Equipment

Key Feature: For golfers who want the benefits of the innovative AXIS1 putters, only this time in a more traditional blade-style design. Well, it’s not fair to call it traditional with such a radical hosel, but the center-of-balance sweetspot is just plain incredible. It should be on everyone’s must-try list.
Who It’s For: All player types, especially those who want to try what we think is one of the best putting innovations lately.
Wow Factor: Gotta love that hosel with the clean blade-style lines. It’s a cinch to align and roll straight putts.
Specs: Coming soon this March.
axis1golf.com | $299

Key Feature: The Umbra features a CG that’s in the center of the putterface (as opposed to closer to the hosel) for a higher MOI, zero torque and straighter, truer-rolling putts.
Who It’s For: Golfers who like unorthodox-shaped putters and want to try one that just feels so darn good in the hands.
Wow Factor: It’s perfectly balanced. Try it. You’ll immediately see what we mean. It’s that good.
Specs: Available in 34- and 35-inch models, in standard and heavy weights.
axis1golf.com | $299-$349

Key Feature: The 2013 version of this blade has a slightly lower profile and a more shallow face than its predecessor, so the putter sits below the ball and frames it better.
It’s wider from front to toe, for stability. The "Hyper Honeycomb" face provides impact crispness. Its durable PVD finish enhances feel.
Who It’s For: Fans of exquisite craftsmanship, that’s who.
Wow Factor: Powder blue grip adds to the overall coolness.
Specs: One model available for righties and lefties. Clubhead weighs 353 grams.
bettinardigolf.com | $299

Key Feature: These premium offerings from the Heavy Putter line feature two models (blade and mallet) that are 100% CNC milled.
Who It’s For: Those who can afford a very pricey putter and want it hand-milled by Bobby Grace.
Wow Factor: It’s stunning. But okay, we can’t ignore that sticker price. Then again, if there’s someone who’s worth it, it’s probably Bobby Grace.
Specs: One putter model available. The clubhead weighs 360 grams.
bobbygraceputters.com | $825

Key Feature: Its transparent design functions as an alignment aid to get your ball rolling on the right track. It was easy to line up correctly, and the stats say that 90% of us struggle with alignment. Not anymore.
Who It’s For: People who aren’t afraid to try something a little unorthodox on the greens.
Wow Factor: It’s really fun to use!
Specs: Offset and center-shafted models. Right- and left-handed, and a variety of lie and length options, including broomstick and belly.
clearviewputter.com | $110

Key Feature: Heel-toe weighting maximizes MOI for minimal distance loss on off-center hits. A slightly deep CNC milling pattern on the face promotes a softer feel at impact, for more control. Sports a pleasingly soft grip.
Who It’s For: All abilities.
Wow Factor: Cleveland has quietly been making some really great putters. It’s about time they get their due.
Specs: Five traditional designs–three blades, two mallets–available, including one belly model. Clubheads vary between 340 and 360 grams.
clevelandgolf.com | $90/$130

Key Feature: An optically engineered, raised, three-hole top line that makes it easy to know when your eyes are lined up over the ball. We like the instant lie/loft feedback.
Who It’s For: Golfers who have a hard time aligning their eyes over the ball and keeping the putterface square.
Wow Factor: The laser is awesome!
Specs: Two models are available in standard and belly lengths. Both come in black and silver/white finishes. An optional laser-training alignment device and/or a clip for the clubface that helps you hone in on centered contact.
deadaimputters.com | $150-$220

Key Feature: Nick Faldo is onboard with David Edel, and together they have created the new Torque Balanced Putters, which are true works of art. Each is designed to not only look good, but to help golfers more efficiently square the putterface at impact.
Who It’s For: Players who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Wow Factor: They’re gorgeous to look at and swing, and with a six-time Major winner involved, you know they’re gonna be good. Obviously.
Specs: Available in 3 shapes, 3 head weights and 3 weights.
edelgolf.com | $350

Key Feature: The latest in the Method Core Weighted line, this unique-shaped mallet has weight moved to the outside through its wings, for forgiveness on off-center hits. Fixed weights on the heel and sole help lower the CG and move it away from the face for a truer end-over-end roll.
Who It’s For: Golfers who like radical designs, fo’sho.
Wow Factor: The weighting really does what it says. It’s extremely stable through the putting stroke.
Specs: One model available. Clubheads vary between 350 and 390 grams, depending on the length of the putter.
nikegolf.com | $169

Key Feature: Forged from 303 stainless steel and CNC-milled to ensure incredible precision during production. The combination of soft metal and forged-grain structure provides exceptional feel at impact.
Who It’s For: Engineered for players who seek perfection on the green and premium putter devotees.
Wow Factor: They’re spectacular to look at over the ball and weighted/balanced to insane precision. Well done, NC.
Specs: Comes in two lengths (34 and 35 inches) and a headweight of 340 grams. Winn grip, plumber-neck hosel.
nevercompromise.com | $300

Key Feature: The head’s high-contrast, lateral black-and-white alignment system accentuates the face angle at address, through the stroke and at impact. This contrast promotes concentration during the putter stroke, for more impact consistency. An improved White Hot insert produces consistent sound and feel. Trust is, it’s perfect.
Who It’s For: Golfers who need help with their aim.
Wow Factor: The look of the blades is Zebra-like cool.
Specs: Six models available, including the popular 2-Ball, in varying versions. Clubheads weigh 343g; 2-Ball is 355g.
odysseygolf.com | $170

Key Feature: A milled, stainless-steel mallet with a two-circle crown alignment aid bearing a line down the middle–the top circle aligns the putterface with the intended line and the lower circle gives instant visual feedback. It’s face-balanced and heel-shafted.
Who It’s For: Every type of player who wants some help with his or her alignment and stroke.
Wow Factor: We love the soft feel this putter has, and the creative alignment aid is clever. Nice price, too.
Specs: One model available. Clubhead weighs 345 grams.
orlimar.com | $130

Key Feature: The lie angle on this symmetrically balanced aluminum mallet can adjust from 80_¡ to 60_¡, depending on your stance. The center shaft design increases stability, so that off-center hits travel straighter. Custom hosel and shaft create an unobstructed view, allowing natural alignment. Milled face grooves reduce ball skid.
Who It’s For: Those who want a custom-fit lie angle.
Wow Factor: All those color and decal choices!
Specs: One model, with a choice of four standard or 12 bright colors and lengths available. Clubhead weighs 360 grams.
www.pearlprosports.com | $249-$349

Key Feature: Variable-depth grooves in the aluminum face insert aim to improve ball-speed consistency, regardless of whether the ball is struck on the center, heel or toe. The grooves are deepest in the center and shallower toward the perimeter. Shaft length is adjustable from 31 to 38 inches–yes, it’s USGA-conforming!
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a custom length–anytime.
Wow Factor: Pretty much everything. As usual. Carry on.
Specs: Twelve models available. Clubheads vary between 345 and 505 grams.
ping.com | $162-$235

Key Feature: Milled from a piece of 303 stainless steel, this classic-style mallet looks as if it’s heel-shafted, but actually the hosel floats through a topline hole at the heel and attaches to a vertical putter post at the head’s center of gravity. This results in better feel at impact.
Who It’s For: Face-balanced mallet lovers who like the ICON 2’s parallel gun-sight alignment system.
Wow Factor: A really responsive feel that will help
your stroke.
Specs: Custom-fitted for length, from 28 to 45 inches, including 38- to 45-inch belly putters.
plopgolf.com | $250

Key Feature: The plumber’s neck design of this beauty promotes a forward press stroke, and the uninterrupted topline allows you to keep focus on the ball, not the
putterhead. Of course, it too has RIFE’s Roll-Groove face.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a stylish putter to go with their forward-press putting strokes.
Wow Factor: Everything RIFE does exudes pure class. This putter is no exception. It’s silky smooth and feels like butter, even with firmer golf balls. We likey!
Specs: Comes in two pretty finishes: Phantom or Rose Gold.
rifeputters.com | $219

Key Feature: With ties to the root of RIFE’s history, the Legend mallet has aesthetics and performance driven from the original 2-Bar Putter. The adjustable 2-Bar weighting system can be adjusted to suit different tastes and the aluminum Roll-Groove face promises a true roll.
Who It’s For: All player types, frankly.
Wow Factor: We love the 2-Bar design and the aluminum feels amazing and comfortable.
Specs: Available in Black or Champagne finish.
rifeputters.com | $234

Key Feature: his large mallet is 100% milled from 6061 aluminum aircraft material and boasts a platinum finish. Adjustable weights can bring the headweight up to 360 grams. We dig SeeMore’s commitment to offering this putter in many lengths.
Who It’s For: Golfers seeking a simple alignment system.
Wow Factor: The rich, dark finish. The alignment systems works great–all in all, it’s simple genius.
Specs: Three models–two blades and a mallet. Clubheads vary between 355 and 365 grams.
seemore.com | $195

Key Feature: Shaped like a driver and painted with an arctic white finish, these new flatsticks boast a hollow core design that transfers energy from the clubhead to the ball and helps optimize roll.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a new feel and look.
Wow Factor: They look different, but they’re a blast!
Specs: Four standard models (3-wood, Hybrid, Hybrid-Blade and Blade) are available in lengths from 32 to 36 inches in 1/2-inch increments. Belly version is available in lengths from 40 to 44 inches in 1/2-inch increments.
sorensongolf.com | $140

Key Feature:

The black grip, shaft and head create a one-piece appearance. The neon yellow face insert is soft, and its technology strives to increase the coefficient of friction, to impart more forward spin on the ball for putts that stay on line.
Who It’s For: All players who appreciate cool designs.
Wow Factor: We really like the dark, brooding look at address and behind the golf ball. We dig the neon, too.
Specs: Four models–two blades, a mallet, and an in-betweener–available. Clubheads weigh 345 grams.
stxgolf.com | $140

Key Feature: The tall face! Designed with a slight convex curvature and taller than standard face height, these putters ensure more putts are hit from the center of the clubface.
Who It’s For: Golfers who need to improve their putting consistency. These work wonders for distance control.
Wow Factor: The tall face and super-smooth face are sweet. It’s

2013 Buyer’s Guide Balls

DROP THE BOX
By Barry Goldstein, PGA

Along with a poor and weak grip, one of the biggest mistakes I see many of my students make is having bad posture at address. This means they’re in a slumped, slouched and unathletic position from their neck down. Odds are, these students have wrongly been told to keep their head down through the swing, which means they bury their chin into their chest, and the back is rounded, and the shoulders are squeezed together. As a result, this makes swinging the club properly much more difficult, and the likely result is excessive lifting and dropping of the arms and hands. And in many cases, because the body can’t make a good turn and shift away from the ball on the backswing, a reverse pivot occurs.

When I see this, I immediately make my students aware of their bad setup. Sometimes, if it’s severe enough, I’ll place a sleeve of balls or a golf glove on their upper back and neck. In no way do we want that to be able to sit there! I often joke with students who mimic this position that I could place a pizza on their upper back, and it would stay in place. That’s no good either! We want to be more upright so the sleeve of balls can’t stay in place on your upper back.

The goal in your setup (with virtually any club) is to feel tall, upright and athletic. You should feel as though you’re looking at the ball with a tall, proud chin. Or, think of it this way: I like to encourage my students to "see the ball with the bottom of their eyes." This helps you keep your head in alignment with your spine.

As for your knees, they ought to be slightly flexed, and any lean forward toward the ball should be a tilt from the hips. It’s always better to miss too upright with your posture than too slumped and slouched. Your weight should be over your shoelaces, not hung out on your tippy toes. Lastly, feel as though you have a grapefruit under your chin at address. This will help you avoid slouching your back and chin. Just remember, don’t squeeze the grapefruit and make juice!
Try this, and I bet your drives will be longer and straighter, and your irons more precise, too.

2013 looks to keep going where 2012 left off, as far as golf balls are concerned. Colored models are still gaining popularity, as are a slew of soft-core/soft-cover models that not only feel great, but fly a long way. In addition, some popular models got tweaked and fine-tuned to perform even better than before. That said, golf ball fitting has become popular, as it not only helps Tour players find the right ball, but all abilities, as well.

Bridgestone B330 & B330-S Key Feature: The B330 features a larger core and softer cover, not to mention Dual Dimple Technology, which offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced performance in the wind. The softer B330-S spins a little more. Who It’s For: Pro-swinging golfers with speeds over 105 mph. Players who like to bust shots through the wind. Specs: 330 Dual Dimple Technology, Urethane cover, dual-mantle design for reduced spin and higher launch with driver and irons. bridgestonegolf.com | $45	Bridgestone eSeries Key Feature: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters specifically to certain players. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spin Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a super-soft multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the three-piece e7 is a distance ball for every type of player. Who It’s For: Bridgestone is making great strides in golf ball fitting. There’s an eSeries ball for just about everyone. Specs: e5 is a two-piece, Urethane cover; e6 and e7 are both three-piece designs with Surlyn covers. bridgestonegolf.com | $27	Bridgestone B330-RX & B330-RXS Key Feature: Features a mantle layer and Dual Dimple Technology for longer distance, better accuracy and optimized greenside performance. The softer Urethane cover allows slower-swinging players to achieve great greenside spin, and the newly formulated mantle layer reduces spin for longer drives. The RXS model has even higher spin for those who need more control around the green. Who It’s For: Golfers who swing less than 105 mph. Specs: Three-piece, Urethane cover. The RXS is the softer of the two. bridgestonegolf.com | $45

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Callaway Hex Hot Key Feature: The new Hex Hot has a Fast Tech inner mantle for more distance, and the Trionomer cover promotes lower driver spin, again, for more distance. Put it this way, it’s the longest Callaway ball we’ve ever hit. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a multilayer distance ball and who like the look, feel and performance of HEX-shaped dimple patterns. Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover. callawaygolf.com | $27	Callaway Hex Hot Pro Key Feature: Three-piece construction with a DuPont HPF Mantle that not only adds driver distance, but also provides some extra feel around the greens. Who It’s For: Golfers who want big distance from their golf ball with some added spin on short shots. Basically, it’s a lot like the HEX Hot, but with extra control. Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover. callawaygolf.com | $28	Callaway Hex Black Tour Key Feature: Callaway’s most highly engineered Tour-level ball. Innovative dual-core construction, durable cover material called DuraSpin and HEX aerodynamics all combine to create a ball with optimum "spin separation" or rather the difference between how the ball spins on short and full shots. Who It’s For: Phil Mickelson uses it. If you desire a high-performance ball with exceptional distance, here ya go. Specs: Five-piece design, HEX aerodynamics. callawaygolf.com | $46

Chromax Metallic Key Feature: The high-visibility metallic finish is a feast for the eyes! The cover, which is translucent, shows a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft- compression core, resulting in the most unique-looking ball out there. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a soft-feeling distance ball that’s really quite easy to see and cool lookin’. Specs: Two-piece, not counting the metallic inner coating. It also has a translucent Surlyn cover and two-piece core. chromaxgolf.com | $20	Dixon Earth Key Feature: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth also is a venerable distance ball with exceptional durability. And full shots feel soft and fly with a long and high trajectory. Who It’s For: Eco-concerned golfers who appreciate recyclable stuff. (The ball itself is recyclable.) Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material; it can be traded in for new ones at a discounted price. dixongolf.com | $40	Dixon Fire Key Feature: A recyclable cast Urethane cover, "energy-intensifying mantle" and "high-intensity green core with ignite technology." Maybe we were just having a good day, but these things may be the longest balls we’ve ever hit. These quality balls fly a mile and spin like crazy around the greens. Who It’s For: Golfers who swing faster than 90 mph. Also for golfers who don’t mind paying $6/ball. Specs: This multilayer eco-friendly ball has 318 dimples and an Elastodynamic Urethane cover. dixongolf.com | $75

Nike One RZN & One RZN X Key Feature: The soft RZN core promotes high distance, this time in a model for amateurs who want higher ball speed off the clubface. The X model is for penetrating distance, whereas the standard One RZN has some added control. Who It’s For: Big-hitting amateurs who want Tour-like distance in a ball with a soft core. Specs: Three-piece golf balls, both with Nike’s new RZN core material. nikegolf.com | $29	Nike 20XI-S & 20XI-X Key Feature: The new 20XI-S and 20XI-X balls both have more distance at the core, thanks to a new RZN material that Nike claims is faster and lighter than rubber. There are two models: the X for more distance and the S for greater spin around the greens. Who It’s For: Golfers who want Tour-level performance in either the spin or distance variety. Specs: Four-piece construction with new RZN cores; 360-dimple pattern. nikegolf.com | $45	Polara XD Key Feature: The XD has an asymmetrical dimple pattern that self-corrects hooks and slices by up to 50%. Who It’s For: Golfers who want to hit it straight and far and don’t want to compete in USGA-sanctioned events. (Polaras don’t conform to the rules.) These self-correcting balls can now be used with drivers with lofts of 9_¡ to 10.5_¡. The XDS version spins more than the XD. Specs: Two-piece construction. polaragolf.com | $30

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Rife E Motion Key Feature: The E Motion is a 3-piece high-performance ball with a progressive Dual Motion Core and 392-dimple pattern. That aside, if you haven’t heard of RIFE’s balls, you’re missing out. They’re really great. Who It’s For: Golfers who want solid performance from a very durable cover. And by the way, it’s not only durable, but also exceptionally long off the tee. Specs: 3-piece construction, Surlyn with Aeroblend cover. rifeputters.com | $18	Rife V Motion Key Feature: Three-piece, cast Urethane-covered, Tour-level golf ball for the optimal blend of distance and spin. The 318-dimple pattern is designed to reduce drag and improve carry distance for longer shots. Who It’s For: Seriously, folks, these new balls by Rife are fantastic, and we bet it’s only a matter of time before more golfers take notice. They’re that good. Nice price, too. Specs: Three-piece construction, 318-dimple pattern, cast Urethane cover. rifeputters.com | $32	Srixon Soft Feel Key Feature: This soft-feeling ball from Srixon is designed to launch the ball high with low spin for maximum distance and control. Its soft core is ideal for golfers with less than 100 mph swingspeeds. Srixon also claims the ball has a higher MOI, meaning greater accuracy on off-center hits. Who It’s For: Golfers with moderate to slow swings, who want to get every ounce of distance they can muster. Specs: Two-piece with a soft, smooth feel. srixon.com | $19

Srixon Z-Star Key Feature: Its Urethane cover is very soft, so you get added spin control without sacrificing distance. Also, it pierces through the wind–thanks to its core and aerodynamic dimple design–so more shots go where you aim them. Easy to stop on approach shots, but doesn’t spin much off the tee. That equals big drives. Who It’s For: Folks who want Tour-level performance. Specs: Three-piece ball with new Urethane cover and 324 dimples, available in pure white and Tour yellow. Look for a four-piece Z-Star XV version, too. srixon.com | $45	Srixon Z-Star SL Key Feature: STAR performance technology. What’s that? Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness. Srixon has combined all four so this ball performs well for golfers with midrange swingspeeds. The result is a Tour-caliber ball with a high launch angle and exceptional greenside spin. Who It’s For: Folks who don’t possess Tour-level swingspeeds (less than 105 mph), but demand the precision of a Tour-quality ball. Specs: Available in white and Tour Yellow. srixon.com | $29	Taylormade Lethal Key Feature: The new Lethal has a 5-piece construction and a seamless 332-dimple pattern for what TaylorMade says is its most wind-defying golf ball. Oh, yeah, it also has the type of greenside spin that Tour professionals demand. What more could you want? It’s the "ultimate Tour-performance golf ball," says TaylorMade (and us). Who It’s For: Better players who want improved distance and control without giving up much-needed control on shorter shots around the green. Specs: Five-piece, 332-dimple pattern, Urethane cover. taylormadegolf.com | $45

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Taylormade Penta TP5 Key Feature: This new and improved five-layer ball features a 28% lower core compression. That equates to lower driver spin (and, hence, longer shots) and a softer feel around the greens. Who It’s For: Developed for Tour pros, the TP5 can be played by golfers of all abilities. Of course, better players will really notice the benefits of its multiple layers. Specs: Urethane cover and a five-layer construction that’s engineered to improve performance on every shot, from tee to green. taylormadegolf.com | $46	Titleist NPro V1 & Pro V1x Key Feature: Delivers increased spin control and a more consistent flight, thanks to a ZG process core technology, responsive ionomeric casing layer, Urethane elastomer cover and dimple design. Who It’s For: This year’s balls have been refined for even greater distance and durability. Really? How much better can these balls get? We’re impressed (as always). Specs: Three-piece ball with Urethane elastomer cover, bearing a spherically tiled 352-tetrahedral-dimple design. The four-piece Pro V1x produces less spin on full shots. titleist.com | $58	Volvik ProBismuth Key Feature: he new ProBismuth from Volvik is a three-piece, high-performance golf ball with a soft Z-1 cover for enhanced feel and playability on shorter shots. Who It’s For: Mid- to low-handicappers who want a solid blend of control and distance in a ball that has a soft, silky feel both off the tee and with iron shots. With such spin around the green, you’d swear they had a Urethane cover. Specs: Three-piece construction, soft Zirconiuim cover, 446-dimple pattern, Bismuth-infused core. volvikgolfusa.com | $32

Volvik Crystal 3-Piece Key Feature: The popular colored-ball brand has made its way into the high-performance market with the new Crystal 3-Piece. The two-piece low-compression core and translucent cover combine for big distance with woods and added spin with iron and wedge shots. It also has a very, very soft feel, which we love. Who It’s For: All player types who want better performance from a line of balls that come in four different colors. Specs: Three-piece construction in four colors: green, yellow, orange and pink; also available in a rainbow pack or yellow/orange. volvikgolfusa.com | $32	Volvik Vista iv Key Feature: Four-piece construction designed for Tour-level performance. This equates to big drives with minimal spin and greater spin on shorter shots. (Yes, it’s possible to do, folks. That’s what four layers are for.) Who It’s For: Go 2013 Buyer’s Guide Grips THERE’S ONLY ONE GOOD GOLF GRIP By Dan Martin, PGA The Fault: Many people believe that there’s only one way to grip a golf club, and that the process of gripping the club is unnatural. While it’s definitely true that your golf grip will influence your long-term success, there are several styles that are effective in gripping the club–the overlap, the interlock and the baseball grips. The Fix: Try this natural grip exercise. Simply get yourself into an athletic position and allow your arms to hang in front of you with zero tension. Notice how your palms face inward. Your golf grip is based off this position. From there, move your hands closer to one another so they hold the club naturally. The natural position works with any grip style, be it interlocking, overlapping or baseball. The key, no matter what particular style you use, is for the grip to rest mostly in the fingers with a comfortable grip pressure. Stick with what comes naturally first, then make adjustments if needed. Grips are officially cool. Once a category that didn’t get the credit it deserved, now it seems more golfers are finally paying attention to how important new grips are to their golf games. Again, this year has a slew of new offerings, including a variety of new styles, colors, shapes and materials to choose from. (Prices for grips vary. See your local golf shop for pricing information.) Black Widow Hybrid Key Feature: The upper portion of the grip features a pebble-like pattern for extra traction, whereas the lower portion of the grip has a wrap-style texture for added feel. Who It’s For: Players who want a firm-feeling grip in the upper hand and the softer feeling of a wrap grip in the lower-hand portion. <Material: Proprietary rubber Design: Round, ribbed Size: Standard bwgrips.com Boccieri Secret Grip Key Feature: Jack Nicklaus endorses them! That should be enough, right? The secret behind the Secret Grip is that they’re counterbalanced, which raises the balance point of the club for better feel through the swing. Who It’s For: Golfers who want an aggressive pattern that wicks away water and perspiration. Material: Proprietary compound with 17g Tungsten weight in the butt section of the grip. Design: Velvet Size: Standard boccierigolf.com Champ C4 Grip Key Feature: Champ’s new in grips for 2013, and the C4 shows they mean business. The added Kevlar and unique textures and guideline patterns lend a tacky and comfortable feel. It’s also easy to replicate the ideal grip using the patterns as a guide for precise finger positioning. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a rugged grip that feels great. The added Kevlar adds torque for less twisting. Material: Rubber, Kevlar Design: Proprietary pattern Size: Standard, midsized champgrips.com Champ C6 Grip Key Feature: The C6 comes in non-, full- or half-cord models, each with the two-tone rubber design for excellent performance in wet conditions. Like the C4, it has Kevlar for greater control. Who It’s For: Folks who want the utmost in control and/or who often play in less than perfect weather. Material: Rubber, Kevlar Design: Full-, half- and non-corded velvet Size: Standard, midsized champgrips.com Champ C8 Grip Key Feature: The C8 grip is made of a proprietary TPO and Kevlar material for greater torque and a unique, tacky feel. This grip comes in three different variations: Power for added control with longer clubs; Control for feel and control in middle irons; and Feel for the utmost in feel with short irons and wedges. Who It’s For: Those who want a set of grips designed for different types of clubs. These grips feel amazing! Material: Proprietary TPO, Kevlar Design: Velvet Size: Standard, midsized champgrips.com Feeltec Feeltec Key Feature: The new Feeltec grip has a multilayer, seemless design that promises a comfortable feel, added durability and weather resistance. Who It’s For: Folks who want to try a new grip that we thought was incredibly tacky and great for absorbing shock on off-center hits. Material: Proprietary multilayer compounds Design: Seamless Size: Standard feeltecgrips.com Golf Pride NDMC Whiteout Key Feature: The über-popular New Decade Multi-Compound Cord is back in white with new colors. The upper region is corded and rugged, and the lower half is softer for more feel. We love the Augusta white-green combo. Who It’s For: Golfers who not only want to use one of golf’s most popular grips, but also like to coordinate their grips with their golf outfits (_Ê la Sergio Garcia). Material: Multicompound Design: Semi-corded Size: Standard golfpride.com Golf Pride Niion Key Feature: The Niion grips use a 3D hexagonal design in key gripping areas for a newer feel and look than, frankly, any Golf Pride grip we’ve ever seen. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a new-feeling grip that has loads of tackiness and a unique feel. Oh, yeah, and who want to make a statement with some loud colors in their golf grips. Our favorite is the fluorescent yellow. Material: Proprietary rubber Design: Textured velvety Size: Standard golfpride.com Golf Pride Z-Grip Patriot Key Feature: A deep "Z"-shaped, textured pattern that winds vertically down the grip with strategically placed black pebbled bands. The result is a grip that, although isn’t a corded grip, has the feel and performance of one. Who It’s For: Golfers who love the Z-Grip corded model, but who want a softer feel without the cords. Material: Proprietary rubber Design: Velvet cord Size: Standard golfpride.com Iomic Art Grip Series Key Feature: Using a proprietary elastomer compound called IOMAX that has a unique feel all its own, not only is the Art Grip Series incredibly durable and tacky, but its marbled look is incredibly stylish. If we could describe the feel, we would. You have to try it to know what we mean. Who It’s For: Golfers who want some pizazz in their golf bag and who like the unique firm feel of Iomic grips. Material: Proprietary IOMAX elastomer Design: Round Size: Standard iomicusa.com Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Key Feature: The R.E.L. 3GEN is back in 11 colors, each with the grip’s distinct surface texture that provides extra comfort and reduces the amount of grip pressure needed to maintain control throughout the swing. This means the hands can move faster and, you guessed it, longer shots. Who It’s For: Golfers with a rich color palette and who want what we think is Lamkin’s best grip. Material: Proprietary rubber Design: Velvet Size: Undersized, standard, midsized, oversized lamkingrips.com Lamkin Crossline ACE 3GEN Key Feature: A proprietary Advanced Cohesive Elastomer material that delivers exceptional tackiness with a soft feel. The added tackiness means golfers don’t need to grip the club as firm, helping to increase hand speed and hit longer shots. There’s also a Perma-Wrap ACE 3GEN. Who It’s For: Players who want a lot of tackiness in a really soft-feeling grip. Material: Advanced Cohesive Elastomer Design: Velvet Size: Standard, midsized, oversized lamkingrips.com Pure DTX Key Feature: Designed in collaboration with Hank Haney, the DTX delivers the feel of a corded grip with Pure’s seamless molding and rubber technology. Better players will appreciate the firm feel and responsive texture. Who It’s For: It makes a funny sound when installed using a pneumatic air tool, but the feel and performance is downright awesome. They’re money in the rain. Material: Rubber Design: Wrap Size: Standard puregrips.com Sharpro 3CAT Grip Key Feature: The Sharpro 3CAT grip provides the security of a velvet cord and the soft tacky feel of a wrap, all in one. Also, the anti-torsion bars add stability for even better performance on full swing shots. Who It’s For: All golfers, since it’s truly a grip that has something in it for everyone–stability, feel, etc. Material: Multi-material Design: Hybrid velvet/wrap design Size: Standard sharprogrip.com Superstroke Fatso 5.0 Key Feature: Weighing in around 90 grams (that’s light for its size), the Fatso 5.0 has a new CrossTraction PU material for added feel and tackiness, yet retains the non-tapered design that has made it popular on the PGA Tour. Who It’s For: Golfers who want to put an end to yippy, hand-driven strokes. It’s amazing how well it works. It’s as though the hands slow down all by themselves. Material: Multimaterial Design: Non-tapered Size: Mega-oversized superstrokegrip.com Tacki-Mac Itomic it2 Key Feature: The negative ions in the it2 grip help calm nerves and the tacky, velvety surface makes this grip a top pick for golfers who want a soft, comfortable hold. Also available in midsized (shown), this grip is durable and a great wet-weather alternative. Who It’s For: Players who need to relax more and, well, who want a great-feeling grip. Simple as that! Material: Proprietary compound Design: Velvet Size: Standard, midsized tackimac.com UST Mamiya Tour PC 360 Key Feature: Using a proprietary blend of natural and synthetic rubber compounds, this grip has a soft feel and enhanced durability. It’s also solid in wet weather. Who It’s For: Fans of classic velvet-style grips who want a soft-feeling grip that holds up nicely in wet conditions. Material: Proprietary compounds Design: Velvet Size: Standard, midsized ustmamiya.com UST Mamiya Soft Touch Key Feature: Do you need a soft grip that’s tacky and comfortable? Oh, and that looks cool, too? The Soft Touch uses polyurethane materials for a grip that doesn’t require a firm hold to retain correct positioning in the hands. Who It’s For: Golfers who prefer a softer-feeling grip, but who also don’t want to skimp on tackiness. Also available in putter, wrap and Lite versions. Material: Proprietary material Design: Embossed velvet texture Size: Undersized, standard, midsized ustmamiya.com Winn Dri-Tec Key Feature: Designed for incredible tackiness in all conditions, the popular Dri-Tac uses a WinnDry polymer for awesome feel and performance. There’s no need for a "death grip" here; a light grip is all you’ll need. Trust us. Who It’s For: All player types who want steady performance in all-weather conditions. Also comes in a Dri-Tac Wrap Lite model for golfers who prefer a wrap style and feel. Material: WinnDry Polymer Design: Proprietary tread pattern Size: Standard, Midsized, Oversized, Ladies, Junior winngrips.com Winn DuraTech Key Feature: An all-new look and feel from Winn, the hybrid DuraTech grip fuses an Elastom ETX rubber compound with the WinnDry XT polymer, resulting in the most unique Winn grip to date. (It’s our favorite Winn grip, by the way.) Who It’s For: Golfers who want the best of both worlds, in both hands. The upper hand has no-slip performance while the lower hand has a softer feel for more feel. Material: Elastom ETX rubber, WinnDry XT polymer Design: Hybrid velvet Size: Standard winngrips.com Winn Excel Key Feature: The classic look and feel Winn is known for. The Excel grip has Winn’s classic Excel polymer for cushioned support and vibration dampening. Who It’s For: Golfers who want the ultimate in cushioning and for those who may suffer from arthritis or hand fatigue. If that’s you, these grips are a must. Material: Excel polymer Design: Wrap Size: Standard, Midsized, Oversized, Ladies winngrips.com Winn Jumbo Pistal Lite Key Feature: he Jumbo Pistol is a true oversized grip, designed to help stabilize the hands and help promote a more fluid putting stroke. The flared gun "pistol" handle shape makes it a cinch to grip comfortably. It’s also lightweight, so not to alter the feel of the putterhead. Who It’s For: Golfers who need a bigger grip to help smooth out their yippy putting strokes. Material: WinnLite Technology Design: Pistol Size: Jumbo 2013 Buyer’s Guide Shoes Who says the game is played with just clubs and balls? Not us, certainly. We think golfers should use everything possible to improve their games. In this section, we highlight a number of this year’s best comfortable shoes. The future is now. TRUE linkswear phx The most noticeable feature of the TRUE phx golf shoe isn’t the fashion-forward styling and spikeless sole. To us, it’s the natural curvature of the shoe and the low-profile fit. Okay, we admit, we don’t just wear these __ber-comfortable shoes on the golf course. They double as comfortable, casual shoes that can be worn anywhere, walking or standing in place. truelinkswear.com | $99 ADIDAS adicross II The adidas Golf adicross II is a stylish, casual, yet Tour-proven golf shoe that can be worn on or off the course because of its spikeless sole. Available in both a Velcro_¨ (pictured) and traditional lace version, the adicross II features new, strategically placed, square-shaped traction lugs and an updated outsole design to promote improved traction and to reduce marking on the putting surface. New "flex grooves" are positioned at the forefoot to promote superior flexibility, natural feel and solid sole-to-ground contact throughout the swing. adidasgolf.com | $80 ECCO GOLF BIOM Trust us, Ecco knows how to make a comfortable shoe. They’ve been doing it for years, and their golf shoes are among our favorites. The new BIOM Golf Hybrid shoe is a lightweight blend of new-age materials and breathable Yak leather. The outsole is grippy, the inside is comfy, and the styling is so good, we want to wear them at dinnertime. Oh, wait, we just did. eccousa.com | $190 NIKE Bandon We get it, we get it. Nike=Oregon=wet weather=Bandon Dunes=one really crazy-cool golf shoe. The new Bandons are not only designed for wet weather, they’re high-tops! That’s a first for our eyes, and a welcome reprieve for anyone tired of water leaking into their golf shoes. Let’s just say that’s not going to happen with these, thanks to a zippered enclosure and sealed seams. nikegolf.com | $140 FOOTJOY Contour Need a casual-looking spikeless shoe that also carries a one-year waterproof warranty? The Contour Casual from FootJoy mixes urban styling with the traction and weather protection we’ve long come to expect from FootJoy. They’re also really, really comfortable. footjoy.com | $99 2013 Buyer’s Guide Drivers STEP INTO IT By Zach Allen, PGA Vijay Singh does this drill before all of his tee shots, which will help ignite your kinematic chain (sequence of events in the downswing). To maximize your potential for the greatest possible clubhead speed, you must initiate your downswing with your lower body. The sequence of movement in a powerful swing is a lot like shifting gears in a race car from first to second to third, fourth and then fifth. We must do the same in the golf swing—you can’t jump gears in an effort to get to fifth gear quicker. The downswing begins with your feet, then knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands and, finally the clubhead is given speed from the proper kinematic sequence. Most over-the-toppers do it wrong from the beginning of the downswing, initiating with a spinning of the shoulders, forcing them to swing across the ball, with nothing but weak, glancing contact. The "Step Into It" drill helps you get your sequencing correct. To do it, take a backswing and lift your left leg as you reach the top. Then, as you start the downswing, plant it down and swing through. Do this a few times before the next tee shot that you really want to rip. WHAT DOES 2013 HAVE IN STORE? If you thought color was just a passing fad, think again. It’s back in 2013, in greater varieties than before. Also, a hot feature in many new drivers is an adjustable hosel that accommodates not only a wide variety of face angles, but lofts, as well. It’s safe to assume that the chasm between Tour-player equipment and stuff for the rest of us is getting narrower, as these adjustable drivers show it’s possible to have one driver that fits all. Check ’em out. Golf Tips Legend Acer XS Titanium Key Feature: The aerodynamic crown and deep face combine to produce some serious forgiveness across more of the clubface. Meaning, mis-hits fly straighter and farther. Who It’s For: Budget-minded golfers who know that you don’t have to pay big bucks for an outstanding driver. Really, this a great value for what you get. Wow Factor: Awesome price point and solid performance. Specs: Comes in three lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 12°) with a stock shaft and grip, or more than 75 shafts and 100 grips to choose from. hirekogolf.com | $109 Adams Speedline SUPER S Key Feature: An adjustable-loft driver with aerodynamics that prioritize distance. The matte-white crown and contrasting black face is a visual dream at address. The sweet spot? It, too, is enormous. It’s already apparent that TaylorMade is influencing its newest brand acquisition. Who It’s For: Distance gluttons, and who want to adjust the trajectory of their tee bombs for any reason they choose. Wow Factor: Adjustable lofts are an awesome idea. We love… Specs: One head, three lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°) with a Matrix Radix S 50g graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com | $350 Adams Speedline SUPER S Key Feature: An adjustable loft, length and lie angle lets you fine-tune your trajectory and spin, instantly. Really folks, what more do you want? Also, the low and deep CG maximized gear effect for a penetrating loft. Stop it, Adams, you’re making golf too easy! (We’re kidding, of course.) Who It’s For: Tinkerers who are only happy with perfect tee shots that fly exactly how they want. Wow Factor: Pretty much everything, except the bigger price. Specs: One head, three lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage 60g graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com | $450 Bobby Jones Lexus Pearl Key Feature: A Japanese-style, Beta-Ti cupface (which is a face that isn’t an insert, but actually one piece that "cups" around the entire clubface and part of the body). Who It’s For: If you’re a fan of innovative club design, then the latest from Jesse Ortiz will have you very pleased. The club’s face angle can be adjusted from square, to closed or extra closed. Wow Factor: The aerodynamic crown slope looks awesome. Specs: Comes in 9°, 10.5° or 12.75° lofts with a Graphite Design G-Series or G-Series Superlite graphite shaft. bobbyjones.com | $349 Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme Key Feature: The "Speed Frame" clubface has a huge sweet spot that generates a higher ball speed across more surface area. The adjustable hosel allows you to tune shot shape and trajectory. Oh, yeah, it has a Forged Composite crown for a ridiculously low center of gravity. Who It’s For: Everybody who wants a forgiving/long driver. Wow Factor: Callaway has a new focus, new energy and more momentum than in previous years. This driver proves it. Specs: Comes in a huge variety of shafts and five different lofts (8.5, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13.5°). Custom paint also available. callawaygolf.com | $399-$499 Callaway RAZR X HOT Key Feature: The X HOT also has a "Speed Frame" clubface with a huge sweet spot for added forgiveness and distance. Speaking of, this club was built for distance, with its all-titanium design and Ultra Thin Wall Casting. Oh, yeah, it has OptiFit hosel for face and loft tweaking. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a powerful, hard-hitting, maxed-out distance driver. Also available in a neutral Pro model. Wow Factor: The longest driver from Callaway. Ever. Whoa! Specs: Comes in a huge variety of shafts and four different lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13.5°). callawaygolf.com | $299 Callaway RAZR X Hot LD Pro Key Feature: With a new partnership between Callaway and the Long Drivers of America, one would expect a driver to follow suit. The X HOT LD Pro has the same performance benefits of the original X HOT, but in lower lofts. Also comes with a COG sleeve to adjust face and loft. Who It’s For: Bombers who want a crack at becoming the next World Long Drive Champion. Wow Factor: We always get excited about long drive competitions. Having Callaway in the mix just upped the ante. Specs: Comes in 5° and 7°, clubhead only. (LH in 7° clubhead) callawaygolf.com | $279 Cleveland Classic XL Custom Key Feature: The new Classic XL Custom has up to 12 different clubface angle settings, as well as a weight port for even more fine-tuning. That aside, we love the sleek black paint job (even though we miss last year’s retro looks) and the deep face clubhead design. Who It’s For: It’s for any type of golfer looking for the optimal blend of power, forgiveness and adjustability. Wow Factor: Top-notch aesthetics, feel and performance. Specs: Comes in three lofts (7.5°, 9°, 10.5°) in a variety of Miyazaki shafts. Nonadjustable version also available. clevelandgolf.com | $330 Cleveland CG black Key Feature: The sleek, ultralight CG Black driver has the makings of a top-secret weapon. Best used by swings of less than 95 mph (most of us), the all-black CG Black driver is made to increase one’s swingspeed for added distance. Heck, it only weighs 265 grams, so no wonder it’s so fast! We love those Miyazaki shafts, as well. Who It’s For: Golfers who want more swing speed. Wow Factor: Lightweight never looked and felt so good. Specs: Comes in three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°) with a Miyazaki C. Kua 39 graphite shaft. (LH available) clevelandgolf.com | $299 Cobra AMP Cell Key Feature: Its loft can be adjusted to six different settings, while the sole’s SmartPad is a stationary bulge that’s shaped to square the face at address, regardless of the loft setting. Comes in four colors, too. Who It’s For: Golfers who want Rickie Fowler-like swagger to go with their long-hitting tee shots. Wow Factor: Blue, orange, red or silver. We like ’em all. In fact, we hope the color trend continues. Specs: One clubhead for up to six lofts (8.5°/9.5°/9.5° Draw, 10.5°/10.5° Draw, 11.5°) with a Fujikura Fuel graphite shaft. cobragolf.com | $375/$325 offset version Cobra AMP Cell Pro Key Feature: Has a slightly smaller head than the non-Pro version, and a shaft that’s a half-inch shorter. Like its sister club, its loft can be tweaked six ways, and the SmartPad sole keeps the face square at address. Who It’s For: Better players who want forgiveness, distance and adjustability to coincide with tee-ball shotmaking. Wow Factor: Comes in stylish white or bold orange. We only wish it came in blue and red, too! Specs: One clubhead for up to six lofts (7.5°/8.5°/8.5° Fade, 9.5°/9.5° Fade, 10.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage graphite shaft. cobragolf.com | $399 Fourteen Golf CT-112 Key Feature: The four-piece composite titanium clubhead includes a crown that’s chemically milled thin, along with a multilayered cupface. The proprietary graphite shaft is 47 inches long; however, it’s designed with extra stability to offset the added length and clubhead speed. Who It’s For: Golfers who want serious craftsmanship. Wow Factor: Big price, but it delivers big drives. Specs: Two lofts (9°, 10.5°), with a proprietary CS-001d graphite shaft. fourteengolf.com | $799 KRANK Rage Key Feature: Designed for long drive competitors (and used by reigning world champ Ryan Winther), the Rage driver is built for pure power and stability. The deep Tri-Forged Hyper Beta Ti face is lighter and faster for LDA-like distance. Who It’s For: Truthfully, it’s a long driver’s club, but with so many lofts and configurations, it’s actually playable for anyone, regardless of skill level. Comes in white or black. Wow Factor: We were blown away at how forgiving it is! Specs: Seven lofts (4°, 5°, 6°, 7.5°, 9°, 10.5°, 12°) in three different Aldila shafts, in human and superhuman flexes. krankgolf.com | $299 Mizuno JPX-825 Key Feature: A square face angle, deep titanium clubhead and thin crown create a low CG to help the ball launch high and spin less. Its variable CORTECH face thickness aims to boost ball speed for longer, more consistent drives. Who It’s For: Golfers who appreciate Mizuno’s commitment to quality clubmaking, and who want a seriously straight-hitting driver. Wow Factor: Among the most stable drivers we’ve tried. Specs: Two lofts (9.5°, 10.5°) with a Fujikura Orochi Blue Eye 55 shaft.TS-70d shaft. mizunousa.com | $299 Nike VR_S Covert Key Feature: Adjustable loft and face angle provides 15 combinations in one clubhead. "High Speed Cavity Back" technology borrowed from the company irons aims to add distance and control. Variable face thickness raises the sweet spot to high in the center, right where we like it. Who It’s For: Everyone, however better players will like the Tour version that’s smaller and has a fixed weight screw. Wow Factor: A cavity-back driver? That’s pretty sweet. Specs: One clubhead for five lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 12.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage graphite shaft. nikegolf.com | $299-$399 Ping Anser Key Feature: PING’s first-ever adjustable driver lets you tune one clubhead to three lofts to optimize your launch conditions. You can also choose one of four standard shafts that vary in weight, stiffness profile, and the ball trajectory they generate. Who It’s For: All player types. Literally. Everyone! Wow Factor: Adjustability and PING’s reputation for quality. Specs: Base lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°), with choice of PING TFC 800D, Aldila RIP Phenom 50, Fujikura Blur Red 005 or MRC Diamana ‘ahina 70 shaft. ping.com | $440 Ping G25 Key Feature: A deep and forgiving clubhead that can be adjusted to plus or minus one-half degree from the base loft. The ultrathin crown distributes weight to the perimeter, positions the CG low and deep and increases the MOI. Who It’s For: Bubba Watson and all golfers who want serious distance and forgiveness with added adjustability. Wow Factor: PING bills it as its largest-profile, most forgiving head design. We’re sold. Again. Kudos, PING. Specs: Comes in four base lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10°, 12°) with PING TFC 189 graphite shaft options. (LH available) ping.com | $385 Ping i20 Key Feature: Two strategically placed tungsten sole weights in the 460cc titanium head help position the CG low and deep and ramp up the MOI. It’s a forgiving clubface that mid- to low-handicappers can benefit from. Name one good player who doesn’t want to hit long, accurate drives? We can’t. Who It’s For: Golfers who like to hit long workable drives. Wow Factor: Not new, but it’s so good we had to include it. Specs: Comes in three lofts (8.5°, 9.5° and 10°) and two stock shaft options. (LH available) ping.com | $299 Powerbilt Air Force One 2012 Buyer’s Guide Shoes And Accessories Who says the game is played with just clubs and balls? Not us, certainly. We think golfers should use everything possible to improve their games. In this section, we highlight a number of this year’s best accessories, from comfortable shoes to talking GPS units. The future is now. SHOES TRUE linkswear phx The new, water-resistant TRUE phx is the first shoe with a sneaker profile offered by TRUE linkswear. It’s also their first product at a price point of less than $100. The phx looks and feels like a low-to-the-ground sneaker and has added game-enhancement benefits like a leather upper, 3D mesh lining, memory-foam heel, ergo-fit insole, ErgoTraction 2.0 Outsole and Anti-Slip Rubber Sole. Four color combos available. truelinkswear.com | $99 Nike Dunk AG Who wants to play a game of hoops on the 16th green? No? Okay, we understand, you’d rather play golf, but still, it’s pretty radical to dress like Jordan and (try) to play like Woods. These new kicks feature a full-grain waterproof leather, two sets of shoe laces (why not?), full-length contoured sock liner and a rubber cup sole. Plus they feel awesome and feature Scorpion Stinger spikes. Okay, who’s up for a quick game of P.I.G.? Four color combos. nikegolf.com | $160 Adidas Powerband 4.0 Like to swing out of your shoes? Or rather, swing so fast and hard that you need shoes to keep your feet snug inside? If that sounds like you, then Adidas’ latest iteration of the Powerband is your next purchase. These athletic new shoes feature a Powerband Chassis that provides extraordinary lateral stability from the ground up so you can swing for the fences and maintain great support. Plus they’re comfortable and stable, boasting a FitFOAM insole and TPU forefoot with eight spikes. Offered in three color combos. adidasgolf.com | $150 Ecco Golf Street Luxe The Golf Street line is already worn by dozens of top Tour stars, including Freddy Couples. Now the game’s first hybrid sport-casual shoe comes in a new reptile print for 2012, delivering maximum breathability and a casual aesthetic while looking pretty darn cool. Includes a second skin lining that’s extremely breathable and moisture-wicking and an outsole with nearly 100 molded traction bars that help you grip in all conditions. eccousa.com | $180 Callaway RAZR New for 2012, Callaway introduces its most technologically advanced shoe ever. The RAZR has an Outlast temperature-management system that absorbs body heat on hot days and releases heat back into the shoe on cold days. Plus it features a soft, full-grain, waterproof leather upper for superior comfort. For us, it’s about comfort, breathability and support, and RAZR hits a home run on all three. callawaygolf.com | $185 Etonic Difference Offered in two styles, Etonic’s athletic-inspired Difference golf shoe is lined with Outlast, a NASA-engineered material that reduces heat and moisture inside the shoe by more than 40%. The sturdy, light shoes also have a MicroTech upper with microfiber linings that promote lightness and durability. The four components of its PowerUp Outsole work with the foot’s natural anatomy to maximize traction, flexibility and stability and improve balance. etonic.com | $145 GPS SkyCaddie SGXw Ever wonder why some golf courses’ yardage is incorrect on your GPS? Well, SkyCaddie says it’s because the preloaded information is often out of date. To avoid any yardage hiccups, the company has unveiled its newest offering, the SGXw, a Wi-Fi-enabled device that allows you to access updated course info wherever Wi-Fi is available. skycaddie.com | $400 Garmin Approach G6 The latest GPS unit from Garmin is the Approach G6, a light, slim unit that can fit inside your shirt pocket. What’s best however is that it comes preloaded with 25,000 worldwide golf courses and has no hidden fees or subscriptions. Keep track of all kinds of stats and adjust for that day’s pin placement. It’s a caddie in your pocket. And you don’t have to tip it. garmin.com | $300 Bushnell Tour Z6 Rangefinder Clarity, precision and speed. Bushnell promises to deliver all three in their new Tour Z6 rangefinder. It’s the company’s smallest and most technically advanced rangefinder to date. Vertically configured, it boasts an improved contrast and a brighter digital readout, plus its E.S.P. (Extreme Speed Precision) provides yardage quickly and accurately. bushnellgolf.com | $399 Expresso GPS Watch The first golf GPS watch to include information about hazards, the WR62 from Expresso Satellite Navigation also tracks your shot’s distance, and gives you access to the yardage to the front and back of the green. golfesn.com | $180 Tifosi SEEK Two new lightweight models have debuted from Tifosi. Called SEEK and SEEK FC, they both have an adjustable hydraulic rubber temple and nose pad for a custom fit. Both fit small to medium-sized faces and are molded from a flexible material called Grilamid TR-90. Comes in many color schemes. Available with GT lens, which is made specifically for our sport. tifosioptics.com | $150-$90 Zero Friction FATTEE Made from 100% bamboo, and nearly unbreakable, the FATTEE from Zero Friction is thicker than your traditional wood golf tee and provides unparalleled strength for better performance. zerofriction.com | $6.99/60 tees Celestron CoursePro Elite The full-color, weather-resistant CoursePro Elite from Celestron holds 100 courses, features scorecard data and analysis, hazard maps and even the ability to create a new course. It measures distances to the front, middle and back of the green, and includes a mini USB cable, belt clip, carry pouch and AC adapter. Comes in both black and white colors. celestrongolf.com | $149 GolfLogix Smartphone App GolfLogix has unveiled a few new features for its popular smartphone app, including a club-tracking function, which accurately captures shot distances and locations (and produces a round log for every shot). Other new features include an aerial flyover of every hole with high-end imagery from tee to green, precise distances to the pin and a digital yardage book that allows users to create notes on top of course imagery. golflogix.com | FREE Golf Buddy Voice Siri, the voice of Apple’s new iPhone, has some competition. At this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, GolfBuddy unveiled its latest device, a diminutive yet highly powerful GPS unit called the Voice. Billed as the first global talking GPS rangefinder, the Voice audibly delivers distances to the front, middle and back of the green for more than 33,000 (preloaded) global golf courses. What’s best is it’s so small, you can clip it to your cap or belt. Weighs just one ounce and measures a mere 1.7 inches. No subscription fees, and it’s multilingual to boot! golfbuddy.com | $199 TRAINING AIDS Quickster Available in two different sizes (8×8 feet and 7×7 feet), the Quickster net from SKLZ takes only 90 seconds to set up and is the perfect training aid for folks who want to hit balls in inclement weather, at night or when the course is closed. If you have space in your garage, you can even use it there. We loved how quick and easy it was to set up. sklz.com | $150-$150 The Extra 20 Yards Edinburgh, Scotland-based Graeme Alexander has developed The Extra 20 Yards, a slim and unobtrusive home golf gym designed specifically to train your golf muscles. What we like, of course, is that you don’t have to dedicate a lot of time to it. Alexander suggests short workouts of three to five minutes, three to four times a week. Does it work? Hard to say, but if you’ve got the extra money for a driver, maybe you should consider investing it in one of these. For right- and left-handed golfers. extra-yards.com | $365 (+$30 Shipping) SwingRite The SwingRite is one of the game’s easiest and most effective training aids. Simply swing it and listen for the click. If released properly, the SwingRite will click at the bottom of your swing. You can easily pinpoint and correct an early or late hand release, and making this correction will result in farther and straighter shots. Adjust the SwingRite to work on clubhead speed and tempo. swingrite.com | $150 Medicus Three products from Medicus will help you hit fairways, gain distance and drain putts. The Dual-Hinge driver ($160) lets you know when you swing incorrectly by "breaking," the PowerMeter ($70) attaches to your clubs and measures your clubhead speed, and the OverSpin putter ($160) helps you strike the ball above its center, which helps eliminate skidding and hopping. medicus.com Synchronizer What looks like an oversized belt is actually a training aid called the Synchronizer. Simply wear it around your waist, and it will help you time your swing and get in sync by training you to start your backswing and properly transition into your downswing. This simple, innovative trainer actually makes you sync your arms, shoulders, hips and legs so you can effortlessly transform your swing into its most efficient and effective form. Comes in four sizes and with an instructional DVD. syncyourswing.com | $40 Pro Mental CoachVEX You’ve heard it before. Golf is 90% mental. So if your brain is such an important asset, why do so many golfers not know how to use it? That question has nagged sports psychologists for years. Now there’s a way for you to sharpen your golf brain at home. The training system called Pro Mental Coach, which runs on your computer, will stimulate your brain with "exergames." After taking a 30-minute assessment test, users train three times a week for 20 minutes at a time, so they can get in the zone, recover quickly and boost mental endurance. promentalcoach.com | $40 Levitee Gripping the club too hard produces lots of tension in the golf swing. As instructors have long advised, golfers should hold the club like a little bird–strong enough that it doesn’t fly away, but light enough that they don’t crush it. The makers of the new LeviTee glove address that by placing foam pads in between each finger, which reduces a golfer’s grip pressure by 30% and helps them avoid the death grip. gettheglove.com | $20 Eyeline Golf Ball of Steel At first sight, Eyeline Golf’s Ball of Steel may look like a red rubber ball, but pick it up and you’ll realize it’s anything but. Weighing five times more than a regular golf ball, the Ball of Steel is a putting training aid built to help you accelerate through the ball. Because it’s so heavy, there’s no way you can advance it without giving it a good knock. We loved how, after returning to a regular ball, we accelerated through the stroke. We’ll probably never leave another putt short again. (For six-foot putts or less only.) eyelinegolf.com | $30/3 The Orange Whip The Orange Whip aims to sharpen your swing rhythm and tempo, improve your balance, increase your clubhead speed and develop lag and load. After practicing with it each day, you’ll find strength and flexibility in your golf swing. orangewhiptrainer.com | $109 2012 Buyer’s Guide Wedges WEIGHT ON YOUR FORWARD SIDE, AND BALL BACK IN YOUR STANCE By Bobby Hinds, PGA Why? Simple. Keeping your weight predominantly on your forward side with the ball back in your stance (toward the target) helps to ensure a steeper downward blow into the ball. This prevents fat and thin shots and helps you make consistent contact with the ball. Also, keeping your weight leaning toward the target helps maintain a consistent impact position, which will help you better control your shots and gauge different distances. As for the ball position, I like to play my shots just off the inside of my back toe. But you may prefer it slightly farther back or slightly farther forward. It’s okay to be flexible, but try to keep it consistent. And stay away from placing the ball too far forward in your stance. If you move it forward, you’d better be ready to hit a flop or lob shot–which is a different lesson for a different day. VIRTUALLY EVERY NEW WEDGE FOR 2012 promises to help you improve your short game and get up and down more often. While we don’t disagree, we think finding wedges that suit your game is critical. Stick with the right lofts, bounce angles, even shafts that are best suited for your swing and you’ll already be ahead of the game. And like new wedges for this year, look for a handful of forged wedges that promise a soft, buttery feel. If that’s not your forte, there are wedges for distance (yes, there are), forgiveness and, frankly, all the above. Read on and take note of our favorites. view videos Golf Tips Legend Black Magic Wedge Key Feature: A unique "no hosel" hybrid design that eliminates shanked shots and makes it a piece of cake to extricate the ball from the sand. No need to hit behind the ball and dig into the sand before the ball. With this wedge, picking it clean is as easy as can be. Who It’s For: People who want to eliminate shanked shots and who tend to be too steep in the sand. This wedge makes it easier than ever to get up and out of the sand and from the deep rough. Specs: Four lofts (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°) in steel shafts. blackmagicwedge.com | $99 Boccieri Heavy wedge Key Feature: The counterbalancing raises the balance point up the shaft by 37%, making it easier to make a smooth, fluid swing through the ball. And hey, feel is no-where as important as it pertains to the short game. These wedges can help smoothen out your chipping yips. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a wedge that not only looks and feels great, but fixes their swing at the same time. It’s impossible to not swing these wedges smoothly. Specs: Comes in five lofts (52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°) with TT Dynamic Gold steel shafts (with counterbalancing). boccierigolf.com | $109 Bridgestone J40 Key Feature: A variable-bounce sole, that has a lower bounce angle toward the heel and toe. This makes it eas-ier to hit crafty shots with open and even closed clubfaces. We love the two finishes (Black Oxide and Satin), and can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship found in this simple, smooth wedge design. Who It’s For: Better players who want a wedge that has a lot of versatility, but retains a soft, forged feel. Specs: Five lofts (52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°) with TT Dynamic Gold Spinner shafts. bridgestonegolf.com | $109 Callaway Forged Key Feature: Twenty-one tightly spaced grooves generate a ton of spin (within conforming rules, by the way), and the classic shaping by Roger Cleveland lends all the shotmaking playability one could ask for. The C-Grind sole reduces surface contact near the sole, making it a cinch to hit open-faced shots. And, wow, we love the copper finish. Who It’s For: Golfers who like to hit a variety of shots with or without open faces. Specs: Six lofts from 52° to 64° in a Copper or Dark Chrome finish with TT Dynamic Gold shafts. (LH available) callawaygolf.com | $120 Cleveland 558 Key Feature: Holy Schnikes, these are nice! The new, forged 588 wedges incorporate a classic shape with milled Tour Zip Grooves in what, no doubt, are the best wedges ever from Cleveland (and they know wedges, by the way). Who It’s For: Golfers who want a versatile, beautiful wedge that also yields a penetrating ballflight. Specs: Available in a huge variety of lofts (46° through 64°) in three bounce options. Also, the 588 can be customized with a personalized look and feel. How cool is that? Hop on to mycustomwedge.com to order online. clevelandgolf.com | $139 Cleveland GG Black Key Feature: Need a boost in distance and forgiveness with the shorter shots? The CG Black wedge might be just the ticket. The Ti face enhances the perimeter weighting, and the deep cavity makes these as long and easy to hit as any wedge we’ve tried. Add the fact that they’re lightweight, and you have a wedge that bombs the ball. Who It’s For: Players who need a boost in distance, trajectory and forgiveness and who like graphite shafts. Specs: Comes in four lofts (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°) with Miyazaki C. Kua 95 graphite or Nippon N.S. Pro 950 GH steel shafts. clevelandgolf.com | $139/$149 Cobra Trusty Rusty Key Feature: Phil Rogers is back with an awesome new design that features a tri-bounce sole for versatility and control. But really, what gets us excited is the rusty finishes (you can actually buy one with rust on it) and the new oversized Big Rusty Trusty version. We love that concept! Oh, and the black steel shaft is rockin’ cool. Who It’s for: There’s something for everyone here. Higher-handicappers can’t miss with the Big model. Specs: Three finishes (Rust, Black PVD, Satin) that all rust in 50°, 55°, 60° models with black TT Dynamic Gold shafts. cobragolf.com | $120 Edel Tour Wedges Key Feature: Everything about the new Tour Wedges is about customization. With up to eight bounce angles and a ton of loft variations, if you can dream it, the geniuses at Edel can build it. They’ll even get you fit for the wedge that’s perfect for your game. Just take it from us. Mike Adams knows exactly what he’s doing when it comes to making sure the CG is in the center of the face. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a custom-fit wedge that oozes craftsmanship and creative design. Specs: Customized in forged or cast models. . edelgolf.com | $varied F2 F2 SS Key Feature: The anti-shank hosel design uses Face Forward Technology to hit straighter, crisper iron shots. But that’s not all; it also helps reduce drag in the sand and deep rough, making it easier to keep the clubface facing in the right direction through the shot. Who It’s For: Those who want to eliminate the shanks, as well as golfers willing to try a creative and unique design. They really work! (Just ask Andy North.) Specs: Comes in five lofts (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, 64°) with either a steel or graphite shaft. f2golf.com | $99/$119 Fourteen RM-11 Key Feature: Bigger grooves (15% bigger than the previous Fourteen wedge) means more spin on short/partial shots around the green. Another cool feature here is the available sole shape (higher lofts have thicker soles) and the "reverse-muscle" head shape that places the CG in the optimal spot on each club, no matter what loft. Who It’s For: Better players will like the straightish leading edge and the boost of spin on shorter shots. Specs: Comes in seven lofts (48°-60°) with a nickel-chrome or nonplated black finish. fourteengolf.com | $189 Infinity IP-3 Pro Key Feature: The face is milled for precision flatness and maximum spin. Also, three holes are drilled out in the toe that reduce toe weight for a more balanced feel across the face (a lot of Tour players do this). The heel grind on this wedge makes it a cinch to hit shots with open faces. Who It’s For: Those who want a precision-made, well- balanced wedge in their shotmaking arsenal. Better players will really like the versatility of the sole grind. We sure do! Specs: Comes in three lofts (51°, 56°, 60°) with a variety of shaft options available. infinitigolf.com | $89 Miura C-Grind Key Feature: Designed with an aggressively shaped heel and toe section (meaning they’re made for extreme versatility) and a special "spin welding" hosel structure to ensure a perfectly centered shaft placement. The C-Grind wedges are pure scoring clubs from any type of lie. Who It’s For: Fans of legendary craftsmanship, especially when it comes to forged clubs. Miura knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to clubs that feel great. Specs: Comes in three lofts (55°, 57°, 59°) with a nickel (satin) chrome finish and a steel shaft. miuragolf.com | $210 Mizuno MP-R12 Key Feature: The grooves are narrower on lower lofts, and more spaced out on higher lofts, primarily because lower-lofted shots are usually full shots, and higher-lofted wedges are more often used for short shots. All you need to know? They’re optimized for maximum spin. Oh, and the rounded shape and narrow sole is ripe for shotmaking. Who It’s For: Typically, this type of wedge is geared toward a better player. But, everybody will love ’em. Specs: There are nine lofts between 50° and 64°, with a variety of bounces, and two finishes (satin, black nickel). mizunogolf.com | $119 Nike VR Pro DS Forged Key Feature: The high-frequency X3X grooves and a laser-etched "X" pattern on the face combine to produce a ton of spin, and the dual sole keeps the leading edge snug with the ground on square or open-faced shots around the green. These are our favorite wedges from Nike yet. Who It’s For: Players who want a versatile wedge, no matter what the conditions. The sole has a leading-edge bounce, but the trailing edge is relieved. Specs: Platinum finish with lofts between 48° and 62° with TT Dynamic Gold steel shafts. (LH available) nikegolf.com | $120 Ping Anser Key Feature: The forged Anser wedge has tungsten in the toe section to balance out with the long hosel, resulting in a CG that’s right smack in the middle of the face. Add a tapered sole, a thicker face and, of course, PING’s legendary commitment to quality, and you have what we think is the best wedge PING has ever made. Who It’s For: Golfers who want the best wedge PING has ever made. Duh! (Suitable for all skill levels.) Specs: Comes in a variety of lofts (50° – 60°) in satin-nickel or chrome finishes in a steel or graphite shaft. (LH) ping.com | $170 Ping Tour-S Key Feature: The Tour-S is a tech wonder, using a tuning port to enhance the wedge’s forgiveness and perimeter weighting (two things not usually associated with wedges) and a machined face for maximum spin. That Rustique finish is awesome, just ask Louis Oosthuizen, who used it to win the British Open. Yeah, now that’s validation! Who It’s For: All skill levels will find something to appreciate in this tech-savvy design. Specs: Two finishes and a wide variety of loft/bounce configurations, in either steel or graphite shafts. (LH) ping.com | $119 Ping EYE2 XG Key Feature: Some things never go out of style, and in terms of wedge design, the EYE2 will always be en vogue–even decades after it was designed! Only this time, the wedge faces are milled to new groove specifications, and the head comes in a beautiful nonglare, satin finish. Who It’s For: Golfers who love the classic blend of forgiveness, feel and shotmaking versatility from one of the most loved iron designs of all time. Specs: Two lofts (56°, 60°) with a variety of steel shaft options as well as a graphite choice. (LH available) ping.com | $119 Scorgolf Scor 4161 Key Feature: This custom-built has a remarkable 21 different lofts available, from 41° to 61°, and was designed to deliver improved shotmaking performance for your scoring clubs. Look for a higher CG than your typical wedge, which results in a more boring ballflight. Who It’s For: Dreamt up as the short-game equivalent of hybrids, these higher-lofted sticks are itching to boot your conventional wedges (even your 9-iron!) out of your bag. Struggle with distance, trajectory and spin? No more! Specs: 21 lofts between 41° and 61°. scorgolf.com | $649/Five Clubs Scratch 8620 Key Feature: The CNC-milled 8620 is made in three ways to accommodate three player types, those who swing steep, just right or shallow. The classic teardrop shape and "all-bite, no-chew" groove technology generates a ton of spin and the slightly rounded leading edge is ideal for the better player who loves to get creative. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a wedge that’s suited for their type of swing patterns. Specs: Comes in lofts of 53°, 56°, 58°, 60° in a variety of finishes, grinds, shafts, etc. scratchgolf.com | $99 Taylormade ATV Key Feature: Standing for "All Terrain Versatility," Taylor-Made claims that this wedge can–with only minor adjustments from the golfer–perform superbly from any kind of lie. In other words, it does the dirty work for you. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a wedge that performs just as well off hardpan as spongy lies. Its 304 stainless-steel face and microtexture grooves generate nearly as much spin as its highest-spinning wedge. Specs: TaylorMade is manufacturing only 10 loft/lie combos to simplify the wedge-buying process. taylormadegolf.com | $119 Titleist Vokey Design SM4 2012 Buyer’s Guide Putters CHOOSE A PUTTER THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR STROKE By Doug Hammer, PGA It may surprise you that different putter styles yield different stroke paths. Con-sider the three images you see here. In the left photo, I’m putting with a blade putter; in the center image, I’m putting with a mallet; and on the right, I’m using a long putter. Notice how the path differs between the blade and mallets? To be honest, it’s sort of a chicken-and-egg kind of thing. If you use a mallet, you’ll be more likely to make a square-to-square stroke because it’s a face-balanced putter, meaning that the CG is below the shaft’s axis. That said, if you feel more comfortable swinging on a straighter path (every stroke arcs somewhat), and you’re currently using a blade putter, I suggest you switch. In fact, I bet it’s pretty difficult for you to make a straight-to-straight stroke with your blade because it’s heel balanced, meaning that when you balance it, the putter’s toe points to the ground. Of course, the most radical move, and one that few players use, is the long putter, which creates a very straight stroke path. But you have to be comfortable with the added length before you put one of those in play. As a general rule, decide how you feel about the stroke before you choose a model. IN 2011, PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS gravitated to belly putters in a big way. Keegan Bradley won the PGA Championship using one, and Webb Simpson notched two victories (and three runner-ups) using his long putter. So it’s no surprise that manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the trend. At this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, longer sticks were everywhere. But, of course, they weren’t the only new putters filling the Orange County Convention Center. To check out the rest, simply flip through the following pages. view videos Golf Tips Legend Axis1 Umbra Belly Key Feature: After having made a big splash with their uniquely shaped putters, Axis1 is back with a new belly length version of the Umbra. The makers say it’s the world’s first perfectly balanced belly putter. Who could argue with that? Who It’s For: Golfers who like unorthodox-shaped putters and want to try one out in belly length. Players who have trouble squaring up the putter’s face. Specs: Available in 43- and 45-inch lengths. The Umbra also comes in standard-length models, too. axis1golf.com | $299 Bettinardi Studio Stock 9 Key Feature: The SS9 is a wide-body, heel-toe design with a double-bend shaft that promotes a slight quarter-toe hang. What does that mean? It’s super easy to use and swing on an arcing putter path. Better yet, there are a handful more designs in the Studio Stock line that have the same milled-carbon-steel look and feel. Wow, these putters sure are pretty. And we love that lime-green grip. Who It’s For: Fans of Bob Bettinardi’s commitment to incredible craftsmanship and outside-the-box thinking. Specs: There are four SS models, all weighing 350 grams. bettinardigolf.com | $375 Boccieri Tour Collection Key Feature: These premium offerings from the Heavy Putter line feature two models (blade and mallet) that are 100% CNC milled. Who It’s For: Like your putter heavy? They don’t get any weightier than these. Specs: Comes in five different stock lengths (32-36 inches) with head weights approximately 400 grams. An additional 200 grams is placed in the grip end. Two head styles. Want a longer putter? These can be converted to belly and long putter length. boccierigolf.com | $199 Clearview   Key Feature: Its transparent design functions as an alignment aid to get your ball rolling on the right track. It was easy to line up correctly, and the stats say that 90% of us struggle with alignment. Not anymore. Who It’s For: Golfers who struggle to consistently line up their putts correctly. People who aren’t afraid to try something a little unorthodox on the greens. Specs: Offset and center-shafted models. Right- and left-handed, and a variety of lie and length options, including broomstick and belly. clearviewputter.com | $170 Cleveland T-Frame Key Feature: More than 70 grams of weight was redistributed to the rear of this high-MOI model, which increases forgiveness on off-center hits. It incorporates a dominant “T” feature as you look down on it, which facilitates proper alignment. It’s also a cinch to swing back and through, not to mention its butter-soft feel. Who It’s For: Players seeking a steel mallet who need help lining up putts. Specs: Offered with three lie-angle options (68_¡, 70_¡ and 72_¡) in a glare-reducing satin finish. clevelandgolf.com | $119 Cleveland Black Platinum Key Feature: These putters minimize glare and enhance alignment and feature a CNC-milled face that produces a soft, solid feel at impact. Boasts a traditional heel-toe weighting that maximizes MOI so you don’t lose distance on off-center strikes. We likey! Who It’s For: Holy bargain, Batman! With these affordable offerings, it’s back to black, baby! Specs: Nine models (three mallets and six blades), including belly length. Head weight ranges from 340 to 400 grams. Lengths range from 33 to 35 inches. clevelandgolf.com | $80 Dead Aim   Key Feature: An optically engineered, raised, three-hole top line that makes it easy to know when your eyes are lined up over the ball. The company claims it’s the only putter that provides both lie and loft feedback. Who It’s For: Golfers who have a hard time aligning their eyes over the ball and keeping the putterface square. Specs: Two models are available in standard and belly lengths. Both come in black and silver/white finishes. An optional laser-training device ($30) attaches to the top of the putter and helps ensure a square face. deadaimputters.com | $150-$220 Edel DeVicenzo Series Key Feature: Named for former British Open champ (and a man who, amazingly, won 231 tournaments) Roberto DeVicenzo, this new series was developed to minimize face rotation in the stroke. How’d they do it? By balancing the face so the toe doesn’t open up. Who It’s For: Players who tend to push the ball off the putter face. Fans of DeVicenzo. Specs: Available in standard, belly and long lengths. Two models: Series 18 (named for his National Open victories) and Series 231 (see above). edelgolf.com | $350 Never Compromise Limited Connoisseur Key Feature: Forged from 303 stainless steel and CNC-milled to ensure incredible precision during production. The combination of soft metal and forged-grain structure provides exceptional feel at impact. Who It’s For: Engineered for players who seek perfection on the green. Premium putter devotees. Specs: Comes in two lengths (34 and 35 inches) and a head weight of 340 grams. Winn grip, plumber-neck hosel. nevercompromise.com | $300 Nike Method Core Drone Putter Key Feature: Its quirky high-MOI shape takes some getting used to, but once you swing it a few times, you’ll feel just how steady it really is. Another nice feature is its polymer and aluminum grooves. When the ball comes off the face, it feels soft, and the result is a sweet, pure roll. Who It’s For: Golfers who aren’t afraid to put a space-age mallet into play and who like to make stable strokes that never veer offline. Specs: Available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch models. Belly length for righties only. nikegolf.com | $170 Odyssey ProType Tour Series Key Feature: A head milled from soft 1025 Carbon Steel, and a face with a deeper, sharper milling pattern that increases interaction between it and the ball. Who It’s For: Wannabe Tour pros. Each model has been used by a Tour player en route to a victory. Specs: Six models available, including a two-ball model. Clubheads vary between 340 and 360 grams. For an additional $30, you can get yours customized (six different colors for your grip and head paint fill) through a retailer. odysseygolf.com | $270-$300 Odyssey Metal-X Key Feature: A dual-layered insert that creates a soft feel at impact. The textured face has ovals that help propel the ball forward faster and lower. Nice. Who It’s For: There are a lot of styles available, so if you like the urethane dampening layer, you’ll find a model that works for you. Tend to pop the ball off the face? These should remedy that. Specs: Eight head types including four blades, three mallets and one mid-mallet. A number of length options are available, too, including long and belly. odysseygolf.com | $150-$180 Ping Anser Milled Key Feature: There are seven different models, and each 303 stainless-steel clubhead features slight variations to the top lines, heel-toe length and toe radius. More than anything, we love their clean appearance and elegant satin-nickel finish. Who It’s For: Better players who love the Anser lineup in a premium finish and dialed-in specifications. Specs: Seven different models each with its own subtle differences in hosel design that determines the putter’s path and balance. ping.com | $299 Ping Scottsdale Key Feature: Its dark finish stands in contrast to its white and maroon alignment aids, making the mallets easy to align. On the blades, the maroon is limited to a few lines on the white face insert. Who It’s For: Something for everyone here, so if you’re a PING fan, you’ll find one of your favorite models, in a darker finish. Specs: 14 models to choose from, including the futuristic Wolverine model (shown). ping.com | $140-$180 Piretti Golf Forza Midnight Black Key Feature: This heel-shafted beauty comes in two weights (365 and 375 grams) and boasts a stealthy black finish to its 11L17 Carbon Steel head. Who It’s For: Golfers who love the traditional look and feel of a heel-shafted blade with a modern finish. With a heavy head, the Forza makes arcing strokes a breeze to keep on line. Specs: Comes in many length options (32-40 inches) and seven lie options. Three custom grips available, too. pirettigolf.com | $290 PLOP ICON 2 Key Feature: Milled from a piece of 303 stainless steel, this classic-style mallet looks as if it’s heel-shafted, but actually the hosel floats through a topline hole at the heel and attaches to a vertical putter post at the head’s center of gravity. This results in better feel at impact. Who It’s For: Face-balanced mallet lovers who like the ICON 2’s parallel gun-sight alignment system and crave great feel at impact. Specs: Custom-fitted for length, from 28 to 45 inches, including 38- to 45-inch belly putters. plopgolf.com | $250 Powerbilt ONE PUTT Belly Key Feature: Measuring anywhere from 40 to 43 inches, the ONE PUTT belly putter comes in two models, blade and mallet. At its reasonable price, it’s the perfect flatstick for someone jonesing to try a longer putter. Who It’s For: Budget-minded golfers who want to jump on the belly-putter bandwagon. At only 90 bucks, the ONE PUTT is a steal! Specs: Comes with a 415-gram head made of stainless steel. Five shaft lengths available (40-43 inches), and a 21-inch one-piece compound grip. powerbilt.com | $90 Rife Island Series Key Feature: First, let’s just say how happy we are to see Rife back and moving full steam ahead. Look for the company’s RollGroove Technology to grip the ball’s face and generate a faster roll. Welcome back. Who It’s For: This Island Series offers five different models, and in two different finishes. Feeling irie? Try the trippy tropical finish, mon. Specs: There are five different putters available in the line, and all come in either a standard silver matte finish or the new, cosmetically cool tropical rainbow look. rifeputters.com | $170 Seemore SB1 Platinum Key Feature: This large mallet is 100% milled from 6061 aluminum aircraft material and boasts a platinum finish. Adjustable weights can bring the head weight up to 360 grams. We dig SeeMore’s commitment to offering this putter in many lengths. Who It’s For: Straight-back and straight-through putters and folks who want a long, heavy option to add to their arsenal. Great weight! Specs: Available in standard length, belly and broomstick versions. Head weight=335-360 grams. seemore.com | $250 SG Putterwood Key Feature: Shaped like a driver and painted with an arctic-white finish, these new flatsticks boast a hollow core design that transfers energy from the clubhead to the ball and helps optimize roll. Who It’s For: Golfers looking for a precise roll and who like its wood-like looks. Specs: Four standard models (3-wood, Hybrid, Hybrid-Blade and Blade) are available in lengths from 32 to 36 inches in 1/2-inch increments. Belly version is available in lengths from 40 to 44 inches in 1/2-inch increments. sorensongolf.com | $140 STX XForm Key Feature: This striking new lineup from STX features two models that are 100% machine milled from 303 stainless steel. Who It’s For: Golfers who love elegant, superbly-crafted flatsticks. Specs: Two models are available with either a stainless steel face or thermoset insert. Look for a mallet version called XForm3. Both blade models weigh 350 grams, while the mallet tips the scales at 355g. stxgolf.com | $249 2012 Buyer’s Guide Grips CLAP YOUR HANDS By Zachary Allen, PGA One of my favorite drills for perfecting the impact position is to do what I call the “clap your hands” drill. What this drill does is help you get a sense of what it means to stack your left side at impact and make solid contact into the golf ball. To get started, address the ball as you normally would, only don’t use a club this time. From here, go ahead and simulate a big backswing, but when you do it, keep your left arm in the same position from start to finish, which ought to be pointing at the golf ball. Finish the simulated backswing, then on the forwardswing, let your right arm come down and through and actually clap your left hand. When this happens, your body should be situ-ated just as mine is in the photo, with your left arm stacked over your left leg, the hips open and the shoulders square to the target. If you practice this drill often enough, you’ll not only ingrain the proper impact sensation, but also prevent your shoulders from spinning out of position and taking your eyes off the strike with the ball. What’s the most overlooked component of your clubs? Easy: the grips. It shouldn’t be, since the grip is the only connection you make with the club, so making sure you have the right grips for your clubs is even more important. This year, pay attention to not only the new colors and styles, but also the types of grips, textures, compounds and thicknesses available. (Prices for grips vary. See your local golf shop for pricing information.) view videos Black Widow Signature II Key Feature: The BW Signature II uses Web Traction Technology that delivers exceptional gripping power, not to mention it’s one of the coolest-looking grips you can buy, in our opinion at least. Who It’s For: Golfers who want an aggressive pattern than wicks away water and perspiration. Material: Proprietary compound Design: Round, ribbed Size: Standard bwgrips.com Black Widow Widow Maker Key Feature: The dual-compound Widow Maker is two grips in one. The lower half is like the Tour Silk Grip (not shown), and the upper half is corded for more gripping traction in the upper hand. Who It’s For: Players who want added traction in the gloved hand (where it’s most important), but also want a softer feeling in the ungloved hand. Material: Dual-compound Design: Semi-corded Size: Standard bwgrips.com Feeltec Feeltec Key Feature: The new Feeltec grip has a multilayer, seemless design that promises a comfortable feel, added durability and weather resistance. Who It’s For: Folks who want to try a new grip that we thought was incredibly tacky and great for absorbing shock on off-center hits. Material: Proprietary multilayer compounds Design: Seamless Size: Standard feeltecgrips.com Golf Pride NDMC Whiteout Key Feature: The __ber-popular New Decade Multi-Compound Cord is back in white with black, blue or red. The upper region is corded and rugged, while the lower half is softer for more feel. Who It’s For: Golfers who not only want to use one of golf’s most popular grips, but also like to coordinate their grips with their golf outfits (a la Sergio Garcia). Material: Multicompound Design: Semi-corded Size: Standard golfpride.com Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Key Feature: The Tour Velvet 360 is specially designed for clubs with adjustable hosels (although it’s great in any club) because of its 360-degree pattern that’s the same in any orientation. And yes, it too has that classic, Tour Velvet feel that so many of us love. Who It’s For: Adjustable drivers and other clubs. Material: Buffed rubber Design: Round velvet Size: Standard golfpride.com Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord Key Feature: A deep “Z”-shaped, textured pattern that winds vertically down the grip combines with a heavy corded texturing for what Golf Pride considers to be its firmest corded grip. Who It’s For: Typically Tour players and faster swingers like firm grips, but this grip is an awesome choice for those who play in wet or damp conditions. Material: Corded Design: Velvet cord Size: Standard golfpride.com Iomic Art Grip Series Key Feature: Using a proprietary elastomer compound called IOMAX that has a unique feel all to its own, not only is the Art Grip Series incredibly durable and tacky, but its marbled look is incredibly stylish. If we could describe the feel, we would. You have to try it to know what we mean. Who It’s For: Golfers who want some pizazz in their golf bag, and who like the unique firm feel of Iomic grips. Material: Proprietary IOMAX elastomer Design: Round Size: Standard iomicusa.com Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Key Feature: The R.E.L. 3GEN is back in 11 colors, each with the grip’s distinct surface texture that provides extra comfort and reduces the amount of grip pressure needed to maintain control throughout the swing. This means the hands can move faster and, you guessed it, longer shots. Who It’s For: Golfers with a rich color palette and who want what we think is Lamkin’s best grip. Material: Proprietary rubber Design: Velvet Size: Undersized, standard, midsized, oversized lamkingrips.com Lamkin X10 Key Feature: The new X10 grip is a no-nonsense grip, thanks to an all-black design and a pattern that’s easy to grip. Best of all, it comes in four sizes, making it a solid, durable option for any type of player. (They’re affordable too, averaging less that $5 per grip.) Who It’s For: There’s an X10 grip that’s right for every type of player. Material: Synthetic rubber Design: Velvet Size: Undersized, standard, midsized, oversized lamkingrips.com Macro Macro Grip Key Feature: The uniquely shaped Macro putter grip has a reducing oval shape that tapers on the target side, and when used in conjuction with the recommended grip, can put an end to any and all of your putting woes. Who It’s For: Golfers who want to make a change in not only their putter grips (Macro also sells putters), but also their philosophy in their putting routine. Material: Rubber Design: Reducing oval Size: Small, medium, large macrogolf.com Pure P2 Wrap Key Feature: Made of pure rubber and needing no grip tape, this grip is as evenly constructed as possible. Comes in soft or firm and in undersized or midsized models. Oh, and it comes in color, too (Black, Red, Green, Blue, White). Who It’s For: It makes a funny sound when installed using a pneumatic air tool, but the feel and performance is downright awesome. They’re money in the rain. Material: Rubber Design: Wrap Size: Undersized, standard, midsized puregrips.com Superstroke Fatso Lite Key Feature: Weighing in at 85 grams (that’s light for its size), the Fatso Lite is the biggest and lightest in terms of its weight-to-size ratio, helping it to become the largest putter grip used on the PGA Tour. Who It’s For: Golfers who want to put an end to yippy, hand-driven strokes. It’s amazing how well it works. It’s as though the hands slow down all by themselves. Material: Multimaterial Design: Nontapered Size: Mega-oversized superstrokegrip.com Superstroke Pressure Zone Key Feature: First, this isn’t a putter grip. Designed to reduce pressure in the lower hand, this grip has Modified Taper Tech, meaning it blends a traditionally shaped top half of the grip with a slightly larger, parallel bottom half of the grip. Who It’s For: Those who want the hands to work more in unison and who want more comfort in the lower hand. Material: Proprietary synthetic material Design: Velvet Size: Standard superstrokegrip.com Tacki-mac Itomic it2 Key Feature: The negative ions in the it2 grip help calm nerves and the tacky, velvety surface makes this grip a top pick for golfers who want a soft, comfortable hold. Also available in midsize (shown), this grip is durable and a great wet-weather alternative. Who It’s For: Players who need to relax more, and well, who want a great-feeling grip. Simple as that! Material: Proprietary compound Design: Velvet Size: Standard, midsized tackimac.com UST Mamiya Comp DV2 Torsion Key Feature: The Comp DV2 Torsion utilizes the same Torsion Bar technology used in the Pro DV2 Torsion (below), helping to add stability in the upper region of the grip. The lower section stays soft for more feel. Who It’s For: Everybody who wants a great-feeling, supportive grip with a unique dual-compound pattern. Material: Dual-compound Design: Velvet Size: Standard ustmamiya.com UST Mamiya Pro DV2 Torsion Key Feature: The new Pro DV2 grip utilizes UST Mamiya’s special Torsion Bar technology, which provides lower torque for increased stability with a firmer feel. It looks great, too, and the corded section holds up exceptionally in wet weather. Who It’s For: Golfers who like half-corded models (the corded section is on the underside of the grip. Material: Dual-compound, half-cord Design: Half-cord Size: Standard ustmamiya.com Winn Dri-Tac Key Feature: Using the new WinnDry polymer, the Dri-Tac is Winn’s best all-weather grip to date. The tacky, nonslip, soft outer grip covers a firmer inner grip that makes gripping the club easier and more comfortable. Oh yeah, it absorbs shock like nobody’s business. A top pick for 2012! Who It’s For: Any golfer who wants that classic Winn Grip feel in a grip that’s made to tackle wet conditions. Material: WinnDry polymer Design: Proprietary tread pattern Size: Ladies, standard, midsized, oversized winngrips.com Winn Dri-Tac Wrap Lite Key Feature: Also employing the WinnDry polymer, this grip comes in a lightweight, spiral wrap-style design. Rain, sweat, both? No problem, this lightweight grip can handle it, and retains tackiness throughout. The lightweight design (22 grams) can actually help you swing the club faster for more distance. How cool is that? Who It’s For: Golfers who want a light grip that performs. Material: WinnDry polymer Design: Spiral wrap Size: Standard, midsized, oversized winngrips.com Winn Jumbo Pistol Key Feature: If you want a grip that quiets the hands and prevents handsy strokes, and that somewhat resembles a traditional pistol shape, the Jumbo Pistol is a great option. Comes in the soft Excel material, as well as in the firmer V17 Polycord. Also available with WinnLite technology. Who It’s For: Those who probably miss a lot of putts due to shaky, yippy putting strokes. This grip can help you! Material: Excel, V17 Polycord Design: Pistol Size: Oversized winngrips.com Winn Long/Belly Key Feature: The long-putter trend continues, and Winn is on top of it. Available in a variety of shapes and styles, these grips also come in two-piece designs. Who It’s For: Those willing to adopt the hottest putting style on Tour today. It’s up to you to decide which long putting method is right for you, and choose the right grip, based on your newfound stroke. Material: Excel, V17 Polycord Design: One-piece and two-piece options available Size: Long/Belly winngrips.com Winn Standard Pro Pistol Key Feature: We like the clean edges in this grip, as well as the modest size. Better players likely agree, since it makes your putter feel like a precision instrument. The V17 Polycord material firms it up, lending a comfortable but steady feel in the hands. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a Winn grip that’s a little smaller and firmer. It’s perfect for quick greens. Material: V17 Polycord Design: Pistol Putter Grip Size: Standard winngrips.com In Case you missed it Holiday Gift Guide 7 Gear Upgrades to Gift This Season Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Hit More Greens with Tri-Fusion Tech Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Does “Forward Axis Weighting” Actually Work? 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