Jack Hirsh
PXG
PXG golf clubs have been on the market for over a decade, offering uber-premium golf equipment to many different player categories, specifically avid and better players.
But the brand has never really had any foothold in the market for novice golfers — those who might be just getting into the game. Well, until now.
The company is introducing the PXG Wildcat line of clubs, designed specifically for occasional and beginner golfers.
“With the new PXG Wildcat golf clubs, we’re excited to shake up the game for those just getting into golf,” said PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons in a release. “These top-notch clubs are designed to make sure that even beginners can hit the course with confidence and enjoy every moment.”
Here are three things to know about the new 8-club PXG Wildcat line and Black Hawk putter.
1. Metal woods built for ease
PXG’s Wildcat metal woods are geared to help players get the ball airborne, and it all starts with the lofts. The driver has a whopping 16 degrees of loft, aiming to help players get their drives in the air and nearer to the hole. There’s also no 3-wood in this set. Instead, the only other woods offered are a 19-degree 5-wood and a 28-degree 6-hybrid.
The lacking 3-wood is no oversight. Woods are typically the hardest clubs for beginners and infrequent golfers to wield. By giving players weaker lofts with a more confidence-inspiring look at address, the PXG Wildcats are easier to launch.
But there’s more to the Wildcat line than loft. The driver was crafted from a Ti-811 body and a high-strength Ti face insert, while the CG has been optimally (deeper and lower) placed to produce high launch and low spin. A stock length of 44 inches, 1.5 inches shorter than the modern standard, should allow golfers to more easily find the center of the club face.
Both the Wildcat fairway wood and hybrid are made from an AM355 high-strength body material and feature an HT1770 thin-face design to promote fast ball speeds. The clubs have a larger top profile and a squared face design with increased offset to inspire more confidence and help players launch the ball in the air. The larger shape and increased perimeter weighting allow the 5-wood to have 10 percent more MOI than the PXG Black Ops 5-wood.
2. Dual Cavity design irons
The Wildcat iron set runs from 7-iron through sand wedge and borrows many technologies from other PXG irons, like the Dual Cavity design (similar to the PXG Black Ops irons). The design consists of a weight-saving insert in the outer cavity and PXG’s proprietary XCOR2 polymer-filled inner cavity.
The design removes mass from the center of the club and redistributes it to the perimeter of the club, which boosts MOI.
A super wide sole accomplishes two things. First, much of the mass is concentrated low on the clubhead to help get the ball up in the air. Second, the soles feature a moderate amount of bounce to add forgiveness on the steeper swings common to many beginner golfers.
Like the metal woods, the Wildcat irons also feature weak lofts by modern standards, unlike many of today’s game improvement or super game improvement irons. The Wildcat 7-iron features 32 degrees of loft, a full club weaker than the PXG Black Ops irons, to make it easier for players to get the ball in the air.
3. Black Hawk putter
The Black Hawk putter is also dropping with the Wildcat line and is included with the full set. The mallet putter gives players the option to choose from four different hosel options in the build process (heel-shafted, plumber’s neck, double bend and arm lock).
While the putter is sold with PXG’s beginner’s line, the manufacturer isn’t skimping out on materials or tech involved.
The Black Hawk putter starts with a 100% milled aerospace grade 6061 aluminum body and a 303 stainless steel rear weight plate. Behind the thin face, which is milled with a new Pyramid Face Pattern, is a hollow cavity filled with a lightweight polymer. This helps boost MOI, improving forgiveness, while the polymer helps tune the sound of the putter.
Weight is also distributed toward the perimeter thanks to a new Pick Up Pocket, which allows players to retrieve their ball without bending down.
Price and Availability
PXG Wildcat clubs and Black Hawk putter are available starting Jan. 28 on PXG.com. The Wildcat clubs come stock in both men’s and women’s specs with Project X Cypher 2.0 40g and 50g shafts, but are also available with a selection of custom shafts through phone order or custom fitting at a PXG location.
Wildcat clubs can be purchased individually ($299 for the driver, $199 for the 5-wood, $189 for the hybrid, $149 per iron and $299 for the Black Hawk putter) or as part of a 9-club set. The 9-club set comes with a golf bag, hat and a dozen PXG golf balls for $1499.
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Jack Hirsh
Golf.com Editor
Jack Hirsh is the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also still *tries* to remain competitive in local amateurs. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.