This Week in Gear: The PGA Championship Edition

It’s major week (or given it’s the PGA Championship, a barely-a-major week), and the golf equipment industry has graciously chosen to let the tournament have the news cycle to itself. Mostly.

That said, as with any major, there were plenty of limited edition releases that dropped this week, each trying to capture Charlotte’s essence with all the creativity of a ChatGPT prompt.

Limited Edition Releases: The Charlotte Edition(s)

First – kudos to Bridgestone. Given that everyone else seemed stuck on three rudimentary Charlotte themes: 1) Queen City, 2) Hornets, or 3) Auto Racing, Bridgestone at least had the imagination to lean into the course (Quail Hollow, obvi) itself with a drop of limited edition Tour BX “Quail Eggs.” #Winning

TaylorMade launched limited edition Queen City bags and headcovers that—surprise!—leaned into all three of those plotlines listed above. Because why choose just one cliché when you can have them all?

COBRA launched limited edition “Pole Position” headcovers which featured blends of Charlotte Hornets colors and racing-themed prints. Nothing says “golf” quite like looking like you’re ready to change tires at the Coca-Cola 600.

Toulon launched a small batch “Charlotte” putter that leaned into the racing theme. Because your three-putts should definitely be happening at 180 mph.

FootJoy dropped a “Legend Carolina Blue” golf shoe. I suppose it’s classy, but it’s not going to go over well with Duke fans. They can suck it anyway.

Reef and Palm Golf collaborated on a “Dew Sweeper” collection. If unnecessarily large tassels and a mossy teal are your thing, have I got some gear for you! It’s meant to capture the spirit of surfing’s dawn patrol and golf’s dew sweeper. I suppose it’s ideal for surfing golfers looking to be in two places at once. My two cents… I actually kind of dig the hats and Ts. Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.

Titleist dropped USA Performance Alignment golf balls because golf ball manufacturers are practically obligated to do patriotic releases. It’s a typical Titleist understated, risk-averse design. Way to step out of your comfort zone, guys. At 6 for $31.99, they’re an absolute steal… even if I’m not sure who is stealing from whom.

Priced to Move

In addition to gear drops, I’ve got some pricing alerts you might care about… or might not.

TaylorMade discounted MG4 wedges, presumably to make room for the MG5s which will definitely be very different. Given the performance history, not changing anything but the number wouldn’t be the worst thing.

Tour Edge cut prices on much of their 723 series… stuff you might actually want at a price point typically reserved for stuff you don’t. Looking at you, Hot Launch.

Callaway is pairing a 50% trade-in bonus (your trade-in is practically worthless, so I’m not sure about the math on that one) and 10% off a healthy chunk of their iron lineup including Apex, Elyte, and last year’s Paradym. Because nothing says “our new stuff is great” like discounting it before summer even starts.