February 19, 2017 – Srixon Sports Europe is introducing the latest and significantly improved models to its iconic Z-STAR series golf balls with an original campaign in the United Kingdom. Just when the all-new, 5th generation Srixon Z-STAR and Srixon Z-STAR XV, promising golfers more distance, more spin and more consistency in the wind, are arriving to the golf stores.
To celebrate the launch of the new Z-STAR Series, Srixon has also confirmed a new partnership with Prostate Cancer UK that see the delivery of limited edition 15 ball ‘Z-STAR / Z-STAR XV Bonus Packs’. Supporting the campaign there are brand ambassadors on Tour like Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Joel Stalter, Ricardo Gouveia, Jaco van Zyl or Ryan Fox. These special packs will also include an additional free sleeve of the new Z-STAR / Z-STAR XV decorated with the iconic Prostate Cancer UK logo, giving golfers the chance to get even more experience of playing Srixon’s premium ball.
Srixon will also donate £1.50 for every dozen golf balls sold at trade to Prostate Cancer UK, helping to raise vital funds and awareness of the life-threatening male-specific disease.
Testament to the sheer quality its all-round feel and performance, the new Srixon Z-STAR balls are already being used by numerous Srixon tour professionals, including Hideki Matsuyama, who put the ball in play and promptly went on his amazing end of year streak, amassing 4 victories and a second place in 5 events!
“This is a truly reliable ball that delivers more distance than anything I have ever used before, and it has more responsive feel at impact. Playing on the PGA Tour, I need a ball, which stops on the green with irons, so I’m very satisfied with the new Z-STAR creating the optimal spin. It also has more spin and better feel around the green, and has more consistent spin especially from the rough, so I’m amazed with these significant improvements,” says Hideki Matsuyama.
November 9, 2016 – Srixon Sports Europe, the #1 two-piece golf ball brand in the UK & Ireland for the last 10 years, has launched its next-generation Soft Feel golf ball range. The new Soft Feel includes specific models for both male and female golfers and is designed specifically for those with mid to low swing speeds. Trusted by golfers worldwide, the popular Soft Feel features a softer cover and a lower compression core, resulting in incredible distance and an even softer feel than ever before.
Now in its 10th generation, the all-new Soft Feel provides golfers with even better feel on all shots, as well as improved greenside spin, incredible distance and enhanced accuracy from tee to green. This high-performance ball is also available in a new classic Soft White and a striking Tour Yellow finish for players looking for added visual appeal.
The Soft Feel Lady golf ball features the same superior performance benefits as the men’s Soft Feel, but offers a slightly higher launch and comes in Soft White and an eye-catching Passion Pink finish.
Both new versions of the Soft Feel feature three key innovations that Srixon’s R&D team have implemented to ensure maximum performance in all areas of the game.
Softer, Lower Compression Core: The new Soft Feel features the much talked about Energetic Gradient Growth (E.G.G.) Core that is unique to Srixon and has contributed to the huge success of the market-leading AD333 golf ball. This dramatically softer golf ball is a 60 compression design that is also 12 points softer than the previous generation Soft Feel. This results in even softer feel on all full shots without sacrificing the incredible distance and accuracy from tee to green.
Softer, Thinner Cover: The Ionomer cover on the new Soft Feel is 11% thinner and 5% softer than the previous model, with the softest feel rating tested in the low-compression golf ball category. The new softer, thinner cover also provides golfers with more greenside spin and softer feel on all pitches, chips and putts.
New Aerodynamic Speed Dimple Design: The new Soft Feel cover features Srixon’s break-through 324 Speed Dimple pattern which combines greater uniformity of dimple design with better surface coverage. This results in less drag on the ball, producing a more penetrating ball flight and maximised distance on full shots.
The ultimate advantage of the 10th generation Srixon Soft Feel is that it feels softer while also providing the optimal blend of distance, accuracy and spin to a wide range of golfers. Total performance has never felt better!
September 6, 2016 – This Summer the holidays took me to the English countryside. This was my plan: Flight Barcelona – London (Gatwick), train to North Camp and change, new train destination … Alton! Wait a minute, Alton? Isn’t the Srixon Sports Europe Ltd headquarters here? So I decided to drop in for a courtesy visit to see the insides of the European centre of operations of Srixon, Cleveland Golf and XXIO, those heavyweights of the golf industry.
Having contacted Hauke Lipp, Marketing Manager for Continental Europe, MyGolfWay.com was welcomed for a visit that lasted two days. The company is in the midst of product renovation and launch, so the first meeting was dedicated to an exclusive introduction to the new releases that will hit the stores this September.
The company tends to change the range of products in two-year cycles, so we are at an exciting time for its brands, which have significant technological and design improvements that will deliver more performance and fun on the course for players worldwide.
Srixon is launching the new Z65 line, highlighted by a range of competitive woods, with the adjustable Z 565 Driver (and the Z 765 only custom), with three unique technologies that make up the Ripple Effect: the Power Wave Sole, the Stretch Flex Cup Face, and the Lightweight Crown that maximize distance and control off the tee. The Z F65 Fairway Woods, also with Ripple Effect, have a closer and more extended face which gives you more confidence when playing. And in the same vein, the Z H65 Hybrid develops maximum distance with high a higher and more forgiving launch, like all the family of woods.
Well, we found the woods spectacular, but the irons seduced us even more with that muscle bar with its apex a little further towards the toe. There are three lines ranging from the blade to the cavity back, covering the full range of players. At first glance we’d say that the Z 965 blades will be for skilled players from scratch to handicap 10; the Z 765, a mid-cavity for serious players from scratch to handicap 15; and the Z 565 cavity, the most tolerant for handicaps of 10 to 20.
And regarding Cleveland Golf, what a surprise! New RTX-3 wedges to improve… what already looked unbeatable! Here the historical commitment of the brand to the short game has been revamped. Up to the month of July they total 351 victories on the Tour and 26 Majors, having been in the bag of eleven World Ranking Nº1s… After two years of the RTX 2.0 hegemony, the brand has leapt forward with new technologies such as the Feel Balancing, new sole grinds (V-LG, V-MG and V-FG), more sophisticated ROTEX grooves according to the loft, quality finishes (Satin and Black) and a super modern look in their blade and cavity versions.
In addition, Cleveland Golf is taking putters to a new level, with two sensational lines. Here you have the multi material TFi with the revolutionary alignment system, which places the visual mark at the height of the centre of the ball, with the new mallets the Cero, the Elevado (this one also will be in counterbalance version), and the Mezzo (centre shafted). It felt great to touch them and try them out in this presentation at Alton.
And finally, the new Huntington Beach putters, referenced as 1, 4 and 6. At first glance they seem very basic but… when you have them in your hands, they are amazing. They’re made of 304 stainless steel, with a remarkably soft touch, and have deeper grooves on the face, which give you a smooth feel and a super true roll.
We ended the first day at the Srixon Sports Europe offices talking about new golf balls, specifically the 10th generation of the popular Srixon Soft Feel (the green box), a two-piece with the new EGG core, and enjoying the latest video for the launch campaign about the Ripple Effect.
The second day of visit to the European headquarters of Srixon consisted of a tour of the instalations. “In the UK we have a European warehouse, located in Southampton, where we ship all goods to the European Union and to our distributors in Russia, Sweden, Denmark… to cover all Continental Europe”, explains Hauke Lipp.
“In Alton we have our offices and our assembly unit. Here we make repairs and custom fit clubs, as well as having all components in the warehouse.”
“If an order from Spain comes in, the order will be past to the logistics office in Alton, and we’ll build the clubs here and ship them to Spain. Normally, the player will receives his cubs in about seven working days.”
We are inside the logistics office of Srixon Sports Europe, and we get to see the process that follows when you order custom golf clubs from, for example, a Spanish golf shop. Orders arrive from all over Europe by computer to this office. The order is printed and the sheet becomes a ‘production order’ that is assigned to one of the many trollies we can see here.
With this trolley, the technician moves around the warehouse following the green lines on the floor. He has a code system, so that he knows exactly where each component is, that he needs to collect on the trolley according to the order specifications. In the classified storage containers we can see all available types of clubheads, shafts and grips of all brands and models in stock for Srixon, Cleveland and XXIO golf clubs.
When all components have been collected together, the order leaves the warehouse and comes into the workshop. The first section of the workshop is dedicated to the process of shaft cutting, as the shafts come uncut from the factory. There is a template of measurements with the shaft sizes for every model of each brand, whether it is Srixon, Cleveland or XXIO.
So, for example, the shafts for the 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of a set of irons can be cut in one go. There are two workstations for this operation, all maintaining the highest health and safety conditions, to avoid any possible contamination. The shafts then pass on to the grinding machine to refine the tips.
Moving on to the next department, all the components are rechecked, the loft and lie, and heads are assembled with the shaft, along with the so-called ferruling, applying the ferules depending on the kind of club…
After the gluing and drying process, the product goes to another section. To finish the assembly, loft and lie are rechecked, the weighing is done and the swing weight adjusted, and finally we come to the gripping station where the grips are applied.
Before getting to the last stage we went through the repair department. Golf clubs under warranty come here, as do clubs sent by retailers to replace broken shafts or other damage.
When the golf clubs are finished we emerge from the workshop. The order is prepared and ready to ship, but before it goes, the logistics team recheck the order. They review and carry out quality control here, and if everything is correct and the club is custom-built, the company stamp the label on the box to make it clear that these are custom clubs for a player.
The clubs are packed with special boxes and stickers for each brand, so that when the retailer receives the goods he knows they’ve come from the company and correspond to a specific order.
“And that’s how all it works”. We said goodbye to Hauke Lipp, very grateful to him for attending us. So, when placing an order of Srixon, Cleveland or XXIO custom clubs, you now know how they’re done!
August 17, 2016 – Srixon Sports Europe has revealed the all new Srixon Z 65 Series of drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids for September 2016 in continental Europe. The all new Z 65 Club series combines latest technologies for advanced performance with true style. Designed specifically for maximum distance and control, the Z 65 series showcases the most innovative, highest performing clubs the brand has ever brought to market.
SRIXON Z 65 Series Drivers
Thanks to continual design innovations, delivered by Srixon’s expert R&D and engineering teams, the two new drivers in the Z 65 series – the Z 565 and Z 765 (custom only) feature an array of technologies that deliver higher launch, more forgiveness and increased distance.
SRIXON Z F65 Series Fairway Woods andZ H65 Hybrids
The all-new Srixon Z 65 fairway woods and hybrids have also benefitted from some similar alterations to the previous model. Like the new driver, the Z F65 fairway woods feature Ripple Effect technology, delivering the most advanced innovation and best performance Srixon has ever manufactured.
SRIXON Z 65 Irons 565, 765, 965 and Z U65 Utility
Srixon Z 565 Irons: The Srixon Z 565 Irons have made Srixon’s best iron performance even better. The Z 565 is a highly playable forged cavity back that promotes maximum distance and forgiveness.
Srixon Z 765 Irons: The Srixon Z 765 Irons have made Srixon’s best iron performance even better. The Z 765 is a muscle cavity preferred by skilled players for its traditional profile and exceptional control.
Srixon Z 965 Irons: The Srixon Z 965 Irons have made Srixon’s best iron performance even better. The Z 965 is a compact muscle back blade ideal for the most advanced, demanding players.
Srixon Z U65 Utility Iron: The Srixon Z U65 Utility Iron has made Srixon’s best iron performance even better. Featuring hollow construction in a slim profile, the Z U65 is a versatile option for players seeking distance and control off the tee or on long approach shots.
This great range of new products will be available from September 2016.
RRP Driver: 499,99 €
RRP Fairway wood: 299,99 €
RRP Hybrid: 249,99 €
RRP Irons: Single club 166,99 € (graphite shaft); 149,99 € (steel shaft); Set 5-PW 999,99 € (graphite shaft); 899,99 € (steel shaft)
August 7, 2016 – In a multi-year agreement, the PGA of America has named Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO a supporting partner of the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, as well as a Supporting Partner of Golf Retirement Plus and a Proud Supporter of PGA Junior Golf Camps.
“The PGA of America is delighted that Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO has furthered its commitment to the PGA Professional and the future of the game of golf,” said PGA President Derek Sprague.
“Their investment in the game and their deeply held belief in the tangible impact and influence of the PGA Professional is something we’re extremely proud and honored to have earned. We are very grateful for their enduring support and partnership.”
The 40th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship will be conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Oct. 27-30. The Assistant PGA Professional Championship field is composed of representatives from 41 nationwide Section Championships conducted in the late summer and fall of 2016. Sponsorship of both the national and Section championships are effectively immediately.
“We’re proud to be a partner of the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship and are committed to supporting America’s next generation of PGA Professionals,” said Mike Powell, President of Sales & Marketing for Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO, North America.
“The great work that PGA Professionals do on a daily basis proves their commitment to this game of a lifetime. Srixon is privileged for this opportunity. On behalf of all our stakeholders around the world: Thanks PGA Pro!”
The company will also make contributions to Golf Retirement Plus. Founded in 1997, Golf Retirement Plus is a retirement program for PGA Professionals and apprentices, GCSAA Superintendents and CMAA Club Managers, which allows them to make their own contributions or have their employers contribute to their Golf Retirement Plus accounts on their behalf. PGA Professionals can also earn personal incentives by participating in the Golf Retirement Plus Partner Programs.
In addition, Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO will provide wedges and golf accessories to PGA Junior Golf Camps nationwide. These camps provide a learning opportunity which is virtually unobtainable in other instructional settings. With weeklong, consecutive day-to-day programming, juniors are immersed in the game. At more than 75 locations, the camps offer half-day, full-day camps and a select number of overnight camps. All camps are taught by PGA Teaching Professionals and are designed to make instruction meaningful, as well as fun. Kids ages 6-17 and of all ability levels are welcome to participate.
April 28, 2016 – Srixon Sports Europe Ltd. has revealed the 45 Black Edition Z-Series Irons. Forged from 1020 Carbon Steel, they offer tour-influenced performance, real innovation and stunning design. The Black finish gives this outstanding great look and is appealing to your eye. The Z 45 Series Black Limited Edition clubs are now available at selected locations throughout Continental Europe.
The outstanding forged construction generates the most advanced performance with style. The usage of high end materials and their perfect combination results in an ultra cool look combined with unequalled precision feeling and performance.
The 45 Black is a limited edition of the successful Z 45 Series as used by many top Players around the Globe, such as Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry and Hideki Matsuyama. Shane Lowry used the Z 45 Series Irons at his first Masters appearance and shot a historic hole-in-one on the famous 16th hole in Augusta.
The Srixon Z 545 are distance-oriented for “All Ability“ players. Srixon Z 545 irons combine hot flight and incredible feel in a slightly larger, more forgiving cavity-back profile.
The Srixon Z 745 are the ultimate experience in ball-striking irons. The muscle cavity design features a thinner topline and more compact shape ideal for “tour” players.
The Srixon Z 945, a traditional muscle back design, features the Srixon thinnest topline and most compact shape, making it the choice for golfers that demand the most workability and control.
These great performing irons are limited to a 100 sets, available in combo variations and fitted to the needs of it’s player.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Z 945/745/545
The Srixon Z 45 Black irons are forged from the highest quality, softest 1020 carbon steel. With a lower carbon content compared to many key competitors, the Z Series irons are high-strength while also exceptionally responsive and smooth at impact.
TOUR V.T. SOLE
To enhance turf interaction and trajectory control, Srixon Z 45 Black irons feature the newly developed Tour V.T. Sole. By increasing leading bounce and decreasing trailing bounce, a “V” is created in the sole profile that has been proven to reduce turf resistance and tighten shot dispersion.
DOUBLE LASER MILLING
This process places two different laser milling patterns on the club face, one parallel to the grooves and another slightly angled. The result is more stable spin performance and more confident distance control from every lie, especially the rough.
RRP Single club: 166,99 € (graphite shaft); 149,99 € (steel).
April 12, 2016 – In our ‘Un-Official Rankings of the 2016 Masters’ we take a look under the green carpet of Augusta to discover facts that may go unnoticed by many of you, but that we, in MyGolfWay.com, would like to uncover.
England and Srixon have been, for us, the other big surprises at the Masters 2016. Apart from the powerful game displayed by Danny Willet with Callaway Golf, for which he merited the green jacket, it’s clear that England has given the United States a shake up in its own arena. But here we’ve discovered another surprise, the top position of Srixon in the brand leader board.
We know that the Masters is not the Olympic Games nor the Ryder Cup, and players do not represent countries, continents or brands. But behind the official results we all know, it’s interesting to take another look from our own perspective. We’ve counted the three top-ranked players for each brand and country of the Masters 2016, adding their positions as if they were points. The best ranking has the lowest score.
While the Masters usually belongs to the Americans, they failed in 2013 against the Australia of Adam Scott. And now in 2016 they have lost again in the face of the English forces of Danny Willet (1), Lee Westwood (T2) and Paul Casey (T4) to score 7 points, bearing in mind that they also had Matthew Fitzpatrick (T7) and Justin Rose (T10) within the Top-10. Meanwhile, the United States had Jordan Spieth (T2), J.B. Holmes (T4) and Dustin Johnson (T4) to score its 10 points, with Daniel Berger (T10) and Brandt Snedeker (T10) on the bench in the Top-10.
Curiously England, U.S. and Australia, distant third with 69 points, were the only countries able to have at least three players in the cut.
SRIXON, No. 1 OF THE MASTERS 2016 BY PLAYERS
We carry on analysing our ‘Un-Official Rankings of the 2016 Masters’ by looking at the top three players by brands, and we can confirm that this Masters continues to question the norm. In the 2015 Masters,Titleist players achieved 16 points with its players, while Srixon scraped seventh with 76 points. Well, in the 2016 Masters, Srixon’s assault on the leadership was spectacular and has turned the tables.
With its three best golfers Srixon scored 18 points, surpassing brands traditionally ahead like TaylorMade Golf (24), Callaway Golf (33), Nike Golf (35), PING (41) and a Titleist in free fall (43).
And interestingly, the three golfers who opted for the leadership, the American J.B. Holmes (T4), the Danish player Soren Kjeldsen (T7) and Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama (T7) could well have been other players, if we remember that the Irishman Shane Lowry (T39) in the first round or the American Smylie Kaufman (T29) in the third, were there around the top of the leader board.
The brand’s staff in the Masters also has grown this year, including Larry Mize, Anirban Lahiri, Keegan Bradley, Graeme McDowell and Russell Knox. The company has certainly shown that its golf balls Z-STAR XV, Srixon clubs and Cleveland Golf wedges could perfectly well be winning a Masters. We look forward to seeing what happens in the next Majors.
For TaylorMade Golf, second with 24 points, a poor first round for Jason Day (T10) reduced its chances of clinching the top spot, while hopes for Sergio Garcia (T34) failed on the third round, so Dustin Johnson (T4) became its best representative.
In third place comes Callaway Golf with 33 points, with Danny Willett in the lead (1), followed by Nike Golf with 35 points and Paul Casey (T4) better than Rory McIlroy (T10), PING with 41 points and Lee Westwood (T2) as its best player, and Titleist with only 43 points, despite Jordan Spieth (T2) and the best Spanish player, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (T17), after its overwhelming dominance on the board during the last editions of the Masters.
February 24, 2016 – Srixon Sports Europe has announced the launch of the latest advancement of its popular AD333 franchise, with the all-new AD333 Tour.
The NEW 3-piece AD333 Tour golf ball category has been designed specially for golfers that don’t possess tour-level swing speed, but still demand the precision of a tour-level golf ball. Srixon’s industry-leading R&D Team has delivered more advanced performance compared to the previous AD333 Tour model, in terms of Distance, Control and Feel.
The key difference between the innovative new AD333 Tour and its predecessor is a new Srixon Energetic Gradient Growth (E.G.G.) Core, which has softer compression by 5 points, this achieves higher launch angle, lower spin, longer distance and an incredibly soft feel. The next generation SpinkSkin coating improves green side spin performance for better control.
With a firm outer layer that softens towards the centre, Srixon’s E.G.G. cores are precisely cured at different temperatures to achieve stiffness variation within a single material component. Unlike other multi-piece golf balls that jump from one stiffness to the next, Srixon’s E.G.G. cores provide greater long-term durability and consistent power distribution.
“The AD333 Tour is a fantastic golf ball that features advanced performance technology which improves short game control and feel as well as distance – this is very hard to achieve,” commented Mike Powell, Director of Srixon Sports Europe.
“This golf ball is perfect for golfers who demand the precision of a tour-level ball, but don’t necessarily have the swing speed of a tour pro. Our testing shows that golfers who have a swing speed of 80+ mph with the driver gain distance hitting the new AD333 Tour over a traditional tour golf ball.”
“From a short game perspective, the new AD333 Tour will also feel softer and spin more around the greens due to its soft urethane cover and new second generation SpinSkin coating”, added Mike Powell.
KEY FEATURES
Longer Distance and Softer Feel.
New E.G.G. Core which has softer compression by 5 points creates higher launch angle, lower spin, longer distance and softer feel.
New Speed Dimples (324) enhance the aerodynamics of the golf ball.
More spin and better control with great feel around the green.
The soft and ultra thin urethane cover combined with the Next Generation Spin Skin (same as Z-STAR XV) provides more advanced short game performance.
February 11, 2016 – Srixon Sports Europe has announced the launch of an all-new golf ball which it claims to be its softest ever. The Srixon UltiSoft delivers a soft touch and feel like never before.
The most innovative soft core in the industry produces softer feel on all shots from tee to green and maximises energy transfer for that game–winning greater distance.
Srixon’s expert R&D and design team spent over two-years developing the most advanced two piece ball available. The UltiSoft delivers the ultimate soft feel and elevates 2 piece ball performance to the next level.
Designed specifically for low to mid swing speed golfers who are looking for the ultimate in feel, the UltiSoft features Srixon’s propriety Energetic Gradient Growth (E.G.G.) core, thin ionomer cover and 324 speed dimple resulting in advanced performance in terms of Distance, Control and Feel.
The Srixon UltiSoft will certainly be the hottest low compression ball for 2016.
KEY FEATURES
1) Ultra-soft feel with ultra-low-compression design: The proprietary ultra-low-compression E.G.G. core and soft, thin ionomer cover made with a blend of Rabalon HR+ and Pana-Tetra offer an ultra-soft impact feel, whichever club is used.
2) Longer Straighter Distance: Off the tee, the ultra-low-compression Energetic Gradient Growth core helps golfers achieve a high launch angle with low spin for long and straight flight. The benefits of this ball will be particularly noticeable to golfers who have lower swing speed. In addition, the 324 Speed Dimple pattern, which was also featured on the Srixon Z-STAR Series, reduces air resistance for even greater distance.
3) Extra short game control: Golfers will experience the incredibly soft impact feel of this ball not only when they putt but also on approach shots. The soft cover promotes a slightly longer contact with the face of the club for exceptional short game control.
February 8, 2016 – The Srixon / Cleveland Golfstaff playerHideki Matsuyama sealed an impressive second PGA Tour title on Sunday following a monumental 4- hole playoff against Rickie Fowler at The Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Trusting the advanced-performance technology of his Srixon Z-Star XV golf ball, Srixon Z945 Irons (4-PW), Srixon Driver and Cleveland Golf 588 RTX 2.0 Precision Forged wedges (52º, 56º and 60º,), the 23 year old Japanese superstar was in imperious form down the closing stretch. Refusing to give up the chase, Hideki Matsuyama clawed back two shots on the final two holes of regulation play, with must-make birdies to card a final round 4-under par, 67 and take the tournament into sudden-death.
After a par on the first playoff hole, a clutch birdie putt from Hideki Matsuyama on the second playoff hole, in front of record crowds, took the showdown to a third extra hole. With both players paring the 10th hole it was on to the driveable par 4 17th again, where a par proved enough for Matsuyama to claim a hard fought victory and the winner’s cheque for $1,170,000.00.
The win vaults Hideki Matsuyama up to 10th position in the FedEx Cup standings and up from 19th to 12th place in the Official World Golf Rankings. His first PGA Tour title was the 2014 Memorial Tournament.
What’s in Hideki’s winning bag?
Golf Ball: Srixon Z-STAR XV
Driver: Srixon ZR-30 (9.5º, Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8TX)
