The latest edition of Breakfast Balls is here, and we’re diving into everything from the new Titleist GTS woods and FREE fittings at Austad’s to the future of LIV Golf, booming participation numbers and why grip fitting matters more than most golfers realize. Grab a coffee and catch up on the latest stories, gear and golf takes from Ryan Austad and the Austad’s team.
3 THINGS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
1. The Titleist GTS Woods Have Landed
Christmas came early for gear junkies!
Yes, the official launch isn’t until June 11th, but Austad’s already has the full lineup of Titleist GTS demos in-store and we’re actively fitting and pre-ordering these beauties right now. And folks…these things flat out move.
We’re seeing serious gains in both distance and accuracy. That’s the golf equivalent of finding out your buddy bought the beer after the round. Rare and beautiful.
High spin? Low spin? Slice that starts in one fairway and lands in another zip code? There’s a GTS setup designed to help optimize your tee game and keep you playing from the short grass more often.
Even better — for the entire month of May, Austad’s is offering FREE GTS fittings at all locations. Because guessing off the rack is for bachelor party scrambles.
2. To LIV or Not to LIV?
Well…this got interesting.
Reports are surfacing that the Saudi funding behind LIV Golf is slowing down, and suddenly the golf world feels like someone just yelled “mashed potatoes” during a backswing.
My best guess? LIV probably survives for a while in a smaller form, operating more like a secondary tour before eventually fading away altogether. And eventually? I think the big names find their way back to the PGA Tour.
Yes, even Bryson.
Yes, even Rahm.
Yes, even Rahm.
There may be a little public groveling involved. Maybe a few awkward press conferences. Maybe a “we’re all growing the game” speech or two.
Bryson has talked about YouTube becoming his primary home, and honestly, it may work for a while. But golf relevance has a shelf life if you’re not competing on the biggest stages consistently. Five years from now, major championships will still determine who moves the needle.
One thing is certain: professional golf has spent the last few years deep in the trees trying to punch out sideways.
3. 28 Million Golfers in 2025
Golf is booming.
The latest participation numbers are in, and nearly 28 million people were classified as golfers last year — one of the highest totals on record.
That’s a lot of swing thoughts. What’s driving the growth? Three big areas:
In other words, golf is becoming more welcoming, more social, and more flexible than ever before.
And honestly? That’s a great thing for the future of the game.
At Austad’s, we’re excited to support all three of these growth areas while continuing to serve the core golfer who still believes a 7:00 a.m. tee time is “sleeping in.”
The future of golf looks bright.
📌 2 Things You Need to Know
1. It's Time To Fit Your Grips
Get a grip. Literally.
You’d never buy shoes three sizes too big, but golfers will play the wrong grips for years and wonder why their driver behaves like it’s trying to escape the golf course.
Grip fitting matters because it’s the only part of the club you touch on every swing.
Too big? You may leave the face open and hit weak fades or slices. Too small? You’ll turn the club over faster than a short-order cook flipping pancakes.
At Austad’s, we fit grips based on:
- Hand size
- Swing tendencies
- Texture preference
- Physical limitations or health concerns
It’s a small adjustment that can make a surprisingly big difference.
Talk with your fitter next time you’re in. Your hands — and your scorecard — will appreciate it.
2. Golf Shoes Have Officially Gone Mainstream
Remember when golf shoes looked like something your grandpa wore to ballroom dancing? Then came the athletic era. Mesh. Foam. Sneakers with spikes.
Now? We’re seeing the next evolution:
Golf shoes that are designed to look good on and off the course. Today’s golfer wants comfort, versatility, and style. More and more golf shoes are becoming true lifestyle footwear — something you can wear from the course straight to lunch without looking like you lost a bet.
And the biggest trend of all?
Spikeless shoes now dominate the market.
Why? Because they’re comfortable, versatile, and modern outsole technology gives most golfers all the traction they need.
Sure, if you’re grinding through a wet member-guest trying to save your club championship hopes, spikes still have their place. But for everyday golf? The market is clearly moving toward stylish, comfortable spikeless options.
Come check out the latest golf shoe styles at Austad’s. Your feet have suffered long enough.
❤️ 1 Mission Moment
At Austad’s, we strive to operate with a set of values we call our Caddie Mentality. One of those values is simple:
Go Beyond Expectations.
We recently received this Google review that perfectly captures what that means:
“My wife stopped by Austad's to get some new clothing for me — both for golf and a couple of polos for upcoming graduation parties for our daughters. She walked away so impressed with the selection and sales. Even better, the customer service she received had her call me and say — don’t go anywhere else to get golf apparel or equipment (I don’t). Thank you for taking good care of her!”
We appreciate the kind words, but even more than that, we appreciate our incredible team members who live out our mission every single day.
That’s what makes us special. When you need us, we’ll be here to help you play better and have more fun.
Have a great May, everyone!
— Ryan Austad
