McLaren Golf unveiled the work it had been hinting at for the past couple of weeks: two different iron models, both built with MIM technology that provides performance both for better players (Series-1) and players looking for some help (Series-3). Many observers have been questioning why McLaren started a golf division in the first place, but the more important question to me is how do you build golf clubs from scratch?

The McLaren Golf Team

Let’s make one thing clear: These clubs are not a collaboration or a branded offering with the McLaren badge. They are made from scratch designs by some of the brightest minds in the game, including JP Harrington, founder of JP Wedges and a former Titleist employee, who is McLaren’s senior design manager for irons and wedges, and Ryan Badgero, a 12-year veteran from Cobra Golf, who is McLaren’s director of engineering. They’ve also attached other operational staff to the brand who are all golf industry veterans. McLaren has no interest in building up to success. They want to start there. 

McLaren also has some big names in the game putting their own money on the line with the venture. Justin Rose has been working with the team from the start. He’s not only a McLaren Golf athlete but also an investor in the business as well as the primary player tester when developing the shape and performance of the Series-1. Michelle Wie West is also lending her name to the brand as she comes out of retirement this year to play a few tournaments on the LPGA with the new McLaren Golf equipment.

Metal Injection Molding

With a stacked team like this, McLaren has a nice head start. They know what works, what doesn’t and what to test before moving forward. And, yes, they did test. Everything. Forgings, castings and printing were all tested and experimented with until the team landed on Metal Injection Molding, a process that allows them to be highly specific about the designs, including making their own proprietary metal blend for the new irons. 

When I asked the engineering team why they are so dedicated to MIM technology, something that has been around for a little while, here’s what they said:

“With McLaren looking to get into the golf space, evaluating cutting edge manufacturing techniques in irons was at a top priority. MIM has its foundations in extremely precise aerospace and biomedical uses and hadn’t been explored to its full capabilities in golf, so taking a deeper look into its potential was really exciting. Our exploration process showed us that MIM would allow us to refine and customize proprietary McLaren metal blends to produce the feel and performance of a forging while also allowing us to create complex, near-net parts that limit the amount of post processing and result in an iron more consistent to our design intentions.” 

MIM also allowed the McLaren team to achieve shapes and mass properties that they weren’t able to achieve with standard forging or casting. The biggest surprise to me in talking with the team was that they are using a MIM process for everything — even the tungsten weights that get placed inside, which are all specifically designed and positioned per loft, per model. Using a MIM process allows them to make sure that their tolerances are incredibly tight, meaning there is less finishing work that needs to be done. The heads have a “net-near shape” when they come out of the MIM process. Less finishing work means a greater level of consistency from head to head. 

MIM is also a clean process. There aren’t giant forging presses, big factory floors and dirty work spaces. Think if an Apple Store was making golf clubs: airy buildings with nice lighting, and clean machines pumping out irons. In the supercar market and on the Formula 1 circuit, McLaren is known for luxury, precision and best-in-class design. McLaren Golf is expected to be no different. They’ll hold themselves to the same high standards as any other McLaren division. 

The McLaren team went through over 100 prototypes before settling on what we now know are the Series-1 player’s blade and the Series-3 player’s distance offerings. 

Where do you actually start?

Once the McLaren Golf team settled on a process, they got to work creating shapes and involving players like Rose and Wie West in their testing. Rose was a huge part of this development. The Series-1 is essentially Rose’s “perfect” iron, and now we all get to share in that. I haven’t been able to hit them just yet, but from photos and some in-hand time that I have spent with the irons, they sure are cool. 

To start the process of designing these new irons from scratch, the team dove into the shape first. How the club sits behind the ball is huge, and for players at the highest levels this look can be the difference between testing a product and handing it right back to a rep or designer. Both the Series-1 and Series-3 have a nice presence behind the ball. The Series-1 is obviously a smaller package with a thinner top line and a shorter blade length, but the Series-3 was surprising. The listed specs sheet for the Series-3 may trigger some folks who are anti-offset, but the way the design hides the offset is really nice. You definitely don’t feel as much offset being there as there is. 

Once they’ve determined the overall shape and how the club will look behind the ball, they then dive into the sole, which from a performance standpoint can be the next difference in a long list of items that can turn off a player. How the club gets through the ground determines how a player is going to strike the ball. That strike determines performance. Bad turf interaction can halt progress immediately.

McLaren took an interesting approach here with the Series-3, with a wider more forgiving sole design that has a unique sole cut in the heel section. This little cut helps to get the heel of the club through the turf more efficiently. The Series-1 have a slightly narrower sole, but nothing I would consider knife-like with a decent amount of pre-worn leading edge relief that helps the clubs get through the turf quickly without digging too harshly. 

With the shape dialed, it’s all about CG location and mass properties. Making sure that the CG of each iron, per loft, is dialed into the proper launch expectation and performance windows is crucial. This was one of the biggest areas where Rose impacted testing. Both the Series-1 and Series-3 have mass property targets that are tight on tolerance.

Another way that MIM has helped with the creation of these parts is in the CG calibration weights that live inside the cavities of both irons. These calibration weights are not uniform across the set. They’re different weights and slightly different shapes in every single head to help create a perfectly uniform feeling set, while making it easier to launch the lower-lofted clubs and control the higher-lofted options. They’re also used as a way to makes sure that headweights for each iron head is consistent. The weights won’t be user-serviceable, meaning they aren’t meant to be a swingweighting tool but rather a final calibration for headweight and CG location that the McLaren factory will install properly before being sent out to custom builders, or to the homes of new McLaren Golf players. 

How did they ‘McLaren’ the irons? 

To me, this is where some of the coolest back stories make their way out. Both irons feature a mesh pattern on the exterior of the iron that mimics a design feature on the rear of the McLaren W1 supercar. That mesh design is also structural; it’s not there just for decoration. It was designed to help them save weight that could then be moved lower and toward the perimeter to increase the MOI of both different models without losing and integrity in strength, sound or feel off the face. 

The Series-3 also has the carbon fiber bonnet in the back, which is probably the more obvious connection back to McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing. I love that they found a way to include this little bit of carbon fiber in the Series-3 because it again gives a nod to McLaren auto while also serving another function. That bonnet was designed to help improve sound and feel, and by utilizing carbon fiber they were able to find some unique properties. After hitting the Series-3 on course, I have to say the sound and feel is fantastic for this classification of iron. 

The last little nod of course is the numbering on the sole, going with a digital pattern that connects back to McLaren Racing. I love this, too. It’s an easy way to differentiate the irons from others on the market, it connects back to the main McLaren brand that people are familiar with and, honestly, it’s just a cool idea. It’s new, it’s different, it’s fun. No harm in that. 

McLaren’s done a good thing here

I’m personally excited about what McLaren is doing. I think it’s a hell of a thing for a giant legacy brand to take this sort of approach in golf. Yes, they’re expensive. No, not everyone will be able to get them. That’s the last thing that should be on any of our minds, though. McLaren isn’t setting out to take down TaylorMade or Callaway. They’re setting out to make sure that they reach their market, their customer. That customer is on the more affluent side of the market, and that customer cares about looks, precision and details that they may not even see but they’re excited to own. (And to brag to their buddies about!) 

McLaren fans are going to buy the gear either way. McLaren easily could have started its golf division as a badging company by just throwing their logo on something else so they could sell to their fan base, but they have chosen to start from scratch, design their own product and spend time honing in their craft and their offerings so that those who want the bragging symbol in the bag will also have the performance envy to back it up. McLaren isn’t about the logo or the name; it’s about performance. McLaren Golf now follows in those large footsteps. So far, they’re filling them nicely. 

For the moment, the Series-3 are all we’ve been able to get in our hands, but the Series-1 official launch will be following soon. For more information on the new brand and iy equipment as well as the chance to grab some McLaren Golf merch, visit mclarengolf.com.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Adding to their acclaimed ZXi line, SRIXON® announces the release of the Limited-Edition ZXi Black Chrome Irons, available in the ZXi7 and ZXi5 models. Designed for golfers who seek both performance and style, the ZXi Black Chrome Irons combine tour-proven precision with a sleek finish that enhances durability and reduces glare at address. The result is a bold, blacked-out aesthetic, all-while delivering the forged feel and control golfers expect from Srixon Irons.

“The modern golfer is looking for more than just performance, they want their equipment to reflect their style and individuality too,” said Casey Shultz, Senior Product Manager at Srixon. “With the Black Chrome Irons, we’re delivering on both fronts. Players get the precision and feel trusted on tour, along with a finish that stands out in the bag.”

Building on the excitement around the ZXi Black Chrome Irons, Srixon is also launching a limited-edition Blackout Collection of soft goods, with several Tour Staff players expected to wear and use pieces from the collection at The Genesis Invitational, bringing a bold new look to one of the PGA TOUR’s signature events. The lineup includes all-black golf bags, headcovers, and blackout headwear.

Tour-Proven Performance

Accumulating eight wins on the PGA TOUR in 2025 alone, the ZXi Iron line has earned its reputation on the professional stages and is trusted in the bags of some of the world’s best players. Now, with the Black Chrome finish, golfers can experience that same precision performance with a fresh edge.  

At the heart of Srixon’s ZXi Black Chrome Irons is the brand’s advanced forging process called i-FORGED. Engineered to deliver unparalleled consistency, responsiveness, and control, this formula was developed to strengthen and enhance each Iron, while maintaining a softer feel for superior performance.

For the low-handicap player, the ZXi7 Players Irons feature compact shaping with a thinner topline, narrow sole, shorter blade length, and minimal offset. The result is maximum workability paired with a razor-sharp look at address. The ZXi5 Iron, Srixon’s most potent blend of power and playability, gives golfers the perfect mix of distance, forgiveness, and control, all in an ultra-clean profile.

For more information on Srixon’s ZXi Limited-Edition Black Chrome Irons and see the full blackout collection, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Pricing & Availability

ZXi7 Black-Chrome Irons (7pc Steel): $1,599.99

ZXi5 Black-Chrome Irons (7pc Steel): $1,599.99

Components: ZXi Black Chrome Irons will be equipped with the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Gunmetal Shaft and Golf Pride MCC Grey Grip.

Blackout Collection:

Blackout Collection Staff Bag: $549.99

Srixon x Vessel Golf Stand Bag: $499.99

Blackout Collection S3 Stand Bag: $279.99

Blackout Tour Hat: $34.99

Blackout Headcover: $49.99

Pre-Sale Date: February 17, 2026

Launch Date: March 3, 2026

ABOUT Dunlop Sports Americas:

Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

DUNLOP SPORTS AMERICAS

Noelle Zavaleta

noellezavaleta@srixon.com

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The U.S.-based architecture firm of Curley-Wagner Golf Design has completed construction of the course at Dhoho Golf Club in Kediri in Indonesia’s East Java province, and the layout is slated to open fully in the second quarter of 2026. The front nine had opened in the fall of 2025. 

Increased 3D Stability Enables Enhanced Accuracy

Hi-Res Images: LINK

Carlsbad, Calif. – COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, today introduced its new family of OPTM metalwoods. Features of the new OPTM family include POI (Product of Inertia) Shaping, Adaptive POI Weighting, H.O.T. Face and FUTUREFIT33. The four models available are OPTM LS, OPTM X, OPTM MAX-K and OPTM MAX-D.

The groundbreaking new low POI design of each OPTM driver, which is delivered via both improved shaping and adaptive weighting, works with Cobra’s other metalwood technologies to reduce shot dispersion by up to 23 percent. Unlike MOI (moment of inertia), which is a measure of how resistant a clubhead is to twisting on off-center hits on the vertical and horizontal axes, POI measures how a clubhead rotates diagonally across all axes at once. For that reason, a high MOI is desired to correct off-center hits while a low POI is desired to deliver more accurate shots that don’t create as much gear effect. The result is tighter dispersion down range.

“MOI is still important, but POI is the next frontier in terms of overall accuracy,” said Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections at Cobra Puma Golf. “In design, we want to increase MOI (stability) while also reducing POI (3D twisting). POI finetunes forgiveness into directional consistency as it allows the clubhead to rotate more naturally with your swing. If you’re playing a 10k driver but wonder why hits on the high toe, for example, are still producing noticeably wild results, it’s probable your driver has a high POI design, which is a common fault of many current high MOI models.”

Each driver in the OPTM family features unique AI-Optimized POI Shaping to increase rotational stability as well as AI Optimized Adaptive POI Weighting for enhanced CG placement. Clubhead shapes are more rounded to place the CG more in the center of the clubhead, while AI-optimized external weights are placed in new locations with the goal of producing the lowest POI possible. The LS driver, which features a Tour profile and tends to work best for faster swingers, features weight ports in the high toe, mid heel and back, with 11g, 7g, and 3g moveable weights, while the X model features a Tour preferred profile and weight ports in the mid-high toe and back with 11g and 3g moveable weights. The Max-K, the most forgiving of the four models with the highest MOI, features an oversize profile for maximum forgiveness and a fixed 11g rear weight. The Max-D, which is aimed at players who desire slice correction, features a lightweight design, built-in draw bias, and oversized profile with a fixed 11g weight in the heel area of the clubhead.

“A poll of golfers asking what would inspire them to buy a new driver indicates the top three reasons are distance, accuracy and forgiveness,” said Miraflor. “Cobra is traditionally known for distance and in 2025, our Max-K driver delivered exceptional forgiveness. In 2026, we are delivering our longest, most accurate drivers ever.”  

The new OPTM metalwood family also features COBRA’s patented FUTUREFIT33 ADJUSTABLE HOSEL SYSTEM, which is the most significant and innovative metalwood fitting technology to date. The system allows for 33 unique loft and lie settings that can be adjusted independently, unlocking an unprecedented number of fitting options. All 33 settings can be accessed quickly and easily on the spot, allowing fitters and golfers the opportunity to make desired adjustments in a studio, at home or on the range.

All four new OPTM drivers also feature a multi-material construction with lightweight gloss carbon crown and lightweight titanium frame. A forged face insert with H.O.T. Face Technology with 15 hot spots across the clubface delivers a higher CT across the face for more robust distance and ball speeds.  

The men’s OPTM family of drivers ($599 each) are available in the following specifications:

OPTM LS Driver Specifications:

The OPTM LS comes in RH/LH (*LH available in MCA Kai’li White 60 (S) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of three premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes including: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S); MCA Kai’li Blue 60 (R and S), and True Temper Project X Denali Black Frost (S and X). Lamkin® SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard. 

OPTM X Driver Specifications:

The OPTM X Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock MCA Kai’li Blue 60, (R and S), with all other shafts custom) with a choice of five premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes including: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S and X); MCA Kai’li Blue 60 (R and S); MCA Kai’li Red 50 (R and A); True Temper Denali Black Frost 60 (S); True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60 (R). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard. 

OPTM MAX-K Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-K Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60, (R and S) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of four premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes: MCA Kai’li White 60 (S); True Temper Denali Blue 60 (R, S, X); MCA Kai’li Red 50 (R and A); True Temper Project X Denali Blue Frost CB 60 (S and R). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard.    

OPTM MAX-D Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-D Driver comes in RH/LH (*LH available in stock Denali Red 50 (R) with all other shafts custom) with a choice of two premium aftermarket shafts in select flexes: MCA Kai’li Red 50 (A, R, S); MCA Vanquish 40 (R and A). Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grips (50g) come standard.

The OPTM MAX-K and MAX-D Drivers are also available in a women’s edition ($599), featuring a black gloss crown and sole with gloss silver and mint green accents.  

OPTM MAX-K Women’s Driver Specifications:

OPTM MAX-D Women’s Driver Specifications:

The OPTM MAX-K and MAX-D Women’s Drivers come in right hand and left hand (the MAX-D left hand is available in custom only) with an aftermarket MCA Vanquish 40 (43g) shaft in Ladies flex. An undersize Lamkin SuperStroke Crossline grip (45g) comes standard.

OPTM Fairways and Hybrids

Complementing the impressive line of OPTM drivers is a full lineup of fairway metals featuring the same innovative technologies, including ADAPTIVE POI WEIGHTING, FUTUREFIT33, and H.O.T. FACE. The new OPTM fairway metals are available in three models (LS, X, and MAX) to fit the full spectrum of golfers. Details of the three new models:

OPTM LS Titanium Fairway ($469) – The LS is designed to provide a combination of maximum ball speed and accuracy with the deepest face and lowest spin rates of the three OPTM models. 3g, 11g, and 14g moveable weights in the rear, heel, and toe areas allow for optimized POI and customized performance while a low and forward CG location yields the fastest speed in the OPTM fairway family. Other features include FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning and variable thickness H.O.T. Face Technology for improved launch and faster ball speeds on off-center strikes. The LS comes in 3W (14.5 ^o), 3 HF (16 ^o) and 5W (17.5 ^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li White 60 (X and S) shaft.  

OPTM X Fairway ($369) – The OPTM X provides the most balanced combination of fast speed and forgiveness of the three fairway models. The X model features a mid-CG location and medium face height with 3g and 17g moveable weights in the rear and toe areas of the clubhead. Other features include FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning and variable thickness H.O.T. Face Technology for improved launch and faster ball speeds on off-center strikes. The X model comes in 3W (15.0 ^o), 3HF (16.5 ^o), 5W (18 ^o), 7W (21 ^o), and 9W (24 ^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li Blue 60 (X, S and R).

OPTM MAX Fairway ($329) – The MAX is designed to provide the most forgiveness with draw bias in the OPTM fairway line with a back and heel biased CG and the shallowest face of the three models. Weight ports in the rear and heel positions with 14g and 3g moveable weights allow for customized performance. The MAX fairway is available in 3W (15.5 ^o), 5W (18.5 ^o), 7W (21.5 ^o), and 9W (24.5^o) with Mitsubishi Kai’li Red 50 (S, R and A) shaft.  

The OPTM MAX is also available in a women’s model in 3W (18.5^o), 5W (21.5^o), and 7W (24.5 ^o) with Mitsubishi Vanquish shaft in Ladies flex.  

New OPTM hybrids ($329 each) fill out COBRA’s collection of new metalwood offerings and feature updated shaping that includes a slightly larger address profile and shallower face height for easier launch and optimized trajectory. ADAPTIVE WEIGHTING for improved CG placement and H.O.T. FACE Technology for added speed make the OPTM hybrids faster and easier to launch than previous models. Like all clubs in the OPTM family, FUTUREFIT33 Technology, which provides 33 loft and lie combinations for maximized ball flight tuning, is also standard. The OPTM Hybrids are available in 3H (19 ^o), 4H (21 ^o), 5H (24 ^o), and 6H (28 ^o) with KBS PG HYBRID graphite shafts in 85 (S), 75 (R), and 65 (A) flexes. OPTM Women’s Hybrid is also available in 4H (21 ^o), 5H (24 ^o), 6H (28 ^o), and 7H (31 ^o) with KBS PG Hybrid 55 (L) flex graphite shafts.

All COBRA OPTM products will be available for fitting and pre-sale on January 13, 2026, and will be available at retail and online on January 20, 2026. For more information, visit www.cobragolf.com.

Media Contacts:

Emily Scott, JDPR, emilys@jdpr.com

About COBRA PUMA GOLF

COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company, promoting game enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles. The brand’s full-range portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high-performance drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, putters, and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport lifestyle inspired footwear, apparel and accessories. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. For more information, visit cobragolf.com and cobragolf.com/pumagolf.      

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