Podcasts
TG2: What’s this on the back of the Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal irons?!
Speculation about Mizuno’s new JPX 919 irons that recently popped up on the USGA Conforming Clubs list, as well as in-hand photos of new Srixon Z785 and Z585 irons. Also, Editor Andrew Tursky and Equipment expert Brian Knudson talk to a special guest, Steven Bowditch’s caddie from the 2018 John Deere Classic (who he found on Twitter).
Check out the full podcast on SoundCloud below, or click here to listen on iTunes!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
Follow Club Junkie:
Instagram: @clubjunkiepod
TikTok: @clubjunkiepod
Threads: @clubjunkiepod
X: @ClubJunkiePod
Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
Club Junkie
Club Junkie: Ping i540 irons review + L.A.B. VZN.1i putters and Graphite Design shaft sightings
On this episode of Club Junkie, I dive into the brand-new Ping i540 irons and talk about where they fit in the lineup, their performance on the course, and who I think they are really made for. There is a lot to love — and maybe one complaint in the new i540 irons.
The show also covers the new L.A.B. VZN.1i putters that have started showing up, plus some new Graphite Design Tour AD shafts spotted out on the PGA Tour and what makes them interesting. Wrapping things up, I might swap a few shafts into some putters and talk through how those changes might completely alter feel and performance.
Follow Club Junkie on social media:
- Instagram: @clubjunkiepod
- X: @ClubJunkiePod
- TikTok: @clubjunkiepod
- Threads: @clubjunkiepod
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Memorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Best irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
J.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Details on Jason Day’s latest prototype Avoda iron setup
Christiaan Maas WITB 2026 (June)
Driver:Â TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6 X 3-wood:Â TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black...
Ryan Palmer WITB 2026 (June)
Driver:Â Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (9 degrees) Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 60 TX 3-wood:Â TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft:...
Bud Cauley WITB 2026 (June)
Bud Cauley had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament. Driver:Â Titleist GTS2 (8 degrees) Shaft:Â Fujikura...
Hannah Green WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Titleist GTS3 (10 degrees, D4 SureFit setting) Shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana RB 53 S 3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees,...
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Equipment6 days agoMemorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
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News2 weeks agoRussell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
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Equipment4 days agoBest irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
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Whats in the Bag4 days agoJ.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
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Equipment1 week agoDetails on Jason Day’s latest prototype Avoda iron setup
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Equipment3 weeks agoCJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
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News2 weeks agoCharles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Ã…berg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
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Equipment2 weeks agoDetails on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch
ogo
Jul 21, 2018 at 1:17 am
I’ve tested the irons and I must say they are the sweetest, softest, most buttery, orgazmic feeeeling irons I’ve ever hit… and they are Hot Hot Hot… 😀
Fang
Jul 21, 2018 at 12:18 am
Transcript please
ogo
Jul 22, 2018 at 1:16 am
… burp …. 😮
Simms
Jul 20, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Notice “Chromoly” on neck? Chromoly was all the rage for BMX kids bikes in the late 70’s…light weight yet strong bike frames…
Jim McPherson
Jul 20, 2018 at 8:56 pm
4130 FTW!
ogo
Jul 21, 2018 at 1:22 am
No… 4140M …. and here are the Mizuno specs for the irons:
http://www.mizuno.asia/region/golf/irons/jpx-900-hot-metal.aspx
Tom
Jul 20, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Proof R&D team has truly run out of ideas…..lol!
joro
Jul 20, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Ha ha ha, very funny, but who gives a chit what they are, you either like the sticks or not, and I like my 1yr old Hots.
TG2
Jul 20, 2018 at 11:24 am
They are money – as in marketing gimmicks to take your money! ????
BettiBoop
Jul 20, 2018 at 11:21 am
It’s a harmonica so you can do the blues after a horrible round.
ogo
Jul 21, 2018 at 2:32 pm
… toot irons…??!!!
Jim McPherson
Jul 20, 2018 at 1:55 am
Cosmetics would be my guess. Make it look more tech than it actually is and sell it to the masses.
ogo
Jul 21, 2018 at 2:31 pm
…and my golf toys are newer and better than your old golf toys… 😀
ogo
Jul 19, 2018 at 11:27 pm
No… they are ‘heat vents’ to allow the hot air to escape…. because the clubs are soooo hot…. 😛
O
Jul 20, 2018 at 1:15 am
You’re just full of it
2putttom
Jul 20, 2018 at 11:19 am
opening for dirt to fill the cavity for added weight
Wendell
Jul 19, 2018 at 11:02 pm
if i were to take a guess i would say it is a dampening material placed behind the badge to help create a softer feeling club without being a forged iron. Look at the upper left side of the pic and the dark lining around the badge… then follow it down the side of the pic and it appears to run under the badge in the upper section of the face. i don’t imagine that it is a hollow area behind the badge… that would be a nightmare IMHO.
ogo
Jul 21, 2018 at 1:15 am
Maybe it’s insulation material between the badge and the Hot Metal irons… ya think .. 😮
DrRob1963
Jul 19, 2018 at 8:21 pm
These are exhaust ports for the micro-jets.
O
Jul 19, 2018 at 6:09 pm
They’re teeth. Takes a bite out of the fairways lmao
ogo
Jul 20, 2018 at 5:55 pm
You’re just full of **it
2putttom
Jul 19, 2018 at 4:50 pm
does it whistle when we swing
Graham
Jul 19, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Don’t waste your time, these guys do not know.