Golf Essentials.... | Golf Equipment Reviews by Fairway Golf

Holiday Gift Guide 2009

by Dr. Barry Lotz

Holiday Gift Guide 2009

By: Dr. Barry Lotz

Looking for the newest, coolest off-course and on-course golf gifts, whether it is for your own holiday list or for someone else? Well, it’s that time of year again for gift giving and most golfers are just looking for an excuse to find the new products that will give them an extra edge.
We have selected some of the newest and best performing products to that end that not only will help your golf game, but are great gifts.

TaylorMade R9 Irons (Graphite Shaft)
OMG! - The best that TaylorMade has produced in many a year. These are the easiest to hit clubs that have the most amazing “buttery feel” AND you can expect an average 12-15 yards extra distance.

TaylorMade is back at it with its inverted cone tech which we all know is marketed to expand the sweet spot and reduce distance loss at the time of an off center hit.
The stylish design also features a sole that makes it very versatile from just about any lie. And these irons will elicit compliments from your playing partners. Mine were impressed with my new found accuracy and distance with these irons. (The Penta TP ball also made the difference).

The R9 irons were designed for the mid to low handicap golfer who enjoys extra forgiveness in their iron set. The set itself, which is almost made of 2 different designs, gives the golfer a long iron advantage with a hollow undercut and a high rebound face, while the 6 thru gap wedge become more compact and solid without as much of the undercut forgiveness.
The R9 TP irons incorporate a new groove design that conforms to the USGA and R&A ruling that goes into effect in 2010 for high-level competition.
KBS Steel Shafts
R9 irons come equipped with KBS 90-gram steel shafts, available in S and R flexes. KBS, which is quickly growing in popularity on the PGA Tour, incorporates several new enhancements into their steel shafts to promote improved performance.
One is that the wall thickness of each shaft increases proportionately as the shaft diameter decreases, which promotes added stability. The KBS steel shafts in the R9 irons are a lighter version of their popular tour shaft to promote greater swing speed, higher launch and increased distance. In addition, the KBS shafts in the R9 irons share a structure and step pattern with the tour shaft that promotes tighter dispersion for greater consistency and control.
The R9 iron is also available in one graphite shaft model, the Fujikura Motore, in 75-grams in S flex, 65-grams in R flex and 55-grams in M flex.

MSRP $999.00 steel with the fabulous new KBS shaft $1249 graphite
www.taylormadegolf.com

Titleist AP1 Irons
According to Titleist, its AP1 irons are ‘advanced performance, multi-material, dual cavity irons providing improved feel, great looks, shot control and higher flight with forgiveness for the avid to skilled golfer.’
Titleist golf irons Basically speaking, even golfers with normally low self-esteem can suddenly use these clubs.
The AP1is not as intimidating to the mid-handicapper as previous Titleist irons, which were generally perceived by many golfers as being out of their league compared to the clubs labeled ‘user-friendly game improvement’.
The irons at address, have a “chunkier” than normal look but also offer an excellent feel, courtesy of the soft elastomer in the back cavity, thereby reducing vibration.
They also have a lively ball flight, a result of their thin face and dual cavity design which pushes weight to the perimeter. You need to take these out for a test drive, you will be pleasantly surprised and may become a Titleist convert finally.

MSRP $100 per club/steel, and $125 per club/graphite.
www.titleist.com

Etonic Gloves
Etonic has a popular line of G>SOK gloves designed to keep a golfer’s grip dry and warm for maximum club feel in adverse playing conditions. Golfers can choose from the following:

All-Weather Glove:

This glove helps maintain the grip and feel in all temperatures and playing conditions.
The proprietary DRI-LITE™ microfiber material with a Cabretta thumb, palm patch and Stabilizer Island Thumb design, providing a steady grip in all conditions.

Available in white or black, the All-Weather glove retails for $12.

G>SOK Rain Gloves:

This pair of specially engineered gloves work better wet than dry. The palms feature Kuraray E-Grip material, engineered to increase its gripping power when wet.

The DRI-LITE microfiber material on the back, along with the Stabilizer Island Thumb design, ensures a rock solid grip in the wettest playing conditions.

The suggested retail for the pair is $20.

G>SOK Winter Gloves:

The fleece-backed gloves provide extraordinary warmth on cold days.

The palms are made with specially patterned leather that provides a great grip, while the backs are thin, but feature warm microfiber fleece.

These materials keep your hands warm, while giving you flexibility, comfort and a good grip when temperatures fall.

The suggested retail for a pair is $20.

www.etonicgolf.com

RoboCup Automatic Ball Return Robot

teaching-aids Spend just an hour practicing putting and you can be assured of a sore back. RoboCup will eliminate that problem and is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green.
When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you.
RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 15,000 putt returns. Combine it with the RoboCup Caddy Cord, shown in the photo, and even missed putts shoot back to you.
The RoboCup (with Caddy Cord) is available for under $60, making for an ideal Holiday or spring/summer gear or tech-inspired gift. Without the cord - $49.95
www.finetunegolf.com

The Money Clamp
Geneva - Silver This is an ideal gift for any occasion. The Money Clamp is a sleek front pocket wallet system, as opposed to a back-pocket wallet system. It incorporates a patented reversing arms clamp that is forged from memory flex spring steel that allows it to repeatedly grip dozens of bills and cards.
The clamp portion can be utilized alone or with its complementary slim wallet that slides inside the clamp itself and is designed to hold credit cards, identification and business cards.
Numerous fabrics and metals are available, such as crocodile patterned leather and all silver clamps.
Prices range from $15 to $30 for the Geneva model shown in the photo.

www.moneyclamp.com

Updates in the Studio Select line and the new Scotty Cameron quartet of putters

From the left, the new Scotty Cameron Sonoma, Del Mar and Corona putters with ‘honey dip’ finish

From the premier designer of putters and with endorsements and results to solidify Scotty’s esteemed status in the industry, the technology Cameron introduced with the original Studio Select putters, has now been incorporated into the new California line in order to accommodate a wider range of choice in terms of length, weight and putting strokes.

The California line series is precision milled from soft 303 stainless- steel, and includes the Coronado, Monterey, Sonoma and Del Mar, identified by blade and mallet-style heads and two different neck styles.

The California line is distinguished by a unique “Honey Dipped” finish. The natural bronze finish is actually not “dipped” or plated, rather it comes from a heat-treated process that is part of the head manufacturing process. The result is a rich bronzed appearance that looks great in natural light, while reducing glare and instilling confidence at the very least.
“I’m excited by the feedback I’ve had about the California putters,” says Scotty. “Players who prefer the more flowing, less geometric lines of the Coronado or the Del Mar are now going to find that they don’t have to sacrifice performance. Players can get a perfect fit for their stroke as well as their eye.”
Scotty has also updated the 2009 Studio Select line for Titleist with the Newport 2.5, Squareback 2 and Fastback 1.5 models, replacing the current Newport 1.5, Newport 2.7 and Fastback 1.
All four California models are fit with a stepless steel shaft for a clean, unbroken playing position appearance, a black Cameron Tour grip with dancing logo, an Art-of-Putting shaft band and a new paint drip Art-of-Putting head cover.
The new Cameron California and Studio Select putters will be available in December, with a suggested retail price of $325 ($350 for H weight customization).
www.scottycameron.com

golf putters

Studio Select Squareback 2

TaylorMade’s new Penta TP Ball
golf balls TaylorMade’s new Penta TP golf ball is soon to be released to the public in December in the Sunbelt only and nationwide in March. Rave reviews from Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson and Sean O’Hair have caused a buzz amongst consumers anticipating the release of golf’s first 5-layer ball.
Without all the fancy rigmarole and company hyperbole, this is probably the best ball I have ever used.
Its performance as to distance, feel and around the greens is simply awesome! It holds its line, and I have increased my distance by 13 yards AND it is extremely durable. What more can you expect from a ball?
The five-piece ball (Pente means five in the Greek language) has been three years in development in anticipation of the new groove rules introduced for Tour players from January 1 and for elite players by 2014.
According to TaylorMade, the aim is for the ball to improve performance in drivers, long-irons, mid-irons, short-irons and pitching with wedges. It really over delivers especially around the greens!
The cover of the Penta TP is made of a soft urethane material to promote a high-spin rate, but lower trajectory on wedge shots and pitches for more control. The outer of the three mantle layers – most easily compressed - is designed to create optimal spin and flight conditions when ball speeds are below 120 mph, equivalent to a pro’s short irons.
The middle mantle layer is reputedly designed to compress on shots with a ball speed between 120 and 140 mph (mid-irons), while the inner mantle creates high-launching, low-spin shots with long-iron ball speeds (140 to 160 mph).
According to TaylorMade, only the fastest swingers will activate the low-compression core, but those who can, should expect higher ball speed and less spin on their tee shots.
MSRP $52.00 per dozen

Bettinardi Golf
Bobby Bettinardi, the putter designing and manufacturing genius, has also introduced the ultimate in a belt buckle, now quite the “in” accessory on the Tour. The Buckle is an extension of their superior metal craft from the function of golf putters to the fashion world of golf. You’ll find The Buckle being worn by Rory Sabbatini, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.

The Buckle begins as a solid block of high-grade, double-aged stainless steel (DASS) and passes through a series of 12 processes before it can be a Bettinardi Buckle.

CNC milling gradually cuts the metal, creating the form of The Buckle. It is then further honed, engraved, buffed, polished, and hand-painted with an enamel finish.

The Buckle is available in two sizes: Standard (1-¼”) & Large (1-½”). And, like its putter counterpart, can be customized to your taste and specifications, including 3-letter initialing, design engraving, and hand-painted elements.

Buckle Size Comparison All Bettinardi Buckles come with Herman Oak Bridle Leather Belts. These high quality belts are dressed and finished with oils and tallows to make them strong and flexible to prevent cracking around punch holes, and tanned, so as not to tarnish the hardware.
Yet, these leathers also maintain their body in use and have very little stretch. All finishes are fully aniline for a natural look, just like stained wood.

Belts are available in black, brown, white, blue, green, orange, red, and turquoise.

$175.00 www.bettinardi.com

Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC Golf GPS
The XGC is the most user- friendly of all the GPS distance finders that we have tested to date. It is elegant, simple, sleek, and accurate and backed by the Bushnell name.
FYI, Bushnell pioneered the golf laser rangefinder in 1995, and with the introduction of PinSeeker Technology in 2005, quickly became the brand of choice for 90% of pros on the PGA tour.
The unit features a 2.2″ hi-resolution, sunlight readable, color screen that displays an easy-to-use interface for “hole up” tracking, “down the fairway” perspective and scorekeeping and statistics.
Its ability to store up to 20 courses, including custom color course maps, is a definite UPS (Unique Selling Proposition).
This simply is a great gift for any golfer but more importantly, it is a wonderful tool that will help your game in many ways, especially for measuring distances you hit with your clubs.
A belt clip and storage case is included and the rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides up to 16 hours of use.
$349.95
www.bushnellgolf.com

Graphite Design Shafts GDS Tour AD Shafts
We all know that the shaft is the engine in any club. The very best shafts that I have ever tested and what I use in my clubs are the Graphite Design Tour AD – UT shafts.

This is the shaft, that in my opinion, every golfer who is not on Tour should be using, even though Tour players such as Kenny Perry and a host of Champion Tour players are themselves playing the GDS Tour AD models.
GDS has just introduced their new GDS Tour AD D-1 7X this past week and the response on the PGA and Nationwide Tour has been amazing. Players drove the ball 20 – 30 yards further with perfect trajectories.
Both the UT and D-1 models are special orders, and now I understand why they are “special”. They are phenomenal and have, according to my playing partners, improved my driving ability both with the driver and hybrids.
Both of these shafts are very expensive, but you get what you pay for - longer distance and a big smile on your face - $385 per shaft.
www.gdintl.com

adidas Tour 360 4.0 Golf Shoe
One of the most critical pieces of equipment in the golfer’s arsenal is good fitting shoes for the hours spent walking the golf course. Any shoe from addidas comes with high expectations of comfort and performance and the Tour 360 4.0 fits the bill to a tee.
The Tour 360 4.0 contains, within its beautifully designed sleek body, the latest technology in the uppers, insole and outsoles.
The full grain leather shoe features a unibody construction that connects the heel counter and 360WRAP technology to the outsole creating the most stable adidas golf shoe ever, while X-STATIC silver filament fibers woven into the lining helps regulate temperature of this fully waterproof shoe.
The Tour 360 4.0 has a new re-engineered POWERBAND CHASSIS that wraps up higher on the lateral forefoot and AdiPRENE cushioning which provides enhanced impact absorption. The shoe features a newly designed and exclusive THiNTech Cleat. This is a great look performance shoe that is extremely comfortable and functional.
MSRP $180.00

www.adidasgolf.com

Antigua Desert Dry Shirts

The Antigua Group
Antigua’s new Desert Dry™ Xtra-Lite is a weightless, light fabric.
The three-dimensional construction is what makes the fabric extremely light without being sheer or see-through. In addition, Desert Dry™ Xtra-Lite wicks away moisture even faster that Antigua’s proprietary Desert Dry, a performance fabric the company created several years ago when it introduced its performance category for golf.
This new technology can be found in both the men’s and women’s lines of golf apparel.
Antigua apparel is routinely tested under the hottest conditions of the Arizona Desert to insure that it meets the high standards of moisture wicking performance.
Not only do the Antigua Desert Dry Golf Shirts look great, but they feel even better. The Proper style is shown in the photo above.
MSRP $65.00
www.antiguagolf.com

Miura Hybrid
Looking for a great hybrid? Famed Katsuhiro Miura has created an extremely well designed Tour Quality Hybrid which uses a carbon plate on the crown to create a low center of gravity in the head. The club sits square at set up and the solid sound and feel of the club instills confidence in the golfer and allows him/her to take dead aim at the green.
The mid/high trajectory with mid/low spin and a slight draw bias virtually guarantees performance.

The Miura Hybrids come in 17, 20 and 23 degrees. The head cc sizes are not overly large, but are certainly big enough to be easy to hit.

Price: $239.00 with standard Nippon NSPro 950 steel shaft, with other shaft options available at different price points.

Sun Mountain Micro Cart Bag

In 2009 Sun Mountain introduced to rave reviews and excellent retail sales, the Micro Cart, a new-look walking cart sporting four-wheels, while folding 25% smaller and weighing 20% less than leading push carts.
To complement the Micro Cart, Sun Mountain has brought the MCB (Micro Cart Bag) to market and is designed specifically to fit the Micro Cart. The bag offers a new 15-way top that will appeal to golfers using any cart.
The MCB has a full complement of features – two of the most noteworthy being a bottom molded specifically to fit securely over the Micro Cart’s lower bag rest to minimize bag movement, and the newly designed 15-way top that offers golfers a new way to organize their clubs.
Micro Cart users, Sun Mountain SpeedCart users, and any cart golfer can appreciate this new 15-way top offering 4 dividers in the middle for drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, surrounded by 5 slots on either side for irons and wedges, and a putter well up front.
There are five color combinations available.
MSRP $209.00
www.sunmountain.com

TaylorMade Golf Bags – 1 Stand Bag, 1 Cart Bag
Taylor Made Golf Company unveiled its next generation of golf bags for 2010 – a collection highlighted by significant improvement in design and functionality. Representing the biggest leap is a new TaylorMade bag technology called Fast Action Snap Technology, known simply as FAST-TEK: a seamless way for golfers to access important accessories such as GPS, rangefinders, phones, cigar holders and other valuables without having to dig through cluttered pockets during a round.

With the separate purchase of one of six FAST-TEK cases, golfers can quickly and easily affix these accessories onto corresponding rivets which line the outside of all of the new 2010 bag models.

One of the featured bags in the 2010 collection is the Pure-Lite, a stand bag that boasts all of the new TaylorMade technologies, including FAST-TEK, full length dividers and the maximum pocket height. Weighing less than five pounds, and equipped with the most comfortable, well-balanced shoulder straps in the industry, the Pure-Lite is the pinnacle of golf stand bags.

The Catalina was created to fill all the needs of the cart bag player. With features such as an Integrated Putter Tube, 9 pockets (including a large cooler pocket), expandable side gussets, and a TPR Cart Strap Lock, the Catalina is the upper echelon in cart bags. No cart bag in the market can match the features and ultimate lightweight (5.9lbs) of the Catalina.

Catalina Cart Bag MSRP: $209.99
Pure-Lite Stand Bag MSRP: $199.99

www.tmaxgear.com

Happy shopping and enjoy your new toys, equipment and clothes!

FOOTNOTE: Acushnet, which also makes Titlest, Cobra and FootJoy equipment, is rumored to be launching new NXT and Pinnacle balls in the New Year.
Bridgestone will be introducing their 460 ccJ38 driver which Matt Kuchar used to win in October at Turning Stone plus two iron sets: J38 forged cavity backs with Magnesium inserts and the J38 forged dual pocket cavity back.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers”, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf” which is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s bestseller list. His latest book,” The Right Mind for Golf”, is to be released in January 2010.
He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net

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The Latest in Teaching and Training Aids

by Dr. Barry Lotz

The Good, the Bad, and the Very Ugly.

Recently I received a spate of the supposedly latest and greatest training aids that guaranteed miraculous overnight solutions to improve my swing and short game.

Well, as you can imagine, training aids are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get inside. Thanks Forrest for a great truth.

We tested all these products at the Rancho La Quinta Country Club using their staff PGA teaching pros headed by Shaun Shearer as well as our usual group of testers and those of the PGTAA (www.pgtaa.com).
A caveat: Whichever training or teaching aid you decide on to rectify that part of your game that is lacking, you must use it regularly to obtain the benefits!
When it comes to golf teaching and training aids there is positively no shortage from which to pick from. There are teaching and training aids available for every facet of your golf game. From having a proper stance to sinking the last putt, there is something available to help anyone. The best advice here is to not get confused.
You must decide on a golf training aid that can help cure a particular problem area of your golf.

The Sonic Golf S1 Audio Biofeedback System

Consistent rhythm and tempo plus, balance, are the gel that keeps the swing moving freely and repetitively. The key to great golf is to find your own ideal rhythm and tempo and then maintain it.

System-1 Solo Edition Sonic golf enables golfers of all abilities to capture this most elusive aspect of the golf swing. With the Sonic Golf System-1, for the first time, you can literally hear the rhythm, tempo and timing of your swing in real-time, as you swing, and tune in to the most fundamental success factors of the golf swing.

The Sonic System-1 is simple, straightforward, and amazingly effective. Hear “casting from the top”. Hear jerky transitions from backswing to downswing. Hear the release of the clubhead before, at, or after the ball, and hear the sweet sound of a smooth, fluid, rhythmic golf swing - in real-time, every time.

The Sonic Golf System-1 technology is inserted inside the shaft of your club fitted with Sonic Golf’s custom Golf Pride grip. The swing motion is transmitted wirelessly to a belt-worn receiver, which converts your swing motion to continuous musical tones you hear on the headset unit. Slow swings are low pitch and quiet tones. Swinging faster and the pitch and volume gets higher.
Instead of focusing on the mechanics, such as starting on your downswing by shifting weight to your left foot, you can now exclusively use the audio feedback to regulate your swing. As a result, you will focus more on the swing itself and forget everything else.
$399.00 for the Solo model (shown above) and $499.00 for the Pro version

www.sonicgolf.com

AccuPutt Putting Trainer

This is an excellent aid that can be used from home. The best feature is the ability to see the line throughout the stroke, which enables one to see if the ball is pushed or pulled. If one is able to understand why the putt is off line then the stroke can be corrected. The device definitely can build a memory that can be repeated and will create a more consistent stroke if used regularly.

teaching-aids AccuPutt uses a type-1 laser to shoot an invisible line down the center of the practice green - the opening on the special patent-pending putter must travel perfectly straight to avoid breaking that line. A green LED on the base unit shows when the laser line is unbroken, but if the putter strays at all from the perfect stroke, a red light is activated instead - giving the user critical instant feedback while they practice their stroke.

The aperture in the putter is even adjustable so that as a user’s putting improves, they can continue to challenge themselves until their putting is pure, consistent, and deadly accurate.

The only negative is the putter used is not the putter one uses on a daily basis.

$249.95 www.accuputt.com or www.321putt.com

RoboCup Automatic Ball Return Robot

teaching-aids Spending just an hour practicing putting and you can be assured of sore back. RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green.

When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you.

RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 15,000 putt returns. Combine it with the RoboCup Caddy Cord, shown in the photo, and even missed putts shoot back to you.

The RoboCup (with Caddy Cord) is available for under $60, making for an ideal Father’s Day or spring/summer gear or tech-inspired gift. Without the cord - $49.95

www.finetunegolf.com

The SensoGlove for correct grip pressure – how to avoid the “Death Grip”

teaching-aids Practicing with the SensoGlove will teach you the correct grip pressure for a smooth, consistent swing that delivers greater distance, enhanced precision and lower scores. It has adjustable pressure settings that allow the user to select a grip that works for them and stores this information. It also measures each finger’s pressure. A lighter grip improves distance and accuracy with every club, including chipping and putting.

SensoGlove’s built-in digital computer actively monitors your grip with sensors placed strategically throughout the glove, providing instant feedback at all the points of your swing. SensoGlove’s audio feedback warns you at the moment your grip becomes too tight, allowing you to learn and maintain correct grip pressure at every point of your swing.

The lightweight digital computer can be removed and replaced without removing the glove, so you can use it only when you need it.

The gloves are exceptionally durable and are available in men’s and ladies sizes S-XL for $89.00. If the glove wears out, keep the computer and simply reorder another glove for $25.00.

www.sensoglove.com

ProStance

teaching-aids As per ProStance devotee, Padraig Harrington, “The ProStance is a great tool for any golfer at any level. It helps build balance and stability for every part of the game from putting and chipping to the full swing”.

This device works well for advanced players working on their balance and weight shift. I noticed that for players who do not have good balance at all, had difficulty making a swing. As per Shaun Sheareer, “I believe that the Pro Stance is great for average and advanced players and will recommend it to my advanced players”. Unfortunately you have to have a teacher there to watch for if you are unbalanced an amateur golfer, they themselves, will not know how to fix the balance problem. “I found the Pro Stance to be helpful with players who tend to have their head ahead of the ball at impact and this teaches the feeling and balance necessary in the swing to keep the head back and then complete the weight shift on the follow through.”

$79.00 www.pro-stance.com

KC Putting Device - A Putters Dream

teaching-aids More like a putter’s nightmare. This device looks great in the case and then you open it up and see all of the cheap plastic parts you have to put together and then have to read the manual to put it on the putter.

The idea of the device is great and you are able to see the path of your stroke and see where the ball is positioned. The device also enables you to see what line the ball starts on and if it is consistent with your stroke. Not recommended.

True Ympact Swing Trainer

TRUE YMPACT SWING TRAINER The True Ympact is excellent for players with casting problems and for players who would like to feel their hands in front of the club.

The device does not let you release the club early. It is difficult to hit shots with the device on, but once you remove the True Ympact your swing will feel great. You can tell instantly that the True Ympact had started to build a different memory into the swing and the shots were more solid and a more consistent ball flight was evident.

Our testers and PGTAA (www.pgtaa.com) teachers and students who tried this saw an increase in distance after hitting about 50-60 balls. I will use this with my students and recommend it for a training aide for them to purchase.

$99.95 www.trueympact.com

The Perfect Link

The Perfect Link is the best putting aid out of the group as it keeps your left arm in perfect position throughout the stroke. The device keeps your forearms close together on both the back stroke and forward stroke.

teaching-aids A bonus feature is that the Perfect Link will also help your chipping technique.

It is ready to use right out of the box and can be used not only on the practice putting green, but in the comfort of your home as well.

Our testers found that by using The Perfect Link to warm up before each round, it has ingrained a memory in their putting strokes that they I can take and feel out on the course as well. At the PGTAA (www.pgtaa.com) we have had multiple students and teachers try the device and they all saw improvements in their stroke. It especially helps with a more consistent stroke on shorter putts.

$29.95 www.theperfectlink.com

TruePlane Putting Trainer

teaching-aids Trueplane is used by more than 250 tour pros and these players have more than 200 wins on the main tours including 11 Majors since getting Trueplane. One of Trueplane’s biggest endorser is Masters Champ Trevor Immelman.

Trueplane has been used on tour since 2001. I believe that an inside-to-inside stroke is best because it is just as simple as a straight stroke and is easier to achieve and more natural. On many occasions many of our testers who said they preferred a straight stroke tried Trueplane and found that it felt great.

To use the Trueplane, you simply slide the putter along the guide following the red line for the perfect stroke. The Trueplane includes a guide rod for perfect putter alignment as well as a smart looking carry bag.

$59.95 http://www.brooksgolf.com/

Also available is Uniputt.

uniputt - a one piece stroke for one putt greens Uniputt provides a quick and simple way to eliminate wrist movement from the putting stroke and provides immediate feedback enabling you to improve your putting in minutes. This simplifies the stroke and makes it more solid and consistent. Eliminating wrist movement is an important part of the ideal pendulum stroke used by pros and recommended by coaches.

Eliminating wrist movement is an important part of the ideal pendulum stroke used by pros and recommended by coaches. Uniputt provides immediate feedback enabling you to improve your putting in minutes.

$29.95 http://www.brooksgolf.com

ProPlay 640 Personal Video Training Tool
Another technological masterpiece that EVERY golfer should have is the ProPlay 640 GPS Video (GPS stands for Golf Performance System). What a great, useful and worthwhile product! And a ProPlay Golf Perfomance System desirable gift every golfer would love to have!
Noted instructor, Jim Flick, thinks this practical device is the best thing since apple pie! With this device you can take your practice range game to the course!
ProPlay allows you to instantly review your swing while playing golf. Video frame by frame playback, video analysis and markup, one button operation, variable speed playback and side by side playback, are just a few of this tool’s features.
This rugged and well-designed unit is compact enough to fit in a pocket and can be taken anywhere.
MSRP: $449.00
www.proplaygps.com

Bridgestone Golf Balls

We used Bridgestone’s B330, B330 RX and Treo balls. All our testers raved about the feel of all three of these balls especially the Treo. While doing our wedge testing as well, the RX received the highest ranking from our better players, while the Treo was the favorite of the higher handicappers.
Tour B330-RX This multilayer urethane ball features a very soft gradational compression core with Tour-level spin, feel and control around the greens, but optimized for moderate swing speeds (85 to 105 mph) off the tee.
The B330-RX utilizes the same industry leading Seamless Cover Technology that Bridgestone balls have become known for, and features a 330-dimple pattern for optimal trajectory and consistency of ball flight.
It definitely is a ball that offers both distance and exceptional feel around the greens.
The B330-RX features a street price of $42.99 per dozen (suggested retail price of $56 per dozen)
www.bridgestonegolf.com

Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers”, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf” which is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s bestseller list. His latest book,” The Right Mind for Golf”, is to be released in August 2009.

He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net

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Fascinating Holiday Golf Gifts for 2008

by Dr. Barry Lotz

This year’s new golf products are innovative, useful and beneficial.

What more do you need to give yourself a reason to buy a great gift for your circle of influence, family and friends? Even for yourself! It’s been a tough year!

The following products give value-added a new meaning to the pursuit of better golf.

For improving your game and staying on the cutting edge of equipment, these products fit the bill:

Two new devices incorporating GPS for measuring distances on the golf course have just become available. Each performs admirably as to measurements but the bells and whistles have different tunes:

Bushnell Yardage Pro GPS Handheld Device

Diag view-arrow keys updated-no shadow copy.JPG Bushnell, experts in the field of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes and laser range finders, has unveiled their first GPS offering for golf. The Yardage Pro is designed to provide golfers with the top quality and performance they expect from Bushnell laser rangefinders, in a GPS device. The weather resistant Yardage Pro is quick and easy to use. It gauges distances to the front, center, and back of the green. Bushnell will offer downloadable courses on their website that are stored on your PC hard drive with no expiration.

This GPS unit also offers a LCD screen with backlight, a rechargeable battery with a 14 + life, and its one handed ergonomic design can be clipped to your bag or belt.
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MSRP: $199.00.

www.bushnell.com

uPro Hand-Held Golf GPS Device

The stylish, compact and easy-to-use uPro features an unparalleled highly developed combination of GPS and laser-range capabilities, providing hi-resolution aerial photography and satellite imagery of thousands of courses worldwide.Their new software’s download speed is up to 50 percent faster than the previous software, allowing users to spend less time downloading and more time on the golf course. The new, improved auto hole advance allows the uPro to automatically detect the user’s location anywhere on the hole the user is playing. Users have the option of being prompted to change holes or advance with no interaction.

More intuitive shot marking is another new software feature. Once the user starts the mark shot feature, the distance will update in real time as the user advances towards the ball’s location. This allows users to check distances quickly and easily for everyone else in the group.

The uPro’s ProMode download, for a minimal cost of ownership, adds video flyovers and aerial imagery to the detailed data contained within Basic Mode, allowing the user to actually see the course and measure to AnyPoint™ on the course, unlike other golf GPS devices. There are no yearly membership fees for uPro, while annual fees for uPro’s competitors range from $29.95 per year to $59.95 per year. If these fees are not paid at the start of the year, previously downloaded courses are disabled so the device will no longer work – not the case with uPro.

The USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is that uPro users will get for FREE what competitors charge for.

Accessories such as a belt clip, soft case and car charger are also available.

MSRP: $399.99

www.uprogps.com

ProPlay 640 Personal Video Training Tool

Another technological masterpiece that EVERY golfer should have is the ProPlay 640 GPS Video (GPS stands for Golf Performance System). What a great, useful and worthwhile product! And a desirable gift every golfer would love to have!

ProPlay Golf Perfomance System Noted instructor, Jim Flick, thinks this practical device is the best thing since apple pie! With this device you can take your practice range game to the course!

ProPlay allows you to instantly review your swing while playing golf. Video frame by frame playback, video analysis and markup, one button operation, variable speed playback and side by side playback, are just a few of this tool’s features.

This rugged and well-designed unit is compact enough to fit in a pocket and can be taken anywhere.

For my money, this is the product that should have been chosen as the winner of the Golf Channel’s “Fore Inventors Only” golf show, instead of that unoriginal golf club stand, which won first prize, which has already been marketed for the past ten years!

MSRP: $449.00

www.proplaygps.com

The Net Return Pro Series – For the Golfing Family

golf With the ProPlay GPS above and this Net Return Pro Series,, you now can have your own driving range and teacher in your own backyard!

The Net Return Pro Series net stand 7’ 5” tall, 8’ wide and 3’6” deep and is made of a lightweight 1.5” tubular aluminum frame and weighs approximately 28 pounds, making it very easy to transport.

The sleeved net is made of heavyweight polyester and the entire structure can be easily assembled, without tools, thanks to the Push Button Quick Color Connect System. This System ensures assembly, by one person, in less than five minutes.

The Net Return Pro Series Package includes one Net Return Pro Series
Sports Net, four sand bags for outdoor stability, one rugged duffel bag for
transporting the net, and one 4’ by 12” basic turf mat.

Purchasers can choose to upgrade the turf mat for an additional cost that varies depending on the material and weight. All turf comes with a 1 year UV warranty. Other accessories, such as an EZ TEE Fringe Hitting Surface or a cup and flag for putting, may also be purchased for a nominal charge.

MSRP: $495.00 www.thenetreturn.com

More on a low tech level, but are just as functional, are Daphne’s head covers – ideal for either the female or male golfer or Scotty Cameron’s new ball marker.

Daphne’s Head Covers

Seen those cute animals on top of clubs, especially the driver? Daphne’s selection is outstanding. The Black Panther and the Black Lab are my personal favorites, while ladies gravitate to the Pink Calico cat, the Peacock and the Puffin.

golf This 25-year-old family business is doing a rip-roaring business in the custom head cover arena. These head covers are not only well designed, but also their quality and attention to detail is superb.

Each animal is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure fit on your clubs. Each animal is guaranteed for life. Inside the label you will find their factory phone number. Rest assured that if you should have any problems with your head cover, the manufacturer will fix it pronto.
The latest model is the Hippo Heads & Tails, which fits on two clubs, a 460cc driver and a fairway wood or hybrid. Also, the Gorilla model for hybrids is very cool!

Hybrid, utility and putter covers are also available.

MSRP: $25.99

www.daphnesheadcovers.com

The Scotty Cameron Ball Tool

golf This useful gadget is appearing on the Tour to enhance putting prowess. Officially known as an “Alignment Integrated Marking” device, it simply lets you use a line, either drawn or manufacturer produced on your golf ball, to dial in the line you see to the cup, using its milled hash mark sight lines.

Then, after stepping back, any minor corrections are made by moving the ball, rather than the marker, either to the left or right. Remember that right-handers tend to miss putts to the left, whilst the opposite is true for left-handers. It also serves as a snazzy ball marker.

MSRP: $44.00 www.scottycameron.com

Of course, having a Scotty Cameron Square Back putter completes an ideal gift.

Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select Squareback Putter Golf Club This Newport head-style putter is a precision milled 303 Stainless Steel head with a high toe profile and circular heel and toe sole weights that provide more stability, by reducing twisting on off-center hits. It has a Double bend shaft with 1/2 shaft offset, so players can get a nearly face-balanced mallet, a clean look at address and a silky smooth feel at impact .

This model contains the same head weight as other Newport models but has a slightly thicker topline and a milled sight line in the flange.

The high toe profile helps reduce the tendency to raise the toe at address for better accuracy. The factory adjustable weights are set to provide the proper head weight to shaft ratio for the perfect feel. The Tour-inspired cherry dot graphics are very visible and look extremely good on this Scotty production.

$299.99 www.scottycameron.com

Aldila Voodoo shaft

WOW! What a wonderful feeling one gets using this shaft. It is the talk of Tour players on all Tours. Made for use in woods and hybrids and for the better player who’s seeking optimum low-to-mid launch angle and low spin.

The entire length of the shaft is specially designed with a patented, one-piece carbon-fiber rib system. This hoop keeps the shaft more concentric during the swing, preventing shaft ovaling, deformation and wasted energy.

golf

This not only keeps the shaft’s structure stable, but it also maintains the shaft’s symmetry to play the same each swing, transferring the maximum energy a golfer can deliver to the ball. The Voodoo simply helps generate consistently straight and long shots.

It is available in both 60g and 75g versions.

Aldila’s new Voodoo shaft is going to be one of the most desired and popular shafts for 2008 and 2009.

MSRP: $299.95 www.aldila.com

Bridgestone B330-RX Ball

Paula Creamer won with this ball at this year’s Samsung World Championship and it is currently the hottest and fastest selling ball at most retailers.

This multilayer urethane ball features a very soft gradational compression core with Tour-level spin, feel and control around the greens, but optimized for moderate swing speeds (85 to 105 mph) off the tee.

The B330-RX utilizes the same industry leading Seamless Cover Technology that Bridgestone balls have become known for, and features a 330-dimple pattern for optimal trajectory and consistency of ball flight.

It definitely is a ball that offers both distance and exceptional feel around the greens.

The B330-RX features a street price of $42.99 per dozen (suggested retail price of $56 per dozen)

www.bridgestonegolf.com

PeakVision Golf Sunglasses

If you are looking for the finest golf sun glasses available look no further than PeakVision’s range.

TS3.14 Golf Sunglass – Carbon

The TS3 half-rimmed frame is crafted from magnesium/aluminum alloy. The narrow profile frame geometry is designed for narrow width faces and the younger set. The TS3 weighs in at an amazingly lightweight 19 grams and features PeakVision’s Dual-Zone Amber NXT unbreakable lenses that deliver perfect light management for both the sky and turf with remarkable optical glass-like clarity.

This purchase comes with a microfiber lens care bag, a durable zippered hard case with clip, and a one-year warranty.

For those who prefer a less slim and sleek pair of sunglasses, PeakVision’s GR4.02 Golf Sunglasses with a polished Tortoise frame should be perfect.

This model, as well as being PeakVision’s most popular, is my personal favorite. It features a sleek nylon Grilamid (microcrystalline nylon) frame which rides easy with an excellent 8-base curve lens wrap and vertical depth for great coverage.

Known for its lightweight, comfortable fit for medium to large face shapes, (recommended for a hat size of approximately 7 1/4 - 7 7/8) the GR4 has interchangeable lens capability and can accommodate lenses for nearly every sport. The NXT unbreakable lenses deliver perfect light management for both the sky and turf with amazing optical glass-like clarity.

Aside from being well designed and distortion free, all PeakVision’s models are simply the most comfortable pair of sunglasses we have ever tested. They are easy on the eyes and lightweight and can also be worn all day. It’s simply difficult to leave home without these – I never do!.

MSRP: $149.00 to $189.00 www.peakvisionsports.com

SeeMore SB 1 Mallet Putter

SeeMore’s new SB 1 100% milled aluminum Black Satin Mallet putter as precise, as it is beautiful.

golf The best feature of the SeeMore range of putters is that their RST (RifleScope Technology) alignment system allows the golfer to set up the putter perfectly square to the intended target line each and every time, by lining up the black bottom portion of the shaft between two white lines and covering a signature red dot on the heel of the top line. It is like locking radar onto a target.

SeeMore putters with RST also help the golfer establish a system for continuous improvement with visual feedback.

The pedigree of this brand continues unabated with Major winners and top Tour players singing SeeMore’s praises. Payne Stewart, Zach Johnson, Vaughn Taylor and Briny Baird are proponents and winners using SeeMore.

If your putting needs a boost or meaningful improvement, this is the tool to get you to where you want to go.

MSRP $225.00

www.seemore.com

TaylorMade’s Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider Putter

The TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider putter is already becoming a cause celebre on Tour. Following the initial success of the larger Rossa Spider, a 20% smaller and lighter version has been brought to market.

golf Simply put, the Spider has a high MOI (Moment of Inertia), similar to the PING Doc 13, but also has TaylorMade’s famous MWT (Moveable Weight Technology) and the AGSI + Titallium Insert.

The Itsy Bitsy rolls the ball superbly, especially well with the AGSI + Titallium insert. The Spider’s two MWT ports give the player the option to easily change weight in the rear for customized control and feel.

The Itsy Bitsy’s high MOI, steel wire-frame head construction with light aluminum core, pushes increased weight to the perimeter which in turn helps it to deliver extremely consistent distance results on off-center hits, so that instead of coming up short, often times the ball reaches the hole.

$240 www.taylormadegolf.com

For looking stylish, sexy and well dressed, the following soft goods products are definitely worth considering:

CollarSTYX

golf With the exception of Fairway & Greene, every golf shirt manufacturer has a soft collar which invariably curls and takes away the fresh and smart look of a shirt.

Wouldn’t it be great to see not only Tour players, but everyday golfers, male and female, look well groomed and immaculately attired? Solution - CollarSTYX - easy to use and ideal in all weather conditions. They are also reusable.

MSRP: 12 clear -$14.95 or 24 clear -$21.95 www.collarstyx.com

Tehama

This powerfully designed men’s luxury performance shirt incorporates Tehama’s “Hang Em Dry” moisture wicking pima cotton/micro polyester knit polo.

golf Tehama, the line of high-end contemporary sportswear for men and women that was co-founded by Clint Eastwood and Nancy Haley, has introced the evolution of its Hang’em Dry category with two signature groupings each for men and women. Staying true to Tehama’s Luxury Performance focus, and the namesake for the movie ‘Hang’em High” – the supreme fabrication blend has been established as an industry leader with its moisture-wicking qualities.

For the active golfer, Tehama Hang’em Dry offers polyester and pima cotton/polyester blend fabrications that are lightweight, moisture wicking, antibacterial, and have UPF 30+ protection. Within the new Hang’em Dry collections, golfers and consumers will see body mapping, color blocking, mechanical stretch and new innovative details.

Tehama also offers a full line of ladies’ apparel.

Top - TEHÀMA Hang’em Dry “Luther Colorblock Polo” in Oriental Red.

Cool Plus with Antibacterial Finish $64 Bottom- Orbit Flat Front Short - Cotton Madras Shades of Black with Oriental Red $56 www.tehamainc.com

Q-Link - Titanium Bracelet - Black Ceramic

Q-Link, the leaders in personal energy systems, has introduced their new Unisex Titanium Q-Link Bracelet with Gloss Black Ceramic Finish and crafted of solid, ultra light Titanium with a spring steel core.

Q-Link is a technology that amplifies and clarifies the body’s energies. By reducing the noise in any energy field, this technology strengthens and purifies the body’s own energies

This unique new bracelet is precision crafted with exceptional quality and attention to detail. The Ceramic Black Titanium Bracelet features flexible sides for an exceptional fit, a laser etched serial number and new dual SRT-3 wafer design for maximum performance.

The bracelet is elegant and aside from offering the Q-Link magic, is also very dressy and very comfortable. Available in S/M/L/XL

MSRP: $199.95 www.qlinkgolf.com
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adidas ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket

golf Addidas has continued to dominate both the airways and Tour players with their highly recognizable and accepted brand. Their designs and fabrics keep them in the top three performance brands of golfing attire. From footwear to headwear and outerwear, addidas outperforms the competition both in the marketplace and with golfers’ style of clothing.

One of their most popular introductions has been the ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket. This waterproof jacket features a shell that is 100% polyester laminated twill and a lining that is 100% polyester mesh.

Undeniably elegant and a real ”head turner”, it is also so very comfortable and functional. And, depending on your personal preference, the inner lining is easily removable to allow a looser fit. Matching pants are also available, an all include a two-year warranty.

$275.00 www.adidasgolf.com

TaylorMade Performance Labs

Want to treat somebody really special? Try TaylorMade Performance Labs.

golf The TaylorMade Performance Lab’s certified professionals will fit men, women and junior golfers of all ages and abilities to a custom set of TaylorMade golf clubs, using an exclusive technology called Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade (MAT-T) which was previously available only to Tour professionals. This is the best two and one half hours any golfer can spend.

Locations are available at the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA, The Four Seasons Resort in North San Diego, the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia and The Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

The cost of the fitting ranges from $150-400 depending on the location, the season and extensiveness of the fitting. Custom-built TaylorMade Golf clubs can be purchased at competitive prices and shipped in a matter of days.

Reservations are required…customer just calls in advance…open 7 days week…TMPL fitting pros will work with your schedule.

www.tmplabs.com

Pete Dye Golf Courses

Many magnificent course photographs, many made especially for this volume by Ken E. May, Dye’s photographer of choice, enhance a witty and irreverent text by golf writer Joel Zuckerman.

Fiendishly difficult and spectacularly beautiful, Pete Dye’s golf courses are among the most exciting in the world. In this volume, 130 were selected to honor his 85th birthday—among them such famous marvels as Teeth of the Dog, PGA West, TPC Sawgrass, and Black Wolf Run, but also less well-known courses that will come as a revelation to golfers everywhere. A great companion book would be George Peper’s “The 500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes”.

Have a great time shopping and a marvelous holiday season with your family and friends to whom you have given these gifts.

Click HERE to See His Accompanying Article On How To Choose The Right Wedge For You…

Our readers are the CEO’s of America’s corporations, both large and small that are addicted golfers who like to find new and exemplary golf products and destinations. Our reader’s average annual household income is $168,000.

Seventy-five percent of our readers access our publications during work hours. They take 3 to 4 golf related trips a year.

Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his current book, “How to Build Business Relationships Through Golf” is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list.

He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net

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Innovex E-Motion Golf Ball

by Dr. Barry Lotz

This is one of the best kept secrets in golf balls.

The Innovex E-MOTION ball is built for the serious player who drives for distance and thinks their way through greenside shots.

Innovex EMotion Golf Ball Racing crew chiefs use aerodynamics and engineering for more speed and ultimate performance. Innovex designers have been influenced by race competition and the results are neatly packaged in the Innovex Golf E–Motion ball.

The Progressive Motion Dual Core senses impact loft and velocity compensating the compression for soft feel in the scoring zone and a firm feel off the tee. Shock Absorber Rebound Technology speeds the ball back to an aerodynamic round shape partnering with the wind for more distance and accuracy. The Aeroblend cover utilizes a proven 392 Dimple pattern for tour caliber trajectory. The engineered dimple shape bites into the green for optimal spin control.

StopSpin checks up with control and putting touch is phenomenal. A soft cover, tour caliber, three piece construction and roll promoting dimples, enhance feel and confidence.

Our testers were amazed at the responsiveness of the ball and its affordability.

$35.95

www.innovexgolf.com

Trade In, Trade Up to Certified Preowned Callaway Golf Clubs!
Click here

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« Previous Posts

Holiday Gift Guide 2009

by Dr. Barry Lotz

The Latest in Teaching and Training Aids

by Dr. Barry Lotz

Fascinating Holiday Golf Gifts for 2008

by Dr. Barry Lotz

TaylorMade Performance Labs

Innovex E-Motion Golf Ball

by Dr. Barry Lotz

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