Tag: review

  • 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.

  • Cherokee Valley Club – Greenville’s Hidden Gem

    Cherokee Valley Club – Greenville’s Hidden Gem

    In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Greenville, South Carolina lies the Cherokee Valley Course and Club. If you want mountain views but still need to be close to town, this hidden gem of a community is ideally located to satisfy all your needs. Sitting just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville and less than an hour from Ashville, North Carolina, the Cherokee Valley Course and Club offers a relaxed environment with plenty to do.

    This 450 acre development sits adjacent to North Greenville University and offers an outstanding array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fly fishing, white water rafting, boating and more. Cherokee Valley enjoys a mild four season climate which permits outdoor recreation all year long. It is this wealth of activities and climate that make the area such a popular destination for families and retirees alike.

    The wonderful 6,728-yard, par 72 P.B. Dye designed golf course is the centerpiece amenity at Cherokee Valley and has everything you want in a mountain golf course – dramatic elevation changes, scenic vistas, great playing conditions, smooth fast greens and plenty of opportunities to score with a properly struck shot. Other amenities include a modern 4,000 square foot fitness center, tennis courts, outdoor pool, putting green, driving range w/ indoor golf academy and the innovative Core 450 restaurant on the top floor of the clubhouse, overlooking the 9th and 19th greens.

    The golf course starts out with a forgiving downhill tee shot, but you quickly discover that this is a true test of mountain golf. The greens are smallish in size, and are often perched on ledges or plateaus with huge drops on one side or more. Things really get interesting on the 226-yard par three 6th hole, with amazing views and a more than 70 foot drop from tee to green. Another 70-plus foot drop awaits on the 387-yard par four 7th hole. My high, drawing tee shot hit the downslope and jumped forward, bouncing and rolling down the hill and ending up almost pin high. From there however, I was faced with a flop shot to a tight pin on the green that was at least 10 feet above me. Number 11 is another picturesque hole, and then you get into some devilish short holes with a blind tee shot on 13 followed by the tricky par four 14th that has a creek flowing on both sides of the fairway and in front of the green. Climbing back up the hill on the par five 16th hole leaves you with a risk-reward downhill approach shot over water to the green. You may have managed to successfully navigate your way around the first 16 holes, but don’t get too cocky, because you are left with two of the toughest holes on the course (both long par fours) to end your round.

    Cherokee Valley isn’t just a great residential community and golf club, but it’s also a perfect golf getaway for a group. The club owns and maintains several spacious, well appointed Cottage homes right on the golf course. The cottages vary in size, but the one I stayed in sleeps 8+ in four large master suites, a huge great room, full kitchen and a fantastic wrap-around porch to relax on and watch the world go by. The Cottages are just a short walk from the clubhouse, restaurant and practice facilities. Honestly, I don’t think you can do much better as a destination for a 3 or 4 day stay & play package. The rates are amazingly affordable – For example, bring 8 people and everyone can stay in Cottage #1 for $600 per night + $45 per player for golf (Weekends). That’s only $120 per player, per day for golf and accommodations!

    Whether you are looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, an active community to retire to or a place for your next buddy trip, Cherokee Valley Course and Club will not disappoint!

    Key Mileage Figures

    14 Miles to Furman University

    18 Miles to Greenville, SC 

    20 Miles to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

    35 Miles to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

    48 Miles to Asheville, NC 

    50 Miles to Clemson University

    102 Miles to Charlotte, NC

  • Fall 2021 Golf Packages in the Carolinas

    Fall 2021 Golf Packages in the Carolinas

    The end of the golf season may be just a few months away in the Northern states & Canada, but in North & South Carolina the season is still going strong! The arrival of Autumn in the Carolinas means the hot, humid conditions typical of summer in the Southeast give way to cool nights, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to spend a week or two relaxing, playing golf and enjoying the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer before gearing up for the holiday season.

    Two of the better choices for a fall golf trip in the Carolinas are Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, North Carolina and Cherokee Valley Course and Club in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. These two gems are worth a serious look any time of year, but the fall season is a particularly great time of year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s some details about the resorts, and the fall vacation packages they have to offer.

    Rumbling Bald

    Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all between one and five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.

    Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

    Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

    The property’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

    Fall Vacation Packages at Rumbling Bald

    Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas. Lodging options abound, including the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee.

    With a nod to the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

    The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’ lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon.

    For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

    To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

    Cherokee Valley Course and Club

    Cherokee Valley Course and Club is situated amid the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge region adjacent to North Greenville University. It features the region’s only P.B. Dye-designed golf course, a mountain-style gem winding through rolling hills and deep dales, sprinkled with ample stretches of gently rolling fairways and trademark Dye green complexes.

    A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountain-style layout can be added for $35 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $45 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability. Golfers have a choice of playing on an exciting Finn Cycle electric scooter or the new E-Z-GO RXV golf carts equipped with high-resolution GPS screens and Bluetooth speakers. All For more information on cottage rates, configurations, availability or to book visit the course and club’s Accommodations Page.

    Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes along the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites offering privacy and ample room. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed, $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room, and $1,000 for “Cottage Six,” a two-story home with four bedrooms upstairs and a king bed master suite, one bedroom with four queens, two bathrooms and a game / theater room downstairs.

    Golfers enjoying a golf package at Cherokee Valley can now walk from their cottage to the course and club’s new full-service restaurant and gathering place, Core 450. Opened in May, Core 450 overlooks the ninth and 18th greens evoking memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine.

    Cherokee Valley has also partnered with the historic Westin Poinsett in beautiful downtown Greenville to offer value-laden packages. Located in the heart of one of America’s most acclaimed cities, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is an easy 30-minute drive from the course. Packages include a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via our Partners Page.

    For more information on golf packages and memberships, visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.

  • First Look – Callaway JAWS Full Toe Wedges

    First Look – Callaway JAWS Full Toe Wedges

    Callaway Golf has been a solid player in the wedge market for years, especially since adding legendary wedge designed Roger Cleveland to their staff. It would be easy to rest on your laurels after releasing a popular wedge line like the JAWS MD5 and PM Grind series wedges, but they continue to work on new designs and technologies to give golfers more options.

    Callaway’s new JAWS Full Toe wedges are designed to give you control on all types of wedge shots, from chips, pitches, flops,
    bunker shots, and full shots into the green. The JAWS Full Toe wedges combine four technologies to maximize spin.

    • JAWS grooves – The most aggressive groove in golf. These JAWS grooves are extended across the face to provide spin anywhere that you make contact.
    • To increase surface roughness of the clubface, Callaway added offset groove-in-groove technology and then combined it with a raw face, a first for Callaway. The wedges give you the spin and control you need to approach any shot with confidence, and the raw face will rust over time to reduce glare and give you that worn look many players prefer.
    • The Full Toe shape and a specialized C-Grind make bunker shots, high flop shots, and short pitches and chips easy to hit, from any lie you face on the course.
    • The JAWS Full Toe Wedges also provide enhanced control on full wedge shots. The JAWS toe pad moves weight and pushes the CG higher, for a design that creates a lower, more controlled trajectory. The Variable Weight Port System moves the CG away from the hosel for solid contact and enhanced feel.
    • The JAWS Full Toe wedges come stock with a premium Lamkin UTX grip, True Temper’s newest Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft in steel, or a Project X Catalyst wedge shaft in graphite. Available in two finishes: Raw Face Chrome and Raw Black.

    Features & Benefits

    Spin Machine – Jaws Full Toe wedges combine full face JAWS grooves, offset groove-in-groove technology and an allnew raw face, giving you the spin and control you need to pull off every shot around the greens.

    Confidence and Versatility – The Full Toe shape provides more face area with an enhanced toe peak. The shaping works with the specialized C-Grind to make short shots around the green easy to hit, especially bunker shots and high flops. This wedge is built to perform on mid and full wedge shots too, with great turf interaction through the ball so you can stick it close.

    Enhanced Control – The Full Toe pushes the CG higher, for a design that creates a lower, more controlled trajectory. Our Variable Weight Port System helps us locate the CG away from the heel, for solid contact and enhanced feel.

    Premium Components and Finishes – JAWS Full Toe Wedges come stock with a premium Lamkin UTX grip, True Temper’s newest Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft in steel, or a Project X Catalyst wedge shaft in graphite. Available in two finishes: Raw Face Chrome and Raw Black.

    The JAWS Full Toe wedges will be available for pre-order on 8/26/2021 and in retail stores on 9/9/2021. MSRP will be $169.99 each.

  • Off Season Golf at Pinehurst – Play More, Spend Less

    Off Season Golf at Pinehurst – Play More, Spend Less

    2020 was a crazy year. While COVID-19 was a huge downer for the economy, it hit the tourism industry especially hard as people’s travel plans had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. But golf didn’t seem to take as much of a beating. In many places, golf was one of the more popular outdoor activities that you could safely participate in during the lockdown, thanks to the game’s built-in social distancing.

    According to the National Golf Foundation, Golf rounds in June 2020 were up in every state in the continental U.S., including an increase of at least 20% in golf-rich states like Arizona (+29%), Florida (+25%), Georgia (+24%), Texas (+23%), Pennsylvania (+22%) and Ohio (+21%).

    The results of this increase in golf led to a boom in golf club & accessory sales also. According to research firm Golf Datatech, sales of all categories of golf equipment set new records in July 2020. Golf equipment and accessory numbers were the highest for a single month since the company began tracking information in 1997. Sales at on and off-course retailers were $388.6 million, which easily surpassed the previous best two months (June 2007 at $368.1 million and June 2006 at $364.0 million).

    Pinehurst Resort – Offseason Play in the Cradle of American Golf

    I witnessed this mini boom in golf firsthand when I visited Pinehurst Resort in July 2020. Bookings at the resort were through the roof, with near 100% occupancy at the resort’s hotels and tee sheets that were booked solid at all 9 courses. With a packed house and people everywhere, I thought the resort did a really nice job with social distancing and found a good balance between safety, sanitation and hospitality. With ten courses (9 courses + The Cradle short course), three hotels, villas & condos and 10 restaurants, it’s pretty easy to spread people out, and nothing ever feels crowded except at peak meal times.

    Pinehurst - Carolina Hotel
    The Carolina Hotel

    Pinehurst is a special place, and with some time off and nothing better to do, I decided to return and spend Thanksgiving week in the sandhills of North Carolina on a solo pilgrimage. Not only are the crowds light at this time of year, but the Village of Pinehurst and the surrounding area were in full holiday mode when I arrived, which adds to the overall experience. The resort is just a 7 hour drive from home, so I was able to avoid the rush of holiday travelers at the airport.

    The weather was ideal for a holiday golf getaway, with daytime highs in the 70s and evening lows in the high 40s for perfect “sweater weather.” The area was noticeably less crowded than my first trip four months prior in July. It almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. In fact, one morning when I showed up for an early tee time on Pinehurst #4, I literally had the entire practice tee, chipping area and putting green to myself for a while. It was an a amazing sight, given how busy that same area was the first time I was there.

    Pinehurst - early morning
    Pinehurst at Dawn

    For several reasons I think a Thanksgiving visit to Pinehurst is very much worth considering for a family trip or solo getaway. Not only is the weather great and the crowds light, the cost is way cheaper too. For example, from November through February the rates for Pinehurst Resort’s popular Donald Ross Package drop more than 50%!

    The weather cools off in the winter, but most golfers (and especially those living north of the Mason Dixon line) will not be dissuaded, with December and January highs usually in the 50s and February highs climbing into the 60s. Of course there can be big swings in highs and lows, so be sure to check the weather before packing.

    Beyond Pinehurst Resort – North Carolina’s Sandhills

    Pinehurst Resort may be the crown jewel and the center of attention for the region, but there are plenty of other options near by that add to the experience of golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina. My Thanksgiving trip included warm-up stops at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles, both fantastic Donald Ross designs that have tons of character and history. The best part? Tee times at both courses were only $85 – A steal if you ask me. Mid Pines is a classic Ross design that is meticulously maintained and virtually unchanged from the original 1921 design, making it an absolute blast to play. Pine Needles will soon be the first course in the nation to host four U.S. Women’s Opens and is the #4 rated course in NC by Golfweek.

    • Tobacco Road #1
      Tobacco Road GC #1
    • Tobacco Road #8
      Tobacco Road GC #8
    • Tobacco Road #9
      Tobacco Road GC #9
    • Tobacco Road #13
      Tobacco Road GC #13
    • Tobacco Road #14
      Tobacco Road GC #14
    • Tobacco Road #18
      Tobacco Road GC #18

    30 minutes north of Pinehurst Village is a golf experience that is unlike anywhere in the world. In 1998, the late Mike Strantz crafted a masterpiece of golf design called Tobacco Road Golf Club. Challenging yet playable, this unique design can be visually overwhelming and playing it can feel a little like riding a roller coaster. It’s not long by modern standards at just over 6500 yards from the longest tees, but it’s very fair. Good shots will be rewarded, but bad shots will be severely punished. I think it must be played to really understand the mystique of the place. In my experience, you either love it or hate it, but most love it. Personally, I think Tobacco Road is in my top 5 golf courses I’ve played in the world. Rates during the winter months vary, but most are under $100 and get cheaper when booked as a package.

    Conclusions

    The sandhills of North Carolina are a mecca for golf in the Eastern United States, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the cradle of American golf year-round. The weather may not always be perfect, but with golf there’s never a guarantee of perfect weather, even at the peak times in spring and early summer. The biggest benefits of visiting Pinehurst in the late fall and winter are twofold – There are less people, and it’s as much as 50% cheaper. My solo trip for Thanksgiving 2020 was fantastic. I enjoyed good weather, uncrowded courses that were still in fantastic shape, equally uncrowded restaurants, and prices that made the entire experience feel like I was stealing.

    BMW X5 M550i

    Pro Tip: During your stay at Pinehurst, be sure to take advantage of the BMW Guest Drive Program that allows guests of the resort to choose any vehicle from a fleet of new BMWs for a free 3-hour test drive. I spent one very entertaining evening in the fantastic 550 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 powered BMW X5 M550i.

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 2 – Walker Trolley

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 2 – Walker Trolley

    Day two of our 12 days of Christmas Gift Guide is featuring the Walker Trolleys golf pushcarts. These throwback designs combine modern engineering with traditional designs and a classic look and feel, the Walker Trolley Cape model is perfect for traditionalist that prefer to walk the course and do it in style.

    The Walker Trolley is made with premium materials – waxed canvas, leather, and anodized aluminum – And that means it is built to last.  

    Specifications:

    Weight: 19lbs

    Folded: 33”(h) x 19″(w at base, 12″ at top) x 24″ (d at base, 5″ at top) 

    Unfolded: 39″ height of handle (ideally suited for golfers 5’5″ and taller – shorter golfers may struggle with the height of the handle)

    Tires: Air filled rubber (option to purchase foam filled tires separately in early 2021)

    Storage Accessory: Standard waxed canvas comes with the trolley

    MSRP: $399

    **December 13th is the last day for orders to guarantee Christmas delivery**

    Go to https://walkertrolleys.com/ for more info and to place an order!

  • First Look: Wilson Launch Pad Irons

    First Look: Wilson Launch Pad Irons

    When I think about Wilson Golf, I think about tradition and history. Wilson clubs have been in the bags of major champions, hall of famers, tour players, elite amateurs and recreational players since 1914! One of my first iron sets were Wilson Staff blade irons, and that’s what I picture when I hear the name Wilson.

    But forged blades aren’t all Wilson Golf is about these days. They have a wide selection of clubs for every golfer and taste. Perhaps Wilson’s most unique irons for 2020 are the Launch Pad irons. Designed for players with slower swings that want help getting the ball in the air, they combine modern technology and materials with elements of a clean, classic look that inspires confidence for the player that wields them.

    Wilson describes the Launch Pad irons this way: “The Launch Pad collection is designed to inspire confidence in the mind of the high handicap golfer, whether new to the game or looking to improve. Incorporating ground-breaking technological advancements that are visually subtle, the Launch Pad family is designed to elevate shots, while providing greater distance and ensuring more consistent contact. These features deliver the best possible performance and shot-making for the super game-improvement player.”

    My Take

    I may be out of line with many of the traditionalists out there and even with Wilson’s marketing department, but I don’t think these irons are limited to use by high handicap golfers. The features that most “super game improvement” irons have are certainly present here also, with the fat sole, low center of gravity and light weight shafts. However, if properly fitted I think these irons would be great for older players with swings that are slowing down, or even a mid handicap golfer that wants a higher ball flight and more carry.

    Don’t get me wrong, you aren’t going to have much success trying to shape shots both ways or vary the trajectory of your shots with these irons. They are designed to hit the ball high and straight. But not every player wants to shape shots, they just want to hit it straight, or straighter. As fun as it was hitting the PW 150 yards or the 7 iron 190 yards, these irons aren’t for me. Not because I didn’t like the high, straight ball flight, but because I actually prefer shaping shots and changing trajectories with my irons.

    While nobody will be confusing the Launch Pad irons with those sweet Wilson Staff forged blades that I gravitate towards, the engineers at Wilson did an admirable job at designing these clubs with some elements of that classic design. While the sole is wide and top line is chunky, the face still has a clean look with no extra bells and whistles to distract the player. They are easy to align and you won’t want to bury them beneath neoprene iron covers. As far as game improvement irons go, you can’t get a much better looking club.

    From the Wilson Golf press release: “The magic behind these irons lies within the Launch Pad Sole featured throughout the set. This advanced technology is designed to eliminate the “chunk” shot, while simultaneously improving launch. The short irons feature traditional game-improvement sole widths while longer irons feature wider, more forgiving soles, for more consistent ball-striking and greater distance. This progression in sole width allows players to put the long irons back in their bags.

    Wilson Launch Pad irons feature a hollow construction with thin face for maximum ball speed and more distance.

    In addition, the smooth bounce angle keeps the leading edge up and decreases turf interaction by floating above the ground. The Launch Pad Irons feature a hollow-body construction, supporting an extremely thin face for explosive ball speed and increased distance.”

    Technical Details

     The Launch Pad Irons will be offered in 4-PW sets (with GW and SW also available) with a KBS Tour 80 steel shaft or UST-Mamiya Recoil 460 graphite shaft, with both options featuring the traditional Wilson Staff 2 Crossline Mid grip. For more info, go to wilson.com

    The steel shaft options will be sold at $699.99 while the graphite set will start at $799.99. This price point puts them solidly in the mid-range considering most forged cavity back sets sell for closer to $999 these days.

    The Bottom Line

    Wilson’s Launch Pad irons are marketed as super game improvement clubs that help players get the ball airborne while preventing the dreaded fat shots from the fairway, but I think if these are custom ordered with heavier shafts that they could be a nice option for mid handicap players that are looking for more distance, height and/or forgiveness. They look good, perform well and won’t break the bank. If you get a chance to demo these irons, you won’t regret it.

  • First Look: Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Woods & Hybrids

    First Look: Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Woods & Hybrids

    Tour Edge, a little golf company from Chicago, had a great year in 2019. Their EXS and CBX 219 lines sold like hotcakes, they signed several prominent players on the PGA Tour Champions, and they rode that momentum into 2020.

    This year’s EXS 220 clubs are the end result of that momentum. Tour Edge President David Glod’s strength is R&D and he has poured all of his knowledge of golf and advanced materials into the new clubs.

    • Diamond Face Tech: Produces a hotter face with more ball speeds, less spin and more forgiveness.
    • Sound Diffusion Bar: Using finite element analysis software, they added strategically placed material to alter the acoustic properties of the club. In other words – It sounds better!
    • Max MOI: A new elongated shape and adjustable 9g back weight increases MOI (moment of inertia) for greater forgiveness. The 5440g per cubic meter is a 20% increase from the prior generation.
    • Titanium Face: Using 8-1-1 ultra-premium titanium in the face allows Tour Edge to better distribute weight, as it is lighter than normal titanium.
    • Triple Carbon Tech: Carbon fiber placed on the crown, heel and toe of the sole provides extreme weight savings and allows for repositioning of weight to increase forgiveness
    • Adjustable Hosel: Loft can be adjusted +/- 2 degrees, creating a range of loft options between 7.5 and 14 in three heads.

    I’ve fitted my EXS 220 driver with one of KBS Shafts’ new TD line of driver shafts. The KBS TD Driver shaft is new for 2020. This mid-launch, low spin shaft is ideal for stronger players. In fact, the Category 5 flex (Tour-X) that I have is even a bit too stiff for my 114-118 swing speeds. Still, this driver is an absolute missile launcher.

    With a street price of $349, the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver is the best value of 2020. You simply can’t get a better performing driver for the price. This clubs outperforms many drivers costing $499 or more. It’s true what Tour Edge says: “Pound for pound, nothing else comes close.”

    The EXS 220 three-wood and hybrid are in the hands of a club tester and based on his comments, I’m afraid I may not get them back!

    Once I get some more data from the awesome little Flightscope Mevo launch monitor, I’ll post the data and compare with a few other drivers, fairways & hybrids I’ve tested for comparison. For now – Enjoy the photos and find a local demo day to try them out! You won’t regret it.

  • First Look: Wilson Staff Utility Irons

    First Look: Wilson Staff Utility Irons

    Wilson Golf is riding high these days coming off a major championship win at the US Open by Wilson Staff player Gary Woodland. They have been making top-quality golf clubs for almost 100 years. Players using Wilson golf clubs have won 61 majors – Still way more than any other manufacturer.

    The latest equipment craze in golf seems to be utility irons. Even with modern technology available to us, many people still find long irons difficult to hit. I think the firmer, lower spinning golf balls of the day have contributed to this. A number of years ago, club companies started selling hybrid clubs that promised more height, distance, and forgiveness than long irons. The problem is they were not as controllable as a long iron for better players.

    The answer to the lack of workability and trajectory control of hybrids is now called the “utility iron.” These clubs have the profile and blade shape of long irons, with more forgiveness and playability than long irons. Simply put, they are easier to hit than long irons but more workable and controllable than hybrids.

    Most major manufacturers have released utility irons to complement their hybrids and iron sets, giving players more choices than ever before. Wilson has also jumped into the game with their new Wilson Staff utility irons.

    The Staff Model Utility Irons featured a hollow body for more distance, increased forgiveness, and improved launch angle. The utility irons are constructed with a high-strength C300 maraging steel face that delivers faster ball speeds across the clubface.

    “The Staff Model Utility Irons will give golfers confidence on every shot and in every condition,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Golf Club Innovation. “Originally created for our professional staff members, we are excited to bring the utility irons to golfers and believe the strong mix of distance and forgiveness will enable players to attack the course with more confidence.”

    The Wilson Staff Model Utility Irons offer seven grams of weight positioned low inside the club head, increasing the forgiveness and ensuring a higher ball flight.

    Wilson Staff Utility Irons come stock with KBS Tour Hybrid graphite shaft and are paired with Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet grip. They are offered in 18-degree, 21-degree and 24-degree loft options, and will be available for purchase on Wilson.com and retailers for $229.99 per iron beginning Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019.

  • PING G410 Driver – First Look

    PING G410 Driver – First Look

    PING has been on a roll for a number of years, especially when it comes to drivers. I’ve had a PING driver in my bag since 2015 with the fantastic G30. At the time it was one of the most forgiving and consistent drivers I ever played. Then came the “G” driver, and last year the G400 driver, which combined with a custom shaft from TPT Golf produced a 9-yard gain in carry distance!

    • Ping G410 Driver
    • Ping G410 Driver
    • Ping G410 Driver
    • Ping G410 Driver

    The latest offering in the never-ending driver wars is PING’s new G410 driver. Given the great performance and sales success of the previous models, PING had a tough task in improving on the G400. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they’ve improved the adjustability with a moveable weight instead of fixed one and tweaked the design for better aerodynamics.

    It’s difficult for any manufacturer to realistically promise more distance since they have all been engineered to the maximum tolerances that golf’s governing bodies allow. The USGA max limit for Characteristic Time (CT) is 257 microseconds. In simple terms, CT is the measure of how springy the face of a club is. A higher CT means a higher rebound effect, leading to faster ball speeds and more distance.

    Because virtually all drivers are manufactured to the highest tolerances possible these days, performance comes down to custom fitting a club for each golfer by tweaking spin rates & launch angle. This is done by changing shafts and moving weights around until the best combination is found. The new PING G410 offeres greater adjustability than the previous generation with the moveable weight in the back that can be adjusted for neutral, draw or fade bias positions.

    Specs

    The G410 driver is available in two models:

    The G410 Plus is available in 9, 10.5 or 12-degree lofts. Standard length is 45 3/4″ long with a 206g head weight, 455cc head size, and D3 swing weight. The head weight is adjustable for neutral, fade or draw bias positions.

    The slice fighting G410 SFT (Straight Flight Technology) driver is available in 10.5 degrees with a 204 g head weight and D1 swing weight. The weight is fixed in a draw biased position.

    Pricing

    Street price at TGW.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods is $499. Custom options will drive the price to $549 and up.

  • Check Out Rickie Fowler’s New Shoes

    Check Out Rickie Fowler’s New Shoes

    PUMA Golf’s new IGNITE PROADAPT Shoes are here – Here’s a sneak peek!

    • White/Gray Violet
    • White/Gray Violet
    • Gray Violet/White
    • Gray Violet/White
    • Black/Dark Shadow
    • Black/Dark Shadow

    PUMA Golf’s IGNITE PROADAPT footwear is almost here, and they look sharp! This is the shoe worn on the PGA Tour by fan favorite Rickie Fowler. They have the stable, full-grain leather upper design preferred by Rickie. In fact, he debuted PROADAPT earlier this season and relied on them during his recent victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.   

    From the official press release – “During the footwear design and creation process, we work with our Tour team, utilizing their feedback to deliver shoes that reflect the feel and performance desired by the best golfers in the world,” said Andrew Lawson, Footwear Product Line Manager at PUMA Golf.  “Rickie was involved from the earliest stages of design, expressing his desire for an upper that provides a ton of support with premium styling. Better players will love these shoes as they offer comfort, maximum stability, ground traction and motion control through your golf swing.”

    The PUMA IGNITE PROADAPT footwear comes with a one-year waterproof warranty and feature technologies such as:

    ·       Pro-Fit Insole – This ultra-soft, yet supportive PU insole provides excellent fit, performance and long-lasting comfort on the course.  

    ·       Adaptive Fit System – Dual-layer, decoupled collar construction utilizes premium full-grain leather materials and a molded comfort collar to provide the comfort of a running shoe, but the look of a high-end leather shoe. 

    ·       Atlantis Leather Upper – Ultra-premium, full-grain leather upper delivers soft feel, enhanced quality and sophisticated look.  

    ·       IGNITE Foam – Revolutionary and proprietary PU foam provides ideal energy return, responsive comfort, stable cushioning and superior step-in comfort eliminating typical new footwear “break-in period.”

    ·       Pro-Form TPU – Premium TPU Outsole compound delivers high performance, grip and abrasion resistance on all surfaces.  

    ·       Tornado Cleat – a dual talon, low-profile cleat provides excellent traction and long-lasting abrasion resistance, and is easy to change out using the Fast Twist 3.0 system.  

    The PROADAPTs are available in three colors and will carry a retail price of $200.

    The PUMA IGNITE PROADAPTs are available now for pre-sale on PUMGAGOLF.com and at select retailers. They officially hit stores on March 13, 2019.

  • 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.

  • MLA Tour XDream Putter

    MLA Tour XDream Putter

    MLA Tour XDream Black Edition PutterWhen it comes to putting, I’ve tried it all. I’ve always considered putting to be my weakness, even if the numbers don’t support that. Turns out I’m a good putter for my handicap, so perhaps I’m being a little too hard on myself. It’s just that I expect to make more putts than I do, and I’m always looking for a putter that’ll help me do that. Maybe that’s why I have over 20 putters in the garage collecting dust…

    The latest putter that’s helping me make more putts is from a small Swiss company called MLA Golf. They make very high quality, 100% milled putters that feel and perform great. The model I have been testing is called the Tour XDream Black Edition. It’s a special version of the regular Tour XDream with black paint fill instead of the usual green. With interchangeable weights and a very forgiving, high MOI head shape, this putter helps your slightly mis hit putts end up closer to the hole.

    The almost perfect combination of weight, forgiveness and high quality materials makes the Tour XDream is one of the most solid feeling putters I’ve ever used. Rolling putts with the Tour XDream putter is a joy, with the kind of positive feedback you would expect from a solid hunk of metal hitting a golf ball. There is a small, recessed sight dot on the top edge near the face to help you tell where the sweet spot is, but what really sets MLA putters apart is their unique alignment system.

    MLA stands for Multiple Line-detector Activation. Since I’m not qualified to describe what that means, I’ll let someone who is explain it for me:

    MLA (Multiple Line-detector Activation) is the new patented alignment technology that will revolutionize your putting. This is how it works…

    MLA Tour XDream Black Edition PutterWe all have internal guides to compare and analyze sensory information that control pace and direction of putts. The MLA putters are designed to take advantage of these guides. MLA Putters worked with Dr. Lennart Högman, Ph.D. Dr. Högman has studied the perceptual process for more than 20 years and has performed studies that have revised the science between the human’s perceptions and the human being’s motor skills.

    He says: “An alignment system that acts upon multiple line detectors is a key to obtain veridical motion perception and a perfect in-line stroke surface.”

    The brain consists of 100,000 line detectors that are divided into a number of groups that help us decide what is straight. A simple line, for example, activates a group of detectors. When several groups of detectors are activated, these help the brain to make correct judgments.

    However, the more line detectors that are stimulated will not automatically lead to a better line judgment. On the contrary, this can create a “competition” between the line detectors that will lead to different degrees of (so called) optical illusions, as shown in the illustrations below (front and perspective views).

    MLA is developed to activate the maximum number of coordinated detectors
    for optimal aiming judgment.

    MLA Tour XDream Black Edition PutterIn English Please…

    Detectors? Perceptual process? What the heck does all that mean for the golfer? The bottom line is, this MLA alignment system is supposed to make it easier for golfers to line up the putter more accurately. I have no way to test this theory scientifically, but I have no reason to doubt the science behind the MLA alignment system. Personally, I tend to prefer putters with a lack of alignment lines so I was drawn to these immediately. My favorite putters tend to have a sight dot or nothing at all. This putter doesn’t have lines but is still easy to line up because of the MLA alignment and also because it has a mostly square shape with a wide face.

    I found the best balance between high MOI (resistance to twisting on off center hits) and feel with the 5g weights. 10g and 15g weights are also included to customize the putter. Heavier weights add MOI but reduce feel, and lighter weights increase feel at the expense of MOI. Even with the lightest 5g weights installed, this is a heavy putter with pretty high MOI. You can miss hit it all over the face and still get good results.

    It would be harder to find a higher quality piece of work than this MLA Tour XDream putter. The milling work is clean and precise. The finish is shiny on the bottom where it makes sense to polish it and has a nice matte black finish on the top side where glare could be an issue. I love a dark color putter with dark paint fill like this limited edition Black Series. The weights screw in to the weight slots with surgical precision. This is a very well built putting implement.

    SPECIFICATIONS


    HEAD WEIGHT: 375g
    LOFT: 2,5°
    LIE: 71°
    LENGTH: 32”, 33”, 34”, 35”, 36”
    WEIGHT KIT: 2x 5g, 2x 10g, 2x 15g included
    GRIP: Midsize Forward Golf black
    COLOR: Black PV

    OPTIONS

    CUSTOM LOFT: -1° +1°
    CUSTOM LIE: -2° +2°
    GRIP: Jumbo Forward Golf black

    For golfers with a square-to-square putting stroke or those that prefer a face-balanced mallet style, the MLA Tour XDream is a putter you should seriously consider. The Tour XDream is priced at $299 online and the Black Edition I have sells for $349. This puts them squarely in the high-end category along with the likes of Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi and other boutique putter craftsmen like Piretti and Evnroll and that’s right where MLA Golf belongs.

  • 2017 PGA Show – 6 Standout Products

    2017 PGA Show – 6 Standout Products

    For the golf industry, the biggest day of the new year arrived on Wednesday, January 25th with the opening of the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show. We walked around the massive Orange County Convention Center yesterday and took in all the sights and sounds. As one of my friends who was attending for the first time said as we walked into the main hall – “I’m in sensory overload right now!”

    There are over 1000 exhibiting companies and over 40,000 attendees from 90 countries so it’s nearly impossible to see everything, but here are a few of the products and companies that got our attention and are making a buzz this year.

    Tour Edge Exotics XJ1

    Exotics XJ1 DriverOriginally intended for the Japanese market, Tour Edge decided to bring their “Super metal” driver and fairways to the US market after the overwhelmingly positive feedback from testers. With a body made from lighter and more flexible 9-1-1 Titanium bonded to an amorphous Kevlar-carbon crown and paired with a 45 gram Fujikura Air Speeder shaft, the XJ1 driver is designed to perform best for golfers who swing under 100 mph, delivering higher ball speeds and more distance for slower swingers. I attended a private Tour Edge media event on Monday and the club is living up to the hype. The fairway woods may be even better. The heavy tungsten sole represents two thirds the weight of the club, placing the center of gravity very low and making them very easy to hit. Technology and performance come at a price however – The XJ1’s MSRP is $599 and the fairways retail for $449. Given Exotics’ reputation for making awesome clubs, they are going to be worth the price. Just ask anyone who has an Exotics driver or fairway wood in their bag.

    Single Length Irons

    Cobra F7 One Length Irons

    If you haven’t heard about single length irons yet, you probably will this year, starting right here. The idea is simple. By making all your irons the same length (usually between 37.5 to 38.5″ long, or the length of a 6 or 7 iron) you will be more consistent because the setup position will be identical for every club. The concept was brought to national prominence by NCAA and US Amateur Champ and Bryson Dechambeau and he’s continued to use the single length irons on the PGA Tour after signing an endorsement deal with Cobra/Puma Golf. Naturally, Cobra is now marketing a set of single length irons, and so is the company Bryson’s original irons were made by – Edel Golf.

    The concept is interesting and has its merits, but there are also a few drawbacks. Because the length and lie angle of every iron are identical, with only the loft changing, distance variation or gapping between clubs will shrink. If every club is the length of a six iron, that means you’ll hit your long irons shorter than normal and your short irons further than normal. I personally feel that transitioning from a 38.5″ pitching wedge to a 35″ sand wedge will prove challenging for many, but I’m hoping to have a chance to test the concept this season and report on the findings here!

    Ouul Bags

    Ouul Python Series Bags

    Pronounced OWL, this new company produces light-weight golf bags and luggage with striking colors, patterns and designs. A particular favorite of mine is the Ouul Python Collection stand bags. They are super light weight but very sturdy, with handles around the top that make handling the bag so much easier when walking the course. The bags only weigh 2.7 pounds and come in ten different colors.

    Honma

    Honma Tour World TW737

    Honma is a Japanese manufacturer that has been around for over 50 years. While they’ve been well known in Japan for decades, they are just starting to make waves in North America. They made worldwide news recently when Japanese PM Shinzo Abe gave US President-elect Donald Trump a $3700 gold-colored Honma driver as a gift.

    While speaking to him yesterday, Marketing, Media & Public Relations Manager Keith Patterson pointed out that Honma Golf enjoys 100% market share in the “over $50,000 golf clubs” segment. While this is funny, it’s also true. Honma makes a set that sells for $50,000 and includes graphite shafts infused with gold flakes, gold plated club heads and hand stitched golf bag.

    While a $50,000 set of gold clubs makes for an interesting story, it’s important to note that Honma makes clubs for serious players also, and they are very, very good. I’ve been disappointed with Honma in the past, but the company culture has changed. With several new faces in the management team, a can-do attitude and contagious energy, they are entering the US market with a vengeance and the PGA Show floor is buzzing with excitement about their clubs. We’ll be bringing some in depth coverage to this brand in 2017, so keep an eye out!

    Ecco Cage Pro SPYDR-GRIP

    ECCO CAGE PRO w/ SPDYR-GRIP

    Ecco makes golf shoes that I think have the best combination of fit, durability, comfort and performance on the market. They continue to innovate and bring to market some of the best looking and best performing golf shoes in the world. For 2017, they have a new model called the ECCO CAGE PRO featuring a new SPYDA-GRIP sole with naturally placed pivot points for better traction and grip.

    Hickies

    hickies styles

    For people like me that are lazy and hate tying shoes, you’ll want to take a look at the Hickies lacing system. Replacing your laces with the memory-fit elastomer Hickies lacing system turns any shoe into a slip-on.  The stretchable Hickies help customize the fit of your shoes without much effort and they look cool too. Multiple color options allow you to customize the look of your golf shoes also. Hickies burst on the golf scene in 2016 when Danny Willett won the Masters wearing shoes laced with Hickies.

     

  • Biion Builds a Better Golf Shoe

    Biion FootwearSince taking up golf in the early 1990’s, I’ve tried on a lot of different golf shoes. In fact, my golf shoe collection is getting a bit ridiculous with over two dozen pairs and counting. However, I have only three or four favorites that I wear consistently. The rest only come out once in a while, usually to match a particular outfit. You may not always play your best, but you can always look your best!

    Now that Canadian company Biion has bust onto the scene, my favorites list is very likely to grow. I first met the folks behind this company a few years ago at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, but their presence at the 2016 show really made waves, and they’ve been riding that wave all summer.

    Biion makes golf & lifestyle shoes from an elastomeric polymer material called Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). This smooth, flexible rubbery material is perfect for shoes, because it flexes with your feet as you walk, provides ample cushioning and feels soft on your skin. EVA is commonly used as padding in all kinds of athletic gear like ski boots, hockey pads and bike saddles.

    Biion’s shoes have a honeycomb shaped cleat on the sole that provides solid traction on the golf course, but these shoes are just as happy pulling double duty being worn around town. They can be worn with or without socks,a s the soft EVA is gentle on your feet. With over 40 models to choose from, there’s surely a style or pattern you’ll love.

    I got a few pairs to try out, and the first thing I like about them is that I don’t have to wear socks. They fit perfectly and flex with my foot as I walk. The EVA material doesn’t breathe like a textile, but the holes in the shoe provide some ventilation for your feet. Obviously these shoes aren’t waterproof, but at the same time they’ll never get stinky and moldy like regular shoes can get. If you play golf early in the morning you’ll pick up plenty of dew and grass clippings, but I simply hose them off and wipe them dry.

    I’ve grown to love these shoes. I can throw them on in the morning without socks, play golf in them and wear them everywhere else. I’ve even worn them to the office for a change of pace. They’re easy to maintain and look great. While the price (around $100 USD) is a little steep in my opinion, I can see these shoes lasting longer than traditional shoes.

    If you want to make a statement on the golf course, country club, the marina or just around town, take a look at Biion and their cool, comfortable shoes. If you are anything like me, you’ll end up with a few pairs in your closet.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOLc67D7CJY

  • 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…

  • Miura HB3 & HB4 Hybrids

    mg3-4-left2Katsuhiro Miura is a legend in the golf community. Golf equipment junkies and forged blade purists all over the world know him well, and his reputation for building some of the finest looking and performing clubs in the world is well deserved. As the Miura brand grows, they expanded from irons into wedges, woods and even hybrids. Having played with Miura’s unbelievable forged blades in the past, I was eager to try the HB3 and HB4 hybrids to see if they could live up to the lofty standards Miura has set for themselves.

    Miura Golf is a boutique brand, so you won’t find their stuff in a big box store or pro shop. Instead, they’ve built a network of skilled club makers that will fit each golfer properly to take advantage of the clubs and play their best. After all, if you are willing to spend over $2000 on a set of irons, shouldn’t they be done right? In my case, the HB3 hybrid was built with an Aerotech hls880 hybrid shaft. In my opinion, Aerotech makes the best shafts in the world, so it is a perfect match for the Miura HB3 Hybrid.

    The Miura HB3 hybrid has 20 degrees of loft, and the HB4 has 23. Meant to replace the three and four irons, these hybrids are designed to look and play much like the long irons they replace while adding height and forgiveness to your shots. Many hybrids are shaped like and play like woods, but Miura adopted a more iron-like profile and face design for greater accuracy and trajectory control.

    hb3-hb4For testing, I put the Miura HB3 in the hands of golfers who’s handicaps range from 0 to 18. The 18 handicap tester actually played with the hybrid for several months and it quickly became one of his favorite clubs. He loves the clean, classic good looks of the club. The black finish makes the HB3 look more compact and inspires confidence at address. The face is very hot. It feels like the ball really shoots off the face at impact, and the the dampened metal sound is perfectly tuned. The HB3 hybrid launches the ball with the high trajectory you would expect from a hybrid, but it doesn’t balloon in the air with too much spin. You get the high launch you want from a hybrid, and just enough spin to get longer carry and a softer landing than a long iron shot.

    Some testers thought the Miura HB3 hybrid wasn’t as forgiving as some other hybrids. The lower handicap testers didn’t feel the same way, but they tend to hit the center of the club more frequently so that’s no surprise. Given that the HB3 is designed to look and play more like a long iron, it’s natural that it might not be quite as forgiving as other hybrids that are designed for forgiveness and distance.

    Miura doesn’t have adjustable hosel technology yet, and while these features aren’t all that prevalent in hybrids yet, one tester thought it might be a nice addition. Since Miura is more of a boutique brand who’s clubs are built to order by professional clubfitters, I don’t think we’ll see a need for adjustable hosels with them.

    Aesthetically speaking, the brass colored weight ports on the sole don’t appear to be anything more than cosmetic, but I could be wrong. While not adjustable by the player, it’s very likely the club maker can use the ports to adjust swing weight and CG (center of gravity) location for a player’s specific needs. I haven’t yet confirmed this detail with the manufacturer.

    In the end, every single person that hit the Miura HB3 hybrid wanted to take it home with them. There are plenty of quality, high performance hybrid clubs on the market, but for those that want something a little different and the best quality available in custom built clubs, give the Miura HB3 and HB4 hybrids a try. Visit your local Miura authorized dealer for a fitting and more information.

  • High Heat Driver – Game Changing Technology For Amateurs

    High Heat Driver – Game Changing Technology For Amateurs

    high heat soleKnuth Golf may be a new player in the golf equipment market, but the company’s namesake is anything but. Dean Knuth spent many years working with the USGA to develop and evolve the current course and slope rating system that is used to establish, maintain and adjust player handicaps different courses.

    With degrees in mathematics and computer science and decades of service to golf, Dean was the obvious choice to design the first driver that is specifically made with the amateur golfer in mind, not the pros on tour. So what does it take to design a club for amateur golfers, and how does it differ from other drivers on the market?

    The Technology

    Amateur golfers don’t swing like the pros, so why play the same driver the pros play? Knuth’s High Heat driver is designed to help slower swing speeds of amateur golfers, and it does that by offering a driver with a center of gravity (CG) that is 25% deeper and 18% lower than any on the market.

    What does a low and deep CG do? Simple. It makes the club easy to hit! The deep and low CG of the High Heat driver allows golfers with slower swing speeds to launch the ball higher with less spin than other drivers. Another benefit of the deep, low CG is forgiveness. Since most mid-to-high handicap golfers tend to hit the ball lower on the face, the low CG is a great benefit to help get the ball airborne.

    “High MOI” is technical term that golf companies are tossing around these days. MOI, or Moment of Inertia is simply a measure of resistance to twisting. What high MOI means for a golf club is more distance and better accuracy on off-center hits. The High Heat has a higher MOI than just about every driver on the market. Terms like moment of inertia and low CG sound cool for a testing lab, but in the real world what it means is you get a club that is very easy to hit solid, and very forgiving when you miss it a bit.

    Visually Stunning

    high heat faceThe first thing you’ll notice about the High Heat driver is the sleek cobalt blue paint job and the shiny mirror face. The cobalt blue is striking and sharp, and gives the High Heat an identity that is unmistakable. The blue color scheme was also favored because it mimics the color of a flame when it burns the hottest. The polished mirror face is functional as well as being aesthetic. When hit, the ball leaves dimple marks on the face telling you where you made contact, and simply wipe away with a soft towel. Plus you can use it to deflect sunshine into your opponent’s eyes while he’s hitting! (wink)

    Specifications

    The High Heat driver comes in right and left handed models in three lofts – 9.5, 10.5 & 12 degrees. Standard length is 45 inches. There are also four premium shaft options to choose from: Fujikura Pro Sakura, Fujikura Pro 53, 63 and 73 and the Aldila Magnum 44. My testers had the Fujikura Pro 73 in X-Flex and the Fujikura Pro 63 in Stiff flex.

    Play Testing

    I spent quite a bit of time playing and testing the High Heat, and put it in as many players’ hands as I could to get as much feedback as possible. After half a dozen rounds with it I can conclude that the High Heat is one of the most playable and forgiving drivers I’ve ever seen.

    Someone like me who swings over 110 MPH and hits the sweet spot with regularity won’t see as much benefit from the High Heat as the average golfer, but even for me it was very accurate and forgiving on mishits. For the other 95% of golfers out there, this driver is a game changer. The low & deep CG really helps players with slower swing speeds launch the ball higher with less spin while still being very forgiving and playable.

    Many of the play testers that tried the High Heat said that it had a huge sweet spot and the ball seemed to shoot off the face with a springy feel. The noise was also distinctive. It sounds a bit like hitting the ball with an aluminum baseball bat. Most testers I gave it to gained distance with the High Heat, and not surprisingly the golfers with the slowest swings seemed to get the most out of it.

    In my personal testing I got great results from the High Heat, even with my tour-level swing speeds. While it is designed primarily for average golfers, any golfer can benefit from it. In my case I saw better forgiveness and excellent accuracy. The look and sound are unique, but not off-putting by any means. Personally I think the driver is gorgeous.

    Machine Testing

    hhcrownKnuth Golf saved me the trouble of inventing a golf swing robot to test their club against the other leading drivers on the market. Instead, they contracted with Golf Labs, the most reputable independent golf testing company in the world. Below is an excerpt of the results of that testing provided by Knuth Golf:

    On October 29, 2014 on a clear and relatively calm day in the San Diego area, Golf Labs tested the High Heat driver and Major Brands on its range using their precision robotic tester set at 95 mph.

    High Heat’s submission, identified as D-12 on the hosel, was marked 10.5 loft on the sole and was shafted with a Fujikura Pro 853 Stiff flex 53 gram shaft. It was tested against the Major Brands’ 10.5 lofts with their standard Stiff flex shafts. The testing was conducted against TaylorMade SLDR, Ping G30, Titleist 915 D2, Callaway Big Bertha Alpha, and Nike Covert 2.0.

    Golf Labs’ test used its standard 5 point test which provides total distance and dispersion from the center line on center and four off-center hits based on hitting six balls at each of those 5 points. The four off-center hit locations are located 1⁄2” above and below the center of each driver’s face; and 3⁄4” to the right and to left of center. Golf Labs also used new Titleist NXT golf balls.

    Golf Labs’ test results showed that High Heat’s total distance on center and off-center hits toward the center line was the longest, its total dispersion was the lowest and it had the most forgiveness than any of the Major Brands with one partial exception. The only exception was Callaway’s Big Bertha Alpha total distance toward the center line on center hits was the longest but High Heat’s total distance toward the center line for off-center hits was longer than Callaway’s Big Bertha Alpha and High Heat’s total dispersion on center and off-center hits was lower than Big Bertha Alpha.

    Final Thoughts

    The High Heat driver from Knuth Golf is a game changer. It has the lowest and deepest CG in the industry and is one of the most forgiving, easy to hit clubs I’ve ever hit. If you believe high performance can only come from a name-brand driver, you’ll be shocked when you hit this one. As soon as you hit it, I’ll bet you will want to put it in the bag. Many of Knuth’s happy customers have been prodding him for the past year or so with the inevitable question – When will you make fairway woods and hybrids? The answer is – Very soon!

    Knuth Golf introduced their new fairway woods and hybrids at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, and they will be available in time for the 2016 golf season. The High Heat driver sells for $399 direct, but you don’t have to pay that much. In fact, to save $70 check out the special offer below! For more information on all the clubs available from Knuth Golf, visit their website at www.knuthgolf.com

    Special Offer

    We have arranged for a special price of $329 for the High Heat driver, which also has a 30 day full money back guarantee. Just go to www.knuthgolf.com, add the driver to your shopping cart, and at checkout simply select Intothegrain.com when asked how you heard about High Heat. Happy shopping!

  • Cleveland Golf Introduces New TFI Smart Square Putter

    Cleveland Golf Introduces New TFI Smart Square Putter

    Cleveland Golf/Srixon have been a little quiet lately, and their focus has shifted a bit in the last year. Cleveland has always been known as a wedge company, and they are focusing more on that this season and allowing Srixon to be the main club company for a change. But Cleveland has put out some nice putters also, and the new TFI Smart Square is their new flagship flat stick. Here are some excerpts from the press release introducing the new putter.

    Cleveland® Golf , the leader in short game innovation for players of all abilities, is pleased to introduce the new TFI Smart Square® putter.  The TFI (True Feel Innovation) Smart Square putter is the most advanced putter that the company has ever created.  The tour-inspired design features a milled, copper-infused face cap over a copolymer insert for the ultimate in feel and consistency.  The combination of materials allows for immediate feedback from sound and feel when striking the ball, while the putter’s copolymer insert creates soft feel and consistent speed across the club face.  The TFI Smart Square putter, which features Smart Square alignment technology, couples a High Density Stabilizing Wing with a Low Density Aluminum Body resulting in increased head MOI for greater stability and minimal distance loss on off-center hits. 

    Smart Square Alignment Technology 

    Following intensive research into the most successful putters of all time and what golfers focus on when they align a putt, the new TFI Smart Square putter, along with its highly successful predecessors the Smart Square Blade and Mallet putters, incorporates alignment technology that has proven to be the most advanced – and simplest – that Cleveland Golf has ever created.

     The key to the Smart Square technology is Dual Axis Alignment®.  Two squares create parallel lines that frame the ball at address and provide a clear visual path to the hole.  They also generate two perpendicular lines that easily highlight when the putter is misaligned – even by a fraction of a degree. Cleveland Golf’s testing shows players aligned Smart Square putters 23% more accurately than one of the most popular putters of all time.

    In case you didn’t figure it out, the putter they are referring to is the Odyssey Two-Ball. But anyway, let’s see some photos of the TFI Smart Square!

     

  • Ping G30 Driver – Get One!

    Ping G30 Driver – Get One!

    Ping G30 DriverNormally when writing a review of a club, I’ll start with an introductory paragraph, then tell you a bit about the design and specs of the club before describing how it plays. This time however, I feel compelled to flip the script and tell you how the story ends first. Quite simply, the Ping G30 driver is the best club I’ve hit off the tee in over a decade. Now, let me tell you why.

    In the past 10 years as a blogger and golf industry insider, I’ve had the opportunity to hit many, many drivers. It’s the club golfers change the most, which is why the golf club manufacturers dedicate most of their marketing efforts to sell them. I had to think long and hard about the best drivers I’ve hit over that time and even prior, and I’m confident in saying that the Ping G30 has had a bigger impact on my golf game than all the rest. It’s not just me either. The sales figures since being introduced last July show that golfers have noticed also.

    As golf club technology has evolved over the years we’ve seen golf balls that fly further and drivers that hit those balls further still. As a result, I’m hitting the ball every bit as far at age 41 as I did at age 21, despite a swing speed that has dropped from the mid 120s to the low 110s. I may swing a golf club slower than I used to, but the launch monitor data suggests that I’m still transferring as much energy to the golf ball as I used to with a metal-headed Titleist driver and Tour Balata golf balls.

    Hotter club faces and more responsive golf balls have changed the game for everyone. But the USGA and R&A rules have imposed limits on the performance of golf clubs and golf balls, and I’ve seen technology hit the wall in that regard. The equipment companies may tell you otherwise, but they can’t make a club hit the ball any further than they do now. Instead, what they are doing is tweaking launch conditions and fitting clubs to individual swings using movable weights and interchangeable shafts in an effort to squeeze every last yard out of your drives.

    Technology & Specifications

    Ping G30 DriverWhen it comes to the Ping G30, there aren’t any fancy moveable weights, but there are several options for fitting the club to the player. To start, Ping makes three different G30 drivers. The standard G30, the slice-fighting G30 SF-TEC and the low-spin G30 LS-TEC. All three G30 models are assembled with a T9S Titanium face and Ti 8-1-1 body. The T9S material is light and thin and allows more face deflection for greater ball speeds, up to the USGA limit that is. All three models have built-in aerodynamic features on the crown that Ping calls “Turbulators” to (theoretically) help generate greater clubhead speed. Also included is an adjustable hosel to tune the face angle, which will change the dynamic loft of the driver, allowing for a higher or lower ball flight as wanted.

    The standard G30 model is set up neutral, with the weight and balance designed to be playable for everyone. The G30 SF-TEC model is designed with the weight port shifted towards the heel and a lighter swing weight (D1 compared to D3) to help chronic slicers straighten out their tee shots. The G30 LS-TEC model is the low spin version of the standard G30, and I’m told by Ping that the LS-TEC driver reduces backspin by 400 RPM over the standard G30. This model will appeal mostly to higher swing speed players that generate too much spin. The G30 and G30 LS-TEC are available in 9 and 10.5 degree lofts. The SF-TEC version is available with 10 or 12 degrees of loft.

    Ping offers a few self-branded stock shaft choices and several more brands as custom options. The standard shaft is the Ping TFC 419D. Upgrades include the Ping Tour 65 and Tour 80 shafts. Ping is one of the few companies that still sells their own shafts, and I believe this gives them an advantage because they can better control the quality and performance of their clubs if they also make the shafts that go in them. While they offer many well known brands as custom options, I would recommend choosing one of their shafts. Most players will fit into the TFC 419D shaft, and stronger players will love the Tour 65 and Tour 80 shafts.

    Performance

    So what does all this technology do? In the right hands, it hits golf balls far. The tester I got was a standard Ping G30 with the Tour 80x shaft and 9 degrees of loft. Some initial testing was done at the driving range on an Ernest Sports ES14 launch monitor, but most of my testing takes place on the golf course because I prefer real-world testing in real, variable conditions. To supplement my on-course testing, I used GAME GOLF to gather data about every shot hit to compare clubs. I put the G30 up against my old gamer (2013 Adams Super LS, 8.5 degrees w/ UST ProForce VTS Black 75x) for comparison.

    My initial testing with the launch monitor confirmed my suspicion that the aerodynamic turbulators on the club’s crown wouldn’t do much to deliver more clubhead speed, but they look cool I guess. In 20 swings with the Adams driver I averaged 110.75 MPH of club speed. After 20 swings with the G30 I averaged 111.25 MPH. The G30 averaged 0.5 MPH more than the Adams, but I don’t think this slight improvement is statistically relevant. Similarly, ball speeds (167.5 to 165.5), launch angles (12.025 to 12.775) and spin rates (2253.5 to 2571) were also very similar. Since total distance on the ES14 launch monitor is an estimated figure derived from launch data, I didn’t include it. (See note below) Instead I used the more accurate real-world data from my rounds on GAME GOLF (more on this later) Bottom line: The Ping G30, when properly fit to the individual golfer, is about as long as any other driver on the market. In this case it’s as long as the Adams Super LS and TaylorMade SLDR 430. (The SLDR 430 and G30 were tested on-course by me and another play tester in a separate test.)

    This hard data shows that even a two year old driver can deliver the same performance as a new model. It also contributes to my theory that equipment performance has hit the limit and companies can’t get any more distance out of clubs and balls. There is of course, one factor I haven’t mentioned yet – Accuracy.

    GAME GOLF - Avg DistanceNote on distance data: The ES14 launch monitor data showed my hits using Adams Super LS driver averaging 300.75 yards, compared to the Ping G30 at 296.75 yards. While this is a nice ego boost, those numbers are unrealistic because of the way the ES14 estimates distance. Meanwhile, the actual on-course, GPS-measured data from GAME GOLF shows that I really average 289 yards with the Adams and 291 yards with the Ping G30. The data from GAME GOLF also validated the launch monitor data that showed that both drivers were within 4 yards of each other in total distance. Four yards may be huge for the marketing department at company X that’s trying to sell you a driver, but in reality there are just too many factors at play to make an accurate claim on distance. The launch monitor tells me that the Adams Super LS is longer, but the real-world data proved otherwise. The data I got from playing over 30 rounds of golf with both clubs shows that the difference is much smaller. I think this helps to show that since club technology has hit legal limits, driver distance will once again mostly depend on swing speed, solid contact and course/weather conditions, not club technology.

    Accuracy & Forgiveness

    Launch monitors and wide open driving ranges can’t give you the whole picture about how straight you hit a club. That’s why I prefer to play as much as possible with a club before writing a review. I use the GAME GOLF platform to track my shots and club performance with their excellent built in stats. But don’t take my word for it, go check it out for yourself!

    I’ve played at least 15 rounds with the Ping G30 since I got it (I put it in the bag right away as my gamer), and I had been playing with the Adams for almost a year before that. Armed with 15 rounds of actual golf data on multiple golf courses in varying weather conditions, The Ping G30 is almost 30% more accurate off the tee than my old Adams Super LS. I hit 62% of fairways with the G30 compared to 48% with the Adams. Thirty percent is a significant number!

    My golf swing didn’t change during the testing period, and the difference in average distance shows that I wasn’t “taking something off” drives with the G30. The Ping G30 driver is a very accurate golf club, because it is very forgiving on off-center hits. Don’t take it from me though, take it from our friends at GolfWRX who said “Hands down… The most forgiving driver in golf.” or the equipment testers at Golf Magazine who called the G30 SF-TEC  “The top-rated model in the test”.

    Conclusions

    When I get new clubs to test out I always try to get them into the hands of a few buddies to get their thoughts. Most of the time, they hit 10 to 15 shots and can tell me if they like it and want to hit more, or dislike and hand it back to me. With the Ping G30, my playing partner hit 5 balls on the range and half a dozen tee shots on the course and immediately ordered one for himself.

    What it comes down to is simply this – I hit the Ping G30 in or around the sweet spot more often than the other drivers I’ve played in the past 10 years. Solid contact means more distance, better accuracy and greater consistency. The numbers don’t lie. I’m hitting almost 30% more fairways with the G30 – without losing any distance. That is why the G30 went right in the bag and will stay there for the foreseeable future, and that is why you should go try the Ping G30 yourself. It’s the best driver I’ve hit in the last decade.