All posts in Golf Equipment

Great Weekend for Adidas/TaylorMade Golf…

by Annie Latham on July 14, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, More..., TaylorMade with 1 Comment

It was an outstanding weekend for Adidas and TaylorMade Golf.  To start, Paul Goydos became the fourth player in PGA Tour history to shoot a round of 59 in competition — relying heavily on his TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider putter.

“I’ve used the model now for over two years. I’ve had a couple of different ones, but for the most part that’s the same putter,” he said.

Other TaylorMade Golf sticks in his bag:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 (9.5 degree; Aldila NV 65 shaft)
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade R9 3-wood (13 degree)
Hybrids: TaylorMade Rescue TP FCT (17 degree) and TaylorMade Rescue TP (21 degree)
Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade R9
Wedges: TaylorMade TP xFT ZTP (54 and 58 degrees)

*****

For the LPGA U.S. Women’s Open, Paula Creamer tamed the greens of Oakmont (PA) using her new TaylorMade Daytona Kia Ma Ghost putter.  She averaged just over 30 putts per round (1.68 putts per hole).

In a Golfweek story, she was quoted saying, “Last week I went through two putters, and the week before I had a (Odyssey) 2-Ball. I went back to just the standard-looking putter. I think that helped a lot, because there is so much going on in these greens that you just have to focus on that.”

An off-the-shelf version of the Creamer putter runs $300 at The Golf Warehouse.

The rest of Paula Creamer’s equipment included:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 SuperTri (10.5 degree; Graphite Design Tour AD prototype shaft)
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Burner 3-wood (15 degree; Aldila NVS 65 shaft); TaylorMade R9 5-wood (19 degree; Aldila NVS 65 shaft); TaylorMade r7 7-wood (20 degree; Nippon GT 700 shaft)
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP FCT (25 degree; Fujikura 270 shaft)
Irons (5-PW): TaylorMade R9
Wedges: TaylorMade rac (54 degrees); Titleist Vokey (58 degrees)

One last note…  On the TaylorMade Golf website, the company claims to be the manufacturer of the #1 Driver on the tour.

Off the golf course, Adidas had a huge day (and month) with their ball being used for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

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Doglegging it…New Putter Garners Superior Results for Moore

by Annie Latham on July 9, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Putters with No comments

It’s no secret that Ryan Moore is one of our favorite golfers on the Tour.  His second place finish at the AT&T National was incredible.  Other “seconds” for Moore were where he placed in putting average and putts per round for the tournament and where he came in with total birdies.

Again, he defied common wisdom — this time by picking up a brand new putter on Tuesday, playing with it on Wednesday in a Pro-AM and then keeping it in his bag for all four rounds of the AT&T.

The club was a Custom MACHINE Putter by Dogleg Right Corporation.  The Custom TIG Welded Center Shaft putter that the he picked up from Dogleg Right’s Tour Rep, Ken McDonald, features a CNC milled hosel that is TIG-welded to a custom milled micro pocket in the putter head’s topline to create a Center Shafted setup, which is very easy for players to line up and stroke confidently.

The putter also features an interchangeable flange system (and therefore the Converter name) to allow the user to change the shape, weight, balance and MOI of the putter.  With its separate adjustable weighting system, players have the option of dialing in their ideal weight, up to 28 grams in as little as 1-gram increments.

The face of the putter has a unique VMG (Vertical Mill Groove) face mill pattern that helps produce a true forward roll, improved alignment optics and a soft yet solid and responsive feel.

There was no indication of how much fine-tuning Moore did with his putter.

In the post tournament press conference, Moore talked about his new putter, saying, “Something about the alignment of it, it’s just helping me see my lines a lot better.”

Note:  Moore was under no obligation to use the putter.

Suggested retail price: Custom MACHINE M2A Converter Putter with TIG Welded Center Shaft in 303 Stainless Steel starts at: $399.99.  MACHINE putters by Dogleg Right are sold through the company’s exclusive network of Authorized Fitters and Retailers as well as online through its website and golf forums such as Golfwrx.com and Puttertalk.com that it participates in.

For more information, go to Dogleg Right’s website.

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Cobra ZL Driver Photo Gallery

by James on June 15, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with 2 Comments
Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

The Cobra ZL Driver (Zero Limits) is a solid piece of equipment. I can say that with certainty now, after having tested it numerous times on the range, and on the course. The feel off the face is solid, and making adjustments to the club face is fast (and easy). One other thing I’d like to note today is the trajectory of the tee. It’s piercing, and the ball looks like it never wants to come down. It goes without saying, I’m loving it.

While I’d love to blab on and on about the Cobra ZL Driver, I’m going to save that for a later date. What I’d like to do now is share some photos with you. Go ahead and take a look-see below. I hope you enjoy!

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT face adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT flight adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL. '9 hotter points'? You betcha!

ZL profile view

3/4 Profile view of the Cobra ZL

The sole of the Cobra ZL Driver

The sole

Another look at the sole!

Another look at the sole!

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Face Technology)

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Flight Technology)

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Changing the face to the closed setting

Changing the face to the closed setting

The head and shaft

The head and shaft

The driver head, shaft and adjustment tool

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

A view from behind

A view from behind

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this photo gallery of the Cobra ‘Zero Limits’ driver. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter – An Overview

by James on June 13, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters, TaylorMade with 2 Comments
The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Earlier this month (June 2010), TaylorMade introduced the Rossa Corza Ghost putter. You may have spotted it in play on the PGA tour over the past few weeks… remember that strangely white putter you noticed on TV? That’s the Rossa Corza Ghost putter!

I can already hear you saying, ‘so what’s the deal with the white?’. TaylorMade breaks it down for us nicely on their site. Here are the key points as to why the Rossa Ghost putter should help you on the greens:

  • the contrast of the white head against the green makes it easier to see the topline and target line
  • the contrast of the 3 black alignment lines against the white crown makes it easier to aim
  • a circular hole through the head works with the alignment lines and ball to make it easier to aim
  • 2 outer alignment lines are one ball-width apart, making it simple to align your ball with the center of the face to promote solid contact
  • an AGSI+ insert negates backspin and promotes forward spin for better roll

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Easier to lineup and aim you say? The ball will come of the face with a true roll too? Sign me up! While I haven’t rolled the rock with the Rossa Corza Ghost putter as of yet, I am somewhat dying to get my hands on one.

Key specs on the Rossa Corza Ghost putter:

  • Loft: 4 degrees
  • Lie: 70 degrees
  • Offset (mm): 3/4 shaft
  • Length: Available in 33, 34 and 35″

Top View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

I have to admit, when I first noticed Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose with one of the new Rossa Corza Ghost Putters in-hand, I was heard to remark ‘what the heck is that!?’ They really do have a unique look to them, with the white clubhead and all. But hey, if the contrast in color helps you with alignment, then all the more power to this new bit of gear. Heck, I suppose it worked for Justin Rose last week at the Memorial, right?

In the end, I break it down like this: If the Odyssey 2-Ball had a baby with traditional Rossa styling, the Rossa Ghost is what we’d get. At least, something like that 🙂

I’m looking forward to what TaylorMade has in-store for the ‘Ghost’ line of Rossa putters. With the success the putter has had already on tour, they’re no doubt prepping other models with a fresh coat of white paint and AGSI+ inserts!

Face View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

For more information, visit TaylorMade.

Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid: First Impressions

by James on June 10, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Hybrids with 1 Comment
The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

Before I take the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid to the range, I thought I’d ‘tee off’ on it with my initial impressions. I currently carry a 20* Cobra Baffler Pro Hybrid in my bag, so I’m really curious to see how it performs in comparison. The club that Cobra sent my way is the new 17* Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid… and it looks sharp.

Besides the obvious difference in loft, the other major difference between the two Cobra hybrids in my possession are the shafts. My 20* baffler has a stock stiff steel shaft, while the new Rail Hybrid is packing a Fujikura Motore graphite shaft in a stiff flex. The difference in weight will be obvious, so it should be interesting to see what I prefer. I know it’s more of a personal choice… From my point of view I always shafted my hybrids with steel, as I considered them part of my pseudo iron set… Will the graphite shaft perform for me? Will I enjoy the feel and performance of the graphite? You’ll just have to wait and see!

While I’m talking shafts, I might as well touch on the shaft options available on the Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid. It comes stock with the Fujikura Motore (in your choice of regular or stiff flex), and both of these shafts have a mid-kick point, weigh in at 65 grams, carry a 5.0 torque rating and produce mid to high launch conditions. For those that maybe don’t have the fastest of swing speeds, a ‘Lite’ flex is also available, and this one offers a low kick point, weighs in a 60 grams, carries a 5.0 torque rating and offers a high launch trajectory. If the Fujikura Motore shaft options aren’t for you, Cobra also offers quite a few custom shafting options. You can check out the options (including shafts from Aldila, Fujikura, Graphite Design, NS and True Temper) in this PDF (go to page 4 under ‘Baffler Shafts’).

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid with Fujikura Motore Shaft

Finally, I simply have to mention the sweet looking headcover on the Baffler Rail Hybrid. I snapped a quick photo of it below… it certainly puts the previous generation of Cobra headcovers to shame 🙂

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid Headcover

Stay tuned for more photos and a thorough review of the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid. Can’t wait for the first practice session with it in the bag!

Special thanks: To Terra and the team at Cobra-Puma Golf for the continued support!

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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Miura Golf Unveils Wet Sand, K Grind Wedge

by Annie Latham on May 19, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment with No comments

British Columbia-Japanese golf-club manufacturer Miura Golf has just announced the K Grind wedge which features characteristics making it ideal for hitting out of wet sand.

The sole of the new K Grind wedge is “fluted” making it look like it has finger-tip impressions on it.  These three channels reduce the resistance against the wedge in sand, thick rough, and even the fairway. The sole of the wedge moves with the grass instead of against it. The channels move around the sand instead of colliding with it. It allows the wedge to accelerate thru the ball with less effort in every condition to improve the odds of hitting a good shot.

Characteristics of the K Grind Wedge:

  • Better results out of wet sand.
  • Reduces the odds of “catching it heavy” on long bunker shots.
  • Better acceleration on ½ and ¼ swings around the green.
  • Digs it out of deep rough.
  • Works great in normal conditions.

No pricing information was released.  Miura Golf clubs are sold at high-end, custom-fitting shops in North America. More information on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com.

Source:  Miura Golf

Related:  Miura Golf Introduces CB-501 Forged Cavity-Back Irons

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Lost & Found Balls: Times Story on Boon/Burden

by Annie Latham on May 11, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Golf Balls with No comments

Did you catch the story in The New York Times Golf Blog about lost golf balls?

Written by Bill Pennington, it started off by talking about the 100K golf balls found in Scotland’s Loch Ness (as in monster).  Clearly, there’s a lack of actual driving ranges in Scotland, so why not?

Okay, all kidding aside.  The story goes on to discuss the negative ecological impact of lost golf balls.  For most of us, the negative impact is on our wallets.

Pennington mentions how “the retrieval and discount repackaging of lost golf balls has mushroomed into a lucrative business expanding into global emerging markets.”

A year and a half ago, I wrote a story about one such business: Lostgolfballs.com. What they do is retrieve golf balls from the lakes and water hazards of over 2000 resorts, private facilities and top daily fee courses in 32 states. The balls are then shipped to one location where they are cleaned with soap and water and sorted by hand into various brands, models, conditions and offerings, which are then made available for purchase.

The company offers a huge selection of “perfect” and “near perfect” golf balls from most every renowned golf ball manufacturer.  At the time of my article, Lostgolfballs.com had retrieved and sold over 220 million golf balls.

Most golf courses discourage “ball hawking” because it tends to slow up the game.  There are benefits to finding lost balls while searching for your own.  You may discover a brand that works for you.  Plus, there’s nothing like playing with a lost ball over a long carry or near water — it’s like playing with house money.

Check out the article and the comments (Quite amusing actually!).

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Be Like Phil: Buy the Limited Edition ProType Putter

by Annie Latham on May 6, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Odyssey, Putters with No comments

Callaway Golf announced the introduction of the Odyssey® ProType™ 82 Putter, a limited edition design inspired by the same model Phil Mickelson used to win his third Green Jacket. There will be only 82 right-handed and 82 left-handed ProType putters will be available for purchase in the United States starting on Monday, May 10 at 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT).  The asking price is $500.

Anyone, interested in owning one of these limited edition putters can sign up to be eligible for purchase on a first-come basis at OdysseyGolf.com. Each of these 164 individually numbered, limited edition putters features a green highlight on the sole, a nod to Mickelson’s win at Augusta earlier this month.

The ProType 82 features Odyssey’s new White Ice insert, with a Tungsten weight behind it, along with a single white sightline that stretches from the face of the putter down the back flange-a look requested by Mickelson himself. These limited edition PT 82 putters will also come with a Phil Mickelson Limited Edition headcover and a Black Series grip, identical to what the four-time major champion used to win at Augusta.

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It’s Official: Introducing Cobra-Puma Golf

by James on May 6, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Style & Fashion, Cobra with 2 Comments
Cobra-Puma Golf

Cobra-Puma Golf

We’ve known of the deal for some time now, but it appears as though all of the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. Today, I received note from my favorite contact at Cobra, informing me of the official announcement of the merger. Welcome to the golf scene, Cobra-Puma Golf!

The purchase of Cobra Golf by PUMA AG means that two very powerful brands will be working together to produce not only killer equipment, but stylish and effective apparel as well. Both brands will continue to be developed separately… But folks from either side will collaborate when necessary to no doubt share in the knowledge and wealth found within each brand.

Honestly, I’m quite excited about this merger, and for all of the people at Cobra and Puma. I’ve been a long-time fan of both brands, and joining them together while retaining both brand identities is going to mean great things… I can just feel it.

Keep reading after the jump for the official press release.

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