News
Charl Schwartzel switches to PXG (Update: In-hand pics)
2011 Masters champion and 14-time winner globally, Charl Schwartzel is abandoning his Nike equipment on the eve of the British Open and switching to PXG, the company announced today.
The unexpected, and perhaps unprecedented, mid-season, week-before-a-major defection, will result in Schwartzel playing an unspecified amount of PXG equipment at Royal Troon. He last teed it up at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks ago with an all-Nike bag, finishing tied for seventh.
In-hand photos of the PXG clubs Schwartzel has in the bag at the Open Championship.
“From clubs to club maker, I feel like PXG is behind me,” said Schwartzel. “They have taken an interest in all aspects of my game and are committed to helping me play the best golf of my life. I had the opportunity to speak with Bob Parsons and his enthusiasm for the game of golf and golf equipment is infectious.”
Schwartzel joins a growing stable at the upstart equipment company. PXG’s professional staff includes PGA Tour players Zach Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Billy Horschel, Chris Kirk, Ryan Moore, James Hahn and Charles Howell III, Champions Tour golfer Rocco Mediate, and LPGA players Cristie Kerr, Gerina Piller, Alison Lee, Beatriz Recari and Sadena Parks.
Update: Below is a look at the clubs Schwartzel will have in the bag this week at the 145th Open Championship.
See what GolfWRX members are saying about Schwartzel’s clubs in the forums.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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300 Yard Pro
Jul 17, 2016 at 2:21 am
I don’t care what they are made of, how they feel or how much they cost. Your bad swing is still going to hit bad shots. Only now your game is more expensive. When you get tired of hitting bad shots after dropping $3,000, then what?
I'm Ron Burgundy??
Jul 16, 2016 at 8:09 am
I am friends with a top 100 club fitter in my area. He says he sold 11 sets last week! I am sitting here wondering who has the money for $300-$400 depending on the club you’ve chosen. I’d love to hit some but then again I don’t want to.
Now the next question is is their price point so high that the majority of folks that would buy their clubs guys that would keep them and play them for a number of years? I can’t imagine being a hoe with these every time they come out with a new set of them or the latest and greatest. Maybe they will let a set or two stay out for a few years?
Alfredo Smith
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:49 am
PXG irons are that good. End. Of. Story.
Nick
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:20 am
The Torx screws on the back of the irons are absolutely hideous.
golfraven
Jul 13, 2016 at 6:26 pm
He is too good of a player to mock around so likely the clubs have his approval and he is confident to play with it. Would love to see him winning.
Walt Pendleton
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Gentlemen…PXG should be making the best clubs in the world, they’re well funded, have a proven staff of club engineers and they aren’t in the market of selling clubs. Imagine, if you went to (ANY) market with your pockets lined with gold, had a reasoned team of engineers around you, and you knocked off every successful idea in the last 10 years and made it better! Majors and tournament wins are still about guys with big balls, that’s a metaphor ladies, and putting skills that are somewhat inhuman when you’re trying to make history. However, the fundamentals are learnable Nside10.com
Ron
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:28 pm
From bad to worse!
JOEL GOODMAN
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:12 pm
MOSTLY THE PROS THAT GET THEM FOR FREE AND A CHECK TO SWEETEN THE DEAL. I’D PLAY THEM IF I COULD AFFORD THEM. THEY ARE REALLY GOOD CLUBS BUT TOO PRICEY FOR MOST GOLFERS.
Hanz
Jul 13, 2016 at 6:44 am
It’s the BALL ya’ll.
Ty Webb
Jul 13, 2016 at 1:31 am
I was able to hit a set of these at 2nd swing in Minneapolis, and I gotta say they might be the best feeling irons I’ve ever hit; however, the cost is ridiculous. For that kinda money, just get a set of Miura’s and get it over with!
gwillis7
Jul 13, 2016 at 8:14 am
are the Miura’s or PXG’s more forgiving? I haven’t hit either of them
Robert
Jul 13, 2016 at 11:58 am
I didn’t find them to be that great feeling. I personally felt the Titlest 716 MBs feel 100x better.
the next dude
Jul 13, 2016 at 10:27 pm
right there with ya!!!
skip
Jul 14, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Agree. I’d take a Miura Giken or Epon over those any day in terms of feel. Most people are buying into the hype though. And that high-tech black DLC finish that’s supposed to last? Rubbish.
cgasucks
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:39 pm
To change equipment at the end of the year is one thing but changing equipment RIGHT BEFORE A MAJOR???!! PXG must have given Schwartzel and mountain of money in order for him to do that…Remember Mickelson switched from Titleist from Callaway mid season right before the Ryder Cup and look how he performed that year…
RAT
Jul 12, 2016 at 9:03 pm
Just as well be now as later. Nike is not a Golf company sooner or later they will realize that MAYBE!
Lloyd
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm
He was hitting the Titleist 716CB iron & wearing footjoy shoes
Ronnie Smith
Jul 12, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Not sure,I’m still a Miura man,not sure about all the smoke and mirrors
gwillis7
Jul 12, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Good for him, he obviously wasn’t under contract (or could end his contract early) with Nike. I think PXG is just gonna keep growing, amongst the pros and not so much for the average Joe (which isn’t who they are targeting). I would wanna see what they pay their athletes compared to the other golf companies…I know Ryan Moore made the switch initially without even getting paid, just liked the equipment. Pretty sure he gets paid now, but I bet these guys are switching because of results not money. I mean, yes they are all getting paid (whether they play for PXG, Ping or whoever), but can PXG be paying them more than other companies? Maybe, anyone know?
gwillis7
Jul 12, 2016 at 6:37 pm
here’s a little more info on the deal
http://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2016/07/12/charl-schwartzel-parsons-xtreme-golf.html
MRC
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Change is good.
Good Luck CS.
jn
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Who cares. It’s the Pro-V that works for them, not the clubs
mitch
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:33 pm
preach!
JR
Jul 12, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Charles uses Nike RZN Platinum
Chris
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Who is Charles?
dd
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:44 am
he did, when he was with Nike. you can pretty much guess he will be using Pro-V now
Jesse
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:52 am
Has PXG really had that big of impact on equipment yet? I think they have only had one win on the PGA correct?
Chris
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:47 am
On Sky Sports yesterday, he was hitting 716 CB 6 iron with Modus 3 on the range !! Footjoy shoes and Player glove. No commercial/matching apparel, plain ‘Troon Open’ hat.
Lloyd
Jul 12, 2016 at 7:13 pm
That’s true I spotted that as well Titleist 716CB & footjoy shoes
Phil
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:59 am
What ball is he playing now?
Michael
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:37 am
That’s pretty dramatic. He must have had some seriously good results in testing to make the switch the week before a major.
Tom
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:50 am
agreed.
Alex
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:43 am
Or the serious dough he was offered to play them regardless of his results in the tournament 😛
jn
Jul 12, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Exactly.
es
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:09 pm
who’s Charl Schwartzel? Some guy who probably felt he wasn’t getting enough money and attention from Nike.
Ian
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:12 pm
He’s a major winner.
Golfer
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:39 pm
HE won the Masters…
LabraeGolfer
Jul 12, 2016 at 10:10 pm
He has 15 more professional wins and a MASTERS MORE THAN YOU!! That’s who he is
es
Jul 12, 2016 at 11:06 pm
sorry still not impressed, on the B-list
Jack
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:42 am
I’m pretty sure he’s not waiting for your approval.
es
Jul 13, 2016 at 9:50 am
I’m 100% sure he does not care about my opinion. However… it is my opinion, and I love my PXGs. Just wish they got some more A listers on their roster. Would love to see some big wins on the tour. Too bad Z. Johnson won last years Open using Titleist.
dpsjr25
Jul 13, 2016 at 12:02 pm
He’s ranked 21st in the world, how much more high profile are you looking for. Spieth/Day level?