Ryan Barath

Hamilton

Senior Editor - Equipment at Golf Magazine

▪️Dad & Husband ▪️Gear Editor - @Skratch ▪️Complete golf nerd▪️ Podcaster ▪️ Club builder & Fitter ◾️VAMO

Featured in: Favicon

golf.com

flipboard.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

golfwrx.com Favicon

vnexplorer.net Favicon

golfcoastmagazine.com Favicon

msn.com

bvmsports.com

Articles

First Thoughts: 2025 TaylorMade Qi35 Drivers

Dec 8, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

For golf equipment sleuths Mondays are a big day in the world of new clubs because that's when the USGA and R&A update their joint conforming clubs list for the purpose of competition, which also means it's the first opportunity for us to get a preview of the newest equipment before it hits shelves. Last Monday was a big day as Ping and Callaway each joined the list on the 2025 driver front, providing a sneak peek of the Ping G440 and the Callaway Elyte.
The Week In Gear News: December Part I

Dec 5, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

Hello and welcome to the very first edition of the Skratch Golf "This Week In Gear" wrap-up. From new golf clubs we spotted on the USGA conforming list, to highly-anticipated equipment launches and fresh gear drops from tours around the world—we've done the digging and compiling so you don't have to. Consider this your one-stop shop for all of the latest news and rundowns of what's new in the world of golf gear. Class is in session, let's get started.
TaylorMade Acquires Boutique Putter Maker Logan Olson

Dec 2, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

In what could be considered one of the biggest full brand and manufacturing acquisitions in the golf business over the last decade, TaylorMade is officially announcing the full purchase of the custom putter maker Logan Olson. This announcement acknowledges a deal that has been in the works for quite some time after rumors started to swirl almost a year to the date when Scottie Scheffler arrived at the Hero World Challenge with a brand new Olsen putter in the bag.
Bridgestone Is Back in the Wedges and Irons Game

Dec 1, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

When most golfers in North America think of Bridgestone they think of golf balls, and rightfully so—they were the originators of golf ball fitting, and have players like Jason Day, Fred Couples, and Tiger Woods on their tour staff. Now, if you were to ask the same question to golfers in Asia, the answer would be completely different.
Best in class: 3 clubs oozing with game-boosting technology

Nov 30, 2024 | golf.com | Ryan Barath

Modern aerospace manufacturing techniques, data analysis and clubfitting tools have allowed equipment manufacturers to push the boundaries of design in every category of club. These advancements help golfers of all skill levels hit longer, higher and straighter more often. As a result, they’re able to enjoy the game to a greater degree.
The top PGA Tour winning putters of 2024

Nov 27, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

Watching putter trends on the PGA Tour over the last decade has made for some very interesting observations. Unlike in the consumer market where mallets have been popular for years with recreational golfers looking for more forgiveness and help with alignment - tour players have been slower to adapt. But, in 2024 the script has been flipped. Mallet putters out-paced blades more than three to one when it comes to wins, and mallets were used to win three out of the four majors in 2024.
Best training aid and technology gifts

Nov 27, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

I've never met a golfer who didn't want to improve their golf game to find more fun and enjoyment on the course. Whether those improvements come from learning how to practice more effectively, filming their swing, dialing in their gear with the help of a fitter, or using technology on the course to gain an advantage, there are a lot of golf-focused training aids and tech gifts that can help.
The Best Titleist Gifts to Give This Year

Nov 25, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

It’s hard to believe that December is already upon us and if you have a golfer on your gift list, it's getting close to crunch time, or as some might say - “The back nine on Sunday” of the holiday season. Golfers can be a tough bunch to shop for, but if there is one thing almost any golfer can agree on, it's that there’s nothing quite like unwrapping a fresh box of golf balls or really any gear for that matter adorned with the famous Titleist script.
The Best Golf Gear & Equipment Gifts 2024

Nov 24, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

It’s hard to believe that December is already here and if you have a golfer on your gift list, it's getting close to the back nine on Sunday. The thing with golfers is, with so many brands, category options, equipment choices, and other accessories to choose from, they can be a tough bunch to shop for, especially if they're one of those golfers who's really picky about their gear.
Solve Your Iron Woes With Simplicity

Nov 18, 2024 | skratch.golf | Ryan Barath

It should come to no surprise that the players who top the PGA TOUR's scoring average rankings in 2024 also happen to be some of the best drivers and ball strikers on the planet. One of the ways these players take advantage of their skills is maximizing their iron play and proximity to the hole. And although you might not be a top ranked player in the world, there are still ways to make sure you're getting the most from your iron game by following these key principles.