On what was another weather-affected event, Henrik Stenson put his Callaway Golf clubs to good use to win the BMW International Open in Germany. This was Stenson’s 10th European Tour victory, something which didn’t look too likely a week ago when he pulled out of the U.S. Open through injury. His fitness was put to the test on Sunday as he endured 36 holes having been prevented from taking to the course on Saturday due to torrential rain curtailing play before he teed off.

A bogey-free 67 in his first round on Sunday meant that Stenson went into the final round with a one-shot cushion over the field. The Swede went on to birdie the first during his closing 18, before a mid-round stutter gave the chasing pack some hope. Four dropped shots in a wobbly seven-hole stretch meant the tournament was wide open once again. However, Stenson showed why he is in the world’s top 10, regaining his composure to birdie three holes on the back nine, claiming a three-shot victory in the process.

Stenson is widely known as a brilliant ball-striker who hits the ball a long, long way. This week was no different as he led the field in driving accuracy with over 83% of fairways hit, as well as in green in regulation at 86.1%. Well played, Henrik!

What equipment did Stenson use?

• Driver – Callaway XR 16 (9 loft)
• Fairway wood – Callaway Diablo (13 loft); Callaway XR 16 Pro (18 loft)
• Irons – Callaway Legacy Black (3-PW)
• Wedges – Callaway Mack Daddy 3 (52 & 58)
• Putter – Odyssey White Hot

Three shots was also the winning margin on the PGA Tour last week, as Billy Hurley III secured his maiden title at the Quicken Loans National. Hurley’s success couldn’t have been any sweeter, coming in his home tournament with his friends and family in close attendance.

A three-putt bogey at the 12th threatened to derail the American’s charge on Sunday, and when he was faced with a nervy 10-footer for par at the following hole, many started to question whether Hurley would be able to hold on. But any fears soon subsided as he chipped in for birdie at the 15th, followed by a birdie at the par-5 16th to extend his lead to three shots. Pars at the final two holes paved the way for Hurley to win his first PGA Tour event, a life-changing moment he will never forget.

What equipment did he use?

• Driver – TaylorMade M1 (9.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – TaylorMade M2 (15 loft)
• Hybrid – TaylorMade SLDR (19 and 21); Adams Pro Mini (23
• Irons – Bridgestone J40 (4-PW)
• Wedges – Vokey SM6 (47); Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (54 & 60)
• Putter – TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider

What makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball the pick of the bunch?

Simply put, the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball is a golfing icon. Other balls have come and gone, trying to accomplish the lofty heights of Titleist’s premium offering, but have consistently come up short.

In this blog post, Foremost Golf looks at the reasons behind the dominance of the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball whilst trying to answer one simple question:

What makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball so special?

The golf ball is the only piece of equipment that is used for every shot on the golf course, so it’s vitally important that you can trust what you’re using. And trust is something that is synonymous with the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

Anyone who plays golf will know that the Pro V1 has dominated the ball market over the last decade. There’s no arguing it. The fact that the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball has been at the top for such a long time, without any drastic changes, speaks volumes for what Titleist has been able to achieve.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, Titleist undertook unparalleled research and comprehensive testing with both professionals and amateurs before releasing the 2015 version of the ball. When asked how the Pro V1 could be improved, the pros were adamant in their response:

“Don’t change anything, just add some more control around the green”

We don’t want to delve too much into the technical side of things, but the way Titleist has achieved this is quite remarkable. Now urethane covers aren’t new, but Titleist’s version certainly is. They’ve built their patented Elastomer cover in-house so that they’re in control of the characteristics it provides, rather than adding a pre-made urethane cover that isn’t necessarily designed for a golf ball. All this means that they have created an extremely soft ball offering premium feel off the clubface.

So what can you expect from the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball?

• Extra distance
• Softer feel
• Enhanced durability
• Greenside control
• Optimum trajectory

Most golfers would take one or two of these characteristics in a ball if it was going to improve their performance. So when you get all five in the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, you can see why it’s the number one ball across worldwide tours.

But this ball isn’t just for professionals. The exceptional tee-to-green performance makes the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball a firm favourite for golfers of all skill levels.

How can added distance and increased greenside control not be beneficial?

Our rating?

Quite simply: 5 out of 5. Unbeatable.

Golf clubs are available in different shapes and sizes, and it is important to know what clubs to have in your golf bag if you are going to take up the sport. Most golf bags will consist of three woods, seven irons, a putter, and at least one hybrid, although it does differ from player to player. With that being said, continue reading to discover more about each type of club.

• Putters – A putter is a golf club that has one purpose, and this is to get the ball in the hole. There are different golf putters to choose from, including the mallet, heel-toe, bent, long, belly, short, and more. All of these are used on the green.

• Irons – Next we have irons, which is what you are going to use if you are approximately less than 200 yards from the green. A standard set of golf irons will have 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons, as well as the PW (Pitching Wedge). ‘3’ and ‘4’ are the most difficult to hit. Moreover, the higher the iron you will use the closer you are to the green.

• Wedges – Golf wedges are basically a special type of iron. You have the PW, which we have just mentioned. These tend to be between 46 and 48 in loft, making it the highest lofted iron. Aside from this, you have the LW (Lob Wedge), the SW (Sand Wedge), and the AW (Approach Wedge). Wedges are suitable for when you are close enough to the green that you require improved shot control and shaping.

• Woods – Woods are used to hit long shots. Golf drivers, which are also called the 1 wood, have the lowest loft of any type of golf club.

• Hybrids – Finally, we have hybrids, which have become very popular golf clubs over the last few years. Hybrids combine the length shaft of an iron and the head design of a fairway wood.

Golf shop; when walking into one or looking on an online golf store, it can be difficult to know where to start if you are new to the sport. There are so many different pieces of equipment and clothing that are available to purchase. So, what do you really need?

You should begin by looking for the right golf balls. When purchasing a golf ball, you have the option of a two, three, or four piece design. This relates to the number of layers used when making the ball. The four-layer design will travel the furthest, while those with fewer layers allow for more spin. Another factor to consider is the dimples on the golf ball. There can be up to 450, and these are designed to ensure the ball sails smoothly through the air.

Aside from this, you will need to purchase golf clubs and tees. You have three main kinds of golf clubs to choose from – putters, irons, and woods. The latter are used for long shots while irons are usually used on the fairway for more precision. Finally, a putter is what you want when you are on the green and attempting to put the ball into the hole.

You should also purchase a golf bag so that you have something to put all of your equipment inside. There are many golf bags to choose from and whether you are going to walk the course or use a golf cart will have an influence on the one that you choose.

Finally, you will need to purchase golf clothing from your golf shop of choice. You should dress smartly while on the golf course. You will also need a good pair of golf shoes. These shoes have spikes on the bottom, which ensure you have good grip when swinging and make it easier to walk on the green.

There’s no truer test of shot-making ability and imagination than links golf; one of the reasons so many top players choose to compete in the Scottish Open the week prior to The Open. From gale-force winds to devil-like pot bunkers, you’ll certainly know when you’re out on the links.

Sweden’s Alex Noren coped best with the conditions at Castle Stuart, a 14-under-par winning total giving him his fifth European Tour title. All four of Noren’s previous victories had come when he held the lead heading into the final round, a record which he maintained thanks to a closing two-under-par. An early birdie at the par-5 second calmed any Sunday jitters, before the 33-year-old fought off strong challenges from a congested leaderboard at the Inverness Links.

As alluded to previously, there’s no type of golf that examines so many parts of a player’s game more than links. For once, hitting the ball a country mile doesn’t necessarily give you an edge; it’s all about plotting your way through the valleys and mounds on the fairways, hitting the correct part of the severely undulating greens before holding your nerve on the slick carpets.

Noren did exactly that last week. The Callaway Golf staffer was third on Driving Accuracy, hitting 84% of the fairways over the four days, whilst being just 47th on Driving Distance at a measly 275 yards. It’s a method that all the players will be adhering to at Troon this week for the 145th Open Championship.

What equipment did Noren use?

• Driver – Callaway XR 16 driver (8.5 degrees)
• Fairway wood – Callaway XR 3-wood (15 degrees)
• Hybrid – Callaway Apex (18 degrees)
• Irons – Callaway Apex Pro (4-9)
• Wedges – Callaway Mack Daddy (47, 52, 56 and 60 degrees)
• Putter – Odyssey Works

Open Championship Preview

We love Open week. Once a year, always in the middle of July, the world’s best descend upon our shores in the hope of winning golf’s oldest Major. Royal Troon takes centre stage for the 145th Open Championship this week, 12 years since Todd Hamilton’s play-off triumph over Ernie Els on the same track.

What sort of test will Royal Troon provide?

Measuring a little over 7000 yards, this Ayrshire links boasts both the shortest and longest holes on the Open Championship rota. The 8th hole needs no introduction. At just 123 yards, the ‘Postage Stamp’ is one of the finest par-3s in the world. On the scorecard it has birdie written all over it, but, in reality, this is rarely the case. Miss the green left or right, and you’ll more than likely find yourself in one of the five greenside bunkers, struggling to save par. Hitting the green with your tee-shot, from way above the green, is an absolute must.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, two holes earlier you’ll find ‘Turnberry’ – the longest hole in Open Championship golf. At 601 yards long, only the biggest hitters will fancy taming this monster in two blows. For the rest of us mere mortals, negotiating our way between the fairway bunkers off the tee will prove pivotal if you wish to have a birdie putt.

So, who’s going to come out on top this time?

The name on many people’s lips is that of Johnson. No, not last year’s winner, Zach Johnson, but his namesake, Dustin. DJ, as he is widely known, won last month’s US Open to break his Major duck. He’d come so close on numerous occasions before, always being the bridesmaid but never the bride. With the hoodoo now off his back, plus the fact he’s won a WGC event since and is in the form of his life, makes the American a serious contender this week.

What of the home contingent?

Well, there’s the other Major winner from 2016, Danny Willett, but without much form to note it is unlikely that the Yorkshireman will repeat his extraordinary feat from Augusta. Then there are the likes of Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Paul Casey who are regularly in the mix when it comes to the Majors, and all three certainly have the game that could see them lift the Claret Jug come Sunday evening. Don’t write off Monty either, the Scot is a member at Royal Troon and went through qualifying to secure a spot this week – could we be in for an almighty shock?

It’s one of the hardest- to-call Majors in a long time but one thing is for sure, it’s not going to be short of drama. Enjoy the week, we certainly will.

Golf clothing is something that you will need to buy if you are to enjoy the sport. While your set of golf clubs is the most important purchase, clothing can influence your performance, as it is vital to be comfortable if you are to play to your best ability. Not only this, but some golf courses have rules regarding what you can and cannot wear.

At most golf courses, the normal dress code will be golf shoes, smart trousers, a collared shirt, and a ‘V’ or round neck sweater. However, over the past few years it has become acceptable to wear roll neck sweaters, sweatshirts, chino trousers, and fleece tops.

There are a selection of golf clubs that allow denim jeans, although it’s not worth the risk. You are also advised to avoid wearing football or rugby shirts, as these are not permitted. Nevertheless, as mentioned, all golf courses are different and this is why it is worth heading to the club’s website to view their dress code before you acquire your clothing from a golf shop.

Not only do you need to think about the dress policy of the club, but also it is important to be comfortable if you are to play to the best of your ability. If your clothing is too tight, for example, you will struggle to play as effectively as you can because this could restrict your freedom when swinging.

You also need to purchase proper golf shoes. These are different to ordinary shoes because they are typically waterproof and they will have spikes attached to the soles. They are designed so that you can walk on the surface with ease and have the grip you need during your swing.

When purchasing golf clothing, it is important to buy something that you like. After all, you are going to be wearing the items again and again so there is no reason why you should have to compromise on style.

With just one week separating The Open and the USPGA Championship, many of the world’s best chose to recharge their batteries instead of competing in this week’s Canadian Open. Nevertheless, the excitement of another Sunday showdown didn’t disappoint.

Having not competed in last week’s Open Championship, Vegas held a six-shot lead going into last weekend only to eventually lose out by three. But this time it was completely different. On an engrossing Sunday, Vegas started five shot behind the overnight leader but sprinted out of the pack with five birdies in his first six holes. With the lead changing countless times on the day, the 31-year-old finished his round in fine style – birdieing the final three holes for an eight-under-par 64, and in the processing setting the clubhouse target at 12-under-par.

With several contenders still left on the course, many thought a play-off looked likely. In the end, no-one could quite mount a challenge worthy enough of knocking Vegas off his perch. With this win, the Venezuelan secured his second PGA Tour victory and a place in next week’s USPGA Championship.

What equipment did Vegas use?

• Driver – Nike VR (8.5 degrees)
• Fairway wood – Nike Vapor Speed (15 & 19 degrees)
• Irons – Nike Vapor Pro (3-PW)
• Wedges – Nike Engage (54 & 58)
• Putter – Nike Method

On what can only be described as a gruelling marathon, Jimmy Walker came out trumps at the 2016 PGA Championship. It was a unique final day which provided us with plenty of drama (yet again).

Walker was a worthy winner at Baltusrol, claiming a wire-to-wire victory in the most testing conditions. With thunderstorms and weather delays disrupting play across the week, Walker faced 36 holes on Sunday in his bid for Major glory.

The 37-year-old held his nerve superbly, going bogey-free in the final 27 holes when the pressure was at its most. What makes it even more impressive is that Jimmy had Jason Day – the world number one – breathing down his neck until the very end.

Nothing sums this up as much as the spectacle on the 72nd hole. Walker had a three-shot lead going into the final hole, only for Day to blast his second shot to 15 feet at the par-5, going on to roll it in for an eagle. This meant that Walker knew he needed a par for victory – easier said than done when one of golf’s Majors is on the line. Having gone for the green in two, Walker’s shot found the deep rough well below the putting surface. Nevertheless, a safe chip to 35 feet left the American with two putts for victory.

It all ended perfectly for Walker. With this win, the newly crowned PGA champion completes a sweep of maiden winners across golf’s four Majors in 2016.

What equipment did Jimmy use?

• Driver – Titleist 917 D2 (8.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – TaylorMade M1 (15 loft); Titleist 915F (18 loft)
• Irons – Titleist 716 MB (3-9)
• Wedges – Titleist Vokey SM6 (48, 54 & 60)
• Putter – Scotty Cameron Newport 2
• Balls – Titleist Pro V1x

Travelers Championship

Russell Knox boosted his credentials for a place in the European Ryder Cup team after securing his second win of the season at the Travelers Championship in America. Having started the day three back from the overnight leader, the Scot carded his fourth sub-70 round of the week - including a clutch par-save from the greenside bunker at 18 – to win by one from American Jerry Kelly.

It’s not often that the main talking point from a Sunday has nothing to do with the winner, but Jim Furyk’s final-round exploits rather overshadowed Knox’s success. Starting the final round at one-over-par, Furyk went on to make 10 birdies and an eagle for a sensational 12-under-par 58. The 46-year-old American is the first player to achieve such a feat on the PGA Tour.

With the Ryder Cup taking place on American soil next month, both Furyk and Knox are looking like they’ll be dependent upon a captain’s pick to make their respective teams. As far as the European team goes, Knox could prove pivotal to the team’s chances having been based on the PGA Tour in recent years and winning twice this season. Watch this space.

What equipment did Knox use?

• Driver – TaylorMade M2 (10.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – Callaway Big Bertha (16 loft); Cleveland Launcher (19 degrees)
• Hybrid – Cleveland Launcher (20.5); Cleveland Mashie (23)
• Irons – Srixon Z-545 (5-iron); Srixon Z-745 (6-9)
• Wedges – Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (54 & 60)
• Putter – SeeMore

Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Matchplay

To win one European Tour event is a dream to many, and the reality is that most golfers won’t even achieve that. But back in 2000 when Anthony Wall won his first event at the tender age of 24, many assumed he’d go on to win several more. Well, roll on 16 years and the Englishman has just clinched his second title at the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Matchplay event.

After driving into the trees at the first during the final, Wall subsequently found himself two down through the first two holes. But the 41-year-old battled hard to overcome the favourite, Noren, on the final green of this taxing tournament. On what must be a welcome break for many players, matchplay golf always throws up a few surprises and not many would have predicted Wall to get to the latter stages, let alone go on to win the event.

But the Wilson Staff ambassador mixed 29 birdies with two eagles over an enthralling week to capture his second European Tour victory.