Tag: Rory mcilroy

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TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter: A Review of the Legendary Shape

The TaylorMade Spider Tour putter is back , and it’s making a statement in the golfing world. This legendary shape has been popular among golfers for years, and now TaylorMade has brought it back in four different head models. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the different head shapes, discuss their unique features, and evaluate the performance of the Spider Tour putter range.

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The Head Shapes

TaylorMade offers four head shapes in the Spider Tour putter range: Tour, X, V, and Z. Each shape has its own characteristics that cater to different golfers’ preferences and playing styles.

Tour

The Tour is the standard head shape, known for its iconic design that professionals like DJ and Jason Day have used in the past. With the weight placed furthest away from the face, this putter is ideal for players who struggle to find the middle of the face. It offers high Moment of Inertia (MOI), providing forgiveness for off-center hits.

X

The X is the classic model that Rory McIlroy has been instrumental in bringing back. This putter features a weight placement that gives it a feel similar to a blade putter. It offers a bit more pop off the face, making it suitable for players who prefer the feel of a bladed putter. In March 2024, Scottie Scheffler added it to his bag in a bid to enhance the area of his game he believed to be holding his game back from dominating every week, the putting! Since adding in the Tour X he has won in back-to-back events with the Arnold Palmer Invitational, soon followed by the Players Championship where he became the first player to successfully retain his title. 

V

The V is one of the new shapes introduced in the Spider Tour range. It has two front-loaded weights, giving it a compact and solid look. This putter delivers a consistent and firm feel off the face, making it a great option for players who value stability and control.

Z

The Z is another new shape in the Spider Tour range, featuring a weight placement at the very front. This design offers a unique feel and a faster ball speed off the face. If you enjoy the feel of a bladed putter but want the benefits of a mallet, the Z might be the perfect choice for you.

On the Putting Green

When you lay down the Spider Tour putters behind the ball, you can immediately notice the progression from the high MOI shape of the Tour to the unique designs of the X, V, and Z. The alignment aids on all the putters, with a bright white back and a black line, help improve your alignment and aid in visualising your putt.

Even if you typically prefer a bladed putter, the front-loaded weight design of the V might surprise you. It has a compact and solid look, and when you hit a putt with it, you’ll feel the firmness off the face. The feel of the putter is crucial, and the Spider Tour putters deliver a satisfying sensation on impact.

Considering the quality and performance of the Spider Tour putters, their price point of £299 is highly competitive. TaylorMade has made these putters accessible to a wider range of golfers, and they are poised to make a significant impact in the market.

The AF Golf Score

The Spider Tour putter range receives an impressive AF Golf score of 44 out of 50. The combination of style, design, feel, affordability, and custom options makes it a top choice for golfers looking to improve their putting game.

taylormade spider
taylormade spider
taylormade spider
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Conclusion

TaylorMade has brought back the legendary Spider Tour putter in four different head shapes: Tour, X, V, and Z. Each shape has its own unique features, catering to various player preferences and needs. The Spider Tour putter range offers exceptional performance and value for its price. With its competitive price point, custom options, and top-notch performance, the Spider Tour putter range from TaylorMade is poised to be a leader in the market. Whether you’re a professional golfer or a weekend warrior, the Spider Tour putters deserve serious consideration to elevate your putting game to the next level.

Contact your local AFGolfStore to book your FREE custom fitting today!

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Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024

One of the highly anticipated events on the golfing calendar is set to commence with the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

Scottie Scheffler heads in as favourite but Rory Mcilroy will be pushing for his first win at BayHill after coming so close in 2023!

Kitayama Claims Victory in 2023

Kitayama entered the tournament with a solid performance record, but not necessarily as the favorite. Throughout the week, he displayed consistent play, carding controlled scores 

and avoiding major mistakes. This strategy proved effective as he navigated the challenges of Bay Hill’s iconic course.

A Tight Final Round

The final round was a nail-biter. Kitayama found himself in a three-way tie for the lead with Rory McIlroy and Harris English. Each golfer displayed moments of brilliance, but it was Kitayama who held his nerve down the stretch. A clutch birdie putt on the 17th hole proved to be the difference, giving him a one-shot advantage heading into the final hole.

Champion Crowned

Despite a valiant effort from McIlroy and English, Kitayama secured his first PGA Tour victory with a par on the 18th hole. The win marked a significant moment in his career, solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport.

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Get custom fit for the NEW Qi10 product from Taylormade in a special V.I.P Tour Truck event at AFGolfStore Cambridge. A FREE Custom fitting experience followed by a tour of their DP World Tour truck. 

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Looking Back at a Memorable Tournament

The 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational offered a captivating display of golf. Beyond Kitayama’s triumph, the tournament saw impressive performances from veterans and young guns alike.

Here are some additional highlights:

  • Rory McIlroy’s near miss: McIlroy, a fan favoUrite and past champion, displayed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in his quest for another victory at Bay Hill.
  • Harris English’s breakout performance: English, known for his consistent play, made a strong run for the title, showcasing his ability to compete with the best.
  • Young talent on display: Several young golfers impressed throughout the week, hinting at a bright future for the sport.

The 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational served as another testament to the enduring legacy of Arnold Palmer. The tournament continues to honoUr “The King” while providing a platform for the next generation of golfers to shine. 2024 is set to be yet another classic! 

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Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

A New Era of Stability

Taylormade has once again raised the bar with the launch of their latest driver, Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

This year, they have moved away from the stealth name and introduced a driver that focuses on stability and control. I had the opportunity to sit down with Lee from Taylormade to learn all about this exciting new product.

What Does “Qi10” Stand For?

The term “Qi10” stands for “Quest for Inertia 10,000.”

This refers to the driver’s stability or moment of inertia (MOI). In simple terms, MOI is a measure of the clubhead’s resistance to twisting or rotating during off-centre strikes.

A higher MOI means greater stability, reducing the negative effects of mishits.

A Closer Look at the Models

The Taylormade Qi10 is available in three different models: the standard Qi10, the Qi10 LS, and the Qi10 Max. Each model caters to different player preferences and swing characteristics.

Standard Qi10

The standard Qi10 features a traditional head shape and offers forgiveness without sacrificing too much spin. It is an excellent choice for golfers who prefer a classic look and desire a forgiving driver.

TM24CWD-MW952-M1423609-Qi10-Max-3Q-v1
TM24CWD-MW951-M1414309-Qi10-3QR-v1
TM24CWD-MW950-M1405709-Qi10-LS-3Q-v1

Qi10 LS (Low Spin)

The Qi10 LS is designed for golfers with higher swing speeds and a desire for maximum ball speed. This model produces the fastest ball speed when struck in the centre of the face. However, it is the least forgiving option in the Qi10 line up. The LS model also features an adjustable weight that can be moved to the toe or heel for draw or fade bias.

Qi10 Max

The Qi10 Max is the most forgiving model in the line up and is geared towards golfers who prioritise accuracy and consistency. While it may not offer the same distance gains as the LS model, the Max driver provides ample forgiveness, helping golfers find more fairways and ultimately improve their scores.

The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
CC: National Club Golfer. Tiger Woods with Qi10

Innovations in Face Technology

The Qi10 driver features a face made of 60 times carbon twist material, which provides excellent ball speed and durability. The new ledge system, where the face is housed, offers even better ball speed on off-centre hits and enhances overall durability. Taylormade has put a significant amount of research and 

development into the framing of the face, resulting in improved performance throughout the hitting area.

Shaft Options

Taylormade has partnered with renowned shaft manufacturers to offer a variety of options for the Qi10 driver. The Qi10 Ventus TR Blue model comes with Mitsubishi Chemical’s Tensei AV Limited shafts, available in blue and super low launch, low spin black. The Qi10 Max driver features the Speeder EVOLUTION IV TCS shaft, a collaboration between Taylormade and Fujikura. This shaft provides stability in the tip while offering a higher launch and forgiveness. Golfers can also choose the Diamana T Plus shaft for added stability and forgiveness.

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Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia – The Verdict 

The Taylormade Qi10 driver is a game-changer in terms of stability and forgiveness. Whether you prefer the traditional look of the standard model, the speed and control of the LS model, or the maximum forgiveness of the Max model, Taylormade has you covered. With its innovative face technology and a wide range of shaft options, the Qi10 driver is sure to help golfers of all skill levels improve their performance on the course.

Thank you for reading our blog post on the Taylormade Qi10 driver. If you enjoyed this content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and share it with your golfing friends. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and reviews!

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The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver

The NEW TaylorMade Qi10 Driver has Launched, Focusing on Stability and Forgiveness

TaylorMade has unveiled the new Taylormade Qi10 driver for 2024. We recently sat down with Lee Martindale, fitting & product specialist for TaylorMade to get an inside look at this new release which moves away from the previous Stealth naming and focuses more on stability and forgiveness.

What Does Qi10 Stand For?

Qi10 stands for “Quest for Inertia, 10,000”.

Inertia refers to the stability of the club head, while 10,000 refers to the high MOI (moment of inertia) of the Max model which makes it extremely stable even on off-centre strikes.

There are 3 key models of the Qi10 driver:

Standard – Traditional shape and forgiving design perfect for golfers wanting a forgiving yet traditional looking driver.

LS (Low Spin) – Designed for faster swing speeds to optimise launch and reduce spin. An adjustable 18g weight allows biasing the shot for a draw or fade.

To increase speed through aerodynamics, the weight slides and hides into the drivers ‘garage’ system. Essentially under the head to improve air flow. 

As of winter 2023, we saw sneak peeks of this driver used by Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods amongst others! 

Max – This is where Taylormade’s story for 2024 comes to light, the most forgiving model that will fit 95% of golfers.

Extremely high MOI for maximum stability and forgiveness to help find more fairways.

Taylormade have been on the search for a driver that doesn’t have to sacrifice accuracy when searching for distance. With 10k MOI the driver remains incredible stable, even with off-centre strikes, yet with the technology going into the head, including the new ledge system that connects the face to the body with a spring-like effect at impact, you can maintain incredible distance! 

From a design perspective, the 60x Carbon twist face remains the same as it was with Stealth 2, however the appearance is now Blue with a full carbon crown leading into the face, removing the border trim from the Stealth which incredibly appealing on the eye. 

The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver
The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver

Custom Shaft Options Match Models

A new look Taylormade Ventus TR Blue shaft head into the Standard model.

Mitsubishi Tensei shafts optimise the LS for low spin and launch, while the he Max utilises Fujikura’s Speeder NX TCS to maximise stability and forgiveness.

Even more options will be available for custom fitting.

Qi10 Sets Up Well For 2024

The Qi10 driver brings forgiveness and stability to the forefront. Combined with its clean new looks and custom options to optimise every golfer’s needs, TaylorMade seems primed for another successful driver release in 2024.

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Lee from Taylormade fits Alan for a NEW Qi10 driver! Plus reviews and more!
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BMW Championship 2023

It’s time for the BMW Championship 2023, the penultimate FedEx Cup event of the season and one of golf’s more exciting events as the players battle it out to make it to the last 30 players to stand a chance at winning the FedEx Cup and the $18,000,000 first place prize! 

Due to the limited field size, there is no 36-hole cut with only 50 players in the field. Patrick Cantlay has won the 2 previous BMW Championships and will be looking to make it 3 in a row as he currently sits in 5th place in the standings. 

Jon Rahm currently holds a slim lead over USA’s Scottie Scheffler and World Number 2, Rory Mcilroy who sit in 2nd and 3rd respectively. 

Olympia Fields CC

Image Credit - LPGA

The North Course remains steadfastly faithful to Park’s original design, with precious few changes over the decades other than deepened bunkers and additional length. Par for the North Course is 70 strokes played over 7,353 yards with a rating of 76.6 and a slope of 150. The North Course is routed over naturally rolling terrain, and makes liberal use of Butterfield Creek, which winds its way through seven holes, including twice on numbers 12 and 14. The course record is 63, shared by Rickie Fowler and Vijay Singh.

~ ofcc.org

The FedEx Cup

The BMW Championship is one of the three tournaments in the FedExCup Playoffs, which are a series of events that culminate in the crowning of the FedExCup champion. The FedExCup Playoffs consist of The St. Jude Championship, the BMW Championship, and the TOUR Championship. These events are designed to create a tense and exciting end to the PGA TOUR season by bringing together the top golfers based on their performance throughout the season.

The top 70 from the seasons standings will play at the St.Jude Championship, then moving down to 50 in the BMW and the final 30 fighting it out at the Tour Championship.

Current Standings – Top 10

Credit To CBS Golf

St. Jude Championship

Part one of the three part FedEx series was won by Lucas Glover at TPC Southwind in Tennessee as he claimed is second win of the season in consecutive weeks following his win at the Wyndham Championship the previous week. 

Lucas Glover WITB

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Wyndham Clark Wins The US Open

In a stunning display of golf, Wyndham Clark wins the US Open, overcoming a great four day battle mostly lead by Rickie Fowler and Rory Mcilroy.

This remarkable triumph is Wyndham’s first Major victory and only his second tour Victory, however, what makes this win so special is after qualifying for the PGA Tour in the 2018/19 season, Wyndham recorded his first ever tour victory at the Wells Fargo in May of 2023, only one month prior to his first Major. His patience has certainly paid as he has hit his peak form at the perfect time! 

Image Credit: PGA Tour

An intense week of golf at the LA Country Club which stood true to the US Open tradition of fast greens and the toughest of rough to catch out  any player who lost his accuracy.

After a very low scoring Thursday, as expected the course got tougher and scoring stabilised with the headlines being stolen by Rickie Fowler and his welcomed return to form following his 8-under 62 on Thursday was backed up by steady rounds to give him a 54 hole total of -10. 

Always in the mix, but flying more under the radar compared to Rickie was Wyndham Clark who also managed a 54 hole total of -10. With Rory Mcilroy also in the mix, it definitely felt

as though Wyndham was the low key underdog heading into Sunday.

As Sunday came, more noise began on whether Rory Mcilroy could find another Major after a 9 year drought or if Rickie Fowler could complete his return to form with his first Major. Very little noise was on the man who ultimately kept his cool and took home the 123rd US Open with an incredible final round. Although he was under pressure from Rory until the final putt on 18, Wyndham continued to do his job so well and claim his first Major. 

WITB

#TEAM TITLEIST

Driver: Titleist TSi3 9º

3-Wood: Taylormade Stealth 2 15º

Utility: T200 3 iron

Irons: 620 CB 4 iron-9 iron

Wedges: SM9 46.10F, 52.12F, 56.10S WW 60A

Putter: Odyssey Jailbird Versa

Ball: Pro V1x

 

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Rory Mcilroy’s Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver

As we enter another week of PGA Tour golf, Rory Mcilroy prepares to win his 3rd successive RBC Canadian Open.

With some noise this year about his form with the long stick and how he preferred the former Stealth driver, we will take a look at Rory Mcilroy’s Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver. 

WITB

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15 degrees @13)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (18 degrees @16)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X

Irons: TaylorMade P760 (3, 4) TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-PW)
Shaft: Project X 7.0

Wedges: TaylorMade MG3 Raw (54), WedgeWorks Proto (58 @59)
Shafts: Project X 6.5

Putter: Scotty Cameron 009M prototype

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Earlier in the season following a poor spell with the driver, Rory was questioned about why he couldn’t ‘crack’ the new driver.

Rory: “Yeah, obviously I went to that new driver in Riviera, and it’s just not…Look, I wish I could use my driver from last year, but I can’t just because of — you use a driver for so long, and it starts to get a little too…basically, it just wouldn’t pass the test.”

Since then he has made some changes after vigorous testing and a change to his shaft. Learn more about his driver in our video below. 

Ensure your clubs are right for you, as at AFGolfStore we offer a FREE custom fitting service to ensure you’re maximising performance. 

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Rory Ends The Season On A High: WITB

Rory Mcilroy ended the FEDEX season on a high as he won the Tour Championship and captured his 3rd FEDEX Cup, the first player to do so! 

Mcilroy rallied back on Sunday to close his 6-shot deficit to take a 1-shot lead and beat arguably the player of the season, Scottie Scheffler. 

Another weekend of great golf from Rory, which has become a theme this season and hopefully a sign of things to come for next seasons Majors! Let’s take a look at what was in his bag this week.

WITB

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (9º)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Titanium (15º)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kai’li White 80 TX

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19º)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X

Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (3-9)
Shaft: Project X 7.0

Wedges: TaylorMade MG3 Raw (46-09, 54-13, 60-07)
Shafts: Project X 6.5

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Hydro Blast
Grip: SuperStroke Pistol GT

Ball: 2021 TaylorMade TP5x

Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Interested in trying out the Stealth range from Taylormade in a FREE custom fitting? 

We have the full range ready to test along with a wide range of custom shafts to ensure your spec is met and we enhance your performance.

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WIN A Playing Lesson From Rory Mcilroy!

Imagine getting to not only watch Rory McIlroy up close and personal but to also get advice in a playing lesson from the man himself. 

Well there is a chance! Now through to October 17th, if you purchase any Taylormade Stealth driver with us, you will be put into a nationwide draw to win a FREE playing lesson with Rory.

Second place isn’t bad either, with 100 dozen TP5 golf balls! 

HOW TO WIN?

This offer applies in any of our stores until October 17th. 

If you’re interested in getting a new driver, then please start with a FREE custom fitting, not only to ensure Stealth is your best fit, but also to ensure we match your spec with the best head, shaft and grip combo. 

BOOK A FREE FITTING HERE

LEARN ABOUT THE STEALTH DRIVER