All posts in Golf Equipment

Titleist Introduces Next Generation AP1 And AP2 Irons

by Annie Latham on September 16, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Titleist with No comments

Titleist just introduced the next generation of its groundbreaking Advanced Performance irons: The 712 Series of their Titleist AP1 and AP2 irons.   Both models are multi-material, dual cavity irons that provide modern ball flight and forgiveness with the traditional looks, feel and sound that serious golfers have come to expect from Titleist irons.

NEW ADVANCES IN THE 712 AP IRONS: The improvements incorporated into the new AP irons came about as the result of continued research that indicated that serious golfers were looking for improvements in three main areas.

  • First, most players wanted even greater refinements to the clubhead’s profile. Both the new AP1 and AP2 models feature sleeker contours that result in a better address position.
  • Players also expressed a desire for more forgiveness, to get more out of their miss-hits, or said another way, better distance control.  Both the new AP1 and AP2 have been improved with internal weighting that utilizes higher density tungsten in order to distribute mass more efficiently which increases the moment-of-inertia (MOI) without changing the CG location or the blade length. The higher MOI provides more consistent ballspeed across the clubface and better distance control. Better distance control leads to more scoring opportunities and is the key to good iron play.
  • The third wish-list item that research uncovered was that players wanted more forgiveness without any loss of workability or shot control. Traditionally it has been thought that forgiveness and workability were mutually exclusive. The new AP irons prove that they are not.

Available beginning November 18, the 712 AP1 irons will  have a suggested retail price of $112 per club/steel, and $135 per club/graphite. The 712 AP2 irons  will have a suggested retail price of $154 per club/steel and $175 per club/graphite.  You can learn more about Titleist irons here.

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Mizuno Launches MP-59 Irons With Ti Muscle

by Annie Latham on September 9, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Mizuno with No comments

Mizuno has just launched Grain Flow Forged MP-59 irons with the next generation of their award winning forged Ti Muscle technology. The MP-59s feature a titanium insert forged into the center of the muscle, which provides cavity like forgiveness in a player’s half cavity design.

The MP-59 irons have a traditional MP sized head shape, thus enhancing workability for the accomplished player. With a Tour confirmed sole, and overall compact head shape, the MP-59 irons allow varied shot-making delivery and control for consistent ball striking from the widest variety of lies.

During the elaborate Grain Flow Forging process, the pure Titanium material is forged into the muscle of the MP-59 to deliver a 5% larger Sweet Area compared to the MP-58, the iron that debuted Ti Muscle Technology while taking home “Editor’s Choice” in Golf digest’s 2010 Hot List.

The lightweight characteristics of the pure titanium allow for the ideal amount of thickness behind the impact area to deliver consistent solid feel while simultaneously providing a dramatic increase in perimeter weighting for enhanced playability.

According to their website, the MP-59 irons are ideal for golfers with a handicap of  +2 TO 13.

The SRP for a set of MP-59 irons,  which includes #3 thru PW (46°), is $999.99.

For more information, go to: www.mizunousa.com.

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Inspired by Cigars, Never Compromise Unveils Limited Line of Putters…

by Annie Latham on September 6, 2011 in Cleveland, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, Putters with No comments

Never Compromise recently announced the launch of the new Connoisseur™ Limited line of putters.

The Connoisseur™ series is inspired by the world’s best cigars, made from the finest ingredients, embodying premium taste. Similar to the Dinero™ and Gambler™ Limited putter lines, the Connoisseur™ line features four classic designs named and individually machined with artwork reminiscent of traditional cigars. All models are forged from 303 Stainless Steel, and the combination of the soft material and the forged grain structure provides unprecedented feel at impact. Machined to perfection, these putters have some of the tightest manufacturing tolerances in the industry to inspire confidence over every putt. Classic design and modern construction give these putters a unique look that’s appreciated by the world’s most demanding and refined customers. Each product is truly a masterpiece.

Never Compromise® offers a unique customization feature with their Connoisseur™, Dinero™ and Gambler™ Limited putter lines. The “MY CUSTOM PUTTER” Web site gives consumers unprecedented customization and personalization options, allowing them the opportunity to transform any of the Connoisseur™, Dinero™ or Gambler™ Limited putter models into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Custom options consist of multiple paint fills, length, lie, grip, a text inscription and more.

The limited edition putter will be marked with a unique serial number and include a certificate of authenticity. The MAP pricing on all Connoisseur models is $299.99 for stock models and $349.99 for custom models. Custom models require a processing period of up to 3 weeks for delivery.

For more details on “MY CUSTOM PUTTER” visit: www.nevercompromise.com/my-custom-putter.

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From Red Sox Nation to Pinstripes? Phil Loses Bet…

by Annie Latham on September 3, 2011 in News, Players, Putters with No comments

On Thursday, Phil Mickelson was seen at Fenway Park taking batting practice before the Yankees-Red Sox game. He also threw out the first pitch.

Photo:Darren McCollester/Getty Images

Strange as that may seem to those who don’t know Phil’s interest in baseball, on on Friday, at the Deutsche Bank Championship that is taking place in Norton, Mass., Phil was seen wearing pinstripes.

Photo: Stew Milne/AP

He explained, “Lost a wager with a friend and had to wear these today.”

Yeah, a three-run rally in the seventh inning by the Yankees did Phil in.
The Sox lost 4-2.

Perhaps the pinstripes maneuver was merely a means for deflecting attention from the real news — Phil has a belly putter!

You’ve probably noticed that longer putters are getting more attention this year. This is perhaps a case where the rookie teaches his elder a trick or two. Phil has been a mentor to 25-year old Keegan Bradley who just so happens to be the first player to win a major (PGA Championship) with a belly putter.

After grilling Bradley during The Barclays tournament, Phil decided to order himself a similar one which he received on Monday.

And so it goes in the world of golf: Expect the unexpected.

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Callaway Timberlake Contest – Vote Now…

by Annie Latham on June 24, 2011 in Callaway, Contests, Drivers, News with No comments

Callaway Golf and Justin Timberlake just announced the 25 finalists in the “Tee Off with Diablo Octane and Justin Timberlake” contest (. The Father’s Day-inspired contest, which kicked off on Callaway’s Facebook page on May 25, has drawn thousands of inspirational entries.

The public can visit Facebook.com/Callaway to vote for their favorite submission and determine the contest’s grand prize winner, who will meet Timberlake and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience. Voting concludes on June 30.

All 25 finalists, whose entries are now posted on Callaway’s Facebook site, will automatically receive a Diablo Octane Driver, Timberlake’s driver of choice and the first club made with Forged Composite, an ultra lightweight material that Callaway co-developed with Automobili Lamborghini.

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TaylorMade Introduces Ghost Spider Putter

by Annie Latham on June 22, 2011 in News, Putters, TaylorMade with No comments

TaylorMade has just unveiled the newest member of its Ghost family — the Ghost Spider Putter which combines which combines the head construction, size and high MOI of the Monza Spider with the white alignment benefits of the Corza Ghost.

Like the original Corza Ghost and the entire TaylorMade Ghost series family, the Ghost Spider was developed with input from TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Dave Stockton. “We’ve never made a putter that combines this kind of forgiveness and ease of use. Putting is all about confidence, and the Ghost Spider promotes confidence, big time,” said Stockton.

Sean Toulon, executive vice president of TaylorMade remarked, “Dave convinced us that the concept of a white-headed putter was a good one, and he was absolutely right. Dozens of tour pros are using TaylorMade Ghost putters.” TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff professional Jason Day used a Ghost Spider prototype in his T2 finish at this year’s Masters and U.S. Open, resulting in widespread consumer inquiries.

Benefits of White Alignment

The study of thousands of putting strokes using our proprietary MAT-T (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade) System revealed that 65% of golfers fail to square the putter-face to the target from 12 feet, leading to inaccurate putts and higher scores. The Ghost Spider’s white head contrasts sharply with the turf to make it dramatically easier to determine where the face is aimed. The Ghost Spider also incorporates the Monza Spider’s acclaimed “basketball court” system of alignment on the crown to further facilitate proper alignment.

In addition, the Ghost Spider’s white finish eliminates the distractions of glare and “hot spots” caused by reflected sunlight, making it easier for the player to focus his or her full attention on aiming the putter accurately and executing a sound stroke.

High MOI for Stability; Movable Weight Technology for Customization
Like the Monza Spider, the Ghost Spider incorporates the same innovative, steel wire-frame construction that concentrates most of the weight in the perimeter, which creates the high MOI that makes the putterhead so highly resistant to twisting on off-center hits. The Ghost Spider also shares the Monza Spider’s Movable Weight Technology™ (MWT®), which allows the user to customize the feel by changing the weights to make the head heavier or lighter.

PURE ROLL Surlyn Insert
The Ghost Spider is equipped with TaylorMade’s patented PURE ROLL insert, which promotes forwardspin to help reduce skidding to encourage a smooth, accurate roll and precise speed control. The PURE ROLL insert’s soft Surlyn construction delivers a satisfyingly soft sound and feel at impact.

Availability and Pricing
The TaylorMade Ghost Spider is offered in single-bend and center-shafted models in the 33″, 34″ and 35″ stock lengths, left- and right-handed, at a street price of $179. A mid-length “belly” version is available in 41″ and 43″ stock lengths at a street price of $199. Get more information here.

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Seldom Used Scotty Putter a Winner for McIlroy…

by Annie Latham on June 21, 2011 in Golf Equipment, News, Putters, Scotty Cameron with No comments

Golfweek’s Jennifer Gardner has the scoop on the putter used by Rory McIlroy during his romp to victory at the U.S. Open (Congressional Golf Club in Bethesda, Maryland). He deployed his little-used Scotty Cameron Newport GSS which sports a chromatic bronze finish.

McIlroy, a Titleist staff player, has used Scotty Cameron putters in the past. He first received the prototype putter at the 2010 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Though he has used it for events in Europe, this was his first time using it in the States. The Newport GSS putter provided McIlroy with a slightly different toe to better accommodate his putting stroke.

You can read more at the Scotty Cameron Blog.

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U.S. Open Players Adjust Clubs For the Second Major of the Year

by Hilary Harrison on June 17, 2011 in Golf Equipment with No comments

Pro’s making changes to their equipment this week at the U.S. Open is no new revelation. To many it may seem strange for a player to change up what clubs they have been playing with for the previous tournaments. While PGA Tour players don’t always change their equipment, they do tend to make changes to their clubs right before a big tournament. Essentially it all comes down to the course conditions for that tournament. Certain types of golf clubs are better suited for different course conditions.

For this weeks’ U.S. Open the playing conditions at Congressional Country Club blue course are best known for their narrow and long fairways, along with a deep rough. This week it’s crucial for players hit the fairways. Instead of using what players have become comfortable with they are switching to a 2-iron to get the most accuracy possible off the tee. At least 12 players in the field, including 5-time 2nd place U.S. Open finisher Phil Mickelson have added this golf club to their bag. Not having a 2-iron in his bag for the past 6 years may prove more difficult than he imagined, during the first round he shanked the 2-iron off the 14th tee into weeds.

Mickelson and a few other players also added a high lofted wedge to their golf bag for this week’s tournament. The higher lofted wedge allows for more versatility around the green and deep rough. Their shots have a better chance of getting high and landing soft from various lies on the greenside bunkers or in the deep rough.

Every tournament will have players thinking about adding different golf clubs in their bag depending on the conditions. The same 14 clubs in their bag for one tournament may not make sense for another depending on the course. When preparing for the U.S. Open (arguably one of the toughest majors to win) players will prepare as best the can to have every advantage possible on a tough course like Congressional.

Cobra’s S3 Irons are the Real Deal

by James on June 15, 2011 in Cobra, Golf Equipment, Irons with No comments

I’ve had the pleasure of striking the Cobra Golf S3 irons for 3 rounds now. And let me tell you… These irons produce a solid feel and penetrating ball flight on each and every shot. They’re the real deal.

With the Cobra S3 Irons, Cobra Golf incorporated something they call their ‘E9 Face Technology’. The E9 technology offers a massive sweet spot. Combine that with a unique multi-material construction, and these irons could be some of the easiest to hit on the market today… and I sincerely mean that. From the first shot through to the last wedge I hit the other day, shots come of crisp, clean and consistent.

An interesting little tidbit about these irons is the actual material used in head construction. The 3 through 7 irons are made of 17-4 hyper steel, while the 8 through lob wedge are made from 17-4 stainless steel. The difference? I suspect the stainless is offers a tad more feel for those scoring shots around the green, and the hyper steel provides a crisper contact, for more distance. Just a hunch, but that’s what is has to be!

The last (and quite unique) feature of the S3 irons is the stepped crescent sole design. You’ll notice the sole design right off the hop if you ever see these clubs on display or in a bag around the course… The design allows for what Cobra calls ‘superior turf interaction’, for consistent and accurate shot making.

Cobra Golf S3 Irons

While all this is well and good, don’t take Cobra‘s word for it. Take MY word for it. I had the pleasure of playing the course on which I learned the game over this past weekend. I’ve looped the course many hundreds of times, and while I’m a decent player, had never carded a round under 75. With the Cobra S3 irons as an integral part of my game, I managed to get around all 18 in one-under par. A 70. I was flabbergasted!

While sitting in the clubhouse with some buddies to reflect on the round (and enjoy a beer), I decided to break down the round… and this is where the impact of the S3 irons became clear. Fairways hit? 6 of 14. Not so good. Total putts? 31. Again, not so good. Greens in regulation? 14 of 18… and the four that I missed… were right on the fringe. So what does that mean? Well, in the end it means my iron shots were finding the target. I was on or around the green, and managed to hole out with 2 putts (on average) to take my par and run. My mid and short iron shots with the Cobra S3′s were on the money, and thank goodness for that!

Stay tuned very shortly for an S3 iron photo gallery. I’m very eager to show off these beauties to you… and as always, an extra special THANK YOU to the good folks @CobraGolf!

Skating on Rails: Cobra’s Baffler Rules!

by Annie Latham on June 4, 2011 in Cobra, Fairway Woods, Golf Equipment, Hybrids with 1 Comment

Have  you ever found yourself off the fairway in just enough rough to truly muck with the clubhead?  I’m not talking about literal muck.  I’m talking about the stuff that seems to grab the club and keep its face open as you address the ball.  It is bad enough to be off the fairway to begin with.  But having your subsequent shot move further to the right is downright cruel — especially if that right puts you into someone else’s fairway.

That is why I am here today singing the praises of Cobra for their Baffler Rail fairway and hybrid clubs.  I added a 3 Fairway and a 4 Hybrid to my bag for the last two rounds I played and was truly amazed at the difference.  I’m usually skeptical of the marketing speak of golf equipment manufacturers.  But this time, I have to admit, the club worked as promoted:

Cobra’s Baffler Rail Fairway features a sleek-looking, 17-4 steel clubhead that has a thin, high-strength 465 maraging steel clubface designed to increase ball speed and distance. The elongated clubface and low-profile head result in a low, deep center of gravity – to help golfers launch the ball with ease – and a high Moment of Inertia for maximum forgiveness. The new four-way rail sole is designed to help the club move effortlessly through turf – to provide more consistent ball contact and improved control. The Baffler Rail Fairway features a premium, high-performance Fujikura Motore shaft for optimum distance and control.

“Golfers struggle with hitting traditional fairway woods, so we made the Baffler Fairway more like the Baffler Hybrid in terms of versatility and forgiveness, which makes hitting fairway woods a lot more fun.”

The key words to pay attention to here are “maximum forgiveness” and “a lot more fun.”  I wholeheartedly agree.  The ball just sprung off the clubface and went where I intended.  Plus I got a nice lift.  Very cool!

Here’s are the key points of the Women’s Baffler Rail Hybrid :

  • Innovative Rail Sole:  A four-way rail sole reduces the area of the club that comes in contact with the ground, resulting in improved turf interaction and maximum forgiveness.
  • 9 Point Face Technology:  Incorporated across the clubface, these create an expanded Sweet Zone that promotes more consistent distance and forgiveness.
  • High-Strength Face Insert (Utility):  A thin, lightweight maraging steel face allows for 10% of the weight to be strategically repositioned low and back, resulting in faster ball speed and improved launch characteristics.

Along with the above, the Baffler Rail fairway woods feature a unique oversize head design and a very shallow face result in an extremely forgiving fairway wood that launches the ball with ease.

For women, these clubs (roughly  $169 for fairway wood and $149 for the hybrid) are well worth the investment.  Guys should give them a test drive too.  Take advantage of the playability guarantee a lot of retailers offer and get them out on the course.  See (and feel) for yourself.  To me, the Rail technology is a true game changer.

Here’s a video clip shot during the recent Golf Expo at Haggin Oaks where Charlie Hazzard of Cobra Puma explains the rails.

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