip and shaft are specifically designed to improve short game performance. The Dyla-wedge grip, which is ¾-inch longer and features a reduced taper, allows golfers to grip down for more versatility and trajectory control. To promote lower launch with enhanced feel, the custom-engineered AWT 2.0 Wedge shaft is optimized in weight (118g), flex and balance. The KBS Tour, Dynamic Gold, N. S. Pro Modus3 105, XP 95, and Project X are also available at no upcharge.
Glide 2.0 shaft options
– Stock steel shaft: PING AWT 2.0 Wedge
– Stock graphite shaft: PING CFS 65/70/80 (Soft R, R, S)
– After-market shaft options (no upcharge): Project X 5.0, 6.0; XP 95 (R300, S300), N.S. Pro Modus3 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X), Dynamic Gold (S300, X100)
– U.S. MSRP: $150 per club w/steel shaft; $175 per club w/graphite shaft
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