K.Na 20yrd Gain - Proto Driver

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By Robert L

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  • 12 Replies
  1. Robert L

    Robert L

    During the first round broadcast of the Ft. Worth Invitational, there was a brief discussion between the announcers about Kevin Na, while he was still a couple of shots back. One of the announcers (maybe B.Chamblee), brought up a discussion he had w/ Na in which Na said that he'd gained 20 YARDS FROM HIS DRIVER (possibly from low spin)!

    There was a little disbelief back and forth between the announcers, and as the story wrapped up Chamblee said that he watched the flight of his driver on the range, and said the ball seemed to get small pretty fast!

    Could Kevin Na be gaming the prototype driver that we saw images of J.Walker with, and gaining 20 yards? What if someone wins with a prototype driver that is still under embargo? What's that WITB gonna look like?

  2. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    I'm not sure if players can play a prototype driver unless it's on the USGA Conforming list for competition???

    Cheers,
    Dr. K
  3. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Dr. Kovatchian said:

    I'm not sure if players can play a prototype driver unless it's on the USGA Conforming list for competition???

    Cheers,
    Dr. K

    Correct Doc, but that's usually what happens first and then a few get used in competition, all before they go public. Saw the same thing with the unmarked SM7 wedges last fall. They don't have to be publicly released, just USGA approved.
  4. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military

    Dr. Kovatchian said:

    I'm not sure if players can play a prototype driver unless it's on the USGA Conforming list for competition???

    Cheers,
    Dr. K

    Dr. K, you are correct. It has to be on the USGA conforming list to use in tournament play.
  5. Reid F.

    Reid F.

    He posted a picture on Instagram last week where he was hitting an Epic at the Byron Nelson. Like Dr. K mentioned, I don't think they can play equipment that isn't on the conforming list.
  6. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    If a player has a club in the bag, even a prototype, it is on the USGA approved list. If it isn't they would be DQ'd.
  7. ADeLucia

    ADeLucia
    Clayton NC

    cant wait to see what it is!
  8. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    The 919 is going to be off the charts. Nough said.
  9. AWells

    AWells

    Perhaps he was hitting Titleist's new AVX ball? that has lower spin and goes a mile !!!!!
  10. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    My caddy buddy has told me that proto's often get the verbal approval from the USGA, but aren't on the official approved list until they are released by the manufacturer. As with any OEM, the proto's are available to the Tour players LONG before they hit the shelves....Once again folks, it's NOT the clubs!....
  11. Ryan M

    Ryan M

    I believe the USGA updates their conforming list every Monday if it was submitted on a Monday or Tuesday it'd take a week for the list to be updated even if it had been passed by the USGA.

    I really hope Robert L is right that he gained some serious distance through spin reduction. I've got 10 Titleist clubs and would love to fill the driver spot with something that is low spin along the line of a 2016 M1 430 (just an example) etc. I don't have the swing charteistics of a PGA pro (surprise surprise right? lol) so my swing produces a higher spin due too, well not being as effiecient as the pros and I due tend to spin the driver a bit too much.


    Really excited to hear about these new drivers!!
  12. RKelly

    RKelly

    Wait for it. I only have my 917 a few weeks and I'll want to upgrade in a few more.
  13. Mike C

    Mike C
    Dallas, TX

    Excited to see what is coming out with the 919’s. Always fun to get something new in the bag.

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