Podcast · Sport

Club Junkie

by GolfWRX.com · English · Sport

Hosted by Brian Knudson, Club Junkie dives deep into the technical side of golf equipment with a focus on home club building. BK's show covers gear reviews, fittings, and industry trends, often featuring insights from manufacturers, club builders, and fitters. It’s aimed at true club junkies, who ar

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 58 min

The 10 Best Zero Torque Putters Ranked! My #1 Might Surprise You

Zero torque putters are everywhere right now, but which ones actually deserve a spot at the top?Knudson is counting down his Top 10 Zero Torque Putters, and this list has a new #1! He breaks down what makes each putter stand out, how they perform, and which ones he would actually put in the bag. If you’ve been curious about zero torque or face balanced putters, this is a ranking you’re going to want to hear.Plus, we’re getting into some putter work. Knudson regrips a couple of putters with new P2 grips, talks about the difference a grip can make, and puts together a custom build on a gamer…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
Srixon ZXi7 vs ZXi5 vs ZXi5+ | USGA Equipment Testing Explained + CRAZY PXG Prototype Driver
The new Srixon ZXi irons are here, and there’s a lot to unpack. On this episode of Club Junkie, I’m testing the new Srixon ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXi5+ irons to see how the three models compare and who each one might be built for.We also have a really cool conversation with Rob and Grady from the USGA about what actually goes into testing golf equipment. We talk about how the USGA tests clubs to make sure they conform to the Rules of Golf and some of the things that happen behind the scenes before equipment makes it into players’ bags.And, of course, we found some interesting equipment at the Bank…
24 Sep 2026 · 44 min
Can a 35g Shaft REALLY Work? Graphite Design Tour AD EK + Aretera AO2 Tested!
Two VERY different shafts are on the Club Junkie hot seat this week.I’m putting the new Graphite Design Tour AD EK driver shaft through its paces, then jumping into the ultra lightweight Aretera AO2 Blue 35 gram shaft. One is all about performance and feel, while the other has me asking just how light you can go without giving up distance, control and consistency.We’ll talk launch, spin, feel, stability and what each shaft is actually doing during the swing. And yes, I’m going to find out if a 35 gram driver shaft can actually surprise me.
17 Sep 2026 · 52 min
This $120 Wedge Is REALLY Good?! Plus Crazy Clubs & New KBS Shafts
Some seriously good golf equipment on this episode of Club Junkie.I’m putting a surprisingly good value wedge from Tour Edge through its paces to see how it stacks up, checking out some of the coolest and most interesting golf clubs spotted at the 2026 Biltmore Championship, and heading into the workshop to reshaft a set of irons with some new KBS shafts.If you’re into golf clubs, club building, equipment testing and finding gear that actually deserves a spot in the bag, there’s plenty to dig into.Follow Club Junkie:Instagram: @clubjunkiepodX: @ClubJunkiePodTikTok: @club.junkie.golfThreads:…
10 Sep 2026 · 47 min
New Mizuno Pro S-4 Irons, Tour Proto Putters and a Big Reshafting Project!
The new Mizuno Pro S-4 irons are here, and I finally got a chance to put them to the test! I break down how they look, feel, and perform, plus whether they might be one of Mizuno's best new iron releases.Also on this episode, we check out some seriously interesting prototype putters spotted at the 2026 Simmons Bank Open and talk about two full sets of irons getting reshafted later this week in the Club Junkie workshop.New irons, Tour prototypes, and some serious club building coming up. What more do you need?#ClubJunkie #MizunoGolf #MizunoProS4 #GolfIrons #ProtoPutters #GolfEquipment…
9 Sep 2026 · 46 min
Why Do I Actually Like These Irons?! + A Crazy Light Driver Shaft
New golf equipment is flying in, and this week on the Club Junkie Podcast we’re digging into some seriously interesting gear.First up, Brian puts the new McLaren Series 3 irons under the microscope. We’re talking looks, feel, performance, forgiveness, and whether these irons deserve a spot on your radar.Then we get into Aretera shafts, including a new hybrid shaft and an ultra lightweight wood shaft that could be a game changer for golfers looking to add speed without giving up performance.
27 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Are Electric Push Carts The Future? + New Toulon and Bettinardi Putters at the Tour Championship
This episode of Club Junkie is all about rolling around the course and checking out some fresh putter gear from the Tour Championship.First, I review the Navee Birdie 3X electric golf cart and see what it’s like to hand the walking duties over to a battery powered caddie. From setup and features to how it performs out on the course, I break down whether the Birdie 3X can make walking 18 a little easier and a lot more fun.Then we head to the Tour Championship for a look at some new putters from Toulon and Bettinardi. There are new designs, fresh shapes and plenty of details for the putter…
20 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Titleist GTS300 Mini Driver Review + CRAZY Prototype Putters at the BMW Championship!
The Titleist GTS300 Mini Driver is here, and Club Junkie is putting it to the test! We break down how this new mini driver performs, where it fits in the bag, and whether it can actually compete with a traditional driver or 3 wood.Then we head inside the equipment world at the 2026 BMW Championship, where some seriously interesting prototype putters were spotted on Tour. I break down what the pros were testing and some of the details that caught my eye.Plus, plenty of golf equipment talk and the latest from the world of golf gear.
13 Aug 2026 · 47 min
Did We WIN on my Golf Trip?! + TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Wedge Review & Sanfirth Putter
It’s golf trip recap time! I’m breaking down my annual guys golf trip, how I played, the good shots, the disasters, and most importantly… did we actually win?I also get into two new pieces of equipment I’ve been testing: the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 wedges and the Sanfirth Batch #1 putter. I’ll talk about how both performed, what I like, what I’m not sold on, and whether either one has a chance of making the bag.Plus, plenty of golf trip stories, equipment talk, and the usual Club Junkie rambling.#Golf #GolfClubs #TaylorMade #TaylorMadeGolf #HiToe5 #GolfWedges #Putter #GolfEquipment #ClubJunkie…
6 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
Testing The Cleveland RTZ2 Wedges! What Is A Mini Spinner?!
This week on the Club Junkie Podcast, we're diving into Cleveland Golf's new RTZ2 wedges to see if they deliver the feel, spin, and versatility golfers are looking for around the greens. I break down the performance, turf interaction, and who these wedges are best suited for after spending time testing them.Then I'm joined by Callaway Golf's Jacob Davidson to talk all about the new Quantum Mini Spinner fairway woods. We get into the technology behind the design, why the Mini Spinner fills a unique role in the lineup, the player it's built for, and what golfers should expect on the…
30 Jul 2026 · 53 min
Bettinardi Matt Fitzpatrick Putters Reviewed Plus My Golf Trip Is Coming Up Soon!
The new Bettinardi Matt Fitzpatrick signature putters are finally here, and I spent some time taking a close look to see if they're more than just a limited edition collector's piece. We get into the design, feel, performance, and who these putters actually make sense for.I also talk about my annual guys golf trip that's right around the corner, what's making the bag, the last minute equipment decisions, and why golf weekends always seem to turn into equipment testing sessions.If you're into golf gear, putters, and the never ending search for better equipment, this one's for you.Follow Club…
23 Jul 2026 · 58 min
JP Golf Prime Irons Review | Charlie Woods WITB at the USGA Junior Amateur
This week on the Club Junkie Podcast, Brian Knudson takes an in-depth look at the new JP Golf Prime irons to see if these premium forged irons live up to the hype. From looks and feel to performance on the course, find out who these irons are built for and whether they're worth a spot in your bag.Brian also breaks down Charlie Woods' What's In The Bag from the USGA Junior Amateur, taking a closer look at the clubs, shafts, and equipment setup one of golf's most talked-about young players is using.If you're into golf equipment, club reviews, WITB breakdowns, and the latest gear news, this…
16 Jul 2026 · 45 min
It's time to make a switch... Dan Carraher custom putter review
On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, Brian Knudson reviews a custom Dan Carraher putter after spending time with it on the course. He also shares the latest updates to his gamer bag, what's staying, what's getting replaced, and why he's making the switch to stiff flex driver shafts. If you love golf equipment, club fitting, putters, shafts, and What's In The Bag updates, this episode is for you.Follow Club Junkie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubjunkiepodX: https://x.com/ClubJunkiePodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubjunkie.podThreads: https://www.threads.com/@clubjunkiepodMP3
9 Jul 2026 · 36 min
The Best Value Shaft of 2026? VA Baddazz Gold and Spider ZT Americana Review
Can a more affordable shaft really compete with the premium options? This week on the Club Junkie Podcast, Brian Knudson puts the VA Composites Baddazz Gold wood shaft to the test. Designed to deliver premium performance at a friendlier price, Brian breaks down how it feels, how it performs on the course, and who should give it a serious look.Then it's time to roll some putts with one of the most eye catching limited releases of the year. Brian reviews the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Americana 250 putter, covering the zero torque design, performance on the greens, and whether this limited…
2 Jul 2026 · 34 min
New LAB Golf VZN.1i Putter Review + Rickie's New Cameron Prototype Putters
The latest Club Junkie Podcast is packed with some of the hottest gear in golf. Brian takes an in depth look at the new LAB Golf VZN.1i putter, breaking down how it performs on the course, who it fits best, and whether the latest zero torque design lives up to the hype.Then it's over to the PGA Tour for a look at the latest equipment spotted at the 2026 John Deere Classic. Rickie Fowler has several intriguing prototype putters in testing, including some unique Cameron creations, and Brian shares his thoughts on them. Plus, get a first look at the new Project X Titan Green "Hulk" wood shaft,…
25 Jun 2026 · 45 min
Two Unique Milled Putters Machine & Hog + Srixon's New Drivers Spotted!
On this episode of Club Junkie, Brian dives into two very different flatsticks that have been getting plenty of attention lately: the Machine M12 ZTX zero torque putter and the HOG CSX Milled putter. How do they perform on the course? Which one delivers the best feel, forgiveness, and confidence on the greens? Brian breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of both and explains which golfers each model might fit best.The show also shifts to the PGA Tour, where Srixon's new prototype ZXi RKT drivers made their debut at the 2026 Travelers Championship. Brian takes a closer look at the new…
18 Jun 2026 · 53 min
Cobra OPTM X vs OPTM Max K Driver Review + US Open Prototype Gear
On this week's episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we deliver an in-depth review and head-to-head comparison of the new Cobra OPTM X and Cobra OPTM Max K drivers. We analyze the launch monitor data, spin profiles, and forgiveness levels of both heads to help you decide between the low-spin workability of the X model and the high-MOI stability of the Max K.Next, we take you inside the ropes at the US Open to break down the most exciting prototype gear in professional golf. Our equipment analysis covers Bryson DeChambeau’s mysterious new TaylorMade prototype driver, Taihei Sato’s custom Scotty…
11 Jun 2026 · 51 min
TaylorMade Spider Tour Torched Review + Odyssey Damascus Putters with Luke Williams
On this episode of Club Junkie, Brian dives into the all new TaylorMade Spider Tour Torched putters and breaks down everything from the unique torched finish to the performance, feel, and roll on the greens. Are these Spiders just a cosmetic upgrade, or is there more to the story?Then, Brian is joined by Luke Williams from Odyssey Golf to discuss the highly anticipated Damascus Milled putters. Luke shares the inspiration behind the project, the challenges of working with Damascus steel, what makes these putters so special, and why collectors and players alike are excited about Odyssey's…
4 Jun 2026 · 51 min
Building My 2026 WITB: Ranking the Contenders and New Putter Projects
The annual What's In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that's performing best and explains what's separating the front runners from the rest of the field.Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he's working on and which putters could become serious…
28 May 2026 · 40 min
Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver Review and TaylorMade Spider ZT Max First Look
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out…
21 May 2026 · 45 min
Ping i540 Irons Review! Plus LAB VZN.1i Putters and Graphite Design Shaft Sightings!
On this episode of Club Junkie, I dive into the brand new Ping i540 irons and talk about where they fit in the lineup, the performance on the course, and who I think they are really made for. There is a lot to love and maybe one complaint in the new i540 irons.The show also covers the new LAB VZN.1i putters that have started showing up, plus some new Graphite Design Tour AD shafts spotted out on the PGA Tour and what makes them interesting. Wrapping things up, I might swap a few shafts into some putters and talk through how those changes might completely alter feel and performance.Follow…
14 May 2026 · 48 min
My New Titleist GTS Driver Fitting Results!
On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, I head to the Titleist Performance Institute for a full driver fitting with the new Titleist GTS lineup. We dive into the fitting process, talk about what made the biggest difference in performance, and break down how the different GTS heads and shaft combinations compare on the launch monitor. If you are thinking about a new driver setup for this season, there is a lot to take away from this one.I also get into Brooks Koepka and the gear setup he brought to the PGA Championship, including the putters that caught my eye during the week. There are…
13 May 2026 · 31 min
Titleist GTS Woods Deep Dive with Stephanie Luttrell
The new Titleist GTS drivers and fairway woods are here and we’re taking a full deep dive into everything golfers want to know. On this episode of GolfWRX Radio, Stephanie Luttrell from Titleist joins us to break down the technology, design goals, player feedback, and performance behind the newest GTS lineup.We talk about what makes the GTS drivers different, how the fairway woods were engineered for speed and consistency, the fitting insights players need to know, and which models could fit the widest range of golfers. From tour inspired shaping to real world forgiveness, this episode…
7 May 2026 · 45 min
A Putter That I Love and Hate Right Now!
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we dive into one of the most interesting flatstick releases of the year with a full review of the new TaylorMade SYSTM 2 putters. After spending time on the greens, I break down what makes this design stand out, where it performs, and why it has me completely torn between loving it and fighting it. If you are into feel, alignment, and consistency, this is one you will want to hear about.We also take a look at some of the putters in play on the PGA Tour last week. From familiar favorites to a few surprising setups, there is always something to learn…
5 May 2026 · 2 hr 19 min
Fore Love of Golf: A Great Session With Sean McDonough
Fore Love of Golf has moved channels! Subscribe here on ⁠Apple⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠ for all future and past episodes. Well folks, we made it to Episode 50 which we hope is just a quick stop on a long journey with Fore Love of Golf. #50 is a special one for us as we were able to bring on friend of the pod, Sean McDonough. If you’ve watched any sports over the last 35+ years, there’s a decent chance you’ve seen or heard Sean. From The Masters to Monday Night Football, NCAA Hoops and Olympic Luge (Sean is a big Luger), he has added to so many memories for millions of people. It was great to have him…
30 Apr 2026 · 51 min
My Top 10 Zero Torque Putter Ranking of 2026!
I break down my first Top 10 Zero Torque Putter Rankings for 2026. From the biggest names in the category to a few under the radar surprises, I dive into what makes each of these putters stand out and how they performed.Talk about feel, consistency, forgiveness, and of course whether zero torque technology actually delivers on its promise to help you start more putts on line. If you have been curious about making the switch or just want to know which models are leading the pack this year, this episode has you covered.As always, this is real talk from a Club Junkie perspective with no fluff,…
28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 52 min
Fore Love of Golf: Johnny Thompson of Callaway Golf
Fore Love of Golf is moving channels! Subscribe here on Apple or Spotify for all future and past episodes. In Episode 49, the boys chat with Johnny Thompson, longtime Callaway Golf employee. Johnny has worked in some great roles within the company including years as a Tour Rep for Odyssey and Callaway. He has spent time on the LPGA Tour, Champions Tour, and PGA Tour and is now working as the Tour Content Manager for the company. JT is a fun guy and someone that is very knowledgeable in the clubfitting and Tour worlds.
23 Apr 2026 · 1 hr
New Level Golf SPN V3 Wedge & Brand Deep Dive
On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, Brian sits down with Andy Hennis from New Level Golf for a deep dive into one of the most interesting independent brands in the game. Andy shares the story behind New Level Golf, how the company approaches design and performance, and what sets their clubs apart in a crowded equipment landscape.The conversation then shifts to the brand new SPN V3 wedges. Andy breaks down the technology, shaping, and performance goals behind the latest iteration, including what players can expect in terms of feel, spin, and versatility around the greens. If you are…
16 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Club Junkie: Hanging out with King Pine Golf's Eric Cooke! What A Great Time!
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we sit down with master club builder and fitter Eric Cooke from King Pine Golf for a deep dive into the world of custom golf clubs. Eric shares his unique approach to building and fitting, what golfers often get wrong about their equipment, and how true customization can unlock better performance on the course. We also get into some of his philosophies on feel, consistency, and dialing in the details that matter most. Plus, Eric gives us a few intriguing hints about where King Pine Golf could be headed in the future. If you are serious about your…
9 Apr 2026 · 46 min
Club Junkie: New Gears Golf OVVIO Shafts! Masters Limited Edition Gear!
I get to test out the new OVVIO driver shafts from Gears Golf. Gears created a shaft lineup to work with players swing types using their high-tech data. Every year we see tons of limited edition Masters themed gear from brands big and small. I break down some of the great items from some of the big EOMs.

About Club Junkie

Club Junkie is a English sport podcast from GolfWRX.com. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: GolfWRX.com
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1302185956

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