Explosive Launch and Distance-Driven Design Inspire Confidence and Fun

Link to High-Res Imagery

COVINGTON, Ga. – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, today introduced the new BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball, which is aimed at young players who need a lower compression, easier-launching option for their developing swings and bodies.

Designed in conjunction with U.S. Kids Golf, the new BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball features an extremely low compression core to better match junior swing speeds and a dimple design that promotes a high launch, maximizing carry distance and sustained flight performance. The BOOM IT JUNIOR works for a variety of clubhead speeds but is specifically aimed at maximizing performance for developing players by optimizing their developing swing speed and skill level.

“We take Ball Fitting very seriously and with junior golf seeing more than 50 percent growth since 2019, it makes perfect sense for us to create a ball to meet their needs,” said Bridgestone president Dan Murphy. “Our R&D team focused on the needs of junior players that require more speed and easier launch, and they knocked it out of the park. I am confident junior players will have more fun playing the BOOM IT JUNIOR because it is specifically designed to fit their game.”

BOOM IT JUNIOR was created in partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, which was founded in 1996 to bring more fun into the game of golf for children. The program trains coaches, develops kid-friendly programs and organizes more than 2,000 tournaments each year for junior golfers. A portion of the proceeds of each BOOM IT JUNIOR purchase benefits the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation.

“We’re proud of this ball and the fact that it addresses the needs of junior players to build a foundation of confidence in their game,” said Adam Rehberg, senior marketing manager of golf balls at Bridgestone Golf. “As the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf, we strive to not only design and manufacture the best golf balls on the market but also fit as many players as possible to the right golf ball for them. With BOOM IT JUNIOR, we can now serve an even wider segment of players, staying true to our commitment to fit every golfer properly.”

BOOM IT JUNIOR also features Bridgestone’s MindSet graphic, which was developed by Jason Day and performance coach Jason Goldsmith to work with a process that separates analytical thoughts from athletic performance. MindSet is a simple three-step sequence; Identify, Visualize and Focus, which aligns with the visual cue on the golf ball to help players make decisions, connect to the target and commit fully to execution. Learning the MindSet sequence early in one’s career will establish great habits for a lifetime of consistent golf. In 2026, Bridgestone staffers Jason Day, Chris Gotterup, Kurt Kitayama and Boo Weekly will all compete using TOUR B models with MindSet.

“We were proud to work alongside the Bridgestone team to help create BOOM IT JUNIOR from the ground up, specifically engineered to provide young golfers with the distance, feel, and performance they need to enjoy every round,” said Dan Van Horn, president and founder of U.S. Kids Golf. “BOOM IT JUNIOR is a golf ball that meets the mission of U.S. Kids Golf by supporting the growth of and a true love of the game.”

Look for the BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball ($22.99/dozen) to be available online and at retail on March 27. To learn more about the BOOM IT golf ball or place an order, please visit bridgestonegolf.com.

About Bridgestone Golf

Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over four million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection, OTTO Autonomous Ball Fitting, and its V-FIT Video Ball Fitting.  The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Kurt Kitayama, Harry Hall, Jason Day, and Chris Gotterup.  Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information:  bridgestonegolf.com.

Media Contact:

Emily Scott, JDPR, emilys@jdpr.com

Source link

Golf fashion has always been known for a certain look—think polos, pressed pants, and spiked shoes. But once the clubs are packed up and the scorecards are tallied, today’s young golfers are changing the game when it comes to style. Off the course, the next generation isn’t sticking to tradition—they’re mixing comfort, street style, and athletic vibes in a way that feels effortlessly cool.

So what exactly are the rising stars of golf wearing when they aren’t teeing it up? Spoiler: it’s all about sneakers, and the lineup is more varied than ever.

Classic White Sneakers: The New Neutral

If you follow any young golfers on social media, you’ve probably spotted the classic white sneaker making frequent appearances. Whether it’s a crisp pair of Air Force 1s, Stan Smiths, or simple leather kicks, these shoes go with just about everything. They’re a go-to for post-round brunch, campus life, or just hanging out with friends. The clean look keeps things fresh, while the comfort means they can handle a full day’s adventure.

Athletic Runners for Everyday Comfort

Many next-gen golfers are also big fans of running-inspired sneakers. Think Nike Air Max, Adidas Ultraboost, or New Balance 990s. These shoes blend athletic tech with streetwear appeal, offering the kind of cushioning and support that makes walking 18 holes—and then hitting the city—feel easy.

Plus, the bold colorways and techy details give off a low-key sporty vibe, perfect for those who want to signal, “Yes, I play golf—but I’m also here for the style.”

Skate Shoes: Bringing Edge to the Fairway Crowd

Here’s where things get interesting. Skating shoes like Nike SBs, Vans Old Skool, and Lakai Cambridges are showing up more and more on the feet of young golfers—especially off the course. The appeal? They’re durable, easy to wear, and carry a certain rebellious edge that’s a welcome break from the country club uniform.

Skate shoes like Nike SBs from Tactics pair perfectly with relaxed denim, joggers, or even a casual pair of tailored shorts. And the thick soles and padded collars mean all-day comfort, whether you’re at a concert or grabbing food after a round. The cross-pollination of skate culture and golf isn’t just a trend; it’s a sign that the next generation is blurring the lines between sports and style.

Retro Basketball Sneakers: Vintage Vibes Are In

Another favorite? Retro basketball sneakers. Air Jordans, Reebok Club Cs, and classic Converse Chuck Taylors are showing up in the mix. These kicks add a throwback vibe to any outfit and are great conversation starters, whether you’re at a party or just waiting for a tee time. Bonus: they’re just as comfy off the course as on.

Slides and Slip-Ons: Easy Living

Let’s not forget the ultimate post-round move: slipping into slides or laceless sneakers. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and even Birkenstock offer slide sandals or slip-on sneakers that are perfect for chilling with friends, recovering from a round, or running quick errands. They’re laid-back, practical, and have major “I’m off duty” energy.

How They’re Styling It

The best part? There are no rules. Golfers today are mixing performance fabrics with vintage tees, pairing running shoes with chinos, and rocking skate shoes with everything from hoodies to crisp button-downs. Accessories like hats, crossbody bags, and statement socks just add to the fun. It’s golf style, but reimagined for the real world.

The Bottom Line

Off the course, the next generation of golfers isn’t afraid to break from tradition. From clean white sneakers and athletic runners to classic skate shoes and retro high-tops, their style is about comfort, self-expression, and a nod to every corner of sport and street culture. Whether they’re hanging out after a round or headed downtown, these young golfers prove that you can love the game and still bring your own flavor—one pair of sneakers at a time.

Source link

A thicker sole structure in the heel and toe enhances rigidity, refining both the sound and feel through impact and removing any trace of metallic resonance. The result is a putter that embodies classic proportions yet feels entirely modern in feedback and flow.

Defined by its refined mid-mallet silhouette, the Osaka (available in plumber and slant-neck configurations) blends traditional shaping with contemporary stability.

Its shorter heel-toe length and wide blade stance provide visual stability at address, instilling confidence before every stroke. Perimeter weighting provides enhanced MOI, while subtle toe hang options allow players to select their preferred release profile.

The Osaka’s balanced proportions and deep milling deliver the crisp, satisfying sound and roll that Mizuno’s tour staff demanded, a model equally suited to both blade and mallet players seeking assured stability without sacrificing feel.

Driven by Mizuno’s extensive sound and vibration analysis, the Nagoya introduces the Roll-Up Cavity, a geometry designed to minimise sole displacement at impact while amplifying resonance control.

Available in a slant or double-bend neck, this unique structure produces a denser, more solid strike and an ultra-stable roll. Enhanced perimeter weighting further increases MOI, while the refined mass distribution delivers a truer sensation through the stroke, the culmination of years of acoustic and structural study.

Completing the family, the Tokyo showcases Mizuno’s Channel Wing design, a sculpted cavity that blends aerodynamic form with exceptional rigidity. Like the Nagoya, its geometry is tuned through sound analysis to eliminate unwanted frequencies and the metallic ‘ting’ found in earlier OMOI prototypes.

Also available in slant or double-bend, the Tokyo’s more compact profile appeals to purists seeking precision and feedback in a shape that frames the ball cleanly and promotes a natural, repeatable stroke.

Every putter in the series is available in two premium finishes—Grey Ion or Nickel—each chosen to complement the head shape and provide a refined, durable aesthetic that matches Mizuno’s meticulous standards.

The 2026 M.CRAFT series represents more than an evolution; it is a return to Mizuno’s roots in sound-tuned engineering and forged precision.

Each head is shaped, weighted, and milled in Japan to create a true sensory connection between player, putter, and performance.

Together, the Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo models mark a new era of Mizuno craftsmanship, built on the belief that the truest measure of feel is not only what you sense through your hands, but what you hear in the strike.

Source link

At Novellus, we have been lucky to share some great moments with several athletes across tennis and golf, but one story that stands out is still very much ongoing.

We have been supporting Euan Walker for several years now. He’s an impressive young man who has come incredibly close to earning his DP World Tour card, with two fantastic wins on the Challenge Tour (now the HotelPlanner tour), but narrowly missing out overall.

The way he carries himself, continues to represent Novellus and gives everything to the game is something that we are incredibly proud of.

We have a feeling this could be the year he finally breaks through and we’re excited to see what he can achieve at the higher levels of the game.

His journey is a powerful reminder of how tough the game is and how much it means to those who dedicate themselves to it.

How do you measure the success of your golf sponsorships beyond simple brand exposure?

We measure success by aligning with individuals who give their all, which not only brings satisfaction to us as a company but also serves as a powerful reminder to our employees.

The perseverance and commitment that these athletes show, despite such frequent setbacks (which of course are common practice in professional sport), sets a wonderful example for everyone at Novellus.

Many of your partnerships are with up-and- coming players, what qualities do you look for in an athlete?

We are spending more time with players and look for key qualities such as resilience, desire and competitiveness. Golf is an incredibly tough game, and you have to love what you do.

The most successful athletes not only relish competing but also embrace the process and progression.

We also value curiosity and willingness to learn. Asking the right questions and seeking the right advice is crucial and the smartest players figure that out early.

Finally, self-belief is essential. It sounds a bit cliched but backing yourself, when it matters most, is what separates the very best!

What do you think are the biggest challenges for young golfers trying to break into the professional ranks today?

The standard today is extremely high. The costs associated with playing professional golf are significant.

These costs exist regardless of the tour you are playing for and prize funds you can compete for. Coach (often coaches for different components of the game), Caddie, Travel, Entry fees, Physio, Physical trainer and psychology.

There’s also an overload of information in the world now with an expectation for instant results, but true success takes time.

Lottie Woad is a great example of this – what looks like an “overnight success” is really the result of 15 years of hard work by her and her support team.

A key challenge is learning to trust the process, to take the advice given and then committing to it for long enough, rather than constantly making changes.

We are strong advocates of trusting the process.

The KPMG Women’s Irish Open, Rose Ladies Series, and Women’s Irish Challenge are all significant events, how does Novellus see its role in helping these grow?

Novellus plays a small supporting role. These events are all driven by passionate, dedicated people and we aim to raise awareness and encourage other businesses to follow our lead by highlighting the positive impact of partnering with high quality tournaments.

We also encourage our Novellus sponsored athletes to compete in the events and, as they achieve greater success, we hope this will help elevate the profile of these fantastic tournaments and tours.

We have seen first hand, how inspiring for the next generation, spending a short amount of time with the players can be.

We try to ensure we are on hand with hats, autograph opportunities with our athletes and some words of encouragement.

We are lucky that the people we support buy into that and have had that from the generations that went before, no more so than in Irish golf where there is a great support network from current and former players advising the next generation as they navigate the professional game.

Are there plans to get involved at a junior or grassroots level, perhaps through coaching programs or youth events?

Absolutely. Lottie’s success offers a powerful foundation to inspire and attract more young golfers into the game.

Novellus is committed to creating a legacy by supporting grassroot efforts and actively engaging with clubs, coaches, and governing bodies to explore the best ways to make the most of this truly unique window of opportunity.

Can you reveal any upcoming golf partnerships or initiatives we should watch for?

We are excited about the next phase of growth at the Novellus academy. We also have several other projects in development, which we look forward to updating you on soon!

Does anyone in the Novellus leadership team play golf themselves? If so, any memorable rounds or personal highlights?

Our CEO, Billy McManus, plays regularly, as do many of our senior team. A memorable highlight is when Billy made two “hole in ones”, within two days, although he is quick to remind us that he hasn’t had any before or since!

If you could sponsor any golfer in history, past or present, who would it be and why?

It’s an obvious choice, but it must be Tiger Woods. While many great players have come before and after him, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see anyone who electrifies the sport or has the same level of impact on the game quite in the way Tiger has.

ABOUT NOVELLUS

Novellus is a privately funded alternative lender providing loans secured against real estate in the UK and Ireland.

The Novellus group have a range of business interests, including co-investments in private debt alongside tier 1 private equity businesses, direct investment in real estate and the pending launch of their fund business, focusing on supporting early- stage funds with cornerstone investments into the strategy as well as investment into the underlying GP.

For more information visit novellusfinance.com

Source link