Podcasts
TG2: Do the new USGA rules even matter?
Knudson and Rob discuss the new USGA rules for 2019, wondering if they will make any difference at all. Dropping from the knee, time to find your ball, ground in the hazard, and stroke/distance are all talked about.
Check out the full podcast on SoundCloud below, or click here to listen on iTunes or here to listen on Spotify.
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.
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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
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smarterthanusga
Feb 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm
They should have added a drop zone off all tees (not just par 3s over water). This way the bozos in front of me won’t be hitting up to 3 tee shots each off of a par 4 or 5. If the first one is not in play drop it in the drop zone that would be about 200 yards (more or less) from the blue tees to also give a bit of a distance penalty along with either a one or two stroke penalty. Sure, in pro/top amateur tournaments they could scrap this, but the bozos in front of me are not in a pro or top amateur tournament. Also, just place the ball rather than a drop from knee high…the pros do that every 3rd week or so anyway when they play lift-clean-and-place.
Tiger Noods
Feb 25, 2019 at 11:16 pm
I must agree. On the other hand, there’s nothing preventing drop zones now. They should be encouraged, but not compulsory.
It would be better if the game was normally Stableford, and *any* lost or OB is zero points. Put your tee shot out? Take your zero and move on. Lost ball, and time is up? Zero. Lateral hazard, play as per normal.
And I’m all for placing in any situation where a penalty applies. If it’s not a penalty application, drop with a straight arm at least 12in/300mm off the ground, finishing within the known relief area. It’s simple, USGA. You had 35 years to figure this out.
Mike Cleland
Feb 22, 2019 at 1:42 pm
The USGA needs to get counseling. Stupid new rules…flagstick, knee drop, etc. They want to speed up play, which is fine, but we need a lawyer with us on every hole.