Posted on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 12:18 PM
Today’s golf irons are increasingly designed with a low center of gravity to help the average golfer hit the ball a bit higher. This is something most golfers will enjoy. With windier conditions becoming more the norm at this time, what advice should one give?
Try to play the knockdown or take one more club and allow for the modern design to do its work?
Low handicap golfers who tend to favor longer hosel, thinner sole and small cavity compact blades are more interested in controlling trajectory rather than distance. This type of design often forged assists with this aspiration. The vast number of golfers uses what are generally called “game improvement golf irons”. These are designed to launch higher with less spin. It is therefore advisable to take one more club, at least, and because less spin is imparted the club should do its job. Ballooning is caused by excessive spin. That’s why reducing the clubhead speed into the wind is another good way of giving you a trajectory that will improve the result playing into the wind.
Club designers recognize that blade length as vital if playability is to be maintained. Longer blades mean more turf interaction. It is easier to control trajectory with loft rather than technique. Take that extra club and let the club do its job.
Let’s look at some new irons that if not already on the shelves, will be making an appearance soon. These are some of my recent favorites:
- Ping G20 Irons: Thinner face to enhance ball speed and with the weight saved redistributed to the perimeter.
- Titliest AP2 Irons: They have repositioned the weighting to give more consistency across the blade. Sole widths get narrower with the short irons. A good move.
- Adams Idea AP12 Irons: A thin topline gives these clubs a real players look. There is more heel-toe weighting going on and are pretty forgiving. I like the dark look.
- TaylorMade R11 Irons: More compact long to short irons assists playability. The grooves are designed to assist with spin around the greens. I found this difficult to notice.
- Mizuno MP-59 Irons: A titanium billet is placed into the back of this muscle back iron. This is designed to improve stability. Another great Mizuno iron.
All the above, although more suited for lower handicap players, have a design that will allow for excellent playability into wind trajectory. That is, of course, if you club up and follow the earlier advice.
Good luck in the wind. Remember, there has never been a course designed where you play into the wind all the way. That is, unless you play The Old Course at St Andrew's, or other out and in Links courses and the tide changes when you get to the turn!!! That is always really bad luck when it happens.
-Nigel
Posted on Wed, Feb 15, 2012 @ 09:50 AM
"The Yips!" Now there's a phrase to frighten a golfer no matter to what standard one plays.
The Yips is a condition where the mind and the body lose communication and even a two foot putt becomes a nightmare. A push or a pull or for some even the ability to take the putter back becomes impossible.
The Belly Putter may be the answer to this dreaded condition and with Keegan Bradley’s win at the PGA and Phil Mickelson using one, big manufacturers are clambering to get their product onto the shelves.
Up until the early 80's, golfers were expected just to suffer. It was not until Bernhard Langer lost patience and started using a broomhandle, the belly putter's larger brother, that the idea built some momentum.
So, what are the benefits you ask? Well, by creating a point of connection with body, the putter will swing with less influence required from the hands. The hands, being the “Yippers Curse“. The action will be more controlled by the shoulders with the hands acting more as passengers during the stroke.
It is generally recognized that for shorter putts the belly can be very effective. Longer putts, or when the conditions are very windy, technique needs to be better. It is vital that the length of the putter enables the golfer to anchor it exactly where it feels most comfortable and through that produce a stroke that reflects both the length of the club and the distance the golfer stands from the ball.
Golfers who use belly putters well in the main have to ball closer to their bodies with the golf ball under their eyes. This allows for a stroke that is straight back staright through. The further away one is the more an independent hand action will be needed. A pencil style grip or claw is often used instead of a more orthodox putting grip.
Most users also use what is called a "Face Balanced putter head". This is one--where if set at it's fulcrum point--the face will point to the sky and not swing into an open position. These putter heads are designed to compliment an action less reliant on the hands and more on the shoulders.
As the shaft is longer on belly putters, the head will need to be a bit heavier by design and; therefore, its not as simple as just adding length to a standard putter. The shaft will need to be bent at an angle that will allow for the blade to be flat on the ground.
For the reasons stated above, choosing a model by a noted golf manufacturer would be the best route to take and more golf shops both on and off course have a selection in stock.
So the big question is- should you take the plunge and go with a long belly putter? Should you take more than 36 putts a round, or really struggle on the short ones, then It could be a great move. You should be aware; however, that it can take time to adjust to the required technique and you may require help to get it right. If you do put one in the bag, then you will join an increasing number of players who have taken this step. If it is good for Keegan, Phil and other notables then it will be right for you!
Want to check some out? You can find King Par Superstore's selection here.
-Nigel
Posted on Tue, Feb 14, 2012 @ 10:23 AM
These very forgiving and playable clubs are still available, if one looks around.
The Ping G5 Graphite Irons makes it easier for mid to high handicap golfers to get a good strike. While coming in 4-SW with a stiff shaft it is pretty flexible and assists those with a slower swing speed.
Ping is now making a big push into the lower handicap arena, however, their name was built on perimeter weighting concepts and these clubs surely do deliver.
The Ping G5 Graphite Irons have a deep offset making it easier to set up the strike. The wide sole gets the ball airborne in a nice high trajectory. Pretty they are not, but effective they are indeed.
It is hard to work the ball-- in other words, whatever angle of attack is made, one tends to get a straight shot. Golfers are more likely to experience a push or a pull rather than a slice or hook.
Photo courtesy of http://www.tydaniels.com
The longer face length provides good stability.
Graphite shafts are a bit more expensive than steel, but for a lot of golfers, graphite shafts could be ideal and the Ping G5 Graphite Irons would be well worth a look.
Ping G5 Irons feature:
- Larger Custom Tuning Port for a bigger surface area
- Deep Undercut Cavity moves mass to the back of the clubhead
- Enhanced Perimeter Weighting maximizes the MOI
- Wide Sole Technology pushes the COG towards the back of the face
- Lead Edge Radius for an improved ground impact
- Hosel Notch directs the bent point
- Flat Top Hosel minimizes any stress on the shaft
- Rubber grip promotes a soft, textured feel
-Nigel
Posted on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 09:49 AM
Hi-Tec Golf Shoes are better than FootJoy Golf Shoes. There you are, I have said it.
Now, let me justify that claim. I have recently been made aware of the technology behind the golf shoes worn by Padraig Harrington when winning his three Majors.
Photo courtesy of http://www.hi-tec.com
Duncan Patmore was sitting one night having a meal with Harrington in Puerto Banus in Spain, chatting about a new range of golf shoes. Padraig challenged Duncan to work with Dr. Paul Hurrion (Sports Bio Mechanist) to design and engineer a golf shoe that could help you---hit the ball further? They took up the challenge and completed extensive bio-mechanical analysis on a force pressure platform to study the movement of the forces exerted through Harrington's feet as an elite golfer. The upshot of the analysis was that it was realized that both the outsole and the cleats were not maximizing their full potential and a new correct outsole and directional cleat were designed that would be specifically angled to maximize traction during the swing.
The end result was that Padraig had better traction and balance. The shoes enabled him to swing harder without losing his balance and the net result was that on average he started hitting the ball some 17 yards further off the tee.
The shoe was launched into retail in 2006 and Padraig subsequently won all three of his majors wearing Hi-Tec Golf Shoes.
So, Hi-Tec Golf Shoes are better than Footjoy? Yes. Hi-Tec was the first company to launch a game improvement performance golf shoe based on biomechanical research. Competition has tried to emulate the CDT patented technology but to date have failed to achieve even getting close to the game improvement benefits and technology.
They also look great, with styles to suit all tastes.
Give them a try this season and hit the ball further!
Posted on Tue, Feb 07, 2012 @ 11:21 AM
This is a fabulous performing driver with which you may not be familiar.
Arriving at King Par Superstore last spring, people started talking about this mystical driver, the Orlimar 420 driver. I knew of Orlimar from days gone by when many of the best players had their 3 wood in the bag. A lovely low-profile club that was very hot.
Lawrence, the club guru at King Par, thought I may be able to do a little better both in distance and flight. He set up an Orlimar 420 driver for me, with a shaft he thought would suit.
I had my best driving season ever. Longer than in my thirties and a nice draw. The flight was higher, helping me on the American courses.
The Orlimar 420 driver is indeed a hidden gem. Such a hot face and lovely traditional shape.
Should you spot a club or head in your travels, with the copper colored weighting on the back... what to do? Get it! The Orlimar 420 driver is one heck of a club and you CANNOT beat the price!
-Nigel
Posted on Thu, Feb 02, 2012 @ 02:46 PM
Nike has placed much of its marketing emphasis on equipment for golfers who play pretty well; and, the Sq Sumo Irons are a bit of a hidden secret within their range.
Let’s examine what golfers might benefit from using the Sq Sumo Irons? They are not for golfers who wish to control their own ball-flight and are looking for sleek looking blades. No, these are not things of beauty in the true golfing sense; however they do what they were designed to do.
They hit the ball straighter and higher for the golfer in the 90 and upward ability range. No mistake these Sq Sumo Irons are for higher handicap golfers who want golf to be that bit easier.
They hit the ball higher. They sound pretty good of the blade and don’t give your hands a shock on a mishit.
These ladies' Sq Sumo2 Irons come with Hybrids in the middle irons, reverting to slightly(!!!) more normal looking in the short irons.
- Value for money……….Yes!!
- Great for higher handicap golfers……….Yes!!!!
- Low COG resulting in easy-to-launch shots........Yes!!!
- Promotes accuracy and confidence........Yes!!!!
The Sq Sumo Irons are well worth examining should you be hacking it round and want a bit more enjoyment.
-Nigel
Posted on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 @ 11:48 AM
The three stripes on Adidas product has taken on iconic status.
This branding was first developed in Germany for athletic shoes and has mushroomed since then.
This year the Adidas Tour 360.3.0 Golf Shoe has hit the market to great reviews. They have placed the stripes on the heel in a fashion that makes the shoe look really classy without looking clumsy.
The three top stripes are still there on the Tour 360 3.0; however it’s the color combinations that really appeal to the eye. We even have silver on the ladies' Tour 360 3.0 making in a VERY modern and rather hip looking shoe.
Women's Adidas Tour 360 3.0 Golf Shoe
Sergio Garcia is wearing these regularily on Tour. He has a pair to match every outfit.
Photo courtesy of http://www.pga.com
The range within Tour 360 3.0's are extensive, with combinations to suit all tastes. They are lightweight, hardwearing and easy to clean. A truly inspirational range.
Try the Adidas 360 3.0 and you will not be disappointed.
-Nigel
Posted on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 08:27 AM
It was back in the late 1960's and I was playing in the Scottish Boys Championship at North Berwick. I reached the quarter finals, much against expectation and did so wearing a pair of rubber waterproof golf shoes. It did not seem to bother me much in the earlier rounds wearing these, but I was going to soon be under the glare of publicity over the weekend and my parents were kind enough to offer to buy a new pair, prior to my big day.
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Photo courtesy of http://www.footjoyshoes.net
I went into David Huish's Golf Shop, that is like a sunken bunker next to the first tee at that great course. That's when I first saw them. Before me, a wondrous display of FootJoy Golf Shoes. I really wanted the Classics. These FootJoy shoes were heavy by todays standards, with leather soles that needed oiling regularly and fitted with metal spikes. The pair I lusted after was in red/white and blue patent shiny leather. The cost of these shoes was, however, way beyond our agreed budget and I left with a more reasonably priced pair. I didn’t reach the final by the way. Coincidence..maybe? Just saying.
These Classic FootJoy Golf Shoes remained on my wish list and having won the East Kilbride club championship later in the year, a pair of these wonderful iconic Footjoy Golf Shoes were ordered. They were, at the time, pretty expensive. They lasted me over eight years and it was a sorry day when I let them go to the great FootJoy Shoe heaven in the sky. Maybe one of the saints tried them for a game or two--should you believe in that kind of thing.
FootJoy Golf Shoes have been the leading brand of golf shoe for many years now with great players striding famous fairways in beautifully designed and wearable shoes.
Photo courtesy of http://www.golfmagic.com
Padraig Harrington at the seventeenth at Royal Birkdale looked so stable in his FootJoy Golf Shoes as he hit one of the best five woods ever to ten feet and onward to victory.
Louis Oosthuizen hit a fabulous driver to twenty feet at the ninth on The Old Course. He sunk the putt in his FootJoy Golf Shoes on his way to an emphatic victory in The Open at St Andrews.
Rory was comfortable and very stylish as he won The US Open wearing his FootJoy Golf Shoes.
Tom Lehman won The Charles Schwab Cup having had a great year on the senior tour again wearing FootJoy Golf Shoes.
As you can see, there are many stories of players winning in FootJoy Golf Shoes and it is no coincidence that they remain to date the leading brand of shoe across the golf tours of the world.
Photo courtesy of http://www.footjoy.com
You can find me still wearing my beloved FootJoy's.
-Nigel
Posted on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 @ 08:58 AM
Is there more to it than just the flex of the club?
Photo courtesy of http://www.titleist.com.es
Have you ever been to the driving range and tested out different drivers, all with the same flex shaft and loft, yet noticed a considerable difference in the ball flight? Well, that’s due to the construction of the shaft itself. The shaft in a driver can influence such things as launch angle, spin rates and ball speed all of which determine the distance and accuracy of that club. And because we all swing a little different, it’s extremely important to make sure you have the right shaft for your swing. To help you understand all of this, let’ break down some of the important characteristics in a golf shaft and how they affect the flight of the golf ball.
Flex - Flex is the most important factor in the shaft as it affects both distance and direction. Getting the correct flex in your golf equipment is of the utmost importance. The flex is a rating of a golf club shaft's ability to bend during the golf swing. All shafts, no matter how stiff, exhibit flex under the forces of the golf swing. Golf Flex’s come in Extra Stiff (XS), Stiff(S), Regular(R), Senior(S or M), and Ladies (L). As a general rule, the faster your clubhead speed, the stiffer the flex.
Weight - The weight is the actual weight of the raw, uncut shaft before installation, in grams. Lighter shafts mean lighter total weight and therefore the prospect of additional clubhead speed and more distance. The weight of the shaft also has an influence over the launch conditions of the ball. As a general rule, the lighter the shaft, the higher the launch. The heavier the shaft, the lower the launch will be.
Kick Point (Flex Point) - This defines the point where the shaft bends and affects the trajectory of the shot. A shaft with a high kick-point will usually produce a lower trajectory shot and have a “stiffer” feel to shaft. A low kick-point will usually produce a higher trajectory shot and a feeling of the shaft tip whipping the clubhead through.
So what does all of this mean for you, the golfer?
Photo courtesy of http://www.best-putter.com
Well, it all depends on how you swing the golf club. If you struggle hitting the ball in the air, you want to look for a softer shaft (a Regular of Senior flex) which has a lower kick-point, is usually lighter, and will help launch the ball in the air. On the other hand, if you are someone who has a faster clubhead speed and notice the ball rising and falling rapidly (known as “ballooning” caused by too much spin on the ball) then you will need to look for a shaft with a higher kick-point, heavier weight, and stiffer flex to produce a better ball flight.
Finding the right shaft for you can be done a couple of different ways. One is by visiting a golf store (hint hint King Par Superstore) and watching the ball flight to determine what looks best. The other way, and most recommended, is by getting on a launch monitor. Launch monitors can measure factors such as the launch angle, spin rate, clubhead speed, ball speed and total distance to determine the proper fit for you. Boyne Golf Academy at King Par Superstore has Trackman, the industry leader in launch monitors. By making an appointment with one of our PGA Professionals (our instructors--Kyle & Joel are AWESOME), you can get fit with the proper equipment for your swing. So next time you’re in the market for a new driver, don’t just pick one off the rack because it looks cool, make sure it’s fit for YOU and YOUR swing.
Posted on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 01:15 PM
You may be puzzled as to why I am writing about a Callaway 3 wood?
I got to thinking about Phil Mickelson. Here is a golfer who has charmed American golf fans for nearly twenty years. Has he really fulfilled his potential?
Photo Courtesy of http://www.blogs.bettor.com
Yes, he has won The Master's and has contended in many Majors over these years. He has failed; however, to land The US Open, his Holy Grail.
What if he had approached some vital holes with his Callaway 3 Wood, instead of blasting away with his one and sometimes two drivers?
Photo courtesy of http://www.golf.com
Who can forget his tee shot on 18 at Oakland Hills when playing with Tiger? It was so far right it was nearly in the next State. A Callaway 3 Wood here may have changed the course of history in that Ryder Cup.
He has always had a fairly wayward action with his longer clubs and surely could have benefitted from dialling down a little, gained from the increased loft and hit his Callaway 3 Wood at crucial moments. That is a tactic we might all consider at those pressure moments.
At The Masters, for example, he hit driver at 7 and 14, where his Callaway 3 Wood chosen, would have given him placement rather than length that is not essential on either hole.
This was repeated often at Torrey Pines at The US Open. This was a tournament he was desperate to win. His home area, with all the emotion that goes with playing in your own backyard. He blasted his way out of contention where his Callaway 3 Wood could have placed him in the mix and maybe even beat a crippled Tiger.
At St Andrews and other Open venues he would place himself too near many greens off the tee, leaving him with shots that even his great short game could not execute. A Callaway 3 Wood from the tee would have left full shots that are easier to control.
So, as we review the career, to date, of this talented player we sense a reward a bit less than his talent indicated.
Photo courtesy of http://www.philmickelson.com
What would have been the result had he picked his Callaway 3 Wood, rather than blasting away with his driver at critical moments.
We will never know.
-Nigel