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The Hottest Clubs Of 2023

The Hottest Golf Clubs of 2023

It’s that time of year again where we begin to reflect on the most popular equipment choices of the year.

Rob from AF Golf Store Cambridge gives his take on some of the hottest clubs he’s fit players for so far this year. Here’s a rundown of the brands and models he’s seeing excel across all club categories.

Kicking off the hottest golf clubs of 2023 is the driver. Rob has been really impressed with the Callaway Paradym driver family. With 3 head options to fit differing needs and an adjustable hosel sleeve, this driver has been a great fit for many golfers. Plus there is a wide range of shaft offerings.

The look, feel, and performance have been great for a range of player abilities. The adjustability makes fine-tuning launch conditions a breeze.

Paradym X, Paradym and Paradym triple diamond are the three offerings with a driver to suit every player from improvers needing to stop the dreaded slice through to high level golfers who require a low spin more precise club.

The Titleist TSR fairway woods (TSR 1, 2, 3 models) also got high marks from Rob. There’s something for everyone here with multiple designs to alter launch and spin.

Low to high swing speeds are covered, and the adjustable hosels allow for dialing in proper gapping. Titleist have also created an additional head for the season in the TSR2+ which is a deeper head and lower loft to help those golfers who struggle with driver. More precision can be found here. 

Staying within the Titleist family, Rob pointed to the TSR hybrids for their forgiveness and ability to shape shots. Weight screws on the sole on the TSR 3 hybrid promote workability and the loft sleeves allow the hybrids to be precisely gapped with the irons.

As for Irons, Rob could look no further than Ping’s new G430 irons which he says shine for improving players that need extra forgiveness and launch.

By strengthening lofts and adding an extra wedge compared to traditional sets, the G430 promotes optimal gapping and ball flight. 

A wide range of shaft and grip options enables a fully customised fit.

TaylorMade’s MG4 wedges impressed Rob with their well-rounded performance for both feel and spin. The variety of grinds and bounce options dial in wedge play, while maintaining ball speeds thanks to progressive groove optimisation. The new spin tread technology angles micro grooves at 45º between the main grooves to enhance spin and grip, particularly in wet conditions.

The top putter pick was the Odyssey Versa family.

The alignment aids on the rear help optimise aim, and the insert and Stroke Lab shaft improve consistency. With all the fitting options, there’s a Versa model suited for any stroke type.

2023 has been a great year for golf equipment. Get fitted and dial in your game with some of these great club releases! 

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Trade In, Trade Up At AFGolfStore Peterborough

Trade In, Trade Up At AFGolfStore Peterborough

AFGolfStore Peterborough is a one-stop shop for all your golfing needs, located in the Eagle Business Park in Yaxley, the store offers a wide range of golf clubs, apparel, shoes, and accessories from all the leading brands and in October it’s Trade In, Trade Up at AFGolfStore Peterborough.

What really sets AFGolfStore Peterborough apart is its custom fitting service.

The store is equipped with TrackMan technology and a putting green supported by SAMPutt Lab, allowing expert fitters to help you find the perfect clubs for your swing.

With 9 club brands available for fitting, 6 of which we build on site, you are sure to find one of the multiple head models that works for you, along with a shaft from our expansive selection to start gaining those specific needs you crave. 

Your fitter will take you through the process at ease, taking away all the stresses of finding the clubs and just allowing you to hit balls whilst they do the work!

Each brand typically has anywhere from 3 to 8 different models of iron to try, giving every level of golfer a model to suit them, from elite player profile irons to game improvers offering ultimate forgiveness. 

In October 2023, it’s Trade In, Trade Up at AFGolfStore Peterborough. We are offering our trade up service, which gives any golfer a minimum offer of £100 on their old irons when they buy a new set (6 iron set).

For many golfers who have had their equipment for a long time this deal is a great opportunity to save big. 

Check out some of our latest iron reviews:

What Can I Expect From A Fitting?

Our fitting process for irons is typically 60 minutes. Your fitter will get to know you, your swing and your equipment as well as what you like the look of and prefer. 

We will begin by getting data on your current clubs, this will allow us to understand which models will suit you along with shaft flex and setup.

You will try multiple options so there is no bias and you leave knowing you tried all the relevant options. 

Following the fitting, you will have narrowed the search down to the all important clubs along with shaft, specifications to match and the preferred grip. We also have other customisation options that out fitter’s will discuss, but it’s important to know there is no obligation!

Book Today! 

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Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – The Ryder Cup

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is host to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, where Europe will look to claim back the Ryder Cup on home soil after a painful defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021. 

Home to the last 3 Italian Opens, Marco Simone has been a happy hunting ground for many, in particular 2 of the current European Team. 

Credit: Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Nicolai Højgaard and Robert MacIntyre have both been victorious at Marco Simone in recent years at the Italian Open and will be hoping to take advantage of those fond memories against the U.S team. 

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club feature an 18- & 9-hole course. It is located in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy, about 30 kilometers from Rome. 

The club was designed by Jim Fazio and opened in 1994. It was completely renovated by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design in 2018 to prepare for the Ryder Cup. The course is known for its challenging layout, rolling hills, and stunning views of the Italian countryside.

Credit: Sportsfile via The Sun

The course has a selection of incredible long and short holes with the thick rough and blind shots not to mention the huge bunkers that will need to be avoided.  Add in the high temperatures that are currently being experiences and you have a test like no other. 

Well documented in recent weeks is the height and thickness of the rough which like Le Golf National in France, 5 years ago, will pose the biggest punishment for wayward tee shots. 

The course isn’t the longest, therefore if Europe are to beat USA, then straight drives are a must! 

The most played driver on Team Europe is the Taylormade Stealth 2, which is not only big hitting but more forgiving! 

However we stock and fit all the club brands chosen by the 24 players in Rome this week! Book your FREE fitting in any of our stores today! 

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Taylormade Spider Tour Putters

The long loved putter has been upgraded and it is BACK. The Taylormade Spider Tour Putters are here with 4 heads in the range.

The models include the Spider Tour which has been a much loved classic over the years, used by players such as Dustin Johnson and Jason Day. The Spider Tour V  and Tour Z are new models with the Tour X being reintroduced and inspired by Rory Mcilroy.

The features include:

  • Thin Wall Undercut Construction that offers a super stable structure with high MOI and the classic spider performance. 
  • Steel Wireframe controls improved weight distribution and CG locations.
  • Hybrar Echo Dampener is behind the face to take away any vibrations on impact offering great sound and feel.
  • The CG location in each Spider model is different for optimal fitting options.
  • TSS Weighting balances the weight of the putter in different lengths.
  • The finish is fantastic with gunmetal PVD coating.
  • True Path Alignment is the patented system which provides a great visual in helping golfers in alignment.
  • The Pure Roll insert offers a great, soft feel. The grooves are angled at 45º to encourage optimal forward roll as well as better sound, feel and overall roll.
  • The Spider Tour Series comes with two different hosel shapes and designs with the small slant offering more toe hang and the double bend increasing face balance.

The putter is finished off beautifully with the KBS CT Putter Black PVD Stepless shaft and Super Stroke Pistol GT1.0 White grip.

Keep an eye out as the putter is landing in stores very soon!

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Taylormade MG4 Wedges Have Arrived

Taylormade MG4 Wedges Have arrived! An update on the MG3, however only subtle changes separate the MG4 with previous models and that’s because the Milled Grind series have been so well received that it’s not necessary to change much. 

The head shape and overall design are mostly untouched, with the milled grind sole visually the same as MG3. 

The big difference in 2023, compared to the 2021 model is the face. In 2021, Taylormade introduced their micro-rib design to increase spin. In 2023 there is now micro-groove called ‘spin tread grooves’ set at 45º to enhance spin with a square and open club face, so greenside control is increased. 

That’s not all, the new groove pattern reduces water affecting strike during wet conditions. 

MG3
MG4

Spin Tread Grooves

Deep laser etching between the grooves provides a channel for the water to escape upon impact, maintaining spin in wet conditions.

Increased Flange Thickness

This design offers improved sound and feel on shots struck across the face.

Raw Face

The raw surface and toe area works in conjunction
with the new Spin Tread Grooves to provide the best spin properties in wet conditions.

Tour Inspired Shape

The reshaped top line, leading edge and hosel blend to create a smoother and fuller look for improved shot making.

Lighter Weight Tour Issue Shaft

A light True Temper Tour Issue 115g shaft helps generate more feel.

Machined Sole

A fully machined sole ensures the exact grind and bounce geometry every time.

The MG4 launch comes a matter of days after the P790 was released and we believe the two will blend perfectly in a set. 

The MG4 comes with 3 bounce and 3 grind options as standard as well as the TW Tiger Grind. Also available in Chrome or Black finish. 

It is now available in our fitting studios as well as our build centre where we can match in the shafts from your irons into the new wedge options. 

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The 2023 Taylormade P790

The new 2023 TaylorMade P790 iron has been released and is an upgrade on the 2021 model in a lot of ways.

The P Series range is one the most successful TaylorMade product range and after the P770 was upgraded last year they have taken one of their most popular irons, the P790 and given it a facelift.

FEATURES

FLTD CG™ FLTD CG strategically positions the centre of gravity lowest in the long irons and progressively shifts higher throughout the set. Precise mass distribution enhances launch and playability in long irons while providing improved control for scoring clubs. This improves your strike and outcome in every iron as the CG is strategically moved to suit the club.

Individual Mass Optimisation

The 2023 P•790 irons feature advanced thick-thin back wall construction, strategically redistributing mass to enhance performance. Each iron is uniquely designed using proprietary AI mass optimization, placing every gram strategically to achieve specific performance goals.

Intelligent Sweet Spot

Combining the responsive face and new internal shaping yields a new P•790™ designed to have a larger sweet spot, a remarkable advance from the early generations of P•790. This new sweet spot intelligently captures more shots while ensuring consistent ball speeds and accuracy.

Optimal Launch And Forgiveness

The new generation of P·790 is engineered to deliver optimal launch, increased forgiveness and enhanced consistency. The new internal weighting structure combines with proven technologies such as the forged L-Face, Speed Pocket™ and up to 38g of tungsten.

Premium Feel

The all new internal sound stabilization bar combined with ultra light SpeedFoam Air™

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Has Dustin Johnson Got A New Putter?

When you think of Dustin Johnson, you immediately think Taylormade and for many years now he has been strolling the greens with a Spider putter in his hands but it appears there is a change in the bag, Has Dustin Johnson got a new putter?

On July 8th AFGolfStore visited the Centurion Golf Club for the 2023 LIV London event. With some of the world’s best golfers in action we were keen to familairise ourselves with some of the fan favourites including 2 time Major Champion, Dustin Johnson who appeared to have replaced the Spider putter he’s become known for using to a new Taylormade model. 

TAYLORMADE RESERVE

With Taylormade recently announcing the launch of their new premium putter range to rival the likes of Scotty Cameron, it would appear DJ is now playing the M21 edition.

An elevated Tour-proven design that delivers high MOI performance and elegant aesthetics. Sharp geometric lines reflect the technical precision of this classic mallet.

P SERIES SOHO FROM LA GOLF

As one of the lead ambassadors for LA Golf it is no surprise to see Dustin rocking a P Series shaft along with his own DJ series driver shaft.

Breaking Boundaries –LA Golf’s engineers developed a shaft-over-hosel putter offering. The first of its kind, the SoHo provides the same level of stability as the traditional P-Series and accentuates feel, removes undesirable vibration, and reduces putter head oscillation.

Putting analysis software has proven that torsional deflection occurs on longer putts. The P-Series reduces unwanted deflection, keeping your putt from deviating from its intended line.

Play Video

WATCH HERE: Check out the putter in action as DJ holes out for birdie in round 2 on his way to a round of six under par.

7 birdies on a storm threatened Saturday puts DJ 6 shots back on Cameron Smith going into the final round. 

The Taylormade TP Reserve series of putters are coming to store soon and can be customised the way you want as we have putter shafts of your choice including the P-Series from LA Golf available. 

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Taylormade TP Reserve Putters Coming To Milton Keynes

TaylorMade TP Reserve putters are coming to Milton Keynes. Offered in a FREE AFGolfStore custom fitting, these putters are precision milled from a single block of 303 stainless steel, and they feature a variety of innovative technologies that are designed to improve your putting performance.

Offering an advanced premium look and feel to its predecessor the new collection of putters offers 3 blade and 3 mallet styles with a range of neck types to suit your stroke. L Neck, Slant Neck, Single Bend Neck and Flow Neck. 

In a custom fitting at AFGolfStore Milton Keynes, you can expect an indoor putting experience on our SAM Putt Lab green. 

The SAM PuttLab is a motion analysis system that tracks the kinematics of the putting stroke. It can be used to measure a variety of factors, including the clubface angle at impact, the putter path, and the stroke tempo. Our expert fitting team, assisted by SAM will be able to not only offer improvements to your current putter and techniques but also recommend the right putter for you.

From neck type which will affect the weighting of your putter, increasing or decreasing toe-hang to the putter head shape. With the new Taylormade TP Reserve range of putters, you have plenty of choice to find a putter than suits you. 

THE MODELS

B11 & B13

Clean, geometric shaping to fit the calculated putting mind. Precise edges and sharp lines help frame the ball while inspiring confidence.

Offered in the L Neck (Plumbers) with 38º of toe hang or Small Slant with 57º toe hang.

B29

Smooth, flowing lines as if nature shaped this steel purely for the purpose of putting. Expect exceptional feel and consistent roll time after time.

Offered in a Flow Neck with 52º of toe hang

B31

Art requires imagination. We have reinvented this classic TaylorMade shape by shaving away material behind center face to create perfectly balanced wings on the heel and toe – dispersing weight to the perimeter for enhanced MOI. It is the only TP Reserve blade to feature the premium sole plate for enhanced sound and feel.

Offered in L Neck with 34º toe hang

 

M21 & M27

An elevated Tour-proven design that delivers high MOI performance and elegant aesthetics. Sharp geometric lines reflect the technical precision of this classic mallet.

Offered in L Neck with 21º of toe hang or single bend with 10º of toes hang.

M33 & M37

This shape is new to the TaylorMade family, offering a circular design that appeals to the golfer’s inner creativity. Its premium sole badge offers artisanship and function, helping to optimize sound and feel.

Offered in Small Slant Neck with 33º toe hang or Single Bend with 12º of toe hang.

M47

A flawless piece of steel crafted into a performance mallet that inspires the putting purist. Its premium sole badge offers artisanship and function, helping to optimize sound and feel.

Offered in single bend with 15º of toe hang.

Every TP Reserve putter is precision balanced to optimise swing weight and feel based on the length of the putter. They are all made to meet the demands of golfers who expect best-in-class sound and feel. Machined face grooves deliver the finest performance for the most discerning players.

The new putters will be available for custom fitting this August and will first arrive at AFGolfStore Milton Keynes, followed by our Peterborough and Cambridge stores. 

Book a FREE putter fitting today in your nearest store.

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The Best Irons In 2023

It’s a question all of our club fitters get asked. What is your favourite golf club? In this blog, AFGolfStore Cambridge Master club fitter and Taylormade ambassador, Mark Sturgess discusses the best irons in 2023… or correctly put, his favourite 3 irons to custom fit.

TAYLORMADE P790

An iron is more than metal. It’s the result of countless hours of research, testing and player feedback. From concept to delivery, every step is taken with one goal in mind. Delivering results when you need them the most. The new P•790, where our metal meets your mettle. Experience them yourself and discover the player they’ll push you to become.

PING G430

Your shot making and your confidence will be sky high with the G430, which combines a lower CG with stronger lofts and a thinner face that deliver faster ball speed and significant distance gains without compromising PING’s famous forgiveness. The PurFlex cavity badge contributes to our longest iron ever.

MIZUNO JPX 923 HOT METAL HL

Introducing Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL Iron, For golfers who want to want to hit gently and who have a slow head speed and cannot lift the ball. 

Packed with ultimate forgiveness and incredible power.