The event this year was an ode to the creativity and innovation of those who love golf, who are continually searching for the perfect club and for the best way to become a scratch golfer.

Technology was ubiquitous in every category, from Ahead clothing to Zelocity Flight monitors and everything else in between, especially in the use of GPS systems and innovative fabrics for both men and women’s golf apparel fabrics. This article will cover just the equipment with next month’s issue focusing on the soft goods and training aids.
In attending and identifying the best products at a PGA Show, one faces a major hurdle – time to visit and talk with the inventors and sales teams. This year the Show organizers scheduled both a demo day for retailers and club manufacturers, as well as an indoor testing area. Both were extremely well attended.
The Show was alive and the “vibe” was palpable. With over 1200 exhibitors and close to 50,000 attendees, the convention floor was filled for four days solid. Top participating golf manufacturers included: adidas, Fairway and Greene, Callaway Golf, Club Car, Full Swing Golf, Nike Golf, Sport-Haley, TopFlite Golf, Tour Edge, Wilson Golf, Nickent and Yonex to name just a few.
So what's really exciting, different and useful this year?

IRONS:

Big Bertha irons
Without a doubt, the hit of the show was all Callaway. Their new Big Bertha irons, SRT putter and X Fairway woods drew rave reviews.


The Big Bertha irons feature Notch Weighting Technology which takes weight from the center of the club head and repositions it to the heel and toe areas of each iron, thus increasing perimeter weighting and dramatically improving stability at impact, providing increased forgiveness and stability for golfers of all skill levels.

Callaway Golf's constant-width sole of uniform width in each iron, lowers the center of gravity to help golfers hit shots that climb more easily and maintain a high trajectory. Additionally, the soles of the new Big Bertha irons have been reshaped for a clean, confidence-inspiring silhouette at address. The new irons also feature a high-polish finish and bold red-and-black medallion.

The Big Bertha’s unique club head numbering system of #2 through #10, W, S, and L delivers consistent loft spacing through the short irons and wedges, eliminating the gap so often found between pitching wedge and sand wedge.

MSRP $1000 – Graphite  -  $760   www.callawaygolf.com

DRIVERS

Callaway X460


The new Callaway x460 driver is superb both in looks and set-up and the new Aldila NVS shaft literally make this driver a weapon of mass distance at a great price as well.

With its new CT/VFT face, a distinctly designed and patented Consistent Alignment Sole which allows the subtle keels of the soleplate to rest on the turf for ease in aiming the club face and stabilizing the club head, and proven and patented Callaway Golf technologies, the X460 is a solid performer, is capable of delivering a more consistent trajectory and more accuracy off the tee plus distance - especially when using the new Callaway HX * Tour Ball.  Lofts of 9°, 10°, 11° and 15° are available as is a Tour model.

MSRP  $299                       www.callawaygolf.com


TaylorMade r7 460cc Driver


TaylorMade Golf has expanded its phenomenally successful line of r7 clubs with the addition the r7 460cc driver, featuring TaylorMade's renowned Movable Weight Technology.

The major difference between the original r7 is not only the size and proprietary shaft, but the change from four TLC ports to just two for a more user-friendly approach to trajectory management.
Compared to the original r7 quad, the r7 460 has an exceedingly high MOI (moment of inertia) and is designed with a natural draw-bias built in. Players can adjust a 14-gram and a two-gram cartridge to neutralize the draw effect for a straighter and more neutral trajectory. The third weight is permanently fixed between the two ports.

The 460 also includes a TLC (TaylorMade Launch Control) cartridge tool specially engineered to install and remove TLC cartridges, a TLC Trajectory Wheel for assistance with configuring cartridges to achieve specific types of trajectories, and a Movable Weight Technology user manual.

The r7 460 also features UTW (ultra thin wall) technology, a casting process that allows the club head walls to be just 0.6mm thick, Pull-Face Construction wherein the clubface is made separately from the club head. Inverted Cone Technology allows a larger area of the face to deliver higher ball velocity, resulting in consistently longer drives. A new shaft, the RE-AX, made by Fujikura, helps to make the shaft dynamics more consistent and more stable, which promotes improved consistency and accuracy from shot to shot.

This is a solid driver and should do extremely well for players who prefer larger heads, deep faces and a more forgiving club.

The r7 460 will be available in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degree lofts, and in X, S, R and M shaft flexes.

MSRP $499   www.taylormadegolf.com

Cleveland HiBORE


The new Cleveland HiBORE driver could be to Cleveland Golf what the Big Bertha was to Callaway – revolutionary and extremely profitable.  This is the driver that is a “cause celebre” on the PGA Tour, so much so that contracted players for many of the other manufacturers have stated openly that they would be playing the HiBORE if it were not for existing obligations - a wonderful endorsement to say the least.

The HiBORE‘s origins can be traced back to the Spalding/TopFlite Magma Driver – scooped out top and very low CG(center of gravity).

With a10% larger chassis (sole plate) than the 460 cc series of Cleveland drivers, the HiBORE is the ultimate high-launch/low spin driver.

With the design and implementation of its unique crown geometry, the location of the CG is lower and deeper than ever before, resulting in drives that go further and straighter from a larger portion of the club face than any other current driver available today.

The optimized CG location aligns the CGP (center of gravity projection) with the COR (coefficient of restitution) hotspot in the center of the face, resulting in maximum energy transfer with optimal launch conditions for greater overall distance. The sweet spot has been increased by over 20% and has been moved lower on the clubface, resulting in the unleashing of the distance potential from this driver.

Furthermore, 25 grams of discretionary weight has been added to the tail end of the club head for maximum MOI (moment of inertia) and forgiveness.

The standard shaft is the Fujikura HiBORE Silver available in X, S- Flex, a 65 gram Regular and a 55 gram A (senior) flex.

Lastly, this is one of the most esthetically pleasing drivers on the market.

Available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5

www.clevelandgolf.com


Yonex


The Yonex Cyberstar Nanospeed Driver is a remarkable new addition to the successful Cyberstar line of products.

The Cyberstar Nanospeed Driver features cutting edge Dual Nanoscale Technology in the head and shaft which works to increase clubhead speed to help golfers of all levels drive the ball farther and straighter. The 460cc driver head features a powerful, lightweight Fullerene (nano carbon) crown that is currently the thinnest  in the golf industry.

The Fullerene + Elastic Ti reinforced shaft further increases club head speed due to greater resiliency and overall light weight.

The Nanospeed Shaft not only features the advanced Yonex proprietary Dual Nanoscale Technology, but also utilizes another exclusive Yonex technology called Centrifugal Force System (CFS). CFS further increases club head speed by using the most powerful force on earth to help all golfers: GRAVITY.

Without an increase in overall shaft weight, Yonex engineers have reduced weight at the grip end of the shaft and shifted it to the tip end, allowing for greater club head acceleration through the ball when the shaft reaches the bottom of the “swing arc.” This innovative design capitalizes on gravity to optimize the natural speed in the golf swing. An increase in club head speed of up to 5mph, resulting in drives up to 20 yards longer than conventional titanium and/or graphite crown drivers is an additional and welcome benefit of the Nanospeed shaft. Lofts of 9° and 10.5° are available in usual flexes.
.  

MSRP  $449                   www.yonex.com


FAIRWAY WOODS

Callaway X


Callaway’s X Fairway Woods are equally as good, if not better than, their highly successful Steelhead fairway woods. The X features a 3-piece stainless steel design, with a balanced sole shape to help ensure consistent alignment, a square face and superior turf interaction from any lie.

The X-Sole design in the X Fairway Woods is similar to that in the new X460 Driver. With the X-Sole, two subtle keels in the sole contact the turf, aligning the face and all but eliminating the club head's tendency to rock back and forth at address. This net result is more consistency, stability and accuracy with shots that start on-line.

The woods are extremely easy to hit and feel very solid on contact. X Fairway Woods come in 3-, 4-, 5-, 7- and 9-wood models, as well as a Tour 13-degree and Tour 15-degree models, that have slightly smaller heads and stronger lofts for the lower, more boring ball flight preferred by more skilled players. Fujikura shafts are standard.

MSRP $250 - Graphite  $225 – Steel  www.callawaygolf.com

HYBRIDS

Hybrids continue to be the most sought after club and there was no shortage of these clubs at every manufacturer’s booth.

NIKE Iron-Woods and Woods

Nike Golf has added the CPR 3 Iron-Woods and Woods to its repertoire of CPR Hybrids.  These new clubs are designed specifically to help golfers, who are challenged by getting the ball airborne and hitting accurate shots from all types of lies, to more confident performances.

The CPR 3 Iron-Woods’ new geometry in the head features a scoop back design, which moves the CG (center of gravity) lower and farther back to help players get the ball airborne.  The Iron-Wood is specifically designed for those players who prefer a smaller hybrid head design, as it features a more boring trajectory than the CPR Wood.   For players seeking additional distance, Nike Golf has added a new loft of 16°, as well as a shaft that is 1.75” longer than the CPR Wood.  

Currently, the CPR 3 Iron-Wood is only available in men’s models:  1/16°; 2/18°; 3/21°; 4/24°; RH&LH Graphite (S,R,A); RH&LH Steel (Uniflex). The suggested retail price is $159.99 for Graphite and $139.99 for Steel

For golfers who prefer a head design that is larger, the CPR 3 Wood features a wider sole, which means less digging and fewer fat shots.  While it is visually different from the CPR 3 Iron-Wood, it also includes Nike Golf’s unique geometry of the scoop back design that helps position the CG lower and deeper than longer irons.  Contrary to the new Iron-Wood, the shaft in the CPR 3 Wood is 1.75” shorter, which helps instill confidence in golfers as they achieve maximum control and accuracy.   

The CPR 3 Wood is available in both Men’s and Women’s models:  2/18°; 3/22°; 4/26°; 5/30°; RH&LH Graphite (S,R,A,W); RH&LH Steel (Uniflex) with a suggested retail price of :  $159.99 for  Graphite  and $139.99 for Steel

www.nikegolf.com

Bobby Jones Hybrid


Using the same technology as the fairway metals, Bobby Jones hybrids are designed to replace the hard to hit long irons. Rather than designing hybrids that look like irons, chief designer Jesse Ortiz’ philosophy takes advantage of a fairway metal’s low and deep center of gravity, its wide bodied TOS (triangle of stability), and its versatile contoured sole.

Bobby Jones hybrids are also shorter in length to increase accuracy and truly be long iron replacements…not fairway metal alternatives. The club sits up well at address and is very easy to hit.

All Bobby Jones by Jesse Ortiz clubs feature a deep, translucent Jaguar Racing green color, proprietary JS-6 and JS-7 shafts by Graphite Design, and classic, heavy knit head covers all adding to the understated elegance of this club.              

Lofts are available 19°, 21°, 25° and 30° in right handed models.

MSRP $180    www.bobbyjonesgolf.net  

WEDGES

Cleveland 588DSG Wedge


Acknowledged and accepted throughout the golf world, Cleveland’s reputation for the best wedge available is unmatched. Following their extremely successful CG11 wedges last year, they have now introduced a different version of their best selling 588 wedge series.

The new 588 DSG (Dynamic Sole Grind) wedge features a tour inspired sole design to prevent digging in and to provide better playability. When opening the face at address, the 588 DSG allows the leading edge of the wedge to remain closer to the ground than the original, allowing the player more versatility to hit high and soft flop shots around the green.

With adequate dynamic bounce, the 588DSG remains effective out of soft sand or from soft turf conditions as well.

The 588 DSG is becoming one of the PGA Tour’s most sought after wedge. It is manufactured of soft 8620 carbon steel and has a milled face and grooves. A double nickel-plating is applied for an exceptionally soft feel at impact and improves durability. This model performs well for players of all ability levels.

Lofts of 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees are available.

MSRP: $133            www.clevelandgolf.com

BALLS

TopFlite HL Extreme Distance Ball

TopFlite, a Callaway subsidiary, introduced a new ball that is simply superb as to playability and value – the HL Extreme Distance.

The ball is long, has an extremely pleasing feel and distances are as long as many of the premier balls currently on the market selling for $40 per dozen, yet the price is just $18 per dozen! For comparison purposes, the ball performs as well as the Pro V1 and Callaway HX Tour balls.

Also offered in the XL series are the Extreme Tour and Extreme Straight models.

www.topflitegolf.com

Nike Ignite   


The new 408-dimpled, 88 compression, Nike Ignite 3- piece Surlyn ball offers longer distance, penetrating ball flight and exceptional feel and control.


MSRP $28 dozen    www.nikegolf.com

PUTTERS

As with any golf show, the putter manufacturers were out in droves. The standouts at the Show this year were The Putterman PM - 3, Callaway’s Triball SRT and Fisher’s Talon Series.

The Odyssey Tri-Ball SRT Putter


Irrefutably, the most predominant putter being sold in recent years has been the Callaway 2- Ball putter. Now Callaway has introduced its big brother, the SRT Tri-Ball putter.

Most obvious is the size of this mallet putter – big. The Odyssey Tri-Ball SRT (Saturn Ring Technology) putter has a high-density alloy ring that sets the Tri-Ball's center of gravity in the optimal position - deep and well back from the face. The result is a MOI (Moment of Inertia) so high it all but eliminates twisting during the stroke and at impact.

The Tri-Ball SRT has three balls for enhanced alignment and comes with either the White Steel or White Hot insert as well. This all new alignment putter is an unbeatable blend of can’t miss technologies and quickly builds confidence by  clearly defining the target line at address.

The Odyssey White Steel Tri-Ball SRT Putter is face balanced, has a half-shaft offset and is available in both right-and left-handed models in 33 -, 34-, 35- and 36-inch lengths.

 MSRP  $249     www.oddysseygolf.com

Fisher Golf Talon TS-1 Putter


With all the moveable weight technologies used in drivers and fairway woods this past year, Fisher Putters has encapsulated the best of this technology into an amazingly accurate putter. Without being a rocket scientist, the ease of adapting this putter to suit your particular putting style is worth the price alone. Sinking putts consistently is the ultimate payoff.

In addition to being able to adjust the weights for your style of putting (pendulum or arc), the inserts can be adjusted to suit the greens played - the feel and the sound you prefer in less than five minutes.

Included with each putter is the Talon 4-Speed weight kit that includes a custom tool and weight cartridges. This allows the putter to be modified to achieve 3 specific weight choices, 375 grams (aluminum), 425 grams (brass), or 475 grams (tungsten). You can also mix and match weight cartridges for your own custom feel.

MSRP:  $299.00       www.fishergolf.com

The Putterman PM-3


Perennial putter designer Rick Hamilton has come to market with a putter that performs exceedingly well.

The main body and 60-gram back weight are machined from a block of soft 303 stainless steel, with the middle piece being milled from aluminum. The objective of the design is to move the weight to the outside 3 corners of the putter for maximum balance and forgiveness on balls struck on the face that were not always in the center.

The reason for this is so the ball rolling off the face would not lose as much distance because it was not struck perfectly in the sweet spot. This means more putts made and easy tap-ins when the stroke is not so perfect.

The back weight acts like a navigational rudder to push the putter through the striking zone in the putting stroke. Some might also see the easy alignment of having a long middle line connected to a T- Square back weight that helps a person square up the putter at the address position. Setup is excellent and the feel and responsiveness imbues both confidence and a great putting stroke.

A center-shafted model is also available. The suggested retail price is $200.

SHAFTS

Stulz Nanno Arrow Shafts


Stulz’s booth was a beehive of activity throughout the Show, probably because the   Stulz Nanno Arrow shafts are already causing quite a “buzz” on the PGA Tour and also because of their three-edge spine design.

Nanno tubes are the strongest microscopic structure known to man and employed for use in space. Once again, the golf industry has benefited from space exploration discoveries.

The Nano Arrow shafts employ a patented mid-shaft triangular shape that results in a better diffusion of load and energy transfer. The use of nano manufacturing technology has eliminated the possibility of flaws, air pockets or voids in the shaft.

What this all means is that not only does this shaft eliminate spinning or frequency matching, but its three-edge spine design offers tighter  shot dispersion, a significant reduction in torques and most definitely, more consistency and uniformity with every shaft.

The Nano Arrow is available in five models for woods (Nano Arrow 50, Nano Arrow 65, Nano Arrow 80, Nano Arrow 90 and Nano Arrow 100), offering varying torque, flex and launch angle. The Nano Arrow Iron Series is available in three different flexes, and the Nano Arrow Hybrid Series is available in five different flexes.

Expect nanno shafts to be the shaft of the future and every shaft manufacturer is rushing to bring their version to market, including Aldila and True Temper.

MSRP for the Nano Arrow is $299 for the wood series, $160 for the hybrid series and $120 for the iron series.   www.stulzgolf.com


The Show is no doubt a paradise for those who like golf training aids, and/or golf accessories, in the form of memorabilia, books, sculptures, antiques or art - you name it - it's all here.

Zelocity


One of the most active booths and perhaps the most interesting was Zelocity. The concept of golf performance monitors, though having been around for a while, has been defined and improved substantially by Zelocity, especially their “fit-in-your-bag” Pure Contact Monitor.

Doppler radar provides the Pure Contact monitor with the advantage of collecting hundreds of thousands of data points for ball flight and swing analysis. The radar “sees” the club and golf ball before, during, and after the moment of impact, and follows the ball as it flies down range. This allows Zelocity™ to collect a stream of actual data points (100,000 per second) from the Doppler radar signal.

The monitor measures ball velocity, the carry and total distance in yards or meters, calculates average distance, and has an  On-board display and a 100-shot memory.

It is an ideal practice tool and features numerous advantages over other monitors: this product is portable, runs on a 9-volt battery, needs no elaborate preparation and/or site improvements and has hedonistic appeal – immediate results. Most importantly, not only can you groove your rhythm and tempo, but experiment with drivers, shafts and balls that give you the best performance while on the range or at any hitting facility.

Larger and more detailed versions of monitors are also available.

MSRP:  $395                   www.zelocity.com

BAGS

Bags, always an integral part of golfing equipment, had many manufacturers with the main theme of lightweight bags, shoulder straps and travel bags. There were three outstanding bags; Club Glove’s, Ogio’s Syncro and Tri-bag’s Slickwheel System.

Ogio’s Syncro Bag


Ogio has termed this new, feature rich, 6.6 pound golf bag as a “hybrid”, in that it is designed for easy use whether it is being used on a cart, being pulled on a pull cart or being carried as a stand bag.
The bag includes a tuck away strap pocket and nine easily accessible forward facing zippered ones. The bag also includes waterproof pockets, including a fleece lined valuables pocket and an internal wet/dry zippered pocket, plus, of course, one for a cell phone or wallet. There is also a zippered rain hood.

Ogio’s patented Woode top (9”) and EVA molded shaft dividers and full-length club dividers, simplify club access and protection. The Syncro also features Ogio's molded plastic Ball Silo, an easy access scorecard and pencil holder, side umbrella sleeve, and a zippered insulated hydration pocket. Bright and “different” color schemes are available in several combinations, including Black, Wasabe (green), Chiaro and Fire. The Syncro carries a suggested retail price of $170.

www.ogio.com

Overall, the Show had numerous new products that deserve mention. In the coming months we will detail more of the latest equipment that you should consider in your pursuit for your perfect Dream Bag.

Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is also a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and the California Golf Writers Association. He consults and acts as a Mediator for the golf industry. He is a contributing writer to numerous national magazines. He can be reached at drlotz@cbsgolf.net