Equipment - Golf Tips

Tour Edge HL3: Affordable Quality Through The Bag

In one of the most exciting golf club launches of 2018, the Tour Edge HL3 features a complete lineup from driver to wedge, all designed to fill a niche as the best pound-for-pound technology and performance at a mid-tier price point.

The HL3 driver comes in two different configurations– a straight version and an offset version. Both drivers feature a forged titanium head and Cup Face technology, which in-creases the amount of face flexing for increased ball speed. HL3 technology also delivers incredible forgiveness, as well. Variable Face Thickness technology provides more contact points on the face that provide better off-center hit distance. The Power Channel on the sole behind the club face is designed to deliver amplified ball speed and less spin, as well as added forgiveness on shots struck lower on the face. Additionally, a rear sole weight moves the center of gravity back deeper in the club head to create an easy launch that will fly higher and longer.

The new HL Hybrid comes in four lofts designed to replace standard 3- to 6-irons and features a 450 stainless steel head with a redesigned face that is thinner for a greater spring-like effect and added distance.

The shallow face/high toe design produces an expanded sweet spot for an incredibly easy to launch hybrid.

The Hot Launch series is designed to specifically to take advantage of the emerging growth segment of customization. “Every golfer should be getting custom fit, especially high handicap players who have the most to gain,” said Tour Edge Vice President of Marketing Jon Claffey. “You don’t need to spend your kid’s college tuition to get into a high-performance, high-technology game-improving set of golf clubs.” The HL3 hybrid comes in 19, 22, 25 and 28-degree lofts, while the HL3 Iron-Wood is available in 12 different lofts designed to replace standard two-iron to lob wedge irons features is available individually or as a complete set.

Learn more at www.touredge.com.

Driver | Check the price on Amazon!
Hybrid | Check the price on Amazon!
Iron-Wood | Check the price on Amazon!

Buyers Guide 2017: Tour Edge EX10 Line

With the Tour Edge Exotics EX10 line of drivers, fairway metals and hybrids, the Chicago-based company again delivers what it has long leaned on as a clubmaker — what it calls its “material advantage.”

The driver’s 460cc head features premium Japanese materials — a TSP 910 Beta Ti face plate and 8-1-1 Titanium chassis. The TSP 910 Beta Ti is an exceptionally light and strong material that allows engineers to develop a larger face plate, which increases the sweet spot and combined with hexagonal variable face thickness offers more forgiveness from more points on the face, especially in the heel and toe areas. Incredibly strong and light, 8-1-1 allows added weight to be strategically repositioned lower and deeper in the head for optimal launch angle and spin results. A substantial 19 grams is housed in the sole of the EX10 driver for deep sole weighting. The 10-gram screw fits into a 9g weight pad specifically located for a higher MOI. The interchangeable rear center sole weight helps players optimize the club’s performance. An additional kit available for purchase includes 6g, 12g and 14g weights. The aerodynamics in the EX10 driver are enhanced by a more sloping crown and four speed channels on the sole. The tapered head also reduces aerodynamic drag and saves weight that is redistributed in the sole of the club to achieve optimal ball flight, while speed channels enhance the aerodynamics of the club head and stabilize off-center hits with higher MOI. Big bonus: There’s no additional charge to fit a premium shaft from Aldila, Graphite Design and Mitsubishi.

For the EX10 fairway metals, Tour Edge R&D presents a brand new Japanese high-density steel called HT 980. The high- tensile strength steel is utilized in a cup face design that allows engineers to make the face thinner than in any previous metal woods for staggering energy transfer and more distance. Impacting the
club’s face is the Exotics hexagonal variable face thickness (VFT). Like the driver, the club head has lower and deeper CG than previous models accomplished with a heavier 9g changeable sole weight housed in a 12g weight pad for 21g of deep sole weighting.

The EX10 hybrid builds upon the most popular Exotics model to date – the 2016 EX9 — focusing on the incred-ible forgiveness and effortless “hit-abil-ity.” It features a new cup face, deeper CG and a larger SlipStream sole, all in a very classic hybrid shape. The EX10 is also constructed of HT 980 high-tensile strength steel made extremely thin to produce higher CT levels all over the face — ensuring that mishits fly longer and straighter. The 450 SS hyper-steel body that is combo brazed with the steel cup face producing legendary distance and forgiveness. Engineers made substantial changes to the Slip-Stream sole, lengthening the rails and designing the channels between the rails shallower and more compact overall to ensure minimal turf interaction. Both the EX10 fairway metals and hybrids feature Variable Face Thickness technology. The thin and thick compartments on the face are strategically positioned for optimal forgiveness in preparation for off-center hits.
$699.99 | www.touredge.com

Buyers Guide 2017: Ping G Series Clubs

Building on knowledge and drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as dragonfly wings and 18-wheelers, the Ping G series of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, again advancing speed, distance and forgiveness to new levels. This year PING went one step further, creating a new club category with the G Crossover, combining the best of hybrid and iron technology. A close-up photograph of a dragonfly taken by John Solheim was the inspiration for the primary innovation in the driver ($435). Solheim was intrigued by the wing structure and shared the photo with a group of engineers. Inspired by biomimicry, an approach to innovation that emulates nature’s time-tested patterns, they created Dragonfly Tech-nology. The complex exoskeleton design yields PING’s thinnest (0.43 mm) and lightest crown to date, saving eight grams while creating an intricate and stable structure. The weight savings helped drive the center of gravity lower and deeper than any PING driver, increasing dynamic loft and elevating MOI for more distance and forgiveness. Researchers also studied the base flaps that minimize large-scale vortex shedding behind 18-wheel semi-trailers and integrated their learnings into the G drivers to improve aerodynamics and increase speed. Vortec Technology on the back of the club and turbulators on the crown contribute to reducing drag 37% in the impact zone, yielding greater clubhead speed and ball velocity for measurable distance gains from all swing speeds. The G iron ($110/$125 per club) utilizes COR-Eye Technology, which activates the sole, face and top rail in flexing for consistently faster ball speeds across the hotter face. The entire G set is heat treated using a specialized process that creates Hyper 17-4 alloy, which is 40% stronger than traditional 17-4 stainless steel. Metallurgical advancements combined with COR-Eye Technology provide four times the face flexing with improved stability. Weight saved from the face was allocated to the low toe and perimeter. The new Crossover ($247.50) combines the precision, workability and control of an iron with the ball speed and forgiveness of a hybrid. The high-strength Carpenter 455 steel face is precision machined to an optimal thickness for greater face flexing, faster ball speeds and longer results. The flat face, narrow top rail and appropriate offset deliver iron-like accuracy and workability. A cascading internal sole engages the entire face, sole and top rail in flexing to maximize distance. Extreme heel-toe weighting helps locate the center of gravity low-back and expands the perimeter weighting. Nearly all golfers struggle getting the ball in the air easily with fairway woods. To solve that, the G fairway woods have a lower lead edge that yields 12% higher face impact, relative to the G30 series. The Carpenter 455 steel allows for a thinner, precision-machined, variable-thickness face. The cascading sole design engages more of the structure in face flexing, resulting in faster ball speeds and higher launch. Ping’s thinnest crown ever in a fairway wood means discretionary weight has been used to move the CG lower and farther back, making it easier to get the ball airborne. A unique process adds friction to the face for reduced spin. Finally, the G Series hybrid’s ($247.50) tiered internal sole helps activate face flexing to power the ball off the face faster for greater distance. The ultra-thin crown allows for a low-back center of gravity to ensure high launch, reduced spin and a higher MOI for forgiveness. Like the G fairways, a unique process adds friction to the face to reduce spin. Crown turbulators and contrasting grooves on the face help assist in aim and alignment.
www.pinggolf.com

PGA Merchandise Show 2017 Preview

When the first PGA Merchandise Show kicked off 64 years ago, the late Arnold Palmer was still an amateur, years away from his first major win and superstar, game-changing status. Ben Hogan was still winning tournaments and effecting another kind of change — the way the swing is studied and taught — even as he continued to seek birdie-seeking salvation “in the dirt.” The clubs these guys played were made of wood and steel, and “hitting it on the screws” actually meant what it said. It was a heady time of growth for golf that didn’t really ebb until the early 21st century.

Still, the game remains a $60 billion-plus industry, and today’s PGA Merchandise Show — which returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 25-27 — is, more than ever, ground zero for everything do with golf. Over 1,000 companies take booth space, ranging from the “big boys” in the golf club space to upstart technology outfits to mom-and-pop inventors hoping to catch on in a big way. Certain themes pop up from year to year; the hot item in 2016, for instance, was definitely the Bluetooth-enabled, grip-mountain swing sensor from such companies as Arccos and GameGolf. And PGA and LPGA Tour players from past and present are always showing up to try out their sponsors’ newest stuff; last year, Bubba Watson, Annika Sorenstam, Greg Norman and others appeared at the show or opening Demo Day at nearby Orange County National Golf Center. As Joni Mitchell once wrote, the show’s “miles of aisles” reveal the latest and greatest in merchandise, services, equipment, apparel, accessories, turf management systems as golf course owners and operators from across the country and overseas — including, of course, thousands of PGA teaching professionals — ponder what to put in their pro shops for the coming high seasons.

While the PGA Show isn’t open to the general public, it’s the media’s job to let avid golfers know what new game-improvement or just plain life-enhancing creations are coming their way. So, here are some examples of what the 2017 edition will put into play. And check back all next week as we offer “product of the day” reports right here.

GOLF CLUBS

TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XJ1 DRIVER AND FAIRWAY METALS

It’s tough these days to come up with new materials for building distance-seeking sticks, but Tour Edge’s research and development has once again come up with groundbreaking materials that benefits players — but this time, they benefit real-world players with real-world swing speeds. The material behind the new Exotics XJ1 driver and fairway woods is a titanium so powerful that engineers refer to it as “Supermetal.” A groundbreaking combination of a 9-1-1 titanium chassis, Kevlar-Carbon crown and three Tungsten sole weights distinguish Tour Edge’s new XJ1 Driver from its Exotics line predecessors. Its lightweight concept, combined with the most advanced ultra-light Air Speeder shafts, allows players with moderate swing speeds to generate maximum distance off the tee. The XJ1 fairway wood body — available in 3, 4, 5 and 7-wood lofts, is also constructed entirely of the brand new 9-1-1 titanium which is remarkably light, 10 percent lighter than 6A4v titanium, allowing engineers to save significant weight in the body. The unprecedented strength of 9-1-1 enables it to be thinner and more reactive, even at lower swing speeds. No doubt these clubs will get a serious workout on the Demo Day range.

$699.99 for driver | $449.99 for fairway metals | www.touredge.com

WILSON STAFF FG TOUR V6 IRONS

Engineered to enhance the Feel player’s game, the V6 Irons are an evolution of the highly acclaimed V4 Irons, Wilson’s most played iron on the PGA Tour by two-time champion Kevin Streelman, Tour winner Troy Merritt and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. The newly added 20-gram tungsten insert is built to increase launch angle without increasing spin rate, which adds forgiveness in the long irons. This makes for a well-balanced and consistent iron with accuracy, impact stability, and generous distance. The insert on the split heel and toe on the 3, 4, 5 irons and centered on the 6, 7 irons. Mass concentrated in the impact area delivers a solid, muscle back-like feel and helps players shape their shots. It is also complemented by a back cavity design that provides feedback and some forgiveness on off-center hits. Forged from 8620 carbon steel, the V6 Irons are clad in a nickel-chrome plating, a high-end mirror finish and completed with True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT shafts.

$999.99 for 4-GW | www.wilsongolf.com

DIRECTED FORCE PUTTER

Directed Force Putters was established a few years ago by Bill Presse IV and Scott Sulprizio. Scott was one of Bill’s golf students at GolfTech. Scott’s existing company UEM Pistons had the infrastructure, design tools, 3D printer and SolidWorks software. Scott had the design and engineering skills to turn what was in Bill’s head into a reality. The putter’s design concepts incorporate some valuable coaching techniques into the putter. The PressGrip design is revolutionary, allowing an onset hosel location to keep the top line totally clear. Its elliptical shape helps the subconscious brain target the cup. With a round grip there is no face/target awareness. The shaft leans 1.5 degrees forward to get the hands over the club face/top line yet keep the hands in a vertical position to promote a pendulum stroke.

www.directedforce.com

TGA KIDS’ GOLF CLUBS

TGA boxed sets of clubs are offered in seven color-coded sizes based on height with right and left-handed options for both boys and girls making it convenient and affordable for parents to fit their junior golfer. TGA’s equipment is designed with technology that makes it easier for beginning and experienced junior golfers to excel. This is especially true with the driver, which is one of the largest driver heads on the market for juniors. In addition, the technology in the TGA junior irons creates easier and more consistent shots by distributing the weight from the hosel out along the top-line of the club creating a well positioned sweet spot in the center of the clubface. The sets include 3-6 clubs, a stand bag, and head-covers. A percentage of each purchase is also donated to the TGA Sports Foundation.

$89.99 – $149.99 | www.shop.playtga.com

SHAFTS

SST PURE

The top expert club fitters on the PGA Tour and around the world use SST PURE Shaft Alignment to analyze and align their custom clubs and more and more are becoming licensed. While this is not a new technology, premium club fitting companies such as Club Champion, Cool Clubs and True Spec all use SST PURE at their fitting locations. Premium club fitting is an expanding niche in the golf retail space. SST PURE is also available to players on-site at each week’s Tour events. The SST PURE Tour staff typically PUREs clubs for more than a dozen players each week. The man responsible for making this technology available is Dick Weiss, a Florida businessman and clubmaker who developed this highly sophisticated, patented process through which a golf shaft can be analyzed and its most stable position identified.

SHOT TRACKING DEVICES

ARCCOS 360

After taking the DIY, app-based shot tracking market by storm with its original Arccos system, this new and improved model boasts new sensors that are 50 percent smaller and lighter than the first generation. Arccos 360 combines Live Shot Tracking, GPS 2.0 and a proprietary Tour Analytics platform to help golfers of all abilities lower their scores and have more fun. It automatically records every shot a golfer makes. It then analyzes a player’s data in real-time, revealing strengths and weaknesses to enhance on-course decision-making. Compatible with iPhone and Android devices, Arccos also provides an industry-leading GPS 2.0 system that includes rangefinder distances to any point on 40,000 courses and one-touch, front/middle/back yardages to the green. Additional features include handicap breakdowns for driving, approach, chipping, sand and putting; precise, smart distance data for every club in the bag; info on club averages, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves, putts and much more; permanent battery that’s guaranteed for a minimum of two years with no charging; fully-automatic, hands-free system with no tagging or extra device; detailed insights into historical performance for every club and round; and web dashboard to fully analyze stats with your coach or on your own.

$249.99 | www.arccosgolf.com

GAME GOLF

The centerpiece of Game Golf is its iPhone or Android app, which you use to set up an account and match each of 14 included Bluetooth transmitters to the club it’s attached to. Just take the small, red plastic device, screw it into the small hole on the end of the grip, tell the app whether it’s a 9-iron or 3-wood or whatever (even the brand if it’s in their database), and repeat the process until you’re wired for sound … round, rather. After charging the accompanying relay device, attaching it to your belt and activating it, select “Play Golf,” find the course you’re playing and start tracking — not only distances for each shot thanks to a full-fledged built-in GPS rangefinder, but the results of each shot. Here’s the key: You must remember to tap your club on the sensor on the underside of the belt device before each shot, or GAME GOLF obviously won’t pick it up. It takes some getting used to, and using GAME GOLF most likely needs to become part of your pre-shot routine; once it is, it’s is a powerful tool to help you pinpoint what parts of your game need the most attention, showing fairways and greens hit in regulation, number of putts, short game stats, shot dispersion and strokes gained in each key area. It’s also invaluable in helping dial in club selection in subsequent rounds, and the more tracked rounds you rack up (it’s legal in competition, too), the better you’ll get at smoothing out the rough edges with every stick in the bag — and being truthful with yourself regarding how far you actually hit each club on average. You can even compare your scores and performances to others in the “GAME GOLF Live” system.

$249 | www.gamegolf.com

SHOT NAVI

Japan’s #1 Golf GPS manufacturer, introduce four GPS devices — two wearable GPS devices, one hand held, and the world’s smallest clip-on voice GPS. The W1-GL watch comes preloaded with 30,000 courses in 80 countries worldwide. The energy-efficient design is equipped with a battery that lasts up to eight hours of play with the GPS and four weeks in watch mode. The new HuG is a sleek, stylish watch with the same GPS tracking features as the original W1-GL plus the added benefits of a heart rate monitor and activity tracker all in one convenient device. The lithium-ion battery lasts 10 hours in GPS mode and 90 days in watch mode. The HuG combines fashion with functionality and fitness, offering golfers the total solution in technology tracking. The Neo 2 is a simple, compact and easy-to-use yet powerful handheld GPS unit. The Neo 2 provides Shot Navi’s standard GPS features and multiple view functions along with three bonus features — a large font view, voice navigation and automatic green view. The automatic green view adjusts the distances precisely on the angle of approach to the green taking the guesswork out of a golfer’s short game. The V2 is the world’s smallest and lightest Voice GPS in golf. The simple, hands-free GPS unit conveniently clips on your belt or hat and weighs only .85 ounces. With automatic start and course/hole recognition and standard Shot Navi precision yardages, this tiny yet powerful Voice GPS is a low tech, extremely user-friendly GPS option.

www.shotnavi.net

T-LINK

TLINK’s GPS watch is recognized for being comfortable as it is incredibly thin and ergonomically designed unlike its competitors. Its GPS technology allows golfers to determine the front, middle and back portion of the green but NOW with the new upgrade golfers can measure distances to hazard yardages to bunkers, water, layups and more. Live streaming shares your golf round with friends, family and coaches in real time. It creates a completely different golf experience. It can allow coaches to monitor their players progress on the course in real time or just let you brag to your friends about your round that is currently being played at a premier course. You can also stream of their runs, marathons, workouts and more, and view all of your saved fitness activity over time. TLink also will have a new added music control feature while on a run or during a workout.

$99 | www.golftlink.com

FOOTWEAR

BIION LUX SERIES

The LUX Series is a bold step in luxury fashion. The collection embodies sharpness, flair and function. The LUX collection features lush yet bold colors that together make a statement of confidence. These comfortable shoes fit anyone from jetsetters to golfers, and everyone in between. The LUX Series is ideal for traveling because not only is it light weight and easy to clean, but the line is so sleek and fashion forward, that you can wear it for any event, day or night. The signature LUX Series is comprised of seven models; royal blue python with lilac sole, black, yellow leopard with yellow sole, crimson red, black snake with white sole, saddle brown with white sole, charcoal with khaki sole, white with gray sole and the ever-classic black with black sole. The LUX Series is not just a visually striking shoe, it performs. This seemingly weightless precision golf shoe is equipped with an EVA upper that hugs your foot, yet remains flexible, giving you both reassurance and very little resistance in your swing. It’s like golfing barefoot.

www.biionfootwear.com

ECCO MEN’S CASUAL HYBRID

This European shoe has been a Golf Tips favorite for years — the fit is phenomenal, the craftsmanship excellent from year to year. The upper of the latest Casual Hybrid mode is made from luxurious Fornello leather — a trendy, classic finish suitable for both on and off the course. And it’s Hydromax treated for superb weather resistance. The TPU outsole features E-DTS technology for excellent grip and traction, and the removable leather inlay sole allows for width customization. Colors include Whiskey and Moonles$170 | www.eccousa.com

APPAREL

CARNOUSTIE

Carnoustie’s collection of performance knits for ’17 continues to expand based upon the tremendous reception this segment of our collection has received since its introduction in 2014. They’ve introduced a beautiful mélange solid for Spring and for Fall ’17 — colors like amethyst, melon, spearmint and sky. The use of the finest micro fiber polyester blended with generous amounts of lycra ensure a luxurious hand and comfort. New for ’17 is modern color block style that combines this mélange fabric with an awning stripe fabric to create a fresh new look. Meanwhile, new for Carnoustie’s performance outerwear is a chest stripe vest and a shoulder stripe 1/4 zip pullover. Finally, the collection of light weight woven waterproof outerwear features taped seams and Carnoustie styling— an alternative to the heavier , often drab styles in the market place. They are lightweight and colorful to create a very handsome ensemble when paired with knits, bottoms and other poly or cotton outerwear styles.

www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com

ANTIGUA

As usual, Antigua has both men and women covered in great, affordable style. For men, the new stripe collection offers fresh vitality in contrasting colors. Incorporating spandex yarns into a fine jersey knit gives the simplest of stripe patterns a charged appeal. A solid-and-heather tonal feed stripe combined with heather overdyed insets — as seen on the self collar style Orbit — demonstrates this with sophisticated, simplistic appeal. The solid quarter-inch, all-over repeat of style Strand dyed together with a complementing tonal pinstripe and finished with a matching flat knit collar is a fresh take on the classic golf feed stripe. And style Domain’s use of tonal and contrasting accent stripes in a light-to-dark ombre pattern makes this polo a centerpiece garment for the collection. For ladies, Antigua’s outerwear grouping continues to grow each season, as it has now become one of Antigua’s best and easiest-selling items. And the 2017 Collection features some truly inviting styles including Boost, Curio and Heiress. Boost, for instance, features a fleeced back jacquard fabric with a flat face. The face of the fabric mixes color with black heather, giving the garment a more sophisticated feel and tones down the bright primary color. A reflective zipper detail keeps with the athletic trend in the marketplace.

www.antigua.com

GALVIN GREEN RAINSUITS

The official team supplier of outerwear to the 2016 and 2018 European Ryder Cup Teams, Galvin Green is the world’s leading maker of functional golf clothing and No. 1 global golf partner of GORE-TEX. Crafted by golfers for golfers, the Arrow jacket and August pant are completely waterproof and exceptionally breathable to provide the highest level of comfort, freedom of movement and protection from the elements while on the course. Featuring waterproof zippers, adjustable width tabs and water channels on sleeve ends, every detail of the garments exists because the game demands it.

$395 for pants, $560 for jacket | www.trendygolfusa.com

NEXBELT

Some of the new belt and buckle design series for 2017 include: Premium Pebble Grain,

Hamption II, Newport II, Apollo, Vintage and Faith. Nexbelt is known for their innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit allows the wearer to adjust the belt in quarter-inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.

www.Nexbelt.com

GOLF BAGS

OUUL

This relatively new bag manufacturer’s flagship line is called the Python Collection, a and that’s fitting because it’s pliable yet powerful. In fact, this collection establishes a new weight category called “Super Light Stand.” These bags weigh in at 2.7lbs, a walker’s dream and lighter than any competitor. The handcrafted bag features incredible, unique styling, too — a python print that the industry hasn’t see yet. It features a 9.5-inch five-way top with a multi-handle design. Three pockets surround the bag and one features a beverage sleeve. A four-point lightweight dual strap makes transporting this bag or walking comfortable as well easy. A flex foot base keeps this bag steady on the ground regardless of the terrain.

$209.99 | www.ouulgolf.com

TRAINING AIDS

HOLE MORE PUTTS

This is the ultimate high tech, portable solution to one of the most difficult parts in the game of golf – getting the ball in the hole. Featuring an iPad style tablet and patented infrared technology, Home More Putts measures the five key elements of the putting stroke as defined by the PGA – face angle, impact point, path, angle of attack and speed – providing instant analysis of the stroke on a hi visibility screen. Hole More Putts technology analyses the putting stroke and after just five putts calculates a player’s “Putting Index” – their putting performance score. When synchronized with the tablet, the app and web site give a visualisation of each putt, detailed analysis of the putting stroke and personalised video instruction in an easy-to-follow format, guaranteed to improve your game Hole More Putts instantly provides golfers with this information and instruction based on what they see on screen. The golfer can now see what to focus on to get the greatest improvements — quickly. Requiring no set up, and very little space, it can be used indoors and outdoors, at home or in the office, to improve putting performance. Ongoing use will help golfers of all standards to build a clear picture of their putting strengths and weaknesses, to develop a stroke that is effective time after time.

www.holemoreputts.com

MYSWING

The new MySwing Trainer is an affordable 3D golf training tool that helps teaching professionals instruct multiple students simultaneously. The MySwing Trainer can set to any angle, tilt or rotation and operate with two or five sensors capturing specific movement with the pelvis and ribcage, left arm, and right arm. “The goal with MySwing Trainer is to provide teaching pros with a rapid ROI and a system that pays for itself in a short time frame through player self-training,” says Curt Wieden, director of marketing at MySwing Golf. “Students will enjoy the challenge of achieving specific training goals and will experience faster improvement through repetition of correct motions. Pros can set the system to specific ranges to train anyone from the weekend warrior to the tour professional.”

$999 | www.myswing.com

POWERPLANE

Tour Pro Tech’s PowerPlane is a revolutionary new training device that uses high precision ultrasonics and patent-pending technology to help golfers correct the majority of common swing flaws. Designed by an MIT engineer and top PGA teaching professional, PowerPlane automatically positions a PowerPlane Zone, two invisible vertical planes, around a golfer’s head. If their head moves out of the zone anytime during their swing until impact, PowerPlane alerts them with a beep at that moment. This real-time feedback changes their behavior from the very first swing, resulting in centered contact, more distance and better accuracy. PowerPlane has gone through extensive beta testing by hundreds of golfers and top teaching professionals. It has proven to be highly effective for golfers of all handicaps, resulting in centered contact almost instantly. It’s also been embraced by top instructors as a powerful and effective tool to correct swings flaws and change student behavior quickly. PowerPlane weighs about a pound, easily fits into the side pocket of a golf bag, and operates for 300 hours on standard batteries. Simply slide it open to turn on. Grab the Sonic Sensor from the back and clip it to a hat. Set up over the ball, look at the target, look back at the ball, and swing. That’s it. Golfers know immediately whether they stayed in the zone during the swing and at impact. The result is centered contact from the first few swings. PowerPlane covers all aspects of the game: drives, long irons, short game, and putting.

$189.00 | www.powerplanegolf.net

WELLNESS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

MEDZONE

MedZone’s new Activity PAK includes travel size bottles of MedZone’s family of products, including its latest product BlisterZone as well as BurnZone, ChafeZone and PainZone. Founded in 2001, by a certified athletic trainer, MedZone was originally made for the military, but is now used widely by professional/collegiate athletes and fitness enthusiasts at all levels. For the last 15 years, MedZone has specialized in developing topical OTC products for the prevention, treatment and management of chafing, aches, pains, minor burns, blisters and other minor ailments related to daily activity, work, sports, and exercise. MedZone’s four products, ChafeZone, PainZone, BurnZone and BlisterZone, are all manufactured in a FDA regulated facility to insure the highest quality. Each product in the Activity PAK serves a specific purpose in order to help relieve common discomforts that come with an active lifestyle. With nearly two decades of researching, testing and formulating, the following products are currently being used at a professional, collegiate and Olympic caliber levels.

$24.95 | www.amazon.com/medzone

Holiday Gift Guide

Word is Santa is diligently working on his golf game for the post-holiday lull, and in that game-improvement spirit, Golf Tips once again offers a slew of goodies for the golfer in your family with its 2016 Holiday Gift Guide. From bigger-ticket items like clubs and travel packages to cool stocking stuffers, we’ve got everything you need to get that list filled.

AIR FORCE ONE FAIRWAY METAL

Offered in a 15-degree 3-wood and 19-degree 5-wood, Powerbilt’s Air Foil features technology that helps shots get airborne quickly and easily. Because such clubs generally sport a shallower clubface, their trampoline effect is reduced. The Air Foil’s dual slot wave design, however, creates an accordion effect: The thin face flexes inward at impact, initiating the buildup of Nitrogen pressure inside the club-head. Then a trampoline effect takes place, as the face is thrust back to its original position at a high velocity to generate rocketing ball speed and increased distance. As with Air Force One’s DFX Driver, the Air Foil fairway woods employ the edge-to-edge sweet spot that greatly enhances forgiveness on off-center hits. Through independent testing, the Air Foil proved to be one of the easiest fairway woods to hit off the deck, creating a high trajectory on-line to the target. The club design increases how fast the face flexes at impact, promoting faster ball speed across the face, which promotes consistently longer distance on every swing. To further enhance shot performance, the nitrogen valve is positioned to increase MOI and create an optimum launch angle.

$149.99-$199.99 | www.powerbilt.com

ANTIGUA GOLF APPAREL

Antigua has long designed and produced some of the most comfortable attractive clothing lines in golf, for both men and women. A brand new fabric, “Perfected Pique,” was developed exclusively by Antigua for its 2017 performance collection, some of the most comfortably classic polos to date. These styles are the “must haves” this season. Where the Pique Xtra-Lite is a hard working functional staple, Perfected Pique is the luxury counterpart. Several styles incorporate this enhanced fabric. Endure is offered in the season’s full color palette and is simply styled with understated details which include a self-fabric collar with under-collar edg stitch-ing and a reverse hem cuff. With the simplicity of styling and drape of the spandex embellished fabric style, “Endure” exudes elegance. “Style” Revives pattern is a classic color-to-white one inch repeating stripe with a matching flat knit collar and hemmed cuff. “Revive” speaks to nostalgic vintage while the fabric reflects its high-end technical quality. For 2017 women’s wear, the most creative and fun polo style is “Rogue,” which mixes the entire color palette in an all-over linear sublimation print. This style can be worn with any color pants or shorts along with any white or black bottom a woman might already have at home. Since the print is bold, styling is traditional with a button placket and open cuff. The knit skort, called “Cinch,” is a best-seller in solids, but now you can get it prints.

$149.99-$199.99 | www.powerbilt.com

ARCCOS DRIVER

Arccos Driver is a performance tracking and live competition system that delivers real-time data for tee shot distances, fairways hit and more. The single-sensor automatically detects each drive, then uses a player’s smart phone to record second shot position without the need for tagging or other disruptions. Endorsed by two-time World Long Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski, Arccos Driver also includes advanced GPS to any point on nearly 40,000 courses worldwide, and new driving games based on distance and accuracy. Other features: Distance and accuracy stats for every drive and round; personalized challenges based on performance history; live leaderboards for daily, weekly and monthly driving competitions; social bragging via one-touch posting to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and precise shot detection that distinguishes between real and practice shots.

$79 | www.arccosgolf.com

BIG MAX AUTOFOLD CART

The Autofold FF features a unique folding mechanism that allows all three wheels to open and fold automatical-ly with one simple hand movement. This eliminates the need to separately secure small moving parts seen on traditional push carts. New fold-flat technology makes the cart easy to store and transport, leaving plenty of room for clubs and gear in the trunk of any car, locker or garage. The durable frame holds all sizes of golf bags while carefully positioned storage compartments fit multiple accessories.

$269.99 | www.bigmaxusa.com

BIION FOOTWEAR

Biion made its triumphant debut at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show. It’s a shoe for the golfer brave enough to break away from the norm and play by their own rules. Made of state of the art ultra-light, ultra-flexible Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material, the shoe takes a modern twist on a classic design. Biion is incredibly light, and EVA’s Nano-molecular structure also provides an effect of smoothness and gives a consistently comfortable fit. It moves with your body with every step, giving you a connection to the ground like no other shoe. It’s the closest you’ll ever feel to walking in bare feet. The spikeless hexagon-patterned cleat with Hextra-grip technology provides maximum strength and stability — the best possible traction. This distinctive line features a color spectrum and performs like no other, which embodies the company motto, “Defiantly original designs.” There truly is nothing like it.

www.biionfootwear.com

BRIDGESTONE JGR CB FORGED IRONS

Created for mid- to high-handicappers, the new JGR cavity-back set’s innovative design improves consistency and distance control on approach shots. Unique to the game-improvement category, they are forged from premium 1020 carbon steel to provide superior feel at impact. Available as a seven-club set – 5-iron through approach wedge. Augmenting attractive, classic styling, distinctions include:

Increased Offset – Promotes higher trajectory and steeper descending angle for reliable stopping power into greens
Large Sweet Spot – Creates exceptional forgiveness thanks to a hitting area 4% bigger than Bridgestone’s popular J15 CB irons
Tapered Rear Mass – Carries a low center-of-gravity for easy launching distance
Wider Sole with Beveled Edge – Minimizes digging for smooth turf interaction
Longer Face – Distributes weight and stabilizes MOI to reduce distance and loss of accuracy on off-center strikes.

$899 steel, $949 graphite | www.bridgestonegolf.com

CADDIE TALES FOR THE 99 PERCENTERS

What is a Yorkshire pig doing on the cover of a book about golf? Let this hilarious tome enlighten you. In less time than it takes to play a round of 18 holes, author and golf nut Mati Encarnacion take a sneak peek into golf’s caddie experience, an adventure enjoyed by only one percent of players. Kicking off with the perhaps the goofiest golf glossary around, from Ace to Woods, it’s it’s got cartoons, cockeyed tips and enough jokes to keep your regular foursome howling for many a round. Inspired by true stories from caddies at top golf destinations around the world, Caddie Tales for the 99 Percenters will entertain golfers and non-golfers alike.

A movie and TV show are even in the works.

$9.95 on Amazon | www.caddietales.com

CARNOUSTIE SPORTSWEAR

Carnoustie Sportswear’s Fall 2016 performance apparel line blends new pattern and color ways into their timeless pieces, include Classic, Desert and Resort. The Classic Collection is composed of blues, blacks, white and grey hues. The Desert Collection brings the fall ’16 season to life with its orange, white, brown, and grey color-ways. The Resort Collection includes brighter blue and green hues that are mixed with greys and blacks. Staying consistent with the previous seasons each collection includes a variety of polos, lightweight cotton interlock outerwear, cotton suede outerwear, belts and trousers. New additions for the brand include collaboration pieces from Aristo18 and Nexbelt and a Carnoustie Tech full performance line. The Lightweight Cotton Interlock Sweater is a great piece to keep you warm during the colder months ahead. Nothing affords easier layering than an easy on/off full zip jacket. Another focal piece is the mercerized cotton knit jacquard with subtle patterns and tonal designs.

www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com

CHAMP C2X GRIPS

CHAMP’s newest grip model is designed with premium rubber that provides a soft feel and excellent durability. The C2X’s clean, traditional look is complemented by a debossed repeating surface pattern that helps to increase hand traction in all-weather conditions. Introduced on the PGA Tour at the Wells Fargo Championship in May, the C2X has been quickly adopted by a number of elite players, who cite the soft and tacky feel as the reason why they made the switch.

$3.99 each | www.champgrips.com

CURE CLASSIC SERIES PUTTERS

Golf Tips gave the newest version of this putter, the Classic Series cx2, a glowing review earlier this year and we’re sticking by it. It delivers the incredible stability and forgiveness of a High MOI mallet in a visually stunning, traditional blade style putter. It’s the best of both worlds. The Classic Series includes two new models: the cx1, a square back blade; and the cx2, a round back blade. These 100%CNC Milled aluminum putters are slightly oversized (5-inch blade length) with tungsten weight inserts in the heel and toe, plus 42g of weight adjustability via six removable weights, providing a simple, traditional look at address. The sound it makes at impact, and the pleasing response the player gets, makes it a true winner.

$299.95 | www.cureputters.com

DUO GOLF BALL BY WILSON

Wanna play softball? Well here you go. The new 29 compression DUO and its companion product, the 35 compression DUO Spin, build on the success of the original 40-compression DUO ball. Wilson Staff established its low compression leadership with the launch of the Staff Titanium in 1997. They call DUO the “World’s Softest Golf Ball”; 25 percent softer than the original DUO and longer in distance, this newly formulated 2-piece golf ball provides low driver spin, exceptional yardage and unparalleled soft feel to the distance player. The multi-layer DUO Spin is designed for the control player who wants that greenside workability and spin but still prefers ultimate feel and lower driver spin for added forgiveness off the tee.

$19.99 per dozen | www.wilsongolf.com

FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR GETAWAY

Gift shopping for golfers can be difficult. They tend to be very particular about their equipment, their apparel, where they play and everything else about their games. This holiday season, however, the spectacular Five-Diamond Fairmont Grand Del Mar in beautiful San Diego, California, is making the shopping easier with its All He Wants for Christmas package that sure to delight all golf lovers (male or female).

The package features:

Overnight accommodations at the luxurious Fairmont Grand Del Mar
One round of golf on The Grand Golf Club’s exceptional Tom Fazio-designed golf course
Custom-fitted driver, guest may choose make and model (excluding PXG clubs)
Four-course dinner for two at the resort’s award-winning Addison restaurant.

In short, it’s the perfect golf getaway, and one that special golfer will never forget. Package rates from $1,100 double occupancy. Available for stays through February 28th, 2017.

To learn more, contact your travel professional or visit Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

GLACIER GLOVE FLEECE OVERMITTS

So, you’re getting in a round of winter golf, the wind is picking up and the temperature is heading south, which means the hands aren’t exactly cooperating. Pack it in?Heck no, not if you’re packing a pair of Glacier Glove Katmai Fleece Overmitts. Ostensibly designed for hunters and other outdoorsmen, they work well for golfers, too, protecting the lower forearms, wrists and hands. When you’re ready to grip the club, just push the lower fleece flap back, push your paws through and take your shot. Even if you’re wearing a waterproof jacket, you can always use an extra layer of protection on the extremities and keep the fingers functioning, right?

$29.99 | www.glacierglove.com

GOLF GOO SWING OIL

This is a potent herbal formula powered by Arnica. Its unique blend of herbs and essential oils soothes aches and pains. Arnica is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe aches and pains from injuries and adventures. Green Goo Sportsman Goo is a power-packed herbal formula that helps to soothe and moisturize your skin, while naturally aiding its ability to heal. Our proprietary blend is the first defense for cuts, scrapes, blisters, sunburns, chafing, poison ivy, and dry, cracked hands & feet. It helps to relieve the sting of insect bites and can be used as a wound dressing. It’s an “all-in-one” first aid kit for the guy who loves to play in the outdoors.

$7.95-$9.95 | www.golfgoohelps.com

GRIP BOOST

Any NFL fan worth his beer and nachos remembers Fred Biletnikoff, wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders in their 1970s heyday, who put so much stick ‘em on his hands that the ball would nearly have to be pried away with a crowbar. Well, present-day NFL tight end Matt Furstenburg, who’s also an avid golfer, took that legend’s method to heart when he came up with Grip Boost, a tacky spray that keeps your glove and grip from getting slippery under any weather conditions, no matter how sweaty you get. And it works well. After all, the key to golf is a consistent shot, and the key to a consistent shot is a good grip. We’ve all let our grips get too worn before replacing them, which, of course, means tightening the hands and losing feel and power. A quick spray of this stuff takes care of that problem no matter how new or old your grips are. Two years of research led Furstenburg to create Grip Boost Football Gel, one of the top inventions out of University of Maryland and an Amazon bestseller, for his football gloves. Now it’s the golfer’s turn to hang on and start racking up better scores.

$12.99 | www.gripboost.com

IOFIT SHOE BY SAMSUNG

We’ve got apps for everything else in your golf game these days. Why not one for our feet — as in weight transfer and balance measurement via a spikeless shoe built with Bluetooth sensors? Samsung is going there with its new spinoff company, IOFIT. The world’s very first smart golf shoe available for pre-sale. IOFIT is the only wearable technology that analyzes a golfer’s balance to give them actionable feedback on their swing. IOFIT’s groundbreaking technology uses embedded sensors to track swing information from the ground up, acting as a virtual coach for players of all skill levels. You’ll know immediately if you’re swaying, getting too much weight on the toes or heels or, horror of horrors, succumbing to the evil reverse pivot. The IOFIT shoe is lightweight and comfortable with great traction and breathable lining. One charge of its lightweight battery will last up to five days. The data it picks up with every swing syncs via Bluetooth to iOS/Android on smartphone/tablet, and you can even add optional video sync to create video of your swing. Compare stats with pros and receive actionable feedback, download swing data from top players for quick comparison and, yes, send your progress to friends or coaches. Preorder now for delivery in February 2017.

$189.00 | www.iofit.com

L2 PUTTERS

This oversized, heavier-than-usual putter stands on its own — literally. Designed by a former United pilot named John Ambrose and launched at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show to acclaim, the L2 has racked up accolades including Best New Putter for 2016 by PGA.com and Best New Products at the PGA Show by Linksnation and Golf Life. After testing on several speeds of greens, Golf Tips would like to offer its recommendation, too — it’s virtually impossible to hit a putt off-line with the L2. Why? Simple: gravity and momentum. The L2 MOI MAXX putter incorporates size (6.25 inches toe to heel with a 3.5 inch impact zone) and weight (a whopping 620 grams, nearly twice as much as average putters) into a perimeter design producing the highest M.O.I. (moment of inertia), in golf, which means overall head stability from takeaway through follow-through. It’s stellar on distance and direction control, giving golfers an anchor style, pendulum feel without the need to anchor. Add in an extra-long grip (either standard or oversized thickness) and the stability factor goes up even more. “By adding a 200 gram, 16-inch grip to the L2, we moved the stroke motion feel past the hands and wrists and into the arms and shoulders,” said John Ambrose President of Lateral Line LLC. “This allows for a smooth, pendulum motion and discourages the yips.” The flat sole keeps club head in place after alignment and bold parallel alignment marks frame the track line to the cup. The L2 MOI MAXX comes with a black powder-coated head, white decal package, and matching head cover. Standard length and lie angle is 33 inches and 73 degrees. Custom head colors, decal colors and fitting options are also available.

$169.99 | www.L2putters.com

LAMKIN Z5 GRIPS

The new Z5 grips from Lamkin are the most advanced multi-compound grips on the market. Made with a proprietary rubber compound, they feature five distinct zones designed to enhance performance and comfort by using scientifically engineered texture and color technology. The horizontal pattern and soft cord weave under the upper hand augments grip stability and traction, while a shallow micro texture at the bottom improves feel and comfort for the lower hand. Carefully designed color patterns and a simulated rope texture in the middle zone promotes proper hand pressure and placement.

$7.99 each | www.lamkingrips.com

LOSTGOLFBALLS.COM

Nothin’ wrong with a second-hand golf ball!LostGolfBalls.com (a subsidiary of PG Professional Golf) is the No.1 seller of recycled golf balls in the world. They use an assortment of divers to retrieve balls from ponds in nearly every state in the U.S. and clean and sort them based on condition at their Texas headquarters. LostGolfBalls.com is able to provide its customer with “like new” balls at a fraction of retail prices. They have all major brands. The company has grown tremendously over the past few years and is now responsible for 6 percent of all golf balls sold on Earth. Since the mid-’90s they’ve sold more than 500 million balls, which if laid side-by-side would stretch halfway around the world.

Prices vary | www.lostgolfballs.com

NEXBELT

“The Belt With No Holes,” Nexbelt’s innovative technology gives golfers maximum comfort with minimal adjusting. The belts are cut-to-fit (up to a 45” waist size) and the unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit allows the wearer to adjust the belt in quarter-inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available. Its team of Staff Professionals includes PGA Tour Players, “Mr. 58” Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, Marc Leishman, Jason Bohn, Jarrod Lyle and Greg Chalmers and LPGA Tour Player Katie Burnett. Over 150 belt/buckle combinations for both men and women are available.

Starting at $34.95 | www.nexbelt.com

PERRY GOLF ULTIMATE CRUISES & TOURS

Perhaps you’re thinking you’ve been there and done that as a well-traveled golfer, but let’s kick it up several notches by taking an unforgettable and unique “golf couples” cruise or safari designed by PerryGolf, America’s leading provider of luxury golf cruises and golf tours to the world’s most desirable destinations. They’ve come up with three amazing trips for 2017. Start

with the Mediterranean Islands Golf Cruise Oct. 21-28 aboard the Azamara Quest. You’ll depart from Barcelona and visit Valencia, Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia and Corsica on the way to Rome, with four rounds of golf worked in, plus seven nights in a Club Suite with personal butler service. Price is $5,544 per person plus airfare. Rather cruise closer to home? Check out the Caribbean Golf Cruise by Mega-Yacht, Feb. 4-11. Ports of call include Virgin Gorda, Nevis, St Kitts, St Barts, Anguilla and Jost van Dyke on board SeaDream II, with seven nights in a Commodore Suite (Deck 2) with personal butler service and three rounds of golf. Price $7,849 per person plus airfare. If you’re just not that into cruises, go all in for “The Best of South Africa Escorted 2017 Golf, Safari, Cape Town, the Winelands & Garden Route,” March 2-16. We’re talking 14 nights — four on Safari — with six rounds of golf, plus wine tours and sightseeing. Price is $9,950 per person plus airfare.

www.perrygolf.com

PICOBREW PICO

It’s the Keurig for beer lovers. PicoBrew’s latest release – the Pico – brings the fresh, on-draft craft beer experience into your kitchen with just a push of a button. Pico is simple. Just fill it with water, load a fully biodegradable PicoPak from one of over 100 of your favorite breweries (think Rouge, 21st Amendment and Abita) and you’re set to go!Preparation takes about 10 minutes, the brewing process about two hours, and the accelerated fermentation process finishes in 3-5 days, depending on the style. Cheers!

$799.00 | www.picobrew.com

PITCHFIX TWISTER

The Twister’s patent pending exclusive technology features a revolutionary 3-pronged metal retractable system that out performs all other divot repair tools. The new and improved Twister 2.0 features a better shape, smaller size making it easier to carry, ergonomic design for better grip during use, new internal mechanism assures durability and release of ball marker in all directions. There’s a fixed magnet that prevents loss during use. Equipped with SLIM-Lok, a new low profile fastening system, this durable cleat has a patented “C” wear indicator which turns solid when spikes need to be replaced.$16.00 | www.pitchfixusa.com

PIVIX SPIKES BY CHAMP

New for 2016, PiviX is a lightweight, low-profile golf spike that incorporates spring-flex traction technology engineered to ergonomically feed the spikes into the turf. This design provides optimum traction throughout the rotation of the swing. PiviX represents a tectonic industry shift wherein golf shoe manufacturers are able to develop lighter, more comfortable and lower-profile designs, allowing golfers to get closer to the turf for improved stability, feel and balance throughout the swing.

$14.99 (pack of 18) | www.champspikes.com

SLAM DUNK GOLF HOT SHOT PUTTING CUP

Combining basketball and golf, the Hot Shot Putting Cup is a fun and unique way to practice putting or host friendly competitions among all ages and skill levels, or just to have fun on your own (Golf Tips has its own branded model in its office so we can get in a little practice while editing the world’s best instruction). Easy to set up and with the ability to play on any putting surface, including carpet, golfers better

their skills by hitting a golf ball up a slight gradient into a hoop and making “baskets.” The putting cup forces players to fine-tune their putting alignment by forcing the player to use the pendulum stroke in order to find the hoop every time. Made in the USA with AB recyclable plastic.$19.99 | www.slamdunkgolf.com

SORE POINT PAIN RELIEF GEL

This is a stocking stuffer that’ll give the avid golfer in your family an immediate warm feeling, especially on those pain points — elbows, wrists, knees, wrists, shoulders — that plague all frequent players. Owner/inventor Dr. Tara O’Brien-Adkins has developed an organic, pleasant smelling remedy for all types of inflammatory ailments from sore joints, stiff muscles and even mosquito bites. SorePoint automatically elevate their games and allow players to expend maximum effort on every drive. It’s especially effective on tendinitis, or “golfer’s elbow” — overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint. The main culprit is vibration up the club shaft caused when the ball is struck. As this motion is repeated dozens of times on every round, it’s no wonder that pain continues in many golfers long after the round has ended. This analgesic, all-natural oil, roll-on or cream takes care of that, and quick.

$24-$28 | www.tobaremedies.com

SC200 SWING CADDIE

The portable SC200 Swing Caddie Launch Monitor is unlike any other personal training device out there, and it’s great for golfers of all skill levels, allowing access to a launch monitor virtually anywhere without the need to make a major investment. With its voice enabled capability, the SC200 simultaneously displays and calls out carry distance, swing speed, ball speed and smash factor after each swing. Choose among practice, target and random modes; the SC200 Swing Caddie always allows players to receive specific instant feedback. The remote control allows you to change settings without taking a step.

$349.99 | www.voicecaddie.com/en-us/

STRONGBOARD BALANCE

Every golfer knows that the key to gaining yardage through the bag is by building a stronger core, which leads to a more balanced and powerful swing. Enter the Strongboard, which harks back to those spring-loaded playground animals we’d ride as kids — except you stand on this sucker and immediately feel its bodybuilding effects. Four large springs are mounted on a platform, and atop the springs is the Strongboard itself. Just getting centered on your two feet is a chore at first, but with some practice you’ll find yourself moving through the included, recommended full, upper and lower body exercise sets — push-ups, squat-lunges, bridges, mountain climbers, yoga poses and more, some augmented with hand weights — with increasing strength and confidence. The Strongboard is built for anyone looking to improve muscle strength and overall posture, but for golfers who struggle with staying centered and balanced from address to follow-through, it’s a godsend. There’s even a YouTube video featuring teaching pro Doug Hendricks that shows how to get to the point where you’re swinging in perfect balance … on one foot! This is a great way to get in shape for the coming golf season. There’s a two-spring “mini” model, too.

$269-$329 • www.strongboardbalance.com

TGA JUNIOR GOLF CLUBS

If you are looking for gift ideas to promote this holiday season in your magazine or on your website, then consider TGA’s new line of junior golf equipment, the perfect gift for a son or daughter. TGA boxed sets of clubs are offered in seven color-coded sizes based on height with right and left-handed options for both boys and girls making it convenient and affordable for parents to fit their junior golfer. TGA’s equipment is designed with technology that makes it easier for beginning and experienced junior golfers to excel. This is especially true with the driver, which is one of the largest driver heads on the market for juniors. In addition, the technology in the TGA junior irons creates easier and more consistent shots by distributing the weight from the hosel out along the top-line of the club creating a well positioned sweet spot in the center of the clubface.

$89.99-$149.99 | www.shop.playtga.com

TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH 2 CLUBS

Tour Edge Golf barrels into its fourth decade with the same mantra— bring quality products to the market at an affordable price. Its new Hot Launch 2 product line fulfills this “Golf’s Most Solid Investment” motto on every level through full customization, affordability, lifetime warranty, and a new 48-hour guaranteed delivery at no extra charge. The new line is customizable to each player’s specifications — loft, lie, length, shaft flex, grip size — at no extra cost. Based on what is currently available in the golf industry, Hot Launch 2 clubs are the most affordable customizable products sold today. The 460cc adjustable driver ($199.99) is powered by cup face technology with standard loft options from 8.5 to 12.5 degrees in 1 degree increments; the offset model ($169.99) allows the face to “square-up” at impact for straighter ball flight. Also in standard in offset models, the Hot Launch 2 fairway woods ($129.99 each) utilize variable face thickness (VFT) for more rebound, and a heavier sole weight creates a deeper center of gravity for easy-to-hit shots; the offset model positions the shaft line behind the club head. The Hot Launch 2 hybrid ($109.99) is available in 3, 4, 5, and 6 models, with club heads constructed from 450 SS hyper steel and a forged maraging steel face featuring VFT technology. The Hot Launch 2 Iron Wood ($79.99 each or $499.99 for a 7-club set) has a hollow 450 SS body and a forged maraging steel face makes this an extremely forgiving and easy-to hit-club. Hot Launch 2 Irons ($399.99 steel, $499.99 graphite) are the best-performing affordable customized iron on the market. A soft 431 stainless steel allows for better versatility during custom building. Finally, the Hot Launch 2 Chipper ($69.99) is perfect for around the green and shorter chip shots with its super-wide sole and ideal heel and toe weighting.

www.touredge.com

TOURGOLF MEMBERSHIP

Why commit to one private club when you can take your pick from dozens of exclusive properties across the country? That flexibility is the idea behind golf experience provider TOURGOLF and their individual membership program, wherein users purchase “credits” that can be exchanged for foursomes at member-only destinations in most major cities. Perfect for the business traveler or executive entertaining on the links.

$950/year | www.tourgcx.com

THE ULTIMATE ROUND: PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS

Subtitled “An Illustrated Guide to America’s Majestic Dream Course,” This never- before produced compendium of Pebble Beach includes a Foreword by Jim Dodson and Introduction by Neal Hotelling, state-of-the-art hole-by-hole graphics of all 18 holes, testimonials and quotes from industry notables including 5 from the World Golf Hall of Fame. The book also includes a gallery chapter of beautiful Dost images, essays on Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay by golf architect Robert Trent Jones II, cartoons by Hank Ketcham and sidebars on The Lone cypress and 17-Mile Drive. This must-have volume is 146 pages, 10” x 10.5”, hardbound.

$40 | www.joanndost.com

VARICK GOLF BALLS

Want to add some color to your golfin’ life? Burned out on basic white or even the standard yellow ball? Look no further than the new Varick Golf Ball from Starting Time Golf. They conform with USGA rules and are designed to deliver long distance, feel and accuracy. The balls are high-performance, metallic and neon-patterned balls certain to turn heads on the golf course. The balls come in eight colors, and are available in “Classic” and “Bright” assortment boxes of a dozen, as well as boxed sets and tubes of three balls. Guaranteed to brighten any Christmas tree — and any fairway.

$36.95 per dozen | www.startingtimegolf.com

VOICE CADDIE FOR GOLF GPS CLIP

Voice Caddie VC300 is the world’s smallest and lightest GPS device for golfers. The small clip attaches to your hat or belt and acts just like Siri on you iPhone: with a push or a swipe, a gentle voice tells you distance to the front, middle and back of the green. Designed to eliminate the hassle of complicated distance measurement during a round of golf, the VC300 automatically recognizes which course and hole is in play among more than 40,000 courses worldwide. Its clip-on, hands-free design and simple touch technology makes use of the voice guidance a breeze. And there are no additional subscription fees.$129.99 | www.voicecaddie.com

WILOUBY GOLF FLASK

Wilouby knows what they’re doing in the manly gift department. They have been creating fine gifts since 1985 and have plenty of options for the suave gentleman. Need a little adult beverage for the golf course? Wilouby’s Stainless Steel flask with attached golf accessories is perfect! Keep all the essentials for a day with the guys in one place.

www.wilouby.com

YOUTH ON COURSE

The holidays are all about giving, so consider making a donation to one of golf’s fastest expanding grow-the-game initiatives. Youth on Course, which uses such funds to subsidize junior golf rounds to $5 or less, grants access to the game for young athletes no matter their background. Last year the non-profit expanded from one to twelve states, surpassed 17,000 members and granted $244,000 in college scholarships. Course internships and caddie opportunities provided by the program also help ensure a healthy future for the game.

www.youthoncourse.org

ZARMA FLYTEE BY CHAMP

Another stellar stocking stuffer: The Zarma FLYtee is a performance tee that increases driving distance and accuracy. Incorporating a durable plastic design with a six-prong head, this tee is preferred by top amateurs, professionals and long drive competitors. Available in a variety of colors including the popular Neon options.

$5.99 (pack of 30) | www.champspikes.com

Wedges/Putters

WEDGES Total Versatility

Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 2 Key Features: A versatile Tour-proven design that generates lots of spin. Aggressive, large grooves plus increased surface roughness help enhance spin. Wow Factor: Outstanding, clean-looking wedges that can be tailored to your swing. They feel buttery at impact, as well. Definitely consider them. Specs: Available in various lofts between 47_¡ and 64_¡ with several bounce options, in two grinds and two finishes, with choice of shaft length and model, lie angle, grip model and wrap. callawaygolf.com \| $150	Cleveland Golf 588 RTX CB Key Features: Generates tight backspin due to the large U-shaped face grooves that are especially effective from rough, sand and wet grass. Surface roughness is laser-milled into the clubface in a pattern that also induces spin. The sole is wider near the heel, narrower near the toe, to improve bunker performance without sacrificing versatility. An undercut cavity promotes perimeter weighting for more forgiveness on off-center hits. Wow Factor: If there are any other wedges as easy to hit as these, please identify yourself. Specs: Eight lofts from 46_¡ to 60_¡ in a Satin Chrome or Black Pearl finish, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft (LH available). clevelandgolf.com \| $120	Edel Golf Signature Series Key Features: Each wedge in the series can be customized with a golfer’s preferred lofts, grinds, paint-fill colors and stampings. For added measure, even the shaft band sticker can be personalized. Wow Factor: This company makes a great wedge, and these models look absolutely terrific. If Edel is a new brand to you, consider this a heads up. The company is on the way up. Way, way up. Specs: You can get each wedge customized to any specs you want. edelgolf.com \| $179


Fourteen Golf DJ-11 Key Features: The wide sole and semi-offset neck of this forged nickel-chrome molybdenum bronze clubhead help ease setting up at address. Its reverse-taper blade and wide sole mean fewer mis-hits. An indentation structure evenly distributes clubhead weight. Trapezoidal grooves translate to high spin. Wow Factor: We found it to create nice spin performance and consistency around the green. Specs: Available in lofts of 48_¡, 50_¡, 52_¡, 54_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡ and 60, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold or Nippon N.S.Pro 950GH HT steel shaft. fourteengolf.com \| $250	Hopkins Golf CJ-1 Key Features: Made of soft carbon steel, these are raw so they’ll rust for even softer feel over time. Grooves plus a face-milled pattern maximize surface roughness for more spin. Six sole grinds are offered. Oh, and if it matters, Champions Tour players are eating them up. Wow Factor: These can be personalized in many ways, including custom shafts, grips and paint-fill colors. They feel soft and perform with precision–what’s not to like? Nothing! Specs: Available in loft/bounce options of 50_¡-8_¡, 52_¡-8_¡, 54_¡-12_¡, 56_¡-14_¡, 58_¡-12_¡, 60_¡-12_¡ and wide-sole 60_¡-8_¡ with a Hopkins Golf OTM steel shaft. hopkinsgolf.com \| $99	Miura K-Grind Key Features: There are two new lofts (52_¡ and 60_¡) in addition to the original 56_¡. A distinctive fluted sole helps interaction with turf at impact, allowing it to be more versatile in more situations. Wow Factor: It looks plain great, and it’s very playable however you use it. Open the clubface of the 60_¡ model and it slices effortlessly through sand. The extra two lofts collectively make this a great wedge set to own if you can afford it. Specs: Available in loft/bounce options of 52_¡-7_¡, 56_¡-12_¡ and 60_¡-13_¡. miura.com \| $275

Mizuno
JPX Series

Key Features: A large face, wide sole and subtle relief in the heel and toe make this wedge versatile. The groove shape–deep and narrow in lower lofts, wide and shallow in higher lofts–and a milled face translate to optimal spin control.
Wow Factor: The feel is outstanding, the shaping is even better. Smooth lines, great look at address.
Specs: Available in loft/bounce options, in both right- and left-handed models, of 50_¡-6_¡, 52_¡-8_¡, 54_¡-10_¡, 56_¡-10_¡, 56_¡-14_¡, 58_¡-10_¡, 58_¡-14_¡, 60_¡-5_¡ and 60_¡-9_¡, with an XP 105 steel or a Fujikura Orochi graphite shaft.
mizunogolf.com | $125/graphite shaft, $100/steel

Titleist by Vokey
WedgeWorks

Key Features: These are custom wedges by renowned wedge maker Bob Vokey or one of his craftsmen, who will even laser-etch your name directly into the shaft.
Wow Factor: Getting a wedge customized to your swing is awesome. Getting a customized Vokey is on a whole other level of cool.
Specs: Available in several 58_¡ or 60_¡ models, with grinds and customization options previously reserved for Tour pros only.
vokey.com | $Varied

Bladed Wedge Shot

The trick for this shot is simple. You want to catch the ball at or near its equator with the leading edge of the wedge. Play the ball back in your stance and make a low-swinging stroke. Don’t lift the club, as you actually want to blade it thin and get the ball rolling! This shot is a lot easier than trying to putt from against the fringe. Try it!

WEDGES Feel & Forgiveness

Cobra Golf Tour Trusty Key Features: A compact, non-offset shape, as well as two cut depths on the face, help max out surface roughness, while wide grooves enhance spin. Available in a matte satin or matte black PVD finish. Wow Factor: We like the "notch K-Grind" that provides heel and toe relief, which makes them more versatile around the green. Specs: Available in loft/bounce options, in right- and left-handed models, of 48_¡-8_¡, 50_¡-8_¡, 52_¡-8_¡, 54_¡-10_¡, 56_¡-12_¡, 56_¡-8_¡, 58_¡-8_¡, 60_¡-10_¡, 60_¡-6_¡, 62_¡-8_¡ and 64_¡-8_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft. cobragolf.com \| $119	Nike VR X3X Key Features: Comes in two flavors. The Toe Sweep model features a wide toe area, plus dramatic heel relief that allows an open clubface at address. The Dual Wide Sole model is versatile and has a C-shaped sole. Both are forged from soft carbon steel and boast X3X grooves that boost spin consistency. Wow Factor: Nike has historically put out very playable wedges and believe these new models only enhance the user experience. They’re easy to hit and stop the ball nicely. Specs: The Toe Sweep is available in right-handed lofts of 56_¡, 58_¡ and 60_¡, left-handed lofts of 56_¡ and 60_¡, the Dual Wide Sole in right-handed lofts of 52_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡ and 60_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip. nikegolf.com \| $110	Orlimar Tour Groove Key Features: Forged from soft carbon steel, it has a traditional teardrop shape, USGA-conforming grooves and a brushed satin finish that reduces glare. Wow Factor: We’re all over the clean lines and substantial look of this wedge. It feels nice and soft, and generates ample spin. Specs: Available in right-handed loft/bounce options of 52_¡-8_¡, 56_¡-12_¡ and 60_¡-6_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft. orlimar.com \| $99


Ping Tour Key Features: A soft stainless-steel clubhead has three sole width options–thin (TS) for firm conditions and shallow approaches, standard (SS) for all playing conditions, and wide (WS) for hitting from softer sand and turf–that lend versatility from any lie. Precision-milled "Gorge" face grooves hold tight manufacturing tolerances to help maximize backspin. The traditional head shape features a custom tuning port in the cavity, which increases MOI and contributes to a solid feel across the clubface. Wow Factor: Plain awesome, with respect to looks, feel and performance. Specs: Available in 47_¡ (SS), 50_¡ (SS), 52_¡ (SS), 54_¡ (SS, WS), 56_¡ (SS, WS), 58_¡ (SS, WS, TS) and 60_¡ (SS, WS, TS), with a PING CFS or PING TFC169i shaft. ping.com \| $140 – $167.50	Ping EYE2 XG Key Features: The beloved EYE2 wedge is still available (we can’t let it go, either), with conforming grooves and a precision-milled face. Ironically, this forgiving wedge is still being used by Tour players. Wow Factor: Yes, that’s right. Tour players love this wedge because it’s crazy-forgiving and the sole design allows for a huge variety of shots around the green. Sometimes what works keeps working, no matter how old the design. Case in point, this very wedge. Specs: Comes in 56_¡ and 60_¡ models, with a variety of steel and graphite shaft options. ping.com \| $119	Taylormade Tour Preferred Key Features: Two sole options, including the ATV (All-Terrain Versatility) sole for…wait for it…more versatility! This allows for a variety of shots regardless of the course conditions and swing type. In a satin-chrome finish, mind you. It’s like a sports car with big, knobby tires that can handle all kinds of terrain. The microtexture face helps optimize spin and greenside performance. Wow Factor: TaylorMade wedges with ATV have generally been received well by golfers, who find them versatile from any lie. We like that you can open up the face as needed, and always seem to have the right bounce angle for the task at hand. Specs: Available in loft/bounce options of 50_¡-9_¡ for right-handed only, as well as 52_¡-9_¡, 54_¡-11_¡, 56_¡-12_¡, 58_¡-10_¡ and 60_¡-10_¡ in right- and left-handed models. taylormadegolf.com \| $130

Tour Edge
Exotics CD PROs

Key Features: Forged from soft carbon steel for good feedback. Aggressive square-style grooves lend plenty of control, while the beveled sole eliminates bounce from the heel and toe, giving you versatility from most lies.
Wow Factor: It has a nice, classic shape, which we like for hitting most scoring shots. The sole shape makes this an effective weapon from thick and thin turf.
Specs: Available in loft/bounce options of 50_¡-10_¡, 52_¡-12_¡, 54_¡-14_¡, 56_¡-14_¡ and 60_¡-14_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft.
touredge.com | $119/graphite, $99/steel

Wilson Staff
FG Tour TC Black

Key Features: Traction Control technology enhances spin on long and partial shots in the form of aggressive Tour-Y grooves that are milled for consistency and enhance spin on full swings, with micro-spin enhancers–sets of 11 laser-etched lines between each groove–that increase spin on partial swings. There are two sole options: Traditional has optimal width and camber for golfers with medium to steep swings, and Tour Grind is thinner for players with medium to shallow swings.
Wow Factor: Attractive black, non-glare finish and sleek shaping. A fantastic value.
Specs: Two sole options and nine different loft/bounce combinations mean 35 possible loft/bounce/sole configurations, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shaft.
wilsonstaff.com | $100

Flop Shot
Hitting a successful flop shot can sometimes be as gratifying as hitting a big drive or sinking a long putt. But many golfers are too reluctant to try one, thinking it’s a shot that only better players can execute.

The reality is, yes, a flop shot requires more touch than, say, a simple chip or pitch does. But it’s not impossible! The trick is employing a technique that I’ve seen many good players doing as of late. Before this, many golfers would attempt to hold the face open through the flop shot, hoping to slide the club precisely under the ball and hope to not hit it fat or thin. This technique has a lot of room for error, often resulting in more not-so-good shots than well-executed ones.

So what’s the best way to do it? First, I want you to set up as you would a normal flop shot. Play the ball front-center in your stance, with the shaft vertical and your weight slightly favoring your left side. (This will steepen your swing for crisper contact.) Next, lay the face wide open behind the ball. From here, I don’t want you to try and keep the face open! Hit a normal shot, allowing the wrists to hinge and rotate going back, unhinge at impact, and, again, hinge and rotate through the followthrough.

Because the clubface was laid considerably open at address, you allow the hands to rotate the clubface as you would with a normal shot and still expect the ball to have plenty of upward trajectory. As you practice this shot, it’s important to experiment with what setup face angle works best for you, and always remember to both rotate the body and accelerate through the shot. Any tentativeness when hitting flop shots will likely produce a bad result.

WEDGES Total Forgiveness

Black Magic Golf Black Magic Wedge Key Features: A unique hybrid design–the hosel is attached to the clubhead body and not the clubface–that eliminates shanked shots and makes it a cinch to extricate the ball from the sand. No need to hit behind the ball and dig into the sand before the ball. Wow Factor: We’re amazed at how picking the ball clean is so freakin’ easy with this wedge, especially in the rough and sand. Specs: Four lofts (48_¡, 52_¡, 56_¡, 60_¡) in a steel shaft. blackmagicgolf.com \| $99	Cleveland Golf Smart Sole Key Features: This two-wedge system includes an S model for easy bunker escapes and a C model for consistent greenside chips. Cleveland’s widest wedge sole helps prevent excess digging in both turf and sand, promoting solid contact from every lie. Wow Factor: We love these chippers intended for all skill levels. Regardless of how consistent or otherwise your short game is, these wedges will help you improve, and they will boost your confidence around the green by preventing chilly-dips. Specs: Available in lofts of 42_¡ (C model) and 58_¡ (S model), with a Traction Wedge flex steel or Cleveland Wedge flex graphite shaft. clevelandgolf.com \| $99

Find Sand!

Mid-length bunker shots are tricky, but remember a slightly fat shot is usually better than a thinned one. You’ll likely still get the ball out of the sand, even if it means coming up a little short. A thinned shot? That can end up anywhere! So don’t be afraid to hit some sand, no matter what bunker you’re in. Use it to your advantage, and be aggressive!

PUTTERS Classic Looks

Bobby Grace
Fat Lady

Key Features: Milled of aircraft aluminum and with a stepped cavity design on top, this ain’t your mama’s Fat Lady.
Wow Factor: It’s beautiful steel-blue finish and backweight design make this putter a cinch to swing. Really, it almost moves by itself. We were fans of the original Fat Lady, so it’s always great to see a classic design come back.
Specs: Available in custom lengths, with or without backweighting.
bobbygraceputters.com | $27

Bridgestone
True Balance

Key Fe

2014 Buyer’s Guide Shoes

ADIDAS adizero one
Last year’s yellow adizero–the premier edition–didn’t exactly wow golfers. This year may be another story, as the company made improvements where needed (such as with comfort). This sub-10-ounce, cleated shoe offers plenty of stability. Its ultralight, one-piece fused upper bonds together five layers for a glove-like fit on the foot. Tour pros have been wearing it in competition, which speaks volumes.
adidasgolf.com | $180

TRUE linkswear lyt/dry
This company has been around for, what, three or so years? Yet its styles are already maturing without losing homage to the original, wonderful natural curvature of the shoes and the low-profile fit. This latest model has more of an athletic shoe look than the products did in the past, but it doesn’t overshadow the trademark TRUE look. And like all of its predecessors, it’s amazingly comfortable. Don’t confine its use to just the course–wear it everywhere. Trust us, people will offer complements.
truelinkswear.com | $149

ECCO Men’s Golf Street EVO One
Credit this brand–and its spokesman Fred Couples–with starting the movement toward casual-looking, comfort-able, cleatless golf shoes that can be worn on and off the course. The latest model has a similar look to its predecessors, with some nice, new colors and luxurious camel leathers. Plus, there’s a moisture-wicking lining. Upgrades include construction that wraps the outside of your heel for more stability.
ecco.com | $160

NEW BALANCE Minimus Sport
With all of the amazing running shoes this brand has produced for decades, it was only a matter of time before it infiltrated golf. That time has arrived, with several models for 2014. This cleated shoe weighs just 11.4 ounces and features a premium microfiber, waterproof upper. It has a 10mm drop midsole, plus removable and incredibly comfy Ortholite moisture-wicking insoles–your feet just kind of sink in.
newbalance.com | $119

NIKE GOLF Lunar Control
The company line: This lightweight shoe is in contact with the ground as much as possible during the swing. It features full-grain leather uppers, a full-length lightweight cushioning system and a wrap from the mid-foot to the heel for targeted support. Our take: It’s a solid golf shoe with as much stability as any model out there. Feels great right out of the box.
nikegolf.com | $160

OAKLEY Cipher 3
At just 8.7 ounces, this is one of the world’s lightest golf shoes. It’s made of breathable micro-fiber, and its sole has integrated nanospikes–but a much more sophisticated, permanent version of the old sandpaper-like traction from earlier models. The best part of this traction is that you won’t slip one iota at the critical point of impact. That stability will let you confidently swing away. We love that.A
oakley.com | $140

PUMA BIOFUSION Spikeless Mash
Puma has done an especially outstanding job the past two years of bringing to market very comfortable, lightweight and stable golf shoes. This new model may be its finest to date. It’s truly like wearing a slipper–but even more comfortable, and with arch support. You’ll love them on the course, and maybe even more off of it.
cobragolf.com | $180

FOOTJOY D.N.A.
In our opinion, this low-profile shoe is great. Slip it on, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. It features state-of-the-art components and construction. What that means to you is it’s a lightweight, stable shoe with awesome fit, comfort and performance. A foam collar molds snugly to your ankle to secure it in place. The thin, soft and breathable tongue also conforms to the top of your foot.
footjoy.com | $220/standard lacing, $240/BOA

2014 Buyer’s Guide Woods

DON’T BE SHY
By Tom Stickney, PGA

Hit down on it! Hybrids are remarkable clubs. They have made shots that were once reserved for hard-to-hit long irons much easier, and in my opinion, a lot more fun. Same goes for some of today’s fairway woods. They’re crazy-long!
That said, why do so many amateurs struggle with hybrids and woods? Too often, amateurs feel as though they need to sweep or hit up on the ball. In reality, that’s not the case. Hybrids are actually designed to be played more like middle irons! If anything, you want to hit down on the ball and make a divot after you collide with the golf ball.

In the sequence here, notice how I have a hairy lie from the rough. This is actually great practice for me, since it forces me to hit down and through the grass to get the ball up and going. Now, here’s the secret. From the fairway, I have the same angle of attack. The wider sole of the hybrid means it’s less likely I’ll hit it fat anyway, so I hit down on all my hybrids shots–from everywhere.

INSIDE THE ROPES: DUSTIN JOHNSON

Does it look like Dustin Johnson is trying to lift the ball up into the air with a fairway wood? Nope. Johnson not only retains his spine angle and side bend, but he has the uncanny ability to keep the clubhead low through impact as good as anyone I’ve seen. And, by the way, it’s a fairway wood he’s hitting (about 280 yards), and he even has made a small divot, further proof he has hit down on the golf ball, not up on it.

Today’s fairway woods are insane. No, really, they are. We’re hitting some models as far as we used to hit our drivers as little as three to four years ago. It was only a matter of time until driver designers started parlaying driver tech into its smaller siblings. The result is a bunch of fairway woods that not only are long, they’re remarkably forgiving, as well. Hitting high shots off the fairway has never been easier, thanks to low CGs and cupface designs, and if you want driver-like adjustability, you can find that, too, on many of today’s most popular models. Hybrid technology is right up there with fairway woods, as well. That category is still on the rise with all player types, especially better players.

Must-Have \| FAIRWAY WOODS

Adams iXTD Ti Key Features: Cut-Thru Slot tech, an adjustable hosel and a titanium-brazed, variable-thickness face–okay, let’s just stop right there. All you need to know is, this fairway wood has driver-like technology built into it, and it’s awesome. Wow Factor: Did we say this is a driver in fairway wood camouflage? It is, and it’s not only long, it’s very forgiving. Our favorite model is the 13.5_¡ loft. It’s one of the best driver-alternative clubs we’ve ever tried. Really, we could just ditch the driver. It’s so long…. Specs: Three lofts (13.5_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡), with a Matrix Ozik Red Tie graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com \| $299	Adams Tight Lies Key Features: Cut-Thru Slot tech, meaning there’s a channel behind the face on the crown and sole. This beefs up the springiness of the face for more power. Also, it has a low profile that naturally lowers the CG for a higher launch, making it a cinch to get the ball airborne. Wow Factor: It’s back! We can see some of the original Tight Lies in this new design, especially in the Tri-Sole’s raised heel and sole regions. It’s made to be versatile and easy to hit, which is exactly what it is. Nice work to the team who brought back the club that put Adams on the map. The club flew with a strong, high trajectory. Don’t be afraid of the lower-lofted models. They’re super-easy to hit. Okay? Specs: Four lofts (14_¡, 16_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡), with an MRC Bassara Eagle graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com \| $199	Bobby Jones Black Key Features: A CH-1 maraging-steel cupface design for more distance while reducing the spin rate creates a more piercing ballflight. Wow Factor: Cool, right? The innovative brazing process saves 3 to 4 grams over welding, allowing for the relocation of that weight from the face of the club to a more desirable location in the sole. Translation? These woods are easy to hit and they perform as good as they look. Trust us. Jesse Ortiz has done it again. Specs: Two lofts (15_¡, 17_¡), with a Graphite Design G-Series graphite shaft. bobbyjones.com \| $220


Callaway Golf X2 Hot Key Features: A Hyper Speed Face Cup, which is a fancy way to say the steel face is heat-treated for tremendous strength and durability. Other "hot" stuff includes internal weighting for an optimized, low-spin, high-launching center of gravity and a revised Warbird sole for added versatility. There’s also an X2 Hot Pro model for better players. Wow Factor: The X Hot was a big club last year for Callaway, and despite its success, the gearheads at Callaway claim the X2 Hot is even better. How so? It’s longer and straighter. Specs: Various lofts in Regular or Pro, with an Aldila shaft (Tour Blue and Tour Green). callawaygolf.com \| $239	Callaway Golf Big Bertha Key Features: The Big Bertha is back (again!), this time with a Hyper Speed Face Cup, adjustable hosel tech for loft and face angle, a precision-tuned CG and arguably some of our favorite colors we’ve seen on a clubhead in the last few years. Red, white (sort of) and blue! Wow Factor: The Big Bertha driver is a hot club this year, for sure. But one shouldn’t overlook these woods. They’re designed to be as long as possible without sacrificing any control. We liked adding loft to get the ball a little higher up in the air for more control. These woods are crazy-long. Specs: Three lofts (15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡), with an MRC Fubuki Zeta graphite shaft. callawaygolf.com \| $269	Cleveland 588 Key Features: We’re refreshed to see a fairway wood that looks as though it has shed the excess bells and whistles and just plain performs. The 588 does just that, with a huge sweet spot and classic sports car good looks. It’s not that there isn’t some serious tech inside–there is, only it hides it in a classic all-around design. Wow Factor: We suspect Tour players will gobble this wood up, thanks to the clean look it has behind the ball. In our trial, we hit the ball a little higher (and actually a little longer) than we expected, which makes us think the boys at Cleveland should be promoting these woods a little harder! Specs: Four lofts (14_¡, 15.5_¡, 18_¡, 20.5_¡), with a Matrix Ozik graphite shaft. clevelandgolf.com \| $199

Pick or Choose?
"You have to look at angle of attack," says Doug Hammer, director of instruction of the Callaway Performance Center at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, of determining if a hybrid or perhaps a fairway is optimal. "Our general rule of thumb is, better players with shallow swings who are sweepers tend to like fairway woods more. Higher-handicap players, those likely to be steep, prefer hybrids."

Steep swings are delofting swings, he explains. So the weighting and the more iron-like performance characteristics of a hybrid help these types of players "get the ball into the air better, faster."

That’s not to say sticks don’t need hybrids; Tour usage shows they do. It’s simply that the average player will just start the hybrid brigade farther into the bag. And, as for fairways, Hammer adds, "One fairway wood is a good idea for most, and I’m not sure the 3-wood is that fairway wood anymore. Most hit their 5-wood farther and better anyway because they get it in the air faster."

Heed Hammer’s advice, folks. Don’t always jump to the 3-wood first!


Cobra Golf BiO Cell Key Features: The new BiO Cell is chock-full of new tech, including a high-strength steel face insert and SmartPad tech, which uses a simple window in the hosel that allows for an 8-way, custom, on-the-fly fit without the unnecessary confusion. Wow Factor: Great colors to choose from (blue, red, orange, black, silver), and the SmartPad took the headache out of adjusting the loft. Do you really need to know that more loft equals a more closed face, and less loft means a more square-to-open face? Nah” There’s a D model for added slice reduction, as well. Specs: Five colors, ten lofts (13_¡, 13.5_¡, 14.5_¡, 15.5_¡, 16_¡, 17_¡, 17.5_¡, 18.5_¡, 19.5_¡, 20_¡), with a Grafalloy Project X graphite shaft. cobragolf.com \| $219	Cobra Golf Baffler XL Key Features: The oversized rails guide the club through just about any type of surface, and the low and deep CG fires the ball up into the air in a hurry. Wow Factor: The rails on the sole really, really work. It’s as though they straighten and square the face through impact with the golf ball. With hybrids, we prefer accuracy over distance anyway, and the Baffler XL ranks high in the easy-to-hit category. We don’t like to say it’s almost like cheating, but too late! We just said it. Oh, well. Specs: Four lofts (13_¡, 16_¡, 18_¡, 20_¡), with a Baffler XL graphite shaft. cobragolf.com \| $179	Exotics CB Pro Key Features: It’s gotta be the Slip Stream sole design that looks like a series of wavy lines/rails, which makes it more stable as the club glides through the turf. Add on the beta-titanium face and hyper-steel body, and you have a Tour-caliber fairway wood sure to please golfers who want titanium power in a shotmaker’s fairway wood. It’s expensive, but such great technology doesn’t come cheap. Wow Factor: The Slip Stream sole is stunning. You won’t want to get it dirty. As for performance, this is our favorite Tour Edge Exotics wood, to date. It’s easy to hit and crazy-long. All that, and you can shape shots with relative ease. The low-lofted models? Yeah, they’re longer than some drivers we tried. (Don’t tell.) Specs: Five lofts (13.5_¡, 14.5_¡, 15.5_¡, 16.5_¡, 17.5_¡), with a Fujikura Speeder graphite shaft. touredge.com \| $499

Exotics XCG7 Key Features: The XCG7 is designed to get the ball airborne in a hurry and fly the ball as far as possible. Easy, right? It actually is, thanks to the maraging-steel face and the low-profile crown design. Wow Factor: If you want a no-nonsense, long-hitting, super-forgiving fairway wood, the XCG7 is sure to please. If you want a little more workability, there’s also the XCG7 Beta, with a deeper face and a CG positioned for a lower launch. Either way, you really can’t go wrong here. Specs: Five lofts (13_¡, 15_¡, 16.5_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡), with a Fujikura Exotics Fuel shaft. touredge.com \| $249	Fourteen Golf SF-612 Key Features: Fourteen makes beautiful products, no doubt. But usually they cater to better players. The SF-612 is designed for them, too, but the shallow-face design is certainly going to attract a wider range of players. The versatile "Boat Shape" sole actually is shaped like the bottom of a boat, and the CG is deep and high for a penetrating launch. Wow Factor: Each lofted model is designed independently, meaning each wood is finely tuned for loft, face progression, length, weight and so on. The D0 swingweight is light, making it a good choice for moderate to slower swing speeds. It’s really long. Specs: Four lofts (16_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡, 25_¡), with a MD-335f graphite shaft. fourteengolf.com \| $349	Mizuno JPX-EZ Key Features: A hot-maraging steel face married with a steel frame that, when combined, creates a very powerful wood. We’re happy to see the JPX-EZ has a deepface design, which in our mind makes it easier to swap in and get used to when driver isn’t the right play off the tee. Wow Factor: Awesome aesthetics, and we really appreciate how, despite the deepface design, the ball still rockets up into the air. And, by the way, Mizuno knows how to make a club that just feels good. This one felt good before we even swung it. And when we hit it, it only got better. We only wish it had a few more loft options, though. Give it a try, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. Specs: Two lofts (15_¡, 18_¡), with a Fujikura Orochi graphite shaft. mizunogolf.com \| $199


Nike VR_S Covert Tour Key Features: The huge High Speed Cavity in the back region of the sole helps increase heel/toe weighting for more control, and the CG is placed closer to the face for greater transfer of energy. The result? Big hits without the ballooning ballflight once associated with fairway woods. Also, the adjustable hosel allows for a fine-tuned fit. Wow Factor: We dig the red! Shots hit with the Covert Tour fly like you’d expect a Tour wood should: long and with a flat arc. The non-Tour, non-adjustable VR_S Covert is also available for golfers who want the bennies that come from the cavity back, but aren’t obsessed with adjusting loft and face angles. Specs: Two lofts (15,_¡ 19_¡), with an MRC Kuro Kage Silver graphite shaft. nikegolf.com \| $249	Ping i25 Key Features: The racing stripe alignment aid on the crown helps make this Tour-inspired fairway wood easy to align, the hosel allows for simple trajectory modifications, and the tall face inspires would-be shotmakers to play a variety of shots off the tee and from the fairway. It’s a better player’s wood, but all players will love it. Wow Factor: Shotmaking has never been easier with any PING fairway wood. Ever. And just because you can maneuver the ball, that doesn’t mean this wood isn’t long and forgiving. It’s the perfect combination of power, control and shotmaking ability. Period. Specs: Three lofts (14_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡), with a PING PWR graphite shaft. ping.com \| $249	Ping G25 Key Features: Designed to promote a long and high launch, the G25 is as close to a driver as any PING fairway wood ever made. From the springy face to the wide sole, it’s a serious driver alternative for those who want a forgiving, slightly draw-biased fairway wood. We hit the ball a mile in our trial. Wow Factor: Maybe it would be better with an adjustable hosel? Nah, it doesn’t need it. It’s a great, forgiving club that hits it high and far. Not a shotmaker’s wood–that’s the i25’s territory. The G25 is all about forgiveness. Specs: Four lofts (15_¡, 16.5_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡), with a PING TFC 189F graphite shaft. ping.com \| $229

Taylormade
JetSpeed

Key Features: Could TMAG improve on the RocketBallz? Apparently so! The new JetSpeed woods have a redesigned Speed Pocket (that’s actually filled with polymer this time) and a CG that’s low and near the face for the ultimate in energy transfer into the golf ball with less spin. Long? Forgiving? Yes, times a million.
Wow Factor: As hard as it is to believe, we actually hit the JetSpeeds farther than last year’s RBZ Stage 2 woods. Crazy, we know. The JetSpeeds are practically drivers. Maybe that’s why we prefer higher-lofted ones. The 5-wood model goes as far as most 3-woods we’ve tried this year. A little draw-biased, but still crazy-long.
Specs: Five lofts (15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡, 21_¡, 23_¡), with a Matrix Velox graphite shaft.
taylormadegolf.com | $229

Taylormade
SLDR

Key Features: A smaller Speed Pocket (than other TaylorMade fairway woods), adjustable hosel tech, and a look and profile that enable all sorts of shotmaking from the tee and fairway. It has 12 adjustable lofts!
Wow Factor: The SLDR fairway wood is long as can be, but has a much more penetrating ballflight than does the JetSpeed woods, meaning some players may want to go with a higher-lofted setting to account for that boring ballflight. And, by boring, we mean that in the absolute best possible way. These are awesome to hit. A TP version is also available (same head, but with a souped-up Fujikura Motore Speeder shaft.)
Specs: Four lofts (14_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡), with a Fujikura Speeder graphite shaft.

2014 Buyer’s Guide Drivers

GET GOLF SHOULDERS
By Zach Allen, PGA

Notice anything unusual about my shoulders? Yep, my right shoulder naturally rests a little below my left! Call it the product of 25 years of competitive golf. I’ve actually developed some shoulder tilt that helps me hit longer tee shots.

What does that mean? Simple. Long hitters know that the secret to power is to hit high up on the golf ball with added loft and reduced spin. Now, you may not have the kind of shoulders I do (I have a chiropractor appointment this afternoon), but at the very least, you can stretch and loosen your abductors to make it easer to have some spine tilt in your swing. The stretch is simple. Hold the club above and away from you, and tilt to your right side. Do this as far as you can, and hold, release and repeat.

Hitting longer drives leads to shorter approaches, which then leads to better chances at holing shorter birdie putts.

Well, that’s our opinion. There are some of you out there who want a driver that allows for some more shotshaping off the tee, too. So, we’ve arranged our drivers this year based on three categories: Tour-Ready, the drivers that best combine performance and maneuverability; Game-Improvement, the drivers that can help you dial in the best power/control formula for your game; and Power, for all-out distance.

Read on and find the right driver for your game. Remember, don’t forget to get fit, especially with regard to the shaft. It will have a huge impact on how well your driver performs.

Tour-Ready

Callaway Golf Big Bertha Alpha Key Features: The first-ever driver with adjustable CG height–through a 10.5-gram carbon-fiber tube bearing a heavy tungsten tip at one end. Inserted in the driver’s sole, heavy-end down, the CG is low for high clubhead speed; it creates a flat, penetrating trajectory. Inserted the other way, the CG is higher. Loft, lie and CG bias are also independently adjustable. Wow Factor: We’re more excited about this model than any driver on the market. Adjustable CG height could mark a breakthrough for future models. Does it work? Hell, yeah, it does. Specs: Two lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡), with a Fubuki ZT graphite shaft. callawaygolf.com \| $499	Cleveland Golf 588 Custom Key Features: No-nonsense, all-around 460cc design that’s engineered to hit the ball farther and straighter than your current big stick. The hosel is adjustable up to 12 ways, and a removable weight allows for an optimal swingweight. Arguably the prettiest-looking driver this year. Wow Factor: The stock Matrix Ozik is a nice touch. That said, listen, folks, Cleveland makes some of the most friendly drivers we get to hit. This one is no exception. It’s crazy-forgiving. Specs: Two adjustable base lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡), with a Matrix Ozik shaft. clevelandgolf.com \| $349	Cobra Golf BiOCELL+ Key Features: A lightweight Venollum alloy crown on this 440cc clubhead delivers a higher ballflight with lower back spin–more distance–than many titanium drivers, says the company. You can adjust to eight different loft settings, and the clubface has a large sweet spot. Wow Factor: We can’t get past the $500 price tag. You’ll either love or detest the funky white-outlined crown graphics, but once you hit it and see its might, you’ll forget all about the aesthetics. This dog has serious bite. Specs: Loft is adjustable from 8_¡ to 11_¡, with a Matrix Red-Tie 6Q graphite shaft. cobragolf.com \| $500


Fourteen Golf GelongD CT-214 Key Features: The titanium clubhead’s precise CG depth and distance yield nice feel, a long 47.75-foot shaft boosts clubhead speed and distance, a new shaft flex helps accelerate the clubhead through impact, and a multilayered cup face maximizes spring-like effect. Yes, all that tech doesn’t come cheap. Wow Factor: The company claims golfers will average a four-yard distance gain with this nicely shaped model. While that’s probably true of any new model if you haven’t upgraded in a while, this comes through on its promise. It has an awesome sound and feel. Specs: Two lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡), with an MD-350JD carbon shaft. fourteengolf.com \| $600	Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour Driver Key Features: This is similar to the non-Tour version, but the redesigned NexCOR face is larger in this version than on the standard model, incorporating variable-face thickness to be fast and hot, and generate more ball speed. Wow Factor: The technical story on its stiffer rear cavity back makes a lot of sense, in theory, and seems to translate well to the real world in achieving distance. It’s Nike’s best driver yet. Specs: 8.5_¡-12.5_¡ of loft, with a Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver TiNi graphite shaft. nikegolf.com \| $399	Ping i25 Key Features: You can adjust the loft on this driver up or down a half-degree. Racing-style alignment stripes on the crown look sporty, but not gaudy, i.e., they’re not distracting and help you better align your drives without thinking about it. Two high-density weights increase MOI and position the CG to reduce spin and promote a flatter ballflight for more roll upon landing. An extreme variable-thickness clubface. Wow Factor: We’re big fans of PING drivers, in general, and it’s nice to see the brand emerge with a cool-looking model that we can tune the loft on. We also didn’t think they could improve in feel and forgiveness over the i20. Man, we were wrong again. This driver is incredible. Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 11.5_¡), with a PING PWR graphite shaft. ping.com \| $440

GETTING GOLF SHOULDERS

At address, you can see that I have some of my "natural shoulder tilt," as I like to call it. This not only adds width to my swing, but it makes it a lot easier to start the backswing with the club moving inside the targetline.

At impact, notice how my shoulder actually increased even more. This is a good thing, and with practice, you’ll see what I mean. The added loft at impact and a wide swing arc will put a high-flying, low-spinning command on the golf ball.


Taylormade SLDR Key Features: A 20-gram weight slides along a track located on the sole, just behind the clubface, to shape ballflight. The CG is low and forward, which creates extra distance if you use enough loft. This is an adjustable-lofted club, so "Loft Up!" Wow Factor: We found distance to be exceptional on center-struck hits–a good 10 yards longer than usual. Feel is rock-solid. Specs: Five lofts (8_¡, 9.5_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡, 14_¡), with a Fujikura Speeder 57 graphite shaft and 460cc clubhead, or three lofts (9.5_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡), with a Fujikura Speeder 67 graphite shaft and 430cc clubhead. taylormadegolf.com \| $399	Titleist 913 D2 Key Features: A high-speed, forged face insert and an optimal CG location, maximizing distance potential, combine for serious stability and forgiveness. The D2 is slightly larger than the D3 and more traditionally shaped, with slight draw bias. Wow Factor: This is the first driver in a long time from Titleist that we feel is truly designed for all types of players. Really, it’s easy to hit long, high bombs with it. We also like how the adjustability for the finely tuned launch works. And, by the way, its sister model, the pear-shaped D3, isn’t forgotten, and is likely a strong choice for players who want good forgiveness and great maneuverability. Specs: Five lofts (7.5_¡, 8.5_¡, 9.5_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡), with an Aldila RIP graphite shaft. titleist.com \| $399	Tour Edge Exotics XCG7 Beta Key Features: An adjustable-lofted 440cc clubhead with a deep, beta-titanium clubface and penetrating trajectory. To minimize spin, weight pads are located high and close to the clubface. A variable-thickness "Power Grid" directly behind the hitting area boosts spring effect by flexing at impact. Wow Factor: It looks like a powerful club, and we feel it taps your inner King Kong when standing over it on the tee box. Specs: One loft that’s adjustable from 8.5_¡ to 12_¡ in half-degree increments, with Matrix Ozik White, Red and Black Tie graphite shafts. touredge.com \| $350
	Wilson Staff FG Tour M3 Key Features: The brand’s first adjustable driver features six separate loft settings and three sole weight options. Variable clubface thickness increases ball speed. The deep face, smaller footprint and Tour-preferred pear shape make the 460cc head appear more compact at address. Wow Factor: Big, muscular and dark, this driver looks powerful. We also really like the crisp impact sound it makes. Ball go far! Specs: One loft (9.5_¡) that’s adjustable from 8.5_¡ to 11.5_¡ in half-degree increments, with an Aldila RIP Phenom graphite shaft. wilsonstaff.com \| 350

Game-Improvement

Bobby Jones Black Series Key Features: A new clubface combines with a hot cup face that’s welded to the cast titanium body for low spin and high ball velocity. Spin rates are consistently around 2,500 rpm or less. Face angle is adjustable. Wow Factor: The 460cc pear-shaped clubhead looks sleek–particularly with its glossy black finish–and impact sound was tuned down a notch this year to a really satisfying level. Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡), with a Graphite Design G-Series graphite shaft. bobbyjones.com \| $399	Callaway Golf Big Bertha Key Features: Adjustable perimeter weighting is achieved via an 8-gram weight that can slide along a 5-inch track on the perimeter of this high-MOI clubhead. That helps drives travel long and straight despite where the ball makes contact with the Hyper Speed clubface. Through the adjustable hosel, you can independently tune loft and lie angle. Wow Factor: You can bet that anything bearing the flagship Big Bertha name is full of innovation and is destined to be a raging success. This is no exception. We were awed by its power and simple usability. Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 13.5_¡), with a Fubuki Z graphite shaft. callawaygolf.com \| $399	Cleveland 588 Altitude Key Features: An ultralight clubhead bearing high-strength, lightweight walls translates to low and deep weighting that promotes high, straight shots with stability through impact–you can swing away and still get accuracy. Wow Factor: We’re very impressed with the feel and impact sound, and even more impressed with the distance. Shots seem to fly effortlessly. It also resembles Cleveland’s old Launcher Composite–a great thing! And one more thing: We really appreciate seeing a driver for the masses well below $300 MSRP. That’s a win-win. Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡), with a Matrix Radix graphite shaft. clevelandgolf.com \| $280


Cobra Golf BiOCELL Key Features: Adjust to eight different lofts, and the "SmartPad" provides a square clubface at address regardless of the loft setting. Weight was removed from the clubface and repositioned low and back for more stability. This enlarges the sweet spot, so even mis-hits perform pretty well. Wow Factor: Not to sound shallow, but you can pick from five clubhead colors, which is kind of a cool option. We also really like the cell honeycomb-style graphics on the crown. Just don’t be fooled. These drivers are legit, and the technology behind all that paint is the real deal by folks who know what’s up. Specs: Loft is adjustable from 9_¡ to 12_¡, with a Project X-PXv graphite shaft. cobragolf.com \| $375	Mizuno JPX EZ Key Features: Quickly adjustable to eight settings of loft, lie and face angle. Its crown is designed for ball speed, high launch and low spin. Its face boasts a large COR area for distance. Is this really a Mizuno driver for the masses? Yes, more than ever. Wow Factor: We’re dazzled by how nice and solid it sounds at impact–always a confidence-booster on the tee box. Specs: Two lofts (9.5_¡, 10.5_¡), with a Fujikura Orochi Black Eye graphite shaft. mizunogolf.com \| $300	Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Key Features: Enhanced High-Speed Cavity Back technology redistributes weight to the heel and toe for more forgiving distance on impact across the clubface. A redesigned cavity yields a stiffer rear, transferring more energy to the clubface at impact for distance. A large, reengineered clubface with varying thickness helps boost ball speed and distance. Trust us, it’s really easy to hit. Wow Factor: We like the cherry red clubhead, as we did last year, associating it with speed, as in a fast Ferrari. In this case, speed translates to even more distance. Specs: Loft is adjustable from 8.5_¡ to 12.5_¡, with a Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black HBP graphite shaft. nikegolf.com \| $299

Tour Edge
Exotics XCG7 Beta

Key Features: This 460cc, 6A4V titanium clubhead incorporates adjustable loft. Four hexahedron weight pads maximize MOI for stability. The weighting positions the CG low and deep, for mid-spin and high launch angles. Weight is removed from the rear-center of the sole and shifted to the rear heel and toe for forgiveness. A variable-thickness "Power Grid" directly behind the hitting area boosts spring effect by flexing at impact.
Wow Factor: The clutter-free clubhead and general shaping soothed us. And, as with most Tour Edge clubs, this is a nice value for the money. Expect a high launch, folks.
Specs: One loft that’s adjustable from 8.5_¡ to 12_¡ in half-degree increments, with Fujikura Exotics Fuel and Fuel Tour graphite shafts.
touredge.com | $300

Power Sticks

Adams Golf
XTD

Key Features: A Cut-Thru Slot behind the face creates spring-like effect off of the face, enlarging the sweet spot for ball speed on center shots and mis-hits.
Wow Factor: It’s cool that Adams tests every driver abefore it’s sold to ensure maximum spring-like effect. Mission accomplished: We found this to be seriously long.
Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 12_¡), with a Matrix Red Tie Driver graphite shaft.
adamsgolf.com | $399

Callaway Golf
X2 Hot

Key Features: A large "Hyper Speed" titanium clubface yields hot ball speed for distance. Through the hosel, golfers can adjust loft and directional bias.
Wow Factor: It doesn’t have the sizzle of the new Big Berthas, but we found it to be solidly long. Like in a really serious way.
Specs: Three lofts (9_¡, 10.5_¡, 13.5_¡), with an Aldila Tour Blue graphite shaft.
callawaygolf.com | $350

Callaway Golf
X2 Hot Pro

Key Features: At 440cc, the clubhead is smaller than the X2 Hot’s 460cc head, but it still features the large "Hyper Speed" titanium clubface that yields hot ball speed for distance. Via the hosel, golfers can adjust loft and directional bias.
Wow F

2014 Buyer’s Guide Accessories

GPS

SkyGolf SkyCaddie LINX
Finally, a golf rangefinder watch with some color. It’s preloaded with 34,000 high-precision, error-corrected golf courses, and sports a clear, high-definition, sunlight-read-able display with both positive and negative polarity. Plus, it’s Bluetooth-enabled, and when paired with a new-and-free mobile app, you can upload scores and stats wirelessly to the company website. We love that it’s ready to use out of the box.
skycaddie.com | $250

Golf Buddy BB4
This looks like the future of GPS watches in that it’s just simply a sporty band that looks solid-colored. However, distances to the front/center/back of the green appear almost magically in dotted, futuristic form. It’s really cool. And it’s preloaded with distances from some 37,000 courses worldwide. It automatically recognizes which course and hole you’re at. The battery lasts 10 hours.
gpsgolfbuddy.com | $349

Bushnell NEO XS
This sleek-looking watch retains enough battery life per charge in GPS mode to last for three rounds. Used as a normal watch, it will go two years without needing a recharge. And it comes preloaded with more than 33,000 courses in more than 30 countries. The unit can also be used as an odometer on the course or while exercising away from the links.
bushnell.com | $200

Leupold GX-4i2
Now with USGA-approved Smart Key technology, you can swap the faceplate from silver to yellow, the latter of which measures uphill and downhill slopes and then factors them into the overall distance. The unit is compact, lightweight, durable and downright sexy. Gripping traction makes it a breeze to hold still. It locks in yardages lightning-fast on a display that’s nice and vivid. Quite simply, it’s the classiest-looking distance finder out there.
leupold.com | $625

ESN WR72
The WR72 Alpha utilizes its own proprietary forged Titanium alloy that is 30 times stronger than steel and extremely light weight. The WR72 is as fashionable as robust and incorporates all of the functionality that golfers have come to expect with superior materials. A rare-earth-metal antenna provides sub-meter GPS performance. These new Titanium GPS Golf Watches are equally at home on the course or on the town.
golfesn.com | $249-$269

Zepp GolfSense
This 6.3-gram, 1-square-inch transmitter attaches to your glove’s Velcro_¨ strap. Take a swing, and the sensor relays all of your pertinent swing data to your iPhone, iPad or Android device with 3D analysis. You can also access tips for improvement, compare swing to pros and friends, and get personalized tips, drills and coaching. We found it to be pretty fast at relaying information.
zepp.com | $150

Swingbyte 2
This is the second generation of a popular mobile swing analyzer that has a redesigned, lightweight sensor with more stability. A new latching mechanism eases attachment to your club shaft, as well. And the latest sensor has a lower profile, an electronic power switch and covert LED lights. The revamped app can record video, auto-trim excess footage, and sync videos to 3D visuals and data.
swingbyte.com | $149

SwingSmart
SwingSmart is a one-ounce sensor that mounts easily to any club and, via Bluetooth, transmits feedback to an iOS or Android device. It tracks tempo, path, clubhead speed and helps you dial in the perfect clubface alignment. The new "Duo" model is accurate and gives instant analysis–data of your best swings can be used later as a reference point. Plus, you can watch multiple angles of your swing at one time. Incredibly cool.
swingsmart.com | $250

SkyGolf SkyPro
The user interface has been redesigned and sped up since its launch last year, with a new putting-analysis feature. You get immediate feedback about clubface position, stroke length, tempo and more. New content also includes practice tips from leading instructors, such as Hank Haney and Michael Breed. The sub-one-ounce unit attaches easily to any clubshaft and communicates swing data via Bluetooth to a free smartphone app.
golfskypro.com | $200

Train & Wear

Orange Whip Putting Wand
The Putting Wand is the latest from the creative folks at Orange Whip, designed to help golfers develop a better and more consistent putting stroke. The super-flexible shaft exaggerates mis-hits and yippy strokes, helping golfers to fine-tune their tempo and stroke lengths. It’s also rather addicting to practice with.
orangewhiptrainer.com | $109

Tifosi Podium XC
Like its predecessors, the Podium XC offers an unobstructed range of vision with frameless, full-shield lens design. The striking reflective lens does more than look great. It also performs! This high quality lens features consistent color for less lens distortion, is hydrophobic so water and sweat roll off, and filters a high level of blue light. Important for golfers, the filtering of blue light sharpens contrast so it’s easy to track a ball in flight or read the contours of the greens.
tifosioptics.com | $79

GolfSTR
Hitting bigger, longer drives is a lot easier with a straight left arm. The GolfSTR is designed to help you do just that by reminding you when you’re and when you’re not holding your left arm taut. Simple, easy-to-use and extremely portable, the GolfSTR is a top pick for a quik fix. Expect longer and straighter hits in no time.
golfstr.com | $29.99

Brush Tee PRO XLT Tees
Look, we were skeptical when we first tried them, too, but it didn’t take long to become a Brush Tee believer (and user.) The concept is simple. The low-friction bristles hold the ball and through impact, there’s little to no deflection or resistance through the hit. That said, we really love the consistent tee height you get when using it. That kind of consistency is key for better driving. The 3.125-inch-length PRO XLT is perfect for today’s oversized clubheads.
brusht.com | $7.99

CHAMP Spikes
No matter what shoe you choose to play golf in, you’re always going to get better traction using one with removable cleats. Among our favorites are the ones made by CHAMP, in particular, the Catalyst. The low-profile design snaps in in one click and provides maximum traction with low foot pressure. We like that a lot.
champspikes.com | $15

Alphard Duo Golf Cart
Add this to the "why didn’t I think of that" list. The Alphard Duo combines a golf bag with a pull cart, making it a cinch to travel with both. Just fold up the legs and wheels, and it’s in the truck or travel bag. Simple. Wheels and cart aside, it’s a pretty nice bag, too, with a 14-way divider and up to nine pockets. A genius idea, if you ask us.
alphardgolf.com | $329

New Products Directory

DEAD AIM PUTTING SYSTEM
The USGA-approved Dead Aim TW 3D mallet putter comes with optional laser attachment and laser target to practice and correct misaligned putts–NO MORE THREE PUTTS! The Dead Aim Putting System also includes the Center Strike Clip attachment that, through practice, ensures solid sweet-spot contact with the center of the putter face, creating a consistent putting stroke to help you make more putts. The USGA-conforming TW 3D Dead Aim Putter utilizes patented Straightline Technology that puts your eyes over the aim line, and hands and body in the correct position at address, to create consistency every time. The Dead Aim Putter System with laser and Center Strike Clip is guaranteed to improve your score!

Dead Aim TW 3D Putter with Laser and Center Strike Clip attachments: $199.95
www.deadaimputters.com | Call Toll-Free: (855) 4-DEADAIM, (855)-433-2324

GOLFSTR+
6 Golf Swing Training Aids in 1 ProductNo other Golf Training Aid in the world offers 6 fixes for 6 golf swing problems. GOLFSTR+ is a brain trainer to keep your leading arm straight in the backswing. Now available with a Rubber Extender for three optional pressure settings. Wear it while you play 18 holes to develop muscle memory. For 5 more training aids, just flip the plastic plate: Flat Wrist for Putting, Chipping and Backswing. Also a lag trainer for driving, fairway shots and chipping. 78% of responses from 100 testers in The Golf Partners Club recommended the purchase of GOLFSTR+ to cut stokes in your game. It’s not allowed in competitive matches as it gives you an unfair advantage. GOLFSTR+ fits the left or right arm and can be ordered in large or small/black or white.

www.golfstr.com | $29.99 | Call 1-855-799-9695

DUO CART DX
The revolutionary DUO CART DX is an all-in-one pushcart and golf bag combination that’s extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car and takes just seconds to set up. It features four large wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the toughest terrain. The bag provides a plethora of storage pockets for balls, tees, raingear and other necessities, as well as a built-in Cooler Pocket (with drains) that can store up to six drinks. Best of all, the Duo Cart is "Riding Cart Friendly," which means its wheels can be removed from the anodized aluminum frame in just seconds and converted into a Cart Bag, which fits on all standard electric or gas carts, should you decide to ride instead of walk!
www.alphardgolf.com | $329.95

GO-IN! GOLF BELT
Nexbelt, "The Belt Without Holes," features a unique ratcheting system that allows you to adjust the belt in __-inch increments as opposed to the outdated pin/buckle belts of one inch. The Go-In! Golf Series of belts are available in a variety of colors and buckle styles, providing the golfer with the ultimate in comfort and style, as well as a hidden ball marker located underneath the flip-down face. All belts are cut to fit for waist sizes ranging from 28 to 50 inches.
www.nexbelt.com | $55.99 | (909) 758-007

HOME GOLF SIMULATOR
Spectrum Golf specializes in golf simulators for residential and commercial applications. We carry Optishot, Protee, Trugolf with E6 software and P3Proswing. Complete turnkey packages start at under $2,500. All of our systems carry a one-year warranty. You can use real balls and your own clubs! All of our systems come with a virtual driving range, putting/chipping area and up to 95 courses. Imagine playing all the top courses on a 180-inch screen with stunning graphics in the comfort of your own home. All come with complete swing analysis to work on your game. Just plug in your cable box and/or Blu-ray player, and it doubles as home theater. We can even custom any of our systems to fit your exact space requirements.
www.golfsimulatorsite.com | Virtual Golf Simulators from $399 | (336) 342-5592

JUMBOMAX GOLF GRIPS
JumboMax Grips are a new, USGA-conforming grip designed to fit your hands better for superior surface contact and more solid ball striking. The larger diameter of the JumboMax Grips creates maximum surface contact for a secure and comfortable feel. This, in turn, lets you relax your grip on the club for a more fluid and powerful swing, resulting in longer, straighter golf shots.
www.jumbomax.com | $10.99 per grip | (800) 573-4747

INTRODUCING THE MANTIS "B"
We all agree that to make more putts, it’s critical to keep your eye on the ball. Yet the elaborate shapes, reflective metal or white finishes of most putters encourage the opposite. Mantis putters make the ball the hero–simple as that.

Our patented color and finish have proven that when putting with the Mantis, your eyes stay on the ball, not the club. The Mantis "B" is a superbly constructed and balanced heel/toe-weighted putter. It joins our original face-balanced mallet. Both feature a stainless-steel head and milled polyurethane face to deliver great feel with every stroke. Mantis putters conform with USGA Rules.
www.mantisgolfco.com | $159.99

ORANGE WHIP PUTTING WAND
The Putting Wand takes the flexible shaft from the Orange Whip and connects it to a unique putter head that’s ambidextrous and has a round hitting surface. Together, these qualities enhance the learning process to create consistent putting strokes. The Putting Wand improves the rhythm and tempo of putting stroke to enhance distance control and consistency. The unique design of putter head encourages "center contact" because miss hits are exaggerated.
orangewhiptrainer.com | $109 | (877)-505-9447

PUTTER WHEEL
The PutterWheel trains all aspects of putting:
1. SETUP: the red sidewalls help align eyes directly over the ball.
2. STROKE: Any mis-hit will wobble off the clubface.
3. SCORE: The included two-line alignment template draws two lines on your game ball the same width as the Putter Wheel.

Selected as one of the "10 Great Items from the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show" by Golf.com/Sports Illustrated, the PutterWheel is the actual weight of a golf ball with a premium urethane cover. In addition to alignment and stroke feedback, the two-line template helps golfers take the wheel visualization and stroke to the course.
www.putterwheel.com | $17.95, $26.95, $39.95 info@putterwheel.com

RE TEE DIVOT REPAIR TOOL
Repairs ball marks with a simple 45-degree poke on both sides of the ball mark for a smooth putting surface. Allows you to pull buried tees out of the tee box with the tines, as well as re-sharpening broken tees (wood and plastic) into a par 3 tee. Sharpens dull or broken scoring pencils. Better divot repair for smooth putting. Rub your thumb between the tines to relax before putting or driving the ball.
www.reteegolf.com | (855) 373-4948, (780) 208-0887

SWING SPEED RADAR
The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer measures total time from club takeaway to ball impact, as well as clubhead swing speed. It’s used at all Jim McLean Golf Schools.

Radar Data Link is now available. Send data from your Radar to your tablet or smartphone.

www.sportssensors.com | (888) 542-9246

WEDGES Total Versatility

Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 2 Key Features: A versatile Tour-proven design that generates lots of spin. Aggressive, large grooves plus increased surface roughness help enhance spin. Wow Factor: Outstanding, clean-looking wedges that can be tailored to your swing. They feel buttery at impact, as well. Definitely consider them. Specs: Available in various lofts between 47_¡ and 64_¡ with several bounce options, in two grinds and two finishes, with choice of shaft length and model, lie angle, grip model and wrap. callawaygolf.com \| $150	Cleveland Golf 588 RTX CB Key Features: Generates tight backspin due to the large U-shaped face grooves that are especially effective from rough, sand and wet grass. Surface roughness is laser-milled into the clubface in a pattern that also induces spin. The sole is wider near the heel, narrower near the toe, to improve bunker performance without sacrificing versatility. An undercut cavity promotes perimeter weighting for more forgiveness on off-center hits. Wow Factor: If there are any other wedges as easy to hit as these, please identify yourself. Specs: Eight lofts from 46_¡ to 60_¡ in a Satin Chrome or Black Pearl finish, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft (LH available). clevelandgolf.com \| $120	Edel Golf Signature Series Key Features: Each wedge in the series can be customized with a golfer’s preferred lofts, grinds, paint-fill colors and stampings. For added measure, even the shaft band sticker can be personalized. Wow Factor: This company makes a great wedge, and these models look absolutely terrific. If Edel is a new brand to you, consider this a heads up. The company is on the way up. Way, way up. Specs: You can get each wedge customized to any specs you want. edelgolf.com \| $179

WEDGES Feel & Forgiveness

Cobra Golf Tour Trusty Key Features: A compact, non-offset shape, as well as two cut depths on the face, help max out surface roughness, while wide grooves enhance spin. Available in a matte satin or matte black PVD finish. Wow Factor: We like the "notch K-Grind" that provides heel and toe relief, which makes them more versatile around the green. Specs: Available in loft/bounce options, in right- and left-handed models, of 48_¡-8_¡, 50_¡-8_¡, 52_¡-8_¡, 54_¡-10_¡, 56_¡-12_¡, 56_¡-8_¡, 58_¡-8_¡, 60_¡-10_¡, 60_¡-6_¡, 62_¡-8_¡ and 64_¡-8_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft. cobragolf.com \| $119	Nike VR X3X Key Features: Comes in two flavors. The Toe Sweep model features a wide toe area, plus dramatic heel relief that allows an open clubface at address. The Dual Wide Sole model is versatile and has a C-shaped sole. Both are forged from soft carbon steel and boast X3X grooves that boost spin consistency. Wow Factor: Nike has historically put out very playable wedges and believe these new models only enhance the user experience. They’re easy to hit and stop the ball nicely. Specs: The Toe Sweep is available in right-handed lofts of 56_¡, 58_¡ and 60_¡, left-handed lofts of 56_¡ and 60_¡, the Dual Wide Sole in right-handed lofts of 52_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡ and 60_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip. nikegolf.com \| $110	Orlimar Tour Groove Key Features: Forged from soft carbon steel, it has a traditional teardrop shape, USGA-conforming grooves and a brushed satin finish that reduces glare. Wow Factor: We’re all over the clean lines and substantial look of this wedge. It feels nice and soft, and generates ample spin. Specs: Available in right-handed loft/bounce options of 52_¡-8_¡, 56_¡-12_¡ and 60_¡-6_¡, with a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft. orlimar.com \| $99

GOLF CLUBS

TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XJ1 DRIVER AND FAIRWAY METALS

WILSON STAFF FG TOUR V6 IRONS

DIRECTED FORCE PUTTER

TGA KIDS’ GOLF CLUBS

SHAFTS

SST PURE

SHOT TRACKING DEVICES

ARCCOS 360

GAME GOLF

SHOT NAVI

T-LINK

FOOTWEAR

BIION LUX SERIES

ECCO MEN’S CASUAL HYBRID

APPAREL

CARNOUSTIE

ANTIGUA

GALVIN GREEN RAINSUITS

NEXBELT

GOLF BAGS

OUUL

TRAINING AIDS

HOLE MORE PUTTS

MYSWING

POWERPLANE

WELLNESS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

MEDZONE

AIR FORCE ONE FAIRWAY METAL

ANTIGUA GOLF APPAREL

ARCCOS DRIVER

BIG MAX AUTOFOLD CART

BIION FOOTWEAR

BRIDGESTONE JGR CB FORGED IRONS

CADDIE TALES FOR THE 99 PERCENTERS

CARNOUSTIE SPORTSWEAR

CHAMP C2X GRIPS

CURE CLASSIC SERIES PUTTERS

DUO GOLF BALL BY WILSON

FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR GETAWAY

GLACIER GLOVE FLEECE OVERMITTS

GOLF GOO SWING OIL

GRIP BOOST

IOFIT SHOE BY SAMSUNG

L2 PUTTERS

LAMKIN Z5 GRIPS

LOSTGOLFBALLS.COM

NEXBELT

PERRY GOLF ULTIMATE CRUISES & TOURS

PICOBREW PICO

PITCHFIX TWISTER

PIVIX SPIKES BY CHAMP

SLAM DUNK GOLF HOT SHOT PUTTING CUP

SORE POINT PAIN RELIEF GEL

SC200 SWING CADDIE

STRONGBOARD BALANCE

TGA JUNIOR GOLF CLUBS

TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH 2 CLUBS

TOURGOLF MEMBERSHIP

THE ULTIMATE ROUND: PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS

VARICK GOLF BALLS

VOICE CADDIE FOR GOLF GPS CLIP

WILOUBY GOLF FLASK

YOUTH ON COURSE

ZARMA FLYTEE BY CHAMP

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