Cameron Champ shoots 67, leads by three at Safeway Open

It’s unlikely most golfers, even those with a single-digit handicap, would use a full set of traditional muscleback blades — unless your name is Rickie Fowler. One of the best ball-strikers on the PGA TOUR, Fowler usually carries a full set of King Forged MB irons, but has, on occasion, added a cavity-back Forged CB long iron to the setup for firm and fast courses like last year’s U.S. Open at Erin Hills. Cobra’s latest creation is based off Fowler’s current setup, but comes with a bit more forgiveness at the top of the bag where players might want a higher launch in their long irons. The new Cobra King Forged CB/MB combo set was designed in collaboration with Fowler and transitions from cavity-back CB long and mid irons (4-6) into the compact muscleback MB shape (7-PW) Fowler prefers. “These high-performance Cobra irons consistently deliver the workability and shot-shaping control that I need to be competitive on (the) course,” Fowler said. “I’ve been playing them for a few years, and know better players are going to appreciate the sleek look and soft feel, along with the ability to work the ball without sacrificing forgiveness.” Made from 1025 carbon steel, each head undergoes a five-step forging process to produce a more precise shape and aligned gain structure (the face and grooves are CNC milled for maximum spin). Cobra wedge grooves were utilized throughout the entire set to improve trajectory control. Both the CB and MB feature tungsten weights in the toe and center of the club that positions the center of gravity (CG) closer to the center of the club face, delivering more forgiveness. The tungsten weight setup differs from the previous version — which had one weight in the toe — and is designed to match Fowler’s setup on TOUR. The Diamonized Black Metal (DBM) non-glare finish on each head is more durable than the standard PVD. Each club is also outfitted with Cobra’s Connect sensor in the butt-end of each grip. The sensor weighs 4.6 grams and doesn’t affect the overall swing weight of the club. Once the sensors are paired with the app, golfers are able to log statistics during their round. Cobra’s King Forged CB/MB set (right- and left-handed; available Nov. 2) is comprised of 4-6 (CB) and 7-PW (MB), and retails for $1,100. The 2-iron, 3-iron and gap wedge can be special ordered. For those who prefer the traditional setup, Cobra’s King Forged CB (right- and left-handed) and MB (right-handed) will be available through the custom department as a full set. PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE: Buy equipment here

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Webb Simpson has highly discerning eyes and hands when it comes to his equipment. He has a very specific feel he’s seeking from his irons, but it’s been difficult in recent years to find a set that checks all of the boxes with each club. In the last year alone, Simpson has used three different Titleist iron sets, including the T100, the 620 MB and the 680 Forged. According to Titleist Tour rep J.J. Van Wezenbeeck – who works closely with Titleist staffers on their equipment needs – Simpson has different things he likes (and dislikes) about each of the three models. Simpson, whose seven TOUR wins include THE PLAYERS and U.S. Open, has been playing the 680 Forged irons off-and-on since they first came out in 2003, and he’s most comfortable with the shaping and increased offset of the irons. The 620 MB irons, which came out in 2019, have a more compact shape with less offset, and although Simpson prefers the shape of the 680’s, he likes the size of the 620’s. The T100 irons, on the other hand, were released in 2021 and have a modern cavity-back construction, and while Simpson prefers blade style designs, he did like the sole shaping, grooves and performance out of the rough with the T100’s. He hasn’t been able to find the perfect iron, so instead of continuing to accept trade-offs, Titleist simply gave Simpson the custom prototype treatment. On Tuesday, Simpson revealed an all-new set of ‘682.WS’ irons that combine everything he likes about his previous 680 Forged, 620 MB and T100 iron models. They’re built exactly to his preferences using special Titleist machines. Simpson told GolfWRX.com that he likely won’t play the irons just yet, however, since it’s his first week receiving them, and windy conditions are expected in Sea Island. “I wanted the blade look and setup, but I wanted the new grooves,” Simpson told GolfWRX. “They kind of have the T100 grooves. I had a lot of success out of the rough with the T100’s, but I still wanted the blade look and feel, and they kind of converge into one iron. It looks just like the (680 Forged irons). It was all JJ’s idea. He thought of it and he wanted to get going on this special project for me. It’s very exciting. They’ll be in play next tournament for sure. They’re beautiful, they’re awesome.” Only two players have received the same custom treatment previously: Justin Thomas with his 621.JT models, and Adam Scott with his former 681.AS irons. Now, Simpson has his initials on set of 682.WS irons. According to Van Wezenbeeck, the custom project started at this year’s U.S. Open, and after rounds of R&D prototyping and testing with Simpson, he finally received the final versions at The RSM Classic this week. The set of 682.WS irons even has Simpson’s preferred “5.5” iron, which splits the difference in loft between a 5 and 6 iron. At the 2022 Players Championship, Simpson told GolfWRX.com that he started using a 5.5 iron to fill in yardage gaps after adding he took out his 6-iron to add a fourth wedge. He strengthened his 7-iron, and bent his 5-iron to a 5.5-iron. Simpson likes what he likes, and now he finally has his perfect set.

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The second round of THE PLAYERS Championship finished as darkness settled over TPC Sawgrass. PGATOUR.COM’s writers weigh in on their observations after Friday’s play on the Stadium Course. Do we make too much of the English drought or jinx at TPC Sawgrass? BEN EVERILL: No. They can certainly get a life of their own having sat through many an Australian Masters heartache before Adam Scott rescued a nation. But as Scotty showed… droughts are meant to be broken at some point. Plus, Fleetwood and Poulter are studs. Perhaps now is the time. MIKE McALLISTER: Yes. As Fleetwood said, it’s mere coincidence. But given the fact that Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day, maybe the stars are aligning for an (Northern) Irish winner. JIM McCABE: Methinks yes, big time. It hasn’t been that long in history that this tournament factored into the plans for the best of England – Lee Westwood, for instance, didn’t play here a half-dozen times between 1998 and 2016. RELATED: Tiger hits two in the water on 17 | A day in the life of the Island Green | Furyk goes low in Round 2 CAMERON MORFIT:  A drought like that is just a quirk. We all used to say no Englishman had won the U.S. Open since Tony Jacklin, and then Justin Rose won.  HELEN ROSS: I think so. It’s a numbers game. Take this year. Of the 144 players in the starting field, only 10 are from England – and two of them are playing in the tournament for the first time (which is a whole ‘nother kind of jinx.) Those just aren’t good odds. ANDREW TURSKY: No matter what country a player was born in, TPC Sawgrass requires steely nerves and steady ball striking throughout the week, particularly on Sunday. If you want to argue that the target-style course doesn’t set up well for certain players, I can get on board with that. But I don’t think the ponds and slopes around the Stadium Course are biased.  Speaking of droughts, locals have often struggled at THE PLAYERS. Has Furyk finally uncovered the secrets of TPC Sawgrass after shooting 64 on Friday? EVERILL: Ask me again tomorrow. As awesome as the veteran played today in hitting every fairway … I can’t imagine he will back that up.  McALLISTER: From an historical standpoint, Furyk has shown that when he’s on, nobody on TOUR can go lower (hello Mr. 58/59). And he does seem to have a comfort level here now that he didn’t have before. Whether the 48-year-old can sustain that for another 36 holes is the big question. McCABE: Hope David Duval and Fred Funk don’t take offense, but Furyk’s record here was always something difficult to comprehend. He seemed so suited to the place. Would be great to see him stick around and continue to contend. MORFIT: Furyk said he used to be too conservative and not pick his spots to be aggressive. It’s not like his PLAYERS record is that terrible, with a runner-up in 2014 and three other top-10 finishes. He now has to take inspiration from Fred Funk, another local who was 48 when he won here in 2005. ROSS: If ever a guy deserves to win THE PLAYERS, it’s Furyk. He’s playing in the tournament for the 23rd time and he’s such a huge part of this community. But it’s one round, and just his 10th in the 60s at TPC Sawgrass. He’ll need more this weekend to win. TURSKY: t’s no secret that Sawgrass isn’t Furyk’s favorite layout of all time, but his game of late has suggested he’d play well this week. Furyk hits fairways, hits greens, and with a new armlock-style of putting, is making putts too. That’s a good recipe for success around here.   Which player who missed the cut surprises you the most, and why? EVERILL: Xander Schauffele: The FedExCup leader was runner up at TPC Sawgrass last season and clearly is in form again this season. But now he faces the prospect of losing his spot atop the Wyndham Rewards Top-10. McALLISTER: Paul Casey, who had two seconds and a third among his last four starts. I didn’t expect an opening 78 from the world’s 15th-ranked player. McCABE: Jordan Spieth would be the popular answer. But Xander Schauffele had finished first, T-25, T-10, T-15 and T-15 since January and when he opened the tournament with three birdies in five holes it looked so promising for the guy who tied for second in his PLAYERS debut a year ago. MORFIT: I’m surprised any time Jordan Spieth misses a cut, even though he’s trying to dig his way out of a slump.  ROSS: It’s hard to look past Xander Schauffele, who tied for second last year in his PLAYERS debut. After all, he’s the FedExCup leader and has already won twice this season. TURSKY: Paul Casey finished second at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he tied for third at the WGC-Mexico Championship, and then he nearly finished in last place (T136, 8-over) at THE PLAYERS? There’s a head-scratcher for you. Maybe the English jinx is real!  Pick a sleeper at 8 under or worse and make the argument why he’ll win on Sunday. EVERILL: Jason Day. The 2016 PLAYERS Champion knows what it takes around TPC Sawgrass to get it done and is rested after last week’s WD. But Day is not really a “sleeperâ€� so keep an eye on Keith Mitchell. The Honda Classic champion was called a no-name recently… if he wins this week everyone will know his name. McALLISTER: Not sure if Keith Mitchell qualifies as a sleeper anymore (and of course, he’s certainly not a no-name, despite what some headlines might say). But geez, he’s playing great right now, and he loves these Florida greens. McCABE: Keith Mitchell. Aggressive, on a roll, and terrific kid. A nice combination. MORFIT: Keep an eye on Luke List at 7 under. He absolutely crushes the ball, which could be big if the weather gets blustery, and also doesn’t mind a bit of water as he showed at The Honda Classic a few years ago.  ROSS: If you consider his record at TPC Sawgrass, Dustin Johnson – who has never had a top 10 in 10 starts here – could be a sleeper at 7 under.  But in lieu of the No. 1 player in the world, I’ll pick Keith Mitchell, who has a win and a tie for sixth in his last two starts and a 65 on his scorecard today TURSKY: Luke List at 7-under, given how far he hits the ball (he’s averaging 303 yards off the tee this week and ranks No. 3 in Driving Distance in 2019) has the fire power to make up ground with an eagle or three over the weekend. To prove this point, he made an eagle on No. 16 today. 

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