Tag: golf

  • Cleveland Golf Introduces RTX 4 Wedges

    Cleveland Golf Introduces RTX 4 Wedges

    Cleveland RXT 4 Wedges - All Finishes

    Cleveland Golf has just introduced the new RTX 4 wedges – claiming they are the most “tour authentic” wedge Cleveland has ever made. This is the fourth generation in the Rotex line. RTX 4 wedges will be available in North America on Sept 14, 2018.

    Cleveland Golf remains at the forefront of wedge design, producing short game innovations and technologies since 1979. With the RTX 4, Cleveland held nothing back during development, creating a made-for-tour wedge in its purest form. Many of the innovations originally created to help tour players score better are being put to good use in the RTX 4 wedges to help golfers of all abilities.

    “With the new RTX 4, we spared no expense in trying to achieve the best possible wedge for the best players in the world, and then bring that wedge to the consumer,” said John Rae, Vice President at Cleveland Golf. “We worked tirelessly with our tour staff to refine every detail of the wedge and its shape to fit their needs.”

    The foundation of RTX 4 is the 4th generation of Cleveland’s proprietary Rotex Face Technology. Following four life cycles, years of research, and millions of data points, the tolerances were tightened to help provide ultimate short game control. RTX 4 generates more spin through the sharpest Tour Zip Grooves, most aggressive face milling, and more precise laser milling.

    “It feels like the ball is really spinning off the face,” said Shane Lowry. “There are extra little grooves in there, which makes it spin more and it definitely does spin more.”

    Following extensive tour feedback, RTX 4 features a more compact blade shape, with less offset and a smaller overall profile to provide that classic blade design that tour players prefer. Additionally, RTX 4 offers four new sole grinds, including an all-new XLOW grind, to provide the versatility to execute the most challenging greenside shots.

    “I mean it’s got that soft feel which is so nice,” said Graeme McDowell. “I really love the bounce profile here. I like the feeling of using the back bounce on the wedge so, when I look at that, it’s something that really appeals to me.”

    “What I love about this wedge is the sole in the bunker,” said Keegan Bradley. “It doesn’t dig in too much, and I’m able to really clip the ball and put a lot of spin on it. We are all very excited to play this wedge.”

    Cleveland RXT 4 Wedges - All Finishes

    Key Innovations of RTX 4 Wedges

    • Rotex Face Technology: The 4th generation Rotex Face features Cleveland’s sharpest grooves and most aggressive face milling pattern.
    • Tour-Developed Sole Grinds: Four sole grinds, deliver enough versatility to execute every short game shot imaginable.
    • Progressive Feel Balancing Technology: Next- generation Feel Balancing Technology is optimized by loft for even more short game control.
    • Tour-Authentic Components: RTX 4 comes standard with the #1 wedge shaft and #1 wedge grip on the PGA Tour.
    • Tour Shaping: Tour-driven compact shaping uses less offset to provide more workability and confidence at address.

    “Having something that you can mishit a little bit and still see the results of what you’re trying to accomplish is amazing,” said Sean Crocker. “Cleveland wedges have already been the best wedges in the game, and this just makes it even better because to improve on their wedges is something hard to do, but they’ve done it with RTX 4.”

    Cleveland’s RTX 4 wedges are offered in a variety of different degrees and grinds. The FULL (three dots) Sole grind is offered in 56 through 60 degrees, the MID (two dots) Sole grind is offered in 46 through 60 degrees, the LOW (one dot) Sole grind is offered in 56 through 64 degrees, and the XLOW Sole grind is offered in 58 and 60 degree lofts. The wedges are available in three different finishes (Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Raw) and left and right-handed options. Cleveland’s RTX 4 wedges are priced at $139.99 MAP (minimum advertised price).

    More Photos

    Cleveland RXT 4 Grinds
    Left to Right: XLow, Low, Mid & Full Grinds
    Cleveland RXT 4 Wedge - Tour Raw
    Tour Raw Finish w. Rotex Milling
    Cleveland RTX 4 Wedges - Group
    Cleveland RTX 4 – All Finishes
    RTX 4 - All Grinds
    RTX 4 – All Grinds
  • Destination: Bandon Dunes – By The Numbers

    Destination: Bandon Dunes – By The Numbers

    Bandon Dunes ClockA few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of spending 5 days walking the fairways of the greatest golf resort in North America with some good friends and fellow golf media types. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located in southwest Oregon along the Pacific Ocean, about 250 miles south of Portland and 500 miles north San Francisco. It’s quite remote, but that’s all part of the Bandon experience.

    We’ll be talking about this American golf mecca much more in the coming weeks, but for now, let’s have some fun with some of the numbers from my recent trip:

    Bandon Dunes – By The Numbers

    Miles Flown: 10,308 (Orlando to Portland, Portland to Minneapolis, Minneapolis to Orlando)

    Courses Played: 5 – Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, Bandon Preserve (Par 3 course), Pacific Dunes & Old Macdonald. Each course has its own unique character and feel, and they are all among the best layouts in the country.

    Rounds Played: 6 – We were scheduled to play 36 a day, plus 18 on the first and last day of our trip, but my blister issues forced me to sit out a couple of rounds. In fact, we all decided to skip the Saturday morning round to sleep in a bit and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the main lodge.

    Total Shots Hit: About 450 – To be honest, I didn’t keep score most of the time. I had a good idea of where I stood relative to par, but there’s something about walking some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see on a golf course that makes people stop caring about their score.

    Bandon Selfie Pacific Dunes

    Golf Balls Lost: 7 – Not bad considering the myriad ways to lose golf balls at Bandon Dunes.

    Miles Driven: Just over 550 – Our rental car was a sweet fully loaded Volvo XC90.

    Footsteps Taken: Just under 108,000 – Thanks to the orthotic insoles I bought, my plantar fasciitis didn’t act up too much.

    Miles Walked: 45.5 – I haven’t walked that much since my early twenties when I spent many a weekend backpacking in the mountains of New Hampshire.

    Pictures Taken: 124 – As a group, the four of us took over 1400 photos. I was shooting on my iPhone so I didn’t take as many as the others and instead decided to focus on quality over quantity. I would like to purchase a good quality point-and-shoot camera that uses the RAW format and can shoot HD video for future trips.

    Longest Drive: 391 yards – 7th hole, Pacific Dunes. Yes, it was downwind! I crushed it with the new Cobra F8+ driver, and with the help of a strong tailwind it rolled out to the end of the fairway on the 464-yard par 4. I was left with just a lob wedge to the green.

    Shortest Drive: About 188 Yards – 7th Hole, Old Macdonald Course into a 40 mph wind. I smoked it too, but Mother Nature doesn’t play games.

    Longest Putt: 103 Yards – Tee shot to 12 feet on the Par Three 13th hole of the Bandon Preserve Course. This downhill par-3 was designed to be playable on the ground, and it’s sort of an unwritten rule that you are supposed to play the hole with a putter. Mission accomplished.

    Pacific Dunes Chip With Caddie

    Strongest Wind Speed: 40 mph – We played Old MacDonald in the biggest winds of the week. The starter said it had been the windiest day of the summer so far, as evidenced by that 188-yard drive on the 7th hole!

    Average Wind Speed: 22-28 mph – The wind always blows at Bandon, especially in the afternoon. The ability to hit a knockdown shot or “stinger” is critical if you want to score well at Bandon Dunes. Playing early in the morning helps, but it’s only a matter of time before the wind starts blowing.

    Number of Holes: 85 – There are actually 94 holes if you count Shorty’s, the par 3 course attached to the practice facility.

    Number of Bunkers: Too many to count! Several bunkers are so severe that they even have stairs to enter and exit.

    Grandma’s Meatloaf Eaten: 2 – Don’t look for health foods here. Bandon is a meat & potatoes kind of place where weary golfers load up on carbs and protein in order to summon the energy to walk 36 holes a day.

    Number of Times I Said Wow: At least a dozen times – Every course offers unforgettable views and scenic vistas.

    Number of Blisters Treated: 1 – I was lucky. It’s almost unavoidable when walking this much. Take care of your feet!

    Bandon Trails Par 3Driver Shafts Broken: 1 – The bad news is it was the fantastic TPT Golf 15 LKP-MT-SW shaft that’s in my gamer Ping G400 driver. The good news is, I brought a pretty darn good backup driver – The Cobra King F8+

    Pairs of Shoes Worn: 2 – I started on the first day wearing my new Puma Ignite PWRADAPT leather shoes. They look really sharp and have a good blend of style, traction, and comfort. For the rest of the trip, I switched to my FootJoy Superlites XP because they seemed to fit a bit better with the bulky orthotic insoles I had to wear.

    Memories Made: Countless. Bandon Dunes is a special place, and spending a week there is a privilege I’ll not soon forget. Returning to Florida after five days of spectacular links golf on the shores of southwest Oregon is a big letdown for sure, but I’ll have great memories of time spent with good buddies playing the game the way it was meant to be played. Maybe someday I’ll get to return and make some new memories, and maybe I’ll finally figure out how to hit that hybrid-chip shot from around the greens.

  • Coming To America – Big Max Golf

    Coming To America – Big Max Golf

    Europe’s most owned golf push carts and #1 golf bag brand is coming to America. Big Max Golf is bringing their award-winning technology to the US market, with five designs showcasing two technologies – AQUA and DRI-LITE. Big Max golf bags arrived in stores last month to go along with their innovative push carts that we’ve already had for a little while.

    BIG MAX USA 2018 Bags v2

    AQUA

    The AQUA line uses technology Big Max calls the DROP STOP system to guarantee the bags are 100% waterproof. Combining waterproof fabric with sealed seams and specially designed waterproof zippers from Japan, the AQUA line of golf bags carry a waterproof rating of 10,000mm*

    *Hydrostatic testing of waterproof fabric gives a mm per 24 hours rating. This refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a single day. Thus, a 10,000mm waterproof rating means the garment can withstand 10,000mm of rainfall in a single day without letting moisture in.

    Most other golf bags claim to be waterproof but are merely just water resistant compared to the Big Max AQUA line. The AQUA Sport 2 is the second generation of Big Max’s most successful cart bag. It has a 14-way, 9.5 inch top, full-length dividers, 7 pockets and an oversize putter well to accommodate bigger putter grips. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, the Sport 2 is light without being flimsy.

    The AQUA Wave is a lightweight and 100% waterproof stand bag. The Wave’s 8 ½” top extends into four full-length dividers, while its six waterproof pockets, air channel straps and ultra-light weight of just over four pounds make the bag a hugely practical and colorful addition to any golfer’s gear.

    The AQUA Ocean is a 100% waterproof, compact stand bag that has space to spare and weighs just 3 ¾ lbs. With an oversize top, the Ocean is designed for ease of use and with five waterproof pockets has plenty of storage options. Practical features such as glove, towel and umbrella holder, combined with space for a full set of clubs mean this stylish bag allows golfers to travel and play without compromise.

    DRI-LITE

    Big Max DRI LITE Active golf bags offer practical solutions to all a golfers in a stylish, water-resistant package. A  9 ½“, 14 way top and an oversize putter well to fit the largest grips will keep all a golfers clubs in order, while nine pockets, including a waterproof valuables pocket, glove, dual umbrella positions and towel holder will pack away even the most well-equipped golfers’ gear with ease. Ultra-lightweight at well under 5 lbs and available in a range of stylish color combinations, the DRI LITE Active looks great and delivers on the course.

    The Big Max DRI LITE G is a full-size stand bag that belies its capacity with a weight of less than 4 ½ lbs. A 14-way divider separates the 9” top giving plenty of room for a full set of clubs. An air channel strap for breathability across the back enhances comfort for the carrier while leg lock enables the G to be perfectly stable on a cart. Seven pockets along with DRI LITE technology finish off the practical features and a fantastic price make it a great buy for those carrying with a full set of gear.

    Pricing & Availability

    AQUA Sport 2 – $299.99, available in Black/silver, Charcoal/Black/Red, Silver/Black/Cobalt, Red/Black/Silver, Navy/Black/Silver
    AQUA Wave – $249.99 available in Black, Red, Yellow, White/Orange, Petrol
    AQUA Ocean – $179.99, available in Black/Red, Red/Black
    DRI LITE Active – $229.99, available in White/Red, Charcoal/Fuchsia, Navy/Black/Silver, Black/Red
    DRI LITE G – $199.99, available in White/Orange, Navy/Silver, Silver/Black/lime, Charcoal/Black/Orange, Black/Red

    For more information on BIG MAX products, visit www.us.bigmaxgolf.com or follow on social media:

    facebook.com/bigmaxgolf
    Twitter: @BIGMAXGOLF
    Instagram: @BIGMAX.GOLF

  • First Look: Swing Caddie SC200

    First Look: Swing Caddie SC200

    Swing Caddie SC200 Korean company Voice Caddie has been shaking up the golf electronics market for several years, and their next product is sure to help continue that trend. The Swing Caddie SC200 is their second generation portable launch monitor and follows in the footsteps of the original SC100 model. The Swing Caddie SC200 works much like other launch monitors, using Doppler radar to track the flight of the golf ball after impact.

    Obviously, there’s some trade-off between a $15,000+ trackman unit and this little device that sells for under 0. The much more expensive devices are able to track almost the entire flight of the golf ball and can provide more data like peak height, launch & descent angle, angle of attack, total dispersion between shots and much more.

    The Swing Caddie SC200 measures variables like swing speed, carry distance, ball speed and smash factor. For golfers wanting to improve and get some basic information about their game, the SC200 will provide most of the information they’ll need. It’s a great training aid because you see the results in real-time. If you hit a few balls really solid you’ll see an increase in ball speeds and distance. Miss it a bit and those numbers will come down.

    The reason most high-end club fitters use expensive launch monitors is that they provide the most information. While the Sc200 can be used for club fitting, to do the best job you’ll probably need a little more information. A good fitter may arrive at the same conclusions using the SC200, but it will probably take longer to get a club dialed in because you don’t get as much information from it compared to a more expensive model.

    The Swing Caddie SC200 is a perfect tool for serious golfers looking for more information about their swing. It’s so compact that you can leave it in your golf bag for range sessions or even on course work. It uses a built-in barometric pressure sensor to calibrate itself automatically to your environment and speaks the distances to you over the speaker. You can store the stats for the last 100 shots taken and review them later, but it doesn’t connect to a smartphone or tablet to save the data for later or upload to the web.

    The bottom line is this: If you want to get a taste of some cool launch monitor technology without taking out a second mortgage, the Swing Caddie SC200 should probably be your first stop. It will give you most of the important numbers you need, is very portable and easy to use, and it can be purchased for less than $300. Click the following affiliate link to get your own Swing Caddie SC200 for only $289.99. That’s cheaper than retailers and even Amazon!

     

     

  • Sneak Peak – Wilson Tour V6 Raw Irons

    Sneak Peak – Wilson Tour V6 Raw Irons

    Wilson Golf is introducing a new limited edition set of Tour V6 irons in a raw finish. These are forged from soft 8620 carbon steel and will rust over time, giving them each a unique patina that reduces glare and gives them an old school look. 8620 steel is also very soft and transmits a fantastic feel on solid hits. I have an old set of Cleveland irons and Hopkins wedges with the same finish and it’s very cool. Some company’s wedges are finished like this (especially on tour), so why not a whole set of irons too?

    FG TOUR V6 RAW 3 Club Progression

    Wilson staff professional Troy Merritt will put the new Wilson Tour V6 Raw irons into play this week at the Travellers Championship at TPC River Highlands. The V6 Raw long and middle irons have a copper-colored badge and tungsten insert to lower the center of gravity for slightly higher launch. The 8 iron down are solid 8620. This limited run set is available with up to 30 different shaft options and will run you about $1100 for eight irons They are available at select Wilson dealers and online at Wilson.com.

  • 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills – Predictions

    2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills – Predictions

    2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills
    Photo Credit: Fox Sports

    It’s just a couple of days away. Shinnecock Hills in New York will take center stage and once again play host the U.S. Open, shining in the spotlight for golf fans around the world.

    There have been quite a few recent restorations at Shinnecock Hills GC. Golfers playing in the 2018 U.S. Open will experience new levels of difficulty. The course has changed significantly since 2004. Seven acres of fairway space has been converted to rough, and the Par 70 course has been lengthened to just under seven-and-a-half thousand yards (7,500). The layout now plays around 500 yards longer.

    For the sake of the Tournament, the association tried to strike a balance to create the ultimate test for the best golfers in the world, yet still stay true to the course’s design. So they tightened it up even more and added extra rough but stated that it would be the widest U.S. Open played at Shinnecock Hills.

    Who’s Favored to Win?

    It Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Dustin Johnson is the favorite to win at Shinnecock Hills. But what is a little surprising is that he has moved up from a 10 to 1 favorite to an 8 to 1 favorite. After checking this 5dimes review to make sure that we were going to get the most up-to-date golf odds, we found Johnson currently sitting at +800 despite media sources still telling us that he was the +1000 favorite.

    Next in line is Rory McIlroy at +1300 to win. McIlroy had an opinion about all of the fussings with the course … He feels like the PGA shouldn’t be so focused on making this such an exact science, “Add some rough. Put the pins in some difficult locations and let us play.” — McIlroy paraphrased. So, it will be interesting to see if his contempt for the handling of the US Open will result in a spiteful win or a crash and burn.

    Justin Thomas is tied with Justin Rose for 3rd on the boards at +1380 or just under 14 to 1. Followed by Day, Spieth, Fowler, Rahm, Woods, and Koepka to round out the top ten.

    If I Were a Betting Man…

    Although Jason Day is one of the men on top of the odds boards, I don’t think he’ll have a great showing in Shinnecock Hills. He has been a bit too hit and miss with his driving and the way they have reshaped this course, accuracy will prove critical.

    Dustin Johnson is playing with confidence. He has also stated that he has a lot of confidence right now. He also says he has high control of his golf ball at the moment. And although this is something that a pro golfer wants any weekend, it is absolutely necessary going into the reinvention of this U.S. Open course.

    If I were a betting man, I would take Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy to win at +490 ( just under 5 to 1) with a small sidecar of Tiger Woods at +2300 (23 to 1) and Bubba Watson at 50 to 1. The At right around 5-1 for either Johnson or McIlroy to win … it’s hard to pass up. Then you can add qualified longshot odds on Woods and Watson, whom the predictive models seem to like for this tournament.

    I have an odd feeling that Tiger is going to show up to play this weekend. Woods finished 17th back in the 2004 edition of the Shinnecock U.S. Open. But he has the experience, even if it has been a while since his last Open win in 2008 at Torrey Pines. We have to remember that Woods has 14 Majors under his belt.

  • 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

  • PING Introduces the PLD3 Putter

    PING Introduces the PLD3 Putter

    It’s no secret that PING makes some of the best performing golf clubs on the planet. Their G-series drivers have been one of the best performing and best selling drivers for several years now, and they continue to innovate with their new G700 irons. But when you think of PING, you don’t normally think of them as making beautiful clubs. Functional? Yes. Technologically advanced? Sure. Beautiful? That’s not really a word we’ve used much when describing PING clubs over the years, but that may be starting to change.

    Introducing PING’s limited edition PLD3 Putter. If you like mallet putters, you’ll want to check this one out. Every limited-edition PLD3 is milled from T6 6061 aluminum and distinguished by a multi-colored, flame-torched copper soleplate that’s unique to that putter. Check these beauties out, and scroll down for more detailed specs and pricing.

    PING PLD Putter Soleplates

    PING PLD Putter

    PING PLD Putter

    PING PLD Putter Soleplates

     

    PLD3 Putter Specifications

    • Flame-Torched C14500 Copper Alloy Precision-Milled Sole Plate
    • 100% Precision-Milled at PING From T6 6061 Aluminum
    • 28″–38″ Available Shaft Length, 3° Loft (+-2°), 20° Lie (+-4°)
    • Fits Slight-Arc Stroke Type, Weighs 365g
    • Stepless Steel Stealth-Colored Shaft
    • PP58 Black Midsize Grip
    • Coordinating PLD3 Putter Cover

    The PLD3 putter is available beginning today (June 1, 2018) at PING Authorized golf shops. MSRP is $435 USD.

  • Callaway’s Sexy New Rogue Pro Black Irons

    Callaway’s Sexy New Rogue Pro Black Irons

    If Johnny Cash was still with us and played golf, this would have been his set of irons. Callaway just announced their new Rogue Pro Black irons, and we’re in love. These sexy clubs are finished in black, with black limited edition True Temper XP105 shafts and black Lamkin Z5 grips. Even the Callaway medallion in the cavity is black.

    All the features you’ll see in the regular Rogue Pro irons are in these, including the 360 Face Cup + VFT for more ball speed, MIM’D Internal Standing Wave for optimal flight and control, and great feel with Urethane Microspheres, all in a players iron package. These irons are designed to appeal to better players with a compact head, thin topline, thin sole, shallow cavity and minimal offset. These design features increase workability, trajectory control and impact feedback. The lofts are slightly weaker than Rogue Standard for better gapping and distance control.

    The Callaway Rogue Pro Black irons will go on sale June 8, 2018 and are custom order only at www.callawaygolf.com. Sets will be available in two configurations: 5-PW and 4-PW. Suggested retail price will be $825 and $1099, respectively. If you like black and want a playable iron for low handicappers, you won’t want to miss these.

    OK, no more talk. Here are the pictures!

    Callaway Rogue Pro Black Irons

     

     

     

     

     

    RogueProBlackIrons_0012

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  • 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!

  • 2018 Masters Tournament – By The Numbers

    2018 Masters Tournament – By The Numbers

  • 2018 Masters Tournament Preview

    2018 Masters Tournament Preview

    Masters TournamentThe Masters Tournament is coming, and this year the anticipation has ramped up to levels not seen in years. Why? Tiger Woods is back and playing well. Ticket sales are through the roof as they always are at the Masters, but what’s really telling is the ticket prices. I saw that one person was selling two weekly grounds passes for over $20,000! The thing is, they’ll probably get it. That’s what some in the media call the “Tiger Effect.”

    I’m especially excited for the Masters this year because not only are some of the young guns like Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson playing well, but Tiger and his old rival Phil Mickelson are also playing well in early 2018. There should be plenty of excitement at Augusta National Golf Club this year.

    The Odds

    It’s now time to check the odds and see who’s favored to win. I think we all know who the betting favorite is by now, right? Not so fast Tiger Fans…

    Golfer Odds
    Dustin Johnson +800
    Tiger Woods +900
    Justin Thomas +1000
    Jordan Spieth +1100
    Phil Mickelson +1400
    Jason Day +1600
    Rory McIlroy +1600
    Jon Rahm +1800
    Justin Rose +1800
    Bubba Watson +2000
    Rickie Fowler +2000

    According to Sports Betting Dime, Tiger Woods may be the fan favorite to win another Green Jacket, but Dustin Johnson has the best odds at +800. Tiger Woods’ odds are at +900 and Justin Thomas is currently at +1000.

    Predictions

    If you are a frequent visitor to this website, you may recall that not too long ago I predicted Rickie Fowler would win a major this year. I still like Rickie to finally break through, and he’s my personal favorite to put on his first Green Jacket on Sunday evening. If you are the betting type – at +2000 odds one would be getting a pretty good return on investment…

  • Aerotech Releases New TiFiber Shafts

    Aerotech Releases New TiFiber Shafts

    Aerotech TiFiber ShaftAerotech’s Golf’s president & mad scientist Chris Hilleary is up to his old tricks again, and this time his experience in composites and engineering wizardry has resulted in the new Aerotech TiFiber shaft. Last season, Aerotech Golf’s SteelFiber shafts delivered 20 wins on pro tours around the world as well as won the coveted CME Race for the Globe Trophy and 2016 Money Title on the LPGA Tour. I’ve been playing with and evangelizing the SteelFiber shafts in my irons & hybrids for over 6 years, and for me, there’s no going back to steel.

    Why TiFiber?

    While the original SteelFiber shafts are incredibly consistent and playable, in driver and wood lengths they became too heavy for most golfers to be comfortable with. By replacing steel fibers with much lighter titanium, Aerotech was able to adapt the benefits of their SteelFiber technology to full-length driver and fairway wood shafts.

    What is TiFiber?

    TiFiber shafts combine a high-modulus graphite core like you would find in almost all driver shafts with 47 miles of micro-thin titanium fiber lacing the entire shaft surface. 47 Miles! The addition of high-strength, lightweight titanium fiber increases stability while allowing the weight to be redistributed to optimize tip stiffness. As a result, TiFiber shafts are a great match for modern oversized titanium/composite driver heads.

    TiFiber shafts are currently available in two models – the TiFiber Tour 70 and Pro 60.

    1. TiFiber Tour 70 shafts feature a “Tour Stiff” tip section to optimize flight by reducing spin and lowering trajectory. The Tour 70 is available in F5 (Stiff) and F6 (X-Stiff) flex options.
    2. The TiFiber Pro 60 has a slightly softer tip section and benefits players who need a bit more launch and spin but still want the added stability of titanium. The TiFiber Pro 60 is available in F4 (Regular) and F5 (Stiff) flexes.

    Success on Tour

    Players with SteelFiber shafts routinely rank high on the PGA Money List, Official World Golf Rankings and the FedEx Cup Season Points. Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar have been in Aerotech’s corner for years. In 2013, Kuchar & Snedeker ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in FedEx Cup points and ended the season as #3 and #5 on the PGA Tour money list. Snedeker also won the FedEx Cup in 2012 using SteelFiber shafts.

    While the adoption of SteelFiber continued to grow on the professional tours, the company was testing the TiFiber shaft on tour in 2017 and introduced them to the public at the 2018 PGA Show in Orlando. It’s only a matter of time before TiFiber also records its first win on tour.

    Performance

    I spent some time on the practice range with the Aerotech TiFiber Tour 70x shaft installed in my Ping G driver. I hit several shots with both the TiFiber shaft and the Ping Tour 80x shaft (custom option from Ping) to compare ball flight and launch monitor data. I used the cool new FlightScope MEVO launch monitor to capture club and ball flight data.

    My initial testing has produced numbers that are very similar to the stock Ping shaft, but the little FlightScope MEVO is limited in the data it can gather. More on that in a minute. Both the stock Ping shaft and the TiFiber were giving me similar numbers for launch angle, swing speed, smash factor and spin rates. Carry distance was about 2 yards less with the TiFiber, which is consistent with the ball speeds which were roughly 1 MPH lower with the TiFiber. Shots hit with the TiFiber shaft stayed in the air a fraction of a second less and flew about 5 feet lower, which may help explain the carry distance number. I only got to hit about 8 or 10 drives with each shaft, but once I gather more data I think the results will be more clear.

    What the numbers don’t tell me is what I’m perhaps most interested in with the TiFiber, and that is shot dispersion. The FlightScope MEVO being a palm-sized personal launch monitor priced at $500, it can’t compete with the big boys that cost $10,000+ and one of the areas where the MEVO is lacking is measuring shot dispersion. Since it doesn’t track the entire ball flight, it can’t tell me what the dispersion is from shot to shot.

    I did notice a difference between the shafts, but without measurable data, it’s hard to be 100% sure. I felt that I was hitting the ball straighter with the TiFiber shaft, with a tighter dispersion from shot to shot. I’ll get more data and play a few rounds with the Aerotech shaft in the coming weeks and will know more. I believe the TiFiber shaft to be straighter based on my observations.

    3/12/2018: I’ll update this post when I get more info about the accuracy of the Aerotech TiFiber shaft.

    Where Can I Get One?

    The best way to get your hands on one for your driver will be to schedule a fitting with a good club fitting specialist like Tour Spec Golf. Aerotech Golf shafts are also widely available as custom options with many club manufacturers such as PXG, Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping, Cobra, Bridgestone Golf, Wilson, Cleveland Golf, Miura, Srixon and more.

    For more information on Aerotech Golf and Aerotech shafts, call 888.733.8988 or visit aerotechgolfshafts.com. Also check out the Aerotech page on Facebook: facebook.com/aerotechgolf.

  • True Spec Golf: Next Level Club Fitting

    True Spec Golf: Next Level Club Fitting

    TrueSpec Golf - JupiterMost people are familiar with the concept of club fitting, and most golfers have probably been through some kind of fitting for their clubs at one point or another. As equipment has evolved, fitting has evolved with it. Adjustable drivers and interchangeable shafts have greatly benefitted club fitting professionals, allowing them to tune the clubs for each golfer. With the amount of technology available in the modern game, club fitting has become even more precise and important to get the best possible performance out of your clubs.

    The Technology

    Like many companies, True Spec Golf is taking advantage of technology to provide advanced club fitting for golfers of every ability. Unlike manufacturer specific fitting carts at those big box stores, True Spec Golf is brand-agnostic. Because of that, their fitting matrix stocks more than 30,000 combinations of club heads and shafts from all the leading equipment manufacturers. They combine that amazing selection with high performance launch monitors from industry leaders TrackMan and Foresight, and they use advanced tools like their patented Club-Connex adapter system to fit any shaft to any head, and the SST Pure Shaft Alignment System to ensure you get the best performance from your shafts.

    The Mission

    I visited True Spec’s fitting studio at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida to get fitted for a three-wood. For years, finding a three-wood that performs the way I want has been like finding my personal golf unicorn. I primarily use a three-wood off the tee, so want one that has low spin and mid-low ball flight for distance, but I also want the club to perform well from the fairway if I want to go for a long par five in two from 250+ yards. Finding the perfect combo has been tough. I came very close last year with the Exotics CB Pro and have had some success with my newest gamer (an Exotics EX10 beta), but after several months of testing both clubs are just too spinny for me.

    The fitting process takes place in a clean, modern fitting studio that opens into the driving range at Trump National. No indoor hitting bays here! I want to see the actual ball flight, not a computer simulation. My fitter Matthew welcomed me and let me hit some warm-up shots with my own clubs to get loose while he watched and gathered some swing and ball flight data from the Trackman. Watching my swing and Trackman data while I warmed up helped him select a few shafts and heads to get the fitting process started with.

    The Process & Results

    Even though the True Spec fitting studio has over 30,000 possible shaft/head combinations available, an experienced fitting professional like Matt can use that Trackman data to quickly eliminate the shafts he knows won’t work for me, streamlining the process and saving time. Using True Spec’s Club-Connex system, Matt set up a trio of three-woods for me to hit, each with a different shaft & head combo. I would hit 4 or 5 shots with each and switch back and forth between clubs while he made loft/lie adjustments or changed out shafts and kept handing me different combos to try. All told, I hit fairway woods from Ping, Exotics, Taylor Made, Titleist, PXG, Callaway and a few others.

    After hitting about 50 shots, we started to zero in on the best performing head and shaft combinations. When you are using a top of the line TrackMan launch monitor you can be certain that the data you get will be accurate. In my case, the numbers don’t lie. Compared to my gamer three-wood, (Exotics EX10 beta with 13 degrees of loft fitted to a Graphite Design G70x shaft) the club Matt put together for me (Ping G400 14.5, turned down to 13.9 degrees fitted with Fujikura ATMOS Tour Spec Red 80x) was giving me 8.6 yards more carry distance and 10.3 more yards total distance. That’s a huge increase for me!

    How’d He Do It?

    How did Matt help me gain 10 yards with a new three-wood? Again, it’s all about the numbers. By selecting a club head (Ping G400) with a hot face and low spin, we were able to decrease my spin rate by an average of 678 RPMs! Because of the lower spin, we needed to increase my launch angle to maximize carry distance. By selecting a Fujikira ATMOS Red shaft with a slightly lower kickpoint, he was able to bring my launch angle up from from 9.3 degrees to 11. High launch – Low spin. That, my friends, is the recipe for greater distance.

    As I mentioned in another recent article, finding the right shaft & head combination for you can pay off big, with more distance and consistency. In that post I mated a Ping G400 driver with the new shaft from TPT golf to gain 9 yards off the tee over my previous gamer – the Ping G. Was it purely by chance that the G400 three-wood also happened to be the best performing fairway wood for me?

    I’m mildly shocked but very pleased about gaining 9+ yards with both my new Ping driver and three-woods, considering both clubs were fitted for me independently of each other. What that says to me is the Ping’s G400 line are very good clubs, especially when fitted with the right shaft by an expert club fitter. Even better, I finally found my golf unicorn – a versatile, consistent performing three-wood!

    You Probably Need A Fitting

    What is it worth to you to gain distance throughout the bag, while improving the feel and consistency of all your clubs? True Spec’s fitting process works, and it’s guaranteed. For more information, visit https://www.truespecgolf.com/ I’ve been preaching the benefits of club fitting for years, and I’ll continue to champion the cause. It really does make a difference in your game, no matter what your handicap.

  • Here’s Why PGA Tour Players Choose Club Glove Luggage

    Here’s Why PGA Tour Players Choose Club Glove Luggage

    Club Glove LuggageLuggage and travel gear for golf isn’t exactly a sexy topic, and life on the PGA Tour isn’t always as glamorous as they make it sound on TV. Sure, the stars stay in 5-star resorts, fly around in private jets and drive fancy courtesy cars, but most professional golfers can’t afford $10,000 per hour to fly on a Gulfstream G650, so they fly commercial. Regardless of how you get there, traveling all over the world requires some good sturdy luggage that won’t let you down. That’s why over 90 percent of PGA Tour players use Club Glove travel bags and luggage.

    I’ve talked about my Club Glove Last Bag for several years now, and it continues to do the job as I pile up the mileage with it. Last year I picked up some matching luggage to go with it – specifically the Club Glove Rolling Duffle III and the Carry-On III.

    Club Glove Rolling Duffle III

    This medium size bag ( 29″ x 15.5″ x 12″) is big enough to pack about a week’s worth of clothing and personal items. It starts at just over eight pounds and when fully packed it can tip the scales at over 40 lbs, but the durable in-line skate wheels and bearings allow this bag to roll effortlessly through airports. The Rolling Duffle III is made with very tough Invista Cordura 1000D water resistant nylon, which is several times stronger and lasts much longer than the standard polyester found in cheap luggage from Walmart. It also has durable YKK zippers, beefy buckles, a telescoping adjustable handle and a dog-bone shaped opening that makes packing and unloading a little easier. The two included packing modules help keep shirts and other stuff well organized.

    For my trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last fall I loaded up my Rolling Duffle III with all kinds of clothing items. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t exactly pack light for most trips. I like to bring extra shirts, shorts and pants to have options. Many times I end up not wearing about a third of the clothes I bring, but that’s the price to pay I guess. Fortunately, the Rolling Duffle III had plenty of room for all my stuff, and even had space left over for the matching team outfits from Fenix that we received over there that I would be bringing back to the States.

    Club Glove’s Rolling Duffle III is a pretty large bag, but the smooth rolling wheels and Club Glove’s awesome Train Reaction system makes it a breeze to transport around airports and hotels lobbies. The solid plastic bottom and base allow the bag to hop curbs with ease, and make packing valuables a little less anxiety-inducing, because nothing is going to get through the bottom of this bag. Perhaps my favorite feature of the Rolling Duffle III is the simplest one, but the rugged carry handles on the top, side  and bottom make loading a snap. The Rolling Duffle III is available in 16 colors, carries a limited lifetime warranty, and is made in the USA.

    Club Glove Carry-On III

    While you’ll be dropping off the Rolling Duffle and Last Bag at the Airline’s luggage counter to be checked on your flight, the Carry-On III is probably coming with you on board. Also coming with two packing cubes to keep your clothing organized, this bag has enough space for a few days worth of clothes and personal items. It measures 22″ x 13.5″ x 9.5″ and weighs 8 pounds. While these bags aren’t the lightest on the market, keep in mind that they are designed to last a lifetime, and once you see how well they are built, you’ll believe it. Packed with many of the same features as the Rolling Duffle, the Cary-On III also includes a J-Hook device to attach additional luggage pieces at a low center of gravity. Available in 18 colors, the Carry-On III also has a lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.

    Club Glove’s Carry-On III is my go-to luggage piece for weekend trips and overnighters. It has enough space to pack everything I need, and integrates perfectly with the aforementioned Train Reaction system to link all your bags together for effortless transport. At this point I think it’s worth explaining this in more detail.

    Train Reaction System

    I could try to explain and demonstrate Club Glove’s Train Reaction interconnect system (TRS) in words, but it’s easier to let the company do it for me, so here’s their video.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leeXAlN2pQU

    Of course, Train Reaction works just as well with golf bags too. I snapped a picture of my “train” before leaving for my trip to Malaysia last year:

    Real World Use: Observations

    Marketing speak is one thing, but how does Club Glove’s luggage perform in the real world? As mentioned before, these pieces aren’t the lightest, but they find a near perfect balance between weight, toughness, durability and functionality, with a little bit of style thrown in. My bright “Sun Gold” colored luggage won’t win any beauty contests but I can spot it a mile away – or more importantly – on airport luggage carousels, and nobody is likely to walk away with my bags by accident. The bright color actually helped a great deal last year when my luggage failed to make the connecting flight on a short layover in Guangzhou, China. The lost luggage counter in Kuala Lumpur was able to find my bags in record time once I showed them the photo above, and they were delivered to my hotel room the next day, about 15 hours after I landed.

    Thanks to a cool gadget called the LugLoc Luggage Locator I stashed in the side pocket of my Last Bag, I knew my golf clubs didn’t made the flight to KL as soon as I landed, and I was able to track their location as they arrived on the next flight from China in the morning.

    In just over two years since I got my first piece of Club Glove luggage, I have logged over 50,000 miles with them. I’ve traveled to and from four continents and circumnavigated the world. So far my luggage has shown no signs of wear and tear except a little dirt and grime from being tossed around by airport luggage handlers.

    Thanks to the Train Reaction system and the smooth rolling wheels, I didn’t hurt my back or endure sore muscles from hauling it around airports, hotels and parking garages despite having over a hundred pounds of gear with me in Malaysia. That trip really proved to me that Club Glove’s luggage is unmatched.

    Pricing & Availability

    Here’s my load-out for long golf trips. With these bags I can carry enough clothes & gear to last me over 2 weeks.

    Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro (Fits my 10″ staff bag with ease) – $319.00
    Club Glove Rolling Duffle III (Mid-size checked bag) – $299.00
    Club Glove Carry-On III (Small, tough carry-on bag) – $379.00

    All pieces are available online at www.clubglove.com, with free shipping on orders over $100. Obviously with prices on the higher end of the scale, it won’t take long to fill your shopping cart with over $100 of gear. When buying, I highly recommend getting a few extra clothing organizers. These little packing cubes are essential items to help you keep things in order and they make unpacking so much faster. They are available in three sizes that hold about three to ten shirts.

    Final Thoughts

    Not only do 90% of PGA Tour professionals travel with Club Glove, but a growing number of flight crews are trusting Club Glove and their 3-piece luggage ensembles designed specifically for them. The bottom line is, the luggage is built to last in the USA and they have so many options and colors it’s almost mind numbing. You can get custom embroidery, and the list of accessories to match your luggage is extensive. There isn’t a a company that I know of that offers so many ways to move your stuff around or makes better performing and better built luggage than Club Glove, and I’ll continue singing their praises for years to come.

  • TPT Golf Shakes Up Shaft Industry

    TPT Golf Shakes Up Shaft Industry

    TPT_Golf_16_Series_ShaftMost golfers aren’t tuned in to shaft news on a daily basis, and I have to admit that most of the press releases I get pertaining to golf shafts have a tendency to go in one ear and out the other, but when a top-ranked golfer wins with a new shaft nobody’s heard of, people start noticing. What I’m trying to say is, TPT Golf is starting to get noticed in a big way.

    This small Swiss company that started out specializing in composites used in yacht racing, Formula One and satellites recently made quite a splash when Justin Rose, the number six ranked golfer in the world, won 3 times in 10 events with 10 top ten finishes to close out 2017 season playing the TPT 15LKP-LT-LW shaft in his driver. The buzz continued into early 2018 with the official launch of TPT Golf at the PGA Merchandise Show, and just this past weekend Jason Day used TPT Golf shafts in his driver and fairway woods to capture the Farmer’s Insurance Open at Torrey Pines near San Diego, California.

    What Makes TPT Golf Shafts Special?

    Nearly every golf shaft on the market today is made using a process called roll wrapping. This entails rolling multiple “flags” of material around a steel mandrel. The layers overlap each other creating a seam and a spine in the shaft. This spine must then be aligned by the club maker to achieve the best playability. On the course, this can lead to inconsistent twist and torque which means bigger shot dispersions and poor feel.

    By contrast, TPT Golf shafts are manufactured using their proprietary Thin Ply Technology, lightweight prepreg plies, and a patented technology known as the “Thin Ply Winding” method. The result of these processes, according to the company, is a perfectly concentric and near-homogeneous shaft. What this means for the golfer is a more consistent shaft that delivers tighter shot dispersion and more consistency from swing to swing.

    What’s The Catch?

    Justin Rose TPT Golf ShaftTouring Pros like to hear words like “tighter dispersion” and “consistency” when looking for a new driver shaft. Despite many of them being multi-millionaires, professional golfers at the highest levels don’t pay for their equipment, so money is no object when it comes to performance. Unfortunately for amateur golfers, most of us have to pay for our stuff, and that’s the catch. When it comes to the premium golf shafts offered by TPT Golf, there is good news and bad news. The good news: TPT Golf shafts used to be sold for $699, but they’ve lowered the price! The bad news: TPT Golf shafts are still priced beyond the reach of most golfers at $499 each.

    Indeed, a $500 price point for a single shaft is way beyond what most golfers are willing (or able) to spend, but for those whose budget allows it, they are almost always going to go through a high-end fitting for the shaft. Anyone that is ready to spend $500 on a shaft will be visiting an advanced fitting studio like True Spec Golf to get the most out of that shaft.

    Does TPT Golf Deliver?

    I’ve only just begun testing the TPT 15LKP-LT-LW shaft in my Ping G400 LST Driver. I have it going up against the Ping Tour 75x shaft that came with the club and another brand’s new driver shaft that we’ll be reviewing later. I’m using the very cool new FlightScope MEVO launch monitor to gather data from the shots I hit, as well as playing several rounds with each shaft to see the real world results because the reality is that we swing differently on the course than we do on the driving range where nothing is at stake.

    With the limited data I’ve gathered thus far, I’m seeing an increase in ball speeds with the TPT shaft, but I won’t know for sure what the difference is until I complete my testing. I’ll update this post as soon as that is complete, and we’ll see what the TPT 15LKP-LT-LW shaft can do.

    The Specs

    TPT Golf’s shafts come sin various weights and kick points, designed to fit the majority of golfers depending on your swing speed and desired ball flight and spin. This is why we make such a big deal out of custom fitting, because investing $500 on a shaft makes no sense if you are guessing at what shaft may be best for your swing. After a session on the Trackman with a good fitting professional, you may be surprised to find out that the shaft you thought you should use turns out to be something completely different…

    Model Swing Speed Range (mph.) Kickpoint Torque Torque (deg) Flex (cpmc) Weight (gm) Length (inch)
    15 LKP/MT/SW 105 – 120 Low Mid 3.7 266 73 46″
    15 MKP/MT/SW 105 -120 Mid Mid 3.3 268 73 46″
    16 LKP/MT/SW 90 – 105 Low Mid 4.1 254 68 46″
    16 MKP/MT/SW 90 – 105 Mid Mid 3.8 254 68 46″
    17 LKP/MT/SW 80 – 90 Low Mid 5.5 248 62 46″
    17 MKP/MT/SW 80 – 90 Mid Mid 4.8 244 63 46″
    18 LKP/MT/SW 70 – 80 Low Mid 6.7 230 53 46″
    18 MKP/MT/SW 70 – 80 Mid Mid 5.8 230 56 46″
    19 LKP/MT/SW 60 – 70 Low Mid 7.5 217 52 46″
    19 MKP/MT/SW 60 – 70 Mid Mid 6.4 217 50 46″
  • PING Introduces New Products For Spring 2018

    PING Introduces New Products For Spring 2018

    The Engineering and R&D teams at Ping have been busy in the last year. Following the release of the awesome new G400 driver and fairways, Ping just introduced the G400 Max driver along with G700 irons, Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges and Ping Vault 2.0 putters. All the new stuff is available for pre-order right now (Jan 15,2018). First, let’s look at the photos, and we’ll go into more detail after.

    PING G400 Max Driver

     [slideshow_deploy id=’5813′]

    PING Glide 2.0 Stealth Wedges

    [slideshow_deploy id=’5812′]

    PING G700 Irons

    [slideshow_deploy id=’5814′]

    PING Vault 2.0 Putters

    [slideshow_deploy id=’5797′]

    Technical Details

    Now for the important stuff – The specs and pricing! Below I’ve removed some of PING’s PR talk from their recent press releases and kept just the details that people want to see.

    G400 Max Driver

    In the G400 Max driver, PING achieved its all-time high MOI measurements by optimizing the crown and face design in the larger-profile, multi-material head. The forgiveness gains are attributable to the 460cc head and nearly four times the discretionary weight created by Dragonfly crown technology and the thin, forged face. Its high-density tungsten back weight wraps around the back of the sole to help bring the combined MOI (heel/toe and high/low) over 9,900 gram cm2. Its CG position is lower and farther back than any current driver on the market to make it the most forgiving driver in golf – surpassing the current G400 driver.

     

    G400 Max Driver Technology and Specifications:

    Multi-material construction: Cast Ti 8-1-1 body, forged T9S+ face, high-density tungsten back weight, lightweight aluminum/thermoplastic adjustable hosel

    Loft options: 9⁰ & 10.5⁰

    Head weight: Std. (206g)

    Head volume: 460 cc

    Std. length: 45 3/4″ (Alta CB); 45 1/4″ (PING Tour and aftermarkets)

    Loft adjustability: Up to +-1⁰

    Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 in six sizes (Blue -1/16″, Red -1/32″, Aqua -1/64″, White Std., Gold +1/32″, Orange +1/16″)

    U.S. MSRP: $435

    Shaft options: PING Alta CB (counter-balanced) 55 (SR, R, S, X), PING Tour 65, 75 (MSRP: $35 upcharge) (R, S, X), Alta Distanza 40 (MSRP: $35 upcharge)

    Aftermarket shaft options (MSRP: $75 upcharge): Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver Dual-Core TiNi 60 (R, S, X), Project X HZRDUS Yellow 75 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5), Aldila X-Torsion Copper (50R, 60S)

    Glide 2.0 Stealth Wedges

    The Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges’ 8620 carbon steel head and precision-milled grooves deliver a softer feel and higher-spinning shots for greater control. The tour-inspired Stealth finish, which yields less glare and makes the head appear smaller, is applied using a QPQ (Quench Polish Quench) process for added durability. This wedge fits the game and the eye of players for whom performance and appearance go hand in hand.

    A patented precision wheel-cut half groove near the lead edge on the 56⁰, 58⁰ and 60⁰ improves engagement with the ball (specifically low on the face) to significantly increase spin and control from all conditions. The wheel-cut milling process was developed by PING’s engineering and manufacturing teams to enable grooves with a sharper edge radius, which increases interaction with the cover of the ball at impact, creating more friction for improved spin and trajectory control. The grooves in the lower-lofted wedges (46°, 50° & 52°) are milled with a 20° sidewall and a .005″ edge radius for optimal full-shot performance. The higher-lofted versions (54°, 56°, 58° & 60°) are milled to a .004″ edge radius and a 28° sidewall to impart more spin, especially around the greens.

    The patented design is offered in four sole grinds (SS, WS, ES and TS) to ensure Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges can be fit to a golfer’s divot depth or attack angle and most common turf conditions.

    SS GRIND  (46°/12°, 50°/12°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 56°/12°, 58°/10°, 60/10°)

    An all-purpose mid-bounce sole with heel and trail edge relief to create versatility on touch shots around the green. Ideal for moderate attack angles and divots. Fits most golfers.

    WS GRIND (54°/14°, 56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60/14°)

    Full-sole design that provides turf security for players with a steep angle of attack. The reduced camber and added width prevent digging.

    TS GRIND (58°/6°, 60°/6°)

    A PING WRX-inspired design based on the Tour-proven half-moon grind. The TS grind facilitates shot making and precision from even the most difficult lies. The heel relief allows shots to be executed with an open face to difficult pins or from firm lies without fear of the lead edge sitting too high.

    ES GRIND (54°/8°, 56°/8°, 58°/8°, 60°/8°)

    Eye 2-inspired sole design provides the ultimate in bunker performance, resulting from the classic dish profile and the tapered hosel. A refined lead edge upgrades all-around performance with the iconic ES grind.

    Glide 2.0 Stealth Wedges Technology and Specifications:

    Std. grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16″, Red -1/32″, Aqua -1/64″, White Std., Gold +1/32″, Orange +1/16″)

    Shaft options: Stock steel shaft — PING AWT 2.0 Wedge; Stock graphite shaft — PING CFS 65/70/80 (Soft R, R, S)

    Aftermarket steel shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100) Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R, S,), Nippon NS Pro Modus 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X)

    U.S. MSRP: $150 per club w/steel shaft; $175 per club w/graphite shaft

    G700 Irons

    In the G700 iron, PING engineers put a high priority on creating an iron that offers power and forgiveness by leveraging the advantages of a hollow-body design and a thin, maraging steel face, creating PING’s longest, highest-flying iron to date.

    The hollow-body construction of the 17-4 stainless steel head allows for an internal geometry design that positions weight away from the face, creating a frame for metal-wood-like flexing and high COR to greatly increase ball speed and produce launch results that will amaze golfers.

    Maraging steel, which is also used in the G400 fairway woods, hybrids and crossovers, is one of the strongest alloys in the world and is commonly employed in the aerospace industry, where strength and flexibility are necessities. Those properties make it an ideal face material to deliver more flexing for faster ball speeds that launch shots farther and higher.

    G700 Iron Technology and Specifications:

    Multi-material construction: Hollow-body 17-4 stainless steel head, C300 Maraging Steel face, HydroPearl finish

    Available 4-9, PW, UW, SW in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black is standard.

    Std. grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16″, Red -1/32″, Aqua -1/64″, White Std., Gold +1/32″, Orange +1/16″)

    Shaft options: Stock steel shaft — PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X); Stock graphite shafts — Alta CB (counter-balanced) powered by AWT, UST Recoil 760 ES SMACWRAP (A), UST Recoil 780 ES SMACWRAP (R, S)

    Aftermarket steel shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100) Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R, S,), Nippon NS Pro Modus 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X)

    U.S. MSRP: $160 per iron w/steel shaft; $175 per iron w/graphite shaft

    PING Vault 2.0 Putters

    The next generation of PING’s 100%-milled putters are crafted and engineered to provide tour-caliber touch and performance through proven innovations like precision-milled, patented True Roll Technology (TR), plus a new custom-weighting system. The new system offers sole weight options in steel (standard weight head), tungsten (15 gms heavier than standard) and aluminum (15 gms lighter than standard) to match a golfer’s feel and balance preferences.

    Precision-milled TR technology ensures full-face forgiveness for consistent speed off the face. The individually milled face pattern varies in depth and pitch across the face, which speeds up off-center impacts, improving consistency and ultimately leading to fewer three-putts.

    Golfers can choose from three premium finishes (Stealth, Platinum or Copper) in five models precision-milled from 303 stainless steel, including the new Dale Anser, which is inspired by one of the original Anser putter molds created by Allan Dale Solheim and detailed by his father, Karsten Solheim. The award-winning Ketsch mallet (Stealth or Slate finish) combines a fully-machined 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum body with a stainless steel sole plate for an extremely high MOI and offers exceptional alignment features. All the models are fit for stroke and designed with varying alignment aids to fit a golfer’s preferred look and alignment style.  As part of the custom building process that ensures optimal balance, putters between 34″ and 36″ in length are built with steel sole weights; models 34″ and shorter feature tungsten weighting; putters built 36″ and longer use aluminum weights.

    Four proprietary PING Pistol tapered grips provide golfers with variances in shape and feel. The PP60 is a midsize, lightweight design with a foam under-listing and dominant flats for face awareness. The PP61 has an exaggerated pistol to fit the contour of the golfer’s hands, and a rubber under-listing for a softer response. The PP62 is a lightweight, oversized grip with a rounded profile. The CB60 is standard on custom counter-balanced putters in the line.

    PING Vault 2.0 Putter Technology and Specifications:

    Dale Anser (Blade)

    • 350g, fully machined 303 stainless steel

    • Available in Copper, Platinum or Stealth finish

    • Slight Arc

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-4º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

    Voss (Blade)

    • 350g, fully machined 303 stainless steel

    • Available in Stealth finish (Copper or Platinum available special order)

    • Slight Arc

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-4º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

    B60 (Blade)

    • 355g, fully machined 303 stainless steel

    • Available in Stealth or Copper finish (Platinum available special order)

    • Slight Arc

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-4º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

    ZB (Blade)

    • 350g, fully machined 303 stainless steel

    • Available in Platinum (Copper or Stealth available special order)

    • Slight Arc

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-4º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

    Piper (Mid-Mallet)

    • 360g, fully machined 303 stainless steel

    • Available in Stealth finish (Copper or Platinum available special order)

    • Slight Arc or Straight

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-2º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

    Ketsch (Mallet)

    • 365g, fully machined 6061 aluminum head, stainless steel sole plate

    • Available in Stealth finish (Slate finish available special order)

    • Slight Arc or Straight

    • 35″ std. length, 3º std. loft, lie angle adjustable +-2º

    – U.S. MSRP: $325.00

  • 2018 Predictions

    2018 Predictions

    (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

    Now that Christmas has passed and we start looking forward to the new year, I think 2018 will be a good year for golf, and like usual we’ll start it off in Orlando at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show. The level of participation and overall vibe we get from the show can give one a good idea of how the year will go. There’s always lots of hope and lots of hype, but in my opinion it still comes down to golfers and how often they tee it up with their friends. In the end, the success of this game depends on people, not products. With that in mind, here are my bold predictions for 2018.

    Rickie Fowler Will Win a Major

    2018 will be Rickie’s year. I predict that he will finally win a major tournament. He finished 2017 by winning Tiger’s tournament – The Hero World Challenge – in The Bahamas against a small but very strong international field. On the PGA Tour he enjoyed career highs in Top Tens (11), Top 25s (17) and Prize Money ($6,083,197). He also had the second lowest scoring average on tour at 69.083 and led the tour in sand saves at 68.66%. he’ll be pushed hard by good buddies Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, but I think he’ll use their previous major victories as motivation to join the club.

    New Drivers, Prices Pushing $500

    It should not come as a shock to anyone that most of the major golf companies will have new drivers for sale in 2018. Naturally, all of them will offer more forgiveness, better control and more distance. The driver is, of course, the most oft changed club in our bag and the promise of a few more yards to gain an advantage on your playing partners is often too attractive to pass up. That’s why the bulk of marketing dollars from companies like Callaway and Taylor Made go into driver sales. While the physics of hitting a golf ball has hit a scientific wall due to limits imposed by the USGA, companies are turning to more advanced materials and adjustability to sell new drivers that can be tuned specifically for each golfer. These changes are also pushing prices higher, and we’ll see the $500 mark become pretty standard for a new driver in 2018. Sadly, it won’t help, but more on that later.

    Golf Participation Will Continue To Evolve

    According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), the number of people who played golf on a real golf course in 2016 fell 1.2 percent from 2015 to 23.8 million. Given statistical margin for error, these participation numbers have been more or less flat for the last decade. But the way in which we are measuring golf participation is changing. The NGF is now saying that defining golf participation only as playing 18 holes on a regulation course is too limiting. Thanks to the success of facilities like Topgolf and indoor golf simulators, the NGF was able to add more than 20 million off-course “participants” to the game of golf. 8.2 million of those people never stepped foot on a golf course. Most people that go to Topgolf don’t identify as golfers, but the NGF counts them anyway. If you hit a golf ball with a golf club, to the NGF you are a golfer. However you define it, in 2016 the number of beginning golfers grew 14 percent over 2015 – an all time high. And for the first time in five years, the number of “committed golfers” also grew. If you are reading this, you are probably one of the committed crowd. However you count, it seems the game of golf is seeing increases in participation, and that’s a good thing. 

    Tiger Woods Will Get Injured Again

    Sorry Tiger fans, but you knew this was coming. He looked great at the Hero World Challenge about 3 weeks ago, but it remains to be seen how his surgically repaired back & knees will hold up. We’re talking about a professional golfer who’s had four knee surgeries, four back surgeries and injured his achilles in both legs. Twice. I believe the game of golf is better when Tiger is prowling on Sunday leaderboards, but at this point in his career I just don’t think his body will allow him to compete at the highest level for much longer. Let’s hope he has at least one good major run in him before his body fails him and he’s forced to retire, but expect him to spend some time in 2018 nursing injuries yet again.

    I’ll Break 80 as a Righty & Lefty

    I’ve played golf seriously since 1990 and I’ve managed to maintain a scratch or better handicap for almost 20 years, so obviously the first part of that prediction is a no-brainer. A plus handicap golfer like me will break 80 at least 90 percent of the time. But the second part will be much more difficult. I used to play left-handed more regularly before I moved to Florida in 1997, but since then I’ve played golf left-handed exactly twice, and it wasn’t pretty. My best round as a lefty was an 83, but that was about 25 years ago. My latest effort with a new lefty set I just scraped together last week was a confidence crushing 96, although I was very rusty and only playing with 11 clubs. I still need to find a driver, 5-wood and 3-hybrid for my lefty set. The goal of breaking 80 left-handed is quite ambitious, but I think I can do it with some practice. I’ll be chronicling this journey right here in the coming months.

    New Clubs Still Won’t Help Your Game

    That $500 driver you just bought with the fancy adjustable hosel and movable weights? You know, the one that promised more distance and forgiveness? It won’t really help your scores. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Even if that new driver really did give you more distance, the improvement likely won’t be noticeable, and your scores won’t improve. Why not? Because you still suck at chipping and putting, that’s why! The golf marketing machine has led you to believe that the driver is the most important club in the bag, but at best you’ll only use it for 14 shots on a regulation golf course. Despite all the advancements in technology the average golfer still shoots around 100. If that sounds like you, driver swings account for less than 15% of your score, and shots with the wedges and putter account for more than 65% of your score. That $500 is much better spent on lessons for your short game than on the shiny new driver.

    USGA vs Amateur Golfers

    I’m part of the growing number of amateur golfers that love the game and want to see if grow but are becoming frustrated with the direction the USGA is taking the game. When it comes to the rules of golf, we want to see things get simpler and help us play faster. While the USGA and PGA have given us some half-assed initiatives like “Tee it Forward” and “While We’re Young” to help the pace of play for amateurs, they continue to allow players on the professional tours to get away with 5+ hour rounds. When it comes to the rules of golf, we amateurs also keep getting the shaft. A couple of the biggest rule changes we’ve seen recently were squarely aimed at professional golfers, but didn’t really make a difference and instead have negatively impacted the amateur game.

    The groove rule change in 2010 was designed to make it harder for professionals to control the ball out of the rough, placing a premium on hitting fairways in an effort to combat the “bomb and gouge” playing style of the Tiger Woods era. It didn’t work of course, as equipment companies countered with higher lofted wedges, more precise CNC machined grooves, shafts designed specifically for wedges that produce more spin, and softer golf balls with more advanced core and cover materials that spin more. The only people that suffered with this rule change were of course amateurs. Not possessing the athletic ability or club head speed to impart spin on the ball like a pro, the wedge game became that much more difficult for the rest of us because of a rule change made with less than 1% of golfers in mind.

    The next major rule change  banned the use of anchored putters. Everyone knows at least one person who used a “broomstick” or belly putter prior to the ban. Again aimed largely at the professional tours, the USGA and R&A were scared that an anchored putting stroke was an unfair advantage over the un-anchored stroke, even though PGA Tour putting statistics didn’t support that argument. They imagined entire generations of young golfers growing up with belly putters and decided they weren’t having it, so they banned the use of any putting stroke where the club is anchored to your body. How did it work? Well, I know a guy that still uses the putter, just not anchored. He says his putting hasn’t gotten any better or worst since the ban. An other guy I know using a long putter is a tournament level golfer but quit playing USGA sanctioned events in protest. At least those touring professionals can’t take advantage of anchored strokes any more even if it hurts amateurs everywhere. So how did the anchoring ban work out anyway? Well, the two best putters on PGA Tour Champions in 2017 were Berhand Langer and Scott McCarron. What do they have in common? Yeah, you guessed it. They both use a long putter. Nice work USGA.

    I’m being pretty hard on the USGA, but it’s not all bad. In fact, the list of proposed rule changes for 2019 are very good, and I think they’ll make the game a little quicker, a little simpler and more enjoyable. It’s a good start for sure. Now, if we can just talk about making divots be treated as ground under repair…

  • 5 More Last Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

    5 More Last Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

    Last week we presented readers with 9 Last Minute Gift Ideas. With only 4 days left until the big day, hopefully you have all your Christmas shopping done by now! If not, there is still time to get a few really, really last minute gifts. Here are 5 more gift ideas for golfers:

    Hole More Putts

    Hole More Putts TabletThis ingenious tablet will make you a better putter. Seriously. Using dozens of sensors that track important factors of your putting stroke like face angle, impact point, path, tempo and attack angle, the tablet gives you a score from 0 to 100 based on 5 putts you hit. From there the tablet syncs with your phone or tablet to display the results in more detail and offer advice and drills to fix your deficiencies. It’s like a SAM Putt Lab that you can take with you anywhere and costs a fraction of the price. Available now online: https://holemoreputts.com/

    Chef’s Cut Real Jerky Company

    Chef's Cut Beef JerkyChef’s Cut Meat Snacks – I’ll admit, when I tried Chef’s Cut Beef Jerky for the first time at the PGA Show last year, I kept stopping by their booth for seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths. I’m addicted! I love beef jerky, but Chef’s Cut has taken it to another level and added turkey and chicken jerky to their menu. Combined with their delicious meat sticks, Chef’s Cut is now my go-to snack on the golf course.

    Trion:Z Magnetic Therapy Bracelets

    Trion:Z Zen Loop DuoThe popular magnetic therapy bracelets and necklaces are back in the US market and looking better than ever. Trion:Z magnetic therapy bracelets feature powerful Colantotte magnets, infused with negative ions. What does that mean? I don’t know exactly but those that prefer alternatives to drugs for pain management may want to try these bracelets. I was recently suffering from elbow pain, but a few days of wearing my Trion:Z Zen Loop Duo Premium and the pain subsided. Plus they look cool and are available in many colors and styles.

    TecTecTec Laser Rangefinders

    TecTecTec VPro DLX1000 Funky name, simple design and reliable performance. That’s how I sum up the TecTecTec VPro DLX 1000 rangefinder. Sure, other brands have fancy displays and cool features, but in the end they all just measure distance. The VPro DLX 1000 does a good job and locks on to targets fast. It’s waterproof, and in this price range ($179.99) I don’t believe there’s another golf rangefinder on the market that out performs TecTecTec. If you want a no-frills distance measuring device for golf, check them out!

    Wilson Duo Soft Golf Balls

    Wilson Duo Soft Golf BallsWIlson’s Duo golf ball has been around for about 4 or 5 years now, and they are probably the softest feeling ball on the market. When I tested the first generation I remember thinking it was as close to the feel of the old balata covered wound balls of the early 90s as I could remember. The new generation Wilson Duo Soft golf balls are still very soft, but perform better than the first generations. You can get them in six different colors and all at a price that won’t break the bank. WIlson’s website has the Duo Soft listed at $19.99 a dozen. 

  • 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