Tag: bushnell

  • The Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Golfers

    The Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Golfers

    Finding the perfect gift for the golfer in your life doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether they’re a weekend warrior, a serious competitor, or just starting their golf journey, this curated gift guide features the best golf products of 2025 that will make any golfer smile this holiday season.

    FlightScope Mevo Gen2 – Best Launch Monitor for Home Practice

    Price Range: $1200-$2500

    The FlightScope Mevo Gen2 is a game-changer for golfers who want to improve their game at home or on the range. This portable launch monitor delivers professional-grade data in a compact package.

    What makes it special:

    • Tracks carry distance, ball speed, club speed, and spin rate and 16 other data parameters
    • Works indoors and outdoors
    • Connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth
    • Compatible with popular golf simulator software
    • Small enough to fit in your golf bag
    • Comes with 8 courses and no subscriptions

    Perfect for: Golfers who practice regularly and want real data to improve their swing, or anyone dreaming of a home golf simulator setup.

    Golf Forever Fitness – Best Golf-Specific Training System

    Price Range: $200-$400

    Golf Forever combines fitness, flexibility, and golf-specific training to help golfers play pain-free and add distance to their game. This comprehensive system includes the Swing Trainer and access to guided workout programs.

    What makes it special:

    • Reduces back pain and improves flexibility
    • Designed by golf fitness experts and medical professionals
    • Daily training programs available through their app
    • Helps increase swing speed and distance
    • Takes just 10-15 minutes per day
    • Used by World #1 and major winner Scottie Scheffler

    Perfect for: Golfers dealing with back pain, seniors looking to maintain flexibility, or anyone wanting to add yards to their drives.

    Takomo Golf 201 Irons – Best Value Premium Irons

    Price Range: $600-$700 (full set)

    Takomo Golf has disrupted the golf industry by offering tour-quality irons at half the price of major brands. The 201 irons deliver exceptional performance without the premium markup.

    What makes it special:

    • Forged from soft carbon steel
    • Clean, classic blade design
    • Exceptional feel and feedback
    • 60-day trial period with free returns
    • Direct-to-consumer pricing saves hundreds

    Perfect for: Low to mid-handicap golfers who want premium irons without breaking the bank, or skilled players looking for traditional blade-style irons.

    Bushnell Range Finders & GPS Speakers – Best Distance Technology

    Price Range: $200-$500

    Bushnell has been the gold standard in golf rangefinders for years. Their 2025 lineup includes both laser and GPS options with crystal-clear optics and pinpoint accuracy, along with class-leading Bluetooth speakers.

    Popular models:

    • Pro X3+ LINK: Tournament-legal, also with slope and weather adjusted distances for non-competition rounds
    • Tour V6 Shift: Magnetic mount, BITE technology
    • Wingman HD GPS Speaker: Combines GPS with Bluetooth speaker

    What makes them special:

    • Industry-leading accuracy within one yard
    • Fast focus technology, locks on to your target faster
    • JOLT vibration confirms you’ve locked onto the flag
    • Weather-resistant designs
    • LINK Enabled for Tour-like data and analysis

    Perfect for: Any golfer who wants to know exact yardages and make smarter club selections on the course.

    LAB Golf OZ.1i & OZ.1i HS Putters – Best Innovation in Putting

    Price Range: $500-$900

    LAB Golf putters feature revolutionary Lie Angle Balance technology that creates a perfectly balanced putter. The OZ.1i and OZ.1i HS (heel shafted) models have taken the tour by storm.

    What makes them special:

    • Putter face stays square throughout the stroke naturally
    • Drastically reduces twisting on off-center hits
    • Requires less manipulation from the golfer
    • Tour-proven technology (multiple PGA Tour wins)
    • Custom fitting available

    Perfect for: Serious golfers looking to improve their putting consistency, or anyone who struggles with alignment and face control.

    BigMax Golf Bags & Carts – Best Travel Solutions

    Price Range: $150-$400

    BigMax offers premium golf bags and push carts that combine functionality with style. Their innovative designs make getting around the course easier and more enjoyable.

    Popular options:

    • Blade Quattro Cart: Ultra-compact folding, smooth rolling
    • Aqua Stand Bags: 100% waterproof, lightweight
    • Heaven 7 Cart Bag: Maximum storage, premium materials

    What makes them special:

    • German engineering and quality
    • Innovative folding mechanisms
    • Thoughtful storage solutions
    • Durable construction built to last
    • Sleek, modern designs

    Perfect for: Golfers who walk the course, frequent travelers, or anyone wanting to upgrade their current bag or cart.

    Shopping Tips for Golf Gifts

    Consider these factors when choosing:

    1. Skill Level: Beginners need different equipment than experienced players
    2. Budget: Quality golf gifts are available at every price point
    3. Playing Style: Does your golfer walk or ride? Play once a week or every day?
    4. Current Equipment: Make sure you’re not duplicating what they already have
    5. Return Policies: Many golf companies offer trial periods and easy returns

    Why These Products Stand Out in 2025

    Each product in this guide represents the best in its category for 2025. They’ve been chosen based on:

    • Real-world performance and user reviews
    • Value for money
    • Innovation and technology
    • Quality and durability
    • Positive impact on the golf experience

    Final Thoughts

    The best golf gifts combine quality, functionality, and value. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner or a scratch golfer, this gift guide offers options that will genuinely improve their game and enjoyment of golf.

    From technology like the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 that provides instant feedback, to the game-changing LAB Golf putters that tour pros trust, these products represent the cutting edge of golf equipment in 2025.

    Remember, the best gift shows you understand their passion for the game. Any of these products will make a golfer’s holiday season special and give them something they’ll use and appreciate all year long.

    Happy shopping, and may your golfer’s holidays be filled with birdies and great gifts!

  • Bushnell’s New Wingman HD: Golf GPS Meets Premium Sound System

    Bushnell’s New Wingman HD: Golf GPS Meets Premium Sound System

    If you’ve ever wished your golf speaker could do more than just play music, Bushnell Golf just answered that prayer. Their latest release, the Wingman HD, takes the GPS speaker concept to a whole new level with a vibrant touchscreen display and audio quality that’ll make you forget you’re on the course and not at a backyard concert.

    What Makes the Wingman HD Different?

    The standout feature here is the 3.5-inch color touchscreen that shows you everything you need at a glance: distances to the front, center, and back of the green, plus up to six hazards per hole displayed right on screen. No more squinting at your phone or trying to remember yardages while you’re lining up your shot.

    But Bushnell didn’t forget that this is still, at its core, a speaker. The device packs dual 15-watt speakers with passive radiators that deliver 360-degree sound. According to Alfredo Marquez, GPS Product Manager at Bushnell Golf, “Wingman HD is built for golfers who want to stay dialed in on every shot and keep vibes up from the first tee to the final putt.”

    Smart Features That Actually Make Sense

    One clever addition is the dynamic audio adjustment feature. As your cart speeds up, the volume automatically compensates so your music doesn’t fade into the background. It’s controlled through the Bushnell Golf Mobile App, which also unlocks additional features like GreenView for detailed green contours, a shot distance calculator, and on-device scoring.

    For those who like to personalize their experience, the Wingman HD lets you set up custom first-tee intros and personal soundbites. And if you’re playing in a tournament or large group event, you can pair up to 100 units together for what Bushnell calls “Concert Links” mode, creating synchronized sound across the entire course. I can see the anti-music-on-course purists shaking their heads – Sorry, but the game is changing!

    Built for Real Golf Conditions

    The device earned an IPX67 rating, meaning it can handle dust, rain, and whatever else the course throws at it. Bushnell also included their BITE magnetic mount, which secures the speaker directly to your cart’s metal bar without any fuss. There’s even an indoor and outdoor EQ mode for when you’re at the range, using a simulator, or just practicing in the backyard.

    Wingman HD Key Features

    • 3.5” Color HD Touchscreen for visual distances, hazards, GreenView, and HoleView
    • Premium Audio with 2 x 15-watt speakers + passive radiators for powerful, for clear and immersive sound
    • Bi-directional Speaker Design for immersive 360° audio
    • Dynamic Audio Adjustment: Controlled in the app; the volume compensates as speed of cart increases. 
    • Audible & Visual GPS: front/center/back distances, hazards, shot distance calculator
    • Custom Audio Features: 1st tee intros, personal messages, and custom soundbites
    • “Concert Links” pairing: connect up to 100 Wingman HD units for concert-like sound
    • Integrated BITE Magnetic Cart Mount: secure directly on the cart bar
    • On device scoring (Connected to the App) 
    • Indoor/Outdoor EQ mode for range, simulator, or backyard sessions
    • Rated IPX67 Dustproof & Waterproof 

    The Bottom Line

    At $199.99, the Wingman HD positions itself as a premium option in the GPS speaker category. It launches in mid-October through select golf retailers and directly from BushnellGolf.com.

    For golfers who want their course technology to handle both the technical and entertainment sides of the game without carrying multiple devices, the Wingman HD delivers on both fronts. It’s not just about adding a screen to a speaker; it’s about creating a single device that genuinely enhances how you experience a round of golf.

  • Affordable Golf Rangefinder with Premium Features: Bushnell A-1 Slope

    Affordable Golf Rangefinder with Premium Features: Bushnell A-1 Slope

    My biggest gripe with most laser rangefinders is the battery. You never knew when the 9v or CR2 battery would die, and inevitably it would go out in the middle of a tournament round or something and I’d have to find a place to buy a new one. Bushnell has fixed that issue with their new A-1 Slope rangefinder, because it has a built-in rechargeable battery. They are claiming 50+ rounds of golf between charges, which is plenty for any golf rangefinder, but with most golf carts having USB ports these days and some golf bags even having pockets for batteries to charge your devices, you don’t have to worry about the battery dying on you mid-round. Just plug it in the night before your important tournament and you’ll be good to go.

    The other feature I love is the magnet, which on the A-1 Slope rangefinder comes in the form of a silicone sleeve, which gives you the option to use the magnetic mount, or remove it from the protective skin and simply keep it on your pocket or golf cart cup holder. You can do this because this golf rangefinder is tiny! I’m not a minimalist or anything, but I do appreciate light weight and compact size, especially when traveling abroad and overweight luggage fees hit hard.

    Bushnell is well aware that their products aren’t the cheapest, but when it comes to technology and quality, those cheap golf rangefinders from Amazon just can’t compete. If you are looking for a less expensive rangefinder option, give the Bushnell A-1 Slope a try. At a price point of $299 it makes a great gift because it’s budget friendly without sacrificing quality and has the premium features you expect from the market leader in golf rangefinders.

    A1-SLOPE GOLF RANGEFINDER FEATURES:

    • A1-Slope Laser Rangefinder
    • BITE Magnetic Skin
    • USB-C Charging Cord
    • Premium Carrying Case
    • Washable Micro-Fiber Cloth
    • Quick Start Guide

  • 7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Procrastinators

    If you are anything like me, you tend to wait to the last minute for everything. Father’s Day is almost here once again, and if you haven’t thought of any father’s day gifts yet, here are a few ideas. Now hurry! There’s no time to lose!

    Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS

    The Phantom 3 builds off the success of the previous generation by introducing new features to go with all the beloved features of the Phantom 2, including the BITE magnetic mount, “GreenView” with moveable pin placement, and more than 38,000 preloaded courses. The features include:

    • NEW Patented Slope Compensated Distances
    • NEW Touchscreen with Intuitive UI
    • NEW Auto Course & Hole Recognition
    • NEW Auto-Prompt Score Entry
    • NEW Round Timer & Odometer
    • Front, Center, Back Distances
    • Up to 6 Hazards per Hole
    • GreenView with Moveable Pin Placement
    • Shot Distance Calculator
    • 38,000+ Preloaded Courses
    • Integrated BITE Magnetic Cart Mount
    • 14+ Hour Battery Life
    • Bushnell Golf Mobile App Included

    Offered in four colors (Red, White & Blue, Neon Green, Orange and Black), the Phantom 3 Slope will be available at Bushnell Golf and retailers nationwide beginning in June and will retail for $149.99.

    Foresight QuadMAX

    Foresight’s GCQuad launch monitor set the standard for camera-based launch monitors and continues to prove itself with extensive use on the professional tours. The new QuadMAX, built on the same advanced four-camera photometric data capture technology, packs even more features into a compact, ruggedized form factor. At $20,000 it’s not likely to be an impulse purchase for most people, but if you want the best, sell one of your kidneys or tap into the kids’ college fund and get the Foresight QuadMAX. Go to https://www.foresightsports.com/ for more info.

    Club Champion – Free Fittings!

    Club Champion, the world’s leading custom golf club fitter, is celebrating dads by offering FREE custom club fittings (with a club purchase) from June 13-17!

    Whether Dad is an avid golfer or a casual player, it’s time for a visit to Club Champion! Why spend $600 plus on a driver if it isn’t fitted for your swing? Maximize your return on investment by getting fitted by some of the best brand-agnostic fitters in golf. In addition to the free fitting offer, Club Champion is also offering 20% bonus cards on any gift cards purchased now through June 16, 2024. Terms apply. Gift cards can be purchased online at clubchampion.com.

    Payne Stewart Collection

    If you were born in the 90s and beyond, there’s a good chance you don’t know who Payne Stewart is. However, any golfer born in the 70s and 80s (like your dad) will know the name. Stewart was one of my favorite golfers ever, and his untimely death in 1999 rocked the golf world. Visitors to Pinehurst Resort cannot miss the statue erected in his honor, depicting the iconic fist-pumping scene of his 1999 US Open victory with a clutch par putt on the 72nd hole to beat a young Phil Mickelson. Payne Stewart holds a special place in my heart as a player and a gentleman, and I’ll always cherish our brief interaction in 1998 at TPC Sawgrass.

    The 25th anniversary of Payne Stewart’s unforgettable victory at the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort will be commemorated this week when Pinehurst No. 2 course again plays host to our national championship. Stewart’s fashion made him one of the most identifiable players on the PGA Tour and, fittingly, his legacy will again take center stage with the official launch of the Payne Stewart Collection.

    The men’s luxury clothing line will honor the indelible style and grace of one of the game’s most revered figures, whose life was tragically cut short in a plane crash four months after his dramatic victory at Pinehurst. Dubbed the “All-Time Best Dressed Golfer,” Stewart’s influence went beyond his sporting achievements. His personality, charisma, and class left an enduring mark on the world of golf and fashion, now immortalized in a selection of clothing and accessories that capture his iconic look. For more info, go to https://paynestewartcollection.com/



    STNKY Laundry Bags

    If you’ve ever been on a golf trip, you’ve probably had to scramble around to find a way to bring your dirty laundry back without making your suitcase stink. STNKY Bags are the solution for sorting, carrying, washing, and drying everything that gets dirty or sweaty during your travels. They effectively lock in germs, moisture, and odors. Plus, the built-in wash net offers easy no-touch washing, making post-travel laundry a breeze.

    • Put dirty clothes in the STNKY Bag by opening the bottom zipper.
    • Turn the bag inside out and it becomes a wash bag.
    • Pack the bag with dirty clothes in your luggage, then throw it directly into the washer and dryer when you return home. 
    • When it’s laundry time, you never have to touch dirty clothes again!

    STNKY laundry bags are conveniently available on Amazon, so while you’re grabbing other must-haves for your excursion, STNKY is the travel companion you don’t want to leave behind. The STNKY Pro ($30 standard/$37.50 large) is available in five colors.

    TRUE FS-Tour Golf Shoes

    Throw out your dad’s old wingtips, it’s time to modernize his golf shoes! True Linkswear has a classic looking shoe called the FS-Tour with “fly under the radar” styling yet is loaded with modern tech and comfort. They are as appropriate for a backyard BBQ or casual Fridays at the office as they are on the golf course. Check them out at https://truelinkswear.com/

    Features

    • Two-year Waterproof Guarantee (TRUE PNWProof bootie construction)
    • Top Grain Nappa Leather Wing Tip Upper
    • WANDERLUX Ultra Plush Insole for cushioned, comfortable ride
    • Microsuede Insert Topper providing a soft on-foot feel
    • Classic, Wax Coated Laces
    • Versatile FS Tread, ready for a night out and the course
    • Metal Tour Logo Accents

    “With the FS-Tour we wanted to offer a timeless look with hidden performance detailing to create a new staple for your wardrobe, on or off the golf course,” said TRUE Footwear Designer, Jeremy Santana. “Versatility has become a trademark of our brand and the FS-Tour brings all-day style, function and performance to a new level.”

    Stretch Zone

    Is stretching the new wellness trend? If you want to improve your game and gain yardage, Stretch Zone could be the answer! Stretch Zone, the leader in practitioner-assisted stretch therapy, is experiencing a huge spike – especially with golfers! Help unlock your golf potential by enhancing flexibility, prevent injuries, and improve performance. Stretch Zone’s tailored stretches increase range of motion, boost circulation, and speed up recovery, ensuring you’re always at the top of your game. With locations nationwide, getting started is easy. Swing better, play longer, and stay injury-free. Go to https://www.stretchzone.com/ for more info.

    Hurry!

    Father’s Day is almost here, but there’s still time for one of these Father’s Day gift ideas to make his day! Hope everyone has a great week and enjoy the 124th US Open Championship at Pinehurst Resort!

  • 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

    2023 Holiday Gift Guide

    Treat the golfer in your life this holiday season with the best golf gifts! The holidays are a perfect time to show the golfers in your life that you care. With these unique golf gifts, you can help take their game to the next level or simply make their time on the course more enjoyable. Consider these excellent gift ideas:

    Listen and Track with the Bushnell Wingman View GPS Speaker

    The Bushnell Wingman View combines two essential golf technologies – GPS distances and a Bluetooth speaker – into one sleek, lightweight device that attaches to your cart or bag. The GPS provides precise front, center and back distances to the green, both visually and spoken, so you’ll know exactly which club to use. The built-in speaker lets you listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks from your phone wirelessly while you play. This is the ultimate golfer’s gadget and one of the best golf accessories for men and women.

    Give the Gift of Comfort with VKTRY Insoles

    Help your favorite golfer put their best foot forward with VKTRY insoles. These revolutionary carbon fiber insoles feature a patented technology that redistributes weight away from common foot pain points, providing all-day comfort and support. VKTRY insoles reduce fatigue and ensure proper alignment and weight distribution throughout the swing. VKTRY insoles can also increase ground forces during the golf swing, which helps you swing faster and hit the ball further. Give the gift of pain-free walking and an improved game. Mens and womens models available around $99.

    Upgrade Their Irons with Takomo Forged Irons

    Treat your special golfer to the innovative and incredibly affordable Takomo forged irons this holiday season. The S20 Japanese forged steel heads of the Takomo 301irons provide unmatched feel and feedback through the turf, while the hollow body design of the Takomo 101 irons shifts weight to the perimeter for more forgiveness on mishits. Takomo’s sleek, playability-enhancing irons come with premium KBS Tour steel shafts and start and only $489 for a 7-club set (4-PW)!!

    I have a set of the Takomo 301 MB irons, and while I was apprehensive going back to a forged blade at 49 years old, my fears quickly went away as I rediscovered my love for these forged butter knives. Paradoxically, switching from a cavity back to a blade gave me my confidence back and has immediately improved my iron play. I love these irons, and knowing they are available for less than half the price of most premium Japanese forged irons makes it feel that much sweeter.

    Carry in Style with Big Max Golf Bags and Carts

    Make it easy for your golfer to get from hole to hole with top-quality golf bags and push carts from Big Max Golf – The most popular golf bags and push carts in Europe. The lightweight but durable bags come in stylish designs and provide ample storage. The push carts fold up small but hold all their gear securely while gliding smoothly across the course. Big Max bags, like the popular Dri Lite Hybrid Tour Stand Bag, start at $159.00 and push carts at $99.00.

    Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor

    Personal launch monitors are one of the hottest segments of the vast golf accessory market, and the great thing for consumers is that as the technology gets better and better, so do the prices! A few years ago the cheapest effective launch monitor would set you back over $10,000, but now there are several very good products available for a fraction of that price. One of the best bang-for-the-buck launch monitors is the new Rapsodo MLM2Pro which sells for only $699 on Amazon and gives you 13 metrics like spin rate and spin axis and can be used indoors or out. For more info, go to www.rapsodo.com

    With these wonderful gift ideas, you can make any golfer’s wish come true this holiday season! From smart tech to performance equipment upgrades, comfort essentials to carrying convenience, these products will bring a smile to any golf lovers face. Happy holiday shopping!

  • Father’s Day – 5 Last Minute Gifts

    Father’s Day – 5 Last Minute Gifts

    Father’s Day 2023 is a week away, and if you haven’t already found a golf gift for dad, here are five suggestions for that perfect gift! From gadgets to golf clubs to an amazing golf getaway, there’s something here that’ll he’ll love.

    Bushnell Wingman View

    Bushnell’s updated Wingman Bluetooth speaker now includes an LCD screen to quickly get GPS yardages for over 30,000 courses, built right in to the speaker. It still sounds great and has enough battery to last for 36 holes, and can even help charge other devices in a pinch.

    Pinehurst Resort

    It may be a bit too late for a Father’s Day weekend golf trip, but there’s never a bad time to book the popular Donald Ross package at Pinehurst Resort. There’s no better time than this summer to play the host venue of the 2024 US Open! With 9 golf courses and a tenth opening next summer, along with the Cradle short course and world-class dining and accommodations, there’s no wonder why they call Pinehurst “the cradle of American golf.”

    Zoom Broom Golf Breeze

    Unless you are on a links course, it’s likely there will be trees on the course where you are playing. Trees have leaves, and leaves fall on the course. Especially in autumn, it can be frustrating to clear the line of your putt of debris, but Zoom Broom has a fix – The Golf Breeze blower. Designed to be light weight and fit in your golf bag, this surprisingly powerful blower will easily clear a path from leaves, pine needles, loose sand and other debris that may find its way into your line.

    Golf Forever

    Your dad probably wants to get back in shape, he just hasn’t told you yet. Why not give him a gentle nudge by getting him the Golf Forever swing trainer and fitness package subscription? For Father’s Day you’ll even save $100 on the package. It seems to be working for Scottie Scheffler – He shot to world #1 shortly after becoming a brand ambassador. Like your dad, I’m going to get in better shape using Golf Forever’s program. I’ll start any day now…

    Takomo Golf Irons

    If you haven’t heard of them before, Takomo Golf is a direct-to-consumer brand that makes irons and wedges. Really, really good irons and wedges. I have a set of the 301MB forged blades and I’m head over heels in love. After only 3 or 4 swings on the range, they went right in my bag and are there to stay. I challenge anyone to find a new set of Japanese forged irons with KBS shafts for less than $700, yet that is exactly what Takomo is doing. But it’s not just about forged blades – Takomo has a set of iron for every dad and every handicap. Give them a look. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

  • 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Accessories

    2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Accessories

    DriveForce Nutrition – DF-18 Drink Blend

    Ever lose your focus or have an energy crash on the back nine? DriveForce, a newly formed sports nutrition company specializing in creating functional health products, is proud to introduce DF-18 – a premium pre-round performance blend that sustains a golfer’s focus, hydration, and stamina for hours while playing golf. The innovative powdered formula, available in single-serving packets, contains no added sugar or caffeine, but rather a multitude of health promoting ingredients designed to be mixed with a bottle of water and consumed before a round.

    Old Trapper Meat Snacks

    Old Trapper Beef Jerky

    Old Trapper has been a staple in my golf bag for a while. I like to eat something when playing golf to maintain energy and replenish lost nutrients, and on hot summer days in Florida you sweat a lot, so the salty, low fat, protein filled beef sticks and jerky from Old Trapper are the perfect snack to keep you going strong. Beef jerky is a great golf course snack also because it’s not messy, keeps for a long time and comes in a resealable package you can stuff in your golf bag. Give Old Trapper a try! I believe they make the best store-bought jerky you can get. I get the variety packs on Amazon to save money and get it faster with Prime.

    Flightscope Mevo & Mevo+

    Flightscope MEVO Plus

    I have had my Flightscope MEVO for a few years and use it all the time on the range to see how newer clubs stack up against older ones, and to see how much club head speed I’ve lost over the years from getting old and fat. All kidding aside, a Flightscope MEVO or MEVO+ is an invaluable tool to get much of the same launch data you get from the super expensive versions you see out on the tour and professional fitting studios, without the huge price tag. The MEVO+ adds a golf simulator feature for indoor use and measures even more data parameters for serious golf enthusiasts and club fitters. Check out their website now for holiday specials, or get the MEVO+ on Amazon here!

    Perfect Practice Putting Mat

    Perfect Practice Putting Mat

    There probably isn’t one piece of golf gear that I use more than my Perfect Practice Putting Mat. I use it almost every day, rolling putts, trying different putters, stances and grips, searching for the right combination that will help me make more putts and shoot lower scores. The alignment lines are hugely helpful and ensure I’m aiming properly, and rolling putts on the mat helps build muscle memory. For $139.98 on Amazon you can’t really get better value for a golf training aid.

    Big Max Blade IP

    Big Max Golf Blade IP Pushcart

    The Big Max Blade IP is simply the best manual push cart on the market today in my opinion. The Austrian company doesn’t skimp on quality, and the Blade IP is built like a tank, but the clever engineering allows it to fold up nice and flat for easy storage. The process to open and close the Blade IP takes only a few seconds, and the Quick Fix mounting points allow the attachment of and easy access to popular accessories like a rangefinder, smartphone, umbrella and more. Priced at $349, the Big Max Golf Blade IP isn’t the cheapest push cart on the market, but I think the value is there for a solid trolley that won’t let you down.

    Precision Pro R1 Smart Rangefinder

    precision-pro-r1-rangefinder

    The Precision Pro R1 rangefinder is the next step in smart rangefinder technology. By pairing to your phone via Bluetooth and the Precision Pro App, the R1 can access real time weather data to tell you wind strength and direction, access GPS distances and a new feature called MySlope that combines a player’s unique ball data with environmental variables. like launch angle, spin rate, altitude, ball speed, temperature & humidity to provide more accurate information to the golfer. Perhaps the best feature you hope to never use, the app also helps you locate your rangefinder if it ever gets lost. Combine all this technology for around $300 and you have a winning combination!

    Bushnell Wingman Speaker

    Bushnell Wingman - In hand

    Bushnell’s Wingman speaker has been a smash hit since its introduction a few years ago. A powerful magnet allows it to be attached to any metal surface, like the supports on a golf cart, push cart, even in your garage. It’s also a great tailgate option because of the powerful sound and compact size. The Bushnell app lets you play around with some snarky voice-to-text and get GPS distances spoken through the speaker at the push of a button. It’s quite simply the perfect multipurpose Bluetooth speaker on the market.

    PowerPlate Mini+ Massage Gun

    Handheld percussion massagers have become all the rage lately and there are dozens out there on sites like Amazon, but it’s hard to tell which are quality made and which are cheap knockoffs. PowerPlate’s Mini+ massage gun is one of the good ones! It weighs just under 1 pound and is very portable. It’s easy to bring it to the gym, golf course or even the office. I use one to greatly reduce warm up time at the golf course by massaging my shoulders and arms to increase blood flow and get my body ready to play. I also use it after playing to speed recovery and relieve pain and soreness. AT $179. it’s also one of the more affordable massage guns out there.

    Ballwash Products

    Ballsy Grooming Products

    Look, when your company is called Ballsy, you are expected to make products that have provocative names. Men’s grooming products don’t have to be taken so seriously, right? With taglines like “We’ve got your sack” and “Keep your jewels jolly” clearly they’re not taking themselves too seriously. But they do take their cleaning products seriously. From head to toe they’ve got men covered with products like Ballwash (shower gel), Nut Rub (solid cologne), Sack Spray (deodorant spray) and Ball Balm (soothing cream). Having tested their products on my own [clears throat] jewels, I can say they have a winning collection! Take a look for yourselves and save 20% with the special promo code on their website!

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Last Minute Ideas

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Last Minute Ideas

    Our 12 days of Christmas gift guide series was off to a great start, but unfortunately got derailed last week due to a family emergency. With just a few days left until Christmas, we still have a few last minute gift ideas for you!

    V1 Sports – V1 Golf App

    V1’s free golf swing analysis and instruction app helps golfers play their best by capturing and reviewing your swing with powerful analysis and playback tools. The V1 golf swing app also allows you to connect with one of thousands of instructors who teach with V1 Sports.

    I recently connected with perennial Top 100 instructor Brian Mogg using the V1 app. I sent him 2 videos of my swing for analysis and in a few days he responded with his feedback and some drills to work on what I needed to improve upon. The results were immediate. Now I can send follow-up videos to make sure I’m progressing well and we plan on getting together in person at some point to reinforce what I’ve learned.

    The V1 app really is the perfect way to improve your game, contact free, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Did I mention the app is free? OK, your lessons won’t be free obviously – That’s between you and your pro, but you can use the V1 app for free as long as you want to capture swing videos and use it to analyze your own swing videos.

    For those of you that want more (who doesn’t), there’s the premium upgrade that costs $6.99 per month, or $59.99 per year. The premium version removes ads and adds a huge HD model swing library, allows you to compare two swings side by side in slow motion, overlay two videos for close inspection, and you get priority in-app support should something go wrong.

    GolfLogix Green Books & App

    We’ve written about GolfLogix before, and their golf GPS app has been one of the most complete and popular GPS apps available for several years, with over 5 million users worldwide. With the introduction of their Green Books, they’ve taken things to the next level.

    GolfLogix Green Books provide yardage guides, but the real star of the show are the detailed heat maps and putting break maps of each green for over 14,000 golf courses. I brought one of the books to Pinehurst and they were especially useful on the famed #2 course with their extreme upside-down bowl greens.

    For those that prefer to take advantage of more modern technology, GolfLogix also has their aforementioned phone app that provides accurate GPS distances, in-round pro-level stat tracking, approach view and the new Putt Line feature. It’s basically like having the green books on your phone. Membership for GolfLogix Plus is only $49.99 per year.

    Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker

    If you are one of the lucky ones that can still find them in stores, the Bushnell Wingman is one of the most sought after golf gifts in all the land. Bushnell is already well known for their industry leading golf GPS and laser rangefinders, but the Bushnell Wingman was one of the most attention getting products introduced at the 2020 PGA Merchandise show, and it has lived up to the hype as they have been having trouble keeping it in stock all year!

    The Bushnell Wingman is a high quality bluetooth speaker combined with a golf GPS that works with the Bushnell Golf app on your phone to briefly mute your music while speaking out distances to the front, middle and back of the greens, as well as water hazards. It’s all controlled by a little magnetic remote. You can even program it to spout sarcastic comments for your buddies. The Wingman also has a powerful magnet to stick it to any metal surface without falling off. Now the only thing you have to worry about is not offending your playing partners with your selection of music on the course! the Bushnell Wingman retails for around $149.99 and is available at most golf retailers, big box stores and Amazon.

  • 7 Golf Accessories You Can’t Live Without

    7 Golf Accessories You Can’t Live Without

    2020 hasn’t been the best year for humans so far, with the COVID-19 pandemic throwing our daily lives into a tailspin. Fortunately, summer is almost here and golf is starting to get going again. Let’s face it – The golf course is arguably a safer place than a grocery store these days! In the US, over 97% of golf courses are open, so it’s time to get ready for summer and grab some of the hottest accessories available.

    Bushnell Pro XE

    For years Bushnell has made some of the very best laser rangefinders in golf, and the new Pro XE rangefinder is no exception. Packed with cool features and innovative technology, Bushnell’s flagship Pro XE model (pictured above) includes Slope with Elements which adds temperature and barometric pressure to the slope technology to provide accurate, compensated distances. The BITE magnetic cart mount is a welcome new feature as well. Available direct at bushnellgolf.com

    Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker

    Like it or not, playing music on the golf course is here to stay. Streaming music services and bluetooth speakers are everywhere, so it’s only logical that the casual weekend golfer would want to play music on the course while they play. I’m not interested in talking about the why, but the how. To that end, the hottest new speaker for golf is the Bushnell Wingman. Not only does it sound great, but it has a powerful magnetic mount and a built-in GPS remote that speaks front, middle & back distances from over 36,000 courses worldwide using the Bushnell Golf App on your phone. Available direct from bushnellgolf.com.

    Flightscope MEVO

    Launch Monitors – Most of the world’s best players have them, why don’t you? Well, for starters they cost as much as a nice car. Until now that is. Flightscope has taken some of their industry leading Doppler radar technology and shrunk it down to a pocket-sized personal launch monitor that everyone can afford. The Flightscope MEVO costs only $499 and measures 8 performance data parameters like carry distance, club head speed, smash factor, apex height, flight time, ball speed, spin rate and launch angle. I use mine all the time. It’s invaluable for testing clubs and measuring my swing performance. https://www.flightscopemevo.com/

    Golflogix Green Books

    If you watch the pros play on TV, you’ll notice they are always looking at their yardage books, especially around the greens. For years they have had access to professional green books that detail all the slopes, humps and bumps on the greens of the course they are playing. Wouldn’t it be nice to have access to that kind of information for your home course? Now you can! One of the leading golf GPS apps – GolfLogix – is now taking their industry leading digital Putt Breaks technology and offering it in highly detailed, full color green books complete with heat maps. More than 14,000 courses have already been detailed, with more to come! To check for your home course, just go here: https://store.golflogix.com/

    Tanto Ball Mark Repair Tools

    I don’t know about you, but I struggle with ball mark repair tools. I love the switchblade style, but I can’t seem to keep them in good working order. For some reason they are always breaking. I use this style of divot repair tool because it won’t poke me in the leg or tear a hole in my shorts, but the spring loaded mechanism never lasts very long. But now there’s Tanto USA with their overengineered divot tools! Their stainless steel bladed, titanium powder coated tools are heavy and solid, like an expensive pocket knife. I’m looking forward to many years of repairing ball marks with this tool. To get yours, just visit: https://www.tantousa.com/

    Tattoo Golf Apparel

    Tattoo Golf has been one of my favorite golf apparel brands for years. You may not have heard of them until now, but you’ll be glad you did. Their youthful designs are colorful and fun, and the modern technical fabrics perform well even in the humidity of a hot Florida summer. While many of their designs feature a variation of their ubiquitous skull and “crossclubs” logo, you can also get golf shirts with cool Hawaiian style floral patterns. They make shirts, shorts, pants, hats and accessories for men and women and run frequent sales through their website where you can save up to 20% or more. Check them out today at https://www.tattoogolf.com/

    Walker Trolleys

    While some of us have used golf as a form of therapy through all this COVID-19 business, in an effort to practice social distancing many golf courses have adopted a single rider per cart policy or encouraged walking the course. The physiological benefits of walking on the golf course are well known and cannot be understated, so it’s no surprise that the golf push cart market has blown up recently! For those that demand quality craftsmanship in a classic design with some modern engineering and materials, Walker Trolley’s Cape Model premium golf push cart might be right what the doctor ordered. Made with anodized aluminum, waxed canvas and and leather, Walker Trolleys have built a sturdy, functional push cart that seems to be imported from a bygone era where walking was the only option. To get one of your own, pre-orders are being accepted now: https://walkertrolleys.com/products/walker-trolley

  • Father’s Day 2019 Gift Guide

    Father’s Day 2019 Gift Guide

    Father’s day 2019 is less than 2 weeks away, and in case you feel inspired to shower dear ‘ol dad in golf gifts, we have some great ideas for you! Happy shopping!

    Bombas Ankle Socks

    Bombas Socks – Yes, get your dad some socks! Socks are very underrated, and a way better gift than ties. Bombas’ Performance Golf Ankle Socks look great, perform great and Bombas donates a pair for every pair sold!

    Callaway Big & Tall Apparel

    Callaway Apparel Big & Tall – You know Callaway best for drivers that hit bombs, top selling irons and colorful golf balls, but their classy and timeless apparel collection can’t be overlooked. Their big & tall choices are diverse, and for larger men like me, that’s a big bonus because it’s tough to find good looking golf clothes in larger sizes.

    Stamina Pro Patches – Let’s face it, dad isn’t getting any younger. Give dad a little help getting those joints moving so he can play his best. These “active recovery” patches contain no drugs or synthetic chemicals, come in three different sizes and last 24 hours. The patches reduce inflammation, promote recovery, and optimize performance according to the company. Used on tour by Justin Rose, Tony Finau and others.

    Enveed Hemp CBD

    Enveed Golf CBD Blends – CBD/Cannabidiol products are all the rage these days, but not without controversy. Enveed Golf’s CBD blend is non-psychoactive and does NOT contain THC, so it will NOT get you high. Instead their full spectrum hemp extract is said to organically help alleviate pain, improve focus and help you relax in those anxious golf moments. CBD products are being used with increasing frequency on tour by players like Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson. I’ve been using their tinctures for a few days and it seems to be helping!

    Bushnell Pro XE

    Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder – Our 2019 PGA Show best rangefinder is a range topping technological marvel for golfers. In slope mode, the Pro XE uses temperature and barometric pressure to more accurately adjust distances. It is the only 7x magnification rangefinder on the market and can hit a reflective flag at up to 500 yards. Plus it has magnets built in so it’ll stick to the roof posts on that golf cart to be at arm’s reach anytime you need it.

    SX500 IntelliGreenPro RangeVue

    SkyCaddie SX500 – Not the rangefinder type? Get the best golf GPS device on the market – The SkyCaddie SX500. It has a huge, bright and responsive touch screen display, impressive battery life and a huge database of courses with detail info on hazards, bunkers and even green contours on select courses. The only place you’ll get more information about a course than the SX500 is in tour player’s yardage books.

    Indi Golf Stingray Wedge

    Indi Golf Stingray Wedges – Indi Golf makes high-spinning wedges for all kinds of players. Their Stingray TT wedges offer 2 grind options, 2 finish options and they look & perform great. Things get really interesting when you pick up the USGA non-conforming Stingray wedge with huge box grooves. The spin you can produce around the greens is hilarious, and addicting!

    Revo Descend N

    Revo Eyewear – It’s time to ditch the old aviators. Instead, get dad a cool pair of sunglasses from Revo! They make modern, technologically advanced polarized sunglasses that are great for golfers, boaters and everyday wear. Check out their many styles and lens options here.

    Tour Edge Exotic EXS Driver

    Exotic EXS Driver – Everybody wants a new driver, right? Why pay the premium for a big name brand when you can get the same or better performance from a driver that costs $100 less? Tour Edge Golf’s Exotics EXS is packed with technology and advanced materials, and sells for $399. Most of the competition sell their new drivers for $449, $499 and even $549. The Exotics EXS driver is simply the best bang for the buck in golf right now.

  • WITB – May 2019

    WITB – May 2019

    It has been almost two years since my last “What’s in the Bag” post, so I thought I would update things with a new post since there have been several big changes in my bag for 2019. The golf industry changes fast, and there is always something new and exciting coming out. It’s tempting to want to get the latest and greatest driver, putter or wedges. Those are the clubs most golfers change out the most.

    What’s In The Bag?

    I’m an endless tinkerer and like to change things up if I think it’ll help me gain an edge or snap me out of a funk. However, sometimes frequent club changes can be a detriment and lead to inconsistency. One of the clubs that used to change most often in my bag was the putter, but since October 2017 that hasn’t been the case. In fact, only 4 clubs are still in my bag since the last WITB in June of 2017.

    Driver – PING G410 Plus

    Ping G410 Plus Driver

    I’ve been playing PING drivers exclusively since 2014 and have upgraded to every new model that has come out since then. I just replaced the awesome G400 LST driver with the new PING G410 Plus. This is a minor upgrade as I only switched out the club head. I continue to use the PING Tour 80x shaft that I got with the G driver in 2016 and used with the G400 also. The shaft is heavy, stable and consistent. I’m actively searching for an after-market shaft that is 15-20 grams lighter to see if I can pick up some distance.

    With the G410 Plus driver, I’m back to my standard 9-degree loft after experimenting for two seasons with the 10-degree head in the G400 that produced more spin, higher ball flight, and more carry. I gave up about 6 to 8 yards of distance but probably gained a bit of accuracy with the 10-degree lofted driver.

    3-Wood – PING G400

    PING G400 3-Wood

    In February of 2018, I went down to Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida for a fitting with the mad scientists from True Spec Golf. My mission was a difficult one for me, as I had been searching for years: Find the perfect 3-wood. Under the watchful eye of an expert club fitting specialist and a Trackman launch monitor, I hit fairways from almost a dozen manufacturers. Once we settled on the right club, we started testing shafts to arrive at a head & shaft combo that performed the best. The winner was a PING G400 3-wood (14.5 degrees turned down to 13.9) fitted with a Fujikura ATMOS Tour Spec 80x shaft. Finally, I found a new fairway wood that totally was dialed in for me. With the new 3-wood, my spin rates went down, launch angles went up and I gained over 10 yards! #ClubFittingMatters

    Hybrid & Long Irons

    • Srixon Z U45 Long Irons
    • Srixon Z H45 2-Hybrid

    No changes here – I’m still gaming the awesome Srixon Z H45 2-hybrid and Srixon Z U45 3-utility (20) and 4-utility (23) from late 2014. All are fitted with Aerotech shafts; the 2-hybrid has the Aerotech HLS880 and the long irons have the Aerotech Steelfiber i110cw shafts. Because I carry four wedges, bagging all three of these clubs usually puts me over the 14 club limit so the odd man out is usually the Srixon Z H45 2-hybrid, but that may vary depending on the course and conditions. For casual rounds on weekends or tournament practice rounds, I’ll often carry all three.

    Irons (5-PW)

    • Honma TW737vn Forged Irons
    • Honma TW737vn Forged Irons

    There aren’t many clubs on the market that look as good and perform as well as the Srixon Z745 forged cavity back irons I got back in 2015. After three years in the bag, I was still very happy with them, so it would take something special to replace them. As it turns out, something special came along in the form of the gorgeous Honma Tour World 737vn irons. They sat in the garage for almost 6 months before I finally made the decision to reshaft them with my preferred shaft – Aerotech Steelfiber i95cw shafts. Once I did, there was no way I wasn’t going to game these amazing Japanese forged irons. So far so good.

    Wedges

    • SCOR 50-degree Forged Wedge
    • Honma TW-W Forged Wedges

    My trusty but aging SCOR 50-degree gap wedge I got back in 2012 (part of a 5-club set) is probably the best club in my bag. That gap wedge is almost solely responsible for my 2017 WAGC National Championship win. I used it on the last three holes of the 54-hole tournament by getting up and down for par from 125 on #16, chipping to 2.5 feet for birdie on #17 and hitting it to 8 feet from 118 yards to birdie the final hole and win by a shot. Most recently I used it to play the final 3 holes in 3-under to win the North Florida regional qualifier for the Tour by Under Armor.

    It has only been a few months, but I replaced the very reliable Hopkins 54 and 60-degree wedges I had for several years recently with Honma TW-W forged wedges in 56 (bent to 55) and 60-degree lofts. The 60-degree Honma wedge, in particular, is fantastic for almost every shot inside 95 yards. The aggressive toe and heel relief allows me to open it up and play flop shots with ease, hit the “crowd pleaser” pitch shots that spin hard or land it soft with good distance control from 50-95 yards.

    However – I’m really struggling on bunker shots with the Honma wedges. My previous Hopkins 60-degree wedge had a channel sole grind with tons of bounce on open-faced shots, making it perfect for the deep Bermuda rough and soft sand bunkers we have down here in Florida. The new Honma 60-degree wedge has very little bounce by comparison, and that is making my bunker shots dig into the sand. I’ll have to practice a little with it and shallow out my bunker swing to make it work.

    Putter – Scotty Cameron Futura 5W

    Scotty Cameron Futura 5W

    The Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Notchback Dual Balance putter I had in the bag for most of 2017 is gone. It never made the trip back from the 2017 World Amateur Golfers Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When you putt as poorly as I did during that tournament, you have to take it out on the putter, so I did. It now resides at the bottom of a lake at the Mines Resort & Club that used to be the largest open cast tin mine in the world.

    My new flat stick is the putter I should have bought in the first place instead of that Newport Notchback that doesn’t float. It’s the Scotty Cameron Futura 5W. This mallet has been my gamer since December 2017 and was made even better with an upgrade to the innovative Stability Shaft from Breakthrough Golf Technologies in October of 2018. This specialized graphite shaft improves feel, launches the ball lower (yes, that matters in putting also) and rolls the ball more consistently. It’s fitted with the ubiquitous Super Stroke Mid-Slim 2.0 grip.

    Golf Ball

    Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls

    A few years ago when I published my last WITB, I had just received a shipment of 28 dozen Bridgestone B330 golf balls. After giving away several dozen to friends and playing the ball for over two years, I finally ran out a few months after the new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls were released. I was fitted for the new Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball but wanted to try something softer, so I switched to the Taylor Made TP5 for a while, then fell in love with the Callaway Chrome Soft. It feels fantastic from tee to green, performs well in windy conditions, and the variety of crazy colors and unique patterns available is awesome. However, the Chrome Soft may not be ideally matched for my game. On full swings, I may tend to overcompress it a bit and lose distance over the higher compression Bridgestone Tour B X. Plus, every now and then I’ll nip a wedge shot just right and spin the ball back 20 feet on the green. Most of the time that means watching as a good shot spins further away from the hole. Too much spin on wedge shots is not ideal.

    Distance Measuring Devices

    My current laser rangefinder of choice is the excellent Bushnell Pro X2 that was the flagship model from Bushnell until the new Pro XE was released a few months ago. It has a bright red display, acquires targets fast, measures accurately and the battery life is excellent. You can turn on or off the non-USGA conforming slope function with a simple switch on the side of the unit. I have mine wrapped with a magnetic strap from Monument Golf.

    When playing tournament golf or a course I’m unfamiliar with I like to supplement a laser rangefinder with a GPS device to measure distances to bunkers, fairways that run out and doglegs. I also like to have not only the distance to the pin but to the front or back of the green depending on the pin location. For several years I’ve used the Sky Caddie TOUCH and it works flawlessly. It’s lightweight and provides plenty of information. Sky Golf maps out courses themselves and in many cases, they give you much more information than other golf GPS devices.

    This year I have replaced the trusty Sky Caddie TOUCH with their new flagship model – The Sky Caddie SX500. This thing is about the same size as a large smartphone with a big, bright and responsive touchscreen. While the size annoyingly prevents it from fitting in many golf cart cup holders, the large screen makes it easy to see the hole maps and the screen is easy to manipulate with changing modes or moving the cursor around to measure different targets. Battery life is amazing too. I used it recently after fully charging it overnight, and the battery was still at 89% after 18 holes and over 4 hours. Simply put – The Sky Caddie SX500 is my new go-to golf GPS.

    Must-Have Accessories

    • Evolve Golf Epoch Tees
    • EZ Brush

    There are a few oft-overlooked items that I can’t live without, like the little EZ Brush to clean my clubs. This small wire brush is conveniently spring loaded on a retractable cable and extends up to 30 inches. It simply gets the job done without being a nuisance and keeps my clubs clean.

    I’m also kind of a snob when it comes to tees. I love the Epoch tees from Evolve Golf and I got a 300-count bag of their special USA themed tees before going over to Malaysia in 2017 to compete in the World Amateur Golfers Championship for Team USA. They also made a great gift for players from other countries that gladly snatched them up.

    Finally, what would a good WITB post be without the bag itself? Every now and then I use my huge Burton USA Staff Bag from the WAGC, but for the most part, I stick with my trusty Sun Mountain 4.5LS stand bag. It’s on the large end for a carry bag, but is still pretty light and holds everything I need and more. Since I’m riding a golf cart 95% of the time, weight isn’t much of an issue for me. The 4.5LS also had features that make it perfect for golf carts like a flat bottom, lockable legs and a cart strap pass through.

    What’s Next?

    There will be a few changes coming in the next few months as I get ready for my next big event – The Tour sponsored by Under Armor’s National Championship in Ocean City, Maryland in June.

    The first change may be my golf ball. As I mentioned before, while I love the Callaway Chrome Soft’s great feel, wild patterns, and bright colors, it is not perfect for my game. It spins a bit too much on wedge shots and flies shorter off the tee than the ball I was fitted for – The Bridgestone Tour B X. I’ll be considering a switch back to Bridgestone in the near future.

    The guys at MyGolfSpy.com recently confirmed my suspicions with some interesting ball testing results. According to their robot testing with a driver at 115mph, on average the Chrome Soft flies 12 yards less than the Tour B X. I would be giving up some feel around the greens and going back to a boring white golf ball, but I could be hitting one less club into the greens and that can make a big difference over the course of 18 holes.

    As far as club upgrades, my wish list includes a new hybrid from the Tour Edge Exotics CBX line. The latest model is the CBX 119 and they are very hot on the PGA Tour Champions right now. I haven’t decided what loft to go for yet since they make every loft from 16 to 20 and a 22.

    My wedges are in a constant state of flux these days. I love the new Honma wedges that are currently in the bag, but the lob wedge and I aren’t getting along in the bunkers so I may switch back to the Hopkins 60-degree. Heck, I may even get nostalgic and put the old SCOR 54 and 58-degree wedges back in the back to accompany the SCOR 50-degree gap wedge. Time will tell!

  • Best of the 2019 PGA Show

    Best of the 2019 PGA Show

    It has been just over a month since the 2019 PGA Show ended, and now that the dust has settled and we’ve had time to reflect on the week, here’s a list of what we felt were the best products or services we could find while walking the halls of the Orange County Convention Center.

    Apparel

    https://youtu.be/GzcQYZd0TQY

    Best in Show: Original Penguin – Founded in 1955, Original Penguin was a brand launched by Munsingwear with what is thought to be the world’s first golf shirt. When the likes of President Richard Nixon, Arnold Palmer, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope are wearing your stuff, you are obviously doing something right. Now owned by Perry Ellis International, Original Penguin is making a big comeback in golf with a line of classic designs using modern performance fabrics.

    Honorable Mention: Loudmouth Golf – The mad clothing scientists at Loudmouth have been hard at work making all sorts of new stuff to help you stand out and turn heads, and not just on the golf course. If it seems like company founder Scott “Woody” Woodworth and his crew are having more fun than anyone else, it’s probably because they are. Loudmouth makes some of the flashiest garb you can find and they are rapidly expanding into the fashion and lifestyle industries.

    Footwear

    Best in Show: Jack Grace – The classic saddle golf shoe is back, and this small company from Arizona has given it a much-needed refresh with some innovative technology. The saddle on the Jack Grace Innovator 1.0 golf shoe is interchangeable! No longer will you be limited to the color of the shoe you bought. Now, you can buy several saddles in different colors and patterns to match your outfit as needed. It’s not only a brilliant idea, but it really works! With 3 shoe colors, more than 25 saddle colors and 25 lace colors available, you have over 1875 possible combinations. Even Imelda Marcos would approve!

    Honorable Mention: Puma Golf IGNITE PROADAPT – Rickie Fowler’s new golf shoe is light, stable and loaded with technology. Cobra/Puma Golf is quickly re-establishing itself as a major player in golf and is cutting into Callaway and Taylor Made’s market share, and they are doing it with a solid lineup of damn good looking and performing clubs, apparel and accessories.

    Drivers & Fairways

    Best in Show: Cobra KING F9 Speedback – This driver is hot. Period. I think was probably the most talked about driver at the PGA Demo Day at Orange County National’s massive circular range. Like many modern drivers, it looks cool, is adjustable and loaded with tech. The KING F9 Speedback driver already has already garnered several professional wins in the hands of Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson. The scary thing is, the matching fairways are just as good…

    Honorable Mention: PING G410 – The two biggest names in golf are missing from this list for good reason. While their newest offerings are good, I feel they missed the mark slightly compared to Cobra and PING. The massive success of the PING G400 (2018’s number one driver) carries over into the PING G410 driver, with more adjustability for fine tuning and some new shaft options for better fitting. We’ll be testing this one soon so stay tuned!

    Honorable Mention: Lynx Golf Prowler VT – Adjustability in drivers isn’t new. Every major manufacturer now makes adjustable drivers, but Lynx is doing it differently with an interchangeable face! Now you can adjust the loft of your driver by simply changing out faceplates, and it won’t affect the lie or face angle. Brilliant! The Lynx Prowler VT driver will arrive in the US in June or July.

    Irons & Wedges

    Best in Show: New Level Golf – Only a small, privately owned company could put out irons that look this cool and perform as well as they do. Founder Eric Burch’s motto for New Level Golf is “Small company, big impact” and it fits, because his designs certainly made a big impact on me when I saw them in my buddy Tony’s bag at Bandon Dunes last July. I’ve been a fan of New Level ever since, and with the introduction of their new 623 irons, my lust for these awesome forged and CNC milled beauties is only growing.

    Honorable Mention: Indi Golf Wedges – For years I’ve been begging golf club manufacturers to develop non-conforming clubs for recreational golfers. Indi Golf is one of the few that have actually done it. The Indi Golf Stingray wedges are available in both conforming and non-conforming models and in 2 finishes. Not only do they look and feel great, but they perform great too. If you want to add more spin to your short game, you’ll want to try the Indi Stingray wedge.

    Putters

    Best in Show: Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters – Odyssey Golf has been around for a long time, and they continue to innovate and make some of the best performing putters on the market. Odyssey Stoke Lab putters combine a lighter steel/graphite shaft with weights in the head and the grip and a new White Hot microhinge insert to produce a series of putters that enhance tempo and feel of the stroke. There are six mallets and four blades to choose from, fitted with either a pistol or oversize grip.

    Honorable Mention: Sacks Parente Putters – Steve Sacks has spent a lifetime in golf and pioneered the concept of an ultra-low balance point in putters. Using 35g graphite shafts and grips that weigh less than half what a normal grip does, he can place the balance point of his putters at 5 inches or less from the sole, making the putter more stable, easier to swing and helping transmit more feel. All this tech doesn’t come cheap, however. Sacks Parente putters match performance with price.

    Rangefinders

    Co-Best in Show: Bushnell Pro XE – Bushnell Golf has taken last year’s excellent Pro X2 rangefinder and gave it a brain. The new Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder now automatically considers altitude and temperature as well as slope when measuring distance in a mode they call “Slope with Elements.” The feature can be turned off for tournament play. The Pro XE is also waterproof and accurate within +/- one yard at up to 500 yards, and has built-in magnets to stick it to the post on golf carts or anything else metallic. With new tech also comes a new price, and this one will have an MSRP of $549. The Pro EX comes out in late March 2019. Go to https://www.bushnellgolf.com/ for more info.

    Co-Best in Show: Nikon COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED – In a nutshell, Nikon took the image stabilization technology from their professional camera lenses and stuffed it into a laser rangefinder, making it super easy to lock on to your target, even with one hand. Combine that with slope adjustment, a claimed accuracy to 3/4 of a yard inside of 700 yards, and super fast measurement speed and it make the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized a co-best in show winner. MSRP – $449

    Honorable Mention: SkyCaddie SX500 – Sporting a bright and large (for golf GPS) 5″ color screen, the SkyCaddie SX500 takes golf GPS to the next level. Pre-loaded with over 35,000 courses and wifi connectivity, you can always keep it up to date with the latest software updates and course maps. Available for $399 with a 1-year subscription.

    Accessories & Misc

    Best in Show: Big Max Golf Blade IP Push Cart – Austrian company Big Max Golf dominates the European market for “trolleys” or push carts as we call them in the USA. Weighing in at only 6.5 pounds and folding nearly flat, the flagship Big Max Blade IP push cart is simply the best push cart available in my opinion. It folds and unfolds in seconds and has a whole line of accessories to customize it to your specific needs. MSRP – $329 direct.

    Honorable Mention: Click Caddie – Sometimes a product comes to market that makes you do a double take, scratch your head and say “Why didn’t I think of that??”  Devices like this have probably been thought up by many people, but only the guys at Click Caddie were able to bring it to life. This simple little device fits in the golf ball holder of almost every golf cart out there and holds your phone or GPS securely with silicone straps or the built-in magnet. Simple, right? Sometimes we get lost in a sea of technology at the PGA Show and miss simple but brilliant ideas like this one. I’m glad I discovered these guys. Not everything has to cost $400 or more to be useful. The Click Caddie sells for $24.95 on Amazon.

    https://youtu.be/bsaGzqYApek
  • 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

    2018 Holiday Gift Guide

    2018 has been a pretty good year for golf, despite course closures all around the globe and the unfortunate trend of driver prices regularly creeping up to and past the $500 mark. There is more technology than ever out there for golfers of all abilities to get the most out of their game. Since the holiday shopping season is upon us again, here are some gift ideas for the serious golfer on your list, or yourself!

    Clubs

    • Ping G400 – Arguably the best driver in golf, it is among the top 3 sellers and owners of one like me will be happy to tell you how good it is. Paired with a high-performance shaft from TPT Golf, I gained 9 yards and hit it straighter too. Demand for the #1 selling G400 MAX is high, with prices rising to more than $500. ($570.00 on Amazon)
    • Wilson Cortex  – If you watch the Golf Channel, you are probably familiar with the hit show Driver vs Driver that gave us the controversial Wilson Triton driver a few seasons ago. Driver vs Driver 2 just wrapped up and this year’s winning club is called the Wilson Cortex, and it has already hit the market. The buzz with this club is that it produces very low spin. If you are a Wilson fan and your driver is a few generations old, the Cortex is a must hit! ($498.95 on Amazon)
    • Miura irons – Japanese company Miura Golf has been forging some of the best quality irons in the world for many years, and they keep getting better. Previously available only through high-end club fitters, Miura is now making custom sets available direct from the manufacturer. The new MC-501 irons have been an object of sheer lust for me since I first saw them at the PGA Show a while back. (Iron sets starting at $1350 and up)

    Wilson-Cortex-Driver
    Wilson Cortex Driver

    Training

    • Putting Mirror – I’ve been using my EyeLine putting mirror for a few years now and it has helped me become more consistent on the greens. Many of the top players in the world use similar mirrors to check ball position, eye and shoulder alignment and iron out problems with their putting stroke.
    • Eyeball Golf – Remember that old saying – Keep your head still? Well, the eyeball trainer can help you do that! It’s simple, easy to use and won’t break the bank. Give it a try! (.99 direct)

    EyeLine Golf Putting Mirror
    EyeLine Golf Putting Mirror

    Software

    • Golf Logix – The USGA has recently weighed in on the topic of green reading charts and maps by limiting the size and scale of the books people use, but the leading app company GolfLogix is ok with that, and the typical user of their service isn’t a tournament golfer anyway. The innovative PuttBreaks feature in the Golf Logix app is easy to use and can really help you read the greens on unfamiliar courses, or even help confirm what your eyes see. (Available for free in the iTunes and Google Play store – $29.99 for 12 month Putt Breaks membership)

    GolfLogix with Putt Breaks
    GolfLogix with Putt Breaks

    Shafts

    • Breakthrough Golf technology  – Golf industry veteran and living legend Barney Adams has set his sights on making you a better putter, and Breakthrough Golf Technology’s new Stability Shaft is how he’s doing it. Guess what – It works! My putting has improved ever since I put the shaft in play, and I’m looking forward to converting a few more putters soon. (Available direct w/ free install – $199.99)
    • TPT Golf – I’m a big fan of TPT golf and their innovative new shafts. Earlier this year I tested one in my Ping G400 driver and gained 9 yards. They aren’t cheap, but for demanding golfers with spare cash, TPT is the shaft you must try when you visit your custom club fitter for a new driver.

    Breakthrough Golf technology - Stability Shaft
    Breakthrough Golf technology – Stability Shaft

    Apparel

    • Oakley –  I’m not impressed too much with the apparel options available this year. That’s not to say there isn’t anything good out there, it’s just that nothing stands out. Nothing except Oakley that is. The Engineered Polo Bubba is a shirt I could live with almost every day, and they are super cheap right now. (Available direct – $24.00 as of 12/7/2018) Why not pair it with a slick Bg Emb Visor too? (Direct – $28.00)

    Oakley Engineered Polo Bubba
    Oakley Engineered Polo Bubba

    Misc

    • Craftsman Golf Headcovers – Why not customize the look of your golf bag and protect your clubs from theft by getting rid of the factory headcovers and replacing them with fun head covers from Craftsman Golf? I recently covered my Callaway XR16 LD Long Drive club with a funny cat head cover with a bell that drove my playing partners nuts! It was great fun. Seriously though, Craftsman Golf makes good quality stuff at very reasonable prices! (Available direct – www.craftsmangolf.com)
    • Bushnell Rangefinders – Bushnell continues to make market-leading laser and GPS rangefinders. I’ve been using the awesome Pro X2 Laser Rangefinder for a while, and the perfectly sized Phantom GPS is a perfect compliment to any laser rangefinder and easily fits in your pocket. If you want the best of both worlds, consider the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder, that has both a precision laser rangefinder and GPS in one easy to use handheld device.
    • Club Champion Fitting –  Club Champion is the largest custom club fitting company in the US, and they are brand-agnostic, which means they aren’t going to push you towards a certain brand, just what works best with your golf swing. I recently had my Cobra F8+ driver upgraded with a new shaft from Paderson Golf and gained 6 yards and greatly tightened the dispersion. They have 40 indoor fitting centers all over the country, so weather isn’t an issue and there is probably one close to you. If you take the game seriously and want to play your best golf, there’s really no excuse not to get custom fit for every club in your bag.
    • NoSweat Liners – It may be chilly outside now, but at some point, it’s going to warm up again outside and you’ll start sweating on the golf course. Living in Florida, the summer heat and humidity makes it impossible not to sweat profusely when playing golf. NoSweat liners install easily inside your hat and really help soak up the sweat coming from your forehead. Sometimes I sweat so much that it’s hard to putt because sweat keeps dripping on the ball! NoSweat liners fixed this problem for me, and they are used by professional golfers and many other athletes in sports like hockey and football under their helmets. If you are a sweater like me, you’ll want to give them a try! ($9.99 and up on Amazon)
    • SkyCaddie SX500 – SkyCaddie has been around for as long as I can remember using such distance measuring devices, and their products are always recognized as one of the best GPS for golf, and their newest model is no exception. The SkyCaddie SX500 has a large (5″) bright screen, solid battery life and is easy to use. All SX500s come with a 1-year subscription. SkyCaddie maps all their own courses for greater accuracy, and I’ve always found their distances to be very precise when compared to a laser rangefinder. The difference is rarely more than a few yards, and for amateur golfers, this is certainly within the acceptable range. ($399.95 on Amazon)

    Bushnell Hybrid
    Bushnell Hybrid GPS/Rangefinder

  • Father’s Day Gift Guide – Summer 2018

    Father’s Day Gift Guide – Summer 2018

    It’s June, and the commercials are already playing on TV for Father’s Day. If you haven’t gotten your golf-nut dad anything yet fear not, because we’ve got some great ideas for every budget. Let’s get right to the list. Here are nine gift suggestions for all you last-minute shoppers!

    Golf Clubs

    2018_C300_Cavity_Iron_HeroWilson C300 Irons – The new C300 and C300 Forged irons feature Wilson’s Power Hole technology – Urethane-filled holes positioned around the face to allow the face to flex and expand the sweet spot. The C300 Forged irons offer the same greater ball speeds for better players that prefer a more traditional shape and feel. Wilson C300 Irons: $799.99 at Amazon.com

    Cobra KING F8 Driver – The KING F8 driver is packed with tech. A precision CNC milled face for maximum ball speed, 360 Aero technology for speed combined with adjustable weights and hosel for a precise fit make this driver a great option for almost everybody. Add in Cobra Connect powered by Arccos Golf and you’ve got the most technologically advanced driver on the market. Better players will gravitate to the KING F8+ driver with less draw bias and heavier swing weights. Cobra KING F8 Driver: $358.87 on Amazon.com

    Pyramid Putters – With a milled face and grooves angled to help steer mishit putts back online, the Pyramid putter can help you make more putts. It also has a pyramid-shaped alignment feature on the top and a proprietary taperless grip for lighter grip pressure. I love the soft feel and positive roll off the face of the Pyramid Putter. The matte black finish reduces glare and it’s cheaper than many competing brands. $279.95 Available direct online at Pyramidputters.com

    Accessories

    UA TUNED™ Golf AssistGlove Ride – When the weather is hot and sweaty, one of the biggest challenges is to keep your golf glove fresh & dry. Glove Ride’s Glove Caddie helps by giving you a place to attach multiple gloves and help them dry up and stay in shape. It attaches to your golf bag with a solid metal clip and has a strong velcro strip to attach multiple gloves while they air-dry. There’s also a poker chip ball marker that can be customized for special events or golf courses. Available online at Gloveride.com for $19.95

    Golf Pride Align Grips – Up to 80% of PGA Tour pros use Golf Pride grips. That’s not likely to change any time soon now that they’ve introduced new grips with ALIGN Technology. A raised red ridge on the bottom of the grip provides consistent hand placement and club face awareness. The ridge is made of 50% firmer material than the surrounding grip to amplify the feel. ALIGN technology is available on three popular grips: The MCC, MCC Plus4, and the new Tour Velvet. Go to golfpride.com for more information.

    Under Armor Eyewear – Under Armor has come a long way in a few short years. As a leading sportswear company, they’ve cut into the market share of giants like Nike and adidas by offering high-quality products at a reasonable price. One department where they’ve excelled is in eyewear. For golf, they’ve developed UA Tuned Propel sunglasses that provide contrast enhancement which helps you to read the course more precisely & track the ball easier. Even better, they’re priced at only $74.99 at underarmor.com

    Tech & Gadgets

    Bushnell HybridBushnell Hybrid – For years people have been asking for a laser rangefinder combined with GPS. I’ve always wanted a device that combined both technologies, but as it turns out, it’s not that easy to make. Good news – Bushnell has finally gotten it right with the new Bushnell Hybrid. The Bushnell Hybrid gives you this information by displaying the lasered distances to the pin and GPS provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD. You can also get GPS yardages for front, center and back on the outside of the device in case you have a blind shot and cannot see the pin. Available for $399 at Amazon.com

    Swing Caddie SC200 – Launch monitors are all the rage these days on the professional tours, but not many people can afford the same models the pros use since in most cases they cost over $10,000. However, there are a number of devices that can give weekend amateurs much of the same information at a fraction of the cost. One of these devices is the Swing Caddie SC200 from Voice Caddie. The SC200 is about the same size as a large cell phone, making it very portable. The Doppler radar displays information like carry yardage, swing speed, ball speed, loft angle and smash factor. Best of all, it only costs about $350 on Amazon.

    Garmin Approach S60 – Garmin is best known for its navigation devices for cars, but they have quietly been making top quality GPS distance measuring devices for a while now. One of these awesome devices is a watch called the Garmin Approach S60. Much more than just a golf GPS watch, the Approach S60 is a full-fledged smartwatch that pairs to your phone via Bluetooth and displays notifications for incoming calls, texts, emails and other alerts. It comes preloaded with more than 41,000 golf courses around the world and using the Garmin Connect app on your phone you can update the course list and get updates for the watch. The full-color display is easy to read in bright sunlight and the battery lasts up to 10 hours in golf mode. Available now on Amazon for $345.59

  • First Look: Bushnell’s Advanced Distance Measuring Devices

    First Look: Bushnell’s Advanced Distance Measuring Devices

    Bushnell has been a leader in GPS and laser rangefinders for golf and other outdoor activities like hunting for years. Electronic distance measuring devices have been a part of my golf routine for so long, I can’t even remember the last time I played a round of golf without one. Using a laser rangefinder or GPS speeds up the game so much, especially for low handicap and pro golfers that usually take more time getting yardages, that I still don’t understand why golf’s governing bodies haven’t accepted their use in high-level events. In any case, Bushnell has some new devices to show off this season, and they won’t disappoint! Here’s a sneak peek:

    Bushnell Hybrid
    Bushnell Hybrid: MSRP- $399.99

    Description – The Hybrid combines the latest in Laser and GPS technologies to provide better data so golfers of all levels can make better decisions on the course. The new Bushnell Hybrid rangefinders utilize precise laser and GPS yardages allowing the golfer to see distance like never before. The new Bushnell HYBRID takes the guesswork out of the game by displaying the lasered distances to the pin and GPS provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD.  Additionally, Bushnell has incorporated exterior GPS front, center and back yardages to assist with correct club selections when golfers have cart path only or blind shots.

    Bushnell Hybrid - Reticle

    Key Differentiators

    • 1st ever integrated Laser/GPS display
    • Dual Battery source (CR2 for Laser, USB for GPS)

    HYBRID Laser Features

    • PinSeeker w/ JOLT Technology
    • Accurate to 1 yard
    • 5X Magnification
    • Ranges 400 yards to a Flag
    • Fast Focus System
    • Stable-Grip Technology
    • Tournament Legal

    GPS Features

    • Exterior Front/Center/Back Readouts
    • Up to 4 hazard distances per hole
    • Bluetooth for auto course updates
    • Auto course recognition
    • Auto hole advance

    Bushnell Phantom: MSRP- $99.99

    Bushnell Phantom GPS

    Description – Phantom GPS Rangefinder, rounding out a robust collection of products comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green – along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole.  The Phantom unveils “Bite Technology.” Equipped with a high powered magnet the Phantom can easily attach to a cart bar or any metal surface, providing quick and easy yardage readings. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life (play up to two rounds before charging).

     

    Bushnell Pro X2: MSRP- $499.00

    Bushnell Pro X2

    Description –The Pro X2 has rubber armored metal housing that makes the device fully IPX7 waterproof, incredible range capabilities of up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) and PinSeeker with JOLT Technology.  Dual Display Technology allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display featuring VDT (Vivid Display Technology) or the crisp black display. Bushnell Golf also included JOLT Technology amongst the host of features offered in the new Pro X2. When the golfer aims the Pro X2 at the flag, JOLT Technology will provide short, vibrating bursts to reinforce Bushnell’s advanced PinSeeker Technology has isolated the target and locked onto the flag. The vibrating bursts provided by JOLT Technology will assure golfers have the exact distance to the flag. The Pro X2 is also equipped with 2nd generation E.S.P. technology.  E.S.P. provides yardage five times faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has the acquisition speed been increased to a lightning fast level, E.S.P. provides 1/2 yard accuracy from five to 125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard.  Having more accurate distances creates the confidence the golfer to hit every shot with confidence.

    Pro X2 Features

    ・      Slope-Switch Technology

    ・      Rubber Armored Metal Housing

    ・      IPX& Fully Waterproof

    ・      Dual Display Technology

    ・      PinSeeker W/ Jolt Technology

    ・      Accurate to 1?2 yard

    ・      6X Magnification

    ・      Ranges 5-1,300 yards; 450+ to a Flag

    ・      2nd Generation E.S.P.

    ・      Fast Focus System

    ・       Stable-Grip Technology

    Conclusions

    You really can’t go wrong with any of Bushnell’s offerings. My current rangefinder of choice is the Pro X2, and I’ve been using it for over 8 months as of this writing. It’s fast, accurate, compact, and the display is easy to read. That’s basically everything you’re looking for in a laser rangefinder. I’ve also used the predecessor to the Phantom and loved it’s compact size and simplicity. The new model is magnetic, which addresses the only complaint I had with the old model, which was what to do with it once you broke the flimsy plastic clip it came with. Now you can simply stick it on the roof supports on your golf cart or the handle of your push cart. Easy peasy!

  • 9 Last Minute Gift Ideas For Golfers

    9 Last Minute Gift Ideas For Golfers

    There are less than two weeks left before Christmas, and for online shoppers this weekend is probably the cut-off point for shipping to make sure it arrives on time. In case you are out of ideas for the golfers in your life, here are a few suggestions!

    bushnell-pro-x2-features

    • Bushnell Pro X2 Rangefinder – With Slope-Switch technology, dual display modes, Pinseeker with JOLT, 6x magnification, a range of up to 1300 yards and a solid waterproof metal housing, the Bushnell Pro X2 is the flagship of Bushnell’s laser rangefinder line. It’s legal for tournament play when the slope-switch is turned off. It locks on to targets quickly and vibrates when locking on to the flag from distances up to 450 yards. Available on Amazon: $449.98

    Club Glove Last Bag

    • Club Glove Travel Gear – If you ever travel by air to play golf, you’ll need a reliable travel bag to protect your clubs. There’s a good reason that 90% of tour players use Club Glove – They are the best quality, most reliable travel bags available. Made in the USA and available in several sizes, your golf bag will be well protected and getting around the airport is a breeze. I’ve logged close to 50,000 miles of air travel with my Last Bag, and it’s not showing any signs of wear other than some dirt and dust from airliner cargo holds. Paired with their matching luggage and the Train Reaction system and you have a complete travel set that’ll last you decades. Club Glove Last Bag available on ClubGlove.com: $319.00

    Bridgestone-Tour-B-Golf-Balls
    Photo Credit: MyGolfSpy.com

    • Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls – Played by Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, Bryson DeChambeau, Paula Creamer and more, the new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls are one of the top performing golf balls available. I’ve been using them since the 2015 season and I love the stable flight, penetrating trajectory and predictable spin and fell around the greens. Bridgestone Tour B XS: $44.89/dozen

    puma-soundchuck-mini

    • Cobra Golf Soundchuck Mini Bluetooth Speaker – It seems that more and more people are playing music on the golf course these days. With mobile phones and unlimited data plans, streaming music from the internet is very popular. Play music from your phone or tablet in style with the Cobra Soundchuck Mini bluetooth speaker. Available in three colors, it clips to your golf bag, cart or person to keep the party going on the course. MSRP: $79.99 – Amazon Price: $64.99

    Rickie-Fowler-Puma-P-Cap

    • Puma Golf P Cap – Rickie Fowler wears this cap on tour. It’s simple and stylish. Available in 6 colors. Why not get a few? You can never have too many snapbacks… Amazon Price: $27.85

    golf-pride-mcc-align-grips

    • Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align Grips – The most neglected part of any golfer’s equipment is usually the grips. Your only connection to the club is obviously important, and you are probably giving up strokes if you are playing with worn out grips. The most used grips on tour for decades, Golf Pride makes grips in all styles and sizes, but perhaps the most popular grips in their line are the MCC Plus4 that feature a reduced taper design for greater feel. Golf Pride’s new ALIGN technology helps you feel the grip under your hands and achieve consistent hand placement. You’ll be sure to improve your scores with new grips, so why not get the best? You can get a set of 13 Grips with all the tools you’ll need for $149.99 on Amazon

    Sun Mountain 4.5LS Bag

    • Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Golf Bag – If you are anything like me, you play some rounds riding in a golf cart and some walking the course. The folks at Sun Mountain know this and designed a carry/stand bag that works for any situation. When walking the course the adjustable, heavily cushioned dual strap manages the load and the stand deploys easily and holds the bag stable. When riding, there’s a cart strap pass through that allows access to all the pockets and the flat bottom is shaped to fit in the cart’s bagwell. The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS really is the best of both worlds in one bag. Available in many colors on Amazon for $209.99

    tatoo-golf-mens-wear

    • Tattoo Golf Apparel – The mad scientists over at Tattoo Golf have been making unique & stylish golf apparel for years, but they’ve really stepped up their game lately and have quickly become my current favorite golf apparel brand. Mixing their trademark skull & crossbones logo with daring patterns and bright colors, one could describe Tattoo’s style as golf clothing for bikers, but their look now transcends the biker crowd and appeals to anybody that wants more than just the boring old khakis and solid color shirts your dad wore on the golf course. Not only is their stuff exciting and fun to wear, but they are quality built and priced to blow the big brands away. Sign up for their mailing list for flash sales and big discounts (sometimes up to 30% off!) and check out their fashions online at https://www.tattoogolf.com/

    Team USA 2017

    • WAGC USA Membership – Calling all American residents! Would you like a chance to play golf for Team USA in an exotic location, all expenses paid? It doesn’t matter what your ability, because the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) is an annual golf competition that is broken down into five flights with handicaps ranging from 0.0 to 25.0. The WAGC plays locally all over the USA, and players earn points in local events to earn exemptions towards the national championship, where the winners of each flight are named to Team USA and represent the US (all expenses paid) against 35 other countries at the 2018 WAGC World Finals, being held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia For more information visit the WAGC USA’s website here. Annual membership is only $189
  • 15 Ways To Make Dad Happy On Father’s Day

    15 Ways To Make Dad Happy On Father’s Day

    This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 18th in the United States and if you are reading this there’s a good chance your father plays golf and you are looking for gift suggestions. Heck, you may even be a father looking for ideas of what to drop hints to your family about. Either way, we’ve compiled an extensive list of no less than 15 gifts in all price ranges that we think will make your father very happy. Happy shopping!

    Tattoo Golf – Your dad may not be as cool as he once was, but dress him in some slick duds from Tattoo Golf and he’ll look like a badass again. Tattoo Golf doesn’t care what the dress code at your club is, and they don’t care about your boring khakis either. They like skulls, and they like showing them off. Deal with it. https://www.tattoogolf.com

    Tattoo Golf OB white golf shirt

    Nexbelt – One of the originals in the “belts without holes” category, Nexbelt makes high quality belts for all occasions. They have a belt and buckle combo for just about everybody. For Father’s Day, use promo code DAD20 get 20% off your entire order! https://www.nexbelt.com

    Nexbelt Go-In Grid Belt

    Royal & Awesome – Another company that takes subtlety and punches it in the face – Royal & Awesome makes golf trousers, shorts, shirts, hats and accessories for the golfer that wants to make a bold statement. Their wild and colorful patterns will certainly turn heads, and if you think playing golf in these is offensive, maybe you should just take up tennis. http://www.royalandawesome.com/mens

    Royal & Awesome Old Tom's Trews

    Ecco Cage Pro BOA – Regular readers of the site know I’m a huge fan of Ecco. I think they make the most comfortable and best performing golf shoe in the world. The introduction of the Ecco Cage Pro BOA is further proof that Ecco isn’t fooling around. The new SPYDR-GRIP outsole doesn’t pick up grass and dirt as you walk, yet provides ample traction during the most violent of swings. The easy to use BOA closure system works better than traditional shoelaces and provides a more precise fit. https://us.ecco.com/golf/shoes

    Ecco Cage Pro BOA Golf Shoes

    Honma Golf – Home of the $75,000 golf clubs, Honma also makes much more affordable clubs with their Tour World line that is played by most of Honma’s professional tour staff. As I’ve mentioned before, they are entering the US market with a bang and you’ll want to get on the train before it leaves the station. Their clubs are for real, and if your dad is a serious golfer he’ll appreciate these premium quality sticks. http://honmagolfusa.com

    MLA Putters – MLA’s patented alignment technology is unique and innovative. Their putters are also well built, perform well and are gaining a foothold on the professional tours. The new Tour Series Black Edition putters take the line to a whole new level and look positively awesome. MLA stands for Multiple Line Activation in case you were wondering. https://www.mla.golf

    MLA Your XDream BLACK EDITION

    Exotics EX10 Woods – Tour Edge has been making some of the hottest and best performing fairways for years, and to stay on top of the mountain in 2017 they’ve given us the new EX10 woods. Make no mistake, this is one serious fairway wood. In early testing so far, I’m seeing gains of 8-10 yards over my old steel headed 3-wood. The bottom line is – If you can’t hit the Exotics EX10 fairways, you can’t hit any. https://www.touredge.com/collections/fairways-1

    Exotics EX10 Beta Three Wood

    Forte Golf Balls – Australians know quite a bit about golf. They have some of the best courses in the world and the country has produced generation after generation of world renowned golfers. It’s only natural then, that they would bring us a top notch golf ball. Iv’e been testing the Forte Tour Performance S golf ball and they perform on par with or better than any tour level ball from any of the big names. In my opinion it compares most to the Titleist ProV1 in terms of feel and spin. https://fortegolf.com.au

    Volvik Vivid – If you wear pants from Royal & Awesome, you may as well complete your outfit with golf balls that are as bright and colorful as your pants! Enter the Volvik Vivid – The world’s first matte finish golf ball. The matte finish really makes these balls pop, and they are available in 7 colors too.

    Volvik Vivid Golf Balls

    Lostgolfballs.com – If your dad’s divots sometimes go further than the shot and he sprays the ball all over creation, maybe you should consider buying his some gently used golf balls instead of spending the extra money on new ones. Lostgolfballs.com is the place to go for used balls in great condition for a fair price. https://www.lostgolfballs.com

    Reks Optics – I discovered Reks a little while ago and after wearing their sunglasses for almost a year I can say with confidence that there’s no better combination of performance and value than what Reks is offering. Their glasses are comfortable to wear, perform great, look sharp, are virtually indestructible and carry a 24 month warranty. All this and you can buy 3 or 4 pairs for the price of one pair of those other overpriced brands. https://reksoptics.com

    Reks Polarized Sunglasses

    Golf Pride Align Grips – Golf grips are pretty boring, and nothing new and exciting has come along in grip technology since Winn grips over 10 years ago. Until this year when market leader Golf Pride introduced the MCC ALIGN grips. With a raised ridge down the spine of the grip serving as a reminder for consistent hand placement, the feedback is instant and positive. I highly recommend these grips, and I’ll be putting them on my clubs as soon as they are in stock again! https://www.golfpride.com/grips/mcc-align/

    Golf Pride MCC Align Grips

    Frogger Latch-It Accessories – The 2017 Best Product award winner at the PGA Merchandise Show, Frogger’s innovative Latch-It ecosystem is my favorite new golf gadget. When it comes to being in control of all your devices and tools on the golf course, many have tried but all have failed – until now. Latch-It allows you to attach towels, range finders, phones, brushes and more to your bag, cart or belt and makes it easy. https://www.froggergolf.com/collections/latch-it-ecosystem

    Bushnell X2 Pro Rangefinder – Bushnell is the most used range finder on the PGA Tour, and their new top of the line model is called the Pro X2. It is fully waterproof, accurate to 1/2 yard and ranges up to 1300 yards. Bushnell’s PinSeeker technology locks on to the flag and the device vibrates to let you know you’ve got the flag locked. The X2 Pro also allows golfers to turn the slope adjustment feature on of off to make it tournament legal. If you want one of the best rangefinders available, the Bushnell Pro X2 would be a good start. https://www.bushnellgolf.com/golf-laser-rangefinders/

    SkyCaddie TOUCH GPS – If laser rangefinders aren’t Dad’s cup of tea and he prefers a GPS device, why not get him the best one out there? SkyCaddie has been leading the golf GPS market for years, and their flagship product is the SkyCaddie TOUCH. With a large color touchscreen and bluetooth connectivity for your phone and the SkyGolf 360 free app, the TOUCH has all the features you are looking for to help you navigate your way around the golf course. https://www.skygolf.com/products

  • Leupold GX-2i2 Rangefinder

    LeupoldGX-2i2 handheldIt wasn’t that long ago that I remember playing golf without any distance measuring devices other than a bush around the 150 yard mark in the fairway. Along came the 100, 150, 200 and 250 yard markers, then sprinkler heads all over the course were marked with yardages. From there, it wasn’t long before laser range finders and GPS devices started showing up. The game hasn’t been the same since.

    Leupold is well known in the hunting and shooting sports world for making some of the best rifle scopes and optics available, so naturally their expertise would lend itself well to golf rangefinders. I’ve used lasers from several different companies over the years, but I’m most impressed with the technology that Leupold has built into their GX line of rangefinders.

    All laser rangefinders can give you accurate distances to most targets, and some also give you yardages adjusted for slope, but Leupold has taken it to the next level with a feature called True Golf Range (TGR) and Club Selector. The Leupold GX-2i2 laser rangefinder has the ability to adjust for slope, elevation and temperature to give you the most accurate adjusted yardage. It can even suggest the right club to hit based on the adjusted yardage. While these features aren’t legal for USGA tournament play, they are very useful for practice rounds and getting to know an unfamiliar golf course. It’s also important to note that you can easily turn off the TGR features to make the device legal to use in tournament play.

    Testing this rangefinder at home in Florida might be tricky since most of the golf courses are flat and the highest point in the entire state is only 345 feet above sea level. So, to put Leupold’s True Golf Range feature to the test, I flew west to the Rocky Mountains! While attending the ING Spring Conference in beautiful Heber City, Utah I found the ideal place to test the Leupold GX-2i2. At close to 6000 feet in altitude, Wasatch Mountain State Park‘s mountain course is a perfect example of alpine golf at its finest. The front nine rises two miles up into the mountains, and the back nine descends back down to the clubhouse.

    WastachMountainStateParkThe dramatic elevation changes of this course and high altitude of the Heber Valley area make club selection very difficult for someone like me who usually plays at sea level. The thinner air means the golf ball travels 10-15% further, and while that can be a huge ego boost for tee shots, the sometimes severe uphill and downhill holes require lots of imagination to get the correct distance with approach shots. Golf blogger extraordinaire and Salt Lake City resident Tony Korologos knows this better than most.

    To set up the True Golf Range and Club Selector features, you simply go through the menu options on the screen while looking through the rangefinder’s reticle. When you turn on TGR, the GX-2i2 will ask you to input the altitude, temperature and how far you hit a typical four, six and eight iron shot. Once equipped with this data, the GX-2i2 will not only give you the actual line-of-sight yardage to your target (accurate to a tenth of a yard), but it will also will give you an adjusted distance based on the temperature, altitude and slope. Not only that, but the GX-2i2 will also suggest which club to hit based on this information.

    I know what you are thinking – That’s cool and all, but how well does it work? Fantastically! For my high altitude testing in the mountains of Utah, the True Golf Range feature worked flawlessly. I remember a few specific situations in which I simply didn’t trust the adjusted distance, but went with it anyway and I’m glad I did.

    The 12th hole at Wasatch Mountain is a straight downhill par 5 that measures 635 yards from the back tees. Now, I’m a pretty long hitter (I average about 290 off the tee according to Game Golf) but 635 yards is no joke! Well, after a drive that measured about 377 yards, I was left with 254 yards to the flag for my second shot. The Leupold GX-2i2 told me the adjusted yardage was 219 and to hit a four iron. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of hitting a four iron over 250 yards, but in the name of science – I hit it anyway! I flushed it, and to my surprise the ball landed on the green and ended up pin high. Mind blown.

    The next situation came up on the 17th hole, a 223 yard downhill par 3. On that day I had 217 yards to the pin, and the GX-2i2 suggested a seven iron. Again, my brain is just not able to process hitting a seven iron 217 yards, but being an obedient test subject I pulled a seven iron and hit it pin high. Mind blown again.

    GX-2i2 carry caseIn my 54 holes of testing the Leupold GX-2i2 rangefinder at high altitudes in the mountains of Utah, I found that the True Golf Range was amazingly accurate and invaluable for me. The Club Selector feature is a very nice addition, but I found that I mostly ignored the club suggestions because not every shot is a stock iron shot in golf. When in doubt however, it proved very useful. This rangefinder is staying in my golf bag for a long time, even if I don’t use TGR for tournament play. It’s accurate, light weight and packs a lot of technology into a nice compact package.

    Perhaps my buddy Tony will want a ruling now because without the GX-2i2 rangefinder and its whiz-bang technology there is no way I could have beaten him 1-up in our tightly contested 36 hole grudge match at the fantastic Soldier Hollow Golf Course. In my defense, I was actually playing with a torn retina in my right eye, but that’s a story for another day…

  • 8 Golf Products You Can’t Live Without

    8 Golf Products You Can’t Live Without

    Drink_CaddyThe golf industry is no different than any other industry in that there is no shortage of copy-cats, corner cutters and imitators out there. Every major golf equipment manufacturer has had their products cloned, and anyone with a good idea better cash in fast because you can bet someone out there will try to copy it at some point. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of new products introduced over the years with varying levels of success. Some are upgrades of existing products or ideas, and others are totally new concepts. Here are eight cool products that I have come across lately that deserve your attention!

    Drink Caddy

    The Drink Caddy (seen above) is part novelty item, part useful gadget. Many golfers like to have a drink or three when they play golf. This wouldn’t be much of an issue, other than the policy many courses have that don’t allow outside food or beverages on the course. They want to sell you their $3 Gatorades and $5 beers. Instead of stuffing beer cans in your bag, the Drink Caddy helps by disguising a drink dispenser as just another club in your bag. There is a pretty large 52oz (1.5 liters) reservoir that hides away in your bag, attached to the dispenser that pumps the liquid of your choice on demand. It works great and is easy to clean and use. You can’t use it with carbonated drinks, but other than that it is a great option for those hit-and-giggle scramble events to carry rum, vodka, wine or boring old water. You decide!

    NexbeltNexbelt – The Belt With No Holes

    My new favorite apparel accessory is Nexbelt belts. Just like the tagline says, they have no holes. Instead, Nexbelt has designed a belt that uses a kind of ratchet system to size the belt. This system helps in a couple of ways. First, it allows a more precise fit than the old fashioned holes, and can be easily adjusted without drawing attention to your crotch. The other bonus of this design is that it allows them to make one belt for everyone up to 50″. You buy the belt, size yourself and then cut the extra length off yourself. They have dozens of styles and colors for men and women, work, casual and golf. Give them a look and access the online shop here.

    magnecaddyMagneCaddy

    This is as simple as you can get for a golf accessory. Have a bad back? Hurts to bend down and pick up your clubs around the green? Just install the MagneCaddy on the end of your putter and pick up those wedges with ease. The device screws into the little hole on the butt end of your grips and uses a powerful magnet to pick up anything metallic. When I say powerful, I mean it. I picked up a sand wedge with it and shook it in the air, but the MagneCaddy held it strong. The only problem with a magnet this strong is that it will cling to anything made of metal, including your car, the golf cart, other clubs in the bag, etc.

    polara golf ballsPolara Self-Correcting Golf Balls

    “Dammit, that golf ball flies too straight!” Ever hear anyone say that on the golf course? Yeah, me neither. The average golfer still hits the ball all over the place, despite all the wonderful technology in those $400 drivers that promise we won’t. Polara Golf is the only company that can back up those claims. They make a golf ball that flies so straight it’s illegal. The Polara golf ball has dimples of different sizes and depth arranged in a specific way as to self-correct in flight. As a result, when properly aligned to the target these golf balls fly on a flatter, knuckleball-like trajectory and they go very, very straight. The shallow dimples around the center of the ball are what help them fly straight, but they also reduce lift, meaning they will fly lower and carry less than regular golf balls. However, the lower spin also means they will roll more after landing. Overall I noticed a small difference in distance over a normal golf ball. Use a high lofted driver to counteract the lower ball flight and spin and these balls are awesome. They even make their own (illegal) driver to use with them that helps even more. Obviously you can’t use them in any USGA sanctioned events, but for the casual golfer they can certainly help make the game more fun!

    Renegar Golf WedgesRenegar Wedges

    Bob Renegar has been around for a while, but you may never have heard of him. He first designed his unique wedges under a different name, but he’s now selling his scoring clubs under the Renegar Golf brand. The Renegar wedge has a sole grind that is unlike any other on the market. According to Renegar, it allows the golfer to produce virtually any kind of shot around the greens, from any lie. The grind allowed them to lower the leading edge of the club without losing bounce. This permits the club to perform well from a variety of lies and circumstances around the green. This versatility is key for a good short game. I’ve used a similar sole grind for years, even if it isn’t exactly like his. In early testing, Renegar wedges are a joy to chip with and can handle closely mown collars, deep bermuda rough and sand with ease. Look for a complete play test and review of these cool wedges soon!

    Bushnell Tour Z6 JoltBushnell Tour Z6 Jolt

    I have become attached to my rangefinder in much the same way that many people are to their smartphones. I’m so dependent on it that I can remember the exact date and course that I last played without one. Over the years they have greatly improved on the technology that was originally borrowed from range finders designed for hunting. Now, most models from all the major brands have some sort of flag-lock feature to be sure you are hitting the flag, not the trees behind the green when shooting a yardage. The Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt is one of the best. Not only does Bushnell’s Pinseeker technology work well, but the unit also vibrates when lock is established so you can be sure. The Z6 Jolt is also light and the display is very bright, so you can use it in all conditions. A review on this one is also coming soon!

    Swiftwick SocksSwiftwick Socks

    Socks are socks, right? Except when they aren’t. Swiftwick makes compression socks for all sports including golf. No matter what sport you play, you want your feet to be comfy. Swiftwick socks fit like new every time you put them on, and provide support and moisture wicking for your feet. Not only that, but they look cool, come in many different sizes, colors and styles and they are made in the USA. What more do you need? Try them out!

    Personal Golf TotePersonal Golf Tote

    From the “Why didn’t I think of that” department comes the simple but very handy Personal Golf Tote from Cynwark. We’ve all had to share a golf cart with a basket hog at one time or another. You know the type – they throw all their stuff in the basket behind the seats, leaving you no room to toss your empty beer cans and head covers. The nerve of some people. So you do what we all do, throw your stuff in the front storage compartments and end up leaving your sunglasses and keys behind. Well, now you don’t have to fight over the basket or forget stuff in the cart. Simply hang the Personal Golf Tote over the side of the cart from the seat handle and put your keys, wallet, snacks, golf balls, tees, your range finder, sunscreen and whatever else in it for safe keeping. At first I was afraid of the guys making fun of it, but they all thought it was a neat idea, and the ladies absolutely love it. Simple but thoughtful. It’s the perfect golf gadget!