The handicaps of average players haven’t moved much in the last 20 years, but that hasn’t stopped golfers from going out and buying the latest technology. Anything for the extra yard, or at least the promise of the extra yard.
The golf industry has not come up with any recent innovations like titanium or a big-headed driver. Still, for those who want the latest, if not the greatest, in golf equipment, there are more than a few interesting choices on the agenda. The prices are suggested retail, but the equipment often can be found for less at most stores.
Driver
Wilson Golf: Deep Red Fat Shaft
Price: $399
What it’s supposed to do: Wilson finally has developed a Fat Shaft driver to go along with its hugely successful Fat Shaft irons. The technology is the same: The Fat Shaft adds stability to the club at impact. It is a good-looking club with a deep-red finish; hence, the name. Wilson says the club barely conforms to U.S. Golf Association regulations, which means it flies.
Irons
TaylorMade: 300, 320, 360
Price: $920 per set for steel, $1,060 for graphite
What it’s supposed to do: Like its doing with its woods, TaylorMade is offering three choices of irons to match players’ games. The irons have a classic look and a softer feel. They were designed by John Hoeflich, who helped create the Tommy Armour 845s and the Titleist DCI.
Adams: Tight Lies GT
Price: $799 for a set of eight
What it’s supposed to do: Adams’ new irons feature a shaft made mostly of steel, with graphite at the base. The reverse goes for its line of woods. The steel provides golfers with better feel, while the graphite promotes stability at impact. This could be one of the year’s hotter clubs.
Putter
Tour Edge: T-Balance
Price: $150
What it’s supposed to do: Creator Jim Shenoa has designed the shaft to bend at 90 degrees and fit in the back of the T-shaped face. Tour Edge says the structure is stronger than a straight shaft, thereby minimizing vibration and improving feel. While the club looks weird, it is easy to set up and the ball feels extremely soft coming off the face of the club.
Balls
Titleist: Pro VI
Price: $54 a dozen
What it’s supposed to do: This is the hot new ball, the one Phil Mickelson says has changed his game. The design allows for a lower spin for added distance. Yet it still retains its playability around the greens.
Strata: Tour Ultimate
Price: $54 a dozen
What it’s supposed to do: Strata has inserted a tungsten energy core. The result, it says, is more transfer of energy at impact.
Wilson: iWound
Price: $35 a dozen
What it’s supposed to do: The three-piece ball features a plastic lattice winding. It provides the spin and control of a wound ball without losing its distance.
Bags/carts
Sun Mountain: Speed Cart
Price: $199
What it’s supposed to do: The new three-wheel design is designed to be pushed instead of pulled. The cart weighs only 14 pounds and is easily collapsible.
Ping: Hoofer 2
Price: $175
What it’s supposed to do: Ping’s popular 5.4-pound walking bag has been redesigned. There are seven pockets with a water pouch and full-length dividers to spread the clubs into four areas.
