The Launch Monitor

photo credit: jrspeaks   Checking your swing on a launch monitor accomplishes three things, it determines:  A)   ball speed.  B)  Launch Angle.  C)  Backspin.

Ball speed >  Nothing is more important to distance which is the initial velocity of the ball as it leaves the clubface.  It should be 1 and one half times swing speed.  Launch Angle >  this is not the angle of the loft on the driver’s clubface, it is the angle in relation to the ground of the trajectory of the ball.  The typical launch angle should be about 10 degrees or higher.  Backspin >  The rotation of the ball after impact.  It should typically be 2000 – 3000 rpms.  Slightly higher rpms. are acceptable.

Launch monitors are can detrmine the right equipment for you.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Grips

photo credit: jwillier2   Golf Pride has introduced it’s new Tour Wrap 2G golf grip.  The 2G grip has the look and feel of patent leather and the durability of high-tack rubber.  Golf Pride engineered the new grips for comfort and control with a softer and more secure feel.  The company maintains that the 2G is revolutionary in that it promotes smooth, tension-free golf shots.

Improper grip size is a problem that can easily be corrected with the purchase of new grips AFTER being measured for the proper fit (grip size) by a person fully qualified to do so.

The Tour Wrap 2g grips have the feel of leather and durability of rubber.  The Tour Wrap grips come in three colors:  red, white and black .  To learn more, go to to www.golfpride.com.

The Callaway iQ Rangefinder

photo credit: jasleen_kaur   Callaway has joined forces with Nikon to introduce the new iQ Rangefinder.  The new iQ Rangefinder is what Callaway calls “their most advanced laser rangefinder ever.”  The new rangefinder has an Active Brightness Control Viewfinder which  illuminates the field of view for enhanced visibility.  Weighing less than 1/2 lb., the unit has a range of 1/2 mile  and can easily fit into a golfer’s pocket.

The new laser rangefinder makes it easy for the golfer to judge distances in an accurate and speedy manner.  It is waterproof and shock-resistant and capable of withstanding many, many years of use.  Nikon is known the world over for it’s research and development in the field of optics.  For more information go to www.callawaygolf.com.

Ecco Footwear

photo credit: nsaplayer   Ecco Footwear is quite the rage after Freddie Couples was seen wearing a pair at a recent Champions Tour event.  The pair Couples had on were a sneaker-like design with bright orange soles.  Couples had on the very popular Golf Street Premier shoes ($140).  After Couples was seen wearing these unique shoes, demand soared.  It escalated to the point where golfers had to put their names on a waiting list.

The shoes can be worn casually or on the golf course.  They have a thermoplastic urethane rubber-like sole that has pre-molded angled knobs that improve traction and distribute weight more evenly across the foot.  They come in various upper/sole color combos for both men and women.  There is a removable antibacterial insole.  To learn more go to www.EccoUsa.com.

Choosing the Right Ball

photo credit: HaraldMM   The golf ball is the single most important item in the game of golf.  In today’s market there are four types of golf balls:  The One-Piece is a lower end ball usually used at practice ranges throughout the world.  The Two, Three and Four Piece balls are designated as such depending on the amount of layers they contain.  The greater the amount of layers, the softer the ball feels when struck. 

If you have an average swing speed, a two piece-ball should be ideal, however, a three-piece ball may work well for you also.  Harder balls usually mean more distance, however, feel and touch around the greens is far more important to most golfers. 

To find the ball that suits your game, do some experimenting !

Putter Jargon

photo credit: MelvinSchlubman   The putter is used 45% of the time during a round of golf.  Know the following terms:  Loft (typically 2 – 4 degrees) = the angle of the clubface which gets the ball up and rolling.  Lie Angle (21 degree average) = how upright, or flat, the putter is when sitting parallel on the ground.  Toe Hang = the heaviest part of it’s mass in the toe (heavier is usually better).  Face Inserts = creates various reactions to the ball off the putter-face.  Putter head = most important component depending on shape and style.  Grip Size = diameter.  Hosel offset = an angled S-shaped neck.  Shaft Length = should suit personal preference.  Shaft and Butt Weighting = overall dead weight and swing weight.

Knowing Club Jargon

photo credit: nimish_gogri   Bounce = allows the club to make minimal impact with the ground, preventing the club’s leading bottom edge from digging into the ground.  Cavity Back = is a scooped out back which moves the weight around the perimeter of the clubhead and makes the club more forgiving.  Clubhead = can have a determining effect on club-head speed.  Launch Angle = the angle at which the ball leaves the clubhead.  Lie Angle = allows the club to be custom fitted to the individual, it is the angle of the sole of the club in relation to the ground.  Loft = causes the ball to fly at different trajectories.  Offset = the clubhead is set back from the shaft.  Shaft = allows you to find the optimum ball flight and power.

Cobra S2 Irons

photo credit: lucaboldrini69   Cobra has recently introduced it’s S2 Iron series featuring it’s 9 Point Face Technology.  The Face technology creates 9 sweet spots on the face of each iron, instead of just one.  With 9 sweet spots, the likelihood of producing straight shots with plenty of backspin, is greatly increased. 

The irons are engineered with, what Cobra calls, a “multi-material design” throughout the clubhead.  The clubs are much more forgiving and accurate than most.  The irons have a stepped sole design which allows better turf interaction for better playability.  The multi-material irons are made with only the highest quality materials which Cobra is well known for.

The cavity-back design is much more forgiving for both amateurs and professionals alike.  To learn more,  check out these new additions to the Cobra line at:  www.Cobragolf.com

Leupold GX-4 Rangefinder

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolfThe new GX-4 rangefinder by Leupold is the latest in their line of quality rangefinders.  Leupold makes the claim that it is the #1 rangefinder on the PGA Tour.  The device factors in yardage measurements, sloped approaches, course altitude, hitting strength and air temperature to give precise yardage.  There is a “club selector” which suggests the correct iron for your next shot.

The unit comes with a yellow “smart key” which, when removed, disarms all functions and allows it to measure distance only.  Leupold’s patented PinHunter Laser Technology gives unmatched distance measurement on any target.  With “Prism lock,” you can instantly lock-on to prism equipped pins on 2,700 courses nationwide.  The readout consists of a high-contrast red OLED display.  To learn more go to:  www.Leupold.com/Golf.

New From Maxfli

photo credit: Carollainy   Maxfli has introduced it’s new Tour Series for advanced distance, performance and technology.  The new balls feature a multi-layer design with a cast Urethane Cove for better feel, workability and short game control.  The Multi-Blend ionomer mantle works with the core to promote a high initial velocity plus lower spin off the driver for maximum distance.

TOUR LC > suited for slower swing speeds, extra distance and better durability.  TOUR > suited for moderate swing speeds, more distance and improved short game control.  TOUR XD > engineered for faster swing speeds and a more penetrating ball flight.

TOUR LC > excelled in driver distance, feel.  TOUR > excelled in driver distance, short iron spin.  TOUR XD > excelled in driver distance.

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