Archive for the "Golf Clubs" Category

Naturally, to win the U.S. Open in commanding fashion as Martin Kaymer did at Pinehurst, all of the club in the bag need to be working nicely. There is no way to win the national championship easily over the best players in the world without getting contributions from the driver through the putter. However, it was that putter specifically that helped Kaymer stay on track all week long and put his second major title in the books.

Huge Par Saves Kept Him on Track

The lack of bogies that appeared on Kaymer’s card during the four rounds he played at Pinehurst were nothing short of amazing. In a field where anser 2only three players managed to break par for the whole week, Kaymer kept his cards mostly clean by holing out beautiful par putts whenever he did get in trouble. His success should highlight the importance of putting for the average amateur golfer. Even if you hit a couple poor shots on a given hole, all can be forgiven with one great roll on the green.

The Club That He Trusted

In steamrolling his way to the U.S. Open title, Kaymer used the PING Karsten 1959 ANSER 2 putter. It is a classic looking putter that stands in contrast to many of the other flat sticks that could be seen in use around Pinehurst #2. The 1959 ANSER 2 is a traditional design with heel and toe weighting to help golfers achieve a true roll and a great feel putt after putt. There are no tricks or gimmicks involved in this club – it is simply a well-designed, solidly built putter that allows the player to let his or her true ability shine through.

One of the great attributes of this style of putter is the wonderful visual that it gives the golfer at address. It is easy to align this putter properly behind the ball thanks to a thin top line and bright white alignment line. It is hard to imagine that any golfer would object to the appearance of this putter as it sits behind the ball.

Where Does Kaymer Go From Here?

With two majors under his belt, not to mention a huge putt in the Ryder Cup, Martin Kaymer is certainly full of confidence and has the game to back it up. With two more majors to be played this season, and another Ryder Cup, it won’t be a surprise if we see him back at the top of the board sometime very soon. He also secured the Player’s Championship this season, so the big stage is clearly not something that causes him to shy away.

Likely, the success the Kaymer experiences will be closely tied to how well he continues to roll the ball on the greens. His swing is impressive and seems to hold up under the most intense pressure. As long as he continues to hit great putts with the PING Karsten 1959 ANSER 2 putter, there is no reason to believe Kaymer won’t continue to contend for major championships for many years to come.

 

TaylorMade Spider Blade Putters

The original TaylorMade Spider putters have been a popular model with pros and amateurs alike for several years. The mallet-head design feels stable through impact with the putt, and the face makes for an easy time to get the ball rolling  quickly. In short, there is a lot to like about the original spider putters.

However, they are mallets, and some players just aren’t comfortable using a mallet putter. spiderbladeWhether it is the look or the feel of the putter that they just can’t get past, many golfers will never come to a point where they put a mallet into their bag. For that reason, TaylorMade has designed the Spider Blade, meant to give many of the same performance aspects of the original Spider to players who want to use a blade-style head.

A Variety of Materials

By using numerous different materials in the construction of the putter head, TaylorMade was able to remove weight from the center of the putter head and place it further out toward the toe and heel. The result is a feel that is more-reminiscent of a mallet putter despite still looking like a blade. This putter is steady through impact and allows for slight mishits without the ‘punishment’ that a normal blade putter might dole out. If you aren’t able to strike your putts perfectly in the center of the face each time, the Spider Blade is going to offer you some forgiveness that many other putters would not.

Not the Only Difference

Besides moving the weight around within the head of the Spider Blade, TaylorMade has also made a change to the length of the putter – they have made them longer. No, they are not long putters or belly putters (which are being banned soon enough) – rather, they are just longer shafts that are meant to be used just as a traditional putter would be. Offered in 35′ and 38′ lengths, these putters are designed with choking-down the shaft in mind. So, for example, if you normally prefer to use a 35′ putter, you would purchase the 38′ and hold the club a couple inches down the grip. This is meant to give you some amount of counter-balance during the stroke and make it easier to achieve the steady, rocking motion that so many golfers are striving for.

Whether or not you will enjoy that style of putting is for you to try out and decide for yourself. There are already a few players on the professional tours using this approach, so it is not like it is without merit. Rather, it is an individual feeling that you will have to try out and see what you think. If you find that you enjoy this style of putting and it gives you added confidence to roll good putts hole after hole, the TaylorMade Spider Blade putters might just be the right addition to your bag.

Cleveland Classic 270 Driver

Golf is a game that is steeped in tradition and history. No matter where you go in the game of golf, the memories and feelings of the past will always be with you. This is one of the most interesting elements of the game, and one of the things that keeps so many people coming back round after round. While we are always moving forward with technology, it should be done with an eye to the past and the golfers that came before.

With that in mind, the Cleveland Classic 270 Driver is a beautiful blend of old and new. From the new perspective, it has all of the modern features that you would expect from a driver – 460cc head, graphite shaft, aerodynamic engineering, and more. On the old side of the ledger is the look that Cleveland has given this driver. The paint job and finishing touches are a nod to the time when ‘woods’ were actually made from wood. You probably don’t want to use a wood driver because of the cleveland270distance and forgiveness you would sacrifice, but being able to pay respect to the history of the game with this driver is a nice compromise.

This driver is offered in three different lofts – 9*, 10.5*, and 12* – and also with a variety of graphite shaft flexes. It features the deepest club face that Cleveland has ever produced, which is great for building confidence when you stand over the ball and get ready to swing. Of course, you should try any driver before it becomes your go to club on the course, but don’t expect to be sacrificing anything in terms of performance when you put the 270 into the bag.

Another great thing about this driver is the conversations it can start on the course. If you frequently play alone and get paired with other golfers, this driver has a way of breaking the ice and starting discussions about the ‘good ‘ole days’. Whether you feel like being nostalgic about the past, or talking about how much better clubs are today than they used to be, you will find yourself having more golf chats thanks to the unique appearance of this driver.

A good driver will successfully balance distance and accuracy, and that is something that can change from player to player. To figure out how the 270 will behave for you, pick out the right loft and shaft flex for your swing and give it a try. You don’t need to use a driver for a long time to determine if you are comfortable with it, but be sure to give it a couple weeks to work out the kinks and find a comfort zone.

Also in this line from Cleveland are the 290 model, and the Tour version. So, if one of them isn’t exactly right for you but you still want to give this driver a chance, be sure to test out the other models. If you decide that this club works in your bag, you will have a driver that you can call on to hit fairways and start conversations at the same time.

NIKE Men’s Reversible Stripe Web Belts

A belt might not be the most exciting piece of golf equipment to add to your arsenal, but it can add style and comfort to your golf wardrobe without breaking the bank. In the case of the NIKE Men’s Reversible Stripe Web Belt, you can actually add two accessories to your golf wardrobe with just one item. The belt has a stripe design on one side, and a solid color on the other, so you can coordinate with different outfits simply by switching the belt around. Also, it can be purchased in several different colors depending on your personal style and taste.

Add Comfort by Wearing a Belt

A belt might not be required clothing when you hit the links, but it can make for a more comfortable experience. There is a lot of bending and twisting on the golf course, much of which can pull your shirt un-tucked or cause your pants/shorts to shift. When you make sure to put on a belt as part of your golf attire, you will likely find that you are more comfortable throughout the day – and you will look a little sharper in the process.nikebelt

The Power of Reversible

Not only can you save money by only buying one belt that accomplishes two looks, but it is more convenient than crowding up a dresser drawer with numerous different colored belts. This NIKE Men’s Reversible Stripe Web model is woven and looks sharp while keeping a casual feel. The brushed metal buckle has the swoosh cut out for a subtle styling of the NIKE brand. There is also a gunmetal tip on the belt to prevent fraying and help in feeding the belt through the loops on your shorts or pants.

No Belt Holes Means More Comfort

Have you ever had a belt that just didn’t seem to have a hole in the right spot? It was either too tight on one hole, or too loose on the next one? That won’t be a problem with this belt. The belt buckle can clasp onto the belt itself at any point along its length, so you can tighten it exactly how you want it each and every time. When comfort is your main consideration, that kind of clasp system is a great benefit over traditional belt holes.

Woven Fiber Holds Up Over Time

While not as elegant or fancy as a leather belt, the woven cloth style like this NIKE offering might be better for the outdoor elements that you will face on the golf course. You don’t have to worry about the belt getting a little wet like you would with a leather belt, yet you will style look stylish and be able to bring together you outfit by adding just the right touch of color to connect your shirt and pants.

If you are in the market for a new golf belt to add to your wardrobe and up the style quotient that you bring to the course with you each round, take a look at the NIKE Men’s Reversible Stripe Web Belt.

 

Clicgear 3.5+ Push Carts

There was a time when golf push carts were two-wheeled, rented from the pro shop, and generally not all that convenient to use. Today, however, many golfers own their own carts, which now have three wheels, and are a great option for walking the course without having to lug around a heavy bag. While there are many different brands in the market competing for your push cart business, Clicgear has carved out a large segment of loyal followers thanks to intuitive design, compact folded size, and modern look.

Why use a push cart?

Walking the golf course is an experience that many players enjoy, but have to give up when they find it too difficult to carry a bag for 18 holes over 4.5 clicgear carthours or more. Especially for players who like to carry along plenty of extra golf balls, bottles of water, snacks, rain gear, and more, even the best carry bag can start to get heavy. That’s where a push cart can come in handy. Instead of having to rent a power cart and lose the enjoyment of walking the course, you can strap your bag onto a push cart such as the Clicgear 3.5+ and get the best of both worlds.

Airless Tires a Significant Improvement

One of the complaints about the early-model three-wheeled push carts were the air-filled tires that had a tendency to go flat at the most inopportune times. Even if they didn’t go flat, the air-filled tires needed to be refilled from time to time, which was a chore that many golfers quickly grew tired of. Most of the newer model carts, including the Clicgear 3.5+, offer solid airless tires which require very little in the way of maintenance. By simply wiping them down at the end of the round, you can keep them clean and will not have to worry about finding an air hose or getting halfway through your round only to find that you are running low in one or more of your tires.

Additional Storage Space

Beyond giving you a way to move your bag around the course without throwing it up onto your shoulders, a push cart also adds to your storage capabilities. The Clicgear 3.5+ has a mesh storage bag that is nice for things like a small rain jacket or head covers that aren’t in use. There is also a cup holder for easy access to your water bottle  throughout the day. Additionally, an umbrella holder bracket can accept the handle end of the umbrella and keep it in place above your head while you walk up the fairway in the rain. In a way, having a push cart as part of your golf accessories is kind of like having your own personal caddie on the course.

If you are looking to add some convenience to your golf game and enjoy walking the course, the Clicgear 3.5+ is a product that deserves your consideration. With a compact folded-up size and easy-to-use design, you will likely soon view your cart as an essential piece of gear.

Garmin Approach S1 GPS Watch

Have you ever wished you could have a caddy at your beckon call like the guys on Tour? While that might be a pipe dream, you can have the yardage to the green available to you as quickly as you look at your watch. How? The Garmin Approach S1 GPS Watch is a regular, fully-functioning wrist watch that just so happens to also have built-in GPS capability to provide you with yardages on thousands of golf courses. With this watch on your wrist, you can gpssimply walk up to your ball, take a quick glance down, pick the right club, and get ready to fire at the pin.

What It Does

The Garmin Approach S1 contains many different functions – and each user will find various uses and benefits from each of them. If you want to use it as a regular wrist watch when you are not on the golf course, this unit is more than up to the task. It looks as good as any other sports wristwatch and includes all of the standard information such as time, date, etc. When you get out onto the course, however, is when the Approach S1 really starts to show its muscle. It can provide you with distances to the front, middle, and back of the green on the whole you are playing without having to push a button. It will automatically transition to the next hole as your round progresses, and you can measure the distance of your last shot as well.

Why You Would Want It

Getting an accurate yardage is a key component to playing good golf and lowering your scores. It is amazing how many golfers go to great lengths to improve their swings, purchase expensive equipment, and do everything else possible to play better – but then don’t bother to carefully calculate their yardage. Without knowing the exact numbers to the front of the green and the hole specifically, you can’t properly plan your shots and make the most of your abilities. While the Garmin Approach S1 is not the only yardage measuring device on the market, it is certainly one of the most convenient. You don’t have to track down a unit out of your golf bag or the cart – it is already attached to your wrist.

A Side Benefit

Everyone knows that slow play is a problem that plagues golf courses everywhere. Finding and calculating yardages is one of the biggest time wasters on the course, so having access to the yardage right on your wrist will make you one of the faster players on the course. If more players adopt this kind of technology and are able to get their yardage as soon as they reach the ball, the pace of play on golf courses everywhere seems sure to improve. Adding the Garmin Approach S1 GPS Watch to your golf equipment will not only allow you to

Odyssey Tank #1 Putter

In the near future, long putters that are attached to your body in some way, either belly or chest, are going to be against the rules of golf. If you currently putt with that style, you will have to find a new method if you wish to play within the rules. However, that doesn’t mean you have to move down to a standard putter of 33” to 35”. In fact, club makers have already started to adjust and create putters that fill the need they expect from former belly or long putter users. These putters, sometimes called ‘alternative’ putters, are long enough to stand upright while using them, but short enough to not be anchored into your body.

The Odyssey Tank #1

One such putter is the Tank #1 from popular putter-maker Odyssey. This putter has a very traditional shape and look, however it is much heavier odysseythan a regular putter and is offered in both 38” and 40” models. Depending on your height and preferred stance, both of those lengths could work for you in terms of a putter that allows you to stand upright and make a stroke. One of the biggest benefits of this putter is you won’t have to get used to any crazy-looking head designs or anything else – it is a traditional putter in an un-traditional length.

Proven White Hot Pro Insert

One of the things that has made the Odyssey line so popular is the White Hot insert that is found in most of their putters. This insert gives the player a firm feel while still grabbing the ball and starting it rolling, instead of skidding, right off the putter face. Unlike other inserts which can be soft and ‘bouncy’, the White Hot insert has been enjoyed by players of all skill levels thanks to its consistency and firmness. If you have normally looked past insert putters in favor of a solid-milled putter, you might want to at least give this one a try.

Great for Back Problems

Even if you are already happy with your putting performance with a standard length putter, a 38” or 40” putter still has benefits. One of the biggest benefits is what it can do for your back health out on the course. Bending over at the waist to putt, both during the round and during practice, can be tiring on your back and may eventually take a toll. Using a longer putter to stand upright during your putting stroke might just be the change you need to relieve pressure and stay healthy over time.

Putting is the most important part of lowering your scores. If you are ever going to reach the handicap goals that you have set for yourself, you will want to do everything you can to improve your putting consistency. By eliminating three-putt greens and making a few more 10 footers, you will be amazed at how soon you can seen your