Podcast #433 – Charley Hudak | Sun Day Red

Podcast #433 – Charley Hudak | Sun Day Red

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.

Podcast Episode #432 – Chad DeHart | Cobra Golf

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.

Podcast Episode #431 – Bob Thurman | Wilson Golf

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.

Podcast Episode #430 – John Novosel | Bushnell Golf

When it comes to finding the perfect Father’s Day gift for the golfer who “already has everything,” the answer might be simpler than you think—upgrade what’s already in the bag. On a recent episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, host Tom Brassell sat down with John Novosel of Bushnell Golf to break down the latest innovations in distance-measuring technology and why they make ideal gifts this season. From cutting-edge laser rangefinders to GPS speakers and launch monitors, here’s a closer look at what’s new and noteworthy. Laser Rangefinders: A Massive Leap Forward Golfers who remember the early days of rangefinders—bulky devices with questionable accuracy—will be amazed at how far the technology has come. The standout product this year is the Tour V7 Shift, which Novosel describes as a “home run” thanks to its combination of performance, simplicity, and price point. Key Features: Slope Technology with Visual Clarity - Bushnell’s patented slope feature now includes a green-highlighted slope number inside a vivid red display, making it easier than ever to interpret distances. JOLT + Visual JOLT - When you lock onto the flag, the device vibrates and displays visual confirmation with bright rings—eliminating any doubt about your target. BITE Magnetic Mount - No more fumbling in cup holders or pockets—the rangefinder securely attaches to the cart bar. Improved Weather Resistance (IPX6) - Built to handle the elements better than ever. Perhaps most appealing: premium display technology that once cost $500+ is now available in the $300 range, making it a compelling upgrade for golfers using older devices. GPS Evolution: The Wingman HP Bushnell continues to redefine the GPS category with the Wingman HP, a product that blends entertainment with performance. Originally known for inventing the “GPS speaker” category, Bushnell has taken things to the next level. What’s New: Color Touchscreen Display for easy yardage viewing Enhanced Audio with upgraded speakers and bass Magnetic Cart Mount (BITE Technology) Seamless App Integration with automatic course loading At around $229, it’s not just a golf tool—it doubles as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker for everyday use. Novosel noted that many golfers are upgrading from earlier Wingman models, thanks to the improved sound and added functionality. Launch Monitors: Tour-Level Data at Home Perhaps the most exciting category discussed was launch monitors—technology that was once reserved for tour pros and elite club fitters. Today, Bushnell offers accessible, high-performance options like the Launch Pro and LPi, both powered by Foresight Sports technology. Why It Stands Out: Tour-Level Accuracy & Consistency - Unlike some competitors, Bushnell emphasizes not just accuracy—but repeatable accuracy on every shot. Indoor + Outdoor Versatility (Launch Pro) - Set it up in your home simulator, then take it to the range with ease. Essential Data Only - Focus on what matters most: carry distance, spin rates, and ball data—without overwhelming users. Flexible Price Points - Options starting around $1,500 make this category more accessible than ever. As Brassell pointed out, just a decade ago, this level of technology would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. The Perfect Gift (Even for Yourself) One theme echoed throughout the conversation: these products aren’t just great gifts—they’re smart upgrades. Novosel summed it up best: Upgrade your current device Pass the old one down to a family member Everyone wins Whether it’s the precision of a laser rangefinder, the convenience of a GPS speaker, or the game-changing insights from a launch monitor, Bushnell’s lineup offers something for every golfer—and every budget. Final Thoughts Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to invest in better golf—and better tech. As this conversation highlighted, modern equipment isn’t just more advanced—it’s more user-friendly and more affordable than ever. So if you’re shopping for a golfer this year (or dropping hints yourself), Bushnell’s latest innovations might just be the easiest win on your list.

Podcast Episode #429 – Travis Milleman | Ping Golf

When we sit down with Travis Milleman, you know you’re getting more than just product talk—you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at how modern golf equipment is engineered, tested, and fit for real players. In this episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, Milleman, Senior Design Engineering Manager at PING Golf, breaks down the brand’s newest irons, wedges, and putter innovations—and one theme comes through loud and clear: performance first, but always fit to the player. The Rise of the “Player’s Distance” Iron: Meet the i540 One of the biggest focal points of the conversation is PING’s new i540 iron, a standout in the fast-growing “player’s distance” category. This segment of irons has surged in popularity over the last decade, catering to golfers who want: The clean, compact look of a player’s iron The added speed and distance of modern technology According to Milleman, the i540 represents one of the most complex iron designs PING has ever produced. Built with a metalwood-style construction, it combines a thin, high-strength face with internal tungsten weighting—delivering explosive ball speed without sacrificing control. But what really separates it? A technology called "inR-Air" (internal noise reduction air). Why “inR-Air” Matters This pressurized air insert inside the clubhead: Dampens unwanted vibrations Improves sound and feel Maintains face flexibility for speed The result? A club that feels soft and controlled—yet still delivers the “hot” distance players crave. And as Milleman emphasizes, distance alone isn’t enough. “If it goes farther but doesn’t stop on the green, we’re doing the player a disservice.” That’s why PING engineers focus heavily on launch angle and descent angle, ensuring shots come in high enough to hold greens—even with stronger lofts. Who Should Play the i540? The i540 is built for a wide range of golfers, particularly: Low handicaps seeking extra distance Mid-handicaps wanting speed without losing looks Players who value confidence at address It’s a “bridge” iron—blending performance and playability for golfers who still want a refined appearance in their bag. Maximum Forgiveness: The G740 Iron On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the G740, a super game-improvement iron designed to make golf easier—plain and simple. Compared to other models, the G740 features: A larger clubhead (heel-to-toe and front-to-back) A wider sole for lower center of gravity More offset to help square the face Everything about it is engineered to: Launch the ball higher, improve consistency, protect off-center hits. Milleman puts it bluntly: if you’re new to the game or struggle with consistency, this is the kind of club that can dramatically improve your experience. The Real Key: Custom Fitting Throughout the conversation, both Brassell and Milleman keep returning to one critical point: You can’t unlock performance without proper fitting. PING’s philosophy is built on three-dimensional fitting, dialing in: Lie angle Loft Shaft weight and profile Even something as simple as choosing the wrong shaft can cost players: Peak height Spin rate Stopping power PING’s newer tools—like their Copilot fitting system—take it even further, helping golfers build an entire set based on just a few swing inputs. Short Game Matters: S259 Wedges While distance gets plenty of attention, Milleman highlights an area where golfers can truly lower scores: inside 100 yards. Enter the S259 wedges, designed with: Six grind options for different swing types and conditions Enhanced face friction for consistent spin (especially in wet conditions) A new “WebFit Wedge” system to simplify fitting One standout innovation is the Dial-A-Wedge grip, which gives visual cues for face position—helping players consistently set up for bunker shots, chips, and specialty shots. It’s a practical solution to a common problem: most golfers don’t actually know how open or closed their wedge face is. A Smarter Putter: Scottsdale Tech PING’s upcoming Scottsdale Tech putters push innovation into the mental side of the game. Two key concepts stand out: 1. “Quiet Eye” Alignment (IQ Technology) A simple dot on the topline helps: Focus attention Reduce distractions Improve putting consistency Backed by cognitive science, this feature has shown measurable improvements in putting performance during testing. 2. Onset Design & CG Control PING continues to emphasize a fundamental principle: The center of gravity should always be pulled—not pushed. By positioning the shaft in front of the CG, the putter becomes more stable through impact—similar to pulling a trailer behind a truck rather than pushing it. The Bottom Line This conversation reinforces what has defined PING Golf for decades: Engineering with purpose Performance backed by data Fitting as the foundation of success Whether it’s the explosive i540, the ultra-forgiving G740, or the precision-focused S259 wedges, every product is designed with a specific golfer in mind. And as both Brassell and Milleman stress, the takeaway is simple: Don’t just buy clubs—get fit for them. Because in today’s game, the right equipment isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.