When Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele, John Rahm, and other adidas Golf athletes tee it up on TOUR in 2019, they will do so in new models of the brand’s iconic TOUR360 shoe. The new TOUR360 XT line gives players three high-performance options including a redesigned cleated model, the first-ever spikeless version of the TOUR360, and a spikeless model with the BOA closure system. Much like a powerful golf swing, the TOUR360 XT family of shoes is built from the ground up. In fact, the XT name comes from the new traction system with X-shaped lugs, which is found on all three models. The advantage of the X-shaped lugs is their eight-sided touch points with the ground, which provide a multi-directional grip and increased stability throughout the swing. As a result, players feel more secure in any conditions, including uneven lies. Nowhere are these X-shaped lugs more important than on the two spikeless models. The TOUR360 XT SL is the first TOUR-quality spikeless shoe adidas has ever made. The entire outsole of the SL model features strategically placed X-Traxion lugs to provide the comfort of a spikeless shoe with the gripping power world-class players demand. Not only does the shape of the lugs help to provide traction, but their varying heights allow some of the lugs to dig deeper into the ground. adidas found that this pattern of varying heights further helped to increase traction. “We wanted to make the highest performing spikeless shoe in the industry,� said Masun Denison, global footwear director, adidas Golf. “We tested all shapes and configurations and found that the X-shape, along with a rubberized TPU outsole, provided unmatched grip, stability, flexibility, and performance. The X-shape also increases ground contact and provides more comfort on all surfaces.� The X-shaped features aren’t limited to just the lugs, either. A new X-Torsion system in the midfoot area of the outsole connecting the heel and forefoot helps to provide even more stability and control throughout the swing. Adding to the comfort of the TOUR360 XT SL is the full-length, heel-to-toe BOOST midsole. adidas has turned to the BOOST technology in the last few generations of the TOUR360. BOOST is those popcorn-like TPU beads that are steam molded and pressed together to form the midsole. The biggest advantages BOOST has over traditional EVA midsoles is its energy return and durability, which translates to more comfort over a longer period of time. Joining the TOUR360 XT SL is a BOA model. The micro-adjustability of the L6 BOA® closure system on the tongue allows for an easy, customizable fit. A new INSITE® sockliner (featured in all three models) also improves stability and balance by cupping the heel, which helps promote better posture. You’ll find the SL in four colorways while the SL BOA is available in two. Both come with a one-year waterproof warranty. For those players preferring a cleated traction system, adidas has introduced the completely redesigned TOUR360 XT with a combination of eight cleats and secondary X-Traxion lugs for additional grip and stability. By removing two spikes from the previous model, adidas increased flexibility and comfort while decreasing the overall weight of the shoe. Designers also reworked the BOOST pieces in the heel and forefoot. Both are slightly wider and have larger expansion holes on the bottom to improve stability and comfort. The new BOOST cushioning now has a lower profile, which improves the aesthetics and gives players an improved connection to the ground. With the TOUR360 XT, adidas has implemented a new forging technique underneath the three stripes. By heating that portion of the upper, the stability in the midfoot was increased and the overall weight of the shoe was decreased. The TOUR360 XT features a rich premium leather upper, comes with a two-year waterproof warranty, and is available in four colorways. The TOUR360 XT and TOUR360 XT SL are available in both medium and wide options while the TOUR360 XT BOA features a medium-wide fit. All three models are offered on a brand new last which has improved aesthetics, more forefoot width and a slightly lower ceiling. BUY EQUIPMENT HERE: PGA TOUR Superstore

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A change in the PGA TOUR’s Player Appearance guidelines will allow players to wear golf shorts during practice and pro-am rounds, effective immediately. The change applies only to tournaments operated on the six tours under the PGA TOUR umbrella. This week’s two TOUR events, the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship and the Puerto Rico Open, will be the first tournaments to offer players the apparel option. Newly elected PGA TOUR Player Advisory Council (PAC) Co-Chairman James Hahn informed his fellow pros in a message delivered on Monday. Per the guideline, shorts must be knee-length, tailored and neat in appearance. Compression leggings worn underneath shorts must be solid in color. Long pants remain required for all official competition rounds. The PGA of America has allowed players to wear shorts during practice rounds at the PGA Championship the last two years. The European Tour initiated their shorts-wearing policy for practice rounds in 2016. In 1999, caddies on the PGA TOUR were first allowed to wear shorts during competition days. Monday’s announcement follows many years of discussion. Players, fans, sponsors and tournaments provided positive feedback to allow the wearing of shorts during non-competition days. Tiger Woods was asked last year during a Facebook Live interview for his view on the topic. “I would love it,� Woods responded. “We play in some of the hottest climates on the planet. We usually travel with the sun, and a lot of our events are played in the summer.� Others have previously addressed the issue. “It makes the guys a lot more comfortable,� Rory McIlroy said. “… I don’t think there’s anything wrong with professional golfers showing the lower half of their leg.�

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