Worldwide Golf Shops Insider Podcast

In the latest episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, host Tom Brassell sat down with Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf. The conversation dives deep into the brand’s rich heritage, groundbreaking manufacturing techniques, standout tour success, and exciting new product lines. For golfers serious about their putting game, this is essential listening—and reading.

The Origin Story: One-Piece Technology That Changed Putting

Sam Bettinardi proudly traces the company’s roots back to 1988, when his father, Bob Bettinardi, left his grandfather’s CNC milling shop to start his own operation. What began as a job shop took a pivotal turn in 1991. Bob spotted an ad for a Callaway Bobby Jones billet putter milled on an outdated manual Bridgeport machine. Convinced CNC technology could do better, he reached out to Callaway. They quickly brought him in after struggling with quality and delivery from their existing supplier.

“He figured out how to make a putter out of one solid block of steel. So he coined the term one piece technology. And that was a very big breakthrough in the golf space...” — Sam Bettinardi

This innovation delivered superior feel, consistency, and quality compared to cast or welded putters. By the early 1990s, Bettinardi was supplying OEMs like Titleist and others. Tour adoption exploded—from just 5 players using milled putters in 1992 to over 100 by the end of 1998. The brand’s reputation for precision (tolerances down to a human hair) spread rapidly.

Growing Up in the Shop: Sam’s Earliest Memories

Sam shared warm memories of visiting his dad’s early shop in Crestwood, Illinois, as a young boy. He recalled playing with air hoses on the CNC machines and the excitement in 1998–99 when his father brought home the first Bettinardi hats and putters.

“I’d show my friends, oh, your dad’s starting a golf company... Watching tournaments with Jasper Parnevik, Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk... I’ve been born into this brand.” — Sam Bettinardi

The family business has remained 100% family-owned and independent for 28 years, now employing nearly 100 people just outside Chicago. They emphasize craftsmanship, innovation, and quality over massive marketing budgets.

Competing in a Cutthroat Industry

Tom and Sam both acknowledged the golf equipment business is notoriously difficult. As Sam noted, it’s a grind for a medium-sized family company going up against billion-dollar brands. Yet Bettinardi has thrived by staying true to its heritage and delivering premium products.

Their impressive staff includes long-time players like Matt Fitzpatrick (year 9), Fred Couples, and Matt Kuchar (year 13, who joined the same year Sam entered the company). Fitzpatrick, a major champion and world-class putter, continually pushes the team on tolerances, feel, and performance.

Why Milled Putters Benefit Almost Everyone

Sam strongly endorsed the idea that precision-milled putters offer broad appeal—unlike forged irons, which suit better players. Even their upcoming first-ever kids line will be fully milled in-house.

“There’s just nothing like it. No plastic inserts... That name Bettinardi on the back means something to us.” — Sam Bettinardi

Key advantages include perfect weight consistency, superior feel, and confidence-inspiring looks.

Finding Your Perfect Putter: The Selection Quiz

Bettinardi offers roughly 28–30 head styles (including lefty options) across lines like Queen Bee, Antidote, and the classic BB series. Their website’s putter selection quiz helps match golfers based on aesthetics, stroke type, arc, and preferred feel. They provide three distinct face millings: soft Fit Face, mid-firm VDF, and firmer Honeycomb.

The Antidote Line: Zero-Torque Stability

The Antidote series has been a major growth driver. Nick Faldo personally called Sam after trying one, praising its “point and shoot” simplicity. The line uses innovative engineering for true zero-torque performance without excessive screws or awkward looks.

“The putter looks like a putter... It’s going to work no matter what [setup you use].” — Sam Bettinardi

Matt Kuchar’s strong early results with a prototype (leading the field in strokes gained putting) confirmed its potential. Models like the SB1, SB2, and heel-shafted options blend beauty with high-tech stability.

The Hive: Creative Freedom and Limited Releases

Sam described The Hive as his “baby”—a creative outlet for fun, limited-edition putters, wedges, irons, headcovers, and accessories. Signature motifs include the Windy City Wizard, Fat Cap, Betty Bomb, and Stinger Bee. Because Bettinardi owns its manufacturing, they can experiment with premium materials and custom finishes in-house (Mother of Pearl, Damascus, unique necks, etc.). A new Hive release was highlighted around the time of the interview.

Beyond Putters: Premium Accessories and Gifts

Bettinardi Golf isn’t just putters. The online store resembles a high-end pro shop, with quality headcovers, apparel from brands like Peter Millar and Johnny O, and thoughtful gift options.

Final Thoughts from Sam Bettinardi

“If you’re going to roll a Bettinardi... you’re buying the Rolls-Royce of quality and the best in the business. Our name is on it. We take great pride in that.” — Sam Bettinardi

The brand’s independence, in-house manufacturing, and generational passion shine through. Whether you’re a tour pro or weekend golfer, a Bettinardi putter promises confidence, consistency, and performance.

Ready to elevate your putting? Head to WorldwideGolf.com to explore the Antidote line, browse The Hive, or find a fitting opportunity. As Tom Brassell summed it up: put one in your hands, and watch your confidence—and stats—improve.

Special thanks to Sam Bettinardi for the insightful conversation and to Worldwide Golf for their longtime partnership with the brand.

This blog post is adapted from the recent Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast episode. Listen to the full interview for even more stories and details.

PING has never been a company that chases trends.

Instead, they've spent decades building golf clubs around one simple principle: let physics do the work. On Episode #434 of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, Worldwide Golf's Tom Brassell sat down with PING Senior Manager of Design Engineering Travis Milleman to discuss the all-new PING Scottsdale Tec putter lineup—a family of premium mallets that combines engineering, neuroscience, and decades of PING design philosophy into one of the company's most innovative putter releases yet.

Fresh off Windham Clark's victory with the Scottsdale Tech Alley Blue Onset, Milleman explained why these putters aren't just another face-balanced mallet—they represent a completely new approach to helping golfers putt with more confidence.

A Different Way to Think About Putter Design

The Scottsdale Tech lineup introduces several technologies that separate it from traditional mallet putters. Rather than focusing solely on minimizing torque, PING continues to embrace one of founder Karsten Solheim's longest-standing engineering principles:

Pull the center of gravity—don't push it.

Milleman compared the concept to towing a boat. When you're pulling a trailer, it naturally follows behind the vehicle. When you're pushing it backward down a boat ramp, precision becomes much more difficult. The same principle applies to putting. By positioning the center of gravity behind the shaft axis, PING believes golfers gain improved stability and greater consistency throughout the stroke.

This philosophy is especially evident in the new Onset models, including the Alley Blue Onset, where the shaft enters closer to the center of the head while still maintaining PING's preferred CG location.

Windham Clark's Winning Putter

The Scottsdale Tech lineup received perhaps its biggest validation when Windham Clark captured the U.S. Open using the Alley Blue Onset. While many golfers noticed the unique head shape, Milleman explained that the design wasn't built simply to look different.

Instead, the onset construction allows golfers to clearly see the leading edge while maintaining the proper center of gravity location behind the shaft—delivering the stability PING has prioritized for decades. The result is a putter designed to inspire confidence without forcing players to manipulate the face during the stroke.

IQ Alignment: Helping Golfers Quiet Their Mind

Perhaps the most noticeable technology on Scottsdale Tech putters is the new IQ Alignment System. At first glance, it appears deceptively simple—a single dot paired with a clean alignment line. Behind that simplicity, however, lies extensive research. PING developed IQ Alignment using principles from Quiet Eye, a neurological field that studies how elite performers—from military sharpshooters to professional athletes—focus their vision before executing a task.

Eye-tracking studies conducted by PING showed that golfers naturally concentrated closer to the leading edge of the putter when using IQ Alignment. For Windham Clark, the benefit was simple. It helped quiet his mind. Rather than becoming distracted by multiple alignment references, golfers can focus on one clear visual cue before making a confident stroke.

Why the White Finish Matters

One of the first things golfers notice about Scottsdale Tech is its clean white finish.

While it may seem like a dramatic departure from recent PING putters, white actually has deep roots within the company's history. PING experimented with white putters decades ago, and the color serves more than just cosmetic purposes. The bright finish increases visibility on the rack, frames the golf ball cleanly at address, and creates a calming visual appearance during setup. Combined with the white grip and IQ Alignment System, the Scottsdale Tech lineup delivers one of the cleanest looks PING has ever produced.

Three Mallet Shapes Built for Different Golfers

The Scottsdale Tech family focuses exclusively on modern mallet designs.

Golfers can choose from three primary head shapes:

Alley Blue

Ketsch

Hayden (new for Scottsdale Tech)

Each model is offered in multiple stroke configurations to better match individual putting styles. Rather than assuming every golfer should use the same amount of toe hang or face balancing, PING continues to fit golfers based on three stroke categories:

Straight Stroke

Slight Arc

Strong Arc

According to Milleman, golfers rarely change their natural stroke. Instead, matching the correct putter to that stroke produces greater consistency over time.

Why Custom Fitting Matters More Than Ever

Throughout the conversation, one message remained constant:

Get fit. Many golfers spend hours researching putters online, yet overlook one of the biggest performance factors—proper fitting. PING continues to offer:

Stroke-type fitting

Loft adjustments

Lie-angle fitting

Length fitting

Weight optimization

Even tour professionals require individualized specifications. Milleman pointed out that while Windham Clark uses significant lead tape to create an extremely heavy putter, that setup is highly specific to his preferences—not something everyday golfers should automatically copy. Instead, golfers should be fit into a putter that complements their own stroke, tempo, and setup.

The Engineering Philosophy Behind Every PING Club

One of the more fascinating parts of the discussion wasn't about technology at all.

It was about company philosophy. More than sixty years after Karsten Solheim built his first putter in a garage, PING continues to operate with many of the same guiding principles. The same engineering mindset that created the iconic Anser still influences every new product today. Rather than following trends, PING focuses on solving problems through engineering, testing, and physics. That philosophy is on full display in the Scottsdale Tech lineup.

Shop PING Scottsdale Tech Putters at Worldwide Golf

If you're looking for a putter that combines proven engineering with modern alignment technology, the PING Scottsdale Tech family deserves a closer look. Visit your local Worldwide Golf store to test the Scottsdale Tech lineup and experience the differences between the various head shapes, stroke types, and fitting options.

Shop PING Scottsdale Tech

PING Scottsdale Tech Putters

PING Golf Putters

PING Golf Equipment

Or schedule a professional putter fitting to find the model that best matches your stroke and helps you make more putts.

Listen to the Full Podcast

For the complete conversation with PING Senior Manager of Design Engineering Travis Milleman—including the story behind Windham Clark's winning putter, IQ Alignment technology, and the engineering philosophy that continues to shape PING products—watch the full episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast on YouTube.

In this episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, host Tom Brassell sat down with Charley Hudak, Senior Creative Director of Sun Day Red footwear. The conversation focused on the brand’s exciting new release: the Presidio, Sun Day Red’s first spikeless offering in its sport contemporary silo. Hudak, joining the show while on the East Coast ahead of the U.S. Open, shared insights into the development process, Tiger Woods’ direct involvement, and what makes this shoe stand out in a crowded market.

A New Direction for Sun Day Red

Sun Day Red has built its reputation on performance golf footwear with strong input from Tiger Woods. While the brand initially leaned toward classic, heritage silhouettes, the team recognized the need for diversity. The Presidio represents their bold entry into the spikeless category.

“We went down both paths,” Hudak explained. “Tiger gravitated toward the more classic, but we knew we still had to have some diversity in our line.” The result is a modern, athletic-looking shoe designed for serious golfers and newcomers alike.

Standout Features and Technology

The Presidio was engineered with performance at its core. Key highlights include:

Full-length rubber outsole with strategically placed lugs for superior traction.

Torsional Traction Plate — A patent-pending innovation (with Tiger, Hudak, and designers Tyler and Cody listed) that provides stability while delivering recessed traction lugs for grip on grass, sand, pine straw, and more.

Lateral Stability Brace made of TPU to keep the foot locked in during aggressive swings.

External TPU heel counter for rearfoot support.

Full-length EVA midsole for cushioning and ground force reactivity.

Reinforced instep with gillies and backers for lockdown fit.

A three-quarter booty construction (a Tiger preference) that prevents tongue sliding while offering easy on/off.

Hudak emphasized the team’s focus on real-world testing: “We worked with a consultancy up in Santa Barbara to make sure everything passed the sniff test for Tiger.” Wear testers were impressed — one even said the traction was too good.

Comfort Right Out of the Box

One of the biggest selling points is immediate wearability. When asked what someone would notice first upon trying the Presidio, Hudak replied:

“You’re going to feel the comfort… It’s extremely lightweight, extremely comfortable. And then if you put it in play, you would be really surprised by the performance.”

The shoe features varied foam densities in the heel and collar, a slightly wider forefoot, and a design built for long days on the range or playing 36 holes. PGA Tour feedback has been equally positive, with players putting them straight into competition with zero break-in issues.

Colorways and Limited Editions

The Presidio launched strong with multiple options, including:

A special white/red/black limited edition.

Black/red (nodding to Tiger’s Sunday look).

All-white with gray accents.

Black upper with white midsole.

Additional releases like white/light blue and gray/navy.

A patriotic red, white, and blue limited edition was created specifically for the U.S. Open, celebrating the event and the country. Demand has been “off the charts,” with certain sizes moving quickly.

Apparel Tie-Ins and Brand Momentum

Hudak also highlighted Sun Day Red’s apparel efforts, including a popular shirt inspired by the one Tiger wore when he won the U.S. Amateur. The apparel and footwear teams work closely to honor Tiger’s legendary career while appealing to today’s golfers.

Looking Ahead

Sun Day Red continues expanding its lineup, with spiked versions already in development and tested by PGA Tour players. “We have a lot that we’re working on,” Hudak teased. “A lot coming down the pipeline.” The Presidio sits comfortably between the brand’s heritage performance and active lifestyle offerings (like the popular Osprey), ensuring options for every type of golfer.

Ready to Step Into the Presidio?

If you’re looking for a spikeless golf shoe that combines serious performance, innovative stability technology, and out-of-the-box comfort, the Sun Day Red Presidio is worth trying. As demand continues to surge, visit a Worldwide Golf location or shop online at worldwidegolf.com to secure a pair.

As Charley Hudak put it: “Give the Presidio a try. I think you’ll love it.”

Special thanks to Tom Brassell and the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast for the conversation. Stay tuned for more from Sun Day Red — the brand is just getting started.

This episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast features an in-depth conversation between Worldwide Golf’s Tom Brassell and Cobra Golf Senior Product Line Manager Chad DeHart, and one thing becomes crystal clear: Cobra Golf is not interested in following trends — they want to create them.

From the groundbreaking new OPTM driver family to the rapidly growing buzz surrounding Cobra’s 3D printed irons, DeHart offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Cobra is shaping the future of golf equipment.

A Career Built Around Innovation

Before diving into Cobra’s newest products, DeHart shared a little about his own journey with the company. Now in his 16th year at Cobra Golf, he has spent time in both sales and research & development, helping bring new technologies from concept to the golf course. According to DeHart, Cobra’s innovation cycle often stretches four to six years into the future, with teams constantly testing and refining technologies before they ever reach consumers. That long-term vision helped pave the way for Cobra’s newest driver lineup: OPTM.

Cobra OPTM Drivers: Accuracy Meets Speed

Brassell praised Cobra’s entertaining new commercials featuring Tour stars Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, and Gary Woodland — commercials that lean into Cobra’s playful side with warning labels like “Highly Addictive” and “May Cause Insanely Tight Dispersion.” But behind the humor is serious technology.

Introducing POI: A New Way to Think About Stability

One of the key innovations behind the OPTM drivers is Cobra’s new concept called POI — Products of Inertia. Golfers are familiar with MOI (Moment of Inertia), which measures club stability primarily on heel-to-toe mishits. Cobra’s POI system expands on that by analyzing stability across three separate planes, including how the club twists and droops during off-center impacts. The result? According to DeHart, Cobra saw golfers improve dispersion by as much as 20 percent compared to previous-generation models. That tighter dispersion is exactly what players at every level are chasing.

Four Driver Models for Different Golfers

The OPTM family includes four distinct driver models:

LS – Low-spin performance for faster swingers and better players

X – A blend of speed and forgiveness inspired by Cobra’s popular F9 shape

Max K – High-stability performance with exceptional forgiveness

Max D – Draw-biased design to help golfers fight a slice

One of the more surprising revelations during the podcast involved Woodland’s gamer. Instead of the low-spin LS model many golfers would expect a Tour player to use, Woodland put the Max K in the bag because of its added stability and forgiveness — proof that fitting matters more than assumptions. Even at 41 years old, Woodland is reportedly still producing ball speeds north of 190 mph with the new driver setup.

Why Club Fitting Matters More Than Ever

DeHart emphasized repeatedly that modern driver technology is simply too advanced for golfers to guess what works best. That’s especially true with Cobra’s new FutureFit33 hosel system, which offers 33 different loft and lie combinations. Unlike traditional adjustable hosels that change loft and lie together, Cobra’s system allows golfers to independently adjust each setting for far more precise fitting.

At first glance, 33 settings may sound overwhelming, but Cobra created interactive fitting tools and QR-code-enabled driver heads that help golfers quickly identify ideal settings based on their ball flight tendencies. As Brassell noted during the interview, even he was surprised when Cobra’s fitting tool recommended the Max K model for his game. That’s exactly why proper fitting can uncover performance golfers never expected.

Cobra’s 3D Printed Irons May Be the Future of Iron Design

While the OPTM drivers stole plenty of attention, the conversation took an even more fascinating turn when DeHart discussed Cobra’s rapidly expanding 3D printed iron lineup. According to DeHart, this may be the most important innovation Cobra has ever developed. Cobra first experimented with 3D printing through limited-edition putters in 2020. From there, engineers realized the technology could completely transform iron construction.

Massive Weight Savings Create New Possibilities

Traditional forged or cast iron designs often save only a few grams of discretionary weight.

Cobra’s 3D printed irons save nearly 100 grams in some models. That allows engineers to reposition weight internally in ways never before possible, dramatically increasing forgiveness while maintaining compact, Tour-inspired shapes. The result is what DeHart called a “unicorn” design:

Compact blade-like shaping

Game-improvement-style forgiveness

Increased stability and MOI

Enhanced consistency on mishits

For golfers who love the look of a players iron but struggle with forgiveness, Cobra believes 3D printing bridges that gap.

Demand Has Been Explosive

The market response has exceeded Cobra’s expectations. DeHart admitted Cobra is struggling to keep up with demand as the company continues running printers around the clock. The lineup now includes:

3D Printed MB

3D Printed Tour

3D Printed PX

Each model targets a slightly different player profile while leveraging the same advanced manufacturing process. DeHart encouraged golfers to experience them firsthand because the feel and performance are difficult to fully appreciate until you hit them.

Cobra Continues to Challenge the Industry

One theme consistently emerged throughout the conversation: Cobra embraces being a challenger brand. Whether it’s developing POI technology, launching one of the most adjustable hosel systems in golf, or pioneering 3D printed iron construction, Cobra continues pushing boundaries instead of simply refining existing ideas.

As DeHart told Brassell:

“We’re launching product that has true innovation and it’s going to bring true performance to golfers alike.”

For golfers looking to explore the latest in performance technology, Cobra’s newest lineup appears determined to deliver exactly that. And based on the response so far, golfers are paying attention.

In this episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, host Tom Brassell welcomed back a familiar voice in the industry—Bob Thurman, Global VP of R&D and General Manager of Golf at Wilson Sporting Goods. What followed was a compelling conversation that blended nostalgia, innovation, and a clear vision for the future of one of golf’s most storied brands.

A Legacy Brand with a Modern Vision

Wilson Golf is a name that resonates with generations of golfers. From classic Dynapower irons to the legendary Staff blades, the brand has long been associated with championship pedigree. In fact, Wilson still holds the distinction of having more major championship wins with its irons than any other manufacturer. But as Thurman candidly acknowledged, the company faced challenges in the past. Today, however, Wilson is in the midst of a powerful resurgence.

Over the last decade, Wilson Sporting Goods has undergone a significant transformation—expanding its footprint, strengthening its brand portfolio, and reinvesting heavily in innovation. Thurman himself has played a key role in that evolution, bringing an engineering mindset and performance-first philosophy to the golf division.

“We’re about making products that help players hit it farther, straighter, and ultimately make more birdies,” Thurman emphasized.

Rebuilding Through Innovation and Investment

Since stepping into leadership of Wilson Golf, Thurman has focused on two key areas:

Product Innovation: Expanding R&D capabilities and bringing in top-tier talent, particularly in metalwoods, wedges, and putters

Marketing Revamp: Reintroducing Wilson to a new generation of golfers while reconnecting with longtime loyalists

The strategy is working. With strong performance in recent business cycles and a renewed commitment from leadership, Wilson Golf is gaining traction in a competitive market.

Dynapower: Distance Meets Forgiveness

At the center of Wilson’s product lineup is the revitalized Dynapower franchise—built for one purpose: distance and forgiveness. The modern Dynapower family includes:

Dynapower Max: Maximum forgiveness and easy launch

Dynapower Irons: Ideal for mid-handicap players seeking distance and consistency

Dynapower Forged: A compact, players-distance iron with forged feel

On the woods side, Wilson has expanded to four driver models, including the Dynapower LS, Carbon, Max, and the new Max Plus (10K-style)—each tailored to different swing profiles and performance needs. The goal? Give golfers options that are not only powerful but precisely tuned to their game.

Staff Model: Precision for Better Players

While Dynapower focuses on distance, Wilson’s Staff Model line is built for precision and shot-making. From traditional blades to cavity backs and the newer XB (player performance iron), the Staff lineup blends classic shaping with modern forgiveness. These clubs continue to carry the legacy that helped define Wilson’s dominance in major championships.

Smarter Fitting with AI Technology

One of the most forward-thinking developments discussed was Wilson’s investment in fitting technology. The new Wilson Fit AI Optimizer integrates directly with launch monitors to analyze:

Launch windows

Descent angles

Spin rates

Ball flight consistency

This data-driven approach helps golfers get properly fit for clubs—something Thurman stressed is essential. “Golf is hard enough. If your equipment isn’t fit properly, you’re making it even harder,” he noted.

Affordable Innovation: Zero Torque Putters

Wilson is also making waves in the putter category with its new Infinite ZT (Zero Torque) models. Zero torque technology—popularized by premium brands—helps stabilize the putter face throughout the stroke. Wilson’s version brings this innovation to market at a remarkably accessible price point (around $199), making it one of the best value plays in the category.

The Underrated Golf Ball Lineup

Perhaps the most overlooked part of Wilson’s lineup? Its golf balls. Thurman highlighted three standouts:

Duo: A soft, low-spin distance ball known for exceptional feel

Triad: A three-piece urethane ball designed for control and balance

Staff Model / Model X: Tour-level performance for higher swing speeds

In blind testing, the Duo has even been compared favorably in feel to premium balls—often surprising golfers with its softness and performance.

Connecting with the Next Generation

A major theme throughout the conversation was Wilson’s focus on younger golfers.

The fastest-growing segment in golf today is the 18–34 age group, and Wilson is actively working to connect with these players through modern product design, fresh branding, and a “Play Original” mindset. At the same time, the company remains committed to its loyal base—those “Wilson lifers” who have trusted the brand for decades.