All posts in Drivers

Golf Vendors Jump on Johnson’s Colonial Win…

by Annie Latham on June 2, 2010 in News, Drivers, Fairway Woods, Golf Balls with No comments

Titleist sent out an email blast letting those who opted in know that their “Brand Ambassador,”  Zach Johnson trusted the Pro V1x golf ball and a bag full of Titleist equipment in his come-from-behind, record-setting performance at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Capping his seventh career win in style, Zach closed with consecutive rounds of 64 on his way to a tournament record score of 21-under par.

“When it comes to performance excellence, shot to shot, and round to round, more of the world’s best trust their game to Titleist.”

FootJoy also made an announcement about how Zach Johnson’s win was “the first for the new FJ SPORT golf shoe.”

FJ SPORT is designed and developed for the player seeking bold, athletic-inspired performance golf shoes.  Utilizing striking patterns and color, FJ SPORT integrates proven performance attributes and premium materials. Zach wore FJ SPORT style #53102 and a StaSof glove during his most recent victory.

With a 21-under 259 total, Zach not only set a new tournament record, but recorded the lowest four-round total on the PGA Tour since FJ player Geoff Ogilvy won the season-opening SBS Championship at 22-under 270.

FootJoy took their announcement a step further than Titleist.  They have a campaign this PGA season called, “FJ WINS, YOU WIN.

It gives folks an opportunity to win FJ SPORT and StaSof, just like Zach wore en route to victory at Colonial.  You can enter by clicking here.

Also, here’s a FJ Sport feature overview:

  • Full Grain Leather Uppers  – for comfort, breathability, and durability.
  • 2-Year Waterproof Warranty
  • PU Coated Leather Toe Guard  – designed to prevent abrasion caused by toe-drag on the back foot during the follow through.
  • Athletic Mesh Liner  – for breathability.
  • EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) Fit-Beds  – provide lightweight cushioning underfoot.
  • Full TPU Outsole – creates a lightweight, durable and stable hitting platform.
  • Stinger cleats by CHAMP (white/black) –  provide superior traction throughout the entire golf swing.

Now the real question is, where in Johnson’s garage will he store his winning shoes?

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First Impressions of the Cobra ZL Driver

by James on April 16, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with 4 Comments
Side View of the Cobra ZL Driver

Cobra ZL Driver

Keeping in mind I haven’t even tee’d one up with it yet, I’ve been spending a lot of time today with the Cobra ZL Driver. Sent over from the good folks at Cobra Golf (Thanks Terra!), the ‘Zero Limits’ is a beauty to look at… and I’m willing to bet it’s going to be a champ off the first tee as well.

The first thing you’ll notice about the ZL out-of-the-box (besides the sharp looking headcover) is the multi-material construction. A quick once-over of the clubhead reveals a carbon fiber crown and sole, and a titanium body, face and swing weight screw. Together the package looks tight, but in a word I’d have to describe it as ‘FAST’. Looking at the ZL from certain angles reminds me of a sleek and sexy racing machine… You know, like Ferrari or some other high-end sportscar. Take a gander at the image below and tell me if you don’t agree:

Side View of the Cobra ZL Driver

Besides the obvious good looks, the ZL comes with an adjustable face. Cobra calls their system ‘Adjustable Flight Technology’, and with the help of a custom screwdriver, you can easily make adjustments on or off the course. Doing so is as easy as inserting the head in the screw, and turning counter clockwise until the head and shaft separate enough for you to rotate the clubhead. Markings of ‘O’ for open, ‘N’ for neutral and ‘C’ for closed are clearly marked on the hosel. Choosing a setting is easy, just rotate the clubhead to your desired slot, press the head and shaft together a bit, and re-tighten the screw in a clockwise direction. You’ll hear a satisfying ‘click’ when things are back in-place. I’ll get more in depth with this process in the upcoming review.

The ZL driver that Cobra sent over to me is a stock 9.5 with the Aldila VooDoo stiff flex shaft. Will let you know how things go once I’ve had a chance to get a chance to know it… The range and a loop of the course are calling.

MacGregor Golf Launches New Equipment Line

by James on April 15, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Drivers, Irons, Putters with 2 Comments
MacGregor M85T Driver

For some reason I thought MacGregor golf was done. Since Greg Norman’s grind to the final group on the British Open a few years ago, I hadn’t really heard much about them… However, since Golfsmith acquired full intellectual property rights to the MacGregor Golf brand last May, it looks like things are turning around.

If you’ve never heard of MacGregor Golf before, I have one question for you, have you been living under a rock!? The brand has been around since 1897, and their equipment has been in the bag for 59 major championships. Not too shabby.

At any rate, let’s get right down to it. Here’s the new product line you can check out right now at Golfsmith:

MacGregor M85T Driver ($299.99)

MacGregor M85T Driver

The M85T uses MacGregor’s exclusive FACEFIT technology to let you choose from an open, neutral or closed face position at address. Weight distribution within the clubhead puts the center of gravity low and deep, for drives that have tons of carry. Cup Face 360* technology also maxes out ball speeds across the entire face.

MacGregor M75T Driver ($199.99)

MacGregor M75T Driver

The M75T Driver is an oversized driver featuring a HOT clubface with Cup Face 360* technology. Again, the center of gravity is placed low and deep, giving you lots of carry and forgiveness on those off-center hits.

MacGregor VIP Forged Irons ($799.99)

MacGregor VIP Forged Irons

If you’re a low-handicap golfer that demands shot shaping and feel from your irons, the new MacGregor VIP Forged Irons are worth a look. Made from 1020 carbon steel, these sticks go through a 800-tom forging process to create a tighter grain structure, which in the end, promises improved feel and consistency. While not a full-out blade, the muscle cavity design is a nice blend of forgiveness and feel… and let’s face it, these clubs look classic.

MacGregor M85i Irons ($699.99)

MacGregor M85i Irons

The MacGregor M85i Irons are more of a game improvement cavity back. Providing ultimate forgiveness via the deep undercut back cavity and a low center of gravity, most players will notice higher shots that come down soft. Inside each cavity is a multi-material medallion with vibration-damping properties to help avoid those nasty ‘stingers’ and provide clean feedback. One other thing you’ll notice in comparison to the VIP irons, is the thick top line.

MacGregor ROTA Series Milled Putters ($129.99)

MacGregor Prestwick Putter

Available in three classic shapes, the new MacGregor ROTA Series Milled Putters are beautiful to say the least. Available in a ‘Prestwick’, ‘Hoylake’ and ‘Lytham’ edition, the three models cover all the bases depending on your style of putting. The Prestwick is a take on the more modern offset putter… The Hoylake looks like your classic blade (think Wilson 8802)… and the Lytham putter is a take on the modern mallet. All are works or art, and feature ARC face milling. The process leaves a texture on the strike area of the putter face for consistent contact and roll on every putt.

Check out our image gallery for a closer look at the new equipment from MacGregor.

Also available are a wide range of fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and more… you can even get MacGregor bags, balls, towels and hats. Golfsmith is doing it right, and I’m looking forward to seeing more and more MacGregor goodness in the years to come!

For more information, hit up the MacGregor line over at Golfsmith.

[Via: THP]

The Nike Victory Red Tour Driver May be the Only Change in Tiger’s Bag

by James on April 8, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Drivers, Nike Golf, Putters with 2 Comments
Nike Victory Red Tour Driver

Nike Victory Red Tour DriverI’ve been wondering for some time now what Tiger Woods would have in the bag for his Masters effort this year. Obviously, I didn’t think much would change (other than the branding on the actual bag!), but after doing a little bit of research, it looks like there is at least ONE important change.

First, I found out that Tiger has made a switch from the Nike Dymo Tour Driver he last played. He now has a Nike Victory Red Tour Driver in the bag… and I just confirmed this while watching him on the 10th green at the Masters. As he tapped in his disappointing bogey with the top of his putter, he pulled what was clearly the Victory Red Driver out of the bag, removed the headcover, and was no doubt looking forward to crushing one down number 11.

Speaking of putters, there had been some rumblings that Tiger may be changing to one of the new Nike Method putters. As you’ve probably noticed already, looks like that rumor wasn’t true. Tiger still has his trusty Scotty Cameron in the bag, and from what I’ve seen so far, it looks like he hasn’t lost much of his touch with the flatstick.

If anything, Tiger is looking a little rusty in shorter chips and pitches around the green. Should be VERY interesting to see if he can post a couple of sub 70 rounds before the weekend.

The Cobra ZL Driver: A Closer Look

by James on April 3, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with 3 Comments

The Cobra line has long fascinated me. The brand image is young, hip, and by all accounts the clubs are top performers. Through the years I’ve been a Callaway, Cleveland and Titleist fan, having interchanged iron sets, putters, drivers, etc. between these companies… But one of these days I know I’m going to crack and put a Cobra in my bag.

Last fall, I purchased a S9-1 driver, 3-wood and 5-wood for the lady in my life. She’s long had Cobra in the bag, with a set of King Cobra ss-i irons as her iron of choice. The clubs setup nice, have a larger head, and the graphite shafts make them light and a pleasure to swing. With the nagging Cobra ‘bug’ always in the back of my head, I took her S9-1 driver to the range, and even though the ladies-flex shaft was just a tad to whippy for me, I was impressed. With each swing (was just taking smooth, slow swings to get the shaft to kick at the right point) the ball was clearing the fence at the back of the range. NICE. If I can do that with a ladies S9-1, clearly the new Cobra ZL driver would knock the ball into the next county, right? 😛

The Cobra ZL Driver is a multi-material driver engineered for max distance. Aren’t they all? 😛 The crown and sole are made of carbon fiber, the body and face are made from titanium, and the swing weight screw located near the back of the sole provides an ‘optimal’ CG, MOI and spin rate for a high launch with big carry and control.

The ZL also features the ‘9 Point Face Technology’ that we first got wind of with the S9-1 series. All you really need to know here is the clubhead is ‘hot’. Hit the ball almost anywhere on the face and you’re going to experience tremendous launch speeds. I can attest to this.

Another cool thing built-in to the Cobra ZL Driver is the Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT) feature. You can use it to adjust the face-angle settings from open to neutral to closed. This is a handy feature for sure, as it can not only help you straighten out slice or hook symptoms, but better players can tweak the face as they go to help shape their drives with little to no change to their actual swing.

The Cobra ZL Driver is available now in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5. An Aldila VooDoo shaft is the stick of choice, available in a regular and stiff flex. Of course, additional shafts and other customizations are available, but I’d recommend you talk to your local fitter before you even consider ordering something custom. It’s a must to have your clubs tailored to your swing, but please, make sure you have a professional fit you for your needs!

For more information I highly recommend you check out the ZL page on Cobra Golf. More images below!

Note: Forgot to mention, ‘ZL’ stands for ‘Zero Limits’… just sayin’.

Golfsmith Announces Callaway Driver Contest: If Phil Wins…

by Annie Latham on March 12, 2010 in News, Contests, Callaway, Drivers with 1 Comment

Golfsmith, the golf specialty retailer, has teamed up with Callaway Golf to offer folks an opportunity to win a new driver if Phil Mickelson is victorious this April in Augusta at the 2010 Masters.

The announcement states:

Starting today and ending April 7, golfers who purchase one of three new Callaway drivers – the Diablo Edge™, FT-Tour™ or FT-iZ™ – at any Golfsmith store across the country will have the purchase price of their Callaway driver fully refunded by Golfsmith if Phil wins the Masters at Augusta, April 8-11.

The rules say, “No purchase is necessary.”

To enter without buying a driver, what you have to do is go to a Golfsmith retail location and ask them for an official “Win With Phil” entry form to fill out and mail in.

Golfsmith estimates thousands of people will take advantage of the promotion, which is available through more than seventy stores from coast to coast. To learn more about Golfsmith’s promotion with Callaway Golf, stop by any Golfsmith store or visit www.golfsmith.com/winwithPhil. This promotion is available only in Golfsmith’s U.S. stores.

Nike SQ MACHSPEED Driver Now Available

by James on February 28, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Drivers with No comments

Just the other day I noticed that the Nike SQ MACHSPEED Driver officially hit the stores. It’s a sharp looking club. The new driver from Nike features STR8-FIT technology, and promises to be the longest Nike driver ever produced. Let’s take a closer look at what the Nike SQ MACHSPEED has to offer.

As you can guess, the MACHSPEED is all about, well, SPEED. The club was designed to optimize aerodynamics of the clubhead, which results in higher potential clubhead speeds than any other Nike driver ever made. Faster clubhead speeds = longer distance off the tee… Something most of us seem to be obsessed with.

Nike also has their STR8-FIT technology on-board, which allows you to adjust the face-angle of the club. Eight face angle options are available, from 2 degrees open to 2 degrees closed, giving you the ‘play’ you need to tune the driver to your liking.

One of the major design features you may have noticed is that funky looking sole. Sure, it looks a tad odd, but there’s a purpose to it. Nike has moved weight around and into the corners of the clubhead to provide stability and forgiveness. Combine this with the overall shape of the head, and when standing above your next tee shot you’ll undoubtedly have the confidence you need to pound one down the middle.

The SQ Machspeed STR8-FIT driver is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 and 13 for men. It’s available in 11.5 and 13 for women. Shaft flexes available include senior, regular, stiff and x-stiff. In the box you’ll find the STR8-FIT torque wrench, and a great looking headcover. Want to see more? I’ve included some more promo shots for your viewing pleasure below:

For more information, hit up the Nike MACHSPEED mini-site >

Titleist 909D3 Driver: Classic Looks and Modern Technology Unite

by James on February 21, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Drivers, Titleist with No comments

I can speak to the playability and classic looks of the Titleist 909D3 Driver because… I own one. I purchased the 909D3 a few months back. Picked one up in 8.5 degrees, with the stock stiff Aldila Voodoo shaft.

The club is solid. At address, the look is classic. Perhaps that’s what I like most about Titleist clubs, the classic look and feel at setup. But there’s nothing classic about the way the ball flies off the clubhead. I’d call it explosive.

The 909D3 promises to deliver a low and deep ball flight, and yes, I can attest to this. No doubt the 8.5 degree loft I have on my bad boy is a big factor, but off the face the 909D3 is in a word, ‘boring’. The thing rockets low and hard off the clubface. If you play in windy conditions or simply prefer to keep things ‘low and slow’, the 909D3 is worth a look. There’s much more to it than that though…

I’ll let Titleist’s official description do it justice:

With a classic pear profile, deep face, and 440cc titanium construction, the Titleist 909D3 is a high performance driver delivering mid launch with low spin.

The 909D3 features a tour proven, modern profile that creates a low and deep CG for reduced spin, higher MOI, and longer, straighter drives. The classic pear shape with a smaller, deeper face enhances workability for shot and trajectory control.

The tuned sole of the 909D3 includes optimized pockets and an internal rib for reduced vibration, providing solid feel and better sound.

An integrated titanium blind bore hosel design saves weight, provides solid feel, and allows for more shaft options. The factory installed SureFit Swingweight Screw helps to position the CG deep while also providing a precise head to shaft match.

All in all, the 909D3 is one of the better drivers I’ve ever used. I prefer it in comparison to the similar 909D2, mostly because of the deeper profile. If you’ve got a set of blades in the bag, and prefer a classic look, the D3 could be a great fit for your arsenal. But be sure to get properly fitted for this one… as we all know proper loft, shaft, lie angle and club length should be tailored to your unique needs for optimal performance.

A look at the Titleist 909D3 in the address position.

For more information check out the 909D3 at Titleist.

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