Bettinardi Tour Ambassador wins alongside younger brother, setting a tournament record en route to his third victory in four starts

Tinley Park, Ill. — Bettinardi Golf congratulates Tour Ambassador Matt Fitzpatrick on winning the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his younger brother, claiming back-to-back PGA TOUR victories in consecutive weeks and his third win in four starts this season.

The Fitzpatrick brothers entered Sunday’s alternate-shot finale with a four-stroke lead after posting a tournament-record 15-under 57 in Saturday’s round. They battled nerves and a tightening leaderboard through the back nine before Matt delivered when it mattered most, escaping a greenside bunker on the par-5 18th and leaving Alex a tap-in birdie to seal a one-stroke victory at 31-under 257. The win came with Matt’s Tour Department DASS BB1 Flow in the bag, the same putter he used to win the RBC Heritage, Valspar Championship, and finish 2^nd at The Players Championship.

“To win a team event on the PGA Tour with my brother — I don’t know if it gets better than that,” Fitzpatrick said. “That’s how special it feels. To get over the line the way we did and hang in there on the back nine is incredible.”

Fitzpatrick returned to the BB1 Flow earlier this season after a brief run with a BB48 mallet prototype. Since putting the blade back in play, he has climbed from 24^th to 3^rd in the Official World Golf Rankings, and now ranked #1 on the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.  His three PGA TOUR wins this season remain the only three decided with a blade putter: a quiet counterpoint to the mallet trend dominating Tour fields.

“Winning back-to-back is special enough on its own but doing it alongside your brother is something else entirely,” said Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf. “Matt’s been on an incredible run these past few weeks, and we’re very proud to be part of this moment, and to be the makers of the putter he trusts through every win.”

Fitzpatrick’s victory adds to Bettinardi’s rich heritage of more than 100 professional victories worldwide, and further establishes his position atop the FedEx Cup standings. The BB Series is available now at bettinardi.com and through authorized retailers.

About Bettinardi

Founded in 1998, Bettinardi Golf is a family-owned manufacturer of precision golf equipment headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois. Built on a commitment to craftsmanship and American manufacturing, Bettinardi designs, mills, and assembles every putter domestically, a standard that extends to its headcovers and metal accessories as well. The company’s forged irons and wedges are designed and assembled in the United States. With a family legacy rooted in feel, precision, and performance, Bettinardi Golf has earned more than 100 professional victories worldwide.

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The yet-to-be-released Spider family features two new heads and a new finish.

AVONDALE, La — Rory McIlroy recently used a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter to win his second Masters Tournament, and while the putter features the same shape and insert found in the putters you will find at your local pro shop, McIlroy’s is a little different. By request, TaylorMade took a Spider Tour X, sand blasted it, then heated it to create a unique brown, almost rusty look. As of now, McIlroy is the only one who plays a Spider with this unique finish.

A complete list of the golf equipment Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick used to win the PGA Tour’s 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

A complete list of the golf equipment Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick used to win the PGA Tour’s 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

The PROTOCONCEPT C01.5TP #4 Hybrid Iron contributed to his best finish of the 2026 Korn Ferry Season

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – Renowned Japanese designer and premium custom golf equipment manufacturer PROTOCONCEPT GOLF has announced that its hybrid iron, the C01.5TP, was played at the SUNCOAST Classic, where it contributed to a Korn Ferry Golf Professional securing a second-place finish.

Consistent Performance

The runner-up of the SUNCOAST Classic shot four impressive rounds in the sixties – 69, 65, 65, and 64 to score 21-under for the tournament and one shot behind the winner. His C01.5TP Hybrid Iron was used as a distance iron. It’s tour-preferred CG delivers easy and precise control. A modern hybrid engineered for true long-iron performance.

Engineered to Optimized Ball Trajectory and Spin Characteristics

C01.5TP Hybrid Irons offer fairway-wood distance, controlled spin, enhanced ball flight, and a Tour-proven low-profile head. It’s low hollow head with responsive SAE8655 steel face delivers distance, while the advanced sole offers forgiving accuracy.

CEO Statement

Marcy Kamoda, Chief Executive Officer of PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, extends congratulations to the ambassador for his exceptional performance and notable second-place achievement. We appreciate his endorsement of our equipment and his collaboration with our Tour Operations representative, Steve Loerzel.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF: Custom Equipment for Elevated Play

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF delivers premium golf equipment, recognized for its classic and artistic designs. Each piece is crafted from high-quality materials and reflects a dedication to meticulous detail. The TOUR-inspired collection is tailored to enhance the performance of golfers across all skill levels.

About PROTOCONCEPT GOLF: 

Golf manufacturers design and develop golf equipment specifically for golf professionals. These highly specialized golf clubs and concepts are offered as a prototype exclusively for the golf professional and never for the amateur golfer. This was the genesis for PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.

The “PROTO” in PROTOCONCEPT is an abbreviation for “PROTOTYPE.” NOW, amateurs of all levels can play and enjoy the same equipment or prototypes that were once only available for golf professionals.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, launched in 2019, is a high-profile luxury Japanese golf club manufacturer that has transitioned its resources and management to North America. The highly sought-after brand is managed by Smiling Ducks, Inc.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF forged irons and wedges have received the coveted Golf Digest “Hot List” award every year since the company’s inception. The PROTOCONCEPT GOLF professional staff include Ryuji Imada, Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Ryan Cornfield, Tain Lee, Haeji Kang, Ssu-Chia Cheng, Dan McCarthy, Arron Wilson, and Arjun Atwal.

Their handcrafted line of forged golf clubs can be purchased at an exclusive PROTOCONCEPT GOLF dealer. PROTOCONCEPT Golf – Store Locator

For more information, visit www.protoconceptgolf.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Vanessa Marie Price

Read the Greens GOLF Media, Inc.

(714) 544-6515 or readthegreens@aol.com

lVanessaMarie@readthegreensgolfmedia.net

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KBS wins again at the LECOM Classic, Easter Sunday delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in LECOM Suncoast Classic history, and it was 29-year-old Frenchman Jeremy Gandon who came out on top. Gandon birdied each of his final three holes to close with a 6-under 65 and finish at 22-under par, sinking a clutch 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to claim his second Korn Ferry Tour title

Gandon’s iron game was the engine of his week at the Commander Course, and at the heart of it were his Callaway Apex irons loaded with KBS C-Taper shafts. The C-Taper is one of KBS’s most decorated iron shafts on professional tours — a low-launch, low-spin profile with a firm tip that rewards players who compress the ball and want predictable, penetrating flight into greens.

In the bag of the winner: C Taper in his Callaway Irons

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Justin Kaplan at JustinKaplan@fstshafts.com

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Bensalem, PA –  For years, the Makefield Putters name has been synonymous with high-stability mallets and game-changing MOI. But at Makefield, we listen to our players. You asked for our advanced, tour-proven technology in a traditional shape.

We delivered. Introducing the EF Legacy.

The EF Legacy is more than just a new model; it is the culmination of American ingenuity and elite engineering. It’s designed for the purist who loves the look of a blade but refuses to sacrifice the forgiveness and roll consistency of a modern mallet.

100% Made in America

While many in the golf industry have moved production overseas, Makefield remains committed to our roots. Every EF Legacy putter is 100% CNC-milled and assembled right here in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

Starting as a solid billet of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum, our putters are crafted with a level of precision that casting simply cannot match. By keeping our manufacturing in-house, we ensure that every head, shaft, and weight port meets our rigorous standards before it ever reaches your bag.

The Tech Inside the Blade

Don’t let the classic silhouette fool you—the EF Legacy is packed with the same “Path of Inertia” technology that put Makefield on the map.

1. The X-3 Weight System

The EF Legacy features our proprietary X-3 Weight System, allowing for “Player Torque Matching.” Most blades have a fixed weight and a specific “toe hang” that forces you to change your stroke. With the X-3 system, you can adjust the internal weights (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or Tungsten) to match your natural path.

• Heel Weighted: Helps players who tend to miss right.
• Toe Weighted: Perfect for players who miss left.
• Balanced: Provides maximum stability through the hitting zone.

2. Radial Cusp Face Technology (RCFT)

Our patented Radial Cusp Face is the secret to the best roll in golf. Through precise milling, we’ve created “intersectional nexuses” that minimize ball-to-face friction. This results in the lowest skid-to-roll numbers in the industry, meaning your ball gets into a true forward roll faster and stays on its intended line.

3. Customizable Hosel Selections

Every golfer has a unique eye for alignment. The EF Legacy is available in three distinct hosel configurations to suit your visual preference and stroke type:

• Double Bend
• Plumber’s Neck
• Slant Neck

Why Switch to the EF Legacy?

The transition from a mallet to a blade usually comes with a “forgiveness penalty.” We’ve engineered the EF Legacy to eliminate that trade-off. By utilizing high-density weights in a slim profile, we’ve achieved a high Moment of Inertia (MOI) that stays stable even on off-center strikes.

Whether you are a scratch player looking for more feedback or a high-handicapper who prefers a traditional look, the EF Legacy provides the consistency you need to lower your scores.

Experience the EF Legacy Today

The EF Legacy is now available for customization. Experience the fusion of classic design and American-made performance.

Sponsor of Takeoff with John Clark, Endorsed by 14-time PGA Tour Champion Hal Sutton and PGA Tour veteran John Maginnes—host of Katrek & Maginnes On Tap (XM 92 | Sirius 208), Makefield Putters delivers precision-engineered, high-performance putters proudly made in America! Featuring our innovative X3 Weighting System, Makefield offers the widest range of customizable weighting options on the market, perfectly tailored to complement every golfer’s unique torque-to-path relationship.

Questions about Makefield Putters? Use our contact form or email us at info@makefieldgolf.com!

Media Contact:

Jennifer Farr – Executive Assistant
E: jen@makefieldgolf.com
Website: www.makefieldgolf.com

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A complete list of the golf equipment Nico Echavarria used to win the PGA Tour’s 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches.

A complete list of the golf equipment Nico Echavarria used to win the PGA Tour’s 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches:

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The third round of the 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches gets underway Saturday, February 28, at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a little earlier than usual, thanks to some expected inclement weather on Saturday afternoon in South Florida. You can find full Cognizant Classic tee times for Saturday’s third round at the bottom of this post.

Featured tee time for Round 3

Thirty-one-year-old Austin Smotherman only has one career top 5 on his PGA Tour resume — the 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta — but thanks to an excellent start in Florida, the Southern Methodist alum may be adding to that tally this weekend with something even better: a win.

Smotherman opened with a sizzling round of nine-under 62 on Thursday and followed that performance with a two-under 69 to reach 11 under overall. He now leads the field by three shots heading into the weekend.

Smotherman’s closest competitor is Taylor Moore (-8), followed by A.J. Ewart and Nico Echavarria (both -7), and Joel Dahmen (-6).

Smotherman will play alongside Moore and Ewart in Saturday’s final grouping at 9:40 a.m. ET.

You can watch Saturday’s third round of the 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches from 10-3 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage beginning at 7:45 a.m. ET on Saturday, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.

Check out the complete Round 3 tee times and groupings for the Cognizant Classic below.

Hoping to wager on the Cognizant Classic? Sign up for Fanatics Sportsbook with code “SUBPAR” to receive a special welcome offer.

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With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.

2026 Cognizant Classic tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET)

Tee No. 1

7:28 a.m. – Zecheng Dou, Matthieu Pavon, Max McGreevy
7:40 a.m. – Mackenzie Hughes, Chan Kim, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
7:52 a.m. – Ryan Gerard, Brooks Koepka, Ben Silverman
8:04 a.m. – Steven Fisk, Ricky Castillo, Eric Cole
8:16 a.m. – Max Homa, Thorbjorn Olesen, Kevin Streelman
8:28 a.m. – Matti Schmid, Takumi Kanaya, Kevin Roy
8:40 a.m. – Seamus Power, Chad Ramey, Carson Young
8:52 a.m. – William Mouw, Michael Brennan, Daniel Berger
9:04 a.m. – Aaron Rai, Shane Lowry, Jimmy Stanger
9:16 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Pontus Nyholm, Hank Lebioda
9:28 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Joel Dahmen, Mark Hubbard
9:40 a.m. – Austin Smotherman, Taylor Moore, A.J. Ewart

Tee No. 10

7:28 a.m. – Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Alex Smalley, Danny Walker
7:40 a.m. – Rasmus Hojgaard, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Dan Brown
7:52 a.m. – John Parry, Austin Eckroat, Beau Hossler
8:04 a.m. – Lee Hodges, Matt Wallace, Keith Mitchell
8:16 a.m. – Davis Thompson, Jackson Suber, Adrien Saddier
8:28 a.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Zach Bauchou, Dylan Wu
8:40 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Adam Schenk, Chandler Phillips
8:52 a.m. – Tom Kim, Patton Kizzire, Haotong Li
9:04 a.m. – David Ford, Billy Horschel, Garrick Higgo
9:16 a.m. – Joe Highsmith, Nicolai Hojgaard
9:28 a.m. – Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Jordan Smith

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Following a hugely successful launch in 2025 which raised over £100,000 for charity, The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s much-anticipated Classic Golf Day is set to return in 2026. The internationally acclaimed golfing destination will again raise vital funds at this year’s event for its incredible charity partners.

Back by popular demand, award-winning journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter, Dan Walker, will once again host the invite-only event. Taking place on Thursday May 21, the tournament will be held on The Belfry’s legendary Brabazon golf course.

The iconic home of the British Masters and four-time host to the Ryder Cup, The Brabazon, is a fitting location for the Belfry Classic.

Welcoming VIPs and celebrities from the world of sport and television to compete in a thrilling four-ball format, the event will put the golfing skills of some of the UK’s best-loved stars to the test on one of the game’s most celebrated courses.

Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said: “Our inaugural Belfry Classic Golf Day surpassed all expectations for our sponsors and guests and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the money we raised for such important charities.

We’re looking to build on that momentum in 2026, with interest for this year’s event already extremely strong”.

Alongside the golfing activity on the course, the day will also include a luxurious gala dinner where guest Chef John Williams MBE of The Ritz London will be curating menus.

Recognised as one of the top Michelin Star chefs in the UK, John will bring his award-winning culinary flair to the evenings spectacular hospitality offering.

Proceeds from the day will go towards two of the resort’s life-changing partner charities – the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Hospitality Action.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a national charity dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by MND, as well as improving access to care and funding research. Hospitality Action provides relief for hospitality workers in crisis, supplying everything from financial assistance to mental health resources.

For more information about the Classic Golf Day and for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: belfryclassic@thebelfry.com.

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