All posts in Manufacturers

Crowne Plaza Unveils “Get a Better Game” Promo…

Guests at IHG’s Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts can earn Nike golf equipment and a chance to perfect their swing with PGA golfer Stewart Cink ) via the “Get a Better Game” stay-and-earn promotion.

Through Dec. 31, guests who register for the promotion and stay at Crowne Plaza Hotels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America can earn gear. In addition, the first registered guest who stays 50 nights during the promotional period will play in the Pro Am at the 2012 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas with Cink.

To register for the Crowne Plaza “Get a Better Game” promotion, visit www.crowneplaza.com/getgame.  You can also find more about this on Crown Plaza’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/crowneplaza) which will some exclusive content from Golf Digest and provide a place where fans can share their own tips for getting a better game.

Nike Golf equipment  – How to Earn:

  • Stay 2 nights, and get a sleeve of Nike 20XI golf balls
  • Stay 5 nights, and get a dozen Nike 20XI golf balls
  • Stay 10 nights, and get Nike V Rev Wedge
  • Stay 15 nights, and get Nike Mach Speed FW
  • Stay 20 nights, and get Nike Mach Speed Black Driver
  • Stay 30+ nights, and get Nike Mach Speed Irons

###

Titleist Introduces Next Generation AP1 And AP2 Irons

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.

###

Mizuno Launches MP-59 Irons With Ti Muscle

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.

###

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

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.

###

Callaway Finds A New Leading Man (for now)

Anthony Thornley, Callaway Golf Interim PresidentCallaway announced that their President and CEO, George Fellows, resigned stating personal reasons. Fellows has been at the head of Callaway since 2005, his mission was focused on expansion, product cost reduction, and help golf return to the Olympics. Along with his resignation came their second quarter results and which posted a net loss of $55 million.

With this new development, Callaway has had to appoint an interim president. The honor has gone to Callaway Golf board member Anthony Thornley. A great fit for Callaway not only has he been invested in the company while sitting on their board for the past 6 years, he is also an avid golfer, gaming a single digit handicap.

For Thornley, it’s not necessarily the best time to take the lead at a company who posted an unfortunate net loss in their second quarter. However, the changes you can expect to see Thornley make is to first focus on marketing where they have been outdone by some of their competitors in recent years. There is also expected to be a round of layoffs as they reorganize. Thornly will bring in his own leadership skills and style to Callaway in hopes to reboot the company.

Callaway Golf is in no danger of leaving the golf world anytime soon it has been a staple in golf world ever since the introduction of the Big Bertha. This July marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Callaway founder Ely Callaway.

Callaway Timberlake Contest – Vote Now…

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.

###

TaylorMade Introduces Ghost Spider Putter

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.

###

Seldom Used Scotty Putter a Winner for McIlroy…

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.

###

Cobra’s S3 Irons are the Real Deal

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!

Stricker’s Hole-in-one at The Memorial

Titleist is quite proud of their Brand Ambassador Steve Stricker, who won last weekend at The Memorial Tournament. In the email blast the company sent it was a link to view his hole-in-one at Muirfield Village’s par-3 8th hole (his 17th hole of the day) during Round 2. It was named the No. 1 Top Play on “SportsCenter” on Friday. It was the Steve’s second-career PGA Tour ace.

The video, embedded below includes commentary from Jack Nicklaus. You can also watch Stricker fix his ball mark if you hang with it past the 2 minute mark. After the round, Steve signed the Pro V1x and gave it to his scorer for the round. Note: He had also birdied his final hole with the ball.