3 Things we are talking about:
1. RORY FTW!
Until a few weeks ago watching Rory falter on the back nine of Augusta was "a tradition unlike any other." You could literally see the weight of expectation melt away after Rory's final putt. He didn't make it easy but boy did he make it entertaining!
The double bogey on 1, the water ball on #13, the bogey on 18 all had remnants of another collapse. Rory showed resilience to come back with some of the most memorable shots in Masters history (#15's hook around the trees and the birdie on #18 in the playoff). Wow, I love this sport. As I said to my wife, "I'm not crying you're crying!"
Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
2. The Rise of the Mini
7-Woods and Mini Drivers - their so hot right now (Zoolander photo). Golf has seen its fair share of trends come and go, plaid shorts anyone?? The hottest trends in golf in 2025 are 7-woods and mini drivers. The 7-wood trend started on tour with Xander Schauffele and Adam Scott. Now your foursome hid that 4-iron under the bed in favor of the more forgiving 7-wood.
Not to be outdone, the mini driver is back in golfers' good graces and golf bags. Nostalgia runs deep with Taylormade's new R7 Quad mini bringing back memories of one of the most transformational clubs to ever hit the market (moveable weight technology). Should you play a 7 wood or mini driver? Let the data be your guide - book a fitting here and bring in your current sticks to compare.
3. Size Matters - Fit Your Golf Shoes
Austad's Golf has partnered with Volumental in Sioux Falls to create 360 degree scans of golfers feet. Golfers answer a few questions prior to this in-depth measurement such as their preference for spiked vs spikeless and traditional golf shoes vs. athletic.
The scan takes 15 seconds before golfers are sent a digital report of every data point you ever wanted about your feet. Next, our algorithm which connects to Austad's inventory will recommend a few options that are a perfect fit based on your preferences and measurements.
You know Austad's as a Golf Digest Top 100 Club Fitter, can we add a new category for world's best shoe fitters?
2 Things You Need to Know:
1. Tariffs & Your Next Golf Purchase
Will Tariffs Impact the Golf Industry? In short, yes. It appears that the global trade war will at least in the short term have an impact on product coming from overseas. Austad's leadership is working daily with our key manufacturers to manage the supply chain in an attempt to have minimal/no disruption to those we serve, you!
I don't expect to see MAP (minimum advertised price) on new in-line golf clubs change. More likely you'll see smaller changes in pricing in categories like accessories, technology and potentially grips. It is a fluid environment, things change quickly. Austad's Golf, who has always worked hard to provide great value, has not adjusted any prices at the present moment. The game of golf is growing; our goal is to make this game as accessible as possible for you!
2. PING & LIV: Golf's Hottest New Couple?
PING is making a splash and is now sponsoring an entire LIV golf team! LIV has played the role of "disruptor" in golf for several years. Questions remain about the business model and how golf's major manufacturers fit into this competing tour.
Ping, the industry's favorite family-owned producer of golf clubs has jumped in with both feet sponsoring Torque GC featuring an all-Latin American team of Joaquin Niemann, Mito Pereira, Sebastian Munoz, and Carlos Ortiz. All four players grew up playing Ping irons. "They are great friends and tremendous competitors" said Ping CEO John K. Solheim. "We look forward to following their successes both as a team and individuals."
Will this spark other manufacturers to target LIV teams? Time will tell...
1 Mission Moment:
Austad’s mission is simple – maximize the enjoyment of the game of golf by helping people play better. Our fitters go through a robust educational process to ensure we consistently deliver on that mission. Simply put, it is why we exist. We never tire of hearing about the impact our work has on your golf game. Here is a note I received this week from a proud father:
"I wanted to thank you for your time and information during my son's club fitting. He was the 6'7" junior you helped. We received the clubs sooner than expected which I know he appreciated.
He went to his first golf meet on Thursday. He only had the opportunity to hit the clubs about 4 or 5 times and was still working to feel comfortable with them. He shot an 87 which was a personal record for him. Even more exciting for all of us was that he was the low score on his team. An exciting way to start the season.
I know he will continue to work hard at feeling comfortable with how to hit the clubs but it has made a significant difference for him. As a Dad, I can't thank you enough for the impression you made on him. His confidence continues to grow which is exciting to see as a parent of a teenager.
Best wishes to you and your family. God Bless."
I love what we do! Back to work.
- Ryan Austad
