Z. Johnson, Koepka headline 2016 equipment changes

It’s an annual tradition in golf, starting out the year with a shuffle of pros going from one equipment sponsor to another. And, so far, the action has been pretty substantial, thanks in part to upstart boutique equipment marker Parsons Xtreme Golf.

Created by GoDaddy founder and admitted golf junkie Bob Parsons, PXG was developed with the idea of building the world’s best golf clubs, almost without regard for price. Parsons poached a pair of engineers from Ping and gave them a blank check and an order to get to work on creating equipment.

The equipment started showing up on the PGA Tour early in 2015, when Ryan Moore, a known tinkerer, gave the clubs — a driver and irons — a try and put them in the bag, becoming a staffer. Several others followed in 2015, but the company announced Monday the signing of eight players that has turned some heads.

Reigning British Open champion Zach Johnson left Titleist after many years to join PXG, as did 2014 FedEx Cup winner Billy Horschel, who had been playing Ping equipment. Among the others joining the PXG staff are Chris Kirk, James Hahn, Charles Howell III, as well LPGA pros Cristie Kerr, Alison Lee and Gerina Piller.

Nike Golf gained a few young bombers on their staff as part of 12 signings announced Monday. Brooks Koepka left Titleist for a big deal with the Swoosh, as did 2014-15 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year runner-up Tony Finau.

More signings will come out over the course of the next couple of days, but this year’s equipment hot stove has already been a big one.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow @RyanBallengee

LISTEN TO OUR WEEKLY GOLF PODCAST! This week: Setting the bar after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods

Devil Ball Golf – Golf – Yahoo Sports