Dustin Johnson finally adds FedExCup to his Hall of Fame resume

Now that we’re getting back to golf – the PGA TOUR restarts the 2019-20 season with this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge, while the National Golf Foundation reports that 98% of courses in the U.S. are now open, with 84% of golf retail stores are open — it’s a perfect time to start making some important decisions. Namely, what is going in your bag this summer. The equipment industry as a whole has been on a speed chase for a good while now—designing clubs that are fast and forgiving, all while eliminating spin and maximizing launch conditions, have been the top priorities. However, this year some small tweaks to that idea started to creep into the conversation—stability across the face, sound, efficiency, manufacturing tolerances, and custom fitting are becoming just as important as the other buzz words we are used to seeing. And for the record, that’s a great thing. Here some key items from notable equipment manufacturers in 2020 and some thoughts on what’s to come (companies listed in alphabetical order). Callaway Golf The year of the Mavrik Callaway has been at or very close to the top of the driver food chain for a number of years now. It’s no surprise that this year’s offering is no different. Like 2019’s Epic Flash, the entire Mavrik line was engineered with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the results are an improvement across the board. New offerings in other categories include the Roger Cleveland-designed Jaws MD5 “raw” wedges and the Odyssey Triple Track #7 putter. Highlights: From the fitting bays to the golf course, the buzz on the Mavrik Sub Zero driver has been: “It’s really fast.” Players are seeing significant ball-speed gains with Mavrik SZ and the improved acoustics have been pleasing in the “feel” category. Sub Zero has also created quite a bit of momentum on TOUR with players such as Xander Schauffele and Marc Leishman putting it in play with success. In irons, Callaway introduced the Mavrik Pro, which is a players cast iron with maximum forgiveness across the face, all while maintaining playability for the better player. These features are not common in castings, but the Mavrik Pro, with the help of AI, is definitely a conversation starter. Peyton Manning used these irons to win The Match 2 with partner Tiger Woods. Cobra SpeedZones and 33 revisions 2019 was a monster year for Cobra Golf. The F9 driver was arguably the driver of the year, and the anticipation for the next offering was high. January 2020 brought the SpeedZone line of metal woods and hybrids, which kept the momentum strong for CPG, and with the teasing of the new “Rickie Iron” at the TaylorMade Driving Relief match in early May, the last half of this year could get really interesting. Highlights: The keyword for the following clubs is … fun. The SpeedZone Xtreme driver is a fast, forgiving, high MOI machine; a swing-as-hard-as-you-can rocket launcher. Although length is a big part of the story here, forgiveness is the headliner. Make no mistake, this thing goes, but the main thing you will experience with Xtreme is just how easy it is to hit, solidly, and the overall pleasurable experience it brings with it. Weird way to classify a driver but that’s the first thing that comes to mind: fun. Continuing on the enjoyment train, the SpeedZone hybrids are a different kind of party. Yes, they are easy to hit, go a long way, and feel solid. However, it’s the versatility that makes these stand out. It’s a utility club in its purest form. The signature Baffler rails offer an extra tool in the rough and out of the fairway, and at address, it’s a club for the TOUR as well as your Saturday four-ball. Bottom line: Everyone in the market needs to consider these in the hybrid category. What to expect: Cobra has a very busy summer/fall 2020. New MIM wedges and a players utility are coming in the next 30-60 days, and in the fall, the now-famous Rev33 Rickie Fowler irons will become available in limited quantities – as well as MIM players cavity back irons. Mizuno Irons usually the story … but not this year If there is a golfer alive that doesn’t adore Mizuno irons, we’d be shocked. They have been near and dear to every golfer’s hearts and aspirations for decades. What’s not to love? They have the looks, the feel, the performance, and maybe the best of all, the history. They check off every box. However, 2020 is the year of the Mizuno metal wood. Highlights: In the driver category of 2019, one of the sleeper hits of the season was definitely the Mizuno ST190. This year, Mizuno cranked it up even further with the release of the ST200 line and its TOUR-inspired ST200G. From a performance level, it satisfies across the board, but what Mizuno has (as with all of its clubs) is the look. Clean, yet soft, lines on a black frame that not only inspires shotmaking but confidence. Since Mizuno metal woods aren’t as talked about as their forged iron counterparts, don’t overlook this one — it’s definitely worth a test. What to expect: Most likely the next generation JPX and Hot Metal line later this year. Ping Quiet, but not for long There hasn’t been any new Ping product in a good while, but we anticipate a big winter for the Solheim crew. Sometimes, silence is golden, and from what we can gather, what Ping has coming in irons and woods will be — yet again — a launch that gets people talking. What to expect: Just rumors, such as a new driver to succeed the G410, fairways, hybrids. Players cavity back (I210), IBlade replacement, and potentially, the TOUR-inspired PLD putters. In a nutshell a Ping kitchen sink, and who doesn’t love that? As mentioned, just rumors, but here’s hoping … PXG Gen3 irons and a Proto driver At this point, PXG has made a strong name for itself in the iron category. The launch of the highly anticipated Gen3 line was a success overall and will continue on well into 2021. It’s the metalwood portion of the catalog that will come next, and if the Proto driver is any sign of what’s to come, PXG could have a bright future ahead. Highlights: Without a doubt, the Gen3 T iron is the offering that will most turn better players’ heads. It’s a very workable, yet forgiving TOUR iron that will satisfy just about any player under an 8 handicap. In the Gen2 line, the P was the one that really turned heads, in 2020 its the T, and it’s for very good reasons. What to expect: Gen2 Forged wedges hit earlier this year and a small release of the new-look Proto driver is already getting positive buzz for its performance and enhanced (and simplified) weighting system. Expect new Gen3 metal woods early winter. Srixon/Cleveland A relatively quiet 2019, but a storm’s coming in 2020 The heading says it all. Srixon/Cleveland was quiet for the most part of 2019, but for a company that works on a leap year release schedule, Srixon/Cleveland garners as much curiosity (rightfully so) as anyone out there. Now, Cleveland Golf did release its game improvement line in 2019, which tested very well within the industry, but the headliners have always been Cleveland wedges and Srixon irons and metal woods. It’s no secret that Srixon irons have long been a favorite in fitting bays across the country (and on TOUR), and with the much-anticipated release of the new version this fall, Srixon/Cleveland will be a hot topic closing out 2020. What to expect: Rumor is that new Cleveland wedges will drop mid/late summer and the highly anticipated Srixon irons (and metal woods) later this fall. We did get a sneak peek at the Srixon driver on the USGA conforming list, but it’s no guarantee if that’s the version that will hit pro shops and retail. We shall see. TaylorMade SIM is everywhere Thus far, it has definitely been the year of SIM. The buzz is everywhere — TOUR, fitters, amateurs, and all other parts. Oddly enough, it’s not just distance that makes this driver notable. It’s the combination of speed/forgiveness and playability (all at a high level) that made the SIM a standout. It’s not often that a driver can be fast, stable, forgiving, and workable, but this one does it all. Highlights: We all know the drivers are the talk of the town, but the SIM Titanium fairway woods quietly impressed as well. With the reintroduction of the ever-popular V-Steel technology, TaylorMade has designed a fairway wood that is long, versatile, and will also stay in players’ bags for more than a season. That’s saying a lot, considering fairway woods get better and better as years go by. In addition, the TaylorMade SIM Max hybrid has been a sleeper hit on the TOUR — the recurring theme is the superb flight and turf interaction. What to expect: Wait for it … P750 and P730 iron replacements are rumored to be coming along with some other goodies as well. Like the Avengers franchise, TaylorMade just keeps on pumping out the hits, and it appears that trend will continue. Titleist SM8 and new metal woods? Without question, the release of the ever-popular Vokey SM8 wedge line came on like wildfire earlier this year. Not only with the general public, but especially on TOUR, with a huge percentage of staff and non-staff putting them in play. 2020 is also a year to expect new metal woods from Titleist; this may get pushed around as its typically around Father’s Day/U.S. Open week that we get our first sneak peek. Highlights: The Vokey line has always had multiple grinds to satisfy every type of golfer, but just recently the TOUR favorite Low Bounce K Grind made it on the Wedge Works website. The K Grind is a TOUR-inspired wedge used by multiple top 50 players and was designed for players that prefer very low bounce when squared up but appreciate some help out of the bunkers and the heavy rough. What to Expect: New driver, fairway woods and hybrids. Not 100% sure when we will get our first peek, but it’s sure to get people excited. The TS line of metal woods continues to impress two-plus years after its introduction, and Titleist has never been one to settle for anything but perfect. Wilson A traditional company with some very modern offerings Wilson Golf is as instrumental in golf history as any company out there. Multiple tournaments, majors, and memorable moments with a Wilson golf club in the middle of it all. Even with all that history in its back pocket, the Chicago-based company continues to push the envelope and design equipment to satisfy any player. With the game improvement LaunchPadiIrons, D7 Forged irons, and Staff HT wedges, Wilson not only offers a well-balanced line but also a line that honors the Wilson lineage. Highlights: The D7 Forged irons are a true players distance iron with a classic compact shape that is packed with modern tech to make it versatile and easy to hit. What to expect: Potentially a new Staff Blade in the next 12 months, which always creates a buzz. Gary Woodland’s U.S. Open with the current model put the spotlight on Wilson once again, and don’t be surprised if the next version elevates the conversation even further.

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Minnesota is ready for just the second installment of the 3M Open which kicked off last season in fantastic fashion. The emergence of Matthew Wolff and his huge eagle to finish off victory will forever be folklore at TPC Twin Cities. RELATED: Featured Groups, tee times | Power Rankings | Expert Picks Now, with the FedExCup Playoffs fast approaching, the 3M Open takes on huge significance in this shortened season. Can Brooks Koepka make his mark? Is Tommy Fleetwood set to shock on his return? And can the Wolff bite again? Or will a new star step up and steal the limelight? THREE PLAYERS TO PONDER THE FLYOVER The 596-yard par-5 18th finishing hole at TPC Twin Cities is built for drama. Last season, Wolff needed a birdie to enter a playoff with Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa… so he made eagle and won outright instead. But while eagle is absolutely on the table, so too is a big number. Avoid the water on the right and find the fairway off the tee and it’s a green light to go for the green. But to do so you must fire right over a lake. Final round pin has water short and bunker long… you better be ready. LANDING ZONE The 502-yard par-4 ninth hole at TPC Twin Cities turned out to be quite the brute to finish the front side last season as the tournament made its TOUR debut. It played to a 4.279 average despite Dylan Frittelli’s incredible hole-out eagle in the third round. That made it the 25th hardest hole on TOUR. There were 116 bogeys, 26 double bogeys and five others on the hole that added just 51 birdies to Frittelli’s 195-yard hole out. Here’s a look at where tee shots landed last season. Hitting the fairway doesn’t guarantee anything… WEATHER CHECK From PGA TOUR meteorologist Joe Halvorson: “Dry conditions are likely to continue Thursday as surface high pressure begins to shift east while a warm front lifts into southwestern Minnesota. A complex of showers and thunderstorms is expected to be ongoing across northern Minnesota Friday morning, with precipitation chances remaining isolated around TPC Twin Cities as a warm front lifts through the area. As heat and humidity continues to build on Saturday, an upper-level disturbance is expected to push across the Northern Plains – likely setting off a complex of showers and thunderstorms. The precise timing and placement of Saturday’s shower and thunderstorm potential remains uncertain. A cold front is expected to bring another round of showers and thunderstorms at some point on Sunday, however, there remains large discrepancies in the forecast guidance for the timing of this boundary. Heat indices will be in the upper 90s to near 100F Friday through Sunday.” For the latest weather news from TPC Twin Cities, check out PGATOUR.COM’s Weather Hub. SOUND CHECK I don’t need to keep up with anybody, I’m good. BY THE NUMBERS 9 – Pat Perez is one of eight players with a current streak of at least nine consecutive rounds par or better. Perez is 19-under par in his last nine PGA TOUR rounds. 11 – Number of PGA TOUR winners from Minnesota. They have accounted for 30 wins with Lee Janzen’s eight being the best of the group. Tom Lehman (five) and Tim Herron (4) could add to their numbers this week. 22.3 – The average age of the top-three finishers at the 2019 3M Open. It was the lowest of any PGA TOUR event in the last 37 years. 24 – Number of top-eight finishes in the last four seasons for Tony Finau, the most of any player without a PGA TOUR win in that span. 196 – Number of career eagles from Charles Howell III on the PGA TOUR. In the last 40 years, only five players have made over 200 eagles in their PGA TOUR careers. Howell made three eagles last year at the 2019 3M Open, marking his fourth career PGA TOUR event to make three eagles. 260 – Number of balls hit in the water during last season’s 3M Open. It was the third most of any course on the PGA TOUR. SCATTERSHOTS Five-time PGA TOUR winner and 1996 Open Championship winner Tom Lehman is in the field via a sponsor invite. A local from Austin, Minnesota who played collegiately at the University of Minnesota, Lehman plays on PGA TOUR Champions these days where he has 12 wins. He is the only player in history to be named Player of the Year on the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR Champions. Lehman consulted on course renovations at TPC Twin Cities where he played the 3M Championship (PGA TOUR Champions) eight times with a T2 in 2011 his best result. FedExCup fight: With just five events and four weeks remaining before the start of the FedExCup Playoffs, a handful of stars need strong finishes to improve or secure their positions in the FedExCup standings. Brooks Koepka, who has finished among the top 10 in the standings the last three years and won the inaugural Wyndham Rewards Top 10 last year, is 154th in the FedExCup. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, in his first start since the Return to Golf, sits 81st in the FedExCup standings. Dustin Johnson – winner of the Travelers Championship in June – is 25th the FedExCup standings as he looks to extend his streak qualifying for the TOUR Championship to 12 years. Local imports: England’s Angus Flanagan, who recently was named a third-team All-American after his junior season at the University of Minnesota, makes his PGA TOUR debut. He recently shot a course-record 64 at Royal Golf Club to win the Minnesota State Open and he won the Big Ten individual title his sophomore year. South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who played his collegiate golf for the Gophers between 2009-13, is ranked No. 42 in the Official World Golf Ranking as a member of the European Tour. The Power of Community: The tournament’s 2020 charitable giving efforts will be directed largely toward local nonprofit organizations which are focused on supporting individuals impacted by COVID-19 and for social justice initiatives. Funds will be donated to: Urban Ventures, Lake Street Council, YWCA of St. Paul, YWCA of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, VEAP, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Science Museum of Minnesota. Frontline workers recognition: At the driving range, there will be a wall with 156 Extreme Post-in Notes where the field will be encouraged to write thank you notes to frontline workers. Players can sign to whomever they like or keep their messages generic. Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson will sign one Post-it each for two specific healthcare workers from Masonic Children’s Hospital, one of the 3M Open’s primary beneficiaries. Course Changes: In preparation for the event, the first tee complex was relocated approximately 20 yards left, a walk bridge was installed in front of the second green, bunker modifications were completed on holes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 18, and fairways were narrowed on hole 6, 7, 10, 14, and 18.

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CROMWELL, Conn. — Jordan Spieth continues to play just a little better than anyone else at the Travelers Championship. The 23-year-old Texan closed with a 20-foot birdie putt for a 4-under 66 on Saturday, giving him a one-stroke lead for the third straight round at TPC River Highlands. After predicting earlier that it would take a score of 16 under to win, the two-time major champion took a 12-under 198 total into the final round. Boo Weekley was second after a 65. The 43-year-old Weekley, playing just in front of Spieth, birdied five of the last eight holes, basking in the chants of “Boooo! Boooo!” from the raucous gallery. Spieth bogeyed Nos. 13 and 14, but matched Weekley with three birdies on the final four holes, capping it with the final shot of the round from below the hole. “It’s in the shadow,” Spieth said. “I’m looking to hit the putt at the right speed. If it goes in, great, if it doesn’t, so be it, tap it in. With a few feet to go it was going to have a chance and it curled right in the middle. That was a loud roar, and those are really fun to experience. Weekley is looking for his fourth tour title and first since 2013. The colorful Floridian said he’s been dealing with personal issues, but declined to elaborate. His had a season-best tie for 37th at the Puerto Rico Open in March and has made just eight cuts in 21 events. Spieth is looking for his 10th tour win and second this season after a victory in February at Pebble Beach. Weekley acknowledged that makes for an odd final pairing Sunday. “He loves to fish, so we’ve got a little in common there,” Weekley said. “So we can talk about that.” Daniel Berger, looking for his second victory of the month, was three strokes back after a 66. C.T. Pan (64), David Lingmerth (65) and Paul Casey (66) were 8 under. Because of morning showers, the players went off in threesomes from both the first and 10th tees. But the breeze helped the greens quickly dry out and play faster than had been expected. Pan, who went out just after the rain ended, and shot a bogey-free round. The 25-year old former University of Washington star is looking for his third top-10 finish this season and his first since finishing second at Torrey Pines in January. “It wasn’t as windy, so I made birdies on three of my first four holes,” Pan said. “That really helped my mindset and keep my momentum going.” Spieth hit his first six fairways and got his first birdie of the day on the sixth hole, when he chipped in from 30 feet behind the green. He made another birdie on the next hole, before giving a shot back at No. 9. He repeated that pattern on the back nine, making birdies at 10 and 11 to go up by two strokes, then put his tee shot into the water at 13. He bogeyed that hole and 14. But on 15, his chip from the greenside bunker landed inches from the hole and he had another birdie. Spieth has a chance to join Phil Blackmar (1985) as the only players to win in their first start at the Connecticut event. He’s also trying to become the first player to lead wire-to-wire alone in the event since Tim Norris in 1982 at Wethersfield. Peter Jacobsen had at least a share of the lead after every round in 2003. Berger had just one bogey, at the 17th, but came back with the last of his five birdies on the final hole. He won in Memphis two weeks ago before missing the cut at the U.S. Open, which was won by his Florida State teammate, Brooks Koepka. Another former Seminole teammate, Chase Seiffert, was in contention at 4 under after qualifying for the tournament Monday. Rory McIlroy remained at even par. He’s been trying to find his short game this week and decided to switch Saturday from the putter he began using while at the U.S. Open. He spent time before his round on the practice green with several different putters before picking a new one. The change didn’t seem to help. His first putt Saturday, a birdie attempt from 12 feet, went 3 feet past the hole and he needed 33 putts during his round of 70. He was even par overall.

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