Cleveland Golf Blog

This week marks the first full-field PGA Tour event of 2012 – the Sony Open in Hawaii at Honolulu’s Waialae Country Club. It’s always a pleasure to start the season off at one of the most amazing places on Tour.

This year, Cleveland Golf and Srixon have a tremendous staff of professionals competing on the PGA Tour. It’s a great mix of accomplished veterans, some youngsters that have already more than proven themselves, and an extremely talented group of young rookies eager to show what they can do.

It’s always a blast to see rookies prepare for their debut as PGA Tour members, and this week is no different. I dare say this class has the potential to do some amazing things – even right out of the gate during the West Coast Swing. This is an important time for rookies to do well since the first “reshuffle” occurs right after the West Coast events, meaning enough prize money before the reshuffle gives them better entry status into tournaments as the year progresses.

Keep an eye on these rookies representing Cleveland Golf/Srixon inside the ropes:

Charlie Beljan: The 28-year-old resident of Mesa, Ariz., first made headlines by winning the 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur, and after dominating the Gateway Tour in Arizona the last few seasons, he gained PGA Tour exempt status by tying for 13th at Qualifying School. The University of New Mexico graduate hits it forever and has great touch around the greens. Look for Charlie playing the Srixon Z-STAR Tour Yellow golf ball. He’s a tremendous believer in its benefits.

Russell Knox: A 25-year-old native of Inverness, Scotland, Knox is a phenomenal ball striker who finished 12th on the 2011 Nationwide Tour money list to earn his card. Russell, now a resident of Jacksonville, Fla., won last year’s Chiquita Classic and ranked inside the top 10 for the year in both driving accuracy and greens in regulation. Waialae sets up great for Russell’s precision game, so don’t be surprised to see him get off to a great start here.

Jason Kokrak: Expect the 25-year-old Kokrak to contend for the PGA Tour’s driving distance title. The Charlotte, N.C., resident powered his way to a fourth-place finish on the 2011 Nationwide money list with victories at the Albertsons Boise Open and Miccosukee Championship. There just aren’t many people that will ever hit it by Jason, who had a Nationwide-leading driving average of 318.9 yards. He simply overpowers most golf courses and combines that with some great putting.

Ted Potter, Jr.: When Ted gets in his groove, he’s a lot of fun to watch. The 28-year-old Ocala, Fla., native nearly won the 2011 Nationwide Tour money title, winning the South Georgia Classic and Soboba Golf Classic to finish second. The left-hander might be the most aggressive player you’ll ever see – there’s rarely a pin he won’t shoot at. And, get this – Russell Knox says Potter is the best he’s seen play in person.

It’s hard to believe that at this time last year, Keegan Bradley was in the exact same position as the above foursome. Now, Bradley is a star, joining David Toms and Vijay Singh as Cleveland Golf/Srixon major champions on the PGA Tour.

Keegan and Toms began their years at Kapalua last week for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. A closing 65 and an impressive week of ball striking netted Bradley a 16th-place finish, and he’s excited for what’s to come. “Ball-striking wise, it was one of the best four days combined I’ve had in my professional career,” he said.

D.T. is a little down after his LSU Tigers laid an egg in Monday night’s BCS National Championship Game, but playing two events in Hawaii is always good medicine. He won the Sony Open back in 2006 and always feels he has a chance to win at Waialae.

Vijay says he’s healthier than he’s been in quite a few years and is really excited about this season. He switched up his practice routine a little bit this offseason, incorporating more time playing golf on the golf course – something he’s never done very much of. He was in great spirits this week and looking forward to playing a course where he won in 2005.

Singh is one of many Cleveland/Srixon players gaming the new Classic driver at Sony. Players are raving about the look, feel, and performance of our latest offering. We’ve been blown away by some of the numbers we’ve seen in testing, and the guys are seeing similar results on the course.

The new 588 Forged wedges and irons have been phenomenal as well. Almost every staffer has already switched into the irons, and the wedges have been adopted by more players in a shorter amount of time than any wedge we have ever introduced.

Needless to say, the word “feel” has been uttered a lot lately. While most players have some experience with forged irons, our guys have been blown away by the difference our Precision Forging process can make in the feel of a wedge. The equipment lineup for 2012 is simply phenomenal, and our players’ early adoption of the products is proof.

Check out some pics below of our players’ new equipment and their 2012 staff bags, and check back next week for another Tour Report.

–Michael Jolly, Cleveland Golf/Srixon Tour Representative

Til Next Week…

Charlie Beljan’s Bag:

Jerry Kelly’s Bag:

Jeff Overton and Ted Potter, Jr.’s Bags:

Cleveland Golf would like to congratulate Keegan Bradley on being named the 2011 PGA Tour Rookie Of The Year! The award was announced Tuesday from PGA Tour Headquarters in Florida by PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem.

Keegan’s rookie campaign is sure to be talked about for years to come. The clear highlight of his season – and of his career to date – was the dramatic come-from-behind PGA Championship win at Atlanta Athletic Club in August. Being five shots down with just three holes to play didn’t rattle the 25-year-old St. John’s University alum, as he made stunning birdies on holes 16 and 17 to hold a share of the lead at the end of regulation. When the dust settled following the ensuing three-hole playoff, Bradley was indeed the PGA Champion, becoming only the third player ever to win in his first major start.

Before the PGA Championship, Keegan broke through with a playoff triumph at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in May for his first career PGA Tour victory. The native of Woodstock, Vt., capped his two-win regular season with a pair of off-season wins, one at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda in October and another this month at the Franklin Templeton Shootout in Florida.

All told, he ranked 13th on the money list with $3,758,600. Not bad for someone who had never competed in a PGA Tour event prior to 2011.

“I’m thrilled to win the Rookie of the Year,” Bradley said “it’s an award you can only win one time, that you only get one chance to win. It’s a huge honor.”

Because of his accolades inside the ropes, Bradley, a devout New England sports fan who now resides in Jupiter, Fla., was selected to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park prior to a Boston Red Sox game and handle the pre-game coin toss for a New England Patriots game at Gillette Stadium. Keegan even received a congratulatory text from Patriots Super Bowl MVP quarterback and childhood hero Tom Brady, who said he’d like to tee it up with Bradley following the NFL season.

So congrats on a great year, Keegan!  May it be the first of many!

How does Keegan Bradley build on the success of his breakthrough 2011 PGA Tour season?

He keeps on winning.

The 25-year-old Cleveland Golf staffer teamed with Brendan Steele to capture the Franklin Templeton Shootout by three shots over the weekend at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla.

Bradley, a Tour rookie who has also won the PGA Championship, HP Byron Nelson Championship and PGA Grand Slam of Golf in 2011, notched his fourth victory of the year by relying on the proven performance of new 588 Forged Wedges and the amazing distance technology of the new Classic Driver.

The Classic Driver, which takes on the look of an old persimmon wood, has some serious style to it. The dark mahogany and gold finish allows for easy alignment off the tee, and an old-fashioned RetroBarrel headcover is sure to make the rest of your foursome extremely jealous. However, the Classic is not all about aesthetics. The 460cc club head has an incredibly deep face and MaxCOR2 technology, which promotes a hot, penetrating trajectory – even on off-center shots. It’s fueled by Ultralite Technology and the inclusion of a premium graphite shaft from Miyazaki, giving the golfer increased swing speed with the same swing effort for more distance off the tee.

Needless to say, Bradley is enamored with Cleveland’s newest driver offering.  We were able to catch up with Keegan last week, here is what he has to say about the club:

Keegan was also gaming 52- and 58-degree models of Cleveland’s new 588 Forged Wedges. Originally introduced in 1988 as Cleveland’s fifth wedge design, the 588 has a versatile, confidence-inspiring shape that’s the standard by which all other wedges are judged. The new 588 Forged maintains that shape while adding the soft, solid feel made possible by Precision Forging and increasing spin thanks to Tour Zip Grooves, Laser Milled technology and the Tour Concept Wedge Shaft.

The 588 Forged Wedge is available now at leading retailers and at clevelandgolf.com. It’s also available as a completely customizable club via the interactive My Custom Wedge website.

What do you think of the new products? How excited are you to see what Keegan can do in 2012?

This week was an exciting one for us on Tour! Our staffers were introduced to our new 588 Forged line of wedges and irons. Although our staffs are involved throughout the design process, this was their first opportunity to see the finished product. The feedback was nothing short of spectacular.

Common words used this week to describe the wedges were: pure, money, sweet, sooo soft, classic, and SIIICCCKK! Players got what they expected in the shape, after all, it is a 588. While we knew the Precision Forging would bring an unprecedented feel to this classic shape, we could not have predicted the amount of positive comments regarding the feel compared to its predecessor and competition!

We also introduced two sets of 588 Forged irons to our staffers this week. The comments on these pretty much mirrored those about the wedges. Staffer and 2010 Ryder Cupper Jeff Overton was the lucky recipient of the very first set of 588 MBs, and put them in play right away! He commented repeatedly about the feel and flight of this set–we are excited to get his thoughts following his first competitive tourney with them.

Finally, we also debuted a couple additions to our Mashie Family this week. Our staffers got the opportunity to test the brand new Mashie Fairway and re-designed hybrid for 2012. They both feature Gliderails on the sole and time and time again players were amazed at the lies they were able to hit solid shots from with both the Fairway and Hybrid.

Overall, it was a successful week of product debuts. 17 new 588 Forged wedges, 1 set of 588 Forged MBs, and 3 new Mashies were put into play for this week’s event.

Next week, we will do more testing with the rest of our staff and gather some feedback from those that put new product in play this week!

One last note: Greame McDowell put his new 588 Forged wedges into play in Europe this week and finished T3rd at the Dunhill Links Championship!  Congrats on a great week, GMac!

David Toms has become a hot commodity again on the PGA Tour. At the time of this interview, he sits in 8th place in the FedEx Cup race and 5th on the Tour Money List. Toms, who is gearing up for the US Open at Congressional, took the time to talk on his win at Colonial, his surge in virtually all major stats, and family.

Can you start with a general statement on the tournament? What it means for you to win the Colonial?

“It was my most gratifying win. I know I have won a major, a World Golf Championship and in my home state, but with it being several years since my last win and with everything that happened in the last couple of weeks, it was very special. Colonial is my favorite course on Tour and a tournament that I’ve really enjoyed through the years.”

Opening the tournament with 4 straight 31′s and opening a 7 shot lead after two days, what was going through your head on Friday night?

“I didn’t realize it actually happened until I signed my card late Friday evening. That is the first time it hit me that I shot four 31s. My head was spinning all week from all that I had been through. I knew I was playing well and I just wanted to keep it up.”

How did your outlook on the weekend change from the beginning of the day on Saturday, to the end of the day on Saturday?

“It was an emotional roller coaster. I really do think it was the best thing for me to lose lead and then play from behind. I felt like I had been leading a golf tournament for 2 full weeks dating back to The PLAYERS. It was nice to be able to have a different mindset.”

Would you consider the eagle on 11 the turning point in the final round for you?

“Absolutely. Charlie made a nice birdie after my eagle, but then he made bogey on the next hole and the separation started. But it all began with the eagle.”

T4th in Driving accuracy, T4th in GIR and 1st in putting… Was there any part of your game that you didn’t feel comfortable with this week?

“I felt really good. I felt like it was just a continuation from The Players. I tried to get out of my own way and let it happen.”

This year (at the time of the interview) you are 2nd in GIR, 2nd in total putting and 4th in scoring average. Did you change anything in the offseason that leads to these stellar numbers?

“I didn’t really change anything, but I think I now have a better understanding of where the bad shots are coming from and I’m able to correct them pretty easily.”

Can you talk a little bit about your Dinero putter?

“I have gone back and forth between grip sizes, but as far as the putter I’ve used the same design all season. It feels great and it has a simple look, which I like. It will be in my bag again next week in Memphis.”

We saw the family run out to greet you on 18, how did you celebrate last night?

“We had a little quite time with the family at our house when we got back.  We looked at my schedule for rest of year and just reflected on the past few weeks. We were all very thankful for the win.”

Last question…. Can we negotiate a contract for Carter’s (son) hat rights?!?!

“He drives a hard bargain, but I hear he is open to any offers.”

How do you like Toms’ chances at Colonial this year?

Readers, I have a little tour news for you this week before we kick off the coverage from the PGA Merchandise Show. I was able to make a quick trip down to Torrey Pines on Monday to meet with some of our Tour Staffers before the Farmers Insurance Open. I was expecting to cover a little bit of everything from the putting green to the driving range to the course. What I found was, when I asked players what they were most excited about this year, they really wanted to talk about one thing in particular: The Never Compromise Gambler.

I spoke with three different players about their new flat stick while I was there, and let me tell you: I have never seen smiles so big on so many faces when talking about golf clubs. The first person I caught up with was Boo Weekley, who is coming off of two pretty good weeks to start the year and is on record already talking about how much he loves the putter. Boo said: “It’s good, its real solid that’s for sure. When you set it down it just looks good, it lines up perfect. It’s real easy to get it square, then all you have to do is stroke it. I’m looking forward to playing some good golf, a lot of good golf with this putter.”

Right after I got done talking to Boo, Steve Marino walked up. Marino is also starting the season hot with the putter. He said: “I picked it up Tuesday before the Sony Open and just went with it. Obviously it has been working because I have been putting better. It has great weight and great feel, and I have been looking to try something new for a while, and the new design is just awesome. It’s just so good.”

Kent Jones was also at the putting green, working with a new Never Compromise Prototype. Although I can’t put up pictures of Jones’ putter I can tell you that he said “It’s a whole new ball game with this putter.”

Check out the Never Compromise facebook page to see more pictures of the putting green at Torrey Pines.

Also, make sure to follow us this week on facebook and twitter for all the latest Cleveland and NC news from the PGA Merchandise Show.

Readers, more exciting news for you today. Cleveland Golf/Srixon will be unveiling new product live at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando next week! Now, as you readers may recall, I am still relatively early in my tenure here at CG, having only started full time in August. So this will be my first PGA Show, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I will be providing live, firsthand knowledge from the show this year, through multiple outlets. You can follow me for up to the minute info on twitter (@ClevelandGolf), you can catch our updates on facebook, or you can just get the recap at the end of all three days through this blog.

The show specifics are:
Wednesday, January 26th: Demo Day
Thursday, January 27th: Day One of Floor Show
Friday, January 28th: Day Two of Floor Show

I am encouraging each of you to ask as many questions as possible, as I will be walking around talking to product managers, brand managers, executives, and even some tour players! I will be your eyes and ears from the PGA Show, so tell me what you want to see and hear!

Readers, we have so much exciting news today I do not know where to begin! First and foremost: Cleveland Golf is proud to welcome Jeff Overton to our team next year. Overton, a member of the United States’ 2010 Ryder Cup team, is coming off a career year with three second place and two third place finishes.  Overton also boasts the unique distinction of being one of only two Americans ever to make it onto the U.S. Ryder Cup team without having won on the PGA Tour.

“Jeff is an extremely talented player who is an ideal fit for our staff,” said Greg Hopkins, CEO of Cleveland® Golf/Srixon. “It’s always exciting for us to have a rising star, playing the best golf of his young career, choose to play our products and want be a part of our team. We’re thrilled to have him represent Cleveland Golf.”

Overton, who has risen from mid-west obscurity to become one of the PGA Tour’s brightest prospects, posted a career-best six top-10 finishes in 2010, beginning with a runner-up finish at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. In 2010, Overton was also a runner-up at the HP Byron Nelson Championship and the inaugural Greenbrier Classic, as well as the 2007 Wyndham Championship.

“Cleveland Golf is the perfect match to help support me both on and off the course,” said Overton. “Cleveland Golf’s passion for their players and brand was very appealing to me. I am grateful for Cleveland Golf’s belief in me and I am really excited for the 2011 season.”

Overton, who was born in Evansville, Indiana, attended Indiana University, where he graduated in 2005 with a degree in Sports Marketing and Management. He turned pro in 2005, graduated from Q-School in his first attempt and started to play on the Tour in 2006. Overton will play Cleveland® woods, irons and wedges, while wearing a Cleveland® hat and carrying a Cleveland® bag.

Secondly, Golf Digest released the Drivers portion of the Hot List today, and Cleveland Golf has been awarded a Gold Ranking! The rest of the results have yet to be released, but we are extremely pleased with the early results. Check out the article here: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/hot-list/2011-02/photos-hot-list-drivers#slide=3

A few weeks ago we gave you readers an introduction to the schedule of PGA Tour QSchool.  We are proud to say that 28 Cleveland Staffers have advanced to the Second Stage.  I was able to catch up with a few of our staffers and get some of their thoughts on the stresses of the process and what they are looking forward to the most in the next few weeks and months.

How many times have you been to QSchool?

“Only once previously.” – Adam Hadwin

“This is my fourth time at QSchool, I have made it to second stage three of the four years.”  – Charlie Beljan

“This is my 4th time (3rd time to 2nd stage)” – Russell Knox

“This is my first time.” – Will Wilcox more

Hi Readers.  I wanted to talk to you briefly about Professional Golf’s most grueling process–PGA Tour Qualifying School.  Cleveland Golf/Srixon will have a large number of Developmental Staffers that will begin the grind in just a couple weeks in hopes of reaching their ultimate goal…The PGA Tour.  The tough part about QSchool is that your year kind of comes down to three tournaments (1st, 2nd, 3rd stage).  Regardless of how much you won or lost on various developmental tours or in college throughout the year, you start QSchool at exactly the same spot (When I say same spot I am definitely not referring to where a player may be mentally based on his good or bad play through the year–that is a different matter all together).  It goes without saying that successfully navigating through isn’t easy.  We will be updating this Post over the next couple months as we follow our staffers as they advance from stage to stage. Here is QSchool by the numbers:

First Stage — begins October 19th.

• 13 sites
• approximately 78 players at each site (over 1000 players)
• 72 holes
• 450 plus ties will advance

Second Stage

• 5 sites
• approximately 78 players at each site (around 450 players)
• 72 holes
• 156 players plus ties will advance

Final Stage

• played at Orange County National Golf Club, Winter Garden, FL
• 108 holes (6 Rounds)
• Top 25 and ties will get their PGA Tour Card
• all players 26 and below will get some sort of status on the PGA Nationwide Tour

Check back here for updates on how our Staffers are progressing!

You can get more information on PGA Tour Qualifying School at http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/