PowerBilt DFX Driver Takes Next Step

Seldom do we equate Mixed Martial Arts with golf, but somehow there is a connection when it comes to the DFX Driver from PowerBilt.  The new iteration of the Air Force One Driver has a muscular feel and "anything goes" look that makes you believe you, too, can pound the bejesus out of your opponent in the ring...er, the tee.

DFX stands for Deep Face Extreme and you can see the difference standing over the ball. The clubface is now 5 mm deeper than the previous version, so it gives you a greater opportunity to catch the ball higher on the clubface for greater altitude.  The use of nitrogen under pressure rather than structural bracing inside gives the DFX a larger sweet spot, too.

The Air Force One DFX features Nitrogen N7 "Nitrogen Charged" technology, a newly patented method to reinforce the clubface without adding any weight. The forged titanium body comes with titanium cup face technology, as well as aerodynamic clubhead shaping.

Still not convinced a golf club can crossover to Mixed Martial Arts? Just ask Cub Swanson. PowerBilt has signed the MMA athlete to promote the DFX driver and all of its latest golf equipment.  An avid golfer who grew up mostly in the Palm Springs area, the MMA pro Swanson is part of a new marketing campaign to position PowerBilt with an edgier personality.

The DFX Driver is available in both the high MOI and Tour Series, in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12.5°. Standard shaft length is 45 ½". The club is offered in several leading shaft models from the top OEM shaft brands, so that golfers will achieve the optimum launch angle and spin rate for their unique swing. MSRP starts at $299.99, and there is an upcharge for some shaft models.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Sun Mountain Expands ClubGlider Travel Bag Line

Sun Mountain continues to offer more choices within its ClubGlider line of golf travel bags. ClubGlider is the only golf travel bag that offers extendable legs and wheels to support 100% of the weight, while eliminating the repeated bending and lifting required with traditional travel bags. For 2014, ClubGlider is available in four different models – Pro, Meridian, Journey and the new Tour Series – offering protection for golfers ranging from weekend warriors to touring professionals. Retail prices are $349, $289, $219, and $319 respectively.

ClubGlider glides from parking lot to luggage counter thanks to legs that extend and support 100% of the weight and pivoting caster wheels that handle corners and curbs with ease. Once checked-in, the legs easily tuck away securely for carefree travel. ClubGlider offers all of the protection and storage space of a traditional golf travel bag while eliminating the heavy lifting and the need to bend over to pick up and set down every time the check-in line moves three feet.

Making the cut from over 1,000 entrants in the Golf Channel “Fore Inventors Only” reality show, ClubGlider was named one of five finalists in this search for the next great golf invention. Following a successful introduction, Sun Mountain increased the offering to include additional models. ClubGlider Meridian is the name of the original ClubGlider. ClubGlider Pro is the largest of the models made to accommodate tour players’ oversized staff bags or two lightweight carry bags. ClubGlider Journey is a smaller and lighter version and the new for 2014 Tour Series was designed to coordinate with the new Tour Series line of golf bags.

Benefits of ClubGlider include legs that support 100% of the weight, eliminating on average over 45 pounds of pressure from the golfer’s shoulders and back. ClubGlider can also be loaded while standing, eliminating the need to bend all the way over as with other travel bags. ClubGlider includes heavy-duty two-way zippers, thick foam padding extending down the travel bag to protect clubheads and shafts, storage pockets, internal cinch straps, reinforced wear areas, and a lift-assist handle.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New Golf Fitness Tool Builds A Modern Swing

Winter will be over sooner than you think, which means it's time to get back to a golf fitness routine that will have you ready for that first tee shot in just a few weeks. ActivMotion Bar is a new workout tool that works on every physical component of your swing from upper and lower body strength to core power and balance.

ActivMotion Bar inventor Derek Mikulski and golf fitness pro Dave Davis have developed this new, easy-to-use tool and workout program using a weighted bar with internal rolling steel weights that force stabilization and engage the core with every move. The ActivMotion Bar helps golfers better maintain their spine angle to stay down on the ball.


Golf fit pro Dave Davis with ActivMotion Bar explains that there are basically two types of swings: classic and modern. The classic swing (think Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Ben Hogan) requires turning the entire lower and upper body together to increase a big shoulder turn to create club head speed. The classic swing requires very little fitness so long as you can turn your entire body to get the club back as far away from the ball as possible. It also requires exquisite timing.

The modern swing, according to Davis, requires the use of the body’s large muscles, dissociating the upper body from the lower to turn the forward shoulder as far as possible from the forward hip. This creates a compact or three-quarter swing. Separating the upper and lower body and loading in the trailing hip creates torque in the core. The modern swing allows you to maintain the club on plane and become more efficient. Players like Martin Kymer, Rory McIlroy, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose and Tiger Woods use this compact modern swing to create distance and power. And, golf coaches like Sean Foley use this method with players.

This modern swing engages a kinematic sequence, which is force from the ground up that requires the lower body to engage first, then the upper body then the club. This is where the ActivMotion Bar comes into play. Having a strong core to stay down on the ball is essential for a great golf game.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Balls of Steel Get USGA OK

Two young entrepreneurs with dreams of improving your golf game just received notice that the USGA has approved their first product, the OnCore Evo Golf Ball. The official notice to the company read,

"Golf balls with rigid cores whose core diameters do not exceed 0.9 inches, such as the OnCore Evo Ball, will be permitted exceptions to the 'traditional and customary form and make' requirement in Rule 1 of Appendix III."

When the USGA's list of approved equipment is published on November 6, the Evo ball will be considered conforming to the Rules of Golf.

"We are thrilled with the USGA's determination that rigid cores such as the OnCore hollow metal-core will be permissible in designing the golf balls of the future," says OnCore's President Bret Blakely. "We have had an enthusiastic reaction to our ball from players of all skill levels. Our objective has always been to help golfers have a better experience and get more enjoyment from the game. We expect that OnCore's products and technology (which are exclusively secured by three U.S. patents) will soon become the trendsetters in the industry."

VP Steve Coulton adds, "One of our dreams is to have young, up and coming tour players using our equipment. With the USGA approval, this dream can become reality, which is really exciting for us."

The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY and says it is dedicated to improving the lives, scores, and enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels by offering exciting products that live up to the company's tagline - "You Just Became a Better Golfer."

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Jack Nicklaus Introduces Golf Ball Line

Jack Nicklaus will introduce a new line of golf balls with a double mission: simplifying the game and giving to charity. The winner of 18 major championships says the balls will accommodate three skill levels of player through a color-code system designed to match the traditional tees from which they play. The three golf balls--Nicklaus Black, Nicklaus Blue, and Nicklaus White--will be available online and in golf pro shops and other retailers.

The balls are going into production this month and will begin shipping in November. In addition to online sales, they will be sold at the more than 200 Nicklaus Design courses nationwide. A percentage from every golf ball sold in those shops will be donated directly back to the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation to support pediatric programs and hospitals nationwide, while visitors to Nicklaus.com will have the ability to support the Foundation with voluntary contributions.

"We all know that the game of golf can be challenging enough, so we are trying to simplify the decision-making process of selecting the right golf ball and at the same time provide consumers the highest-quality golf balls and at a price that encourages charitable support," Jack Nicklaus said. "By buying these balls, players will get the added benefit of supporting these wonderful charities that help children in need as well as the families that dearly love them.

"The idea of creating three balls corresponds to the teeing areas golfers typically play. The Nicklaus White ball is designed for the players who might typically play the forward or white tees.  Nicklaus Blue is designed for players who would typically play the middle or blue tees.  And, finally, Nicklaus Black is designed for the single-digit or better golfer who generally plays from the back tees."

The introduction of a Nicklaus-designed and branded golf ball is the latest venture since Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein in 2007 to help further the growth of the company and to realize the full potential of the brands and branded businesses. Howard Milstein is Chairman and CEO of New York Private Bank & Trust, and is actively involved in the Nicklaus Companies as Co-Chairman along with Jack.

Nicklaus added, "For more than three years, we have contemplated entering the golf ball business, so over that time, I have been researching and testing golf balls. There are a lot of very good balls on the market, but I was not able to find a ball that fully met my expectations and hopes-not just for me or other professionals, but more important, for the everyday golfer. So I simply decided not to enter the business until I found that ball. Well, I found that ball. Actually, I found three.

"These golf balls are designed for every level of play, from the everyday or recreational golfer-be it men, women, children, or seniors-to the tour professional. No matter the age or ability, there is a golf ball to fit your game. Our strategy is based on a simple principle: skill level is an extremely important factor when selecting the right golf ball. From the tees you play, we know your swing speed; this is paramount when choosing a golf ball. But no matter the percentage of players who know their swing speed, 100 percent of them know the tees they play."

Over the decades spent fashioning his record-setting career-one that includes a record 18 professional major championships, 120 professional victories worldwide, including 73 on the PGA Tour, as well as four captaincies of The Presidents Cup-Jack has exhibited a passion for introducing and growing the game worldwide. Jack has been a Trustee and national co-chair for The First Tee, and this year he launched an initiative with SNAG (Starting New At Golf) called the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, which gives children ages 5 through 12 the opportunity to be introduced to the game at parks and recreation facilities nationwide. Jack was also a "Global Ambassador" for the game's unified campaign to have golf returned to the Olympic Games. In July, Jack received the Ambassador of Golf Award, presented annually to a person who fosters the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the golf course.

With accessibility and growth of the game paramount, the online model will save golfers money by reducing hidden distribution costs typically built into golf balls sold through traditional retail channels. For example, Nicklaus Black will sell in pro shops for $50 a dozen, but while that is the recommended price when sold through Nicklaus.com, visitors to the site will pay $32, plus a voluntary contribution of up to $20 for those who can afford a donation. Nicklaus Blue and Nicklaus White are priced somewhat lower at $46 in pro shops, but on Nicklaus.com, visitors only pay $28 a dozen plus the optional contribution. This distribution approach lets people buy the highest quality balls in a way that encourages them to support the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which champions the health, safety and well-being of children nationwide. During a month-long pre-order period, customers can order the ball for discounted introductory prices of $30 (Nicklaus Black) and $26 (Nicklaus Blue and Nicklaus White).

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

ClubCrown Makes Your Driver A Personal Statement

We customize the lie, loft, and shaft of our clubs, so why not the part we look at? I'm talking about the driver head, or course, and ClubCrown is the new product that will really make your driver your own.

ClubCrown is a one-size-fits-all semi-permanent cover that lets you personalize the crown of your driver (and most other woods). It not only lets you proclaim your loyalty to your alma mater or your proclivity for argyle or leopard skin, but will protect your club from sky (aka "idiot") marks and the other nicks and scrapes that come from regular use.

ClubCrowns are installed in ten minutes or so by certified installers, but can be removed by simply peeling them off.  They are also USGA-conforming and will not have any impact on club weight or aerodynamics, although you never know what will happen to your swing when it begins with a glimpse of that atomic mushroom cloud perched behind your ball.

There are hundreds of designs with new ones added almost weekly. Choose from racing stripes, wild patterns and animal prints, or proclaim your loyalty to a branch of the US armed forces or your favorite university. At $39.99, ClubCrown is an affordable way to put a little whimsy into your game.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Balls of Steel

When it comes to golf balls, I've tried plenty of different brands and model, but I keep coming back to the tried-and-true. Recently, though, I played a round with something different and I have to confess it caught my attention.  It's the OnCore EVO, billed as the world's first and only hollow metal core golf ball. These guys are on to something!

I immediately noticed two differences from my normal Pro V1x: the OnCore EVO flew straighter and it came off the irons hotter. I only played one round with the ball and certainly can't claim scientific certainty, but what I saw definitely was not a figment of my imagination.

I can't say that I got much more driver distance, but there was obviously less spin on the ball. My typical ball flight is a draw that starts right and comes back to my aim point. The OnCore EVO, though, would start right but then draw back only about half as much as usual. I kind of like that since it gives me a little better chance of staying in the fairway on holes that call for a fade while still letting me get that extra roll from a draw.

There also was no question that I picked up some distance with my irons, although that was a double-edged sword. I was not only a full club longer in the air (a good thing), but couldn't get the ball to bite on the green (a bad thing), probably because of the reduced spin. Regardless, I could see scores dropping after I get used to the performance characteristics.

What I saw is what the manufacturer promises--gee what a concept! The idea behind the technology is that the hollow core and polymer composite mantle layer shifts the ball's weight to its perimeter, both increasing the Moment of Inertia and reducing spin. I don't know if the USGA has approved it (and suspect they may have some concerns about the MOI), but the OnCore EVO is without question a ball worth trying out.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Sun Mountain Expands Popular H2NO Bags in U.S.

Sun Mountain has expanded the H2NO collection of bags to include cart bags and carry bags for 2014, with selections available now from your favorite golf retailer. First introduced in 2007, the H2NO bags are constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zippers. Prices range from $259 to $289.

Sun Mountain’s most popular bag in Europe, the H2NO carry bags feature tops with integrated handles for ease in picking up and setting down, a top-molded stand attachment for stability, Sun Mountain’s proprietary E-Z Fit Dual Strap System for a balanced carry across both shoulders, patented Roller-Bottom stand mechanism for easy leg activation, and for those rounds that you ride, H2NO stand bags feature leg lock straps and a cart-friendly bottom that will fit into a cart’s bag well.

H2NO carry bags feature ample storage space, too, including a full-length clothing pocket, a velour-lined valuables pocket, and multiple accessory pockets.

The 2014 collection of waterproof carry bags includes the H2NO Lite ($259), H2NO Ultra Lite ($229) and the H2NO Staff.

The H2NO Cart bag features a larger diameter, individual club-divided top, and waterproof pockets to include two full-length clothing pockets, multiple accessory pockets and a velour-lined valuables pocket ($289).

The waterproof pockets and rain hood on the H2NO bags feature the same waterproof construction as Sun Mountain’s line of rainwear to include waterproof fabric, taped seams, and YKK^® waterproof zippers. The extra technology required to make a bag waterproof will come in handy for golfers who carry items like cigars, mobile phones, and range-finders. Additionally, when used with the matching rain hood the waterproof protection of the H2NO bags extends to the clubs

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Adams Updates the Original Tight Lies

Adams Golf is bringing back the legendary fairway wood that put the company on the map in the mid-1990s. It's the Tight Lies line updated to incorporate Velocity Slot Technology that makes their current hybrids and fairway woods so hot. It's hard to believe, but I'm still playing (occasionally) a Tight Lies five wood and I'm sure I've got a three- and even a two-wood around here someplace. That was some serious technology at the time! The new Tight Lies has launched initially as a 16 degree three-wood with other loft options available including a 19 degree five-wood and 22-degree seven. Come to think of it, I have one of those in the original version, too.

“In the ever-present pursuit of maximum distance, today’s fairway woods have become mini-drivers – extremely difficult to hit from anywhere other than from a tee,” said Justin Honea, Adams Director of R&D. “The low profile design places the center of gravity (CG) below the CG of the ball, making it easy to hit the ball in the air. The unique tri-sole design makes it easy to hit from a multitude of challenging lies and then we added a refined Cut-Thru Slot design so this new Tight Lies is twice as hot as the original. It’s the perfect blend of playability and performance.”

Tight Lies features redesigned Cut-Thru Slots in the crown and sole to create maximum face deflection. This increased deflection allows for higher ball speeds making the new Tight Lies twice as hot as the original. Another added benefit of this new slot design is the increased forgiveness across the face. I started playing a Speedline Fast 12 three-wood last year and can attest to the distance gained by the slot technology.

A hallmark of the original Tight Lies fairway wood was the revolutionary low-profile, upside-down design, and it is back in the new version. This design feature allows for a very low CG – below the CG of the golf ball, making it extremely easy to hit the ball in the air for more consistent and controllable performance. The unique tri-sole design, which made the original version playable from any lie, will again be a difference maker for golfers playing the new Tight Lies. This sole design reduces turf interaction to increase performance from the fairway, rough, sand - even tight or bare lies.

And here's a kicker: Adams is so confident you will be satisfied with the easy-to-hit performance of the Tight Lies fairway wood, purchasers can return the club to Adams for a full refund within 30 days of purchase if they are not fully satisfied. The offer begins on August 15, 2013 and runs through October 15, 2013. More information is available by visiting www.adamsgolf.com/tightliesguarantee or calling (800)-709-6142.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

The Ultimate In Golf Cart (Trolley) Evolution

A few years ago, my doctor ordered me to stop carrying a golf bag. Tood tough on the back, he said. While I hire a caddie whenever I can, there are some courses where they aren't available. The answer? A pull-cart (or trolley, as they say in the old country).

Those contraptions have come a long way since somebody welded a couple of wheels on a pipe frame, though. The current epitome of cart evolution is the Micro-Cart from Sun Mountain.

Micro-Cart from Sun Mountain is a four wheel walking cart that folds smaller and weighs less, tipping the scales at only 13 lbs. and folding down to 52 cubic inches. Micro-Cart’s small folded footprint and light weight make the cart easy to get in and out of a vehicle. Also, due to the patented four-wheel design, the cart has a low center of gravity which results in superior stability on the course. Micro-Cart folds and unfolds in two easy motions and comes standard with the E-Z Latch for hassle-free handle height adjustment.

Uniquely, the inventors at Sun Mountain added a fourth wheel to Micro-Cart. The benefit of the four-wheel design is better stability on side hills and no tracking adjustments required. The four wheels come standard with low maintenance solid foam tires and adjustable front axle to accommodate the largest of golf bags.

Micro-Cart’s lightweight anodized aluminum frame folds and unfolds in two easy motions offering variable handle-height positions and the E-Z Latch; strapless bag bracket; standard Micro-Paq for additional storage; and a console with padded valuables tray, ball and tee holders, magnetic scorecard holder, and a drink holder. The standard Micro-Cart is available in four colors (red, black, blue and silver) and the new Micro-Cart Sport is available in bold color combinations (black/yellow, charcoal/red, black/lime and charcoal/pink). Micro-Cart and Micro-Cart Sport are available now with a retail price of $189.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Bag Boy Announces "Walk The Course Day"

The Bag Boy Company, developer and designer of push carts that do everything but hit the ball for you, is launching a national "Walk The Course Day" slated for Saturday, June 8. Bag Boy is encouraging golfers who play golf on June 8 to walk the course and enjoy the health benefits' walking provides. Bag Boy and each participating golf course will donate $1 to the local First Tee Chapter for every golfer that walks and uses a push cart.

"As the leader in push carts, we feel this campaign is a great way for us to let golfers experience first-hand the benefits of walking the course and help out their local First Tee program," said Craig Ramsbottom, President, Dynamic Brands. "Our research has shown golfers not only enjoy the game and the overall experience more when they walk, but in fact play better."

The benefit of walking has been proven through a research study conducted by the Rose Centre in Denver, Colo. The study showed golfers' burn almost twice as many calories when they walk as oppose to riding in a cart and play more consistent, resulting in shooting lower scores than those riding in a cart. It was also found that walking provides a better overall experience, allowing golfers to interact with their playing partners more and enjoy the natural beauty of the course from tee to green.

Calories Burned While Playing 9 Holes
1.       Walking: 721
2.       Using a caddie: 613
3.       Riding in a cart: 411

Miles Walked  While Playing  9 Holes
1.       In a riding cart:  .5  miles
2.       Walking: 2.5 miles
*Research by Neil Wolkodiff, director of the Rose Centre for Health and Sports Sciences in Denver

Golfers who participate in the "Walk The Course Day" on June 8 will be entered to win a new TriSwivel push cart and accessory pack. The TriSwivel is the latest technology in push carts featuring a 360 degree front wheel giving golfers effortless maneuverability. To find the list of participating golf courses, visit bagboycompany.com.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Why Buy When You Can Rent A New Driver?

Here's something new for equipment junkies (like me). It's sort of like Netflix for golf clubs.

It's GolfRedefined.com, a new membership plan where you can find the perfect driver to suit your game by selecting, testing and swapping clubs for a pretty reasonable monthly membership fee.  Try out the newest models as soon as they hit the market--without coughing up $400 or testing a demo covered with duct tape at your friendly driving range. All top brands are offered and almost every manufacturer’s driver is included in the product line-up.

“We created GolfRedefined.com to revolutionize the way golfers identify and select the best driver that works for them and the only way to do this is to test and play in real conditions with a number of models before the perfect match is found,” says Lorne Fierbach, CEO of GolfRedefined.com.  “Why pay $400 for a top driver only to learn that the club really doesn’t feel right or perform?  With one of our membership packages everyone now can try out the best brands to find the right club for their game.  GolfRedefined.com members might decide to keep one driver all season and swap the following year for the newest model.”

Golfers interested in joining GolfRedefined.com visit the website and select a membership category:  Birdie, Hole-in-One or Eagle.  Each membership tier offers different benefits and club choice options. Membership starts at $24.95 per month and goes up to $39.95 per month, or for an even better deal, you can sign up for quarterly packages.  Golfers not interested in a membership still are able to enjoy the benefits of the program through a “Rent Only” option. You pay the shipping one way--they pay for the return.

“We want golfers to rethink how they see the driver in their bag.  There is no need to purchase one because we allow golfers to have whatever driver they want, for as long or short a time as needed.  We offer flexibility and simplicity,” Fierbach commented.  “We’re providing a unique service as part of the industry effort to help grow the game, and making golfers happy is something we easily can accomplish.”

GolfRedefined.com initially will be offering right-handed men’s drivers with plans to introduce other clubs for both men and women as the company grows.

For more information, visit the website or call 877-493-6893.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Boccieri Adds Weight To Belly Putter

Boccieri Golf has put its considerable weight behind the long putter movement by making all the company’s putters available with belly-length or longer shafts. Standard length Heavy Putter models include a counterweight under the grip, producing a higher balance point that promotes a smoother stroke. This back-weight is modified in belly and long putters to accommodate the increased mass of a ski-pole shaft and 21- inch or two-piece grips.

The specially-placed weight engages the body’s larger muscles for a consistent swing path, uniform pace and precise distance and directional control. Any of the multitude of Heavy Putter models can be ordered with the popular long shafts, giving the player nearly endless options in the quest for a fewer putts on the scorecard. Prices start at $199 for standard length and $259 for belly and long putters.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Adams Aerodynamic Fairway Woods

Pick up your swing speed with what Adams Golf describes as the most aerodynamically efficient golf club on the market, the Speedline Fast 12 Fairway wood.  The clubs feature Velocity Slot technology for even more ball speed, forgiveness, and better launch conditions. In the Adams tradition, they’re also easily played from all lies on both the tee and ground. The face has a super-wide sweet spot and promises to deliver a higher launch angle without impacting the spin rate.

The new Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue shaft is more aerodynamic, too. Its Speed Coat technology is designed to increase air flow attachment to lower drag. Four shaft flexes are available from lite to extra-stiff. The clubs come in standard and draw models in lofts from strong three-wood to seven wood.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Airline Golf Baggage Bugaboo Begone!

Freddie Krueger doesn’t cause nearly as many nightmares as an airline baggage handler when it comes to golf travel. Who hasn’t lost sleep wondering if your favorite driver is going to arrive in one piece? Put these fears to rest with the new BagBoy T-700 travel cover. The weather- and tear-resistant 600D polyester travel cover features a top made of 1.6 inches of high density EPE foam and impact resistant PVC that provides maximum club protection while traveling. The travel cover also has an internal compression strap that secures your golf bag inside and two roomy pockets for clothes and shoes outside. A full wrap-around zipper makes packing and unpacking very easy and in-line skate wheels make it easy to drag around.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

TaylorMade R11 Irons Tuned To Perfection

The TaylorMade R11 Driver took the golf world by storm when it was introduced a couple of years ago. This year, irons inspired by the same innovative technology are lowering handicaps all over the place. R11 Irons have precision weighting ports on each club that are optimally positioned in the center of the face between the toe and heel. Ultra-thin faces combined with inverted cone technology give a larger sweet spot and promote faster ball speed and more distance on off-center hits. The tour sole design increases playability from a variety of lies. The clubs have progressive topline thickness throughout the set so they look good, too—a feature that builds all-important player confidence.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

More Pockets, More Hands, More Better Golf Bag

The new KG:2 stand bag from Sun Mountain offers more of what most golfers need—places to put more stuff. The KG:2 features a 9.5” oval, four-way top with full-length club dividers, three integrated top handles and a new lift-assist pocket handle. It also has eight pockets including a beverage pouch, mobile phone pocket, velour-lined valuables pocket, full-length clothing pocket, as well as the standard ball and accessory pockets. Yes, at least one of those will handle a PBJ—just wrap it tightly.

The KG:2 offers the efficient Sun Mountain Roller Bottom and recessed Y-Spring activator for faster leg action and tight-to-the-bag retraction, top mounted stand attachment for increased durability and stability, and triangular non-slip foot pads that resist sinking into grass and sliding on slick surfaces. If you have to ride, the cart-friendly bottom allows the bag to stand straight on the back of a cart, offering easier pocket access while the leg-lock system secures the legs to the bag so they do not activate inadvertently.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New Take On The Foot Wedge

TipTeeToe shoes can take women from the golf course directly to a night on the town in the first wedge sole “spikeless” golf shoes.  

With full leather uppers and durable rubber compound sole for comfort and durability, the look is colorful and contemporary. The wedge sole provides better balance and stability during the golf swing and helps the player maintain positive posture. It’s hard to say how they’ll perform on the dance floor, but TipTeeToe shoes come in a variety of fun colors and even have a built-in ball marker. 

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Adidas Spikeless Golf Shoes Pass The Test

Two things struck me when I first saw the adiSTREET golf shoes kindly given to me by the folks at Adidas:

1. Do I really want to be seen in white shoes with lime green soles and laces?
2. How will spikeless golf shoes perform on wet turf?

I overcame the first problem by using the thoughtfully-provided optional white laces. I couldn't do anything about the soles, but hey! if anybody wants to waste their day looking at the soles of my feet, I don't want to hear about it.

photo courtesy of Adidas

The traction question was a bigee, of course, but that was answered in short order when I played a round at Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, NY. It's a great historic track where Babe Ruth once belonged. It was also wet that day, the area having received torrential rains the night before and more showers due to arrive shortly after I finished my round. In other words, prime conditions for slippin' and slidin' on the old turf.

I didn't slip a single time. Not on the tee when I was over-swinging and swaying like crazy. Not even trying to recover from side-hill lies in soaking wet rough (the place where you go when you over-swing and sway during your drive). If these shoes provided a stable foundation under those conditions, they'll be good anywhere.

The adiSTREET shoes use 124 strategically placed traction lugs in varying sizes for traction and grip. They feature full-grain leather uppers which are both lightweight and durable and there's a textured synthetic toe-cap for improved abrasion resistance. The shoes are offered in medium widths, and carry a two-year waterproof warranty. They are available in a choice of six color combinations with an MSRP of $190.

About the only improvement I could recommend would be to build more arch support into the shoe. Many of us older golfers have seen our arches fall at bit over the years (along with our jowls and few other body parts), so we need a little extra lift to go along with the comfortable feel of the spikeless style. I switched out the shoe lining for orthotic lifts, though, and my feet felt great at the end of the round.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

A Word To the Wise Golf Marketer

If you're in the golf business and want to reach a significant number of golfers in the New York market, add the 7th Annual Journal News Golf Show to your must-do calendar for 2011. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, and it will be held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.

This is a new name and new dates for the show, which drew 3500 golfers last year despite horrendous weather. They braved the elements to see exhibits by leading manufacturers, courses, resort destinations, and others. There were also nearly continuous free lessons, demonstrations, and dozens of participatory exhibits. The demo area saw a constant stream of players trying out the latest equipment.

This year's event was moved back a week so it coincides with the opening of the Westchester County Courses. Westchester County Parks, which runs six daily fee courses here, is a sponsor of the show. The show also changed names from Lower Hudson Golf Show to The Journal News Golf Show to better brand the Journal News which has been the major sponsor since 2005.

If you'd like more information on exhibiting in the show, contact John Zanzarella at JAZMC@aol.com.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo.