Drivers
TaylorMade r7 Quad ($500): Just when you thought you’d seen everything, TaylorMade comes up with something unique. The driver features four movable screws that can be arranged to alter the trajectory of a shot, depending on the player. Experiment with the screws to prevent a hook or slice, or to produce a higher or lower launch angle. The driver is more than great marketing. Pros used it in collecting 26 worldwide victories last year.
Nike Ignite ($350): The 460-cubic-centimeter driver is the driver of choice by Tiger Woods, Stewart Cink and Cialis Western Open champion Stephen Ames. A crown design and the next evolution of titanium enable maximum distance and control.
MacGregor MacTec NVG ($449.99K): An old hand, MacGregor, comes back in a big way with its new driver. Like the TaylorMade club, it also has four screws to alter the weight distribution. The ads feature Greg Norman making his pitch for the driver. MacGregor hopes golfers still will follow “The Shark.”
Callaway Big Bertha 454 Titanium ($375): The latest from Callaway also is the company’s biggest ever in a driver. Despite measuring 454 cubic centimeters, the company says the driver has “a surprisingly compact look at address.” Callaway’s design promises that the club is longer and more accurate. Did you expect anything less?
Fairway woods/Hybrid clubs
Cobra Baffler ($150): Cobra returns to its roots with its latest version of the baffler. A forerunner in producing utility clubs, Cobra is appealing to players who don’t like to hit long irons. The specially designed contour sole allows the club to slide through the grass. It’s a nice blast from the past.
Sonartec MD Hybrid Transition Club ($200): This club is the No. 1 hybrid on the PGA Tour. It also was the club Todd Hamilton leaned on heavily to win the British Open. With lofts ranging from 3-wood to 5-iron, the MD’s technology raises the center of gravity at the impact point to provide maximum power.
Tour Edge Houdini ($99): As befitting the name, St. Charles-based Tour Edge is promoting the Houdini as an escape club. The club features a low-profile design that helps to get the ball up in the air with solid contact. The club is offset and has a one-inch shorter shaft that helps square the face at impact.
Irons
CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA FUSION ($1,200): Following the lead of its Fusion driver, designers use a titanium insert and a tungsten-nickel alloy to reposition 77 percent of the club mass to the perimeter of the head. What does that mean? The design creates more stability and less vibration at impact.
WILSON STAFF DI5 AND PI5 ($500): The Chicago-based company has revived its legendary Staff logo, recalling the days of Sam Snead. Snead would have played Wilson’s Pi5 irons, which are geared toward the better players like staffers Padraig Harrington and Jesper Parnevik. The Di5 irons are designed for mid- to high-handicap players. Receiving strong reviews, Wilson is counting on the irons to help launch its comeback as a major force in the industry.
PING G2 ($750): The top-selling iron in 2004, it received editor’s choice status from Golf Digest. A wide sole produces a lower center of gravity, making the irons easy to hit. It also is a good-looking club.
Balls
NIKE ONEBLACK ($54): In brilliant marketing move, Nike actually had its staff players use a black ball on selected holes early in the season. As a result, Nike is selling a limited number of two-ball Nike Blacks. The ball, though, is more than a gimmick. The ball is designed for players with high swing speeds.
TITLEIST PRO V1 AND PRO V1X ($58): The king of the golf balls, the Pro V1 has been enhanced with improvements in core formulation and the casing layer. Meanwhile, the Pro V1x features a new, softer inner core and a firmer outer core. It allows for better control of spin rate on full iron shots into the green.
Shafts
NIPPON 750GH ($120 per shaft): The shaft probably is the most neglected item in the club by recreational players. It might be the most important element. Nippon has developed the lightest steel shaft in the game, checking in at a mere 75 grams. The average steel shaft weighs between 115-125 grams. The player still gets the stability of steel along with the light feel of a graphite-like shaft. The shafts are pricey and can be purchased only from custom-made club makers.
Putters
HEAVY PUTTER ($239): Will this be the next craze in putters? Weighing 90 percent more than standard putters, the new club requires players to use more of their upper bodies and less hands and wrist (death moves) to make the stroke. Also players can customize their putter with a 250-gram insert.
BETTINARDI HAWK ($190): Tinley Park-based Bob Bettinardi has hooked up with Ben Hogan Golf. Using Bettinardi’s one-piece technology, the company says the putters produce a more consistent performance. It is offered in both center- and heel-shafted models. Would it measure up to Hogan’s standards? Bettinardi thinks so.
Bags
BURTON CLUB-LOK ($189): Burton comes up with its answer to golf equipment theft. A lever-based locking system can instantly lock all 14 clubs, so a $500 driver won’t disappear when your clubs arrive at baggage claim. A retractable steel cable allows the bag to be secured on bag-drop racks, golf cart and car trunks.
