As the PGA Tour prepares for its 2015-2016 season starting this autumn at October’s Frys.com Open in Napa, players are testing new equipment to get that extra edge. Fall is also a good time for you to try some new products and prepare for a late-year surge in your game.
A fresh alignment system — coined “2135” — in Cleveland Golf’s TFI putters ($130-$200, depending on model) strives to let any golfer strike the ball dead center on its exact radius, which is 21.35 mm from the ground. The milled copper-infused face cap lies over a copolymer insert, for spectacular feel and consistency across the face.
Callaway’s latest Great Big Bertha driver ($450) is long, forgiving and consistent, and feels nice and crisp at impact. It’s easily adjustable for loft, lie angle, draw/fade and weighting — to help you find your perfect ball flight. A thin face, aerodynamic clubhead shaping and use of multiple materials all contribute to distance.
The third generation of Srixon’s Q-STAR ball ($25/dozen) is offered in both yellow and white versions. Expect big things when it comes to distance, spin and feel, and you won’t be disappointed. The latest version of its SpinSkin cover delivers a soft feel at impact plus shot control. While aimed at mid- to high-handicap golfers, players of every swing speed will prosper.
Mizuno’s MP-5 irons ($999/steel, $1099/graphite) combine muscleback control with a cavityback design. A thick area behind the impact zone enhances feel. The channel back design progresses through the set – with more weight low in the long irons for a loftier launch and high in the short irons for a penetrating flight.
Sun Mountain’s 2.5 Stand bag ($229) has an 8.5-inch top with four full-length dividers, allowing it to hold 14 clubs without clanking. The dual strap and hip pad enhance shoulder and side comfort. A full-length clothing pocket and carbon fiber legs add quality.
Microsoft’s wrist-worn Band ($199) features TaylorMade’s myRoundPro, a standalone analytics platform that analyzes golfers’ statistics in detail, spewing data such as strokes gained, proximity to the hole, fairways hit, greens in regulation, and more. The band’s Golf Tile detects shots hit, while tracking distances and biometrics such as calories burned, steps taken and heart rate.
Skechers GO GOLF Pro ($140) boasts a premium, waterproof leather upper complemented by a leather and synthetic overlay trim. A cushioned Resalyte shock absorbing midsole makes these a dream to wear for 18 holes, which may well be why Matt Kuchar swears by them.
DST’s Compressor golf club training device ($100/club) forces you to locate, train and perfect the optimal impact position. Offered in wedge and 8-iron models, the aid leads you to a delayed strike in which your hands lead the clubface through impact. That helps you maintain control over the clubface until after it’s struck the ball and compressed the ball. The result: Distance and accuracy.
