Lexi Thompson, who announced her retirement Tuesday, used one set of irons as a pro

That’s not a typo, as this excerpt from a conversation she had with Golfweek explains.

LPGA star Lexi Thompson announced on Tuesday that she will be retiring at the end of this season. Thompson has been one of the faces of American women’s golf since she qualified for her first U.S. Women’s Open at age 12. She’s never won the U.S. Women’s Open, but has come heartbreakingly close, including in 2021 when she had a five-shot lead at The Olympic Club in San Francisco before but wound up losing to Yuka Saso.

Before the start of the 2022 season, I had a chance to chat with Thompson on the phone about her equipment. You can read the entire interview here, but for me, the highlight was chatting with Lexi about the irons that never left her bag over 15 years.

That’s not a typo, as this excerpt from that conversation recalls:

David Dusek: OK, trivia time: Do you know the year the Cobra S2 irons, which you play, became available?

Lexi Thompson: Ha, probably the year I turned pro, if not the year before.

D.D.: Yup, 2009.

L.T.: I know because I have been using them my whole career. 

D.D.: What is about those clubs that has made them impossible for you to replace?

L.T.: It’s kind of the same thing that I talked about with the 3-wood. With irons, I’m not one to use a blade, but the S2 is super forgiving and super soft coming off the face. I know that when I hit them solid, they are going to go the distance I need them to. They are going to be steady in the wind.

I’ve been using the Project X 5.0 shafts, and people tell me, “You should be using 6.0 [which is stiffer],” and I’m like, nope. My golf swing is set up for them and every time I have tried something new, it doesn’t come out right. It’s just not the same. 

D.D.: Has Cobra told you if it is running out of S2 irons, and how often do you have to get a new set of the same irons because you wear the old set out?

L.T.: We’ve definitely had those conversations. I try all the new irons that Cobra makes, and they’re great. It’s just that once you find something you love, it’s hard to replace. But yes, we’ve had that talk. There may be something in the works, so we’ll see.”

In case you are wondering, Thompson is competing in the U.S. Women’s Open this week at Lancaster Country Club with a set of Cobra S2 irons in her bag.

More: Photos through the years of Lexi Thompson, who will retire at 29

Puma releases new Phantomcat Nitro golf shoe to be worn by Rickie Fowler

It’s Puma’s most advanced shoe yet.

The new Phantomcat Nitro golf shoe has been released, and it’s Puma’s most advanced shoe yet.

This shoe looks good, but the technology behind the Phantomcat takes it to a whole new level. The new nitrogen infused foam in the heel helps give an improved rebound and lightweight response as you walk. Say goodbye to squished toes, Puma has restructured its toe box with an anatomically shaped last providing a better fit for more golfers.

In addition, the new Flexspike design provides an upgraded traction system. Flexspike was engineered to increase surface contact with the ground with its uniquely shaped cleats. These cleats provide a greater grip in the ground and better weight distribution, making these shoes feel lighter and more comfortable. The Flexspike technology allows the foot to move in all different directions as you swing and walk throughout the day.

Puma Phantomcat Nitro golf shoe
Puma Phantomcat Nitro golf shoe. (Puma Golf)

The Phantomcat Nitro includes a 1-year waterproof guarantee with its full grain leather uppers. The TPU outsole is made up of a molded heel panel and secondary traction elements to help lock the foot into place.

“The Phantomcat Nitro is our most advanced shoe to date,” said Andrew Lawson, Senior PLM Footwear at Puma Golf. “Nitro foam and Flexspike technology gives the golfer a combination of traction and comfort like never before. The feedback we’ve received from our Tour Athletes has been fantastic and I can’t wait for golfers to try this shoe.” 

These shoes will be worn by some of your favorite tour players such as Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, Justin Suh and JJ Spaun.

Puma Golf introduces new Made For This collection

Puma Golf introduces a line of performance apparel, blending functionality and style to shield golfers from the elements .

Puma Golf has introduced a line of performance apparel, blending functionality and style to shield golfers from the elements just in time for the fall and winter golf seasons.

Crafted with advanced weather-proofing technologies, the Made for This collection caters to golf enthusiasts in any weather condition with its versatile properties. This inclusive collection is available for both men and women who share a year-round passion for golf.

This new layering lineup encompasses the WRMLBL and DRYLBL families, featuring a range of options, from mid-weight sweaters and vests to windbreakers, rainwear and insulated cold-weather jackets.

“Puma Golf is fully committed to the layering and performance technology category,” said Juston Tucker, head of product design at Puma Golf. “We’ve put together a technology-driven collection with style. We call it, Made for This because regardless of wind, rain, dry or cold conditions, well… we made it for this.”

Made For This by Puma Golf new collection
Made For This, Puma Golf’s new collection. (Puma Golf)

For those tackling wind and rain, Puma Golf’s DRYLBL lineup offers waterproof and windproof pants and jackets with fully seam-sealed, stretch fabrics and practical details. The DRYLBL line utilizes Sympatex material, delivering 100 percent windproof and waterproof performance with exceptional durability.

If wind and cold are the primary challenges, Puma’s WRMLBL lineup provides the solution. Featuring a wide variety of options, including quilted vests, jackets, fleece, cashmere sweaters, wind-blocking sweaters, hoodies and quarter-zips, the WRMLBL line ensures player comfort and unrestricted movement on the course.

“You came to play, not worry about the weather. We all share a passion for the game that inspires us to practice and play year-round,” said Mike Diaz, marketing director at Puma Golf. “Puma Golf can fully outfit all types of players in any weather condition, with premium apparel that looks, fits, and performs exceptionally well.”

You can shop and learn more about The Made For This collection by Puma at pumagolf.com.

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Best golf shorts for 2023

It’s still shorts season! Gear up with our list of best shorts for 2023.

The end of summer may be on the horizon, but we still have over a month of hot-weather golf to contend with. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best golf shorts you can buy.

This list features shorts from brands like Adidas, FootJoy, Nike, Peter Millar and more.

Enjoying a walk around your home golf course in a pair of one of these shorts will keep you cool while battling high temperatures.

If you’re looking for other gear, here are some other recent lists we’ve compiled for you: Best cart bags for 2023, best junior golf gear and equipment for 2023 and best golf socks for 2023.

Best red, white and blue golf gear to celebrate July 4th

Celebrate America’s birthday with our list best red, white and blue golf equipment and apparel

Celebrate the 4th of July in style and showcase your love for the red, white and blue with a look that would make Uncle Sam jealous.

We’ve gathered some of the best styles from across the golf apparel landscape. From simple and classic to brash and loud, we’ve found something for everyone.

If you’re wanting to capitalize on some stellar sales, check out the list of July 4th sales to cash in on big savings. Be sure to check out our summer favorites to stock up on hats, shorts, polos, shoes and more to keep your wardrobe as fresh and clean as your short game all summer long!

Puma Golf introduces new Alphacat Nitro Shoe

The Alphacat golf shoe is one of Puma’s best sellers, but wait until you see the recently released Alphacat Nitro Shoe.

The Alphacat golf shoe is currently one of Puma Golf’s best sellers, but the new Alphacat Nitro Shoe may turn heads as well.

The Alphacat Nitro is a spikeless shoe with nitro foam cushioning that provides a more energetic step with infused nitrogen gas. The idea was to create a better energy return with each step while keeping the shoe lightweight. The upper ExoShell mesh structure creates better support as you walk and swing.

The Dual Material Alpha Traction sole was designed to create grip and stability on a wide variety of turf and weather conditions. The unique Formstripe External Heel Counter keeps the shoes looking sharp.

Puma Golf introduces new Alphabet Nitro Shoe
Puma Golf introduces new Alphacat Nitro Shoe. (Puma Golf)

“Our goal at Puma is to constantly innovate and the Alphacat Nitro is cutting-edge,” said Andrew Lawson, Senior PLM, Footwear, Puma Golf.  “We infused Nitro Foam into the midsole, which provides lightweight performance and energy return. Players who try it will notice the difference immediately.”

The Alphacat Nitro will be available in six colorways in the laced model and four colorways in the Disc model. You can shop the shoe for $160 on pumagolf.com today.

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Want to keep the Augusta party going? Check out these 14 Masters-themed items

Keep the Augusta vibes going with our list of best Masters-themed items in 2023.

The 87th playing of The Masters was absolutely incredible.

Sam Bennett’s showing, Phil Mickelson’s runner-up finish and of course Jon Rahm claiming his first green jacket were all storylines we loved watching over the course of the week.

As always, Augusta National Golf Club leaves us too quickly. However, we’ve brought together some of the best items to help keep the vibes from Augusta flowing.

From apparel worn by players throughout the week to t-shirts and accessories, this list features top of the line items centered around the best week of the golfing calendar.

Be sure to check out our lists that feature Masters-themed accessories, shoes and other spring time golf must haves.

Rickie Fowler and Kygo release new Puma Golf Palm Tree Crew Collection

Rickie Fowler has joined up with popular DJ, Kygo, to provide a collection fit for the tropics.

Puma Golf and Palm Tree Crew have released another collection inspired by golf and music.

Rickie Fowler has joined up with popular DJ, Kygo, to provide a collection fit for the tropics. The Puma Golf x PTC collection was designed to mix golf, music and relaxation together to achieve a lifestyle vibe.

“Working with Puma Golf to continue developing the collaboration with Kygo and PTC keeps me creative,” Fowler said. “Golf and music both have tempo and rhythm, bringing the art of them together through a fashion lens is unique. The Puma x PTC collection gives me confidence in my personal style that I can rock on the course. It’s cool.” 

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Rickie Fowler in all new Palm Tree Crew Collection by Puma Golf
Rickie Fowler in all new Palm Tree Crew Collection by Puma Golf. (Puma Golf)

The collection features a variety of polos, hoodies, shorts, caps, shoes and more. Cobra’s Aerojet even got a makeover to keep up with this lineup. The line has added in hues of aqua green, bright pink, white, and black to resemble a hot and vibrant Miami Beach.

Cobra Golf x Palm Tree Crew Collection Aerojet driver
Cobra Golf x Palm Tree Crew Collection Aerojet driver. (Cobra)

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“So excited to be going into the third year in a row of Puma x PTC. This collection helps continue our mission to bring the worlds of golf and music together,” Kygo said. “Want to thank everyone who has been a part of the journey and welcome to the new members of the crew. Can’t wait to see what you guys think.”

You can learn more and shop the collection here.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01es6rjnsp3c84zkm6 player_id=01evcfxp4q8949fs1e image=]

2023 PGA Show: Top 5 men’s shoes

Golf shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any golfer, providing comfort, stability, and traction on the course.

The 2023 PGA Show in Orlando highlighted a number of different golf shoes on the event’s massive floor. Golf shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any golfer, providing comfort, stability, and traction on the course.

There are many different styles and brands of golf shoes, but Golfweek gathered the top five from this year’s show.

Averee Dovsek chatted with each brand to get all the juicy details on the new releases from your favorite brands such as FootJoy, Under Armour, Ecco, Puma and G/FORE.

Check out the video from the PGA Show on the top men’s shoes and learn more below.

For more shoes, check out Golfweek’s list for 2023: MEN’S | WOMEN’S

Puma Golf releases new Ignite Elevate golf shoe

Ignite and elevate your game with Puma’s newest set of golf shoes.

Puma Golf has been a leader in golf footwear and they are making strides in 2023 early with the release of their new Ignite Elevate golf shoe.

This Elevate shoe will be an addition to the already popular Ignite family by Puma. The shoe has been designed to add additional comfort, functionality and stability into the spikeless shoe.

Puma has utilized Ignite Foam in the midsole which provides energy return as you walk or swing. The EXOShell design that combines engineered mesh uppers with TPU Film fused underneath aids in stability while adding waterproof performance.

Puma Golf releases new Ignite Elevate golf shoe
Puma Golf releases new Ignite Elevate golf shoe – $130. (Puma Golf)

Puma’s Pwrsaddle technology uses a lightweight TPU saddle to make the shoe durable and comfortable. The new Ignite Elevate shoe also features concentric traction that helps with grip on any surface.

“Our goal while designing and developing the Ignite Elevate was to provide superior performance, comfort, and styling in a spikeless shoe,” said Andrew Lawson, Senior PLM Footwear, Puma Golf. “The proven technologies we’ve applied to the design guarantees the new Ignite Elevate will raise anyone’s game.”

Puma Golf releases new Ignite Elevate golf shoe
Puma Golf releases new Ignite Elevate golf shoe- $130. (Puma Golf)

Ignite Elevate is available in seven colorways in medium and wide widths.

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