Fourteen Golf

Though known for their wedges Fourteen Golf has some new irons and a new driver for this season. The TC-330 irons offer a low and deep center of gravity that compliments the extra wide sole but the real story is the longer shafts and strong lofts. Stock lofts are approximately 8 degrees stronger than normal making the 5-iron 22 degrees versus the more standard 30 degrees. The combination shafts and lofts produces lots of added distance. A six piece set of 5-iron through pitching wedge comes in at the upper end of the price scale, retailing for $1,259.

Fourteen’s new CT112 Driver is specifically for long hitters and those who want to be. The stock shaft is an extra long 47-inch CS-001d graphite while the four piece titanium head has a multi-layer cup face construction and only is available in 9 or 10.5 degree lofts.

Rife Golf

Rife Golf has a new series of putters named the Vault 001. There are 14 new models as part of the series and each has the Rife patented horizontal groove pattern which the company says does a better job of gripping the ball at contact and producing a truer roll. Vault 001 models are available in blades, mallets and everything in between including mid-length and long putters. They also changed the name of the award winning Innovex Golf ball into the Rife Golf V-Motion and E-Motion featuring slick new packaging with the same quality and performance at unmatched price points.

Callaway Golf

The Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme driver ($399) is also new and received a big boost when Phil Mickelson was effusive of how well he drove with it during his runaway win in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February. Drivers are all about distance and rather than staying with the face technology used in the RAZR Fit, the RAZR Fit Xtreme is all new. The center of gravity has been lowered even further and Callaway says the face construction produces more ball speed. The crown is made of lightweight carbon fiber which gave engineers the opportunity to redistribute weight and accomplish the center of gravity repositioning.

The RAZR Fit Xtreme’s adjustability combines hosel settings for open, closed and neutral while the 13- and 1-gram weights shift the clubhead’s center of gravity to promote draw or neutral ball flights. There are several lofts available with the 8.5-, 9.5- and 10.5-degree clubheads being 440 cc and but becoming 460 cc in the higher lofts.

Cleveland Golf

Cleveland Golf for 2013 adds an adjustable version to the Classic XL driver line, the Classic XL Custom ($249). The XL Custom hosel has 12 settings and there’s also a port with interchangeable weights to adjust swingweight. The clubface is somewhat larger than the older model which means the hitting area is also bigger. Additionally Cleveland made some modifications to the design of the variable thickness face and report this gives more forgiveness.

Cleveland’s new 588 RTX Wedges are an update the original 588 model with a modified sole grind and are slightly wider in the heel and narrower towards the toe. The U-shaped grooves are larger (16 percent) and the face has laser milling with a directional pattern Cleveland calls ROTEX. The 588 RTX wedges are available in satin chrome or black pearl at $120.

Scor4161 ($135) wedges are a rethinking of short yardage clubs by Terry Koehler after the USGA significantly reduced the size of allowable grooves. The result was a new weighting of the Scor4161 heads which combined with the multiple bounce angles of his patented V-Sole design and proprietary short game shafts produce outstanding performance from any lie. Available in lofts between 41 and 61 degrees, each Scor4161 wedge is made to order.

Cobra – Puma Golf

COBRA has received a lot of attention over their AMP CELL Driver ($299) which comes in four colors (Silver, Directoire Blue, Barbados Red and Vibrant Orange) and makes use their MyFly technology. The AMP CELL has loft adjustments between 8.5 and 11.5 degrees including a draw setting for 9.5 and 10.5 degrees. The AMP CELL Pro ($399) has fade settings at 9.5 degrees.

Both use a SmartPad which, according to the company, means the sole plate does not have to be changed even though the loft is adjusted. Additionally there’s the COBRA’s E9 Face Technology – a dual roll design for better distance on mis-hits from heel to toe and above and below the centerline.

Nike Golf

The VR_S Covert driver ($300, Tour $400) from Nike is quite innovative compared to competing clubs. It’s the first driver with a cavity back construction similar to that found in game improvement irons and it produces the same benefits, namely more forgiveness on off center hits and enhanced stability from clubhead weight redistribution. There are loft and face angle adjustments and Nike’s NexCOR face with variable thickness.

Taylormade Golf 

TaylorMade is king on the mountain when it comes to metalwoods and they are following up with the success of the past two years (R11/R11s and RocketBallz) with new white headed models, the R1 and RocketBallz Stage 2 Drivers. The R1 ($400) can be adjusted to fit virtually any golfer with 168 combinations of 12 loft-sleeve settings, 7 different face angles and two movable sole weights. There’s also a TP model with additional choices in stock shafts for better amateurs and professionals.

The RocketBallz Stage 2 Driver ($300) has the Loft-Sleeve Technology of the R1 and a slightly longer stock shaft (the 50-gram Fujikura RocketFuel) than last year. Paired with a lightweight grip, the total club weight comes in at less than 300 grams. There was also an eye-pleasing redesign of the head shape and the clubface was enlarged to 4,100 square millimeters to help better players get more distance – up to nine yards additional according to TMaG by producing a flatter trajectory.

However TaylorMade’s big hit of 2013 may not be in metalwoods but in irons with the introduction of the RocketBladez line. TMaG says this new design, which could be even called a breakthrough, hits the ball further with more control and feel, claims backed by extensive testing. To accomplish all of this TaylorMade figured out how to put a 2mm polyurethane-filled slot behind the clubface, a first in irons, and similar to the slot found in the RocketBallz fairways everyone raves about. This slot or ‘Speed Pocket’ is used in the 3- through 7-irons and works in conjunction with their proprietary inverted cone shape behind the clubface and high MOI from redistributed weight. At impact the Speed Pocket allows the clubface to flex providing a trampoline effect to the ball which launches higher than other iron designs and goes further too. The heads of both the Tour ($900 steel shafts) and regular RocketBladez ($800 steel and $900 graphite) models are cast rather than forged to allow for inclusion of the slot.

Adams Golf 

Adams has two new families of clubs, the SUPER S and SUPER LS. The SUPER S is the first club family from Adams brought to market all at the same time and aimed at the average player.

Starting with hybrids, clubs for which Adams is best known, the Idea SUPER S Hybrids ($149) have a Cut-Thru sole slot for more ball speed which should produce more distance. Easy to hit, they also fill in nicely as replacements for long irons. SUPER S Fairways ($199) have stainless steel construction and the standard Adams crown slot with a slightly modified design plus a Cut-Thru sole slot; a combination that gives the SUPER S Fairways a very “hot” face.

Idea SUPER S Irons (steel-$599 & graphite-$699) are a blended hybrid-iron design with thinner faces and balance has been reworked compared to previous models. Finally the Speedline SUPER S Driver ($299) has loft adjustments between 9.5 degrees and 11.5 degrees, a sole slot plus tweaked clubhead aerodynamics.

Taking a page from parent company TaylorMade Golf, the SUPER LS Driver ($399) has a white crown and is adjustable (Fast Fit technology) but it is specifically designed for low spin (that’s what the LS represents) to produce distance with a penetrating ball flight. The sole slot has been made deeper towards the heel and toe to give a little more flex to the face while enlarging the sweet spot at the same time. Another very handy feature is the length of the SUPER LS driver may be adjusted plus or minus •••-inch with a sleeve at the end of the shaft.

The SUPER LS Hybrid ($149) has a new crown slot that improves deflection across the clubface for higher launch angles without creating additional spin and that generally creates more carry distance and better accuracy. SUPER LS Fairways ($299) employ the new Cut-Thru sole slot with a similar slot in the titanium crown. These in combination with a titanium face make for a great feel. Adams also puts their Fast Fit technology in the SUPER LS Fairways for adjustment to loft/face angle, length and swing weight.

The post Best of the PGA Show 2013 appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Fortunately for women of every playing ability, equipment manufacturers displaying their wares were not so much fantasy as reality. With an almost infinite number of products to test drive, we couldn’t help but notice that, now more than ever, thanks to hot new colors and cool technologies, manufacturers want women to drive for show.

So many big sticks, so little time. That’s how it seemed as I stalked the driving range of Orange Country National hitting one club after another during Demo Day. The verdict: new drivers from TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cobra are just what the lady ordered.

TaylorMade R1. With so many (former) kids waiting to get into its Demo Day candy store, TaylorMade instituted an electronic buzzing system. It was worth the wait to sample the R1 driver, despite the racing stripe slapped across the crown (why mess with the clean, white look of golf’s most recognizable club?).

But don’t let the paint job distract you from what’s under the hood. With extensive data from TaylorMade’s club-fitting system showing that 80 percent of golfers play the wrong loft in their drivers, is it any wonder that the company lets you adjust yours more than any other in the field? Indeed, you may tune the new R1 to 12 lie, face-angle (from neutral/square to maximum/closed), and loft settings (from 8 degrees and 12 degrees).

The No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour has already made it to the 2013 winner’s circle (Dustin Johnson at the Tournament of Champions and Brian Gay/Humana Challenge).

Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme. Phil MIckelson’s all in on his new Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme driver. Lefty even went so far as to kiss the big dog during the Phoenix Open, in which he shot a near-59 and won by four shots — using the club for the first time in competition. Callaway claims that, thanks to its Speed Frame Face Technology, its second adjustable driver out-drives and generally out-performs its RAZR Fit predecessor by offering a bigger sweet spot, faster ball speed, and better ball flight.

You may adjust the hosel to open, square, or closed, and shift the weights for neutral or more draw off the tee.

Cobra AMP Cell. If it’s hot colors you’re after, you may have to swing all four freshly coated Cobra AMP Cell Drivers. Cobra’s patented MyFly technology lets you adjust the loft to optimize distance and trajectory. While you may choose from six loft settings (8.5 degrees, 9.5, 9.5 Draw, 10.5, 10.5D, and 11.5), the equally trademarked SmartPad technology promises a square face at address.

So, will it be orange (Rickie Fowler’s favorite hue), red, blue, or silver?

Nike VR_S Covert. Thanks to the Rory-Palooza announcing that the world No. 1 had joined Tiger Woods as a shill for all things Swoosh, the lustrous crimson VR_S Covert driver was one of the hits of the show. While McIlroy had some issues with his new club (missing the cut in Abu Dhabi, thanks to a slew of errant tee shots), Nike officials claimed it would just take time to tame Big Red. With a white swoosh on the crown and a cavity-backed bottom (hidden from view at address — thus, “covert”) for higher speeds and longer, straighter shots, “the most innovative club Nike Golf has ever produced” features 15 adjustable-loft settings and three independent face-angle settings for each loft.

On the quirkier side of golf, three new non-club products caught our eye.

The tiny Spider Divot Tool from Insta Golf ensures you’ll fix every ball mark the right way. The push/pull action of this little device means no more little dirt patches on the greens from flawed attempts to yank at the grass to repair divots. Just remove the cap, push the spindly legs into the mark, pull up with a twist, and tamp down.

Vibram Fivefingers is the closest thing to playing golf barefoot. A spinoff of the company’s popular running shoe, the spike-less foot glove, in several vibrant colors, earned distinction as one of the top new products at the show and will be available at retail later this year.

“There’s a reason golf pros practice barefoot,” says Mike Gionfriddo, chief executive of Vibram USA in Concord, Mass. “That connection to the earth improves stance and stability, which can ultimately improve your game.”

The king of golf carts, Sun Mountain displayed an integrated push-cart an d bag called — you guessed it — the Combo. Weighing it at 18 pounds, the union of satchel and trolley features full-length club dividers,  three wheels, and a built-in seat. Available in July, the model folds up into a bite-sized package of 16 inches by 10 inches.

Emily Kay is a regular contributor to New England Golf Monthly. You may follow Kay on Twitter @golfexaminer

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New golf equipment, fashion, accessories, celebrity golfers and more!

Orlando, Florida. – New England Golf Monthly covered the annual kickoff to the 2013 season the PGA Show for mynegm.com subscribers enjoyment.  Over 20 staff golf writers provided coverage of golf equipment, fashion, accessories, celebrities and more by utilizing blogs, pictures, videos and social media.

The 60th PGA Merchandise Show, held Jan. 23-26 celebrated its six-decade history while launching what many believed to be the most vibrant PGA Show Week in recent history to begin a strong 2013 for the golf industry.  The 2013 PGA Merchandise Show brought together more than 1,000 companies and brands introducing new and innovative golf equipment, apparel, accessories and services to more than 43,000 attending PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders from 75 countries.

“It’s gratifying to see such enthusiasm at the PGA Merchandise Show,” said Ted Bishop, presiding over his first PGA Merchandise Show as President of The PGA of America.  “The activity on the PGA Show floor and at surrounding events is a great start to the 2013 golf season.”

The PGA Merchandise Show traditionally attracts international industry leaders, top CEOs, influential retailers and scores of celebrity golfers from the realms of professional golf, golf instruction and entertainment.  In 2013, Davis Love III, the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain and winner of the 1997 PGA Championship, joined PGA of America Officials in the grand opening and was among a long list of participating celebrities including keynote speakers Annika Sorenstam, Ian Poulter, Dottie Pepper, plus Jesper Parnevik, Luke Donald, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Lexi Thompson, Graeme McDowell, Blair O’Neal, Zach Johnson, Anna Nordqvist, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Nancy Lopez, Meg Mallon, Stacy Lewis, Lee Westwood, Stan Utley, Butch Harmon, David Toms, Hank Haney, Michael Breed, Suzann Pettersen and more.

In addition to the busy marketplace among nearly 10 miles of aisles, PGA Show days were full of professional learning opportunities during industry presentations at the PGA Forum Stage, in the new PGA Education Conference and at daily presentations on the FIT to W.I.N. stage, sponsored by the Titleist Performance Institute.

The next U.S. PGA Golf Show, the 2013 PGA Expo is scheduled for the week of August 19th at The Venetian Hotel and Casino during Fashion Week on the famous Las Vegas Strip.  On the international scene, two other major golf shows will address the global business of golf.  The PGA Merchandise Show-China is scheduled for March 22-24 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The PGA Merchandise Show-Asia, the sister show to the China Golf Show, is scheduled for Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in Shenzen, China.

Golf Monthly writers will be at next year’s show.  myNEGM.com subscribers can count on it.  For a gallery and videos from the show, please click HERE.

Jo Fit – 2013 PGA Show Booth

Adidas AdiZero

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This year’s Show put more than 43,000 attendees up close and personal with the more than 1,000 exhibitors on the floor at the cavernous Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Reed Expo (the company that owns the PGA Merchandise Show and runs it for the PGA of America) said golf buyers came from all 50 states (Florida, New York, Georgia, Illinois and Pennsylvania largest number attending) and 75 countries with Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Korea topping the list.

“It’s gratifying to see the PGA Merchandise Show back in great form,” said Ted Bishop, presiding over his first PGA Merchandise Show as President of The PGA of America. “This is the biggest the PGA Show has been since 2008, and that’s a great signal that golf is vibrant again.”

Compared with the recent past golf had a relatively good business year in 2012 which helped attendance and many PGA Professionals and buyers coming specifically to see the newest offering from the leading equipment makers such as TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Acushnet, Callaway Golf and Nike Golf.

“There seems to be more energy and enthusiasm at the Show this year, and there seems to be a lot more new product introductions than I remember in a long time,” said Becky Iverson, PGA director of golf at The Bridges Golf Course in Madison, Wis. “The cool factor is higher than in many years. The most difficult thing is separating what I want to buy for myself from what I need to buy for our members. This is also the best organized Show I’ve seen in a long time. It seems similar products are near each other so you don’t have to walk the entire exhibition hall to see similar companies.”

“There is a sense of excitement with all of the new equipment introductions, and a lot of positive vibes at the Show this year,” explained Scott Glass, PGA head professional at Rolling Rock Club in Laughlintown, Pa. “The thing I like about the Show is you always find something unique and different.”

Along the nearly 10 miles of Show aisles there any number of interactive exhibits, hundreds of vendor specials and promotions; plus some 47 equipment testing bays at the Indoor Demo Days; a centralized New Product Zone for a one-stop shopping of the newest golf merchandise; a new Fashion Showcase and Lounge; an Inventor’s Spotlight Pavilion for patented products not yet available at retail and numerous specialty exhibitor pavilions including a new PGA Golf Travel Pavilion, PGA Partners Pavilion, New Exhibitor Discovery Zone, and several international exhibitor pavilions.

The post 60th PGA Show in the books appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Bring tens of thousand of PGA Professionals together with all the new toys of the year and what you get is a firing squad at the range with the range pickers suppling moving target golf. Great new clubs by TaylorMade, Nike, Callaway, Adams and new balls to test by all the major manufactures gave the attendees plenty to think about.

The opening day on the show floor was no different with PGA professionals piling in for education credits and golf merchandisers pumped up with hopes of a great year ahead. Fashion continues to dominate the largest growth sector at the show with fashion & accessories once again leading the way with more show floor space than both equipment and products and services.

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