To hit the ball further off the tee – to really “Grip it and rip it” – three pieces of equipment are sometimes overlooked; the glove, the tee and the shaft. Why should you wear a glove and how does a glove contribute to hitting the ball well? To have a full release of the club and achieve the highest clubhead speed, a light grip is best. The leather or leather-like material of golf gloves is slightly sticky or tacky meaning less grip pressure is required to hang on to the club and full release is easier to achieve. When not wearing a glove, players tend to hold the club more tightly inhibiting a proper release and this is especially true if there’s rain or perspiration on the hands or grip. Bottom line – to hit it further get a good, not too tight, grip. For maximum distance modern titanium drivers should contact the ball on the upswing. This is helped by having the ball teed higher than back in the old days of persimmon drivers. The ball’s center should be even with the top of the driver. Tees with prongs are said to have less effect on the ball flight since only a few points come in contact with the ball compared to a traditional tee. Additionally it is claimed a traditionally shaped tee with its edges angled outward also imposes less drag on the ball at impact.
Finally don’t forget the shaft, as Ben Hogan said, “the engine of the golf club.” To achieve maximum distance a driver must be fit correctly so the shaft-clubhead combination matches a golfer’s swing. Shaft flex points effect ball flight and therefore distance as does the weight of the shaft (some graphite shafts weight as little as 45-grams). The torque characteristics, amount of flex, swing speed and transition plus other factors all need to be matched and maximized. Investing in club fitting to get the right shaft may be the best money you can spend to, “Grip it and rip it.” The following are some of my suggestions:
GLOVES:
Bionic PerformanceGrip™ — The newest addition to the Bionic Golf Glove lineup is the PerformanceGrip™ Glove. Bionic is the only glove with patented pad technology that gives golfers a lighter, more relaxed grip and provides a more durable glove by putting pads in areas prone to wear and tear. This new glove incorporates the exclusive “Triple-Row Finger-Grip System™” that enhances gripping ability on the club. Elongated flexion zones and the pre-rotated finger design provide the ultimate in flexibility and great feel in the fingers. The combination of lightweight premium cabretta leather and the terry cloth mini-towels inside make the glove one of the most breathable and durable gloves on the market. The new glove conforms to USGA rules. MSRP $29.95. www.BionicGloves.com
Hirzl – Hirzl Gloves come in three different models; Trust Control, Trust Feel and Soffft Flex. The innovative Grippp Technology featuresup to 3x more grip in dry weather conditions and up to 5x more grip in wet weather conditions. Each palm is 100% sweat proof which has proven to make the glove more durable than any glove on the market today. The gloves are available in Men’s and Women’s size for both left hand and right hand. The Hirzl line of gloves has made sweaty palms, inferior bad-weather control and gloves that crack and tear after just a few rounds history. The gloves can be purchased at GolfTown and Golfsmith Online. For more information: www.hirzl-web.com
TEES:
Aero Tee – The AeroTee has so many features that help it out perform any other tee. It has minimal platform area for less resistence and allows the air stream to stay directly under the golf ball. Through testing it has been proven to be the launch the ball the highest, travel the longest and provide more accuracy than any tee on the market. The AeroTee is the “Tee You Can Trust” to give you that Technology Advantage. www.Aero-Tee.com
Bio Tee – The BioTee has been designed with physical and mechanical characteristics ideal for golf. The tee is extremely durable andonce it is exposed it does not contaminate. Finally, this break through technology significantly reduces maintanence and clean up costs on a golf course. We customize the color and logo for personalization. The BioTee comes in two sizes and can be ordered in various quantities. BioTeeUSA.com
Drive Tee – The Drive Tee is designed for your driver but you will also get tees designed for your irons and fairway woods. With our package you will have access to both tee types. You will get (3) driver tees, (2) hybrid tees and (2) iron tees per package. Each tee provides you with the Consistency, Accuracy, Added Yardage, Stability and Durability you need to shoot lower scores. Each package is just $4.99 plus shipping and handling. www.TheDriveTee.com
Twist Tee – The Twist Tee features an adjustable section which allows each golfer to customize the height they prefer for each shotwith a simple twist of the upper section. The tee comes in various colors and can be purchased in two sizes that adjust from 2 1/4 inches to 2 5/8 inches. (small tee) and 2 7/8 inches to 3 5/8 inches (large tee). A single tee can be purchased for only $1.50 and a package is just $4.50 for 3. www.TwistTeeGolf.com
SHAFTS:
Oban – Kiyoshi – The Oban Kiyoshi is the latest addition to Oban’s line of high performance composite golf shafts. This radically unique shaft design utilizes Oban’s breakthrough Emersion Wrapped Frequency Technology - offering high launch and low spin ball flight characteristics. Torques will vary depending on the shaft weight class. Emersion Wrapped Frequency (EWF) Technology combines high modulus and ultra-thin carbon fiber sheets using a proprietary new design process. This results in multi-directional shaft strength enabling significantly improved torque control, bend points, and stability with less ovalization. The shaft comes in 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 & hybrid gram weights and various flexes. MSRP $350. www.ObanShafts.com
nVentix – Nunchuk – The feel and playability of the new NUNCHUK shaft is unlike any shaft on the market. Players that swing the NUNCHUK shaft find it reliable, accurate and long. ?e NUNCHUK’s patent-pending design eliminates droop and twist through the impact zone, making it easier for golfers to find the sweet spot of the club head and get the best performance from their clubs. Once golfers get comfortable with the one-piece feel of the NUNCHUK, they realize that they don’t need to “square the clubface” or “time the hit” with their hands. With this important realization, golfers know they can accelerate through the ball and achieve very repeatable and positive results. Due to its unique design, the NUNCHUK shaft comes in one model that can be used by golfers of all abilities and swing speeds – from PGA professionals to amateurs, seniors and ladies. The same shaft can be used in drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. $259.95. www.nventix.com
About Ed Travis
Related posts:
- GOODIES FOR GOLFERS
- Deutsche Bank renews sponsorship of TPC Boston golf tourney; EMC to take larger role
- Bags , Accessories And Gadgets
- Which Major is Number One in Golf
- Preparing for a Major: An Insider's Perspective
