September is here, and with it comes some big golf news and even bigger reasons to get out and play. We’re diving into the buzz around the brand-new L.A.B. putter, breaking down Keegan Bradley’s surprising Ryder Cup snub, and sharing why fall golf might just be the best golf of the year. Plus, we’ve got a special surprise lined up for our Des Moines crew that you won’t want to miss.
3 THINGS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
1. Straight from the LAB – the Heel Shafted LAB Oz 1i putter
Okay, you’ve been eying a LAB putter all summer but you can’t get comfortable with a center shaft regardless of how many putts you’d start dropping. Introducing the LAB heel shafted Oz putter! This innovative putter keeps the celebrated “lie angle balance” technology while embracing a more traditional look.
Go ahead, throw it in the revealer and you’ll see the putter maintains flawless balance helping you drop more putts, win more skins and look like you belong on Keegan’s Ryder Cup squad. Putt with confidence, come try out the new LAB Oz 1i putter with a Master Fitter from Austad’s!
2. Slow Play vs. Quick Wit
Pace of play continues to be a topic on the PGA Tour each week. Patrick Cantlay, the tour’s resident turtle was mocked by LIV’s Phil Mickelson. Lefty opined on X “Cantlay shuffled his right foot 26 times. 26X before he hit it. 26 X 36 other shots is 936 foot shuffles. That’s more calf raises than I’ll ever do!”
3. The Captain Snubs Himself
I’m a Keegan Bradley fan, now more than ever. He is Firey, competitive and exactly the kind of guy you want playing in the Ryder Cup. He feeds off the crowd, routinely provides the media and public with humorous punchlines and brings a fun family story to the event adding additional intrigue and eyeballs. He earned his way onto the team. The only issue…he didn’t pick himself. Keegan chose to honor his Captain responsibilities. “I was chosen to do a job, to captain the team and prioritize my focus on leading our teammates to victory.” – Keegan Bradley. Got chills yet… USA, USA, USA!
2 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. September is golf’s greatest month
Yes, school is back in session, football has started and the sun doesn’t stay in the sky quite as long. That all said, September is the ideal time to play golf. Cooler weather, changing foliage, no bugs and ample tee times readily available. I get it, there is a lot going on in September but promise me this – you’ll make 4 tee times in September at a minimum. Take advantage of the greatest month of golf. You’ll thank me come October/November.
2. Spa Day for your Golf Clubs
Everyone deserves a day to be pampered. Your golf clubs are no exception. They’ve been baked in trunks, hauled through rain, hit against rocks, roots and dried turf for the better part of 6 months now. Your grips are worn, your lie angles and lofts may have adjusted and your grooves are asking for some TLC. Don’t wait for spring to “tune up” your clubs. Bring them into Austad’s master builders this offseason for a check-up. Your clubs will thank you (glass of wine and flowers not included).
1 MISSION MOMENT
A Birthday Surprise in Des Moines
Earlier this month, a young golfer booked a fitting at our Des Moines location for her birthday. Our team caught wind of the celebration and decided to make it unforgettable. When she walked into the simulator bay, she was greeted with a personalized “Happy Birthday” message on the big screen, a surprise birthday cake for h e r and her shopping crew, and a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the entire Austad’s staff.
By the end of the fitting, she had new clubs in hand—and a memory that’ll last a lifetime. We call this unreasonable hospitality, and it’s just one way we help people play better and have more fun.
Signing off for this month,
Ryan Austad
