More Golf Equipment

TecTecTec Rangefinder: Affordable Power

TecTecTec – maker of technologically-advanced yet affordable laser rangefinders for golf which are Amazon’s No. 1 category seller – introduces the VPRODLX 1K, the company’s most advanced rangefinder to date, which can accurately measure distances up to 1000 yards away.

Precise within one yard, DLX 1K models feature an ultra-clear, multi-layered optical lens for excellent visual clarity and 6x magnification with diopter adjustment to ensure golfers can easily lock onto any object and receive exact yardages. The new models are available in standard ($179) and “S” editions ($229) featuring PinSlope Technology to calculate elevation-adjusted distance to the target.

All TecTecTec rangefinders feature three scanning modes – Pinsensor measures overlapping targets, including flagsticks and wooded areas; Target Priority displays distance of the closest subject; and Scan Mode helps read distances to hazards. The new VPRODLX 1K is available in red, white, black and silver color options.

“The technology in the rangefinder category has increased dramatically in recent years and our VPRODLX 1K offers tremendous performance at an unbeatable value,” says Renan Lore, Director of TecTecTec. “Our advanced optics make it extremely comfortable and easy for golfers to lock onto their target, especially at long distances.”

Weighing just 0.41 lbs., the VPRODLX 1K models are compact, water resistant and extremely durable. Included with purchase are a premium carrying pouch, CR2 battery, wrist strap and microfiber cleaning cloth.

Additional models in the company’s line-up include the VPRO500 and VPRO DLX. TecTecTec rangefinders are backed by a two-year warranty, 24/7 access to customer service and a full refund on products returned within 30 days of purchase.

Beyond golf products, TecTecTec manufactures cameras, drones, projectors, security systems, speakers and rangefinders for hunting.

www.us.tectectec.com

New Book Goes Deep With Ping Golf

PING’s new book, “And The Putter Went…PING,” an inspiring and comprehensive look inside the family owned company that revolutionized the way golf equipment was designed and manufactured, goes on sale May 1.

The book chronicles PING’s heritage and its on-going efforts to advance golf technology for the benefit of golfers of all skill levels. It takes readers behind the scenes of a genuine American success story that began in the family garage of Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian immigrant and mechanical engineer who invented the PING putter in 1959.

Written by Jeffery B. Ellis, author of “The Clubmaker’s Art: Antique Golf Clubs and Their History,” the book contains nearly 1,000 pictures, many never-before published, to offer a visual history of the brand. Ellis also reveals several heart-warming and humorous stories for the first time. More than 70 people were interviewed and thousands of hours were spent researching the company archives and industry pe riodicals to help illustrate the rich and influential history of the brand named for the sound made by its first product. the PING 1A putter.

““And The Putter Went…PING” represents a 4½ -year effort with contributions by several current and former PING employees, friends of the company, golf professionals and industry leaders who shared their memories and insights into what has made PING such a special company with millions of loyal customers all over the world,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO.

“We’ve shared a lot of personal stories and recalled many special memories dating back to the early days in our garage and leading up to the company we are today,” Solheim continued. “Our family and employees have been very fortunate to be part of the golf industry for nearly 60 years. The book is a reflection of our never-ending commitment to making golf more enjoyable, and a tribute to all the golfers who have relied on PING products to play their best. We wouldn’t have a story like this without their belief in our products and processes.”

The 530-page, 16-chapter book captures Karsten’s pioneering spirit and his amazing ability to solve problems through innovative solutions that set industry standards still in effect today. You’ll learn about the early obstacles the company faced and the Solheims’ determination to overcome them while staying true to the principles that still guide the family owned company today. Two chapters are devoted to the highly publicized and vigorously debated “square groove” controversy of the late 1980s, in more depth than ever reported.

For fans of PING’s extensive product line, the book documents the evolution of PING’s innovative and game-changing products and the inspiration behind them, including the story of the legendary PING EYE2 iron and its impact on golfers around the world. The unmatched success of the Anser putter and its continued influence on putter design more than 50 years after its invention is covered in detail.

Karsten’s pioneering role in custom fitting and the impact of tour professionals on his fitting process is documented in a chapter that takes readers inside the logic of the iconic PING Color Code Chart and the science behind the company’s top-rated fitting systems.

The book is published by Zephyr Productions, Inc.

Gadget Chargers Pack A Punch

From the hardcore outdoor enthusiast on a two-week backpacking trip to the executive ditching the office for a weekend family rafting adventure — or a golf-powered guys’ trip — going off the grid does not necessarily mean leaving all electronics at home these days. Digital cameras, handheld GPS units, tablets for reading and movie viewing in the tent at night, these devices all need a power source. It’s the same for modern players who love to use GPS and game-tracking golf apps when they play and practice. The battery charger that keeps these devices fueled must stand up to all types of conditions. myCharge has created its new All Terrain line of portable gadget chargers specifically for rugged use.

All Terrain battery chargers are encased inside an insulated and ruggedized exterior case with a flip lid that latches closed to seal off ports. The unique design of the All Terrain chargers protects them from drops up to three meters. If accidentally immersed in water or if liquid is spilled on an All Terrain, it will remain waterproof for up to one hour at depths as great as two meters. The insulation built into the case of the All Terrain chargers protects the batteries inside from extreme heat and cold guarding against degradation and a loss of power. And, when latched closed even the smallest grain of sand — golfers know sand very well — will not be able to work its way into the port on the All Terrain.

Constructed to meet military-grade specs and available in 3000 mAh and 6000 mAh versions, the All Terrain battery chargers provide enough power to recharge smartphones, tablets and other mobile electronic devices. The All Terrain has a maximum power output of 2.1A via one USB port connection, while the All Terrain Plus pumps out 3.4A of power across two USB ports for dual charging purposes. Both devices can be connected to a wall outlet, car adapter or computer for recharging, using the included micro-USB recharging cable.

“Spending a weekend camping in the woods, riding four-wheelers in the desert or fishing with friends on a boat in the middle of the ocean no longer means cutting the cord with your electronic devices,” said myCharge President Jim Dara. “While disconnecting can be a stress reliever, there are also situations when you might need a backup power supply to take an amazing photo or pull up directions home on your GPS. That is where the All Terrain product line steps in to provide the power needed with the added assurance of a device that can withstand the demands of an outdoor adventure.”

Some proprietary myCharge features include:

Hyper-Charge charges smartphones – including the new iPhone 6 Plus – up to 30% faster than the Apple-supplied charger.
Safe Cell Technology delivers 12 layers of battery and device protection against over-charge, under-charge, over-current, over-temperature and short circuit.
Rapid Recharge Technology recharges myCharge power banks up to four times faster than competitor’s chargers.
Power stay Technology retains up to 60% of a full charge for up to one year.
SmartSense Technology ensures device compatibility eliminating those annoying “not compatible” messages as seen from many chargers in the market.
Parallel Charging Technology simultaneously charges a mobile device and the charger at the same time, minimizing total charge time.

The All Terrain retails for $39.99 and the All Terrain Plus retails for $59.99.

www.mycharge.com

PGA Show Day 3: Gear Spotlight

TaylorMade M1 Driver

TaylorMade Golf has made a name for itself the past several years by re-inventing its product lines. That makes its 2017 a bit unusual as the company’s new M family of metal woods line, which debut here at the PGA Merchandise Show, carry the same name as the 2016 line. Oh, and there’s that small bit of news that a guy named Tiger has joined the TaylorMade team, which was announced on Jan. 25, the first day of the show. So that’s one new name for sure.

The technology in the 2017 line, meanwhile, is different than the 2016 line, according to TaylorMade, in that it has “have pushed the boundaries’’ of golf club engineering with the M1 driver.

For example, TaylorMade says the 2017 M1 driver features a new, lower density Titanium alloy called “9-1-1’’ and an added carbon toe panel that accounts for 43 percent more carbon composite than its predecessor.

The two-tone crown of the M1 driver, according to TaylorMade, incorporates a proprietary six-layer Carbon composite panel that is precision-fit to the skeletal titanium body using an FF2FF process, which the company says is a breakthrough engineering technique that results in manufacturing repeatability for consistent, aggressive looks and performance.

The M1 driver carries a suggested retail price of $499.99 and is offered in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees. Left-handed models are offered in lofts of 9.5 and 10.5 degrees.

TaylorMade’s P750 Tour Proto irons have been in Jason Day’s bag for the ast few weeks, but they’re making their public debut here at the PGA Merchandise Show.

TaylorMade P750 Irons

The P750 Tour Proto irons are true forged blades, each with a shallow cavity, and made of 1025 carbon steel. TaylorMade says each iron is created using a new, multi-step forging process that culminates with a “high tonnage’’ strike, three times more forceful than a standard forged press.

This process, according to the company, ensures precise, near-net head shaping requiring minimal hand polishing, resulting in a pure “players’’ iron with soft feel. The face and grooves are CNC milled for high precision, as is as the back cavity of the iron. TaylorMade says the extra step of milling the cavity ensures that the face thickness, CG (Center of Gravity) position and weight distribution are maintained to the highest standard.

P750 irons feature a thin topline (thinner than the P770) and minimal offset for a blade-like look preferred by our Tour players. Additionally, TaylorMade says the P750 irons each incorporate a narrower sole and tighter leading edge for improved turf interaction.

P750 Tour Proto irons ($1,600 suggested retail price 3-PW) will be available at retail on March 17.

David Leadbetter Joins Club Champion Team

Club Champion, one of America’s top clubfitting companies has signed an endorsement deal with world-renowned golf coach David Leadbetter to spread the word on the benefits of club fitting. With advances in golf club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball further and more accurately. Yet a recent study found that 90 percent of U.S. golfers may be playing with improperly fit clubs.

Leadbetter is a top instructor and has coached players to 20 major championship titles and over 100 individual worldwide tournament victories. Seven of those players have been ranked No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. When it comes to understanding the importance of having properly fitted golf clubs, no one is better qualified than Leadbetter to speak on the subject.

According to Club Champion President Joe Lee, “David is an ideal representative for Club Champion. His reputation as a top instructor and his understanding of club fitting make him uniquely qualified to speak to golfers on the topic of fitting.

For more than 30 years, David has operated the Leadbetter Academy. He and his instructors have seen countless players fall short of their potential because of improperly fitted golf equipment. David states, “A club fitting will definitely help any golfer play better. My students all benefited from club fitting. Lessons are critical, but if you’re fighting your equipment, you can only progress so far. Properly fitted clubs will make it much easier to lower your scores. I’m confident, Club Champion will find the perfect clubs for you.”

Club Champion is the leader in club fitting and is ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters six years running. The company hires experienced fitters who then receive an additional 150-plus hours of training before starting; a training program that is unmatched in the golf industry. Club Champion’s unique coupling system combines any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. With more than 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations, they deliver a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots, with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate. Their approach is unbiased; no specific vendor is promoted. The only goal – find the best combination of components to lower your scores. Rather than having to change your swing, sometimes dramatically, a professional club fitting takes the swing that you have and optimizes the performance characteristics of the clubs to allow golfers to achieve the best result possible. For more information or to schedule a fitting, call Club Champion at 888.340.7820

David Leadbetter is an icon in golf, credited with inventing the modern golf instruction industry. David’s unique and holistic approach to the golf swing has helped countless Tour professionals reach the pinnacle of the sport including 21 Major winners and seven No. 1s. Currently, he is coach to several LPGA Tour Players including Michelle Wie as well as PGA and European Tour players such as 2015 Rookie of the Year Byeong-Hun “Ben” An and Rafa Cabrera-Bello. Aside from coaching his players, his focus on teacher training and development has helped grow his network of elite coaches and Leadbetter Golf Academies across the globe. www.davidleadbetter.com

Better, Healthier 1st Tee & 10th Tee Bars

It seems hardcore golfers have been around 1^st Tee and 10^th Tee bars forever (well, at least since they debuted in 2001). They’re a staple for players on the go, nutritious and tasty and filling, and packed with the energy we need to keep the pars and birdies coming through the whole 18. And now they’re even better.

SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the bars, have rolled out the new 1^st Tee Plus+ and 10^th Tee Plus+ Bars to replace the establish favorites.

“The best bar on the market just got better,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at SCNS. “We improved our product to make it healthier while still offering consumers the great taste our bars are known for.”

SCNS has removed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and artificial flavors from its four original bars (1^st Tee Oatmeal Raisin Bar, 1^st Tee Chocolate Peanut Bar, 10^th Tee Peanut Honey Bar and 10^th Tee Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar). “We believe consumers will be happy with the new recipe,” said Stewart. “In fact, most golfers we spoke with really liked the taste of the new Plus+ bars.” The Golf Tips taste test bears that assertion out — the Plus+ bars do, indeed, taste better than the original, whether you’re famished at the turn or just grabbing one as a snack anywhere, anytime. They’re not quite a sweet, which is a good thing, and for folks who prefer non-wheat products, they are gluten-free.

As for the company’s other three bars — 1^st Tee Honey Almond Gluten-Free Bar, 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bar, and 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars — they remain unchanged as the original recipes were free of HFCS and artificial flavors.

SCNS bars are sold and marketed to golfers through 2,500 green grass outlets and online through the company’s website and at over 2,000 golf courses and retail outlets across the United States. SCNS is a Gold Partner to The First Tee, and donates $0.15 to The First Tee on every Trail Mix bar sold.

www.golfenergybar.com.

Club Fitting: The Perfect Golf Gift

What do you give the golfer who has everything? Custom club fitter Club Champion has the answer. Whether your golfer is great at the game or a casual player, give them the same tour quality club fitting PGA pros get on tour. Club Champion’s premium club fitting can help golfers gain up to 20 yards (or more) in distance and more accuracy; allowing them to enjoy this wonderful game of golf to the fullest.

With advances in club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball further and more accurately, yet a 2011 Golf Magazine study found that 90% of U.S. golfers may be playing with clubs that don’t fit properly. Most golf stores use stock club-fitting carts provided by club manufacturers. While these carts offer options, golfers are unable to mix and match shafts and club heads between different carts to determine the ideal combinations for each individual golfer.

Club Champion is elevating the fitting landscape by providing a fitting superior to its competition. They offer 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site, at all 16 national locations. They feature an array of premium shafts stocked by few, if any of its competitors. Golfers get to hit the exact club that will be custom built for them. The Club Champion approach is unbiased, with no specific vendor being promoted – the only goal is to find the best combination of components to lower customer scores. A Golf Digest study of Club Champion customers found that 8 out of 9 golfers lowered their score by as much as six strokes per round.

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters four years running, Club Champion hires only master fitters who then receive an additional 100+ hours of training before starting their job; training unmatched, especially by big box golf stores. “The proof is in the results” says Florida resident Dave Greer. “The fitting process was amazing. The fitter first identified the proper shaft and then found the right head. With each combination, I was able to see the improved results statistically laid out on screen. I picked up 10-20 yards in distance. It’s worth every penny spent just to see the looks on your playing partners’ faces when they see the results of your changes.”

Trackman Pro, the gold standard of launch monitors and simulators, is the same system the PGA Tour uses to track pro stats. Club Champion uses it to take precise club and ball measurements in a controlled environment. “Customers love our experience,” says Club Champion Director of Customer Experience, Mike Trapani. “Nearly 100% of customers are pleased with our services, and the majority of them bring their friends back in.”

Former PGA Tour veteran Jay Williamson benefited from Club Champion’s expertise. Amazingly, Jay gained 15 yards over the fittings he received on Tour. Says Williamson, “Club Champion’s fitting knowledge and selection of interchangeable heads and shafts allowed me to instantly hit numerous combinations in the same session. If you are a committed golfer at any level, I highly recommend it.”

In addition to delivering a better fit, Club Champion builds clubs to exacting, unrivaled tolerances. Your swing is unique, so your clubs should be, too. At Club Champion, they build each club by hand because they know every degree, swing weight and millimeter can make a big difference. The fitting creates your specs – it’s Club Champion’s job to make sure the perfect match ends up in your bag. This level of quality is what drives customers to their studios to get fitted.

Fitting prices range from $80 for wedges to $350 for an entire bag fitting. Pricing for the clubs are the same as you find at any golf shop, plus the cost of upgraded shafts if necessary. Club Champion is offering a winter fitting special starting November 1 offering 50% off a full bag fitting or 33% off any other fitting (driver only, iron only, etc. – half the price listed above) where fittings must be completed by January 31, 2017. Club Champion also has gift certificates available throughout the year in $50 increments. Locations include: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Long Island (Syosset), Los Angeles, New York City/Hackensack, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and three stores in Chicago metropolitan area. Two new stores are coming in January: Denver and Charlotte.

www.clubchampiongolf.com

Golfsmart Teams With Volvik

Things are heating up outside, so it’s time to load up on the kind of nutrient and energy-packed golf drink that’ll keep you strong through the entire round and keep you from losing focus. A new product called GOLFSmart, a scientifically-based dietary supplement engineered expressly for the game of golf, has entered into a co-branding partnership with Volvik, one of the fastest-growing golf-ball manufacturers in the U.S. market over the past three years. Together these companies will provide the #1 golf-specific supplement with the #1 color golf ball on tour.

Volvik staff members on the LPGA and Symetra Tours will be provided with GOLFSmart Powered by Volvik. GOLFSmart is designed specifically to be taken immediately before and during a round of golf. The great-tasting drug-free formulation contains three highly-specialized proprietary blends to improve a player’s focus, energy and hydration. Mix one packet with a 16-20 ounce bottle of water each nine and you’re good to go.

“In golf, the pyramid of influence starts with the professional tours,” said Volvik USA President Don Shin. “As Volvik has shown in the past few years, when a product is embraced by the pros, it can quickly penetrate the consumer market. We were in a position to help launch GOLFSmart to the professional tours due to our deep roots there. The Volvik brand will receive valuable exposure from a proven product with all the earmarks to be the next big thing in the surging supplement market. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

GOLFSmart recently increased its distribution to golf clubs across the U.S., including private, semi-private, resort and daily-fee facilities. Some of the golf facilities currently carrying GOLFSmart in their shops include: Medalist Golf Club, Hobe Sound, Fla. (private); Quail Valley Golf Club, Vero Beach, Fla. (semi-private); Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico (resort); and Abacoa Golf Club, Jupiter, Fla. (public).

www.golfsmartusa.com

KLVN: Two Golf Bags In One

KLVN (pronounced kel-vin) took the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show by storm — or, rather, by robot — when it launched what the company calls the world’s most versatile golf bag, which is really two bags in one. Which requires some explanation.

“When we decided to launch the KLVN bag at the PGA Merchandise Show, we knew we needed to showcase the bag in a way that effectively demonstrated its revolutionary new design,” added Foxman. “Using ‘robots’ in futuristic outfits showing off our game-changing bag design seemed like a great way to draw attention to both our booth and our product. We are very pleased it worked out so well.”

Using the KLVN bag, golfers can ride with the cart bag and eject a lightweight carry bag with a simple push of a button, giving them unprecendented flexibility to manage their golf game, their way. Stuck in cart-path-only hell? No problem. Can’t decide which iron to pull? KLVN’s got you covered. Just flip one handle, pull out the system’s inner carry bag and you’re off, while the outer bag, with its multi-point cart strap system, stays put. Climb back in the cart and reattach your traveling sticks and the entire set stays secure and upright while riding. And you don’t have to take your hike without pocket accessories; OneTouch removable, customizable pockets allow golfers to completely change the look and functionality of their bags to match their personal style and golfing needs. And when the round is over, the bag also features concealed rubberized wheels that allow golfers to conveniently wheel the bag to and from the parking lot. It is constructed from a core made of lightweight, high-density, injection-molded plastic for enhanced durability.

Thanks to the inner KLVN bag’s built-in stand you won’t have to deal with wet, dirty grips leaving that trusty 6-iron behind in the grass. And goodbye to situations where you leave the club you actually need behind in the bag, then misplay the shot because you don’t have it.

The KLVN Bag is available in a variety of bright colors. And about that comely robot who introduced the bag at the PGA Show? Sorry, she’s not included.

$389 | www.klvn.com

New Equipment Company Signs LPGA Star

As the 2015 season winds down for the LPGA Tour, Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) is ramping up its tour presence. The revolutionary new golf equipment company founded by businessman and golf nut Bob Parsons announced the addition of three-time LPGA Tour champion Beatriz Recari to its tour staff program.

Like Parsons, the spirited Spanish golfer is a self-proclaimed equipment junkie. Recari is known to tinker and test new technology, prioritizing clubs over contracts. Performance is her key measure and the experience of playing PXG clubs proved to be unlike anything else.

“From first hit I knew PXG had built something special, something that I wanted in my bag,” Recari stated. “I have never hit a club that felt so good and produced such awesome, consistent results.”

Recari is a Spanish professional golfer who plays on the U.S. LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour. On the LPGA Tour Recari has earned 21 career top 10 finishes and three victories. She has represented Europe at the Solheim Cup and Spain at the International Crown __Ò on both occasions her team came out on top.

“The best part of being on the LPGA Tour is being able to compete at the highest level of the game,” Recari shared. “What makes the experience even better is the having the right clubs in my bag. I feel very fortunate to play PXG clubs __Ò they are nothing short of amazing.”

PXG designs and develops high-performance golf clubs using premium alloys and patented technology. The company’s unorthodox approach to product development has enabled its engineers to design golf clubs without regard to arbitrary deadlines or cost constraints. As a result, PXG has quickly become one of the most talked about companies in golf.

What’s in Recari’s bag?

PXG 0811 9_¡ Driver
PXG 0341 18_¡ & 21_¡ Fairway Woods
PXG 0317 19_¡ & 22_¡ Hybrids
PXG 0311 5-9PW Irons
PXG 0311 52_¡, 56_¡ & 60_¡ Wedges

Recari is the fourth tour player to join PXG’s tour staff roster, which currently includes Ryan Moore, Rocco Mediate and Sadena Parks.

www.PXG.com