PXG 0311 Black Ops Drivers added to USGA Conforming List

Many of the top golfers are eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving and the chance to test out some of the new gear that is expected to hit store shelves in 2019.

PXG released its GEN6 driver family about eight months ago. However, it seems we have a sneak peak at what PXG staffers such as Zach Johnson, Joel Dahmen and Celine Boutier might use in 2024. The USGA has added three new PXG driver heads to its list of conforming driver heads. This makes them all legal for official rounds, as well as tournaments such the RSM Classic this week, and the LPGA and DP World Tour.

PXG did not announce any details regarding the yet to be released PXG Black Ops Tour-1, PXG Black Ops Tour-3, or PXG Black Ops Tour-1 drivers. However, based on company history and notes and images provided by the USGA we know a few things about them.

• Lofts According USGA notes, the Black Ops PXG 0311 driver will be offered in eight-, nine-, one-tenth-, and twelve-degree versions. The USGA tested each of these heads and determined that they were in compliance with the Rules of Golf. The PXG Black Ops Tour-1 is available in models with 8-, 10- and 10.5 degree heads.

• Shaping In previous years, PXG drivers were smooth and aerodynamically formed, but all three 0311 Black Ops clubs have a very different sole geometry. All three clubs feature raised toe and heel areas flanking a central keel that narrows at the rear of the club as it moves from a wide sole section to a narrower one in the middle. From front to back the standard 0311 Black Ops appears larger than both Tour-1 and Tour-3.
• Moveable Weights: The PXG 0311 Black Ops in the USGA photos has three adjustable weights. Two are located in the extremity of the heel and toe areas and the third is in the sole portion the keel at the back. The PXG 0311GEN6XF released in early 2023 had three weights in this configuration. This was to increase stability and MOI. The sole of the 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 contains a weight that can be moved forward in the toe and heel areas. This could lower spin, and lower the launch angle. The 0311 Black Ops Tour-3 has the same weighting of the 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 with two weights forward in the sole.

• Carbon Fiber: Although the USGA images don’t show the tops of the 0311 Black Ops driver, PXG uses carbon fiber crowns in its drivers since several generations. It would be surprising if none of the three 0311 Black Ops driver heads were made with carbon fibre on top.

• Release Date: In the past, PXG released drivers after other manufacturers had dropped theirs. The GEN6 driver was released on March 21, 2009. According to history, this new addition to PXG’s conforming list is a bit early. Scottsdale, Arizona based PXG has never had a stand or been a seller at the PGA Merchandise Show, in Orlando, Florida. So, having new equipment on display at this event in mid January was never a concern. This could be the beginning of a new release cycle for PXG. Do not be surprised if 0311 Black Ops Drivers are released in January.