Long-hitting Massa, aka 'Bobby Speed,' among Byron Nelson qualifiers
Potgieter is the PGA Tour's current leader in average driving distance (324.1 yards) entering the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. But 37-year-old Bobby Massa, one of four Monday qualifiers, has some serious speed, too.
Massa is a sports performance coach from Dallas who has recently become one of the top mid-amateurs in the world. He reached the quarterfinals of last summer's U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine before falling in the final of the U.S. Mid-Amateur.
And he hits bombs – 127-plus mph swing speed, ball speeds in the 190s.
Massa was once a pro golfer, for five years after graduating from Texas-Arlington. Then he gave up the game, forced into exile by the swing yips.
'I couldn't break 90 to save my life,' Massa told GolfChannel.com last year.
Brentley Romine,
The break from competing led to Massa's current career. He now works at Sanders Fit, where his clientele ranges from pro and elite amateur golfers to NFL, NBA and MLB players to even USGA president Fred Perpall. For Massa, it's all about unlocking his golf clients' flexibility and fast-twitch fibers for increased speed and distance. Perpall says some people call Massa, 'Bobby Speed.'
Massa got his amateur status back in 2019, but with golf's distance boom, he's been plenty busy with his day job. His last world-ranked tournament was the East West Matches at Maridoe last November.
This won't be Massa's PGA Tour debut. He's played in two previous editions of the Byron Nelson, first in 2013 (MC) and then 2023 (MC). He averaged 324.8 yards off the tee two years ago to rank inside the top 10 in driving distance for the week.
Massa is joined in this week's field by fellow Monday qualifiers Ross Steelman, Nick Watney and Nelson Ledesma.
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Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
[Latest] Global Badminton Shoe Market Size/Share Worth USD 8.34 Billion by 2034 at a 7.8% CAGR: Custom Market Insights (Analysis, Outlook, Leaders, Report, Trends, Forecast, Segmentation, Growth Rate, Value, SWOT Analysis)
[220+ Pages Latest Report] According to a market research study published by Custom Market Insights, the demand analysis of Global Badminton Shoe Market size & share revenue was valued at approximately USD 3.97 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.24 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 8.34 Billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2025 and 2034. The key market players listed in the report with their sales, revenues and strategies are Li-Ning Company Limited, Lotto Sport Italia, ASICS Corporation, YONEX Co. Ltd., Adidas AG, VICTOR RACKETS Mizuno USA Inc., Carlton, Babolat, Cosco, Nivia Sports, Puma SE, New Balance and others. Austin, TX, USA, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled 'Badminton Shoe Market Size, Trends and Insights By Sole (Rubber Sole, Non-Marking Sole), By Demographics (Men, Women, Unisex, Kids), By Buyer Type (Individual, Institutional, Promotional), By Distribution Channel (Independent Sports Outlet, Franchised Sports Outlet, Modern Trade Channel, Direct to Customer Channel, Third Party Online Channel), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034' in its research database.'According to the latest research study, the demand of the global Badminton Shoe Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 3.97 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.24 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 8.34 Billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.8% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.' Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Badminton Shoe Market @ Overview As per the industry experts at CMI, Companies like Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor, and Mizuno are developing new badminton shoes with enhanced cushioning systems, lightweight soles, and breathable but robust mesh materials. The incorporation of energy return materials with anti-slip grip patterns will enable rapid and competitive lateral movements. With many of these brands, the focus of research and development is specifically on an athlete's movement biomechanics with the aim of optimizing mobility and safeguarding the joints. Eco-friendly fabrication utilizing biodegradable polymers and water-based adhesives showcases rigorous eco-compliant responsibility and ESG adherence. By partnering with biomechanics laboratories and sports universities, brands gain research-informed iterative design refinement, which enhances their credibility in a competitive market. Key Trends & Drivers The Worldwide Rise in Popularity of Badminton: There is a rise in badminton's popularity in China, India, and Malaysia. This expansion is being driven by regional government initiatives, sponsorship deals, international competitions such as the BWF World Tour, and tournament funding, which is augmenting badminton at every level. This added consideration makes injury mitigation and agility enabling footwear, like badminton shoes, more effective. Badminton is further integrated into both academic and municipal leagues, which is broadening the reach of the sport's popularity. All of these considerations explain the constant and broad need for dedicated badminton shoes. Increased Attention Given Towards Athletic Footwear for Injury Prevention: The rapid and multidirectional movements that badminton players make put them at risk of experiencing sprained ankles, strained feet, and even knee injuries. In meeting consumer demand, manufacturers are now increasing the padding in the shoe's lateral sections and providing greater widths along the shoe's forefoot. To address these issues, designers are paying more attention to the needs of biomechanics and adding protective elements like arch supports along with shock absorbing midsoles, more responsive soles, and ankle lockdown systems. Widening these injury prevention measures gives the footwear protective, multi-functional, and enabling capabilities that heighten athlete productivity. The health and performance of the athlete's foot accelerate the adoption of newly developed badminton shoes. Request a Customized Copy of the Badminton Shoe Market Report @ Advancements in Technology in Relation to Badminton Shoes: The badminton shoes of today are receiving constant updates because of innovation in materials. Modern thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), breathable mesh linings, carbon fiber plates, EVA foam, and ultra lightweight plastics are being used to improve a player's agility and performance. Improvements to these textiles enhance responsiveness while helping with fatigue and speed. Maintaining footwear hygiene is another challenge; on the other hand, badminton shoes incorporate anti-microbial merrow seams that slow down material degradation. To make better use of the new technologies, advanced shock absorbing smart insoles are now incorporated into the shoes. These changes enable amateurs and professionals to move more efficiently which helps in market differentiation and adoption. Online Shopping and Direct Consumer Sales: The retailing of badminton shoes is being transformed by the evolution of the internet. Even remote and developing regions can now access premium brands through D2C channels and online third-party retailers. Virtual fitting rooms, user testimonials, and extensive catalogs add value to the buying experience. Most critically, niche badminton shoes designed for specific courts—indoor, wooden, or synthetic—are now readily available. Enhanced global shipping combined with improved logistics infrastructure augments marketing. Influencer marketing also increases brand visibility and purchase intent. Both start-ups and well-established companies are accessing uncharted territories with ease because of the shift to online shopping. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 4.24 Billion Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 8.34 Billion Market Size in 2024 USD 3.97 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 7.8% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Sole, Demographics, Buyer Type, Distribution Channel and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Badminton Shoe report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2024 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Badminton Shoe report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Badminton Shoe Market Report @ SWOT Analysis Strengths: Factors like competition endorsements, continuous innovation, and profound brand loyalty significantly enhance the badminton shoe industry. Firms like Yonex and Li-Ning design shoes with lightweight materials and add shock absorption, along with non-marking soles optimized for court movement. The loyalty stemming from understanding their biomechanics fosters enduring brand equity amongst players, both seasoned and amateur. Weaknesses: The mass market appeal is likely to be constrained by high expenditure in production derived from proprietary technology, material procurement, and R&D for premium badminton shoes. These areas are considered niches in comparison to other regions of athletic footwear. Low-cost areas with hostile surroundings usually experience fast product obsolescence because of the persistent need for product modification. This results in poor customer loyalty, elevated buyer resistance, and low retention. Opportunities: The increase in educational and sporting activities alongside larger government outlays marks a new frontier for India, Southeast Asia, and Africa, thus offering them significant opportunities for growth. The underserved badminton population can be better served through direct-to-consumer models enabled by smart sandals which incorporate foot pressure and gait measurements along with e-commerce. Eco-friendly advanced footwear opens up lucrative avenues while aiding the environment. Threat: The market faces intensified competition from the lower-priced generic competitors in the sports shoe segment. Exchange rate fluctuations pose a risk alongside interruptions in the supply chain, especially for niche goods such as rubber and polymer products. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences towards multi-sport shoes, coupled with economic contractions that affect non-essential spending, can hinder sales in specific segments. Developing economies also hurt brand perception and pricing power for original manufacturers by flooding the market with counterfeit goods. Request a Customized Copy of the Badminton Shoe Market Report @ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Badminton Shoe market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Badminton Shoe market forward? What are the Badminton Shoe Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Badminton Shoe Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Badminton Shoe market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2025−2034 Market Dynamics – Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation – A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape – Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Badminton Shoe Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ Regional Perspective The Badminton shoe Market can be divided across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region: North America: In the U.S. and Canada, badminton shoes are being sold from sports and fitness centers as a result of the growing interest in these. In addition, there is a rise in badminton being played in schools and colleges along with community sports leagues which is increasing the need for badminton shoes. The focus of brands in this area is non-injury comfort and fashionable designs meant for fun players. Although the region doesn't compare with Asia in terms of market size, the awareness about fitness as well as the development of infrastructure for sports is a good sign for the region. Europe: The badminton shoe market in Europe is expanding with the rising interest in the sport in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, and France. Furthermore, Denmark serves as an importer for professional badminton and therefore drives the need for performance footwear. Consumers buying the mentioned shoes also pay attention to their sustainability and comfort, as well as having no mark soles which helps comply with indoor sports regulations. There is a growing tendency in Europe towards premium eco-friendly footwear. The increasing presence of specialized shops and badminton clubs in the region is also aiding the sales of branded and professional grade badminton shoes. Asia-Pacific: The Aisa-Pacific region retains the highest share in the global badminton shoes market due to the immense popularity of the sport in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. The region' badminton ecosystem, as well as government support for infrastructural development, frequent tournaments, and consistent demand, aid in maintaining the aforementioned popularity. Domestic players alongside international brands provide stiff competition to each other, ensuring flexible prices and performance levels. The youth actively engages, making this region the fastest growing and commercially vital for pads, making this region the fastest growing and most commercially significant market for badminton footwear. LAMEA: Particularly in Urban Brazil, UAE and even parts of South Africa, the LAMEA region showcases a growing badminton shoe market. While the sport itself isn't mainstream, there is increasing interest through schools and fitness centers as well as TV broadcasts. Demand is driven by novice and intermediate players lacking affordable options. While these regions could benefit greatly from increased sponsorship as well as the construction of indoor sports facilities, the limited presence of major international brands and demand-driven markets restrict growth. Request a Customized Copy of the Badminton Shoe Market Report @ (We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.) Still, Looking for More Information? Do OR Want Data for Inclusion in magazines, case studies, research papers, or Media? Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@ Browse the full 'Badminton Shoe Market Size, Trends and Insights By Sole (Rubber Sole, Non-Marking Sole), By Demographics (Men, Women, Unisex, Kids), By Buyer Type (Individual, Institutional, Promotional), By Distribution Channel (Independent Sports Outlet, Franchised Sports Outlet, Modern Trade Channel, Direct to Customer Channel, Third Party Online Channel), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025–2034' Report at of the prominent players in the Badminton Shoe Market: Li-Ning Company Limited Lotto Sport Italia ASICS Corporation YONEX Co. Ltd. Adidas AG VICTOR RACKETS Mizuno USA Inc. Carlton Babolat Cosco Nivia Sports Puma SE New Balance Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Badminton Shoe Market @ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. Personalized market brief by author. 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Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Badminton Shoe Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information? What Was the Global Market Status of the Badminton Shoe Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Badminton Shoe Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Badminton Shoe Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Badminton Shoe Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Badminton Shoe Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Badminton Shoe Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Badminton Shoe Industry? 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The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. The report includes extensive company profiles, which include company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Badminton Shoe Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Badminton Shoe market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth. Buy this Premium Badminton Shoe Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Badminton Shoe market analysis. The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Badminton Shoe market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions. This study conducts a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on the component, application, and industry vertical. Additionally, the report provides comparable data for the key regions. We have provided actual market sizes and forecasts for each of the aforementioned segments. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders worldwide Badminton Shoe market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Badminton Shoe industry. Managers in the Badminton Shoe sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Badminton Shoe market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Badminton Shoe products' market trends. Analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations seek market insights to develop their plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Badminton Shoe Market Report @ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work towards achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI provides a one-stop solution for data collection to investment advice. The expert analysis of our company digs out essential factors that help to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 737-734-2707 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@ Web: Blog: Blog: Blog: Blog: Buy this Premium Badminton Shoe Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @
New York Times
26 minutes ago
- New York Times
After a fifth consecutive loss, Astros' Framber Valdez questions defensive positioning
HOUSTON — A makeshift lineup has manufactured a five-game losing streak while forcing perfection from the Astros' pitchers. On Monday night, they became the fifth staff since 1901 to strike out 19 batters in a nine-inning game and lose, an impossible outcome that fueled frustration from starter Framber Valdez. Advertisement Valdez, Houston's ace who struck out his 1,000th career batter, took issue with the team's defensive positioning during a candid postgame interview in which he claimed through an interpreter that 'baseball is a game of common sense.' Common sense, in Valdez's words, is that left-handed hitters do not hit fly balls against him. No batters do. Valdez is one of three qualified major-league starters with a groundball rate higher than 60 percent. Yet, in the sixth inning of Monday's 2-1 loss, the Astros positioned their outfielders in preparation for a fly ball from the left-handed hitting Nathaniel Lowe. The tying run stood on first base and, ostensibly, the Astros were in a 'no doubles' defense to prevent any fly ball from getting over their defenders' heads. Instead, Lowe bounced a full-count breaking ball through the four-hole and into an unoccupied part of right field. 'When he hit the grounder, I thought it was going to be an out,' Valdez said through an interpreter. 'When I saw it went through, I said 'Oh, it's going to be a hit.' But then I saw the right fielder playing center field and, you know, we have a center fielder for that. I feel like the right fielder should have been playing right field. I was uncomfortable with that.' The baseball reached the warning track before right fielder Taylor Trammell could secure it. Lumbering designated hitter Josh Bell, he of a sprint speed in the fifth percentile, scored the game-tying run from first base. Bell averages just 24.9 feet per second when he sprints. League average is 26.2. 'You have to do everything you can to score, and he did,' Lowe told reporters after the game. 'Really grateful for that, even though he's not a burner, but he touched the plate at the right time and we're happy scoring more than them.' Valdez voiced his concerns without being asked directly about the play, but about the frustrations of pitching with such a small margin for error. The Astros have scored 21 runs in their past eight games while reeling from the loss of leadoff man Isaac Paredes. Five of the nine members of Houston's Opening Day lineup are on the injured list, including Paredes, slugger Yordan Alvarez and All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña. Advertisement 'It was a little bit uncomfortable to be honest,' Valdez said. 'It doesn't make sense that was a double. It doesn't make sense that the right fielder was playing in center field with a lefty that was hitting. 'It doesn't make sense that the right fielder was playing all the way in center field. That should have been a single. That shouldn't have been a double. The runner should have been at third and not at home. I felt a little bit uncomfortable about that.' Manager Joe Espada did not get asked about the play after the loss, but he held his news conference before Valdez conducted his postgame interview in the clubhouse. Quality assurance coach Jason Bell and first-base coach Dave Clark are Houston's two outfield instructors and are responsible for positioning during games. Valdez said he did not approach the coaching staff with his concerns. 'I don't have to ask the coaches about that. I feel like baseball is a game of common sense,' Valdez said. 'With me as a lefty pitcher, they don't hit a lot of fly balls against me. If they do hit a fly ball, it's going to either be a home run or in front.' Spray charts do show that, of the 26 fly balls Lowe has hit against left-handed pitchers this season, a large cluster have gone to either center field or right center field where Trammell was positioned. Prior to Monday, left-handed hitters had hit just 12 fly balls off of Valdez all season, according to FanGraphs spray charts. Just two of them had been pulled at all into right field. For his career, though, the rare fly ball from a left-handed hitter did land in right center field. 'I feel the positioning, that wasn't the positioning it was supposed to be when it was a lefty hitter against a lefty pitcher,' Valdez said. Valdez's candor came after he struck out 12 Nationals across seven otherwise superb innings, lowering his ERA to 2.62. Washington whiffed 22 times on the 45 swings it took against him. Seventeen of the Nationals' swings and misses came against Valdez's curveball, which finished all 12 of his punchouts. Advertisement In three months, Valdez is scheduled to be the top starter available on the free-agent market. Nothing in the Astros' past suggests they will make a serious effort at retaining the 31-year-old homegrown southpaw and one of the team's most successful player development stories.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals free agent OL Will Hernandez fully cleared after ACL surgery
Hernandez tore his ACL in Week 5. He is now healthy and ready to sign somewhere and begin playing. The Arizona Cardinals seem to have a spot on their roster still available for offensive lineman Will Hernandez, who after three years as their starting right is an unsigned free agent. If they have been waiting for him to be healthy, that time has arrived. Hernandez, who suffered a torn ACL last ywear in Week 5, announced via his Instagram account that he has been fullu medically cleared for football. Football got taken away from me 9 months ago, it was the hardest thing that's ever happened to me . This has been my entire life. Many said that was it for me. I've always been that player to talk up a big game and motivate the guys around me but for once it was my turn to practice what I preached! IM HUNGRY being away from the game so long made me fall in love with it again ! But this time I'm not just coming back for my self but for all my people 🇲🇽 ima lead by example and show yall que SI SE PUEDE! Especially for all the LIL MIJOS that have dreams too watching me .Whatever yall going through rn use me as proof that with hard work you can make anything happen ! The Cardinals have had second-year guard Isaiah Adams playing right guard with the starting offense this offseason, but the possibility of Hernandez' return has not been ruled out. After all, the Cardinals did not reassign No. 76, the number he wore for three seasons. And that is somewhat significant because rookie offensive lineman Hayden Conner, their sixth-round pick this year, wore No. 76 all through college at Texas. A year ago, after they released tackle D.J. Humphries, his No. 74 was given to Adams. Now healthy, Hernandez will have suitors. The Cardinals seem happy with Adams, but Hernandez had been their best lineman over the three seasons here. This will be something to watch, either for the Cardinals or for Hernandez landing with another team. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
