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Nike Method 002 Putter: Photo Gallery

by James on April 24, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Nike Golf, Putters with No comments

To say I’m impressed with the Nike Method 002 putter would be an understatement. I’ve had the good fortune of spending some time with this superb putter over the past few weeks… and it is, in a word, stellar.

While my review is forthcoming, in the meantime I wanted to share a quick photo gallery for you to take in. The lines on the club are clean, and setup to the ball is extremely square and comfortable. When I place the Nike Method 002 down behind the ball, I immediately feel lined up, ready to make a confident stroke.

That said, I’m going to cut myself well short here because I could ramble on and on and on about this putter… I’ll save it for the official review. Enjoy the photo gallery below.

Nike Method 002 Putter Photo Gallery

Note: A quick thanks to Tim and Victoria over at Nike Golf for sending the 002 our way.

Quick Look: The Cobra Special Release S3 Driver

by James on April 21, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with No comments

You may recall our quick look at the Cobra S3 Driver a little while ago. It’s a sharp looking driver, packed full of technology to help you hit the ball farther and straighter than ever before.

As wonderful as the S3 is, Cobra has stepped-up to offer a special release driver, much like they did for the ZL Driver last year. The Special Release S3 Driver (coming soon) features an all-white paintjob, and an Aldila RIP Beta Shaft.

On top of the features listed above, all of the standard tech you find in the stock S3 driver is on-board as well. You’ll get the E9 Face Technology, Adjustable Flight Technology, and a titanium 6-4 head and face with an aluminum hosel sleeve.

Look for the Cobra Golf Special Release S3 Driver to hit a pro shop near you at the end of April 2011. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to give this one a swing. She’s a sharp one!

Cobra Special Release S3 Driver Photo Gallery:

For more information, hit up Cobra Golf.

Nike Golf Staffer John Cook Secures Second Win on 2011 Champions Tour

by James on April 19, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Nike Golf, Players with No comments

John Cook Secures Second Win on 2011 Champions Tour

It’s been quite an amazing run for our friends at Nike Golf lately. First, Charl Schwartzel takes down The Masters title… then over this past weekend John Cook follows suit with his second title on the 2011 Champions Tour. Not too shabby!

With his win on the weekend, Cook has vaulted to second on the 2011 Champions Tour money list… but getting to the point of this post is the clubs Mr. Cook used to secure the victory.

Here’s a quick look into his bag:

  • Driver: Nike VR 8.5-degree
  • Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
  • Hybrids: Nike VR 18-degree
  • Wedges: Nike VR 53-degree and Nike VR 59-degree
  • Putter: Nike Method Prototype
  • Ball: Nike ONE Tour
  • Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Collection
  • Footwear: Nike Trophy

A very solid lineup indeed. Nike Golf was kind enough to send us a ‘care package’ of many of the hot clubs rounding out their 2011 lineup… So stay tuned for a closer look at some of the clubs Cook used to march his way to victory.

Image courtesy: James Branaman – St. Petersburg Times

GolfCrunch is Looking for New Editors to Join Our Team!

by James on April 18, 2011 in News with No comments

If you love writing as much as you love the game of golf, GolfCrunch may have an opportunity here you’ll want to apply for. At the moment, we’re actively looking for passionate (and dedicated) editors to join our team.

All editors at GolfCrunch enjoy the following benefits:

  • Access to golf clubs and equipment for review and testing
  • Insider access to special deals and prices from manufacturers
  • Exposure of your work to a worldwide golfing audience
  • The pleasure of working for a fun and dynamic team of golf nuts!

If you have the time to contribute a daily article… that’s a good start, and a good sign. In addition, if you’ve always wanted to connect with the golf world in some way, shape or form, this could be your chance. Again, drop us a line at info@golfcrunch.com. We want to hear from you!

The Bridgestone Golf J38 460 Driver

by James on April 18, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Bridgestone, Drivers with No comments

The Bridgestone J38 460 Driver

Used by PGA touring professionals Matt Kuchar and Kevin Chappell, the Bridgestone Golf J38 460 Driver is jam-packed full of technology… yet, it retains a classic look.

The Bridgestone J38 460 DriverAs you can see from the image to your right, the Bridgestone J38 460 driver has quite a classic shape. Reminiscent of Cleveland and Titleist drivers, the time-tested pear shape of this driver provides clean lines, and confidence at address.

The crown is extended back quite a bit, and this extended profile provides a low and deep center of gravity for high launch and low spin off the clubface. In the end, isn’t that what we all want? Optimal launch angle with low spin for maximum carry? Yes, I do believe so.

The J38 is made from 6-4 titanium, and has an ultra-thin crown… This allows for more weight to be distributed to the perimeter for added forgiveness.

In addition, Bridgestone has built ‘enhanced face thickness’ into the clubface. In the end, this provides yet another level of forgiveness on those off-center strikes.

The Bridgestone Golf J38 comes stock with your choice of Fujikura Motore F1 65 shaft (regular, stiff for x-stiff). I’ve played the Motore in a number of drivers, and it’s a solid performer. The only bummer here is it’s available in right-hand only, in lofts of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5. Sorry lefties.

If you want to order one up, you best head down to a golf retailer or pro shop near you… Or better yet, pop on by the Bridgestone Golf website and drop them a line. They’ll be more than happy to help you.

Photo Gallery: Wilson Di11 Irons

by James on April 12, 2011 in Irons, Wilson Staff with No comments

The Wilson Di11 Sand WedgeWhen Wilson Golf told me they’d like to send a set of Di11 irons our way for some testing… I said… YES PLEASE!… and what do ya know, the Di11 irons have arrived, and they’re just as gorgeous as they look on the Wilson website.

Fitting nicely into the ‘game improvement’ category in the Wilson Staff lineup for 2011, the Di11’s promise many things. Wilson notes these as follows:

  1. The largest sweetspot and highest ball speed off the face than any other game improvement iron. While I can’t attest to this from experience (yet), the Di11’s do look to have a massive sweetspot, and with the large cavity back, I have no doubt there’s tons of room for error when striking shots.
  2. A wide sole and low CG. The soles on these irons are deep. Really deep. So much so, the longer irons (6 and 5) are on the edge of becoming a hybrid… seriously.
  3. Wide tip technology. Check out the pictures in our photo gallery below to confirm this. Note the wide tip technology at the hosel. The wide shaft negates twisting, resulting in straighter shots.
  4. Elasatomeric Coating. While I can’t speak to this from experience (we haven’t hit the range with these yet), I can tell you the clubs do feel solid, and after stroking a few chips and short shots, the vibration is… well, there’s pretty much no vibration.

We’re really looking forward to testing the Wilson Di11 irons out. I have a feeling we’re going to have a lot of positive comments to throw down… However, the low-handicap golfer may want to look elsewhere in the Wilson lineup for a more suitable iron. That’s what we figure… but after a few buckets have been emptied (or 5 or 10), we’ll let you know the low-down.

In the meantime, check out the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: Wilson Di11 Irons

Vokey WedgeWorks Now Available in Canada

by James on April 11, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Titleist, Wedges with No comments

When Brian Vokey and the team at Titleist introduced ‘WedgeWorks‘ last year, I was in awe. The online shop let you pick and choose from a lineup of custom wedges that you could tune and tailor to your liking. Add initials, adjust your loft, length, grip, and much more. The website (click here) is awesome to say the least, and in all honesty… if you’re not a Cleveland wedge fan (I am), Vokey wedges are a solid choice.

Well, for the longest time Canadians have been shunned from ordering from WedgeWorks. That is, until now. Titleist has just announced that Vokey WedgeWorks is now available in Canada.

Unfortunately, the order process isn’t exactly an easy one. Folks in the U.S. can simply go through the online customization process. It’s fun, easy, and I often find myself browsing around the site… you know, putting together custom wedges, and playing around with different options (it’s pretty darn cool). For Canadians (and other ‘international’ regions), an order form must be printed, filled out, and returned to your nearest Titleist golf club retailer. The retailer confirms your order, and returns the form to Titleist for fulfillment.

For more information, below are the order form and brochure PDF’s for your enjoyment.

Charl Schwartzel’s Putter: Nike Method 004 Prototype

by James on April 11, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Nike Golf, Players, Putters with No comments

Charl Schwartzel had nothing short of a superb final round at the 2011 Masters. That chip-in on the first hole for birdie… the hole out for eagle on the third… and then four straight birdies stroked into the center of the hole to finish his round… the round was absolutely first class, and Charl is more than deserving of the green jacket.

With all those birdies rolling into the cup during the end of his round, I was trying to decipher the type of putter he was using. After closer inspection, his putter appears to be a Nike Method 004 model… However, some more research and digging revealed to me that the putter is a prototype from the folks at the Nike ‘Oven’.

Nike Method 004 Putter

If you take a closer look at the face of Schwartzel’s Method 004, you’ll notice it doesn’t feature Nike’s ‘Polymetal Groove Technology’ (the black lines you normally see across the face of the Method line). My guess is Charl is much more comfortable with a flat face made up of one material… if I remember correctly, Charl ‘s last putter (one he used for a long time) was a Bobby Grace Fat Lady. You’ll notice the mallet design on the Fat Lady features no extra ‘grooves’ on the face. It’s a flat surface comprised of a single material.

Bobby Grace Fat Lady Putter

For what it’s worth, some of you may be wondering which putter Tiger Woods used during the 2011 Masters. No big surprises here, as he carried the same Nike Method 003 putter he’s been using for some time now. Unlike Charl, Tiger’s 003 does feature the Polymetal Groove Technology to help get the ball rolling… however, while watching some pre-round coverage on the Golf Channel, Notah Begay III noted that Tiger had this material shaved down to reduce the effect of this material.

It’s always cool to hear about the pros, and the tinkering they do with their equipment. I think we could all be well served to tinker with our equipment to get the right feel for comfort… but then again, I suppose it helps to practice as much as they do as well!

What’s in the Bag: 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel

by James on April 10, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Nike Golf, Players with No comments

2011 Masters Champion Charl SchwartzelWhat a riveting 2011 Masters! McIlroy failing to find his form over the back nine, Scott and Day playing fantastic golf down the stretch… and finally Charl Schwartzel coming up huge, finishing with 4 birdies to win the 2011 Masters in style. Congrats to Charl and South Africa for a fantastic performance. Job well done.

So what was in Charl’s bag for his first major win? Part of the Nike Golf team, Charl had nothing but the swoosh in the bag:

  • Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree with Rombax 7V05 shaft
  • Fairway Woods: Nike SQ Sumo 3-wood/13-degree, Nike SQ Sumo 5-wood/19-degree with Mitsubishi Diamana Blue Board 83 shafts
  • Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (3-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shafts
  • Wedges: Nike VR Pro 54-degree and Nike VR Pro 60-degree with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shafts
  • Putter: Nike Method 004 Prototype
  • Ball: Nike ONE Tour D

On top of that, Charl also had on a pair of Nike Lunar Control shoes, and of course Nike pants, shirt and visor.

Again, well done to Charl… we’re looking forward to many more solid performances, and perhaps a few more major wins from the young South African!

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

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