Equipment
Titleist hits out at ball roll back saying it’s a ‘solution in search of a problem’
This morning, the USGA and the R&A announced a Model Local Rule (MLR) proposal that would “roll back the golf ball” for professional players.
Manufacturers and other stakeholders in golf can give feedback until Aug. 14, 2023 before the rule changes would take place in January of 2026.
On Tuesday, those manufacturers have done just that.
Titleist was the most outspoken about being opposed to the proposed changes, saying “The proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem.”
“Golf is an aspirational sport, and we believe at its very best when equipment and playing regulations are unified. Golf’s health and vibrancy are at historically high levels,” said David Maher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Acushnet Company, which owns the Titleist brand. “As we see it, existing golf ball regulations for Overall Distance and Initial Velocity are highly effective. During the past two decades, PGA Tour average course playing length has increased by less than 100 yards and scoring average has remained virtually flat. Average PGA Tour clubhead speed of 114.6 mph in 2022 was well below the current 120 mph and proposed 127 mph testing conditions. The proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem.”
Callaway responded with the following: “We are studying the information and proposals provided. We have no further comment at this time.
While TaylorMade and Srixon have yet to comment about the proposed changes.
Bridgestone offered up a bit more, saying that they were concerned the potential changes could create “confusion”.
“Golf is enjoying a significant growth phase and is more popular than ever. We are concerned that the proposed rule changes could confuse and dampen the enthusiasm of millions of new participants to our game. We are pleased that the proposed changes do not appear to be aimed at recreational players.”
There’s no doubt that the topic will continue to be heavily debated between now and August 14th.
Equipment
Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
Equipment
Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
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.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
Equipment
From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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MhtLion
Mar 15, 2023 at 2:56 pm
The golf balls bring the most amount of money into the industry. Other than the green fees, golf balls is the number one expenditure of the golfers. And, the number one marketing expenditure of the manufactures. Clearly, the golf ball money is one of the most significant in the industry. With such a rule change, why would anyone pay $55 for a box of balls if those balls are different, most definitely different, from the balls your favorite pros use? This rule change will hurt the industry. Think carefully, PGA. Why are you trying to hurt the industry? For what?? For your peanut sized ego???
sandtrap
Mar 15, 2023 at 5:02 am
I think the pga tour should just do what tennis, NFL, NBA and Baseball do and just have a standard ball for all players. This way they can put whatever limits they need to on it for tournament play and all players are on a more level playing field. Amateur players will still play the manufacturer’s ball that they think is best for them.
Jonas
Mar 15, 2023 at 3:41 am
Dumb. Make the rough longer – plant more trees. Ever hear of Winged Foot? There’s a reason why the scoring there isn’t low during the open. No matter how far the guys hit it, the fairways aren’t 100 yards wide. Forget the equipment – make the courses more difficult to score on (that doesn’t mean make them longer). End of story.
Mike
Mar 14, 2023 at 11:22 pm
So golf w/b the only sport w/ 2 sets of rules. The usga should have the insight to address this 20 years ago. Now that pro v1 a tour pro plays won’t be the one you play. (The ball manufacturers will love this!). And I’ll have to buy different balls to play in an “elite amateur event”? Laughable!
Jon
Mar 15, 2023 at 8:48 am
Football has at least 3 sets of rules: NFL, college, and high school as does basketball and baseball.