Archive for March, 2011

The “Must Have” Towel of the Pros…

by Annie Latham on March 31, 2011 in News, Style & Fashion with No comments

Usually after a tournament, an email will drift in talking about what was in the bag of the winners. I was caught off guard this week when I got an email touting a performance towel that dominated the PGA and LPGA tours. Really?

Indeed, the company, also named Players Towel, put out a press release stating their “high performance microfiber waffle technology” towel dominated the PGA and LPGA Tours over the past weekend recording a combined nine top ten finishes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and the KIA Classic. This brings the total top tens to 22 for the last three weeks for the PGA, Champions and LPGA Tours.

Patrick Le Vine, the founder of the Players Towel, remarked, “With a dominating 22 top ten finishes over the past three weeks, the Players Towel is clearly identified as the one piece of equipment golfers and caddies alike depend on and need to perform at the highest level by keeping their clubs, ball and hands free of moisture and debris.”

Available in custom logos, signatures, colors and an optional “Putterslit,” the Players Towel, starts at $20 (with price breaks for volume). For more information, go to www.playerstowel.com.

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New Allen Edmonds Honors Collection Features QR Technology

by Annie Latham on March 31, 2011 in Style & Fashion, Technology with No comments

Here’s a novel idea which is sure to gain traction (pun intended)…

The new Allen Edmonds Honors Collection™ golf shoes are being shipped with QR code technology on hang tags that can access a special video showcasing the new line’s fine craftsmanship process, Ben Crenshaw’s commentary about the Honors Collection and the line’s five shoe styles. The intent is to provide a push at the point-of-purchase. Of course, shoppers will need a smartphone with a QR app to be able to scan the image of the QR Code and connect to the web via the phone’s browser. Yeah, that’s a lot of steps. But for a $300 pair of golf shoes (actually $295), some folks may be willing to make the extra effort.

The videos are also available on the Allen Edmonds website (www.allenedmonds.com).

For those not wanting to bother with QR, here’s one of the videos.

Source: Allen Edmonds

http://www.thegolfwire.com/stories/234271

Nike VR Pro Wedge Arrives with X3X High-Frequency Grooves

by James on March 25, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Nike Golf, Wedges with No comments

The VR Pro Wedge from Nike Golf is the latest in Nike’s line of scoring clubs to hit the scene. The VR Pro features precision forging and top-of-the-line craftsmanship… which, in the end will provide optimal spin rates and ‘feel’ for the accomplished golfer.

Key features:

  • New X3X high-frequency grooves for consistent ball flight
  • 21.5% more volume under the impact area of the ball
  • Material used is tried and true S20C forged iron
  • Precision-forging ensures shot-making consistency
  • Available in satin chrome and brush oxide raw

The forging process used to produce the VR Pro wedges is precise to say the least. Nike Golf reports that the process is the most exact wedge face the company has ever created. In the end, I suppose what we can take away from this is from sketch drawings through to computer models, the finished product ‘as built’ in the real world is spot on… exactly how the designers intended.

The Nike VR Pro wedges feature more grooves than your typical wedge. The resulting effect is not only more spin (and control), but a cleaner and more consistent ball flight will result on those short game shots. While more grooves are found on the wedge itself, don’t go thinking there’s something unconforming here. The new wedge conforms to the new USGA and R&A wedge stipulations… No worries here, it’s all good!

Coming to a golf shop near you April 1st, the Nike VR Pro Wedge will be available in Satin Chrome or Brushed Oxide RAW. Loft/Bounce options will include: 50/10, 52/10, 54/12, 56/10, 56/14, 58/8, 58/10, 60/6, 60/10 (Available in RH) 52/10, 56/14, 60/10 (Available in LH).

Photo Gallery:

For more information, hit up the press release below.

Nike Golf Creates VR Pro Wedge Featuring the X3X High-Frequency Grooves

-Nike’s new VR Pro Wedge features precision forging to ensure consistency and Tour proven craftsmanship for the top players in the world-

TORONTO (March 25, 2011)–Nike Golf continues to lead in innovation with the addition of the new Nike VR Pro wedge to Nike’s successful VR Pro line.

The VR Pro wedges are developed out of a precise forging process resulting in a wedge that offers accurate shot-shaping performance.  The face of the VR Pro wedge is the most exact wedge face Nike has ever created.  From materials, to design, to construction, the VR Pro wedge is developed with craftsmanship to eliminate variance and enhance control.

Each wedge face features more grooves, resulting in cleaner, more consistent ball flight and spin while still conforming to the new USGA and R&A rules.  With more grooves closer together and deeper on the clubface, the VR Pro wedge ensures more control and consistency in all conditions off the clubface.  A precision laser crosshatch pattern is applied to the land area between the grooves.  This pattern adds three times the surface texture versus conventionally finished faces, creating more spin in all conditions.

Crafted for consistency that Nike Golf Tour Athletes demand, the VR Pro wedge utilizes a new precision-forging technique that immediately delivers the club to a near-finished level.  This precision-forging technique eliminates most hand work and ensures consistency and maximum performance throughout the set.

Each iron face is milled to a perfectly flat surface.  The face is then carefully die-stamped, pressing grooves to exact specifications for extremely low variance and shot-making consistency.

The VR Pro wedge is already in the bags of Nike Athletes on the PGA Tour, including Stewart Cink, Anthony Kim, Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods.

Availability:  April 1, 2011 
Finish Options: Satin Chrome or Brushed Oxide RAW
Loft/Bounce Options:  50/10, 52/10, 54/12, 56/10, 56/14, 58/8, 58/10, 60/6, 60/10 (Available in RH) 52/10, 56/14, 60/10 (Available in LH)
Cdn MSRP:  $129.99

GolfNow.com iPhone App Makes Booking Tee Times Easy

by James on March 25, 2011 in Technology with No comments

Our friends over at GolfNow.com recently launched their first-ever iPhone app. It’s free to download, and pretty darn easy-to-use. While it isn’t getting RAVE reviews at the moment, I have to give GolfNow credit where credit is due. The app does what it is supposed to. Nothing fancy, it just works.

To get started, you’ll need to sign up for a new account. If you already have a GolfNow.com account, use your login credentials and you’re on your way. Once inside, you have 24/7 access to over 2,500 courses in over 100 cities in the US (Yes, this is a US-only app. If you reside elsewhere, and want to give this a try… punch in a US address and it’ll work for you).

After login, you’re presented with two options: ‘Find Tee Times’, or ‘View Reservations’. The ‘View Reservations’ area is quite straightforward. You can open that section to view upcoming (and past) tee times you’ve made.

The ‘Find Tee Times’ options is the heart of the app. Pop into that section and you can search using GPS (your current location), Zip Code, and heck, you can even enter a search radius. Want to hit up a course no more than 10 miles away from your current location? No problem! You can also select the date, time, number of players in your group, and pricing preferences. GolfNow.com will do it’s best to meet your criteria, and return some fantastic tee times, at a savings of up to 70%.

I have high hopes for this app. Speaking on behalf of all golf-hungry Canadians, I know it’d be a welcome addition to have Canadian courses tapped into this one… and I could see that being a key update down the road. Same goes for other international locales as well. Let’s face it, the sport of golf is growing by leaps and bounds, and folks all around the world are always looking for discounts on tee-times. Hopefully in updates to come, GolfNow.com expands their offering to a more international clientele!

Until then, US users can use the GolfNow.com app to their hearts delight!

Fore more on this app, visit Golf Now Mobile in the Apple App Store (and yes, this is a free download!).

Getting into the Swing of Things… With Tiger’s Help?

by Annie Latham on March 25, 2011 in Golf Tips, Technology with No comments

This doesn’t make a lot of sense. Conceptually, releasing a golf swing helper app just before The Masters, as seasonal golfers start heading to the links to get their game on, is the right idea. But a “Tiger Woods: My Swing” iPhone app? He hasn’t actually been consistent over the last year. Most consider his swing a work in process.

In a New York Times story, Woods was quoted saying,” “I have always enjoyed helping people learn how to play golf. Everything about this app is based on how I practice. To be able to do something like this, which wasn’t possible 10 or 15 years ago, is a win-win for everyone.”

I’ll admit that I learned course management from Tiger Woods on my Playstation.

The Swing’s the Thing: Among the application’s features is the ability to capture one’s swing online and evaluate it over time in a side-by-side comparison to Woods’s swing. In the role of virtual coach, Woods also offers analysis, updates, how-to demonstrations and personal tips.

Here are some highlights of the app, which was created by Shotzoom Software:

  • Enhanced video capture
  • Side-by-side swing comparison with Tiger Woods
  • Advanced swing analysis and how-to demonstrated by Woods
  • Swing comparisons, sharing and feedback tools tied to friends and community members
  • Exclusive updates from Tiger and his life on Tour**

**Might be TMI (as in too much information)

  • High quality video of each club from both Face On and Down the Line angles
  • “How-to” video directly from Tiger covering swing analysis
  • Time delay to allow for self-recording**

** This is an interesting concept. Just curious how you prop the iPhone to grab the swing. There must be tips for that.

Analyze:

  • ·Overlay “Tiger Lines” that demonstrate proper technique
  • Compare your swing side-by-side with Tiger, a friend or one of your own

Plus, there’s an for saving your videos online in a free personal profile at Golfshot.com

The “Tiger Woods: My Swing” app is a “mere” $9.99. Considering the price of other golf aid products, that’s actually not bad. But relevant to other iPhone apps, it is pricey. The proceeds of this app benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

“From the funds raised we can continue to give many more young people a shot at college,” said Tiger.

Might be worth a shot.

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Wilson Staff Di11 Irons: Review Coming Soon!

by James on March 20, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Wilson Staff with No comments

The good folks at Wilson Golf have been in touch with us regarding their Di11 Irons… and good on ’em, as they’re sending us a 4, 7 and Pitching Wedge for testing purposes. The clubs should be in our possession this coming week, and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.

Wilson sets out some hefty claims on the Di11’s. They say the Di11’s have the largest sweet spot on the market. In fact, competitive testing and evaluation had the Di11 irons pegged with a 36% larger sweet spot than any other game improvement irons on the market (this includes iron offerings from TaylorMade, Ping and Callaway). In addition to the massive sweet spot, ball velocity off the club face was also measured at the top of the pack.

The Wilson Staff Di11 irons also feature a wide sole and low center-of-gravity. The weight is packed down low to help the average player get the ball up in the air. The perimeter weighting also promotes head stability and an arrow-straight ball flight.

Wilson has also integrated their wide-tip technology into the Di11 set. You’ll notice how ‘fat’ the shaft is at the hosel… that’s what we’re talking about here. This technology negates a lot of the twisting on off-center hits, promoting a straighter ball flight.

To top it all off, Wilson coats the Di11 irons with a lightweight elastomer to reduce vibration on those nasty off-center hits.

All-in-all, the Wilson Staff Di11 irons look to be leading the way in game improvement irons. How do they stack up? How will they play for the 3 handicap? The 10 handicap? The 20 handicap? We’ll find out once the clubs are in-house… we can’t wait!

Special thanks again to Wilson Golf and the folks at Sports Impact. For more information, read the official launch press release from Wilson Staff below: Continue reading →

The Mizuno MP-68 Irons: Grain Flow Forged Goodness

by James on March 19, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Mizuno with No comments

Mizuno irons have long been the cream of the crop. In fact, when Tiger was rising to prominence, I believe he had a set of Mizuno blades, which, Titleist ‘copied’ for him when he played Titleist clubs (someone please correct me if I’m wrong). That said, the Mizuno MP-68 irons are some of the most beautiful blades you’ll find on the market… if not THE most beautiful. If you get a rush from classic styling, look and feel, the MP68’s are the ultimate.

The MP-68 irons incorporate Mizuno’s 3D muscle technology. The muscle design is the result of intensive research, and is designed to deliver a center-of-gravity (COG) much lower on the face to provide a penetrating (and workable) ball flight. If you like driving the ball low, with the ability to shape your shot… the MP-68’s should be on your short list.

The Mizuno MP-68’s also feature a Tour Confirmed sole shape. The shape of the sole allows for just the right amount of turf contact for perfect contact every time.

To top it all off, Mizuno puts the irons through their ‘Grain Flow Forging Process’. This process enhances the flow and tightness of the grains of metal in the head. In the end, this maximizes the strength of the club without sacrificing any bit of feel. When the process is finished, you end up with a buttery-soft shot-shaping delight.

Learn more about Mizuno Grain Flow Forging >

Key features according to Mizuno go a little something like this:

  • 3D Muscle design delivers a penetrating ball flight and unsurpassed ball control.
  • Impact, sound, and feel are optimized through extensive use of Modal Analysis, which separates Mizuno irons from the competition.
  • Patented Grain Flow Forged® 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel provides the ultimate soft, solid, and consistent feel.
  • Durable double nickel chrome plated finish.
  • Modified U-grooves, which conform to Condition of Competition 2010, produce the ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions.
  • Rolled leading edge, flattened mid-sole, and rolled trailing edge deliver consistent striking ability from all types of lies.

For more information, hit up Mizuno, or take a look at the specs and photo gallery below.

Mizuno MP-68 Specs

Club # LH Loft Lie Off Set Bounce Length
(degree) (degree) (inch) (degree) (inch)
3 Yes 21° 59.5° 0.110” 2° 38.75”
4 Yes 24° 60.0° 0.110” 2° 38.25”
5 Yes 27° 60.5° 0.110” 2° 37.75”
6 Yes 31° 61.0° 0.110” 3° 37.25”
7 Yes 35° 61.5° 0.110” 3° 36.75”
8 Yes 39° 62.0° 0.102” 4° 36.25”
9 Yes 43° 62.5° 0.102” 5° 35.75”
PW Yes 47° 63.0° 0.094” 6° 35.50”

Mizuno MP-68 Photo Gallery

The Cobra S3 Driver: A Closer Look

by James on March 17, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers, Manufacturers with No comments

As part of their 2011 lineup, Cobra recently released the brand-spanking new S3 Driver. Building upon the foundation laid by the S9, and then the S2, the S3 features a new ‘E9’ face technology… a technology that creates a 30% larger sweet spot. Plus, the Adjustable Flight Technology built into the club head and shaft allows you to make adjustments to fine tune your shot shape or compensate for shot tendencies.

So what is the Cobra E9 Face Technology all about? It’s pretty darn simple, really. The face of the S3 features a taller elliptical face with a beveled perimeter. The end result is a 30% larger sweet spot, allowing you to grip it and rip it down the middle more often. Distance, accuracy and forgiveness are all built-in.

Digging deeper into the E9 Face Technology, Cobra has tested and proven that 99% of shots hit by golfers miss the center of the face in a tilted, elliptical pattern from low heel to high toe. With that in mind, they created a taller and more elliptical face to mirror that miss-hit pattern.

The S3 offers a ‘hotter’ club face in comparison to the S2 driver… take a look at the comparison of the S2 and S3 clubface below.

S2 and S3 Face Comparison

The Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT) built into the shaft and head is exactly the same as previous models (the S2 and ZL). The club comes with three settings, open, neutral and closed. While these three settings aren’t as many as some of the other technologies available today, some might argue that anything more than 3 settings is overkill. I do enjoy the simplicity of the Cobra AFT… Open, neutral or closed… pick your poison and work with it. Easy as that.

The Cobra S3 is available in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 lofts. All models are available in 45.5″ lengths with D5 swing weight (the 11.5 is available in a D4 as well) and multiple shaft flexes. The Fukijura Blur is the stock shaft of choice, available in the TX006 and TX005 models. The tX006 is available in regular, stiff and extra-stiff, all having a mid kick and 5.5 degrees of torque. The TX005 comes in lite flex only, with a low kick point and 5.6 degrees of torque.

Fujikura Blur Shaft on the Cobra S3

Cobra S3 Photo Gallery

For more information, head on over to Cobra Golf.

Cleveland Golf Launcher TL310 Driver

by James on March 15, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Cleveland, Drivers, Manufacturers with No comments

Listed on the GolfDigest HOT LIST for 2011, Cleveland Golf’s Launcher TL310 Driver is the real deal. The ‘TL’ stands for Tour Lite, with the driver weighing in at 310 grams. Despite the lightness of the club, it is still said to offer stability and feel demanded by the scratch golfer… with room for error for higher handicaps as well. Yes, the club is a good fit for almost any golfer, no matter if they’re looking for shot-shaping or forgiveness off the tee.

For what it’s worth, the TL310 is just part of the ‘Right Weight’ fitting system. The Launcher Ultralite series consists of 3 weights (310g, 290g and 270g). Each of these models is tuned to help players of different swing types and speeds.

The Cleveland Golf Launcher TL310 Driver features a 202 gram head, a 59-series shaft from Miyazaki C. Kua, and a 46 gram Lamkin grip. These of course are stock options, so if you’re looking to tune something specifically for your game, your best bet is to hit up an authorized Cleveland Golf retailer to get started.

Image Gallery:

Specs:

The TL310 is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5. The 9.5 and 10.5 lofts are available in left-handed models as well. All models pack a 440cc club head, feature a shaft length of 45.25, feature a D4 swingweight and tip the scales at 310 grams.

For more, head on over to Cleveland Golf.

Have You Tried the PING iPhone App Yet?

by James on March 15, 2011 in News, Manufacturers, PING with No comments

If you play PING, chances are you keep an eye on the latest technology from the company. The legendary manufacturer, founded by the one-and-only Karsten Solheim revolutionized the golf club by introducing perimeter weighting… allowing average and skilled players alike to benefit from a much larger sweet spot.

I could babble on for awhile about PING, but that’s not the point of this post. The point is to tell you about the PING app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad!

This official application if free to download, and packs quite a few features. Inside you’ll find the ability to locate the nearest PING authorized retail centre or fitting centre with AFS or nFlight capabilities. You’ll also be able to view an up-to-date product lineup… it’s always fun to browse through clubs, right? Right! In addition you’ll also find an in-depth library of educational and historical videos… and finally, you can get club and set recommendations via the nFlight web tool.

All in all, the PING app for iPhone is a must-have for any PING fan. It’s free to download, keeps you up-to-date on the company… and heck, it’s just a lot of fun to play around with.

Check out for yourself in iTunes: PING App for iPhone


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