First choice 2023 Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson heads a cast list of 12 players that have played in at least one LIV Golf event who are due to take part in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first Rolex Series event of the DP World Tour’s 2022-23 season, which gets under way on January 19.

Stenson, who was forced to give up the captaincy as soon as the he announced his defection to the LIV Golf series, will be among a large contingent from the breakaway tour that will be teeing it up at Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates, which will cause a great deal of consternation in the corridors of power on Europe’s top tier tour.

LIV golfers are still eligible to compete in DP World Tour events, but that may change after an independent arbitration panel presided over by Sport Resolutions UK meets in London next month to rule on whether they will be able to do so in the future. That impending deadline has no doubt led to the rush of entries to upcoming DP World Tour events from members of the Saudi-backed tour, along with a run of events in the Middle East that will conclude with the Asian Tour’s Saudi Invitational, to which LIV golfers will be welcomed with open arms, as it is funded by the Saudi PIF, which is also funding the LIV series.

In addition to Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Patrick Reed, Bernd Wiesberger and Adrian Otaegui are among those who have played on the LIV tour whose names are on the entry list for Abu Dhabi, where the DP World Tour begins its 2023 season. Luke Donald, the man brought into replace Stenson as Ryder Cup captain in Rome, is also on the entry list. It is unlikely that he will be paired with his predecessor, although it would be fun to watch the social dynamics on the first tee if they were.

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Love and war, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a locked-in Jordan Spieth doubling as Houdini, and the version of him blocking one-foot putts; when discussing the duality of man in the world of golf, one cannot give meaning to the conversation without at least a mention of the Texas rollercoaster.

Ever since traversing through a career valley from 2018-20, when he experienced the lowest of lows for a three-time major champion in his mid-20s, the steady ascension of Spieth back into the spotlight has been on full display. In 2022, Spieth entered the winner’s circle for the 13th time in his career when he got the better of Patrick Cantlay in a playoff at the RBC Heritage. Both players’ approach shots found the greenside bunker on the first extra hole, and when it was confirmed Cantlay’s ball was buried and Spieth’s was lying clean, it all but secured his lone title of the year.

That week in Hilton Head, South Carolina, was just a little snippet into Spieth’s year — and, from a broader perspective, his career. It featured everything that makes Jordan Spieth, well, Jordan Spieth: Hole-out bunker shots from impossible angles, chipping out sideways when a persistent Michael Greller urges, missing 1-foot putts (badly, I might add) and making everyone, himself included, believe the tournament is out of his grasp until somehow it is in the palm of his hand.

“You have a lot of events where you feel like you should have won and someone outplays you or makes the putt or something, and a couple times you have one where you feel like you played good but not good enough to win, and I honestly felt like this was that week,” Spieth said following his triumph at Harbour Town. “I needed a lot of things to go right. I needed to birdie the 18th then needed some help, got some help, dodged a bunch of bullets coming in and ended up in a one-on-one playoff where my lie in the bunker, although not great, was certainly better than Patrick’s. Yeah, it’s a bit of a surprise.”

The rest of Spieth’s regular season was relatively less surprising. He followed his victory with a runner-up performance to K.H. Lee at the Byron Nelson in his next start before capturing top-10 finishes at the Charles Schwab Challenge, Scottish Open and The Open to round out his year.

A strong final round at the Tour Championship propelled Spieth into the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow as the most experienced member of the U.S. Team in a blink of an eye, and the golden boy-turned-man led by example. Garnering a 5-0-0 record in North Carolina, Spieth was perfect alongside Justin Thomas before capturing the first singles victory of his career between the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup.

“I think I just used my example in here of the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2015 season,” Spieth said on leveraging his Presidents Cup performance for the 2023 season. “I thought Scottie [Scheffler’s] last year into this year, I don’t want to put words into his mouth, but I thought he could probably draw on the experiences of last year’s Ryder Cup into his season this season …

“For me, yeah, I’m really excited about the week that was this week,” Spieth continued. “I thought that I played some of my best golf of the year this week, which was really cool to do it with and for — you know, as a team with these guys … there’s a lot I can draw on for next year.”

Despite this climb, there is still a ways to go to for him to return to his 2015 peak when he won the Masters, U.S. Open and Tour Championship. That begs the question: What should we expect Spieth’s 2023 to look like? Is one win, a strong team performance and a potential run at a major championship the new baseline from which we should define success for him? It is worth pondering how much staying power this new baseline may truly have. 

The romantic — and maybe even the agent of chaos — in me believes there’s more to be had. The talent pool on the PGA Tour has never been deeper. The accolades mentioned above do make for a fantastic season in this era. Yet, for a magician like Spieth who can wave his wand awkwardly on rehearsal and effortlessly just moments later, you can’t help but let your mind drift towards the unimaginable.

This season, the PGA Tour will unveil a new schedule which Spieth will very much be a part of after finishing third in the 2022 Player Impact Program behind only Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Playing in 13 elevated events that will feature the best talent on the circuit, four major championships and a handful of other tournaments, winning has suddenly become even more difficult.

Never an afterthought at Augusta, and proving to be one of the great links golf players of his time, Spieth’s name on the first page of a major championship leaderboard is expected at least once a year regardless of form. When the PGA Tour travels to the state of Texas, the same presence will be assumed from the former Longhorn.

Perhaps this leads to his first multiple-win season since 2017. Perhaps he is without new hardware as he was the three years following. Maybe his name jumps next to four-time major champions like McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Ernie Els and Raymond Floyd. Maybe he does one better and joins the ranks of Seve Ballesteros and Byron Nelson.

On paper, accomplishing in 2023 what he did in 2022 would merit calling the season a success. However, golf isn’t played on paper, and the projection of Spieth’s next 365 days doesn’t belong on it either.

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Tiger Woods is to end a four-month break from competitive golf by playing in the Hero World Challenge in December.

The 15-time major winner confirmed on Twitter that he will tee up in the 20-man annual event he hosts in the Bahamas, which begins on December 1 and marks his first start since he missed the cut at The Open in July.

He will make a further appearance a week later on December 10 in ‘The Match’, a 12-hole exhibition alongside Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

The additions to Woods’s schedule, albeit limited, offer a positive sign about the state of the 47-year-old’s fitness as he battles the impact of injuries sustained in a serious car accident in 2021, not least because he indicated he might not play again this year after struggling at St Andrews in the summer.

In addition to tournament host Tiger Woods, the field for the Hero World Challenge features defending champion Viktor Hovland, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, Matt Fitzpatrick, Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Billy Horschel, Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Young, Sungjae Im, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner and Tommy Fleetwood.

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How Often Should You Really Get a New Set of Golf Clubs?

Did you know that most pro golfers get a new driver every one to two years? In a recent study, 58% of PGA Tour pros changed drivers from 2020 to 2021. That statistic may leave you wondering how often you should change out your driver or any other golf clubs.

Should amateur golfers get a new set of golf clubs as often as professionals? We’ll answer this question and do a deep dive into how long each golf club in your bag should last.

How Long a Driver Should Last

You may have noticed that all the big golf manufacturers like PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, and Titleist seem to put out a new driver every year. That doesn’t mean that golfers need to upgrade their drivers every time a new one becomes available.

As a general rule of thumb, a new driver should last most amateur golfers about five years. However, that number assumes that the golfer is playing 30 to 40 rounds per year. You can adjust that rule of thumb based on the number of rounds you play in a year.

Common Signs It’s Time to Invest in a New Driver

1. You’ve Had Your Current Driver 5 or More Years

Golf manufacturers are working round the clock on the research and development of their clubs, especially their drivers. This is because the driver is usually the top revenue generator for most brands.

After a five-year period or longer, most of these companies make gigantic strides with their club-making technology. These advances can give you a few extra yards off the tee and that may make investing in a new driver worth it.

2. You Notice a Huge Drop in Distance

One tell-tale sign of needing a new driver is an extreme loss of distance off the tee. If you suddenly see that you’re getting 10-20% less yardage from your drives, it may be time for a new driver.

What causes this sudden loss of distance? Most of the time, there is a small crack in the face of the driver that you may not even be able to see. That small deficiency can render your driver obsolete.

3. There’s Damage to the Shaft

The shaft of your driver takes a pretty good beating on a regular basis. This is especially true if you generate a lot of swing speed. The sheer impact of simply making contact with the golf ball can wear out the bottom of the shaft over time.

If you notice any small nicks or cuts in the shaft of your driver, it may be time to find a new one. You could choose to have a new shaft put on but even that process is quite pricey. Most of the time it makes sense just to invest in a new driver.

Looking to Buy a New Driver?

Need help buying a new driver? You’ve come to the right place! Check out some of our previous articles on different brands of drivers:

How Long Your Woods Should Last

Fairway woods usually last anywhere from 150 to 200 rounds. So, in theory, these clubs should last about as long as your driver, which is around five years (again, assuming you average 30-40 rounds per year).

The answer all depends on usage, however. For example, you may use your 3-wood quite a bit but hardly ever take the cover off your 5-wood. That means your 5-wood could last much longer than five years because of the less usage.

Common Signs It’s Time to Invest in New Woods

1. You’re Having Trouble Getting the Ball in the Air

A fairway wood can be one of the most difficult clubs to hit for high handicappers. This is because even with the large club face, your margin for error is smaller because the ball usually isn’t on a tee when you’re using a fairway wood.

If you’re constantly struggling to the ball in the air, you may need some new fairway woods with more loft. Simply going from 14 degrees to 15 degrees on your three-wood can have a huge impact on your success.

2. There is Damage to the Club Head

Like drivers, fairway woods have to absorb quite a bit of impact. In some cases, fairway woods take a worse beating than drivers because they come in direct contact with the ground more often.

If you notice any type of dents or severe scratches in the club heads, consider getting some new fairway woods. It’ll make those long par 5 holes much more fun.

How Long Your Irons Should Last

There’s nothing better than a good set of irons. If you purchase a new set of clubs, you’ll typically get seven irons (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, SW). A new set of irons can be expensive but the good news is that they should last at least ten years.

Common Signs It’s Time to Invest in New Irons

1. The Trajectory and Distance of Your Shots Change

Do your approach shots seem to be traveling higher and farther than they used to? If so, the grooves on your irons may be getting worn out. This will lead to a decrease in accuracy, less forgiveness, and less spin when you don’t strike the ball perfectly.

That being said, don’t just rush out and buy new clubs. Most of the time, the grooves get dirt in them and simply need a good scrubbing. If after thoroughly cleaning the grooves of each iron you notice lots of wear and tear, it may be time to hunt for some replacements.

2. Your Iron Shots Don’t Sound the Same

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a crisp, pure iron shot. Even a casual golfer knows when they’ve struck the ball well because of the distinct sound. However, if your irons shots are starting to sound hollow, it may be time to upgrade to new irons.

How Long Your Wedges Should Last

Since wedges are just shorter versions of irons, they should also last about ten years. However, as we’ve said before, it all depends on how often you use each club.

For example, I use my pitching wedge quite often on the golf course for approach shots, chip shots, and pitch shots. I rarely use my gap wedge, so it may last up to 15-20 years because of the reduced usage.

Common Signs It’s Time to Invest in New Wedges

1. The Shafts Are Looking Rough

Shafts tend to hold up really well on wedges. Since the clubs are shorter than standard irons, there is less opportunity for damage. Nevertheless, it may be time for new wedges if you notice any type of scratches or nicks in the shafts.

2. You Feel Lots of Vibration After Wedge Shots

When wedges start to go bad, golfers will start to feel more vibration than normal after striking the ball. While a little bit of vibration is common after a shot that is hit too fat, this shouldn’t occur at all on shots that are hit well.

Looking to Buy Some New Wedges?

Getting a new set of wedges will give you better feel and performance on the golf course. If you’re in the market for new wedges, check out the following articles:

How Long Your Putter Should Last

A well-built putter can last 15 to 20 years, which is longer than any other golf club in the bag. This is because putters never have to deal with lots of torque and swing speed. The grip on your putter will usually go bad before the club itself.

Common Signs It’s Time to Invest in a New Putter

1. There is Damage to the Face

While it may take a long time, the club face of the putter can become damaged, or at least too worn for optimal performance. This will lead to lots of inaccurate putts, even from short distances.

2. You’ve Changed Your Putting Stroke

Many golfers like to change their putting stroke if they’re in the midst of a slump on the greens. When you make swing changes, your current putter may no longer be the best fit for you. Consider going to a PGA professional to be fitted for a new putter based on your new stroke.

3. You Want to Try Some New Technology

Let’s face it, sometimes you just need a change. If you’re not putting well even after lots of practice time, you may just need a new putter with a better feel. Golf club manufacturers are making constant technological advances, so getting a new putter may be the best course of action.

Looking to Buy a New Putter?

If you are looking for a new flat stick, the following articles may help you on that quest:

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Compared to team sports such as basketball or soccer, a round of golf is an expensive endeavor. However, an astute purchasing strategy can help you find a suitable set of golf clubs in your price range. In this post, I explain how much you can expect to pay for a good set of clubs.

Your skill level and personal preference are factors that guide your decisions. However, it ultimately comes down to your budget. I have laid out a guide that gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for a set of clubs, depending on your needs.

How Much Does a Good Set of Golf Clubs Cost?

Beginners (New vs Used)

As a beginner, you need to fill your bag from scratch. The easiest approach is to acquire a complete set. This saves you the hassle of individually sourcing each individual club, but it has its downsides. Complete golf club sets contain stock shafts and lofts, which may not suit your swing.

In addition, full sets contain a limited selection of golf clubs. A titanium driver typically heads up the bag, followed by 3-wood. Some packages also include a 5-wood, but it is more common to see a 4 and 5-hybrid.

An entire golf club set ranges in price. It depends on the composition of the bag, and the brand. For example, a new Callaway Strata 12-piece set fetches $370, while the 16-piece edition runs for $580.

Conversely, a second-hand golf club set can run between $250 to $600. It depends on the condition of the golf clubs, their brand, and the number of pieces in the set.

Mid Handicapper (New vs Used)

Intermediate golfers should possess a complete club set at this stage. Therefore, if you change equipment, you may do so at various stages. For example, you may start with a new set of irons. Then wedges, woods, and a putter.

Purchasing clubs individually may lead to a higher overall cost. However, it gives you the freedom to acquire the optimal specs for your golf swing.

Let me break down the cost of a new set of clubs before diving into pre-owned options. A new golf driver.

A brand new driver for mid-handicap golfers costs between $350 to $600, while a fairway wood fetches $180 to $280 per unit. Furthermore, a hybrid is priced between $150 to $300 an item, while a set of irons is between $380 to $1000.

A pitching, sand, or lob wedge, sets beginners back $80 to $230, depending on the brand and quality. Finally, a new putter runs anywhere from $100 to $250. Therefore, an average set will cost an intermediate golfer between $1300 and $2000.

Conversely, the table below highlights the breakdown of costs for each type of club. Contrary to a new set, a pre-owned collection runs between $680 and $1500

Advanced (New vs Used)

The price of a hybrid club, driver, and fairway wood is the same as the intermediate equivalent. Where the prices change is with the irons. Superior golfers typically prefer the forged design and soft feel of blades. These irons promote maximum workability and spin for control on approach.

Blades are also known as muscle back irons as they do not contain a cavity. Therefore, they provide less forgiveness than game improvement irons due to a reduced sweet spot. These irons are forged from a single piece of steel, requiring precise workmanship.

Moreover, forged irons are more expensive compared to the technology-packed game improvement clubs. Therefore, you can expect to fork out between $1300 to $2000 for a set of irons, which include a gap and pitching wedge.

Based on our chart below, a new set of clubs for low handicaps total between $2500 and $3500. On the contrary, you can prepare to spend $1400 to $2700 for a set of pre-owned golf clubs.

Breakdown by Club and Skill Level

Driver

Beginner

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 is a suitable driver for high handicap golfers searching for forgiveness and consistency off the tee. The engineers placed the center of gravity (CG) low and forward to reduce backspin rpm and prompt a high launching ball.

Furthermore, the B21 driver features a draw bias profile built to limit left-to-right side spin for right-handers. As a result, your driver combats slices and promotes a straight flying golf ball.

Finally, an A. I designed Flash Face works to accelerate ball speed across the driver face. This helps you promote optimal velocity on all shots for added yardage off the tee.

Callaway lists the Big Bertha B21 driver at $350, making it a mid-priced driver.

Mid-Handicapper

A Cobra Speedzone Extreme driver contains a CNC Milled Infinity Face. It expands the active zone that produces rapid ball speed by 95%. This feature enhances your coefficient of restitution (C.O.R), which leads to faster ball velocity and farther distance off the tee.

In addition, an Aero-Zone Speedback shape promotes maximum clubhead speed, while low CG prompts high launching shots. Finally, a T-bar Steel structure increases stability for consistent ball speed and improves the moment of inertia (M.O.I). Ultimately this driver produces distance without sacrificing forgiveness.

Low-Handicapper

The new Callaway Rogue ST Max LS is built for superior golfers looking to work their shots and restrict backspin on tee shots. Despite a high MOI, that increases forgiveness, Callaway managed to ensure adequate workability.

Moreover, the A.I designed Jailbreak Speed Frame bolsters stability across the clubface to maximize ball speed throughout. Therefore you produce optimal distance and consistency on all shots. Lastly, an adjustable hosel enables you to alter the loft and lie of the clubface, leading to your desired launch.

Fairway Woods

Beginner

The TaylorMade SIM 2 Max produces maximum forgiveness, a high launch, and a mid-low spin off the clubface. This makes them an ideal companion for high handicappers desperate for consistency.

Multi-material construction pushes the CG low to encourage high launching shots. In addition, a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket accelerates ball speed.

Moreover, a C300 Twist Face restricts side spin to deliver straighter shots. Finally, these fairway woods are available in 15, 16.5, 18, and 24 degrees of loft.

Mid-Handicapper

The Cobra RADSPEED is an affordable fairway wood designed to maximize ball speed and forgiveness. Therefore, it suits mid-handicap golfers seeking additional yards without sacrificing forgiveness.

A CNC Milled Infinity Face enlarges the sweet spot of the fairway wood to maintain ball speed and reduce spin on all strikes. This leads to straight golf shots and ample distance.

Low-Handicapper

Callaway crafted the Epic Max to push the legal limits of ball speed. This is made possible by A.I Velocity Blades in conjunction with high strength maraging steel. Advanced players will appreciate the additional yards the Epic Max offers their long game.

An adjustable weight system enables you to alter the setup of the clubface. You can add extra weight to the back of the fairway wood for optimal forgiveness. Conversely, additional weight forward lowers your launch and spin for a piercing trajectory.

Hybrids

Beginner

The F9 Speedback possesses low CG and baffler technology. This partnership promotes a high launch, while baffler technology improves turf interaction. Superior turf interaction helps the sole glide swiftly across the turf to strike the ball cleanly from any lie.

In addition, this hybrid carries an enlarged clubhead which boosts MOI. That means it resists twisting during your swing to keep the clubface square at impact. This produces straight shots for improved accuracy.

In a nutshell, it launches high and straight and forgives you on mishits. Precisely the qualities beginners need from their hybrids.

Mid-Handicapper

The Taylormade SIM Max range makes another appearance on our list. This time it is the explosive, forgiving hybrid range.

Their regular flex custom graphite shafts are created for golfers with an average swing speed. Many mid-handicap golfers fall into this bracket.

The SIM Max V Steel Sole optimizes turf interaction to prevent the club from digging into the ground on the downswing. In addition, the C300 steel clubface encourages maximum ball speed, while Twist Face technology promotes straighter shots.

Low-Handicapper

PXG designed the 0211 Hybrid to work for golfers of all skill levels. However, the stiff shaft suits lower handicap golfers seeking a lower launch.

In addition, the HT1770 stainless steel clubface generates rapid ball speed across a larger area on the face for consistent yards.

A Railed Sole Geometry lowers the CG and increases MOI. Their partnership provides a high trajectory and a square clubface at impact for straight, long shots. Lastly, the Honeycomb TPE Insert ensures a smooth feeling by dampening vibrations.

Irons

Beginner

Hybrids are not every golfer’s cup of tea, but they offer exceptional forgiveness, which beginners need. My pick is the affordable, straight, and forgiving Powerbilt EX-550 irons.

My best buddy used Powerbilt irons growing up and became a scratch golfer. My point is that there is nothing wrong with this lesser-mentioned brand.

The EX-550 set consists of hybrids from your 4-iron to your pitching wedge. A sand wedge is included in the package, but it features a standard wedge construction. Their hollow-body design produces high MOI for straight, accurate shots.

Mid-Handicapper

The 0211 irons by PXG produce an exceptional coefficient of restitution, ensuring consistent ball speed on all strikes. This helps the average golfer maintain yardage, despite catching the ball in the heel or the toe.

In addition, an Angled Top Rail construction sets the CG near the center of the face to boost MOI. As a result, your irons work to square up through contact for straighter approach shots.

Low-Handicapper

Collin Morikawa and Tiger Woods are two names associated with the Taylormade P770 range. TaylorMade constructed these players’ irons to feature the traditional muscle-back look with a twist.

The engineers packed these irons with game improvement technology to optimize ball speed and enhance the feel. Plus, they offer superior golfers an element of forgiveness without hampering your ability to shape shots.

Wedges

Beginner

Wilson Harmonized wedges offer a simple, affordable design to improve the short game of high handicappers.

A versatile sole grind helps you open the clubface to get under the ball and launch it high. This trajectory enables you to stop the ball rapidly on the green and get up and down.

Moreover, a durable anti-glare finish increases your comfort and reduces distractions at address. Finally, the Harmonized collection contains a 52-degree gap wedge, a 56-degree sand wedge, and a 60-degree lob.

Mid-Handicapper

Mack Daddy 5 Jaws wedges present a remarkable balance of forgiveness, spin, and control. 5-sole grind options cater to every condition and angle of attack in golf. Plus, the head of each wedge is shaped to deliver a seamless transition from your 9-iron and pitching wedge to your gap, sand, and lob.

The engineers employed Groove-In-Groove Technology to create sharp edges for superior levels of spin. This promotes increased control around the green for improved chip and pitch results.

The Mack Daddy 5 Jaws wedges are constructed with 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees of loft.

Low-Handicapper

The Vokey SM8 Tour Chrome wedges are an attractive range of clubs that generate exceptional spin and high MOI. Their design produces optimal feel and control for a superior greenside experience.

Spin Milled grooves steal the show and maximize backspin rpm to help you stop the ball rapidly near the cup. Plus, the presence of forward CG increases MOI to keep the clubhead square and stable through impact.

Putters

Beginner

Wilson manufactured the Harmonized M5 Jumbo to give beginners immediate forward roll, high MOI, and enlarged alignment aid. The combination of these features helps high handicappers produce consistent speed control and accuracy on all putts.

Mid-Handicapper

The famed Odyssey White Hot OG 2 Ball putter is a quality construction designed to deliver consistent topspin and forward roll on all strikes. In addition, the two-ball feature provides a robust alignment aid to keep you on target.

Low-Handicapper

Scotty Cameron created the Select Newport putter to produce exceptional feel, control, and forward roll for superior golfers. Plus, the blade construction provides a clean, classic look that traditionalists will appreciate.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Displaying the evolution of Cameron’s research in bringing the benefits of higher MOI to blade putter shapes, the line’s “Plus” models introduce slightly wider profiles than standard face-to-flange blade dimensions and push blade performance to new levels.

Precision milled from a block of 303 stainless steel, each new limited release Special Select Jet Set putter incorporates Scotty Cameron’s performance balanced weighting technology featuring customisable sole weights, as well as purpose-built aluminium sole plates designed to optimise weight distribution in the wider profile of the Plus models.

Speaking about the new range, Cameron said: “A lot of golfers want to game the same putters the pros play. Our new Special Select Jet Set putters offer a taste of that experience with a few extras that put them in a category of their own. The Tour Black finish is something a lot of people really like, so when I can, I make putters using it combined with dark, smoky accents. The overall tone-on-tone look is inspired by custom car builders, and that’s where the Jet Set name comes from. We’ve offered this concept in years past. This is the next version of Jet Set.

“Specifically, the ‘Plus’ models that are in between the width of a Newport 2 and a Squareback 2. I developed this “tweener” size working with a few Tour players who wanted something in between the width of a traditional blade and our Squareback flange width. The Special Select Jet Set Newport Plus and Newport 2 Plus offer those desired sizes and happen to be the first we’ve created for everyone. Limited releases like these new Special Select Jet Set models are for those who want a high-performance putter, but also that little extra.”

Special Select Jet Set Newport
A souped-up version of Scotty’s classic heel-and-toe weighted blade, the Special Select Jet Set Newport includes a plumbing neck, the model’s distinctive rounded features and a unique sight line milled on the topline. Precision milled from 303 stainless steel, this limited release putter has a solid face, misted Tour Black finish, adjustable performance balanced raw tungsten sole weighting and includes the line’s new textured Pistolini Plus grip and Jet Set headcover.

Special Select Jet Set Newport Plus
Crafted slightly wider when measured from face to flange, the Special Select Jet Set Newport Plus offers a new size in high-performance blade putter design. Relying on proven multi-material design methodology, Scotty accommodated the fuller profile by distributing weight to the perimeter and incorporating a 6061 aircraft grade aluminium sole plate, anodised black and engraved with the line’s Jet Set graphics. A milled flange sight line provides clean alignment, while customisable stainless steel sole weights provide balance. A new, textured Pistolini Plus grip, Jet Set shaft band and specialised headcover complete the package.

Special Select Jet Set Newport 2
Designed with the proven shape, plumbing neck and tri-sole of a modern Newport 2, the Special Select Jet Set Newport 2 is milled from 303 stainless steel with customisable tungsten sole weights, a Tour Black finish and the line’s Jet Set graphics package, including a specialty shaft band, headcover and textured Pistolini Plus grip. Incorporating a subtle design characteristic—and inspired by the putters he makes for touring professionals—Scotty included a milled sight line on the topline rather than a standard flange line. A limited number of left-handed Special Select Jet Set Newport 2 models were also created.

Special Select Jet Set Newport 2 Plus
Splitting the difference in flange width between a Special Select Newport 2 and Squareback 2, the Special Select Jet Set Newport 2 Plus offers a Tour-inspired shape that introduces the next profile in high-performance blade design. Milled from 303 stainless steel with a solid face, the Newport 2 Plus has a 6061 aircraft grade aluminium sole plate, anodised black and engraved with the line’s Jet Set graphics. A milled flange sight line provides clean alignment, while customisable stainless steel sole weights provide balance. The putter includes the line’s new, textured Pistolini Plus grip, Jet Set shaft band and specialised headcover.

ACCESSORIES
Each Special Select Jet Set putter is accessorised with a new, textured Pistolini Plus grip with a slightly built-up lower hand profile and grey accents. This new grip complements an embroidered, custom-designed Special Select Jet Set headcover with superior wear characteristics. A stepless steel shaft includes with the line’s Jet Set shaft band.

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The Scandinavian pairing of Viktor Hovland and Søren Kjeldsen share a one-stroke lead at the BMW PGA Championship, with Wentworth set for a thrilling third and final round in front of packed galleries.

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes after play was suspended on Thursday evening following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the second round resuming on Saturday morning. A two-minute silence was observed at Wentworth Club at 9.50am.

Denmark’s Kjeldsen set the early clubhouse target of 12 under par as he took advantage of the conditions to card an eight under par 64, with Hovland, of Norway, joining him on that number with a four under par 68.

Rory McIlroy will lead the final round charge, sitting one stroke back after carding a seven-under-par 65. He is joined in a share of third by Rafa Cabrera Bello and Thomas Detry. One stroke further back on ten under par, in a share of sixth, are Shane Lowry, Francesco Molinari, Matthew Jordan, Adrian Otaegui and Talor Gooch. Gooch is the highest placed LIV golfer on the leaderboard, while Ian Poulter, who is also a member of LIV Golf, is sitting one shot further back in tied 11th.

Hovland said: “My irons have been really good this week. I think I’ve only missed a handful of greens over the two rounds, and that obviously alleviates a lot of pressure. I still I feel like I haven’t driven it the best. but I keep giving myself looks, but I haven’t made too many putts. I played here in 2019 shortly after I turned pro and I was kind of a little overawed by the experience, but I’ve got a chance to do something tomorrow. So it would be awesome to win.

McIlroy, whose second round was kickstarted by an eagle at the fifth and ended with birdies at 17 and 18, said: “I finished the season in the States off on a real high, and I want to do the same over here. I’ve got a great chance tomorrow to win this prestigious event, but also to extend the lead in the Race to Dubai rankings, and then we’ll go to Italy and try and do it all over again.

“I’ve always liked this tournament, even though I won the event when it was played in May, it was very soft, but once the dates changed to September, I liked it more. It’s a little like The Players Championship in the States, I like the date change from May. It’s a little softer and I can play the game that I want to play a little bit more.”

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The DP World Tour has called in favours from all of its top European talent to put on a show of strength at its flagship event in Europe, the BMW PGA Championship, which gets underway at Wentworth on Thursday.

In the face of competition from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, which has succeeded in attracting a significant number of European golfers to its ranks over the last four months, the DP World Tour has called on it big guns, namely Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Victor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick, currently ranked nos.3, 5, 10 and 11 in the world, to be on duty at the tournament, which is being held at the iconic Surrey venue from September 8-11.

McIlroy, who won the tournament in 2014, but hasn’t played in it since 2019, said: “The BMW PGA Championship is an event I always love playing – the West Course has been good to me in the past, and the fans are incredibly supportive. I’ve had a consistent year so far and having a chance to win again at Wentworth would help my season-long campaign.”

The previous three winners of the championship, Billy Horschel (2021), Tyrrell Hatton (2020) and Danny Willett (2019), will be back and hoping to do the double, while major champions Shane Lowry, Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose will also be in the starting line-up as the DP World Tour bids to show that it still has the caché to draw in big-name players.

Also playing at Wentworth this week will be 15 players who have all committed to LIV Golf – including Ryder Cup stalwarts Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter – whose members won a legal ruling last month that currently allows them to compete in DP World Tour events without fear of been fined or suspended, as was the case after the first event held at Centurion Club in June.

It is likely that LIV Golf players will be grouped together for the first two rounds, and will be put out early and late to ensure they don’t receive prime-time TV coverage, but that can’t be prevented for the weekend rounds when players go out in order of scores.

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