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PODCAST · sports

Club Lab

Club Lab is a golf equipment podcast hosted by Golf Digest managing editor Jonathan Wall and Golf Laboratories founder Gene Parente, diving deep into the gear generating buzz through real robot-testing data, tour trends and conversations with the people who matter most in the industry. Every episode is designed to make you smarter about the equipment in your bag.

  1. 69

    We tested a cult classic against a current driver

    We put a cult classic driver up against its modern-day descendant on a swing robot and the results are in. But first, a smorgasbord of PGA Championship equipment notes, featuring Brooks Koepka's new putter, all 31 of Justin Rose's McLaren irons, Rickie Fowler's shortest driver of his career and a new L.A.B. Golf prototype putter appears. And would Cameron Young's golf ball actually conform under the proposed rollback rules? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 68

    Robot testing drivers at 105 mph

    You asked. We answered. Robot testing on drivers at 105 mph results are in. But first, Tony Finau makes another putter change, Jordan Spieth does some more tinkering and switches to a ball you can play, while Cameron Young is playing one you cannot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 67

    Analyzing three iterations of Ping drivers

    JWall and Uncle Gene dive into the robot data on three iterations of Ping drivers. But first, McLaren enters the golf club space, but can they have staying power without a driver. And Brooks Koepka is once again an equipment free agent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. 66

    Crunching the numbers on 3 years of Cobra drivers

    The robot testing data is in on the last three years of Cobra drivers. But first, why Uncle Gene feels like he was beaten with a sack of quarters, and the return of the blade? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 65

    Robot testing three years of Callaway drivers

    JWall and Uncle Gene crunch the numbers on the past three years of Callaway drivers. But first, why Uncle Gene skipped Coachella this year, a Masters equipment recap and a deep dive on the proposed ball rollback. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. 64

    An interview with Steve Williams

    Steve Williams has been part of 14 major-winning player-caddie duos helping some of the best players across multiple generations decide which club to hit and how. He joined Jonathan Wall to discuss what 40 years inside the ropes can tell us about equipment that no launch monitor can. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. 63

    Comparing three years of TaylorMade drivers

    It's that time of year again. New drivers are out and JWall and Uncle Gene have tested them on the robot. This week, we dive into the last three TaylorMade driver families: Qi10, Qi35 and Qi4D. Plus, it's Masters limited release season, when brands drop their Augusta-themed merch, Gary Woodland completes his improbable comeback with a unicorn driver and why Jake Knapp is a crazy person. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. 62

    Titleist releases a new driver ... in March?

    Same pod, new name. The Golf IQ Equipment Pod is now Club Lab! On this episode, JWall and Uncle Gene discuss Titleist's March (?!) driver release, a new putting contraption and a new brand in the golf space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  9. 61

    Kicking off 2026 golf season with Chris Marchini (3/11/26)

    Spring is coming, which means golf season is near. There's no better way to kick off the season than with Director of Golf Performance and Innovation for Dick's and Golf Galaxy Chris Marchini. JWall, Uncle Gene and Marchini touch on a weird gear note from the PGA Tour, Jim Furyk's recent comments and 2026 driver releases. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  10. 60

    Behind the curtain with TaylorMade's head of putters (3/6/26)

    As mallets, and more specifically, the TaylorMade Spider have become the dominant putter on tour and in recreational golf, there's one man with invaluable insight into the process behind how they're made and tuned for tour pros. James Holley joins Jonathan Wall to take listeners behind the scenes of TaylorMade's process. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  11. 59

    The best 2026 drivers for your toe miss (2/25/26)

    Last week was for our heel strikers, this week is for our toe strikers. Plus, putter fads, a bit of a gear surprise and a deep dive on Uncle Gene's snowboarding escapades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  12. 58

    The best 2026 drivers for your heel miss (2/19/26)

    No parking lot recording this week. JWall and Uncle Gene dive into a treasure trove of data regarding heel misses on the 2026 lineup of drivers. Plus, some notes on Anthony Kim's bag as he returned to the winner's circle for the first time in almost 16 years. But first, Gene explains why he's lucky to have not been knocked out by Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  13. 57

    Problem area and cheat code face locations on 2026 drivers (2/11/26)

    It's Pebble Beach Week, but JWall and Uncle Gene are diving into the first results from robot testing on 2026 drivers. They've identified problem areas and cheat code locations on certain faces. This episode is heaven for a Numbers Nerd. Plus, notes from Pebble, including a new Scotty Cameron insert, a Rory iron change and notes on mini drivers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  14. 56

    Identifying trends in 2026 drivers (2/4/26)

    The numbers are in on our 2026 driver tests, and with Uncle Gene's newfound AI skills, we're able to identify some trends faster than ever before. Plus, a legendary WMPO robot story and an interesting gear tidbit about Justin Rose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  15. 55

    Recapping the PGA Show and previewing the year ahead (1/28/26)

    JWall and Uncle Gene are BACK from the PGA Show and have insights on things they saw, and didn't see in Orlando. Plus, gear signings and a look ahead to 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  16. 54

    Callaway's next big driver breakthrough (1/16/26)

    Callaway's VP of Global Tour and Product Strategy Jacob Davidson joins JWall on the latest Gear Pod to discuss the new line of Quantum drivers, which features never-before-used technology in the driver space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  17. 53

    How TaylorMade flipped the driver script (1/8/26)

    The first gear pod of 2026 kicks off with an interview with TaylorMade tour rep Adrian Rietveld and a deep dive into some of the brand's top stars, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Charley Hull. Plus, more information on TaylorMade's driver for 2026, the Qi4D. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  18. 52

    Recreating the swing Tiger used to complete the 'Tiger Slam' (12/17/25)

    The final gear pod of 2025 is here, and we've saved our favorite test for last. Ahead of his 50th birthday, we tested Tiger Woods' famous Titleist 975D, the driver he used to complete the 'Tiger Slam'. How would 'Tiger Slam' Tiger compare to a present-day pro? How much better would 'Tiger Slam' Tiger be with today's equipment? We have the answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  19. 51

    Old faces in familiar places (12/10/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene dive into what could be a new trend with some tour players who play a particular brand. Plus, the possibility of new gear signings, a proclamation about an underrated brand and a bit of golf history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  20. 50

    We tested Amazon's new golf ball (12/3/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene break down some of the newest gear to pop up on the USGA's Conforming Club and Ball Lists. Plus, we reviewed Amazon's new golf ball, and Gene put out a video with internet megastar Mr. Beast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  21. 49

    Catching up on gear releases (11/19/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene discuss fall product releases. New drivers. New golf balls. More putters. The IQ of the pod is down. The gear ramblings are up. We're back, baby. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  22. 48

    Overlooked gear components that'll instantly improve your game (11/12/25)

    Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy Chris Marchini is back to answer more of your questions with JWall and Uncle Gene, including gear components that will make you better right away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  23. 47

    How to improve the equipment industry (10/23/25)

    The gear crew kicks around questions tied to changes they’d make in the gear and fitting space, apex versus landing angle and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  24. 46

    Are zero torque putters taking over? (10/17/25)

    Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy Chris Marchini returns to answer your questions with Uncle Gene. Plus, a JWall giveaway spree. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  25. 45

    What questions to ask a fitter (10/10/25)

    Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's and Golf Galaxy is back with JWall and Uncle Gene — who will not be silenced! — to answer more of your questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  26. 44

    This driver metric can help you bomb it off the tee (10/2/25)

    In the latest episode, JWall and Uncle Gene recap a rowdy Ryder Cup, analyze the balls used by each foursome pairing and discuss a rarely used driver metric that can lead to more distance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  27. 43

    The man who changed the putter industry (9/24/25)

    In this new Golf IQ Gear series, Jonathan Wall and Gene Parente spotlight some of the innovators, disruptors and visionaries who have helped shape the equipment industry. For Part 1, JWall talks with Bill Presse IV, the inventor of Lie Angle Balance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  28. 42

    How golf balls could impact the Ryder Cup (9/17/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene dive into the breakdown of who plays what ball on each Ryder Cup team and how that could impact strategy. Plus a fan-favorite is back in stock in a limited quantity and a giveaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  29. 41

    The future of putter design is on the French Riviera (9/10/25)

    J Wall and Uncle Gene are back from a late-summer break with news of a putter that can be all things and a whole lot of golf ball talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  30. 40

    What's the deal with hollow-body irons? (8/27/25)

    Breaking down Tommy Fleetwood's bag, wild putter names and a good-looking club that will give you forgiveness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  31. 39

    Comparing the last two Titleist T-Series iron families (8/20/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene dive into non-blue blood gear companies, a new golf ball for Bryson, the last two iterations of the Titleist T-Series irons and ... horses? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  32. 38

    The worst gear signings ever (8/13/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene discuss some of the most peculiar and worst gear signings on the PGA Tour. Plus, the dynamic duo goes back and forth on how players' perceptions on gear differs, regardless of skill level. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  33. 37

    Are the FedEx Cup Playoffs altering equipment deals? (8/6/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene return from a short summer vacation to dish on L.A.B. Golf being sold and the Titleist prototype ball Cameron Young used in his first PGA Tour victory. Plus, is the FedEx Cup Playoff structure to blame for the lack of new equipment deals? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  34. 36

    Open Championship recap, Scottie's bag and why you should play urethane golf balls (7/23/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene recap the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, dive into some minutiae in Scottie Scheffler's bag and discuss the differences between surlyn and urethane golf balls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  35. 35

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (Part 6) (7/16/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to discuss all things wedges. Then JWall, Uncle Gene and Chris chop it up while answering your questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  36. 34

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (Part 5) (7/9/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod for another Q&A with a focus on shafts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  37. 33

    JWall and Uncle Gene's pre-July 4th ramblings (7/2/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene return with musings on the latest gear trends, including Rocket Classic winner Aldrich Potgieter's curious 3-wood choice, some robot testing numbers and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  38. 32

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (Part 4) (6/25/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to field listeners' questions on the hybrid vs. fairway wood debate and when it's appropriate to use each one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  39. 31

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (Part 3) (6/11/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to field listeners' questions on all things golf clubs, with Uncle Gene's help, of course. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  40. 30

    The most important club at the U.S. Open (6/4/25)

    Oakmont's rough will be tenacious, its fairways tight and its greens fast and furious. The winner will need his A Game to win the U.S. Open, even if it's at a score viewers aren't used to seeing. And this club, which we don't see often, might be the difference maker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  41. 29

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (Part 2) (5/28/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to discuss irons fitting and a data point he swears by. Plus, JWall and Uncle Gene dish on the latest in the non-conforming drivers discussion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  42. 28

    An interview with Scottie Scheffler's TaylorMade tour rep (5/21/25)

    After breaking the news that his driver was deemed non-conforming before his PGA Championship win at Quail Hollow, Scottie Scheffler credited TaylorMade tour rep Adrian Rietveld with having a suitable replacement at the ready. Rietveld has been working with Scheffler since 2020 and knows the ins and outs of his bag better than just about anyone else on the planet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  43. 27

    Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini (5/14/25)

    Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini joins the pod to discuss industry trends, products and misconceptions. Plus, JWall and Uncle Gene make PGA Championship picks and note a new entry to the zero-torque putter space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  44. 26

    Know this crucial data point when considering new irons (5/7/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene recount memorable robot aces, note some irons that impressed them in robot testing. Plus, a hint on which stats you should be prioritizing when it comes to new irons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  45. 25

    An interview with Scotty Cameron's right hand man (4/30/25)

    Paul Vizanko, Director of Player Fitting and Development at Scotty Cameron, has been working with the most recognizable name in putters for a quarter century. Over the years, he's worked closely with tour pros and developed a keen eye for diagnosing putter fit and setup issues. It's that skill that allowed him to get Justin Thomas a new Scotty Cameron Phantom putter that helped him win the 2025 RBC Heritage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  46. 24

    Coachella and robots and videos and mini drivers, oh my! (4/22/25)

    Uncle Gene takes us on a journey through the Coachella Music Festival before we dig into our new video series, robot data on mini drivers, a new shoe from Nike and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  47. 23

    Rory completes the career grand slam with ... what clubs??? (4/16/25)

    JWall and Uncle Gene return from their Masters week break that had nothing to do with the Masters to break down Rory McIlroy's historic win, the clubs he used to do it, the clubs he didn't use to do it, TaylorMade's R7 Quad Mini Driver, Callaway's new Elyte Triple Diamond Max driver and how increasing tariffs will likely affect the price of golf clubs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  48. 22

    Masters of data (4/2/25)

    Can the Masters elevate its coverage with unlimited launch monitor data? Digging into Max Homa's driver numbers, and Titleist finally gives golfers what they've been asking for. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  49. 21

    Bryson's hilarious gear test (3/26/25)

    Bryson's Temu club experiment goes as expected, poking holes in Viktor Hovland's Ping driver and Odyssey's latest swing at LAB Golf. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  50. 20

    Uncle Gene on Gene and golf equipment predictions (3/19/25)

    Gene, in his first solo hosting effort, recaps the trip back to Golf Digest for filming, dives deep into his golf origin story and makes predictions for the future of golf equipment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Club Lab is a golf equipment podcast hosted by Golf Digest managing editor Jonathan Wall and Golf Laboratories founder Gene Parente, diving deep into the gear generating buzz through real robot-testing data, tour trends and conversations with the people who matter most in the industry. Every episode is designed to make you smarter about the equipment in your bag.

HOSTED BY

Gene Parente, Jonathan Wall

Produced by Golf Digest

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Club Lab have?

Club Lab currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Club Lab about?

Club Lab is a golf equipment podcast hosted by Golf Digest managing editor Jonathan Wall and Golf Laboratories founder Gene Parente, diving deep into the gear generating buzz through real robot-testing data, tour trends and conversations with the people who matter most in the industry. Every...

How often does Club Lab release new episodes?

Club Lab has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Club Lab?

You can listen to Club Lab on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Club Lab?

Club Lab is created and hosted by Gene Parente, Jonathan Wall.
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