Editors' Picks And Reviews

November-December 2011

PUTTERS

TAYLORMADE
Most golfers don’t set up square to the hole from 12 feet away. With the introduction of their new Ghost Spider ($180) putter, TaylorMade hopes to change that. The Ghost retains the same shape and attributes of its Spider predecessor (Movable Weight Technology, easy to align top lines) but with a white finish that TM claims is easier to align. And they hit a home run. This steady and square flatstick may be one of the easiest putters to align and stay square through the entire stroke. With its soft PURE ROLL face insert, TM has made the most idiotproof putter to date. taylormadegolf.com

STX
The handsome new ProFIT putters ($200) from STX have been updated with new design elements and a nonglare black finish. Like other STX offerings, the new ProFIT line features three different insert choices of varying firmness, but what we love are the variety, slick finish and two neck options: plumber’s neck (ProFIT 4) and flare neck (ProFIT 5). Comes in RH and LH models. stxputters.com

FLANIGAN
The 343 limited edition ($350) from Flanigan Bilt Putters comes in three different head designs and has a strategically placed CG for truer rolls. But what really caught our eye was designer Ken Flanigan’s mission. The former firefighter built his line to commemorate the fallen firemen of 9/11. Each flatstick comes with a commemorative headcover and Flanigan donates $100 of each sale to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Great cause. flaniganbiltputters.com

MEDICUS
Get your ball airborne on putts? Don’t get it rolling soon enough? The angled face of Medicus‘ OverSpin putter ($160) might be the answer to all your putting woes. Its design helps you strike the ball above its center, which helps eliminate skidding and hopping. Another advantage we liked was its CT grooves which are designed to help you play chip shots. Chip shots? Yup. And if you can play them with your putter and control your shots better, why not? overspin22.com

PING
PING continues to find fresh new ways of updating their classic Anser ($299) line. Earlier this year, they introduced Milled versions in seven different models, each with its own unique hosel design that determines the putter’s balance. As a result, the putters were designed with golfers’ stroke paths in mind: Four were engineered for strokes that slightly arc, two for strong arcs, and one for straight-back and straight-through swingers. But it’s PING’s elegant satin finish and the milled process that makes these a handsome new addition to the Anser lineup. ping.com

ADIDAS

Adidas‘ new TOUR360 ATV shoes ($190) aren’t off-road vehicles but they were conceived to handle the most challenging of terrains. Now in its fifth version, this TOUR360 features a dual-density outsole, 10 spikes, strengthened TPU midfoot for support and aggressive TRAXION secondary lugs in the forefoot for better grip. And somehow they managed to
knock two ounces off it from the previous TOUR360. Available in six color combos. adidas.com

ETONIC
Offered in two styles, Etonic‘s athletic-inspired Difference golf shoe ($145) 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

CALLAWAY
New for 2012, Callaway introduces its most technologically advanced shoe ever. The RAZR ($185) 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

CLUBS

FOURTEEN GOLF
Fourteen Golf has introduced two new, strong-lofted, smaller-headed fairway woods called SF-511 ($329). With a wide sweet spot and a 1.9mm thin face that generates tremendous power at impact, these clubs have been built with better players in mind. Still, Fourteen wisely offers two shaft options: the TS-75f for faster-swinging golfers and the MD-335gf for slower swings. Smart move, as average players can take advantage of the new lineup. Comes in 3- and 5-wood models. fourteengolf.com fourteengolf.com

CALLAWAY
Callaway’s new premium RAZR XF iron and hybrid set ($1,299/steel; $1,399 graphite) features six irons constructed with a forged 1025 carbon-steel body and hybrids that have a larger head design and added offset to deliver higher, longer and straighter shots. Both provide a soft, responsive feel at impact and feature a dark, stealthy look for reduced glare. callawaygolf.com

ADAMS
Weighing only 290 grams Adams’ new 9088 UL driver ($399) is superlight and aerodynamically designed to boost your tee shots. Featuring a 45-gram Matrix Radix HD shaft and an aero-shaped crown that creates less drag for increased clubhead speed. Comes in three lofts and a draw model, too. adamsgolf.com

TOUR EDGE
Looking for extra yards off the tee, but don’t want to spend a fortune on a new driver? Consider the new Bazooka HT Max-D ($149) from Tour Edge. The highly affordable stick features a sloped crown and aerodynamic shape for reduced drag and improved airflow. What does that do? Generates a faster swing speed. With a 46-inch, 50-gram Aldila NV shaft, you’re guaranteed to swing faster than ever before. Comes in standard and draw versions. touredge.com

EIDOLON
Over the past few years, hybrids have pretty much made long irons obsolete. Eidolon hopes that their new SCOR4161 wedges ($649/five clubs) will do the same for higher-lofted scoring clubs. The custom-built set range in lofts of 41_¡-61_¡ and were designed to deliver improved shotmaking performance for your scoring clubs. Throw in some hybrids or iron-woods and you have a pretty forgiving set. scorgolf.com

ACCESSORIES

SUN MOUNTAIN
Sun Mountain‘s KG:2 bag ($199) was built on the same frame as the company’s Superlight 3.5, but offers more pockets. It also features an oval, four-way top with full-length club divider, three integrated top handles and a new lift-assist pocket handle. But what we really like is its striking array of colors. sunmountain.com

BAG BOY
Convenience on the golf course is a must, and the two new Revolver cart bag offerings from Bag Boy provide just that. Both feature a rotating top so it’s easy to gain access to your clubs and Clip-Loks that secure them in place. The smaller XL ($220) features a 9.5 inch, 7-way top and one external putter tube, while the larger LE version ($240) has two external putter tubes for your putter and favorite wedge. Both feature many pockets and color combos. bagboy.com

PRO MENTAL COACH
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 ($140), 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

QUICKSTER NET
Available in two different sizes (8×8 feet and 7×7 feet), the Quickster Net ($140-150) 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

THE 20 EXTRA YARDS
Hate the gym? So do we. We’re never really sure which exercises will help our swing and which ones will hurt it. Plus all those mirrors get really distracting. Edinburgh, Scotland-based Graeme Alexander must feel the same way, because he developed The Extra 20 Yards ($365 + $30 shipping). This slim and unobtrusive home golf gym was designed specifically to train your golf muscles and, as Alexander claims, it will "increase swing speed and lead to more distance." What we like, of course, is that you don’t have to dedicate a lot of time to it. Alexander suggests short workouts of 3-5 minutes, 3-4 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

PLAYERS TOWEL
Designed by a former Tour caddie, the Players Towel ($20) features microfiber technology for optimal groove cleaning, absorption and durability. But this isn’t just a super club-cleaning towel, it’s also available with custom logos, signatures and colors. Hey, it’s the age of personalization so why not make your towel about you? playerstowel.com

APPAREL

ENERGY ATHLETIC
Can a golf shirt really help your game? According to a double-blind study conducted at the Sport Technology Lab at Loughborough University in England, it just might. Scientists there concluded that athletes wearing the Energy Athletic shirt ($70-80) with IonX fabric had a 2.7% increase in power output. "Wearing Energy Athletic Golf allows the athlete to sustain a workout for a greater period of time, and then have a much more rapid recovery time," said Dr. Al Ouimet, Energy Athletic Golf’s chief scientist. Comes in long- and short-sleeved shirts. wearenergy.com

HIRZL
The Trust Control gloves ($29) from HIRZL were constructed specifically for medium- to high-handicappers who want to maintain a firm grip on the club. As the company claims, the kangaroo-leather palm material provides three times more grip in dry weather and five times more in wet weather. hirzl-web.com

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 ($20) address that by placing foam pads in between each finger that reduce a golfer’s grip pressure by 30% and helps them avoid the death grip. gettheglove.com

INNOVEX
Affordable, long and precise”the "Holy Grail of golf balls." That’s what Innovex says they’ve discovered in their new, cast urethane-covered V-Motion Tour ball ($30/dozen). The high-performance ball rings in for about half the price of the industry leader, and with a 318-dimple pattern, it reduces drag and delivers a penetrating ballflight yet retains high spin around the greens. innovexgolf.com

ZERO FRICTION
Made from 100% bamboo, and nearly unbreakable, the FATTEE ($6.99/60 tees) from Zero Friction is thicker than your traditional wood golf tee and provides unparalleled strength for better performance. zerofriction.com

EYELINE GOLF
At first sight, Eyeline Golf‘s Ball of Steel ($30/3) 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

BRICKS & MORTAR

N3L OPTICS
A recent survey by the sunglasses store N3L Optics found that golfers are more active outdoors than any other sports enthusiast, but only 19% of them wear sunglasses when they play. That’s cause for concern when you consider how harmful the sun’s UV radiation can be. N3L Optics helps educate consumers on how to pick the right pair of glasses for their sport. For golf, they suggest amber-, brown- or rose-tinted lenses, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and good-fitting wraparound lenses that block light from the sides. For more info on how they match lenses to the game, visit them online or in the store. n3loptics.com

July-August 2011

ACCESSORIES

BOXGROOVE
If you’ve ever wanted to play a private course but just couldn’t get on, you may have finally found your "in." A new service called Boxgroove affords its members a chance to play on private courses all over America. As of May 2011, 357 private courses in 45 states are participating, including Moon Valley CC (Phoenix), Riverview (Redding, Calif.), The International (Bolton, Mass.) and Red Rock (Las Vegas, shown). Standard and value memberships available. For more information, visit boxgroove.com.


BLACK WIDOW The firmer, tacky Black Widow Tour Silk grip ($3.39/grip) is designed with an aggressive textured velvet pattern and gained its inspiration from Softspikes. We’re big fans of the bold look, in either white or black, plus the firmer feel is something better players will appreciate. Comes in a standard size. bwgrips.com	UST MAMIYA UST Mamiya‘s new standard-sized Comp DV ($5.99/grip) features dual-compound pattern that not only helps to add traction, but also works to line up your fingers on the grip. There are a lot of textures going on, all carefully designed for different parts of the hands. Plus, it just looks plain cool. ustmamiya.com	WINN GRIPS Winn Grips‘ new 5LF-Hero ($8.49/grip) features WinnLite grip technology, which not only makes your club lighter but makes it easier to swing faster, too. What we liked the most, however, was that proceeds from the sales of it go to the Troops First Foundation. All in all, it’s a win-win for Winn. winngrips.com

LAMKIN The popular Perma-Wrap Classic ($7.95) from Lamkin is now available in white. Made with the company’s 3GEN material, an advanced rubber compound that creates a natural, secure grip, the Perma-Wrap Classic is durable, extremely tacky and helps keep the club in position with very light tension. lamkingrips.com	GOLF PRIDE Golf Pride‘s new VDR grip ($4.99) has variable-depth pressure for excellent shock absorption and a tacky, weather-resistant feel. We like the pattern that resembles fingers wrapping around the grip, not to mention its velvety feel. golfpride.com	SHARPO Sharpro‘s new 3CAT grip ($4.99 cord, $3.99 noncord) provides the security of a velvet cord and the soft, tacky feel of a wrap. The addition of anti-torsion bars, made from higher-density rubber, positioned at the top half of the grip to work in conjunction with the soft cord, creates unrivaled control for golfers. sharprogrip.com

SHAFTS

MIURA
It’s not every day that a new set of irons is introduced by Miura. But when they are released, it’s cause for industry watchers to perk up. The Japanese manufacturer introduced their forged, game-enhancement Passing Point 9003 ($225/iron) irons on April 1, and they’re no joke. The elegantly shaped cavity-back irons feature a wider sole, which will appeal to all players, and a progressive offset. Just the sticks golfers seeking a higher trajectory will love. Comes in 4-iron through GW in right-hand only. miuragolf.com

ADAMS GOLF
Designed for better players who crave a more pene-trating ballflight, Adams Golf’s new Idea Pro a12 irons ($899-$1,099) feature low CGs and forged 8620 carbon steel heads with thin top lines. These handsome sticks also have a triple-milled head (face, grooves and cavity) and progressive heel-toe weighting for more forgiveness in the longer irons. Comes with KBS Tour steel shafts. 4-GW. Right-hand only. adamsgolf.com

TITLEIST
Any new offering from Titleist is worth mentioning, especially when it comes from wedge guru Bob Vokey. This spring saw the release of his new 200 Series wedges ($140) in the company’s Wedgeworks lineup. The new clubs feature a classic head shape with a high toe peak and a soft trailing edge, something that Vokey says "keeps the club from getting stuck in the turf." With a bright brushed-chrome finish, the wedges come in a variety of loft/lie combos (46_¡-60_¡) and feature Spin Milled Condition of Competition grooves that comply with the USGA wedge ruling. vokey.com

WHAT’S IN A BAG

SUN MOUNTAIN
Can’t carry your bag for 18 holes without collapsing? Consider Sun Mountain’s Swift ZG ($199). The bag, which used to be the Swift X, recently got a new addition–the hip belt from the company’s Zero-G bag. The added support closes with a Velcro strap and allows the bag to feel nearly weightless by transferring the majority of weight off one’s shoulders. Need more motivation to carry your bag? Research says that you’ll burn more than 1,400 calories walking 18 holes! sunmountain.com

BAG BOY
Bag Boy‘s new XLT-15 Cart Bag ($160) features a Clip-Lok organizer top that’s designed to hold clubs in place so they don’t clang into one another. The 11-way organizer top features 15 individual Clip-Loks that allow the user to snap the club shaft into place. Also features an external putter well, eight pockets, external tee holders and hidden umbrella sleeve. Great idea! Weighs seven pounds, offered in seven color combos. bagboy.com.

CLEVELAND
The new Hybrid ($170) stand bag from Cleveland features a 14-way top and full-length club dividers, plus 10 strategically placed pockets. But look harder and you’ll notice a few nifty features like a Velcro strip for your glove or putter cover, a rangefinder pocket, a trunk handle, tee sleeves and an oversized towel ring. It’s the MacGyver of golf bags. Weighs 5.9 pounds and comes in three color combinations. cleveland.com

ACCESSORIES

FOOTJOY
Featuring a proprietary waterproofing system called ECL (Extreme Comfort Leather), the DryJoys Tour ($170) from FootJoy guarantee that no water will penetrate your shoes for at least two years. But that’s not all these ultracomfortable and supportive new kicks feature. Look for full-leather linings, a polyurethane foot bed for super cushioned comfort and Cyclone cleats that grab the ground and won’t let go. Comes in eight different color options, including White Smooth/Brown Gator (shown). footjoy.com

ASHWORTH
Looking for a golf shoe that won’t look out of place in the clubhouse? Consider Ashworth‘s new Cardiff shoe ($120). Its molded rubber (and spikeless) sole combine with tumbled leathers and rich suede accents to take the Cardiff from the course to the clubhouse and beyond. Available in navy, white and black. ashworthgolf.com

ROYAL COLLECTION USA
As some of you know, Sonartec has been rebranded as Royal Collection USA, and the Japanese company recently released the JP104 series of woods. The driver ($440) features a driving cavity, strong CG and variable-face thickness for a thicker, circular sweet spot; the fairway woods ($250) have a shallow, wide profile for added forgiveness; the stainless-steel JP104 hybrid’s ($220) wider sweet spot makes it easy to escape the toughest lies; and JP104FH hybrids ($250) launch the ball like a fairway wood but with the control of a hybrid. We’re glad to see these clubs back on the market. They’re for better players, and solid ballstrikers will see a big payoff when they make pure contact. royalcollectionusa.com

COBRA GOLF

On the heels of last year’s white ZL Driver, Cobra Golf introduces its white S3 Driver ($475). Like its black S3 cousin, the new, limited-edition driver features E9 Face Technology, which increases its sweet spot by 30%. It also affords better players the ability to alter their ballflight and shape via its Adjustable Flight Technology. Comes with an all-white Aldila RIP Beta shaft and white Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G grip. Available in lofts of 9.5_¡ (S-flex) and 10.5_¡ (S- and R-flexes); 9.5_¡ in left-handed. cobragolf.com

BOLLE
The new Zander ($100) frames from Bolle feature something the company calls "EagleVision." What’s that? A technology that optimizes contrast in the green portion of the spectrum and results in an enhanced view of green nuances. Just the thing golfers need to see better on the links. But that’s not the only feature the golf-specific Zander boasts. Note the semi-rimless lens. That provides unobstructed views when addressing the ball. Smart. bolle.comSmart. bolle.com

TECH CORNER

SKYCADDIE
The SkyCaddie SGX ($399) from SkyGolf supports SkyCaddie’s database of courses offering Inter-active HoleVue, which enables the golfer to know the distance to any point on a hole. Another cool feature is SkyCaddie’s SGX SmartClub Technology. What’s that? SmartClub Tags that are located at the butt-end of the grip inform the golfer if a club is left behind, and track the geolocation and distances of each shot, while eliminating the distraction of manual entry. skygolf.com

CELESTRON
Two new GPS models manufactured by Celestron, the CoursePro ($99) and CoursePro Elite ($149, shown), have recently hit the market. How do they differ? The CoursePro holds 50 courses; the Pro Elite, 100. The Elite also features scorecard data and analysis, hazard maps and the ability to create a new course. Both models come in two different color combinations and include a mini USB cable, belt clip, carry pouch and AC adapter. celestrongolf.com

JRG
Senior GT Instruction Editor Jeff Ritter has released the JRG iPhone application, a free download that provides access to sample HD instructional content, Jeff’s top YouTube video lessons, hours of radio interviews and loads of bonus material. Viewers also can purchase up to 50 other high-definition instructional videos from full-swing, chipping, pitching, bunker-play and putting catalogs. To download, visit the iTunes App store and search "Jeff Ritter Golf."

SRIXON
Not sure which of the 84 configurations you should dial in on your Srixon Z-Star driver? The company’s new Srixon WeatherFIT app (free) for iPhones and iPads is here to help. It provides you with an accurate four-day weather forecast to help you select the proper face angle and weight settings for varying conditions. It even tells you which ball to play, Tour Yellow or Pure White. Available at the iTunes App Store.

PUTTERS

NEVER COMPROMISE
Remember the sweet Gambler series that Never Compromise introduced earlier this year? Well, they’re back with another flashy, high-end offering called "Dinero" ($299+). While the Gambler series featured Vegas-inspired artwork on the sole and hosel, the 303 stainless-steel Dinero boasts global currency symbols like the $, £, ¥ and €. What do we think of them? They’re money baby, money. Custom options available include grips, paint fill, length and lie. nevercompromise.com

PIRETTI
The Texas-based Piretti Golf has released two new putters. The 365-gram Matera ($285) is designed for players who like a wider profile, but don’t like to look at the lines of a deep pocket in the flange of the putterhead. Comes in a PVD black finish and a single or triple sight line or a sight dot. Like the Matera, the blade-style Potenza ($285) is milled from a solid billet of 11L17 carbon steel. The Potenza has a flow neck with half shaft of offset preferred with this style head. We’re big fans of this young boutique company, and it’s great to see more new models after last year’s sweet debut lineup. piretti.com

TAYLORMADE
This Est 79 series ($100), a handsome new value line of putters from TaylorMade boasts four blades and two mallets and are made from 303 stainless steel. Weighing a healthy 345 grams, they come in three lengths (33", 34" and 35") and feature a Surlyn PURE ROLL insert for a soft feel and true roll. Quality-looking stuff at a discount price. Nice! taylormadegolf.com

YES! GOLF
When Yes! Golf filed for bankruptcy last December, fans of their C-Groove putter line worried that they’d never be able to pick up one of the company’s flatsticks again. Fortunately Adams Golf purchased the company in an auction a month later. So if you’re in the market for one of their eight putter models (three new putters are debuting, including the Christina, shown), rest assured. They’re available for immediate shipment anywhere in the U.S. yesgolf.com

PUTTER TRAINING AIDS

The game’s best putters often stick a tee in the green and putt to it. This helps narrow their focus to a small point and makes the hole look that much bigger when they play. But the creators of Dead Center Putting ($10) say that doesn’t help ingrain good speed control. So they’ve developed a new training aid that does. Simply place the DCP’s insert ring in a golf hole and add either the beginner disk or the advanced disk to change the width of the opening. You can change the shape of the disk to alter which angle your putt approaches it from, so you can then lag putts at the proper speed. deadcenterputting.com

While video swing analysis has become de rigueur among instructors, putting analysis has mostly been relegated to high-end fitting studios. The folks at PuttingShark ($379) hope to change that. Their new portable putting analyzer and simulator records and measures one’s putting stroke–clubface angle, swing path, angle of attack, club speed and sweet spot deviation–so you know exactly what kind of contact you’re making. Simply connect it to your computer and start draining putts from everywhere. puttingshark.com

June 2011

Best Bets For Father’s Day

$300-$499

‹ Superstroke DCF
Think Dad will like a premium flatstick made from soft 303 stainless steel? Look no further than SuperStroke’s DCF putter ($350) designed by master puttermaker Bruce Sizemore. It features a Diamond Cut Face that increases the friction between the insert and the ball. superstrokegrip.com

Callaway Razr Hawk ›
It’d be hard to find two hobbies that appeal to men more than cars and golf. Callaway combines both in this year’s RAZR Hawk driver ($399). Featuring a forged-composite body from the engineers at Lamborghini, the RAZR Hawk caters to the needs of different types of players. callawaygolf.com

‹ Ping i15
If your father is a “stick,” he’ll appreciate the engineering of PING’s i15 driver ($349). It’s neutrally weighted for better players who don’t need help fighting a slice. With a big, deep face, the ballflight is amazingly consistent. ping.com

F2 golf ›
If you’re tired of hearing Dad complaining about shanking the ball, consider buying him a set of F2 Golf SE irons ($499/set of steel-shafted). These forgiving, easy-to-hit game-improvement irons feature the company’s famous dogleg hosel that’s curved away from the leading edge of the face and back to the shaft. This provides a larger sweet spot and less drag from the rough or sand, and practically eliminates the possibility of a shank. f2golf.com

‹ Shafts
Dad might have the newest driver, but does he have the right shaft? If he doesn’t, he’s missing out on Tour-like performance. Consider one of these three premium offerings that will complement his latest big stick:

The Tour AD DJ ($420) from Graphite Design has nanomaterial technology in its tip section that helps produce more distance while maintaining optimal launch and spin. UST Mamiya’s Attas-T2 ($399) features reduced ply inserts and maximized full-length layers that create a balance between torque and flex for more efficient shaft loading, while the 47-inch Mitsubishi Rayon’s Bassara Wyvern ($350) helps you increase your driving distance by maximizing clubhead speed. For more information, visit their websites: gdintl.com, ustmamiya.com and mitsubishirayongolf.com.

$200-$299

‹ Cleveland Xl 270
Someone you know looking for an extra few yards off the tee? Who isn’t? Cleveland’s new all-titanium Launcher XL270 driver ($299) was optimized with Right Weight tech, meaning it’s amazingly light and perfectly balanced so it doesn’t feel too light. Weighs an impressively featherweight 270 grams and launches the ball a mile. clevelandgolf.com

Srixon Z-Star ›
If Dad’s a tinkerer, he’ll love Srixon’s new Z-Star 3-wood ($249). The classic-looking fairway metal comes in two lofts (15_¡ and 18_¡) and has an adjustable hosel so you can alter its clubface angle and lie configurations for a true, custom fit–on the fly. srixon.com

‹ Aldila Rip
Here’s another shaft offering, but one that’s priced for less than $300. The Aldila RIP’s new Beta ($299) version has a slightly softer tip flex than the original RIP for a slightly higher launch and more spin. aldila.com

‹ Fujikura Blur
Fujikura’s new lightweight Blur ($299) shaft comes in three models and was built for golfers who want a light but very durable shaft. fujikuragolf.com

Piretti Golf ›
The classy-looking, well-balanced Cottonwood II ($265) from Piretti Golf was milled from a solid billet of 11L17 carbon steel. pirettigolf.com

$100-$199

‹ Sonocaddie V300+
If accurately measuring distances is a problem for Dad, consider buying him Sonocaddie’s V300+ GPS unit ($199). It comes preloaded with basic icon-based hole layouts for more than 16,000 U.S. courses and can be used right out of the box with no downloading and no fees. sonocaddie.com

Nike Lunar Control ›
Tour pro Paul Casey advised Nike on the creation of their new, lightweight Lunar Control shoes ($190), and with professional input, you know they’re built for performance, stability and comfort. They feature a waterproof leather upper, Lunarlon cushioning in the heel and a Nike Power Platform for more flexibility and greater natural motion. Oh, and they look cool, too. nikegolf.com

‹ Adams Idea Tech V3
The newest iteration of Adams’ popular Idea hybrid family, the Idea Tech V3 ($199) is easy to hit, thanks to an ultrathin clubface and tungsten weighting in its stainless-steel heads. A V-shaped, four-way cambered sole and recessed heel and toe areas reduce turf drag for playability and versatility, which reduces turf interference. adamsgolf.com

Mizuno MP T-11 ›
Mizuno’s MP T-11 wedge ($119) is forged from a special grade of mild carbon steel, for soft and consistent shots, and the QUAD-CUT grooves really add some bite. Just the right stick if Dad needs to generate plenty of spin. Perfect for better players who like to shape shots around the green. mizunogolf.com

‹ Grafalloy Booyah
Featuring a low bend point and a high-trajectory design to maximize launch angle, Grafalloy’s BooYah ($100) shaft is for anyone who wants a softer overall shaft flex. grafalloy.com

$0-$99

‹ IZZO Swami
The most affordable stand-alone GPS unit, the Izzo Swami 3000 ($99) measures yardages to the front, middle and back of the green. What’s better is that it’s loaded with every golf course in North America–a major upgrade from the previous model, which held only 10. izzo.com

Titleist Pro V1 ›
The number-one ball in golf has been upgraded for 2011. Titleist’s Pro V1 and Pro V1x ($58/dozen) balls boast different dimple patterns. The Pro V1 delivers increased spin control and a more consistent flight, thanks to a new ZG process core technology, responsive ionomeric casing layer, urethane elastomer cover and dimple design. The V1x provides longer distance and more consistent flight. titleist.com

‹ Nike Method Core
About half the price of last year’s Method putter, the Nike Method Core ($130) has a grooved face and polymer-aluminum insert, which Nike claims grabs the ball and gets it rolling faster. nikegolf.com

Grips ›
Grips are some of the most affordable and worthwhile gifts you can buy Dad, and with 14 clubs in the bag, we guarantee that something–driver, putter, wedge–needs to be regripped. Consider either buying him an entire new set or individual grips from Black Widow, Golf Pride, Itomic, Lamkin, Pure, Sharpro, SuperStroke, UST Mamiya or Winn.

‹ Grip Solid
If dad struggles to hold the club properly, consider buying him the Grip Solid ($20) a thin, flexible rubber strap that fits over your golf glove. Right hand only. gripsolid.com

Sharpro 3Cat ›
Sharpro’s new 3CAT grip ($4.99 cord, $3.99 noncord) provides the security of a velvet cord and the soft, tacky feel of a wrap. The addition of anti-torsion bars, made from higher-density rubber, positioned at the top half of the grip to work in conjunction with the soft cord, creates unrivaled control and security for the golfer. sharprogrip.com

‹ The Timeless Swing
It’d be hard to find a “seasoned golfer” with more longevity than Tom Watson. Consider his nearly historic victory at the 2009 Open Championship at age 59. Now Watson is parlaying his wisdom into a new book, titled The Timeless Swing ($30). Divided into seven easy-to-read chapters with many full-page color photographs, Watson’s new addition to the golf-book instruction canon may have been written from the perspective of a 61-year-old, but his knowledge is, well, timeless. simonandschuster.com

Trion: Z ›
As seen on young guns, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy, Trion: Z bracelets ($20-$23) and necklaces ($30-$37) combine a unique technology of magnets and negative ions to improve performance on the golf course and off. trionz.com

‹ Tifosi Slope
Tifosi’s Slope ($60) fits medium to large faces and is made from Grilamid TR-90, a highly flexible nylon. Comes in 14 different color options. tifosioptics.com

Tour Striker ›
The highly popular Tour Striker ($100) training aid comes in six models, including a 56-degree wedge, 5-iron and 7-iron. It’s just the thing a beginning golfer needs if he can’t grasp the idea of “hitting down on the ball.” tourstriker.com

‹ Tour Edge Backdraft
The most affordable putter on the market, Tour Edge’s Backdraft ($49) has a high-contrast white head and jumbo-sized grip, two technologies never before combined in putter design. touredge.com

Taylormade Targa Tour ›
Made from AAA cabretta leather, TaylorMade’s Targa Tour ($15) glove features micro perforations on its palm and back that facilitate airflow to your entire hand. And with more air cooling golfers’ palms, your hands stay cooler, and the glove lasts longer. The Targa’s Performance Lycra across its pinkie and ring fingers make for added flexibility. Wearing this glove made us feel dry, cool and confident. Not to mention pretty sporty too. taylormadegolfgear.com

‹ Bionic Performance
According to the folks at Bionic, traditional gloves reduce hand strength by 20%. This results in additional hand fatigue during a round of golf. But, they say, less than 10% is lost with the Bionic. That’s just one reason why you should consider buying their Performance ($30) glove. It also benefits people who suffer from arthritis or hand pain. Each finger of the Performance has three multilayered terrycloth and leather zones on the palm side that absorb moisture and help conform to one’s natural hand shape for a relaxed grip–thus putting less pressure on your hand. The Lycra in the finger and palm’s flexion zones makes the glove more flexible, cooler and comfortable. And its mid-axis longitudinal seam helps fight hand fatigue. We’ve played with Bionic for years and can attest that their support has been invaluable. bionicgloves.com

Cleveland Tour Action ›
Made from premium cabretta leather to ensure consistent feel and fit, Cleveland’s Tour Action glove ($19) yields the kind of feel Tour players love. We tested it out and its soft, comfortable feel felt as if we were wearing another layer of skin, not a leather glove. Perhaps that’s because Cleveland used a tanning process that utilizes hybrid resins to maintain the leather’s original softness. It felt as if the glove couldn’t and wouldn’t ever harden. Don’t be fooled by its luxury feel. This glove will stand up to many swings of the club. clevelandgolf.com

‹ Tiger Woods: My Swing
Want to capture your swing on the range and compare it to Tiger’s? Consider his new iPhone and iPod Touch app called Tiger Woods: My Swing ($9.99). It allows golfers to analyze their swings, compare them with Tiger’s and share them with Golfshot’s community. What a great way to analyze your swing and learn from the game’s best golfer. Available in 12 languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish. Proceeds benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation. To download, visit the Apple App Store. shotzoom.com

Cobra S3 ›
Cobra’s new, forgiving S3 fairway woods ($169) and hybrids ($127) were built for golfers who need some extra help launching the ball in the air. The fairway wood features a large, hot face and comes in three lofts with a stock Fujikura Blur shaft, while the hybrid comes in four lofts and can be purchased as part of a larger iron set. Comes in S3 Max version, too. cobragolf.com

Correction: The 2011 Golf Equipment Buyers’ Guide featured the Cobra S3 fairway woods and hybrids with incorrect images. We apologize for the error.

May 2011

TRAINING AIDS

V HARNESS
The V Harness ($150) fits securely around your shoulders, back and chest, and, as its promoters say, it actually forces you to swing with correct fundamentals. How? There are two short bungee cords that connect the harness to an adapter that fits on the butt end of your grip. When it’s fitted properly, the cords are taut and place you in the correct stance. That tension (or lack thereof) gives users instant feedback if they’re swinging correctly or incorrectly. There’s no denying how connected we felt and how easy it was to repeat a sound swing on the course. vharness.com

TR3 SPEED SLEEVE
Adding weight to a golf club will make you stronger, more flexible and more aware of the swing’s sequence. In the past, folks would either swing two clubs or slip a weighted “donut” on their club. Now TaylorMade is introducing the TR3 Speed Sleeve ($30). The weighted sleeve clips around a club’s shaft and Velcros closed so it fits securely. Once it’s in place, all you have to do is hit balls or stroke putts with it. When we tried it, we not only felt like we were getting stronger, but also got a better sense of the swing’s sequence. If we drifted out of position, we knew it. taylormadegolfgear.com

ACCESSORIES

SWINGRITE
The SwingRite ($149) is one of the game’s easiest training aids. Simply swing it and listen for a click when the club is released properly (in the highly desired “impact zone”). Need to work on your swing speed? All you have to do is adjust the head to make it easier or harder to get the “click” sound to happen. Works on swing speeds that range from 55 to 125 mph. swingrite.com

PIVOTPRO
Sway too much during your swing? The PivotPro ($89) can help you stop. Simply clamp your foot into its wedge-like brace (much like a ski boot) and make a swing without bumping into its affixed aluminum rod. It’s designed to help golfers turn their torso against their rear leg and their lead hip toward the target–two ingredients that generate a powerful pivot. Prevents casting and reverse pivots, too. Fits shoe sizes 7 to 14. pivotpro.net

2THOLE
Just like its name implies, the T2 Hole Golf Improvement System ($149) was designed to help you play better from the tee to green. The multipurpose training aid teaches you how to align your body on full shots, and grooves your putting whether your stroke is inside to inside, inside to straight or straight-back to straight-through. Available on amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.

Plop‘s new RSVP 2 CSH 1 ($250) is a response to PING’s famous Anser model. Standing for “Center Shafted Hosel,” the CSH 1 features a separately milled hosel and body, rather than one milled piece. This unique “floating” hosel fits the back of the putterhead right where you make contact, and for us, that produced really solid-feeling putts. Comes in 325-, 345- and 375-gram weights, and lengths from 30 to 37 inches. Custom options including LH versions available. plopgolf.com

GOLFBUDDY
The new, high-resolution, color, touch-screen GolfBuddy World ($299) comes preloaded with 30,000 worldwide courses and with the capacity to hold another 10,000. Features a full layout view of each hole plus an overhead view from tee to green. Want to know the distance to the pin? Touch the screen, zoom in and adjust the pin placement. This Touch Point Technology also provides users with an instant yardage reading from the ball to the green. Other features include a digital scorecard, statistical analysis and rechargeable lithium-ion battery, all in a shock- and water-resistant casing. golfbuddy.com

SONOCADDIE
Sonocaddie‘s new V300+ ($199) comes preloaded with basic icon-based hole layouts for over 16,000 U.S. courses, and again, that’s almost all U.S. courses. It can be used right out of the box with no downloading and no fees. Optional full Layout view is available along with the satellite photos available in two memberships–the Birdie provides 16,000 U.S. color layout and satellite imagery for $29.95 per year, and the Eagle membership gives over 28,000 worldwide layouts and satellite imagery for $49.95. sonocaddie.com

AGI
The 3-in-1 AG1 ($220) from Expresso functions as a golf GPS, portable media player (you can watch movies, view pictures and listen to music) and automotive GPS. Built to fit in a golf cart’s cup holder, the touch-screen AG1 measures distances to any point on the hole, measures shots, and keeps scores and statistics. Comes preloaded with all North American courses (USA & Canada). Also comes with a one-year warranty, built-in golf-cart mount and a car charger. expressogps.com

IZZO
Affordable and loaded with every golf course in North America. What could be better? Try no subscriptions or annual fees. Just charge Izzo‘s Swami 3000 ($99) and you’re ready to play. While still Spartan (it only gives yardages to the front, middle and back of green), the 3000 is a major upgrade from the current Swami 1500 model, which held only 10 courses. That model now discounts for $69. izzo.com

WEDGES

MIURA
Miura‘s K Grind ($250) wedge is ground by hand to exact specifications, and its unique “knuckle-like” sole design makes it easier to cut through the rough and wet sand. (That said, it performs exceptionally well from the short stuff, too.) We dug its unique but still classy looks, which we’ve come to expect from every Miura club. Available in 56_¡ and a variety of shaft options. miuragolf.com

ADAMS
Improved for 2011, Adams‘ new Tom Watson ($69) wedge boasts generous sole widths with a performance grind that prevents digging into the turf. These are a great choice for steep swingers, and the price is hard to beat. We love the black nickel finish and how much spin they produced. Available in lofts of 50_¡, 52_¡, 54_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡, 60_¡ and 64_¡, with various bounces. adamsgolf.com

SCRATCH GOLF
“Made in the U.S.A.” These days it’s virtually impossible to find something with that stamp on it. Fortunately not at Scratch Golf. Every component of its 8620-USA wedge ($99) is made in the States. Finished with a darker satin plating and a milled face, it looks like a Tour wedge but at a fraction of the cost. Comes in six lofts with three grind options each. scratchgolf.com

SHAFTS


MITSUBISHI The longer/lighter trend isn’t just for drivers. Consider the new, 47-inch Bassara Wyvern ($350) shaft from Mitsubishi Rayon. It has a slightly lower overall weight and elastic titanium fiber in its tip section that reduces deformation during shaft loading to help golfers transfer power. Don’t be scared. This long-ball producer was constructed for players of all abilities. Available in 43L, 43R, 53R, 53S and 53TS in various flexes. mitsubishirayongolf.com	GRAFALLOY And you thought Mad Money host Jim Cramer was the only person to get mileage out of saying “Booyah!” Now you will too. Graffaloy‘s new BooYah ($100) shaft uses high-modulus carbon fiber, and has a low bend point and a high-trajectory design to maximize launch angle and peak trajectory. If you want a softer overall shaft flex that yields a unique feel and energy transfer to the ball at impact and maintains stability, say, “BooYah!” Available in 45, 48 and 50g. grafalloy.com	MIYAZAKI Do you have an adjustable hosel driver and want to upgrade its shaft? Look no further than the Dromos ($300) shaft from Miyazaki. Its proprietary lay-up of composite fibers reduces the spine effect, and produces a consistent feel and performance, regardless of how the shaft is oriented in the clubhead. Available in 61, 72 and 83g in various flexes. miyazakigolfshafts.com

UST MAMIYA Want a shaft that yields a penetrating, midlaunch ballflight with tight dispersion and don’t mind forking out a few extra bucks? Consider UST Mamiya‘s new Attas-T2 ($399). It features reduced ply inserts and maximized full-length layers that create a balance between torque and flex, for more-efficient shaft loading and a smoother bend profile. The use of Ultra-High modulus, low-resin materials improves feel and creates a tighter shot dispersion. Available in 47, 52, 64, 65, 68, 73, 75, 83 and 85g in various flexes. ustmamiya.com	FUJIKURA The lightweight Fujikura Blur ($299) features a proprietary “Phantium” finish, plus what the company calls the thinnest, lightest spread Tow Carbon interweave. We liked its higher balance point that helps generate a faster swing speed while maintaining solid feel. If you like a mid- to mid-/high launch the 004 is for you; the 005 is stiffer in the butt and generates a midlaunch and spin. The TS-65 is for better players wanting a lighter-weight product without losing the stability that’s felt in heavier shafts. The 004 comes in weights of 47, 48 and 51g; 005 in 55, 58 and 59g; TS-65 in 65g. fujikuragolf.com	NVENTIX Most recently used by Jhonattan Vegas in his victory at the Bob Hope Classic, the unique Nventix Nunchuck ($259) boasts a “Tri-Zonal Stability” design that offers exceptional power and greater clubhead acceleration. How? The weighty 104-gram shaft has only one flex but was divided into three sections: tip and butt which are stiffer and the middle that boasts more flex. This eliminated shaft kick and most of the flex in the shaft. So there’s no droop in the shaft. Nventix claims its not just for long drivers. Everyone can benefit from its unorthodox construction. nventix.com

EYE WEAR

TIFOSI
Weighing just 34 grams, the Slope ($60) from Tifosi fits medium to large faces and is made from Grilamid TR-90, a highly flexible nylon. Features hydrophilic rubber nose and ear pieces for a no-slip fit. Comes in 14 different color options, including Pacific Blue (shown). Its GT lens tint features “object illumination,” which makes it easier to spot a ball in flight. tifosioptics.com

ADIDAS
Want to incorporate the same equipment that world-class cyclists and Olympic rowers use? Consider Adidas‘ newest offering, the Evil Eye Halfrim ($170). Features a wide angle of vision and Light Stabilizing Technology that increases contrasts in your vision. With two-way adjustable nose pads and three-way adjustable temples, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your face. Four swappable lens types are available, including polarized. adidas.com/eyewear

CALLAWAY
Featuring a techie look and a lightweight yet durable TR-90 Grilamid frame, the FT-IH ($200) from Callaway is semi-rimless so there’s nothing between you and the ball. Fits a medium to large head shape, and its Megol rubber nose and ear tips provide secure nonslip retention. shop. callawaygolf.com

April 2011

BALLS

NOW PLAYING: Titleist
How do you improve golf’s most popular ball? Make one that’s better. Titleist‘s new Pro V1 lineup ($58/dozen) is noticeably different from the last generation. The Pro V1 has 40 fewer dimples (down to 352) than its previous version and a tetrahedral design of five different dimple shapes. Look for increased spin control and a better trajectory. The Pro V1x only trims four dimples off the last version (down to 328), but with seven dimple designs there’s lower driver spin and hence bigger distance off the tee. Early word is that they’re more durable than ever. titleist.com

Wilson
Although they debuted last year, Wilson‘s three-piece FG Tour balls ($38/dozen) remain the company’s premium offering, but are significantly cheaper than those of its competitors. Wilson says that they’re built for long distance, spin and durability. We gave the 75 compression balls a test-drive last year, and they were buttery soft. Golfers with faster swing speeds may find too much spin off the tee, but it makes up for it around the greens. wilson.com

Bridgestone
Want to hit it big? We thought so. Bridgestone does too. Its three new e series balls ($27/dozen) were built specifically for players who crave more yards off the tee. How do they differ? The urethane-cover 2-piece e5 has great greenside spin, the multilayer e6 reduces sidespin for more accuracy and the high-speed, multilayer e7 generates faster ball speed for longer distance. What piqued our interest though is that all three balls feature “Dual Dimple Technology,” or rather two dimples in one. The inner dimple increases thrust power at launch for greater distance, and the outer dimple promotes a shallow angle of descent for longer roll. bridgestonegolf.com

Srixon
Used by Japanese sensation Ryo Ishikawa to card a 58 at last year’s Crowns tournament in Japan, Srixon‘s new, four-piece Z-Star XV ($45/dozen) has finally reached the U.S. It features a thinner cover than the Z-Star X, which it replaces, and a new dual core, both of which yield a ball that delivers a similar ball speed but with less spin off the driver face. (And, of course, that means bigger drives.) Worried about spin around the greens? Don’t be. Its new, thinner urethane cover means one thing: more short-iron spin. Look for it in yellow and white. srixon.com

Callaway
Callaway‘s Tour i series balls ($43/dozen) have been optimized for better durability. Both retain their recognizable HEX Aerodynamic pattern, Dual Core Technology and urethane covers that make the i series Callaway’s highest-performing ball. How to choose between the two? The (s) is the softest Callaway Tour ball ever with low driver spin and excellent greenside control, while the (z) delivers a penetrating ballflight throughout the bag. callawaygolf.com

SHOES

One of the items to make the most, um, noise at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day was Momentus Golf’s Speed Whoosh ($70), a training aid that promises to increase one’s swing speed by 7-10 mph. While it weighs the same as a typical driver, its flexible shaft allows you to swing it more than 20 mph faster than your normal big stick. Swing it just six times and you’ll notice that distance gain, says the company. What’s most helpful though is the auditory “whoosh” sound it makes in the impact zone, (when swung correctly). That’ll give you the right feedback so you can make solid contact again and again. momentusgolf.com
Oversized clubheads have been the rage for years and for good reason–they’re incredibly forgiving. But maybe they’re too forgiving. Hitting the ball off the heel or toe isn’t nearly as punishing as it was 10 years ago. Still, those shots don’t go nearly as far as ones hit on the sweet spot.

If you struggle to make consistent, flush contact, consider PSP Golf‘s The Little One ($120). First introduced in 2000, the severely undersized 7-iron clubhead (it’s the size of a standard club’s sweet spot) is designed so you make solid contact every time. pspgolf.net

Puma
As seen on the feet of 2010 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, Rickie Fowler, PUMA‘s new, full-grain leather (and waterproof) Cell Fusion ($180) shoes feature replaceable Smart Quill spikes and PUMA iCell cushioning in the forefront and heel, so you too can swing for the fences like Fowler. Puma and Fowler are making big, bold statements. Good to see. The Tour needs it. shop.puma.com

Adidas
Adidas‘ lightweight, affordable spikeless shoe, the Traxion Lite ($80) features Advanced Traxion Technology, which utilizes permanent gripping elements to promote superior grip, stability and comfort. Look for Adidas’ THiNTech low-profile technology that brings golfers closer to the ground for improved stability, power transfer and balance throughout the golf swing. Available in three color combos (white/university red/black, shown). Is spikeless a fad? It remains to be seen, but these are a nice addition to the growing list of offerings. adidasgolf.com

Nike
Tour pro Paul Casey advised Nike on the creation of its new, lightweight Lunar Control shoes ($190), and with professional input, you know they’re built for performance, stability and comfort. Features a waterproof leather upper, Lunarlon cushioning in heel and Nike Power Platform for more flexibility and greater natural motion. Oh, and they look cool, too. nikegolf.com

Champ
CHAMP‘s new Zarma spikes ($15/18) fall somewhere between Zen and karma, and give you all the traction you need. The three-material design includes a traction, cushion and base, and CHAMP’s “C” wear indicator. When the letter in the center of the spike wears down, it’s time to change. Clever. champspikes.com

PUTTERS

Wilson
Do you tend to pull or push putts? Well, chances are that your eyes aren’t looking directly down on the ball. The Wilson Vizor ($150) hopes to change all that with this futuristic-looking mallet that incorporates something called the I-Lock optic system that lets you know when you’re perfectly aligned (an indicator line in the slot turns white or red). With an aluminum body and stainless-steel periphery, it’s not too heavy to make a solid pendulum motion. Features a urethane insert and comes in both right- and left-handed models. wilson.com

Edel Golf
The Variable Weight ($500) line of putters from Edel Golf allow golfers to change the clubhead’s weight from 314 to 384 grams. Why would you want to do that? Increasing or decreasing the putterhead’s weight makes it easier to retain your normal stroke on greens with different speeds. While that may be true, what we really like is the Texas company’s craftsmanship. All its putters all milled from a block of 303 stainless steel and come in six head shapes. edelgolf.com

Never Compromise
Since 1997, Never Compromise has been producing putters of all shapes and sizes, but nothing quite as handsome as its new Gambler ($299) line. The four quality flatsticks are sure to turn heads on the course. The two blades and two mallets are made from soft 303 stainless steel and feature unique Vegas-themed artwork machined into the sole of each model. We had a chance to roll them at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, and they’re the real deal. Well-balanced, and with a soft face and just the right weight–jackpot! nevercompromise.com

Missing too many putts from within 10 feet? SKLZ‘ new Vari-Break Putting Green ($99) should take care of that. You can replicate virtually every putt you’ll ever have from within 10 feet: left to right, right to left, uphill, downhill, even double breakers. How? The Vari-Break comes with two foam wedges that you slip underneath its surface to change the green’s break. Comes with a putt pocket that you can move from

one side of the green to the other, to expand and shrink the amount of break by a few feet. A great idea. sklz.com

Nike
Grooves on a putter? Sure. The idea’s been around for a while (see Rife’s Roll Groove Technology), and last year, Nike got into the game with its premium Method, which made a splash on Tour. This year, they’re offering a more affordable version called the Method Core ($130). Nike claims the part of the white polymer grooves that’s not filled in grabs the ball and gets it rolling faster. Features a handsome black nickel finish. Available in three blades and two mallets. Good to see a more affordable version of the popular Method. nikegolf.com

Odyssey
When looking down on the clubhead of Odyssey‘s D.A.R.T. (Direction and Realignment Technology) putters ($179), you’ll see what looks like a dart pointing toward the target. The three converging white lines meet at the center of the clubface, and the golfer fills in the rest as the imaginary line extends toward the hole. Features a White Ice insert that’s been roughened to enhance the sound at impact and promote forward roll. There’s a lot going on with the D.A.R.T. line, but once you adjust to the sight lines, they roll nice and true. odysseygolf.com

CLUBS

Adams
Now in its fifth generation, Adams‘ Speedline drivers are built to counteract the drag created by large, 460cc clubheads. This year, its F11 driver ($300) addresses it by adding what’s called Velocity Slot Technology, or rather, a ridge, that helps reduce drag by up to 35% and add an extra 12 yards to your drives. Comes in a slightly longer shaft (45.875 inches) and four lofts. Draw models and fairway woods available too. adamsgolf.com

Cleveland
2011 will be remembered as the year when club companies gave us really cool-looking clubs. Cleveland‘s Mashie ($150) utility club boasts a cool Retro-Raw finish that brings to mind metal woods of the 1980s. Cool looks aside, the Mashie performs! With a Gliderail on its sole, it weighs 30 grams less than Cleveland’s last hybrids, and is just what you need to escape from any kind of gnarly lie. Comes in five lofts and a 59-gram Miyazaki shaft. clevelandgolf.com

Nike
The pear-shaped Nike VR Pro Driver ($400) boasts a compression channel on its sole that the com-pany claims makes it “hotter” and more forgiving. But its best feature remains Nike’s STR8-FIT adjustable technology, which allows golfers to tweak the club into 32 different positions to optimize ballflight and shape. Also new is a less obtrusive hosel. Comes in four lofts, 8.5_¡-11.5_¡ and has a four-piece titanium forging and a thin crown that subtracts weight. nikegolf.com

ACCESSORIES

Bag Boy
Bag Boy‘s lightweight aluminum Quad ($199) is the company’s first four-wheel model. It features oversized wheels, a handle-mounted parking brake, zippered storage bag, beverage holder and more. Nice to see a four-wheeled pushcart. Comes in six colors, including yellow, red and matte black. bagboycompany.com

Club Glove
Club Glove’s lightweight Sunday Bag ($99) comes in eight colors including silver (shown). Features a water bottle pocket, full-length divider, rain hood, umbrella holder and a 7-inch opening with two dividers. Custom embroidery available. clubglove.com

Champ
CHAMP‘s new Zarma Fly Tee ($5.99/40) features a wide, shallow cup that’s easy to place your ball on. Plus its side impact ribs create less friction, and that, as CHAMP claims, equals longer drives. Comes in 2__- and 3__-inch varieties. Biodegradable too. champspikes.com

Aldila
Last year, Aldila introduced its RIP shaft (which stands for Reverse Interlaminar Placement) that has lower torque, increased tip stability and better tip-stiffness control. For 2011, they’ve re-leased two new versions of the RIP, the Beta and Gamma ($299) that retain characteristics of the original RIP Alpha but with slightly different features. The Beta’s softer tip flex produces a midlaunch ballflight, while the Gamma retains the same launch characteristics as the Alpha but with a higher balance point for use with heavier clubheads to achieve a conventional swing weight. It’s smart of the company to improve on what has been a well-received shaft. aldila.com

Boccieri Golf
Pop quiz: What’s the lightest club in your bag? Answer: the driver. So why would Steve Boccieri of Heavy Putter fame want to make something called the Heavy Driver ($399)? Well, according to Boccieri Golf, it makes it easier to set your hands on plane, eliminate casting and other inconsistencies. The club received a lot of buzz at the PGA Merchandise Show this year for being the heaviest driver on the market, while sporting the lightest swing weight. (A 208-gram head is counterbalanced by a 50-gram weight in the butt end of the grip.) Look for his new heavy irons too. boccierigolf.com

Infiniti Golf
Infiniti‘s new 452 Players driver ($379) was built for better players who want to shape their drives. The engineers wisely designed a traditional-looking head that better “sticks” like to see at address, and kept the clubhead volume lower at 440cc. Features a square-to-open face at address. infinitigolf.com

MEASUREMENT DEVICES

Want pinpoint accuracy to the flag with a device that measures distances to the front, middle and back of green (not to mention creeks and bunkers) and that measures your drives? Consider Bushnell‘s new Hybrid Laser GPS ($499). It’s, as the company says, “distance made simple.” We liked how easy it was to use (we used the GPS portion more than the laser because its side display is very accessible).

Features PinSeeker Technology that hones in on the flag to the exclusion of trees, homes and other background distractions, like hackers on the next tee. Comes with 16,000 courses pre-downloaded and a rechargeable battery. bushnellgolf.com

Want to know how far away you are from the front, middle and back of the green, but don’t want to carry a GPS unit? It’s Garmin to the rescue. The company’s new waterproof Approach S1 GPS watch

($249) provides you with those yardages, plus it measures your shot’s distance and has a built-in odometer so you can measure how far you’ve walked. Comes with more than 15,000 U.S. and Canadian golf courses preloaded onto it. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts eight hours in GPS mode and three weeks in regular watch mode. The next time you play, the watch stays on! garmin.com

Callaway‘s sleek uPro mx ($199) is a handheld, touch-screen GPS unit that comes preloaded with 25,000 courses and a 2.2-inch full-color LCD screen. Two thumbs up for borrowing the cool touch-screen “swipe” function found on iPhones and the vertical/horizontal viewing option. Another bonus: aerial flyovers. Perfect for doglegs, blind shot

March 2011

NOW PLAYING CLEVELAND
With 16 models to choose from, Cleveland‘s new Classic Collection ($79) offers something for everyone. All models are made from 17-4 stainless steel and come in three different finishes: black platinum, platinum and BRZ (bronze). What really intrigued us, however, were how well made and gimmick-less they were. There’s nothing spaceship-like about them, just good solid craftsmanship. Come in three lengths (33", 34", 35") and with CNC-milled clubfaces. clevelandgolf.com

STX
The 2011 Sync Series Collection from STX improves on the company’s popular Sync models. Featuring new alignment aids, the 355-gram SS1 ($109), as it’s now called, is a center-shafted, “bullet back” design that places optimal weight directly behind the sweet spot. As with all STX putters, the SS1 has a F.E.E.L. (Friction Enhancing Elastomer Layer) face insert for a supersoft feel. We’re jazzed to test this out at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show as we were big fans of the original Sync. stxgolf.com

RIFE
Rife‘s new Montserrat putter ($149) features a slant-back design that’s reminiscent of 1960s’ blade putters. However, what we really like is that this modern version looks sleeker and rolls smoother than many “throwbacks.” Of course, it features Rife’s trademark vertical-alignment notch and patented RollGroove face technology. If you’ve never rolled a Rife, you’ll notice how soft and smooth the ball comes off the face. As are all Rife putters, the Monserrat is 100% milled and made of mild 304 stainless steel. Available in three lengths: 33", 34", 35"; weighs 345 grams. rifeputters.com

PING
The handsome, dark finish on PING‘s new Scottsdale putter line ($140-$180) stands in contrast to its white and maroon alignment aids, making at least the mallets that much easier to address (the blades don’t have the maroon coloring). With 14 models to choose from, including the new Wolverine model, there’s something for everyone and every taste: conventional length, midlength and long, Anser2, B60 and Craz-E Too. While we loved their soft feel and numerous model options, what stuck out the most was the finish. It just looks classy, even on the “futuristic” models. ping.com

PIRETTI
Made from either 303 stainless or 11L17 carbon steel, Piretti Golf‘s five new handsome putters ($265 ) feature Optimal Roll Control (O.R.C.) for feel and control. When we test-drove them, we liked how well-balanced they felt, as if they could swing themselves without much effort on our part. Their precise milled face with a single-pass deep pattern provides consistent performance at impact, but you’ll notice a bit harder feel at impact than putters with inserts. Still it was hard to complain, given how well they performed. All putters have a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish (either Midnight Black or Satin Stainless) that produce a durable, nonglare finish. pirettigolf.com

NIKE SQ MACHSPEED
Nike’s second-generation SQ MACHSPEED ($300) comes in two clubhead shapes (square and round). How does it differ from last year’s model? Well, for one thing, it’s got a cool black finish; the other is that it’s lighter. (The clubhead is the same weight; the shaft and grip are lighter.) Perfect for golfers who like to tweak their setup because both models feature STR8-FIT adjustable-face-angle technology. Look for a larger clubhead in the square model (in breadth and face area), which increases the MOI and ball speed across more of the face. nikegolf.com

FOURTEEN GOLF ST-110 DRIVER
The traditional-looking, but modernly engineered four-piece, premium, ST-110 Driver ($699) from Fourteen Golf features an aerodynamic crown that combines two different types of Titanium: 15-3-3 that’s used close to the clubface and KS-100 near the rear. Engineers combined those superlight materials to lower the CG toward the sole and provide a higher launch angle and, hence, yield longer drives. A great stick, but are you willing to drop $700 for it? Test it and see. fourteengolf.com

GOLF PRIDE V-RAD RIVALRY
With so many new putter grip designs flooding the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Consider size, shape, design and materials. Golf Pride answered them all in their V-RAD Rivalry putter grip ($10), which is just the thing you’ll want if you’re feeling patriotic on the links. We dug its light (though not superlight) semi-pistol shape, too. In particular, we don’t like grips that are distracting when we putt, and the V-RAD offered the perfect blend of tackiness and texture without calling too much attention to itself”other than its cool looks. golfpride.com

LAMKIN E.B.L
Lamkin‘s four new E.B.L. putter grips ($6.99-$10.99) were named after the company’s founder, Elver B. Lamkin, and made with the company’s 3GEN synthetic rubber compound, a soft and tacky material that’s easy to grip. We tested all four new models and can say that it all comes down to which shape, size and texture you like to feel in your grip. We really dug the ones with surface pattern (E.B.L. Pistol, E.B.L. Paddle and E.B.L. Midsize Paddle). If you like a smoother feel, go with the tacky, but texture-less E.B.L. Smooth Pistol. lamkingrips.com

WINN GRIPS
Winn Grips introduces two new grips that will help you play better golf and contribute to two worthy causes. The 5LF-Hero ($8.49) features WinnLite grip technology, which not only makes your club lighter but makes it easier to swing faster, too. The M8WS-BPK ($6.99) is a soft, tacky and comfortable Excel material, which comes in a Medalist pistol size. What we liked the most, however, was that proceeds from the sales of both go to worthy causes: the Troops First Foundation and Breast Cancer research. All in all, it’s a win-win for Winn. winngrips.com

LAMKIN R.E.L
Lamkin‘s new R.E.L. grip ($7.99) features the company’s patent-pending 3GEN synthetic rubber compound and a distinctive surface pattern so the golfer can apply light grip pressure and gain more control of the club throughout the golf swing. Comes with either white or black butt cap. Weighs 52 grams. lamkingrips.com

NIPPON N.S. PRO MODUS3 TOUR 120
Swing like a Tour pro? (Or at least close to one?) Then you’ll benefit from Nippon‘s new N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 ($35/club) steel irons shafts. The Japanese company wisely spent lots of time talking with PGA Tour pros to develop these players’ shafts. They produce a desired trajectory, accurate distances and tight dispersion that low-handicappers crave. The shaft weights range from 114 to 126 grams and come in S, X and Tour X flexes. It’s good to see one of the best shaft companies designing a line specifically for better players. nipponshaft.com.

BURTON PREMIER
The durable and luxurious Premier ($279) cart bag from Burton is crafted from premium ballistic nylon and genuine leather, and features a six-way fully padded velour top with full-length dividers, eight functional pockets, including a luxury valuables pocket and an oversized ball pocket for ample storage space. Offered in Dark Brown/Olive, Dark Brown/Dark Khaki, Black/Charcoal and Black/Black. burtongolf.com

ROYAL COLLECTON USA
It’s been a long and winding road for Sonartec clubs in the U.S. Now known as Royal Collection USA, the company will release fairway woods, hybrids and irons back to the North American market in the first quarter of 2011. We were big fans of Sonartec, so this is exciting news. Consider that the company is one of the most popular in Japan and has never paid any pros to play its clubs. Designed for better players, the new clubs promise to generate low spin and are built for optimal control. royalcollectionusa.com

MARUMAN SHUTTLE I4000X
The solid-looking and premium Shuttle i4000x ($229) from Maruman comes in six models with lofts that range from 15_¡ to 30_¡. The maraging 200 clubface helps to create a solid club that absorbs impact shock. Although not a household name yet in the U.S., the Japanese company has been slowly making headway, proving that you don’t need to be a “big boy” to turn heads. maruman.co.jp/english

IT’S JUST GOLF
At 22, Stephen Fangio lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. A prosthetic was out of the question, because it was amputated at the hip. But he didn’t let it stop him. In 1997, he competed in numerous PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour qualifying tournaments. Now the 52-year-old instructor, motivational speaker and aspiring Champions Tour player, is passing along his knowledge in his golf-instruction video series titled It’s Just Golf with Stephen Fangio ($19.95). The first offering focuses on relaxation, foundation, grip and the proper mind-set to swing the club. fangiogolf.com

SMART GLOVE
Smart Glove($34) by Sklz helps place the golf club in the proper position on the golfer’s lead arm and keeps that arm’s wrist firm so you don’t break down and “scoop” the ball. Plus you can remove its stability bar in the back and use it as a legal glove. We love good training aids, and this one addresses a couple major flaws that golfers suffer from. Try it if you have trouble with any of the above. sklz.com

GT Poll (source: golftipsmag.com)

Which Phrase Best Describes You?
I don’t hit the ball far enough. 15.6%
I slice it too often. 19.1%
I take too many strokes around the green. 15.6%
My head gets in the way. 4.5%
My contact isn’t very crisp. 12.7%
I wish I was more consistent. 32.5%

CALLAWAY HX DIABLO
Callaway‘s new two-piece HX Diablo golf balls ($20-$26/dozen) also come in a three-piece Tour version. What’s the diff? Well, when we tested them, it came down to a difference between distance and feel. We got a few more yards with the Diablo version, and a little more feel from the Diablo Tour. (Although, to be honest, the HX was pretty darn soft for a two-piece.) callawaygolf.com

POLARA GOLF BALL
Can’t hit the golf ball straight? Always holding up play by looking for your ball in the woods? Consider the Polara Golf Ball ($28-$35/dozen). Originally introduced in 1977, these nonconforming balls are back on the market and feature a special dimple pattern that produces preferred spin, like a gyroscope. Simply point the arrow down the fairway when you tee off, and Polara claims it’ll eliminate your hook and slice by up to 75%! Comes in a two-piece and three-piece model. If it speeds up play, why not? polaragolf.com

AB GOLF DESIGNS’ THROWBACK
AB Golf Designs’ Throwback ($24-$28 per cover) head covers look and feel like old-school wool, but are actually made from polyester fibers from recycled plastic bottles. Comes in three-piece and four-piece sets ($75 and $90, respectively), too. Hey, traditional looks and forward-thinking technology? What could be better? Eight traditional pom-pom styles available. abgolfdesigns.com

TOP FLITE
Repackaged, rebuilt, reset. Top-Flite‘s newest offerings, the D2 ($16/15 balls) and Gamer V2 ($20/dozen) promise big distance and better feel than what people used to call Rock-Flites. The two-piece D2 comes in four models, but we tested the Feel. While they won’t make their way into a Tour player’s bag, they did feel softer than we expected, and at $16/15 balls, it’s hard–no, it’s impossible–to beat the price. The three-piece Gamer V2 still feels pretty firm, but flew a mile. Maybe that’s because it (and the D2) feature Dimple in Dimple aerodynamics, a patented cover design that reduces drag. topflite.com

SHANO DESIGN
Shano Design‘s distinguished line of divot tools includes the Blue Sapphire Celtic Triple Ball Mark and Divot Tool ($110). It’s made from .925 sterling silver and blue sapphires. Its smooth backside makes monogramming a breeze. Classy stuff. For more designs, visit shanodesigns.com

GROOVE RT
Tired of inconsistent tee heights at the driving range? Frustrated that rubber tees are too short, too tall or broken? The Groove RT ($6.99) adjustable-range tees screw up or down so you can tee the ball exactly the height you want. Hit off thick mats or use an oversized driver? Use the oversized model. Hit off thin mats or want to tee up some 3-woods? Try the regular size. Great idea! Why hasn’t anybody else ever thought of this? precisiontees.com

In our 2011 Golf Power Annual, we wrote that, “Over the years, the only change to grips is in their materials, from leather to rubber.” That’s not true. Winn Grips constructs their grips from polymer. Golf Tips regrets the error.

November-December 2010

NOW PLAYING: DRIVERS

PING‘s new K15 driver ($299) has a 460cc clubhead and a clubface that’s longer from heel to toe. The company’s Straight Flight Technology weighting moves 10% of head mass toward the heel, a move that helps square the clubface for consistently straight tee shots. Comes in three lofts, 9.5_¡, 10.5_¡, 12.0_¡. pinggolf.com

Titleist‘s new, adjustable 910 drivers feature a dual-angle hosel that enables golfers to set 16 different loft and lie combinations to better optimize their ballflight. Also new for 2011 is a fast face design with a larger maximum ball speed area and improved launch and spin face map gradient. Comes in one of three stock shafts (Diamana, Aldila and Project X) and an additional 83 custom shaft offerings. D2 and D3 (shown) models available. Look for 910 fairway metals and hybrids early next February. titleist.com

The detachable face Alpha 610 ($395) from DnA Golf features an elastomeric face insert that allows golfers to tune their driver for optimal distance and desired acoustic levels. Each DnA driver also includes a custom logo of your choice integrated into the club’s crown. dnagolf.com

Cleveland‘s new Launcher Ultralite series ($299) features three different models in three different weights. The Tour Trajectory “TL 310,” the lighter, faster “SL 290” and the lightest, fastest model, the “XL 270”, which may be the lightest driver ever. Each comes in three loft options and fitted with a Miyazaki C. Kua Series shaft. The XL 270 comes in a draw model also. Available in RH and LH. clevelandgolf.com

The fourth generation in Adams Speedline series, the 9064LS ($379), is an aerodynamically shaped driver that cuts through the air and generates a faster swing speed. That equals bigger drives (Adams claims 15 yards more). That’s why so many guys on the Long Drive circuit swing it. Features a massive face for big-time forgiveness. Available in 8.5_¡, 9.5_¡ and 10.5_¡ models. adamsgolf.com

TITLEIST

DnAGOLF

CLEVELAND

ADAMS

The premium Dixon Fire golf ball ($75/dozen) boasts a recyclable cast urethane cover and, what the company calls an “energy-intensifying mantle” and a “high-intensity green core with ignite technology.” What’s that mean? Well, when we tested them, it meant long, incredibly soft golf balls that perform exactly how you expect them to. dixongolf.com

TaylorMade‘s Burner 2.0 irons ($699-899) feature a glare-resistant “Burner Black” PVD finish, and have been enhanced from last year’s models to boost distance, uniform distance gaps and yield a more satisfying feel and sound. They feature varying weight distribution, different face thicknesses and toplines that get progressively thinner as the clubs shorten. What’s really nice is that they’re still as long and forgiving as last year’s model. taylormadegolf.com

Want to play the world’s best golf courses but don’t want to pay or travel? Consider Dancin’ Dogg Golf’s OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator ($399). The plug-and-play in-home game connects with Windows computers. Up to four players per round can compete by hitting real balls, foam balls or no ball at all. What we think you’ll like the most though, is that you can accurately record your clubhead speed, face angle, swing path, distance, tempo, face contact and ballflight, too. dancindogg.com

Mizuno‘s two new “player’s” irons, the MP-53 and MP-63 irons ($899-$999) both feature Diamond Muscle technology for better feel, workability and control. How do they differ? The MP-53 has a thicker topline and is a bit more forgiving, plus weight is redistributed around the cavity to achieve the largest sweet spot ever in an MP iron. The MP-63 retains the iconic head profile. Both were designed with the assistance of Mizuno’s Modal Analysis and Harmonic Impact Technology, which tunes the sound of impact to deliver the ultimate in feel. (mizunousa.com) Want to get fit for your perfect set? Visit mizunomatch.com.

Oban‘s new Kiyoshi shaft ($350) is the latest addition to the company’s high-performance line. Utilizing Oban’s Emersion Wrapped Frequency Technology, the Kiyoshi is just the shaft you need to produce high launch/low spin for longer distance and tighter dispersion. obanshafts.com

Used by Paula Creamer to win the U.S. Women’s Open, TaylorMade‘s new Rossa Daytona Ghost ($129) features the same white color as its mallet predecessor. Looks good and feels soft too as a result of its polymer-filled grooves in the face. taylormadegolf.com

The highly affordable Backdraft GT+ putter ($49) from Tour Edge has a high-contrast white head and jumbo-size grip, two technologies never before combined in putter design. Why white? Its high level of contrast helps you focus on the putter’s leading edge and alignment aids, giving you the best possible visual presentation for accurate aim. Blade and two mallet styles available. touredge.com

Some Tour pros recently asked for lighter shafts, Miyazaki responded with their new C. Kua series shafts ($129-$249). (Boo Weekley, among others, has put the 39 series in play, making it the lightest shaft ever played on Tour.) They come in three distinct driver and fairway wood flexes and two hybrid families. Look for a premium golf finish on the driver and fairway wood shafts and dark gray hybrids. miyazakigolfshafts.com

BAG IT!

The Eazy Bag ($159) eliminates the need to lift your clubs up and over the edge of the bag, greatly reducing the strain on your shoulders and back. The unique Club Lock System keeps your clubs secure, organized and protected. Comes with wheels on its base. ltgolf.com

Datrek‘s lightweight Sabre ($149) stand bag includes a 10-inch top with eight individual full-length dividers, nine pockets, a scorecard holder sleeve and an easily accessible insulated water-bottle holder and ball pocket. Designed with a rubberized lift assist handle, a stylized hip pad and an ergonomic molded carry handle. Offered in a variety of color combinations. datrek.com

Bag Boy‘s Revolver Plus Cart Bag ($179) features a 360_¡ revolving-top design for easy access to your clubs. Plus the company’s innovative Clip-Lok technology keeps clubs and shafts from banging together. Includes 11 compartments including a large cooler pocket and a fleece-lined valuables pocket. Also from Bag Boy is the affordable T-700 ($79) golf travel cover, which fits up to a 10-inch cart bag. Comes in three color combos. bagboycompany.com

TRAINING AIDS

Used by numerous PGA Tour pros, including major champions Padraig Harrington and Stewart Cink, SKLZ’ new easy-to-use Practice Pod Pro ($19.95) is designed to help golfers find the correct body position and direction of the golf swing. Features a three-rod alignment system to help golfers set up squarely, as well as hit draws and fades, and a shoulder-alignment mirror to help self-monitor proper positioning. SKLZ.com

The Floppy Indoor Golf Ball ($19) is made of a proprietary fill core, surrounded by a rubber shell and a hand-knit cover. It spins like a real golf ball with true feel and feedback. Safe to use and practice anywhere. Go on, just try to break a window! thefloppy.com

Tom Watson’s first ever instructional DVD, Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime ($49.95), features three hours of content and represents the culmination of his more than 50 years in the game. The eight-time major championship winner shares lessons that he learned as a boy as well as those he gleaned from Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Sam Snead. The two-DVD set is available at tomwatsondvd.com, retail stores and pro shops or by calling (800) 993-5589.

Wear marks prematurely destroying your golf glove? The Grip Solid ($19.95) seeks to remedy that and other grip issues you might have. The thin, flexible rubber strap fits over your golf glove and ensures that you’ll hold the club in the proper position every time. Right-hand only. gripsolid.com

Can’t find the perfect tee height on the course? Try the TwistTee ($5.99/3-pack). The adjustable golf tee comes in two sizes (27/8-35/8 inches and 21__ã4-25__ã8 inches) and makes it easy to adjust tee height for any driver face. twistteegolf.com

APPAREL

As seen on Christina Kim and Carin Koch, Druh‘s handmade leather and snakeskin belts ($100-$200) range in color from turquoise to pink and 15 different leathers from crocodile to ostrich. Buckles come in brushed nickel, polished silver or gold. druhbeltsandbuckles.com

The Olie Superlite Pullover ($100) from Sunice is the perfect choice when you need an extra layer without extra bulk or weight. The superlightweight __ zip pullover offers a poly/spandex blend that provides full freedom of movement. Available in Black/Shadow, Pure White/Royal, Midnight/Shadow and Charcoal/Lime. sunice.com

Etonic‘s new, ultralightweight Stabilizer golf shoe ($150) is lined with “Outlast,” a NASA-engineered material that reduces heat and moisture inside the shoe by more than 40 percent. The upper is made from a microfiber material that reduces weight by 20 percent while providing a soft and supportive fit that doesn’t lose its shape. etonic.com.

Drymax Golf claims the fiber technology that’s woven into all the company’s sports socks ($8-$10) keeps your feet up to 25 times drier than socks made with wicking fibers. “They dry at the speed of sweat,” says Drymax’s founder. Sounds good to us! Available in white and black. drymaxsports.com

Inspired by the current barefoot running trend, the designers of TRUE linkswear‘s TRUE tour shoes ($159) believe Mother Nature is the best engineer. Their shoes feature a wide toe box and a TPU sole that’s just 2.5mm thick! Worn by PGA Tour pro and the company’s cofounder, Ryan Moore, these golf shoes weigh a mere 11 ounces. truelinkswear.com

Fairway & Greene introduces four fashion collections for 2011, including the Cape Cod Collection ($60-$90), which takes classic colors and infuses them with a modern freshness, and the Sanibel Collection ($60-$105), which draws inspiration from the surf and beautiful shades of blue and green, plus classic navy and white. fairwayandgreene.com fairwayandgreene.com

EYE WEAR

Pilla Performance ($449 for two pair) claims that its bulletproof (yes, bulletproof) “Ballistx” lens material is the clearest sports lens on the market. Its light-management system lightens up the putting surface so the user can see and perform with greater accuracy than ever before. Comes in two golf models. (Liberty, shown). pillasport.com

Switch Vision sunglasses ($169-$249) feature a magnetic, interchangeable lens system, so you have great clarity no matter what the weather. Incredibly comfortable, too. switchvision.com

Need protection from the sun but don’t want to spend a fortune? Consider the Maxx sunglasses ($20). That’s right, twenty bills. Choose from 23 different models in their golf collection. (GT shown). maxxsunglasses.com

July-August 2010

NOW PLAYING: IRONS

Tour Edge‘s new and affordable Bazooka HT Max irons ($259 and up) were engineered to improve higher handicappers’ games. How? Each HT iron has a different blade length, face height, top-line size, offset, bounce and MOI that help to optimize its distance, trajectory, spin and forgiveness. Look for a progressive undercut cavity that lowers the CG in the long irons for higher-flying shots, and raises it in the scoring irons for more spin and greater feel and control. touredge.com

MacGregor‘s new and highly forgiving M85i irons ($799) mark the company’s reentry into the golf market. The irons feature a deep undercut back cavity and a low, deep CG combined with stronger lofts to create a hot, high trajec-tory. What’s best is the multimaterial medallion inside each cavity that dampens vibrations and makes them feel great. Available exclusively at Golfsmith locations and golfsmith.com

Hippo‘s new hybrid iron set, the XXL ($399), was designed for players who want the most forgiving and accurate iron possible–and who like the iron-wood look. Available with Hippo’s proprietary graphite shaft or True Temper steel shafts. Super easy to get airborne. hippo-golf.com

A thin top line, constant offset through the set and a beveled trailing edge on the Adams Idea Pro Black CB1 irons create the look and feel low handicappers crave. The premium set (it rings up for $899-$1,099) features eight Tour-styled forged-carbon-steel heads with a nickel-chrome-plated and black PVD finish. Expect a penetrating ballflight and an exceptionally soft feel. Nice! adamsgolf.com

Feel Golf‘s new Lee Miller Signature wedges ($119) merge the company’s existing muscle back with a cavity-back design. The company also changed the metal composition, varied the club’s head weight, redistributed mass, lowered the center of gravity and introduced CNC “Micro Milled” face lines. What does this mean for you? Feel claims these changes help combat the recent groove changes by bringing back the majority of “ball-to-face friction.” Available in 10 lofts: 46°-73°. feelwedges.com

Want to walk in the shoes of an LPGA Tour pro? Now you can. Adidas Golf introduces two new offerings that reflect the personalities of Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis. The Signature PAULA ($120) features bold colors and Paula-inspired ribbon graphics. The Signature NATALIE ($100) features contrast deco stitching throughout with rhinestone inlays. Both feature THiNTech low-profile technology that helps bring the foot lower to the ground. adidasgolf.com

From Williams Sports, the same people who bring you F1 cars, comes the Black Diamond Series. Ringing up for a cool $50,000 a set, the series includes a $12,000 handmade Italian leather golf bag, a VIP pass for a Formula One race anywhere in the world, 24K solid gold inserts in the weight ports, and shafts coated with ionized 24K gold particles. Want to be custom-fitted? Thankfully there’s the more affordable Player Series ($499/driver). williams-sports.com

Amino Vital’s Focus Zone contains 2,400mg of the company’s proprietary amino acid blend, including glutamine, electrolytes and Vitamin C. But what’s best is that you can try it for free. Visit FocusZoneSample.com or amino-vital.com to receive your free sample. Developed with feedback from PGA Tour pros.

Designed by PGA instructors, including Mel Sole of the Ritson-Sole Golf School, Golf Genie, a 64-page Tee to Green Pocket Guide ($15), is packed with lots of tips and advice. It features great visuals that help golfers of all levels hit key shots. Available in retail stores, golf pro shops and as an iPhone app. USGA approved. golfhelptips.com

Sway too much during your swing? The PivotPro ($89) can help you stop. Simply clamp your foot into its wedge-like brace (much like a ski boot) and make a swing without bumping into its affixed aluminum rod. It’s designed to help golfers turn their torso against their rear leg and their lead hip toward the target–two ingredients that generate a powerful pivot. Prevents casting and reverse pivots, too. Fits shoe sizes 7 to 14. pivotpro.net

Geox‘s new line of footwear, the Protech WPF ($220) was designed specifically for professional players. It’s more stable and flexible, thanks to a torsion system in its TPU, which was applied to the upper in the heel area, and features a technology called Net System, which guarantees breathable comfort in the shoe. geox.com/golf

The Spotless Swing Golf Towel ($20) is three golf towels in one. The outside keeps your hands, face, gloves and grips clean and dry, while the inside removes dirt, mud and water from your golf clubs. Plus it features a textured fabric that cleans your grooves. spotlessswing.com

Odyssey’s new Backstryke putter ($199) comes in three styles: the Marxman, 2-Ball and Blade. What separates it from the rest of the pack? It features something called “visible face alignment,” an unobstructed sight line that aids with alignment. It also features “forward press stabilization” (a natural shaft lean toward the target) that promotes the proper hand position that produces better roll, stability and top spin. Comes in lengths between 33 and 35 inches. odysseygolf.com

We were big fans of Clicgear‘s pushcart at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, so when we heard that they had introduced an improved version, we couldn’t wait to see it. (We weren’t disappointed.) The Clicgear Model 3.0 ($199) includes a larger console, removable beverage holder, four new accessory mounts, an improved easy lever brake, new storage net and improved grip material. Comes in seven colors, including kiwi, orange, silver and red. clicgear.com

The sporty Millwood drycool polo ($75) from Abacus is made of a cotton/polyester drycool pique, but feels like a cotton polo on the outside. However, the polyester drycool fabric gives the polo the same features as a functional polo; the wicking draws moisture away from your body keeping you comfortable and dry. Features a pocket on the left chest, and a print on the right sleeve. Comes in apple/cactus, lagoon/Hawaiian ocean and white/navy. abacus-outdoor.com

The affordable, efficient and easy-to-use Belt Caddy ($20) securely holds your tees, balls, divot tool, ball marker and glove. So no more carrying lots of sharp, bulky items in your pockets? Sounds good to us! Clips on to your belt or directly to your clothing. golftools.org

Callaway claims their new, X-24 Hot Irons ($699-$899) are the longest, most accurate X-Series irons ever. How’d they do it? Well, they utilized Callaway’s proprietary VFT Face Technology, 360-degree undercut channel and a precise center of gravity to create a large and effective hitting area. Look for a new Stealth PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish that reduces glare. callawaygolf.com

The retro-hip Pow Golf Gloves ($19) come in two different styles: the Townie and Noonan (men’s and ladies’ versions available). Both come in houndstooth and argyle styles and feature different cuffs and closures. Made from cabretta leather. powgloves.com

The custom-made putters from Edel Golf come in three unique designs that can be built to a golfer’s specific needs: Basic, Variable Weight and Variable Loft (shown). All putters are precisely milled from a block of 303 stainless steel and are available in six head shapes. edelgolf.com

TaylorMade‘s new Rossa Corza Ghost mallet putter ($159) has received a ringing endorsement from putting guru Dave Stockton, the man who helped Phil Mickelson find his stroke. Features a white mallet that makes it easier to see the leading edge, and three black top lines that make aligning your putts a breeze. Comes in 33-, 34- and 35-inch models. LH too! taylormadegolf.com

BOOKS

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Kelly Sullivan Walden’s new book Zone Golf ($19) claims to be the only book that demonstrates how self-hypnosis can help you master your golf game. Follow her program, she claims, and you’ll say goodbye to the yips for good. Comes with an accompanying audio CD of self-hypnosis tracks.

A number-one bestseller in the UK, John Richardson’s Dream On ($24), chronicles the 24-handicapper’s quest to break par–in one year (while maintaining his full-time job and family life). We won’t give away the ending, but it sounds like he read our magazine.

Written by Neil Hayes and Brian Murphy, The Last Putt ($26) tells the story of the 1995 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship–and the changing face of golf. Who played? An “all-American” OSU team against the culturally diverse Stanford squad of Notah Begay, Casey Martin and, oh yeah, Tiger Woods. The face of golf was never the same.

First published in 2005, Robert Sidorsky’s updated version of Golf Courses of the World: 365 Days ($30) includes information and photos on 365 of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, 200 of which are new entries. Stretching 744 pages, it includes 500 photos, and plenty of information on courses open to the public.

Gary Player isn’t just one of golf’s most recognizable players, he’s also one of its most successful businessmen. Now, in his new memoir, cowritten with Dr. Bob Rotella, called Don’t Choke: A Champion’s Guide to Winning Under Pressure ($20), he writes about the pressure-packed situations he faced, how he handled them and what you can learn from his experiences.

June 2010

NOW PLAYING: PUTTERS

Engineered with a stainless-steel outer body and a urethane inner section to maximize perimeter weighting and increase its MOI, PING‘s Jas Craz-D ($199) is a multimaterial marvel. Features a lightweight nanonickel insert for a better feel at contact. Available in RH and LH models, it also comes in a Craz-E version. ping.com

The natural bronzed finish of Titleist‘s Scotty Cameron California putters ($299) feature the same technology as Cameron’s Studio Select line, but come in more lengths and weights. Precision milled from soft 303 stainless steel and fitted with circular weights in the heel and toe, each model comes in 33-, 34- and 35-inch lengths as well as 34- and 35-inch heavier-weight configurations. Four models available: Coronado, Monterey, Sonoma and Del Mar (shown). titleist.com

A stainless-steel head with a milled face and a clear, yellow, urethane face insert helps the Adams a7 Select ($69) putter stand out from the rest of the pack. We liked the splash of yellow color, both in the putterface and the grip; not to mention the soft feel at impact. Comes in four models: two Anser style, one blade and one mallet. adamsgolf.com

Weight is placed deep in the rear corner of Rife‘s Deep Blue series ($169) for increased stability and a high MOI. What we liked the most however is its fully milled 6061 anodized-aluminum face insert that yielded a solid feel and impact sound. Perfect if you want better distance control and like bold alignment aids. rifeputters.com

A “Stability Slot” cavity located behind the face of the new Dynacraft Prophet Tour irons ($35/clubhead) enhances their playability, feel and control. But what we like the most is how smooth and surprisingly easy they are to hit. Custom-built from 3 to SW, with a variety of steel or graphite shaft options. hirekogolf.com

Cobra‘s S2 driver ($299) features an adjustable hosel that changes the face angle from neutral to closed to open. Plus it has 9 Point Face Technology that helps promote ball speed across the entire clubface. Comes in four lofts, 8.5_¡, 9.5_¡, 10.5_¡ and 11.5_¡. Stock shaft is Fujikura’s Fit-On Max 65 (L, R, S, X flexes). Measures a lengthy 46 inches. cobragolf.com cobragolf.com

Designed for better players, Adams‘ Idea Pro Black hybrid ($199) delivers a penetrating ballflight and the ultimate trifecta: big distance, forgiveness and workability. Slightly offset with a thin sole for better digging and 25 grams of low, rear weighting, the Idea Pro Black is compact and workable–just the club you need to escape any lie. Built with a maraging-steel face and 17-4 stainless steel, it comes with a stock Aldila VooDoo or Matrix Ozik shaft. Comes in five lofts: 16_¡, 18_¡, 20_¡, 23_¡ and 26_¡, and three flexes, X, S and R. adamsgolf.com

Bridgestone‘s J38 Black Oxide wedge ($119) features precision shaping that aims to replicate the finer hand-ground Tour-level wedges. Plus the Variable Bounce Technology sole has less bounce on the heel and toe, so you more easily can open and close the face. Available in five lofts (52_¡-60_¡) with DG steel shafts. bridgestonegolf.com

TOP NEW CLUBS THAT SPORT AN ALL-BLACK FINISH

Cleveland‘s CG7 Black Pearl irons ($799/$999) feature a black pearl finish that’s so sweet, we can barely stand it. All the cool Gelback Tech and heel-toe weighting is still there, only it’s jet black. Plus they’re remarkably forgiving. And with new groove rules, the Laser-Milled grooves seem to really help hold the greens. Comes in a Tour version, too. Available in a variety of steel or graphite shaft options. clevelandgolf.com

The aggressive Mack Daddy Grooves on the Callaway X Series Jaws wedge ($109) produce maximum spin, control and versatility, and the forged 1020 carbon steel makes for Tour-level feel. The C-shaped sole relieves the heel, toe and trailing edge. Comes in lofts of 50_¡, 52_¡, 54_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡, 60_¡ and 64_¡, and choice of steel or graphite shaft. callawaygolf.com

From master club maker, Jesse Ortiz, comes the world’s first bendable hybrid. The Workshop Edition ($199) from Bobby Jones Golf are the only hybrids that can be bent (and thus change your lie and launch angles). So, if you consistently slice the ball, now you can close the clubface; if you tend to hook it, all you have to do is open it. It’s the first time the average golfer has what Tour pros have had at their disposal. Comes in four lofts: 16_¡, 18_¡, 20_¡ and 22_¡ (and replaces your 1-4 irons). Three flexes: senior, regular and stiff. bobbyjonesgolf.com

Shaft stalwart UST Mamiya has entered the grip market with three new offerings: the Pro DC, a half-cord grip preferred by better players looking for torsional strength in the upper hand and a soft, velvety feel in the mid and lower section of the grip; the Comp SC, which utilizes the latest compression molding technology and finest rubber, and provides low torque as well as the ultimate in traction and feel; and the Tour PC, a proprietary blend of the finest natural and synthetic rubber compounds, which promote a velvet-soft feel and a glint texture for an exceptional torsionally tight, long-lasting grip. ustmamiya.com

Sonocaddie‘s new touch-screen V500 (15 courses for $29.95, 100 courses for $49.95) comes preloaded with 16,000 U.S. golf courses in a color course layout, and the options to download a total of 22,000 worldwide courses. It stores a total of 30,000 courses, features a scorecard and has no annual fees. sonocaddie.com

Rulesixteen ($15) from rule golf is a streamlined divot-repair tool and ball marker that features a rectangular shape and makes it easier to visually extend the line of your putt and aim better. Its one-of-a-kind ergonomic design and well-weighted, metal body sport a slide-action ball marker. ruletwentyone.com

Club Glove‘s new HotStepper II Bag ($129) is a lightweight stand bag for golfers who love to walk. Weighing only three and a half pounds, the second-generation bag is the company’s lightest stand bag to date, offering supreme functionality. The HotStepper II includes a collapsible leg stand, five pockets, a dual shoulder strap that converts to a single strap for caddies and a functional lumbar pad for maximum comfort. clubglove.com

The tailor-cut Pure Touch Limited Glove ($28) from FootJoy is made from some of the softest, most exclusive Cabretta leather we’ve ever felt. In fact, it felt so luxurious–almost like a thin layer of air on our hands–that we felt guilty gripping a club with it. Comes in a sophisticated package design and in five sizes. Available only in a limited number of shops. footjoy.com

Featuring the same innovative and eco-friendly design of the original Epoch, the new Epoch-S3 ($8.99/50) incorporates the company’s Sweet Spot System that takes the guesswork out of consistently teeing at the proper height by aligning the ball with the driver’s “sweet spot,” assuring optimum distance on every drive. And they’re made out of recycled materials. evolvegolf.com

The La Fresh Golf Pack ($5.99) includes three insect-repellent wipes, three SPF 30 sunscreen wipes, two shoe-shine wipes and two deodorant wipes. In particular, the sunscreen wipes are a great alternative to bottles and tubes that make a mess in your golf bag and make your hands greasy. lafreshgroup.com

Having mapped more than 25,000 courses worldwide, it makes sense that GolfLogix ($39/year) made its software available for smartphones. The new GolfLogix smartphone software not only gives precise yardage, but also tracks your stats. It runs on iPhones, Blackberrys, Google’s Android and Nokia Symbian models. On March 1, the company introduced the upgraded version 1.2 of its smartphone software, resulting in nearly two dozen upgrades that improve its functionality and graphics. For more information, visit the iTunes store or golflogix.com

Louisville’s SMART ProB.E. ($309-$339) features an enlarged pear-shaped clubhead that was developed with the feedback of a four-time PGA Tour champ, and is the perfect kind of throwback club for anyone who thinks metal woods just don’t cut it. The 250cc clubhead comes in an 11_¡ version. Available in five flexes (R, S, X, A, L) and graphite and steel shafts. louisvillegolf.com

New from Tiger Shark, the Pressure Zone grips ($7.50/each) feature Modified Taper Technology, which essentially means these grips don’t taper down as much as standard grips. They actually stop tapering midway through the grip, which both alleviates excessive tension in the upper hand and also provides added control for the lower hand. Other cool features include SuperStroke LITE Tech (the grip only weighs 40 grams) and a SyntheTac material for exceptional gripping, water wicking and shock absorption. tigersharkgolf.com

The new V1 Golf iPhone app ($9.99) is the only mobile swing software that allows you to compare your swing (in a side-by-side comparison) to a pro’s. Developed by the makers of V1 Pro, golf’s most popular video-analysis software, users can capture and e-mail their swing to a golf instructor for professional analysis. Video drill library available, too. For more information, visit the iTunes app store.

Three perfect clubs for the u.s. open

The weighting scheme of PING‘s i15 3-wood ($229) actually has a fade bias. Perfect for better players who want to manipulate their trajectory and hit a variety of shots”and fairways. Comes in three lofts (14_¡, 15.5_¡, 18.5_¡) with PING TFC 700 or UST Mamiya AXIVCore graphite shafts. pinggolf.com

It’s the world’s first adjustable-face wedge! With the TaylorMade TP xFT wedge ($129), you can replace worn-out grooves with a brand-new face, or alternate between aggressive and nonaggressive grooves. Perfect to escape what will be long Pebble Beach rough. Available in six lofts (52_¡-64_¡) with DG steel shafts. taylormadegolf.com

The finely crafted Cameron Studio Select putters ($325) from Titleist are milled from high-grade stainless steel and feature two fixed heel and toe weights for even better stability at impact. Their great feel and weight will help contenders get the ball rolling the exact right distance on Pebble’s greens. Eight models available. titleist.com

May 2010

Now Playing: Scratch 8620 Wedge

Scratch‘s 8620 wedge ($99) comes in three grinds: the sweeper/slider for those who pick the ball off the ground; the driver/slider for players who take mild divots with their wedges; and the digger/driver for aggressive and steep swing types. Comes in five models, from 50_¡ to 60_¡. scratchgolf.com

The conservative head shape of Adams‘ Tom Watson wedge ($99 per 3-pack) is designed for optimized performance, versatility and forgiveness, while its aggressive box-groove volume enhances spin and control. Available in both Classic and Players grinds, and in satin or chrome finish. Lofts range from 52_¡ to 64_¡. There’s even an HL (high loft) model. adamsgolf.com

Grain-flow forged from 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel, Mizuno‘s MP T-10 wedge ($120) provides a soft, solid and consistent feel around the greens. Players looking to maximize spin control should dig its aggressive and consistent Quad Cut Grooves. Lofts range from 50_¡ to 64_¡. Comes in White Satin or Black Satin finish. mizunousa.com

Bridgestone‘s J38 Black Oxide Precision wedge ($119) is shaped to replicate the finer hand-ground Tour-level wedges and incorporates Variable Bounce Technology for less bounce on the heel and toe, so you can more easily open and close the face. Its CNC-milled clubface yields consistent distance control and extra spin on shorter shots. Available in five lofts (52_¡, 54_¡, 56_¡, 58_¡, 60_¡) with DG steel shafts. bridgestonegolf.com

SeeMore‘s mSeries DB4 putter ($295-$325) is a classic blade that’s all about alignment. The heel-shafted plumber’s neck visually deflects the red dot and white lines of the alignment system away from the ball, which helps eliminate optical distraction. (And it works!) Perfect for golfers who struggle with aiming and aligning putts. seemore.com

If you find it hard to bend over and pick your ball out of the cup, the folks who invented the Pic Putter ($129) can help. This cast, stainless-steel mini mallet has an underside cavity that not only creates heel/toe weighting, but also is shaped like a golf ball and works like a suction cup. What’s best is that the Pic head is small enough to fit inside a golf hole–without damaging the lip. Features a CNC-milled face, offset head and user-friendly alignment markings. USGA approved. ghosttape.com

The copper-infused face insert on Cleveland Golf‘s new Classic BRZ series putters ($89) produces a soft, responsive feel–just the thing to build confidence on the green. Perfect for golfers who want a classic-shaped value putter with lots of 21st-century technology “under the hood.” Comes with an oil-treated cloth that prevents oxidation. Four models available, each finished in bronze PVD to minimize glare. clevelandgolf.com

Weight placed deep in its rear corner gives Rife‘s Deep Blue putter ($169) great stability and a high MOI. Not to mention it feels super soft on contact due to a __-inch-thick fully milled aluminum face insert. Great for golfers who like light putters that are easy to align. rifeputters.com

The center body cutout of PING‘s iN 1__ã2 Wack-E putter ($170) moves weight to its perimeter and increases stability during the stroke. Golfers who crave a soft impact will appreciate the first-of-its-kind, nano-nickel-plated, lightweight polymer face insert. Ten models available, many of which are company staples. pinggolf.com

FootJoy‘s new Sport shoe ($135) features an EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) midsole for a lightweight cushioning underfoot, and full-grain leather uppers that result in a breathable shoe. Comes with CHAMP Stinger cleats and a two-year waterproof warranty. footjoy.com

Claiming to be the lightest shoe in golf, the V-Lite Zero G ($99) from Hi-Tec weighs a mere 10 ounces. (Really, can a shoe be any lighter than that?) Add it all up after 18 holes and you’ve got a shoe that weighs two tons less than a normal shoe. Featuring a tech mesh upper and EVC (ethyl vinyl acetate) midsole. One-year waterproof guarantee. hi-tec.com

Nike‘s new Tour Premium shoes ($250) sport a rich, full-grain leather upper and a plush full-length Phylon midsole that creates what the company calls a “king-size footbed with exceptional cushioning.” Plus they stabilize your feet for better balance. How? Via the Nike Power Platform TW (TPU). They come with a two-year limited warranty and Scorpion Stinger Spikes. nikegolf.com

It’s A Wrap

Cleatskins’ Golfskins ($25) help take golfers from the course to the clubhouse without requiring a change of shoes. Constructed of SKINTEK rubber, a unique formulation of compression-molded rubber, Golfskins cups the bottom of your golf shoes to extend the life of cleats, help improve mobility and safety on asphalt and provide a sealed barrier to keep dirt and grass out of your home and car. Available in six colors. cleatkskins.com

The new SkyCaddie SGX ($399) from SkyGolf supports SkyCaddie’s database of courses offering Interactive HoleVue, which enables the golfer to know the distance to any point on a hole. Another cool feature (debuting in June) is SkyCaddie’s SGX SmartClub Technology. What’s that? SmartClub Tags located at the butt-end cap of the grip inform golfers if a club is left behind, and track the geo-location and distances of each shot. skygolf.com

Sun Mountain‘s new power-assisted Micro E Cart ($799) is the perfect alternative for golfers who like to walk the course, but not push a cart or carry a bag. All you have to do is walk behind it and steer. Features cruise control and dynamic braking that keep the cart rolling at a consistent speed. Folds down easily and fits into a car trunk. Weighs 25 pounds (battery weighs 20 pounds). Available in black or silver. sunmountain.com

Cleveland Golf‘s new CG1 Tour irons ($799) feature a level of forgiveness never seen in a blade. The split-cavity-back long irons and muscle-back mid/short irons look traditional and provide extra forgiveness and the workability and feel of a blade. Using the precision accuracy of a laser, each face features four perfectly calibrated texture lines milled between each groove. clevelandgolf.com

The Callaway Tour Authentic umbrella ($49) features a 68-inch wide canopy and is made from 100 percent nylon fabric. Features a custom molded handle and can resist winds up to 60 mph. Perfect for those blustery spring days and, apparently, hurricanes. callawaygolf.com

Tour Edge‘s new HT Max fairway wood ($119) features advanced heel-toe weighting that helps deliver longer, more accurate shots from the short grass. Features four internal weight cavities in the heel and toe that lower and deepen the CG for a higher MOI. An added power boost comes from a face that’s 15 percent larger and creates an oversized sweet spot for consistent shots. Comes in four lofts (15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡) and with a stock UST Mamiya shaft (L, A. R, S, X). touredge.com

The Acer Insider ($19.95/clubhead) features an optical alignment system designed to help each club sit squarely behind the ball. It’s easy to align and one of the best values of any club we’ve seen, plus the crown has variable thickness for better energy transfer and a higher MOI. Comes in three lofts (16_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡) with custom shaft options. hirekogolf.com

Louisville‘s new, persimmon NIBLICK Vanguard__ðs ($209-$239) boasts that 70 percent of its CG is located below the ball’s equator when it strikes the face, making for a quick, easy launch and a trajectory that lands soft. Incorporates a vertical stripe in the insert, making alignment easier at address. Comes with a V-shaped stainless-steel soleplate and either a steel or graphite shaft (L, A, R, S, X flexes). Right-handed only. Three lofts: 16_¡, 21_¡ and 24_¡. louisvillegolf.com

The Black Widow Fusion grip ($3.99 to $9.39) from Softspikes features a dual-compound material that’s firm where you need it and soft where you like it. But what we liked the most is that, like the variety of other new grips from Black Widow, the Fusion has an aggressive pattern that breathes new life into a lesser-exciting product category. Standard weight. softspikes.com

The PTS Evolution golf tee ($8) from PrideSports is an environmentally friendly golf tee engineered with a head design that creates less friction between the golf ball and tee, and delivers enhanced aerodynamics for longer drives. Features the popular Professional Tee System that identifies the golf tee lengths that work best for today’s metal woods. Available in two lengths and made of recycled plastic. pridegolftee.com

Fatten Up

The 85-gram SuperStroke Lite Fatso ($40) from Tiger Shark features a slip-on design for easier installation and a multicompound material that’s both tacky and durable. But its mammoth size is what makes it perfect for golfers who struggle with the yips. tigersharkgolf.com

November-December 2011

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November-December 2010

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