Drivers

Honma TW757 Drivers

Ball speed is the word these days, and if you have such a pressing need the new Honma TW757 driver is engaging in some serious, JPL-level rocketry. A thin carbon slot reduces weight while adding strength behind the face to set a new standard for the company when it comes to “repulsion performance,” even on mishits. Initial ball speed is maximized even when you miss the sweet spot –which for me is every other swing!

Higher launch and less spin are owed to a thin layer of titanium in addition to the highly responsive carbon insert. The TW757 comes in two flavors: the 460cc “Type D” which indicates its enhanced directional control, and the 455cc “Type S” which is optimized for reducing spin, which of course adds up to more distance. Add to that the company’s hand-rolled Vizard shafts and you’ve got the complete recipe for power and accuracy. And a non-rotating hosel keeps the shaft spine perfectly aligned no matter what adjustable setting you prefer. For the record, the S model is for better players, the D offering more forgiveness and improved dispersion. Either way you choose, this is Japanese engineering at its finest.

Visit: www.honmagolf.com

TaylorMade Unveils SIM Metalwoods

TaylorMade is pushing the metalwood envelope yet again with its all-new SIM family, highlighted by drivers, fairways and hybrids.

SIM Drivers

With an asymmetric sole design and enhanced Inertia Generator, SIM drivers rely on geometry to unlock the next frontier of performance. A series of shape-inspired innovations work in unison to improve forgiveness while also increasing aerodynamics and clubhead speed at the most critical stage of the swing – the last three feet (one meter) of the swing prior to impact.

Known as the speed generation zone, this is where the most meaningful increase of clubhead speed occurs. At the Tour level, players commonly accelerate from 90 mph to 120 mph in that moment of truth. SIM drivers are engineered to improve aerodynamics, and thus clubhead speed, through this critical phase of the golf swing.

SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max•D drivers feature a raised crown and sole to reduce drag and improve airflow throughout the swing. While raising the crown and sole improves aerodynamics, it typically comes with a tradeoff in the form of higher CG projection. However, the SIM family of drivers counteract that with the Inertia Generator positioned low and back with a heavy steel weight at the rear of the club. This design element moves the CG projection very low, optimizing launch conditions and increasing MOI – providing additional forgiveness for the golfer.

TaylorMade’s journey to SIM began with the lightweight carbon composite technology the company has developed over the course of the last 15 years. The fifth-generation carbon composite material, which was refined throughout the lifespan of the popular M series, was the key to unlocking a series of new geometric opportunities for TaylorMade engineers.

By using carbon materials to construct the crown and sole paneling of all drivers, designers saved a considerable amount of weight.

New for 2020 is an ultra-light weight chromium carbon crown with a chalk white topline that creates contrast with the black clubface to help frame the ball at address and improve alignment.

In 2019, TaylorMade took Twist Face – the revolutionary face curvature that’s designed to straighten ball flight – to the next level of performance with Speed Injected Twist Face.

This technology allows the company to push ball speeds near the legal limit for every driver in the SIM family, particularly on off-center hits. There are three key features that allow this to occur.

Ultra-thin Titanium face with redesigned Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) Variable amounts of injected resin based on testing of the face
A proprietary algorithm to tune each head
Every driver head is inspected, measured and tuned to maximize speed and to ensure conformity

The SIM driver features Sliding Weight Technology that allows for up to +/- 20 yards of draw or fade bias. For even further personalization, the 2-degree Loft Sleeve allows for the adjustment of the loft, lie angle and face angle of the driver. The Loft Sleeve is available on all three models, while Sliding Weight Technology is only offered in SIM.

The SIM Max driver is designed to deliver maximum forgiveness, while the SIM Max•D is engineered to help golfers avoid the right side of the course via a strategically placed heel-bias internal weight and divergent topline masking, which makes the driver look more open at address helping golfers close the face at impact.

The SIM Max has an 8% larger face than SIM, while Max•D has an 18% larger face.

SIM Fairways

The iconic V Steel design has been reinvented with the new SIM family of fairway metals. Advanced shaping combines with a V Steel sole to improve turf interaction and playability from various lies.

A more rounded leading edge improves the club’s initial contact with the turf, while the V Steel sole further raises heel and toe sections of the sole away from the ground andimproves versatility. These design features combine to significantly reduce turf contact area in SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max•D fairways, reducing ground friction which can positively influence both clubhead speed and ball speed.

Matching the aesthetics of the driver family, the chromium carbon crown and contrasting chalk white color help frame the ball at address and improve alignment.

The fairway is a 180cc titanium head that combines a lightweight carbon construction with a revolutionary new ZATECH titanium face and a heavy 80g steel sole weight. The strategically positioned weight creates an extremely low CG that allows for increased ball speed, higher launch and improved forgiveness on low-face hits.

The 185cc SIM Max steel fairway woods are constructed using strong and durable C300 face material. Also featuring the reinvented V Steel for exceptional versatility from all lies, the SIM Max is designed for higher launch and peak trajectories, with extremely long distance and improved playability.

The oversized 190cc SIM Max•D has been optimized for forgiveness and golfers seeking a draw bias design. Like SIM drivers, the fairway woods feature progressive head sizes to provide greater forgiveness to the players who need it the most.

TaylorMade introduced Twist Face to its fairway metal lineup in 2019 and has carried the revolutionary technology into each SIM offering. Like the SIM drivers, the faces have been modified to counteract the gear effect on common mis-hits in the high-toe and low-heel.

The Speed Pocket has been engineered to provide increased ball speed to the entire face while improving forgiveness on low-face impacts. A slot insert has also been designed to sit flush with the sole to improve sole interaction and eliminate turf drag from the Speed Pocket, aligning with the performance goals of V Steel.

SIM Max Rescue

As a long-iron replacement, it’s imperative that hybrids be versatile and playable in all conditions. That’s why TaylorMade has incorporated V Steel technology into a hybrid for the first time in the company’s history with SIM Max Rescue. The clubhead is engineered to deliver improved turf interaction and reduced friction when playing from various lies. A reshaped leading edge works in conjunction with V Steel to further improve playability and strike conditions.

Designers rounded the toe and adjusted the face angle to give SIM Max Rescue a more confidence-inspiring shape at address for all levels of golfers. It utilizes the same C300 Steel face used in the fairway woods to help improve ball speed, durability and overall performance. The corrective technologies of Twist Face and Speed Pocket offer improved performance and forgiveness on mis-hits on the toe, heel and low on the face.

Drivers $549.99 , Fairways $399.99, Rescue $249.99 | www.taylormadegolf.com

Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Woods ‘Go Faster’

Cleveland Golf’s new and improved Launcher HB Turbo Driver and Launcher HB Turbo Fairway Woods launch in North America on Oct. 4.

“Reintroducing Cleveland Golf Woods and Irons two years ago has been very successful,” said Brian Schielke, Marketing Director at Cleveland Golf. “However, the new Launcher HB Turbo woods represent a huge step up from the previous generation. They’re sleeker, faster, and more forgiving – exactly what all of us avid golfers are looking for off the tee.”

For Cleveland Golf, Launcher has always stood for one thing: launching the ball high in the air and straight down the fairway. The new Launcher HB Turbo remains committed to that mission with a lighter hosel, improved crown, and deeper weighting. Only now, it’s faster.

“The Launcher HB Turbo is engineered to help you hit long, straight drives,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development at Cleveland Golf. “We’ve squeezed discretionary weight out of every corner of the club head in order to produce one of the most forgiving drivers we’ve ever made. We’ve paired it with a high-balance point shaft that’s easier to swing fast. Authentic technologies such as the Turbocharged Cup Face, the Ultralight Hosel, and a more aerodynamic crown help the Launcher HB Turbo earn its name.”

The Launcher HB Turbo features a Turbocharged Cup Face, which offers a unique variable thickness pattern that delivers more speed across the entire face. The Turbocharged Cup Face stretches along the crown and sole, flexing at impact and reflecting that energy back into the ball for increased ball speeds at impact.

The redesigned HiBore Crown features a prominent step that lowers the center of gravity, while the Ultralight Hosel is even lighter to remove mass from a poor position. All of these weight savings culminate in the Deep Weighting sole pad. The result: a center of gravity that’s 4.4mm deeper and 2.2 mm lower, increasing launch at impact and maximizing distance off the tee.

Launcher HB Turbo comes standard with the new Miyazaki C. Kua shaft, which pulls weight from the length of the shaft and repositions it on the grip end. This makes the shaft feel incredibly easy to swing and allows for extra mass in the club head for increased momentum and more speed on every swing.

The same speed-enhancing technologies that define the Launcher HB Turbo Driver are featured within the Launcher HB Turbo Fairway Woods, delivering more speed and distance off the tee or when going for the green in two.

The Launcher HB Turbo Driver is available in two different models: standard (9°, 10.5°, 12° options) and DRAW (10.5°) for $349.99. The Launcher HB Turbo Fairway Woods feature a 3-wood (15°) and 5-wood (18°) for $229.99 each.

clevelandgolf.com

Tour Edge Touts Two New Hot Launch 4 Drivers

Tour Edge’s new Hot Launch 4 drivers feature all new designs and technology producing extremely high MOI properties.

HL4 is the fourth release in the award-winning Hot Launch series from Tour Edge founder and master club designer David Glod. HL4 features a complete lineup from driver to irons, all designed to fill a niche as the best technology and performance at a mid-tier price point.

The new premium performance clubs are available nationwide and globally on August 1.

All HL4 custom fit orders will ship with Tour Edge’s unprecedented 48-hour delivery guarantee in the continental United States.

“This is an early release to a product line that we developed for 2020,” said Glod. “We have spent the last 18 months looking at how to improve the best performance value drivers in the game and the end result is an all new shape that has an MOI that rivals that of a $500 driver. It’s an extremely forgiving design that all levels of players can benefit from.”

The HL4 driver comes in two different configurations– a straight version and an offset version. Both drivers feature a forged titanium head and Cup Face technology, which increases the amount of face flexing for increased club and ball speeds.

The HL4 driver features an all new sloped crown design that is deeper from face to back. No skirt where the sole plate meets the crown equates to a 12 percent increase in MOI over the previous Hot Launch drivers.

This new design makes for an extremely high Moment of Inertia above 5000 grams per cubic centimeter. Moment of Inertia is a measure of a body’s resistance to angular acceleration or twisting, meaning that the HL4 is a more stable driver. This higher MOI will increase ball speed on miss-hits and will keep shots straighter.

The forged 6-4 Titanium head features a deeper cup face design and a rounder face shape for exceptional power and vastly improved acoustics.

Cup Face technology combined with Variable Face Thickness technology provides greater distance from more contact points on the face that results in better off-center hit distance.

The new drivers also feature a further back rear sole weight placement for an even higher MOI that delivers more stable, powerful tee shots that will fly higher and longer.

The Power Channel on the sole of the club behind the club face is wider and deeper for better weight distribution and increased face flexing. The Power Channel delivers amplified ball speed and less spin, as well as added forgiveness on shots struck lower on the face.

HL4 Custom Fitting

The Hot Launch series is designed to take advantage of the emerging growth segment of customization within the equipment market. Until the launch of Hot Launch by Tour Edge, the value segment of the custom fitting market had been largely under-serviced.

Tour Edge plans to have over 750 custom fitting centers across the country that will feature the mobile HL4 custom fitting bag and their industry leading 48-hour guaranteed delivery on custom fit orders. All custom fit specific orders turned into Tour Edge by 2:30 p.m. Central standard time will be built at Tour Edge headquarters in Batavia, Illinois, and shipped to any continental U.S. state in 48-hours time, either back to the Tour Edge fitting location or directly to the end consumer.

“We are aggressively marketing the message that every golfer should be getting custom fit, and that it is especially mid to high handicap players who have the most to gain by getting fit,” said Tour Edge Vice President of Marketing Jon Claffey. “Our goal is to open the flood gates on custom fitting and HL4 has proven to be the perfect product to accomplish this goal with its advanced technology, top-tier performance and amazing price structure.”

HL4 Driver Specs

The straight neck HL4 driver comes in a 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts, while the HL4 Offset driver will be available in 10.5, 12 and 13.5 degree lofts. The 10.5 degree HL4 Offset will be available in left-handed.

The HL4 series features an upgraded UST Mamiya graphite shaft that offers enhanced tip stability. The drivers are available in Ladies, A-flex, Regular and Stiff shafts ranging from 48 to 60 grams.

The line has also been upgraded to a Lamkin Z5 multi-compound grip that features distinct hand-placement zones. A larger Midsize grip is available as a custom option.

$199.99 | www.touredge.com

Titleist TS1 Driver Built For Slower Swingers

The new ultra-lightweight Titleist TS1 driver is the fastest way for players with moderate swing speeds to experience the joy of effortless distance.

Available for fittings beginning June 20 (and in shops June 27), the new TS1 offers the technologies developed through the Titleist Speed Project in an incredibly light 275-gram design. The weighting of TS1 has been strategically trimmed to maximize launch and distance at moderate swing speeds, while maintaining the precision fitting capabilities of Titleist’s SureFit Hosel and a high MOI for stability and forgiveness.

With the addition of TS1 to the new TS driver family, moderate speed golfers can now experience the explosive ball speed and distance gains that have made Titleist TS2, TS3 and TS4 the most played driver models this season on the PGA Tour.

“There are so many golfers that can benefit from the performance of TS1,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “For seniors, women, juniors – really anyone who is the moderate swing speed player – TS1 is an absolute powerhouse. You can swing as smooth and easy as you want and the ball just takes off. The distance just feels effortless.”

“With our four new TS models – TS1, TS2, TS3 and TS4 – we know that any golfer who walks into a fitting can find a Titleist driver that will max out their speed and performance,” Talge said.

TS1 ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CONFIGURATION

From clubhead to grip, TS1 has been strategically engineered and weighted to deliver maximum launch and distance at moderate swing speeds:

The 275-gram overall weight (shaft dependent) – an incredible 45 grams lighter than the TS2 model, with an 8-gram lighter head weight – generates faster clubhead speeds.
Ultra-lightweight stock shafts – Fujikura Air Speeder and MCA Fubuki MV (Max Velocity) – weigh in at 40 and 45 grams (L flex: 35 and 39 grams), respectively, delivering high launch for effortless distance.
An extremely light 32-gram Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite grip is 20 grams lighter than the standard model. (Undersize model is 26 grams, 18 grams lighter than standard undersize).

“TS1 is designed for golfers who have a driver swing speed of approximately 85 mph and below, and are averaging about 220 yards or less off the tee,” said Stephanie Luttrell, Director, Metalwoods Development, Titleist Golf Club R&D. “By bringing our TS technology into this extremely lightweight configuration and adding a slight draw bias, we’ve been able to produce dramatic benefits for this group of players.”

“Anytime you can give someone more clubhead speed potential, the ability for them to generate ball speed is there. What separates TS1 from other competitive lightweight products is that we haven’t had to make sacrifices, particularly with MOI and adjustability,” Luttrell said. “Everything about TS1 – from the technology package to the tour-inspired look, sound and feel – makes this a TS driver and delivers on the promise of Titleist Speed.”

TS1 TECHNOLOGY & PERFORMANCE

The innovations used to drive ball speed and distance in TS2, TS3 and TS4 drivers have been optimized for TS1’s ultra-lightweight 460cc Speed Chassis (available in 9.5, 10.5 and 12.5 degree lofts):

Ultra-Thin Titanium Crown. The thinnest cast titanium crown in the game allows weight to be redistributed for optimal performance at moderate swing speeds.
Thinner, Faster Face. The fastest face Titleist has ever made, a refined Radial VFT (variable face thickness), increases ball speed and forgiveness. Every TS driver face undergoes a 100% CT inspection to ensure speed performance is at the maximum allowable limit.
Streamlined Shape. The aerodynamic design reduces drag, allowing golfers to swing even faster for increased clubhead speed and more distance.
Optimized Weight Distribution. TS1’s deep CG location has been optimized to generate the launch and spin needed by moderate speed players to carry the ball farther, while maximizing off-center ball speed through high MOI properties (similar to TS3).
Industry-Leading Adjustability. Titleist’s patented SureFit Hosel, featuring 16 independent loft and lie settings, provides additional ball flight optimization through precision fitting. TS1’s SureFit Weight allows for head weight adjustability (from -4g to +6g in 2g increments).

PREMIUM STOCK SHAFTS

Golfers can choose from two ultra-lightweight premium stock shafts which complement the TS1’s design goal of high launch and effortless distance:

The Fujikura Air Speeder 40/35R3 (high launch/mid high spin) – the highest-launching shaft in the Titleist shaft matrix – is latest version of Fujikura’s successful Air Speeder ultra-lightweight driver shaft line. The reduced weight enhances swing speed, while proprietary design and material technologies maintain strength and stability. S, R, R2 (Senior) flexes: 40 grams | R3 (Ladies) flex: 35 grams.
The Mitsubishi Fubuki MV 45/39L (mid high launch/mid spin) – delivers “Max Velocity” through its ultra-lightweight core structure and Straight Flight Weighting (SFW) technology, which promotes long and straight flight in lightweight driver shaft options. S, R, A flexes: 45 grams | L flex: 39 grams.
The TS1 stock club length is 45.75 inches (Ladies: 44.5 inches).

Beginning June 20, golfers can experience the speed of TS1 and the entire TS metals family by attending a Titleist Fitting Day or Trial event (including Titleist Thursdays) being held at locations nationwide. To find an event, or book a free TS metals fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, golfers can visit here.

$499 | www.titleist.com

Ping Introduces G410 LST Driver

Ping announced the expansion of its G410 driver family with the release of the G410 LST, a high-MOI driver engineered to produce low, stable spin with the shot-shaping control provided by the company’s innovative movable-weight technology.

The multi-material driver is available for pre-order and custom fitting at authorized Ping golf shops around the world beginning today.

“With the tremendous success of the G410 Plus and SFT drivers introduced earlier this year, we’re pleased to add the highly anticipated G410 LST model to the line-up in time for the summer golf season,” said John K. Solheim, Ping President. “It took us a little longer than planned but that was only because our first iteration didn’t out-perform the G400 LST. We re-worked the design to meet our performance improvement standards and are excited to get the G410 LST driver into golfer’s hands.”

“The head size is slightly smaller than the Plus model and the CG is positioned to reduce spin several hundred rpm while still providing extremely high forgiveness,” Solheim added. “The combination of lower spin and more stability plus the ability to dial in the shot shape with our movable-weight technology greatly expands the types of golfers who can benefit from the technology of the G410 LST driver. As always, we encourage golfers to undergo a thorough custom fitting with a trained Ping Fitting Specialist to determine which G410 driver model best fits their game.”

LOW, STABLE SPIN

The G410 LST shares the movable-weight technology introduced in the G410 Plus model. The CG position is slightly forward of the G410 Plus in all three positions (Draw, Neutral, Fade), leading to spin reduction of approximately 200 to 400 rpm, depending on shaft choice and a golfer’s launch conditions. Each weight position shifts the CG location by one-tenth inch in each direction from neutral, influencing left or right shot direction approximately 10 yards (20 yards of correction between Draw and Fade settings).

“The addition of the movable-weight technology in our low-spin driver option allows us to fit a wider range of golfers,” said Solheim. “A perfect example is a high-swing-speed player who battles a miss to the right. In that case, the combination of placing the weight in the draw position and the lower spin greatly improves dispersion and leads to increased ball speed for more distance.”

Patented Dragonfly Technology on the inside creates an ultra-thin crown structure, saving weight, which is moved to the extreme boundary of the clubhead to increase the MOI by three percent (compared to the G400 LST) for added ball speed and forgiveness.

FAST AND POWERFUL SHAPE

At 450cc, the G410 LST driver features a more rounded, pear-shaped design and combines with more efficient Turbulator Technology for advanced aerodynamics, leading to increased clubhead speed. Its “Tour Square” face sits slightly open and the score-line pattern frames the impact area to aid in alignment. The creased crown design provides a clean and powerful look at address.

FORGED, T9S+ FACE

The unique forging and patented heat-treatment process of the T9S+ face powers a thinner, hotter impact area that is precision machined to elevate ball speed across the entire face for more flexing and faster ball speeds. The forged face and the internal geometry of the head are instrumental in producing the powerful feel and sound of the driver.

TRAJECTORY TUNING 2.0

The patented lightweight and aerodynamic adjustable hosel expands from five to eight settings, offering loft (0, +1, +1.5, -1, -1.5 degrees) and lie adjustments (including up to three degrees flatter than standard) to optimize ball flight.

“The expansion of the loft options is a tremendous benefit for all golfers, and the flatter lie angles add another layer of opportunity for expert club fitters to really fine-tune a golfer’s driver,” said Solheim.

Multiple shaft options

Four high-performance shaft options are available at no upcharge and ensure a shaft-fitting solution to match the launch conditions of all golfers. The PING Tour 65 & 75 (lower launch, low spin, stable feel) and the counter-balanced PING Alta CB Red 55 (high-launching, lightweight) are developed in house by PING engineers. For popular custom after-market options, golfers can choose the Project X EvenFlow Black 75 (low launch, low spin) and Mitsubishi Tensei CK Orange 60 (mid launch angle, low spin).

$540 | www.ping.com

Ben Hogan Back In Big Stick Game With GS53

Ben Hogan’s driving prowess helped lead him to nine major victories throughout his career, including the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open in 1953. In honor of his successes, the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has introduced the new GS53 driver and fairway woods, marking the Company’s first new offerings in these product categories in well over a decade.

The new woods line includes a driver, 3 wood, 4 wood … which is rare among premium brands … and 5 wood. The line is highlighted by the GS53 driver, a 445cc driver featuring a beautiful, traditionally-shaped titanium head with an adjustable hosel to change loft, lie and face angles quickly and easily. The driver will be sold for $300 on www.BenHoganGolf.com exclusively as part of Ben Hogan Golf’s factory-direct business model that eliminates retail mark-up, without compromising quality.

Made using two (2) separate pieces of titanium, the body of the GS53 driver is laser welded to the highly engineered 6-4 forged titanium face. The forging process maintains the integrity of the molecular structure and ensures a tight, uniform grain pattern that is free from “dead” spots.

Ben Hogan engineers also utilized a design feature called Face Flex. This allowed them to create an ultra-thin face at different thicknesses … from toe to heel and sole to crown … to increase the size of the Effective Hitting Area (EHA) across the entire face. Face Flex ensures maximum distance on shots struck in the center of the club face and minimizes distance loss on off-center hits. Additionally, the score lines are precision milled into the forged face at exact and consistent depths and, combined with bulge and roll that is precisely engineered for the specific geometry of the face, provide exceptional accuracy.

The GS53 driver was also “acoustically tuned” to provide a pleasing sound at impact. Finally, the famous Ben Hogan Speed Slot has been updated and incorporated into the driver design for better aerodynamics and more club head speed.

“Ben Hogan was famous for his no-nonsense approach to his game and his business,” said Scott White, President and CEO of the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. “We felt the designs and marketing claims in the driver and fairway woods categories had gotten out of control in recent years. We’ve been working on the GS53 projects for a long time with the simple goal of delivering exceptionally beautiful drivers and fairways woods that provide industry-leading performance. No ridiculous hype, unnecessary technologies, materials or graphics … and certainly without the crazy price tags.”

The GS53 driver – which is offered in 9.0 and 10.5-degree models – also features Ben Hogan Golf’s proprietary adjustable hosel, which is ingeniously designed yet simple and easy to use. Called Flight Control, golfers can change the loft of the driver up to two (2) degrees from the base loft — one degree stronger or weaker. They can also change the lie angle and face angle from square to open or closed, to ‘tune’ the driver to exact specifications and/or desired shot shape. All adjustments can be made in a matter of seconds by any golfer using the adjustment wrench provided. The eight (8) adjustment settings are easily identifiable and do not require re-orientation of the shaft graphics or grip position. This allows golfers to keep the shaft and grip aligned to their personal preference no matter which setting is selected.

The GS53 fairways woods were developed to be the perfect long-game complement to the GS53 driver. The head shapes are traditional, and all feature a low-profile design. Like the GS53 driver, the fairway woods utilized 2-piece construction – a stainless steel body joined to a C455 Maraging steel forged faceplate. The GS53 3 wood is 14 degrees, the 4 wood is 16 degrees and the 5 wood is 18 degrees. All fairway woods also utilize Ben Hogan Golf’s Face Flex Technology and incorporate the Speed Slot design to increase both distance and accuracy. GS53 fairway woods will be sold for $200 each.

Included in the cost of the GS53 driver ($300) and fairway woods ($200), which are initially available in right-handed models only, consumers can choose one of three super-premium aftermarket shafts, offered in multiple flexes and weights, including:

Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black (low trajectory) – valued at $300 MSRP
Tensei CK Blue (mid trajectory) – valued at $250 MSRP
UST Mamiya Helium™ (high trajectory) – valued at $225 MSRP

Highlighted by no-charge customization on all club orders, the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company offers a number of consumer-centric programs, including: free domestic shipping on orders over $250, flat-rate international shipping and a low or no-cost financing program. And, recognizing that many golfers want to personally experience equipment before they purchase, the Company offers a simple, risk-free Demo program, as well as a Trade-UP program where golfers can offset the cost of their purchase by selling used equipment back to the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company.

www.benhogangolf.com

TaylorMade Goes Old School With Mini Driver

TaylorMade Golf Company, an industry leader in product innovation and technology, today announced Original One Mini Driver, a new metalwood that pays homage to the brand’s history and utilizes many of the most important product technologies in the company’s long lineage of industry-leading metalwood performance.

EVOLUTION OF THE MINI DRIVER

TaylorMade first entered the category with the introduction of SLDR Mini in 2014 and enhanced the product the following year with the faster, higher-launching AeroBurner Mini – both utilizing predominantly steel in their construction. While both offered the company’s Speed Pocket™ technology, Original One Mini Driver is designed to deliver a new level of speed, forgiveness and visual appeal never-before seen in this category.

UNDER THE HOOD

With Original One Mini Driver, engineers have utilized key product technologies found in many of the company’s most notable metalwood offerings intended to deliver a faster, more forgiving and adjustable product. It all starts with a revolutionary tri-material construction, comprised of a titanium body, 50g steel sole plate and TaylorMade’s instantly-recognizable carbon composite crown. The combination of these three materials creates an ultra-low CG for distance and playability.

Additional features in Original One Mini include Loft Sleeve with ±2 degrees of loft adjustability; Twist Face Technology to provide the ultimate path to straight distance; and Inverted Cone Technology to promote ball speed on off-center hits

WHO IS IT FOR?

Like its predecessors, the Original One Mini Driver is targeted at golfers of all skill levels. It has been engineered to provide an option off the tee that delivers the accuracy and control of a fairway wood but with more distance and forgiveness. Faster swing speed players may additionally benefit from ease of use off the turf with Original One Mini Drivers’ combination of a medium face depth with ultra-low center of gravity location for extreme distance and excellent playability from fairway lies.

WHERE IT FITS

From a performance perspective, the Original One Mini Driver with its 275cc head (9 percent larger than AeroBurner Mini) will fit directly between a driver and a fairway wood. Some golfers will opt to play the club in addition to their current fairway woods, while others may choose to replace a longer fairway wood that was mainly being used off the tee. Most golfers will still keep the regular driver in the bag as the club that ultimately delivers the most distance.

Available for preorder starting April 16 and at retail beginning May 1, the Original One Mini Driver USD) will be offered in 11.5 or 13.5 degree lofts and come equipped with Mitsubishi’s Diamana F Limited shafts in 55g (R), 65g (S) or 75g (X) flexes at 43.75 inches at a D3 swing weight. The stock grip is Golf Pride MCC Decade grips in black and blood orange. The Original One Mini Driver will also be available through TaylorMade’s custom program, allowing for numerous additional custom shaft and grip options.

www.taylormadegolf.com | Check the price on Amazon!

Golf Equipment: 2019 Drivers And Woods

The lineup of 2019 drivers and woods pushes the envelope of what physics, and the USGA, will allow. Nothing new, right? Guess again and read on.

CALLAWAY EPIC FLASH

Callaway Golf CEO Chip Brewer’s job is to be bullish on his company’s products including drivers, but Brewer is more animated than usual when it comes to the new Epic Flash driver.

“Probably the most impressive driver product I’ve been part of,’’ Brewer said. “And with this AI (Artificial Intelligence) platform — I’m really excited about it because of the flexibility of the technology.’’

The Epic Flash driver’s two models — Standard and Sub Zero — each feature what Callaway calls “Flash Face’’ technology that is created by Artificial Intelligence and “Machine Learning,” a field of computer science that uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to “learn” with data without being explicitly programmed.

A new driver face design typically takes eight to ten iterations. Through Machine Learning, the company says its computers cycled through 15,000 face architecture iterations, learning from each one, before arriving at Flash Face.

Flash Face’s unique, internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe. Though the size, height and configuration of the ripples appears random, they in fact work together cohesively to elevate COR in the face’s center region. That convention-defying accomplishment results in a significant ball speed boost for a noticeable distance increase with solid contact, helping drives go even longer.

The Epic Flash driver also incorporates Jailbreak technology that promotes fast, face- wide speed. The two internal, hourglass-shaped Jailbreak bars connect the crown to the sole, stabilizing and stiffening those two parts at impact, allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speed. Together, Flash Face and Jailbreak make the Epic Flash one of the most innovative and technologically advanced drivers in Callaway history.

Epic Flash also benefits from Callaway’s proven Adjustable Perimeter Weighting, with a 16-gram sliding weight that can be easily positioned anywhere on the built-in track at the rear of the clubhead. The golfer can promote draws, fades or a straighter flight by positioning the weight in different places on the track.

The Epic Flash driver was introduced this past January and fit into Callaway’s regular product introduction cycle. But Brewer hinted that the company might vary from its – and the golf industry’s – traditional introduction cycles moving forward.

“There is not going to be an absolutely consistency of how we’re going to launch product at Callaway Golf,’’ Brewer said. “We obviously launch a significant portion early in the year. And beyond that, it is going to continue to vary and we think that’s part of the science and the art of building the brand and delivering energy to the marketplace.’’

Consumers have a choice of three premium stock shaft options: Project X EvenFlow, Project X HZRDUS Smoke and Mitsubishi Tensei AV. Stock grip is Golf Pride’s premium Tour Velvet Align.

www.callawaygolf.com |Check the price on Amazon!

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers Embrace A.I.

Callaway Golf CEO Chip Brewer’s job is to be bullish on his company’s products, but Brewer is more animated than usual when it comes to the new Epic Flash driver, which went on sale in retail shops Feb. 1.