In my continuing my coverage of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, I spent pretty much the entire day at the tournament yesterday. I spent the morning in the media center, creating a few posts for the blog and planning who I would follow in the afternoon. Just after noon I headed to the course, where I was able to follow a few of the Nike Athletes and snap a few pics (Friday I had a photo pass). I found Stewart Cink at the range warming up, and caught him again starting his round on the 10th hole.

I then caught up with Carl Pettersson at the second green, and followed him to the third tee to get some shots of him teeing off. I also was able to get a few more pics of his bag there. Then I caught up with Jamie Lovemark on the adjacent 9th hole (his last if the day), and watched him finish his round there. A few other Nike athletes were on the course that I didn’t get pics of including Anthony Kim and Scott Brown (who played in the same group, I caught up with them as they were walking from the 9th green to the clubhouse), Kevin Chappell (who I also saw walking from 9th green to clubhouse), and Kevin Kisner (who I just missed finishing his round on 18).

All in all it was a fun several days at the WM Phoenix Open. I’m not sure if I’ll make it back out to the tournament this weekend, but if I do I’ll post about it right here on NGN. But I’ll definitely be back next year to follow the Nike Athletes at the Greatest Show on Grass!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

Nike Golf Introduces New VR_S Forged Irons for Maximum Game Improvement

-New VR_S Forged Irons offer premium feel and premium distance-

Nike Golf is introducing the new VR_S Forged irons, its most technically advanced game improvement irons that combine high-speed performance with meticulous craftsmanship for maximized distance and premium feel. Incorporating the finest materials, advanced technology and a face-welded forged face and body, the VR_S Forged irons offer ultimate speed and precision.

Tiger Woods was the first Nike athlete to put a new Nike VR_S Forged iron in competitive play during the 2011 Presidents Cup. He used a VR_S Forged 3-iron that is bent to perform like a 2-iron. Depending on course conditions, Woods will sometimes swap the VR_S Forged 3-iron with his Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 5-wood.

“These premium forged irons are the epitome of both performance and beauty.  They meet the expectations of a blade player’s discerning eye, yet they are hot and fast and will deliver on distance,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. They are so very versatile that they will play very well for both the golfer moving out of forged blades who wants to maintain feel and the golfer looking for forgiving distance.  Hot, fast, forged and forgiving; these irons really have it all.”

The technologies featured in Nike’s hottest forged irons include:

• Japanese Precision Forged SAE 8655 Face – allows for a 2.5mm constant thickness face which creates extreme iron COR for breakout distance and precision performance.

• High Frequency Nike X3X Grooves – Nike’s X3X grooves, there are more grooves that are closer together and deeper on the clubface, which provides more control and consistency in all conditions off of the clubface, while conforming to the USGA and R&A rules.

• Nike Powerbow Technology – by positioning the weight off the face with a deep pocket construction, the Nike Powerbow technology produces a faster, higher launch for maximum carry, straighter ball flight and steeper descent to hold greens.

VR_S Forged irons

Availability:  February 3, 2012

Specifications:  4-AW, Nippon 950HT Steel: S, R; RH

MSRP: $1199.99 STEEL (MAP: $999.99)

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

New VR_S Driver Leads Nike Golf’s Fastest Family Ever

-Massive distance gain begins on the tee and builds through the entire bag-

Nike Golf, the industry’s emerging leader in R&D, has shaped the new face of speed with the introduction of its award-winning VR_S driver and VR_S fairway woods, available to consumers starting today.  These ultra fast, distance-generating woods combine with the new VR_S irons to make up Nike Golf’s fastest ever family of clubs.  The VR_S family is an extension of Nike Golf’s Tour-proven VR franchise, which, since its 2008 introduction, has been the weapon of choice for more than 85 worldwide Tour wins, including three major titles.

The Nike VR_S driver and fairway woods feature NexCOR variable face-thickness technology, for more speed at impact and greater distance.  NexCOR maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi-thickness face design.  The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag.

“When golfers are seeking extra distance, they immediately think about the driver,” said Tom Stites, Director of Product Creation for Nike Golf.  “The amazing speed of Nike Golf’s new VR_S driver more than delivers on that promise.  However, the beauty of the entire VR_S family is that the new fairway woods are also fast and long, as are the irons and the hybrids.  The cumulative result is that every club in the bag is going to get you to the green more quickly — and that means less strokes.”

Nike engineers conducted impact studies and were able to map where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club.  Based on those results, the location of the NexCOR technology through the entire family of VR_S drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids adapt from club to club.  The result is the fastest, hottest and longest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced.

With a bigger club head and a deeper face, the new VR_S driver’s ultra fast speed is accentuated by greater swing velocity generated through its aerodynamically engineered head design and longer, lighter 45.75 inch Fubuki shaft.  The driver also incorporates the new Nike STR8-Fit system, which offers a 4-degree range of face angle adjustability, optimizing ball speed, distance and accuracy.

Aerodynamic design also combines with NexCOR technology for accelerated speed off the face and more distance off the fairway in the new 3, 4, 5 and 7 VR_S fairways woods.  Also, L-Face technology positions the weld on the sole to allow for an expanded maximum COR zone from the middle to lower on the face, where the majority of fairway shots are struck.

Starting in March through May 2012, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across the country. Nike’s VR_S Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed of what’s in their current bag to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. Their accumulative distance will be tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard that will be featured on www.nikegolf.com. For a list of golf shops participating, go to www.nikegolf.com.

VR_S Driver

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

460cc;

8.5, 9.5 (RH/LH), 10.5 (RH/LH), 11.5, HL;

Nike Fubuki: X, S, R, A;

Street Price: $299.99

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

VR_S Fairway Woods

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

3W-15° (RH/LH), 4W-17°, 5W-19° (RH/LH), 7W-21°;

Nike Fubuki K FW: X, S, R, A;

Street Price: $199.99

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Thursday was another picture-perfect day the TPC Scottsdale, with competition officially underway at the Waste Management Phoenix Open after a 1-hour frost delay. I got to the course around 10 a.m. and headed over to the putting green, however the morning groups were already out on the course, so the range and putting green were pretty deserted. However I did find Nike Athlete Scott Brown working on the putting green. Then I headed to the grandstands at 16 for a bit, then caught up with Carl Pettersson on 15. A nice approach shot left him a long 6o-foot put for eagle, but a great lag put left him a tap-in for birdie. He finished the day at -1, 6 back of leaders Ryan Palmer and Jason Dufner.

I then went back to the putting green, where the afternoon groups were getting ready to play, and I found Anthony Kim and Kevin Chappell there rolling putts. Later I caught up with Stewart Cink on his way to the 10th tee, it looks like he might have some VR_S equipment in his bag but I only got a quick glance. I also caught up with Kevin Chappel on the first tee, where he teed off with his VR Pro LE 3-wood.

I wasn’t able to get any pictures on Thursday (I didn’t have a photo pass), but I’m hoping to get one for Friday where I can shoot some more photos of the Nike Athletes. Check back tomorrow to see photos of the Nike Athletes in Friday’s round.

CORRECTION 2.4.12: On Friday I was able to confirm that Carl Pettersson looks to be gaming a VR Pro driver and an Odyssey long putter. I’ve corrected the post below accordingly.

It was another beautiful day out at the Waste Management Phoenix Open today, the last pro-am and practice day before competition starts tomorrow. It was also my last chance to take photos of some of the Nike Athletes (cameras aren’t allowed on the course Thursday – Sunday). I first came across George McNeill (who I incorrectly said yesterday was Vaughn Taylor, sorry George) on the putting green, again in his Lunar Controls and putting with his Method putter (George is under contract with Nike for footwear and putter). Next I got some shots of Carl Pettersen and Kevin Chappel, who between practice putts were chatting, and Kevin even gave Carl’s long putter a try. Note Kevin’s sharp apparel combination including bright green polo, plaid pants and black/green lunar controls, topped off with a black Nike flat brim.

I was able to get some decent pics of Carl’s and Kevin’s bags, and it looks like Carl might be gaming a VR_S fairway wood and a couple of VR_S hybrids this week. Kevin looks to have a couple of VR Pro LE Fairway Woods in the bag, I couldn’t tell what driver he’s gaming, but I love his putter cover with the large embroidered swoosh. Both players look to be gaming the VR Pro Combo irons and Nike wedges, and Kevin looks to be gaming the Method putter.

I then found Jamie Lovemark hitting full shots at the back end of the short game area. After that Kevin Chappell headed over to the short game area to get in some practice with the wedges. I didn’t see any of the Nike athletes on the range, only Stewart Cink’s bag sitting alone at a hitting station with neither player nor caddy anywhere in sight.

After that I headed back to the putting green where I caught up with Nike-sponsored instructor Brian Mogg. We chatted a bit and talked about the new Method Core Drone and Method Concept putters. A Ping-sponsored athlete came over (I don’t know who it was) who was obviously interested in checking out the Method, and he and Brian talked for a bit. Then Brian gave the Method Core Drone belly putter a few rolls. It was good to see Brian again and I hope to catch up with him again at the Accenture Match Play Championship down in Tucson in a couple of weeks.

The forecast is calling for Chamber of Commerce weather for the next four days, so conditions should be ripe for scoring. I’ll be out at the tourney tomorrow and Friday, not sure about the weekend, but I’m hoping come Sunday afternoon we’ll see a Nike Athlete at the top of the leaderboard challenging for the win.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

CORRECTION 2.1.12: It was not Vaughn Taylor working with the  Method putter on the putting green, it was George McNeill. George is Nike-sponsored for the Lunar Controls and Method putter. My mistake, I shot the photos from a distance, sorry for the confusion everybody! I’ve corrected the post below, and there are more (and better) photos in my post on Nike Golf on Wednesday at the WM Phoenix Open.

I headed out to the Waste Management Phoenix Open late this afternoon, and found Carl Pettersen doing some work on the range and the short game area. I took some shots with my iPhone (forgive the graininess of the zoomed-in photos), those are in the gallery below.

Also in the gallery are some shots of George McNeill on the putting green — George is Nike-sponsored for the Lunar Controls and Method putter. You can se more photos of George in my post on Nike Golf on Wednesday at the WM Phoenix Open.

Check back during the week for more updates about Nike Golf at the WM Phoenix Open!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

BudgetGolf.com is having a great daily deal on Nike Golf shoes and equipment. For shoes,the daily deal is for 42% off the Lunar Control in white/black/varsity red bringing the pirce to $86.96. For equipment, The Vr Pro Cavity irons with steel shaft is 53% off, bringing the price to $329.96, which is a great deal for these spectacular irons.

For other deals that are great on the site, check out the Air Anthem for $44.96, and the US Open Limited Edition Lunar Control  for $119.96. You can check out Bob’s pictures of the shoe here.

For other equipment deals, I like the Vr Split Cavity irons at $599.95 – a 40% discount. And I also like the Vr Pro Cavity irons from this year’s line at the same price of $599.95. They have the Project X Graphite shafts which are awesome.

Editor’s Note: NG Nation is not endorsed by or affiliated with BudgetGolf.com, and we were not paid or compensated in any way for this post.

Month 2. Let’s go.

First off, a major announcement regarding prizes. Check it;

Speed of New VR_S Technology Produces Longest Hybrid Ever

- VR_S Hybrids Add Even More Distance to Nike Golf’s Fastest Family -

Nike Golf’s fastest family of clubs ever, the all new VR_S line, has gained more speed and more distance with the launch of the VR_S hybrids.  This latest introduction from Nike Golf, the industry’s emerging leader in R&D, delivers a fast, long hybrid that promises to outdistance all others.

The VR_S hybrids share the same remarkable speed and distance attributes as the rest of the VR_S family with the incorporation of the exclusive NexCOR variable face-thickness technology. NexCOR maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag.

By combining NexCOR with a compact aerodynamic design, Nike Golf engineers have been able to deliver in a hybrid the performance of a fairway wood, along with the accuracy and scoring ability of an iron.  As a result, the VR_S hybrids launch easier and fly further. In addition, L Face technology positions the weld on the sole to allow for an expanded maximum COR zone from the middle to lower on the face, where the majority of fairway shots are struck.

“By taking a holistic approach to how we’ve designed every club in the VR_S line, we’ve been able to deliver more speed and more distance with every club in the bag,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “These new VR_S hybrids are just like the VR_S driver, fairway woods and irons.  They are ultra fast so that they can play their role in getting you to the green more quickly. The result is what every golfer wants – fewer strokes.”

Nike engineers conducted impact studies and were able to map where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club. Based on those results, the location of the NexCOR technology through the entire family of VR_S drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids differs from club to club. The result is the fastest, hottest and longest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced.

The VR_S family is an extension of Nike Golf’s Tour-proven VR franchise, which, since its 2008 introduction, has been the weapon of choice in 83 worldwide Tour wins, including three major titles.

Starting in March through May 2012, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across the country. Nike’s VR_S Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed of what’s in their current bag to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. Their accumulative distance will be tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard that will be featured on www.nikegolf.com. For a list of golf shops participating, go to www.nikegolf.com.

VR_S Hybrids

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

2H/18° (RH/LH), 3H/21°, 4H/24° (RH/LH), 5H/27°;

Nike Fubuki K HY: S, R, A;

Street Price: $159.99

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

On a Sunday when many people were watching golf for the first time in 2012, Kyle Stanley was front and center at Torrey Pines. Oh hooray. BUT WAIT! He triple bogeyed 18 and it’s a playoff showdown with BSneds.

• Entries :: 52
• Tournament Winner :: Brandt Snedeker (14 selections)
• Unique Golfers ::  29
• Most Popular Nike Pick :: Anthony Kim (24 selections, CUT)
• Highest Nike Finish :: Stewart Cink (9 selections, T13)
• Most Popular Non-Nike Pick :: Nick Watney (33 selections, 63rd)
• Average Points :: 8.39 (2.52 last week)

Two chicken dinners this week! One for the weekly winner and one for the Month 1 winner, who will be walking away with a dozen Nike 20XI-X balls!!!

Weekly Winner
Lendell :: Snedeker (1), D.A. Points (8), Crane and Ames (CUT)

Month 1 Winner
Mosher (wins on tie-breaker, based on actual finishes)

It was a battle between Meredith and Mosher, which ultimately came down to a battle between Justin Rose and Charles Howell III. They both finished outside of the Top 25..but then Chris Wang creeped his way into a tie with Mosher thanks to Snedeker!

Mosher wins 1-dozen 20XI-X Balls (NGNation Review Here >>)

Fantasy Four Weekly Leaderboard  (This Week’s Points and Entries) >>

PGATour.com Final Leaderboard >>

Here are the Month 1 /Overall standings – Thanks for playing and Month 2 will produce another winner!