Dress in Layers

photo credit: dan taylor     Golf is a game where freedom of movement is critical.   Warm weather golf does not present a problem but playing golf in cold  or inclement weather  is another matter.   The key is to dress in layers instead of “bulking-up.”   Layers allow the body to “breath” more efficiently.   Layers will also dissipate moisture which, when present, can worsen the cold conditions.

Foot Joy introduced what the company calls the FJ Layering System.   Developed for comfort and body temperature regulation, the new system includes thinner, stretchable, breathable materials that allows the full range of motion throughout the golf swing.   The system includes:

1)   The Base Layer > pullover inner Prodry base layer.   2)   Mid Layer > half zip pullover.   3)   Outer Layer > Dry-joys tour collection pullover

Eyewear for Golfers

photo credit: SD Dirk     Sunglasses are more than a fad, they are a way to protect your eyes from the dangerous rays of the sun.   Here are some popular brands:   Adidas Retego ($140) light and durable flex-frame and distortion-free lenses > www.shopAdidas.com.   Callaway Chev Air ($130) ergonomically wrapped frames designed to help sharpen vision > www.callawaygolf.com.   Kaenon Sequence ($339) lightweight frames, air-bag nose pads, spring hinges, polarized lenses >  www.kaenon.com.   Oakley Split Jacket ($260) transition lenses that darken or lighten, contour frames > www.oakley.com.   Peakvision XR4.01 ($160) grey top lens, amber bottom lens to help the golfer read greens > www.peakvisionsports.com.   Maui Jim Breakwall ($149) scratch-resistant polarized lenses.   Switch Vision ($169) comes with three sets of magnetized lenses for changing conditions.   Nike Victory's ($269) lightweight magnesium frame and customized lenses > www.nikestore.com.

M.O.I.

photo credit: diskychick     MOI means “moment of inertia,” a measure of resistance to angular acceleration.      Bottom line – it means how  quickly a clubhead will twist during impact when a golfer misses the sweet spot.    Every club in your bag is governed by this law of physics.

Amateurs require a high MOI, therefor, they  need a club that has the weight  moved far away from the center of gravity.   This type of weight distribution gives the player a great deal of forgiveness during mishits either high or low or heel  and toe.   Putters with high MOI are balanced better and will remains steady during impact.   Bottom line  - This is all about forgiveness.   For the average golfer it means using a set of clubs that will contribute to keeping your ball “in play,” at all times.

Electronic Caddies

photo credit: dan taylor     A good caddie takes the guesswork out of club selection but  how many golfers can afford personal caddies?   The affordability and popularity of the GPS devices have, unfortunately, eliminated the use of caddies worldwide.

The latest GPS technology offers players extremely  high resolution aerial photographs, such as the Callaway  uPro ($399) www.uProgps.com.    Most  other devices  use digital reproductions of  each hole.   The OnPar ($479) resembles an  iPhone and  comes with a touch-screen  and a virtual “golf bag” which allows you to  track how far you hit  each club www.OnPargps.com.   The Sky Caddie ($399)  is the market leader with a database of over 23,000 courses www.skygolf.com.  

Other brands worth considering are:   Garmin Approach G5 ($499) www.garmin.com  and the Sonocaddie V300 ($349) www.sonocaddie.com.

Bracelet Power

photo credit: Random Tree     For a long time now certain metal bracelets have been worn for medicinal reasons. Metals such as titanium and copper, when worn on the wrist, seem to  generate certain health benefits.   Most people wear these bracelets to minimize the effects of arthuritis and various muscle aches and pains.

Callaway Golf has just introduced a new line of bracelets called Ionetix which are designed to create “a feeling of well being.”   The electronics in our lives generate positive ions.   The theory is that  the new bracelets will “balance” the positive and negative  ions for better health although some scientists have suggested that the bracelets  offer only placebo effects.   The  suggested retail price is $79.99.   Check them out at www.CallawayGolf.com.   For other  bracelets go to www.Q-Link.com or www.TrionZ.com.