Golf Gear Review Archive - Precept Lady MC Ben Hogan Apex Edge Pro Hippo Giant 400cc Thomas Golf 4 Wood Taylor Made R580

Golf Gear Review Archive - Precept Lady MC Ben Hogan Apex Edge Pro Hippo Giant 400cc Thomas Golf 4 Wood Taylor Made R580
Archive Files

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Release

Rich Beem Wins the PGA With CTU 30 Red

Press Release

Callaway Golf saw the 2002 major championship season end yesterday as it began - with a major win for one of the Company’s golf balls. Callaway Golf Ball Staff Professional Rich Beem scored a dramatic victory at the PGA Championship using the CTU 30 golf ball, marking the fifth major championship won in 2002 by a player using Callaway Golf balls. No other ball manufacturer compiled more than three victories in the 12 major championships contested across the PGA, Senior PGA and LPGA tours this year. Callaway Golf is also the only ball manufacturer to record major championship wins on each of those three tours in 2002.

Beem was one of five golfers to post a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship using golf balls made by Callaway Golf. Callaway Golf Ball Staff Professionals Fred Funk and Mark Calcavecchia finished fourth and seventh, respectively, using the HX Red golf ball. Callaway Golf Staff Professionals Rocco Mediate and Pierre Fulke joined Funk and Calcavecchia in the top 10. Mediate used the CTU 30 Red golf ball, while Fulke finished tied for 10th using the CTU 30 Blue golf ball. Callaway Golf balls have now been used to win four times on the PGA Tour this season, and 39 times overall across the PGA, Senior PGA, LPGA, Buy.com, PGA European and Japan Golf tours combined.

Callaway Golf balls were used to win the season’s first major, as Annika Sorenstam won the Nabisco Championship with the HX Red golf ball. The Company’s golf balls were subsequently used to win three of the four senior majors, as Jim Thorpe won The Tradition with CTU 30 Red, Don Pooley won the U.S. Senior Open with HX Red and Stewart Ginn won the Ford Senior Players Championship with CTU 30 Red. Beem’s one-stroke victory over Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship with CTU 30 Red provided a fitting conclusion to the year’s schedule of major championships.

Beem turned in a stellar performance from tee to green at Hazeltine National using the CTU 30 Red golf ball. He was among the PGA Championship leaders in driving distance average at 292.9 yards while leading the field in putting at just 26.75 putts per round. This is Beem’s second win in his last two starts, following his victory at The International two weeks ago. The first-time major championship winner also wore a Callaway Golf Pro Series Glove with X-SPANN technology.

Mediate was one of 13 golfers to put Callaway Golf’s new prototype driver in play at the PGA Championship. Mediate averaged 285.5 yards in driving distance at the event using the new driver, which has been in play on the PGA Tour for just two weeks. Mediate used a total of 13 Callaway Golf clubs at the PGA Championship, including Steelhead X-14 Irons and three of the new Callaway Golf Forged Wedges.

The PGA Championship was part of a winning weekend for Callaway Golf clubs and balls around the world. Callaway Golf Staff Professional Annika Sorenstam won the Compaq Open in Sweden by five strokes, giving her eight victories this year. Sorenstam now leads the order of merit on the Ladies European Tour in addition to leading the LPGA Tour in victories and money won in 2002. Sorenstam used the HX Red golf ball and 11 Callaway Golf clubs at the Compaq Open, including a Big Bertha C4 Driver, Steelhead X-14 Irons and an Odyssey White Hot “2-Ball” Putter. The winner of the PGA European Tour’s North West of Ireland Open also used an Odyssey White Hot “2-Ball” Putter, bringing Odyssey Golf’s putter win total to 57 across the world’s six major professional tours combined this year.

Golf Gear Review Archive - Cleveland TA5 Irons Steel Shaft Integra Tour 312 Molitor Distance Molitor Scary Long

Archive Files

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Release

Luke Donald Claims 1st PGA Tour Victory!

Press Release

Luke Donald claimed his 1st professional victory at the rain shortened Southern Farm Bureau Classic in Madison Mississippi. Luke, a fine staff player for Bettinardi, was using a BB-1 to claim the victory by one stroke. Three birdies in the final 4 holes secured the victory and the $468,000 first place check. The victory moves Luke into 58th place on the money list with $1,088,205.00 for the season.

This is Bettinardi's second PGA Tour victory of the 2002 season, and 6th overall tour victory. Donald an outstanding collegiate player at Northwestern has proved to be one of the finest Rookies on the PGA Tour and is the 18th first time winner on tour in 2002. Robert J. Bettinardi President of Bettinardi Golf stated, " I knew it was a matter of time before Luke's cool, calm image, and outstanding play would bring him to the winners circle. We could not be prouder of the way Luke conducted himself throughout the season and look to many more victories with Cool Hand Luke." There will be a victory ad in golfweek this week and at www.golfweek.com

Glenn Zagorski, VP of Tour Development, for Bettinardi Golf stated "I have been telling Luke all year that he had the talent to win on this tour, and I am proud to have a player of Luke's caliber to work with every week." This victory increases Bettinardi earnings to over 3.2 million dollars on the PGA Tour, combined with the Japan Tour Bettinardi products have earned over 6 million dollars in 2002.

Release

ALPHA GOLF ADDS MCC/APACHE SHAFT TO CUSTOM SHAFT PROGRAM

Press Release

Alpha Golf (alphareactiongolf.com) is proud to announce the addition of the MCC/Apache MFS 65N as the latest Alpha Golf custom shaft option. The distinctive orange MFS 65N shaft is now available as an upgrade option for the new Alpha Golf Version 2 360 CC top-of-the-line driver.

"We are very pleased to announce that we can now offer the MCC/Apache MFS 65N shaft to our customers," Alpha Golf marketing director Scott Son stated. "The MCC/Apache shaft is one of the fastest growing shafts in play on the PGA Tour and we have been getting more and more requests for this outstanding performer."

"The MCC/Apache MFS 65N is noted for delivering optimal distance and accuracy for the performance minded golfer," Jim Yeh, Alpha Golf's founder and president, added. "MCC/Apache achieves this performance, in part, by implementing their 'TTR' or tip torsional resistant technology which eliminates shaft deformation at impact - a major cause of distance and accuracy loss for the low handicap golfer. The real players out there will love this shaft. We are thrilled to be able to offer it to our customers."

About Alpha Golf Alpha Golf (alphareactiongolf.com), based in Chatsworth, California, produces a high performance line of premium golf equipment featuring only the best designs, the highest quality materials, the best manufacturing processes and the latest technology. Alpha Golf clubs have been selectively designed with the discriminating golfer in mind. The 2003 line of Alpha Golf clubs has been introduced to the PGA Tour and is being used by Beth Bader on the LPGA Tour.

Feature

Lagunas de Miralta Golf Club is an Undiscovered Delight

Andrew Penner

The evening trade winds whipping off the sea in Tampico, Mexico are warm and moist. Conveniently, for golfers especially, the mornings are usually calm and brilliant in this charming city, which is 350km northwest of Mexico City in the state of Tamaulipis. So naturally, the time to 'peg it up' is bright and early.

With the vivid sunrise splashed over the Gulf of Mexico and an attractive resort course waiting in the inland mist, getting out of bed to catch your shuttle to the Lagunas de Miralta Golf Club will be anything but strenuous.

When it comes to Mexican holiday destinations, especially ones where golf clubs tend to tag along, Tampico and the Club Maeva Miramar are barely on the map.

Other I've-been-there locales, such as Cancun, Acapulco, and Los Cabos, are famous for their well-trodden fairways and greens. In Tampico, however, the golf is virtually undiscovered - just one of many reasons why this place is worth your while to explore.

Historically, the city of Tampico boomed during Porfirio Diaz's administration (1877-1911) until the end of the oil boom (1911-1937). During this period, many beautiful buildings were constructed in Tampico's Historical Downtown. The predominant architectural influences of the time where from the French. For this reason, there is a magnificent "New Orleans" flavor throughout the downtown core and in what is known as "The Liberty Square," where a gorgeous iron gazebo is the centerpiece. Throughout the square, numerous buildings with forged iron works and impressive stone facades are seen. So good is the setting at "Liberty Square" that Humphrey Bogart was here filming scenes for the movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

While some may consider the horizon just outside of Tampico as being tainted with the steel and smoke from a five and a half billion dollar oil industry, the benefits of having oil in this area are almost immeasurable. True, some areas in and around Tampico, Altamira, and Madero (three cities that actually make up a metropolitan area home to nearly a million people) are run down and poor, yet other neighborhoods prosper and have a modern look. Not surprisingly, some of the wealthiest folk of Tampico hang out at a rather luxurious and exclusive place called Club Campestre de Tampico.

While the Club Campestre buzzes amidst a social scene that hasn't changed much in 80 years (the club features Mexico's oldest course - a hilly 9-holer with mature trees and splendid views), the Lagunas de Miralta Golf Club is woven from a different cloth.

Designed by American Joe Finger, Lagunas de Miralta offers 18 holes, is easily accessible, and sometimes sits vacant for entire afternoons. Fortunately, for the few out-of-towners who have discovered this place and the many who soon will, it isn't due to the quality of the golf that is found here.

"The Americans and Canadians who have played here absolutely love it," offers Juan Fernandez, the club's Head Professional and Director of Golf Operations. "They often have the course to themselves and take full advantage. We've had some groups that golf till dark, playing as many as 54 holes in a day," he finishes. Of course, with no one in front, behind, and beside, the only thing getting in your way will be some tight driving holes, the beautiful white-sand bunkers, the lagoons, and the magnificent Bermuda greens that seem to dip and dive with the swells of the sea.

At nearly 7,000 sea-level yards (from the tips) and with a slope well over 130, one of the first things you'll realize at Lagunas de Miralta is the stiff challenge it affords. The heavy air isn't conducive to 300-yard drives and iron shots sit down quickly, so golfers not used to playing at sea-level will have to make adjustments - or suffer the punishment of Miralta's numerous hazards.

An interesting claim to fame here involves Lagunas' course designer, Joe Finger. He is one of just three architects - Rees Jones and Alister Mckenzie being the others - to have been granted the privilege of doing design work on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. (Finger helped Byron Nelson remodel Augusta's 8th green). Noted for his great routing and love affair with sculpting greens, Finger's work at Lagunas de Miralta, on a site that isn't overly spectacular, is worthy of praise.

Not surprisingly, the Bermuda greens are an absolute joy to putt on. With an abundance of slope, some subtle tiers, and the ever-present grain, you'll be hard-pressed to play the round without a three-putt. Many of the green sites are tucked in engaging spots; hugging the shores of lagoons, perched on natural rises, and pinched between palms and white-sand bunkers.

A couple of holes that are bound to make the highlight reel include the 9th and the 16th. The 9th is a short par-4 that requires a bold tee shot over a lagoon. With a couple of distant palm trees as your target, getting off the tee is everything on this nervy hole. The 16th also requires that golfers avoid some wet stuff. Fortunately, at least for those who don't have the courage to stripe it 240 yards to an island fairway, there is a lay-up zone where par can still be realized.

While some golfers accustomed to experiencing the opulence and abundance of mega-million dollar US golf resorts may find that Lagunas de Miralta falls short in the area of amenities (don't worry, the course's affiliation with the Club Maeva Miramar, which is an all-inclusive beach-side paradise 15 minutes down the road, will not leave you wanting), the course itself is quickly addressing some of these concerns. "A new clubhouse will be built this winter and all the cart paths will be paved," says Fernandez. Presently, the club features a quaint, but very nice restaurant and the pro shop is the size of your spare bedroom. On the back nine the club is in the midst of an extensive tree planting program that will soon make dividends in hole definition and aesthetics (the front nine is more mature).

Unlike other more recognizable Mexican golf holiday destinations, the Lagunas de Miralta is a place that will feel like golf in a foreign country. While the club strives to join the ranks of popular Mexican golf destinations, there are some obstacles and subtleties here that will prevent the transition from happening quickly. From the small airport, remote location, local poverty (the club has to remove the flags and bunker rakes every day so the locals don't steal them), to the English language (a number of workers don't speak English), the club has a few hills to climb. Of course, for many visitors, myself included, these are the things that make the experience of Tampico and the Lagunas de Miralta golf club all the more memorable.

From culture to culture, from region to region, the game of golf represents a kaleidoscope of characteristics. For golfers who truly love the game and enjoy discovering its many forms, a trip to Lagunas de Miralta is bound to be fulfilling. And the morning, well, it won't come too soon.

The Lagunas de Miralta Golf Club Altamira, Tampico, Mexico
Website: www.maevamiramar.com
Email: progolf@terra.com.mx

Fees: $80.00 USD

Where to stay:

Tampico does have a number of fine hotels, however, far and away, the place to stay for visitors, golfers and non-golfers, is the Club Maeva Miramar. An all-inclusive five-star beach-front resort, the Club Maeva is truly world-class. You will have to spend a day at sea to find a nicer place. The staff is exceedingly warm and friendly and the resort offers everything from kayak rentals to a day-club for the kids. Shuttles to the golf course are easily arranged.

Where to eat:

The Club Maeva Miramar offers five restaurants. From the elegance of the Juana Cata Dining Room to the beach-side charm of the appropriately named Happy Hut Restaurant, Club Maeva's restaurant facilities are exceptional. On your tour of Tampico's Historical Downtown, you may want to try a fabulous Cajun restaurant alled Lafayette.

Other activities:

A trip to the famous El Tajin pyramids is something that should be included in your stay at the resort. El Tajin, which is in the state of Veracruz, is a fascinating site that includes numerous ruins from Pre-Columbian culture.

Other day activities include deep-sea fishing, a very interesting tour of a Mexican working ranch, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming pools - and yes, there's a swim-up bar - tennis, and evening dinner shows and dancing.

How to get there:

The best way to get to Tampico and the Club Maeva (where they will arrange every activity for you including golf at Lagunas de Miralta) is through Air Transat Vacations. To book your vacation in Tampico call them at 1-866-322-6649 or visit www.airtransatholidays.com. Flights depart from Toronto's Pearson International Airport to Tampico throughout the year.

Golf Gear Review Archive - Callaway C4 Tour Star Too Ball Pinnacle Titanium Precision Feel Bang Dark Matter 400cc

Archive Files

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Release

Adams Golf Introduces a New Idea

Press Release

Brainchild of founder and club designer Barney Adams, Adams Golf (NasdaqSC:ADGO) is proud to introduce the new Adams Idea Irons. From long to mid to short, each part of the new Idea set is optimized for maximum performance benefits and then integrated to work together.

"Our objective was to develop a truly easy to hit iron,” states Barney Adams, Chairman of Adams Golf. “We designed the optimal long, mid and short irons and then progressively combined each part to make a correlated set with ideal distance and forgiveness."

Adams Golf’s new Idea Iron sets consist of three distinct club designs:

The Long Iron i-Woods Featuring Tight Lies Fairway Wood technology designed into a club that's part iron, part wood, the Idea i-Woods are longer and easier to hit than traditional long irons with a 27% higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) for more forgiveness. The ball gets airborne easily thanks to a low Center of Gravity (CG) driven by internal heel and toe weighting and Adams’ patented upside down club-head design.

Oversize Hollow Mid Irons With a hollow back design, the mid irons’ center of gravity is placed low and toward the back of the club head making these irons long and easy to hit. The Adams Idea mid irons have a 24% higher MOI than traditional irons for better playability and maximum forgiveness.

Oversize Cavity Back Short Irons The cavity back short irons are designed for easy to hit shots with better feel, control and accuracy. These irons feature a wide sole with a low CG for optimum launch and spin.

"This is a unique set of irons,” states Mr. Adams. “They have visible innovation that shows up in the golf shot. Each iron in the set has been designed individually with one objective: easy to hit performance.”

Set Makeup Men’s and Senior's Sets – Right- and Left-handed sets available consisting of 17º and 21º i-Wood long irons plus 5-iron through Pitching Wedge.

Women's Sets – Right-handed sets consisting of 21º and 25º i-Wood long irons plus 6-iron through Sand Wedge.

Shaft options – Aldila’s high launch graphite shaft or Adams’ proprietary GT (Graphite Tip) shaft.

Matching Gap, Sand and Lob Wedges also available.

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price: $599.99

Feature

Dealing with the First Tee Jitters

Jeff Cicchini

Of all the questions amateur golfers ask, one of the most popular must be: How do I deal with the first tee jitters? I accept the fact the “Jitters” exist and since bringing my game into the 70’s my approach has been to harness that negative energy into positive energy. It’s not easy to do, but making a determined, persistent effort will pay you back tenfold. It’s also important to note that the same tools and mental approach that will allow you to conquer the first tee jitters will also have an immediate impact on other areas of your game, effectively shaving double digit strokes off your scores.

It’s easy to write about beating the first tee jitters, but you’re probably wondering how do I (or better yet, how do you) accomplish such a monumental task? It’s actually quite simple, but let’s first look at what won’t get you there.

I believe everyone who plays the game of golf plays it because it’s such a frustrating challenge to hit a little white ball straight and with pinpoint accuracy. The game really draws you in. So what do most folks do to try and accomplish this task? They buy all the high tech gizmos and the latest equipment out on the market in hopes that their game will improve to professional levels. Believe me, the golf manufacturers know this. Why do you think that each year they introduce just a little more technology into their equipment? They know that you will come back every couple years (or every year for some real gear heads) to upgrade your equipment to the latest and greatest technology in an effort to vastly improve your game. This is all well and good, but to take considerable strokes off your game takes a lot more than a lot of fancy equipment. You must not only have a strong physically fit and limber body but also a strong mental attitude, which I believe is the key to a successful golf game and a key component in your approach to overcoming first tee jitters.

There are lots of ways to improve your mental approach to golf. The most important skill to develop for overcoming the “jitters” phenomenon, however, is to stay relaxed. How you stay relaxed is going to be up to you, myself I like to joke around with my fellow foursome and also the other people teeing off after me. I may tell everyone when it’s my time to tee off, “you may want to move your car I’m not insured” or “I’ll bet you I can hit it pass the ladies tee”. Whatever the comment may be, stupid or downright funny - do something to relieve the tension on the first tee. I believe by doing so your next experience on the first tee will be more relaxing and enjoyable.

I would also like to give a helpful tip when it comes to your swing on the first tee. Instead of standing up there and swinging for a home run, like we all do to try and show off how far we can hit it, slow your swing down to ¾ to ½ full power. This will allow you to have better control over your ball flight, which is a big fear most amateur golfers face on the first tee. Another time tested approach is to tee off with your favorite club every time you approach the first tee (or any tee for that matter) no matter what the layout of the hole. What this will do is build your confidence on striking the ball and keeping it play. Confidence breeds relaxation and once you have that you will be well on your way to beating the first tee jitters.

I hope my comments and tips on overcoming the “jitters” will help you become the next Jack Nicholas or Lee Trevino. Regardless, always remember this quote by the late NCAA Basketball coach Jimmy V. “…never give up…never give up.”

Jeff Cicchini is a frequent visitor to Golf Gear Review and an amateur golfer who frequently shoots in the 70’s. Jeff has been playing golf nearly all of his life and has been very successful in golf leagues and tournaments in the western Pennsylvania area.

From time to time, Golf Gear Review publishes content submitted from our readers providing it is useful, entertaining and well written. After all, Golf Gear Review is certainly a site by golfers and for golfers. In addition to the new product releases, articles from professional writers and other content, we at Golf Gear Review would sincerely like to include great content from our amateur readers out there more often. If you feel that you’re a decent writer, have something interesting to say about the game of golf and can put your thoughts and ideas into an article of at least 750 words, please drop me a line at: chris@gearreviewnetwork.com

Feature

Quick Take: Cleveland Launcher Drivers

Andrew Penner

Understatement of the year: drivers are getting somewhat large. In some cases, perhaps too large. Fifteen years ago, if someone would have put a 400 cc driver in your hands you would have scoffed and then erupted in uncontrollable laughter. Comments would have included, but wouldn’t have been limited to: “Neat. A weather balloon on a stick.” “What’s it for?” And, “Cool. Didn’t realize Paul Bunyon played golf.”

One of the newest oversized drivers that’s been squeezed through golf’s resilient birthing canal comes from Cleveland. It’s called the Launcher 400.

Cleveland actually came out with the Launcher back in 2000. Since then, Cleveland - and almost every other golf equipment manufacturer to world over - has been feeding their titanium drivers anabolic steriods in mass quantities. The original Launcher was a mere 330 cc. (Was this supposed to be for junior golfers?). Now the Launcher totals a much more adulterated 400 ccs. Probably why they call it the Launcher 400.

Besides pushing this weapon to the maximum C.O.R. (Co-efficient of Restitution, or “trampoline-like effect) allowable, which is .830, Cleveland has also designed this club with an incredibly high M.O.I, which, in my case, means “Me Outhit Ivan.” In other cases, it means “Moment of Inertia.” The high M.O.I is due to the clubs exceptional stability and lack of twisting on impact. Basically, what this means for all you hackers out there is more pleasure – and longer, straighter drives – with the Launcher 400.

My test run with the Launcher 400 was pretty decent. Naturally, the first thing that one takes stock of when trying a club is its appearance. I love the ultra clean head design (there are no visible markings) and the traditional metalwood color and deep, deep, face. However, the Fujikara designed shaft (gold with bronze tones) was difficult to warm to and felt a bit soft. From that point on, though, the higher launch angle and super-solid clubface-on-ball sensations made this one “weather balloon” I’d like to take some more high altitude data with.

Andrew Penner is a 12-year member of the Canadian PGA. He has won five professional golf tournaments in Canada and narrowly, I mean narrowly, missed qualifying for the US Open last year. Well, OK, it was a few shots. Andrew writes for a number of golf magazines in Canada, the US, and Europe. His new book, titled "One Flew Over The Caddyshack," can be ordered at www.falconpress.ca. He can be reached at andpenner@shaw.ca.

Feature

Stay Golf Fit This Winter

Andrew Penner

When professional athletes are in their off-season they are rewarded with an opportunity to take some time off from busy schedules, reflect on their accomplishments, and do drugs unimpeded by the watchful eye of the media. Interestingly, it is the athletes that continue to practice their skills, as opposed to those who put on aprons and make heroin pies all day, that seem to further their careers. Golfers, especially those living in colder climates, can learn from this.

Due to Canadian winters having a somewhat satanic nature, people living in the Great White North are forced to abandon the golf courses and take refuge in their igloos or frozen mud huts. It is in these dwellings where evil will battle righteousness. The golfer who chooses to learn will ultimately be ready to emerge from his hollow and beat the ever-loving corruption out of his opponents when spring finally arrives.

The next obvious question then, considering that the ground is frozen fifty feet deep and polar bears are lurking around every corner, is how are we supposed to learn better golf or maintain our skill level in this unbecoming environment? As you’ll soon see, there are ways.

Way #1 – Turn Your Lardage Into Yardage

We all know that eating too many seals, caribou, or ice otters in the off season can expand the after dinner roll(s). However, most of us would rather stick our lips onto a frozen sign pole than pass up on that second pail of whale blubber. The key to coming out of hibernation and wielding your clubs as if you never took a break requires one to work in harmony with the excess poundage. You can turn your lardage into yardage. The best technique for doing this obligates you to spend many hours in front of the mirror examining and getting comfortable with your rounditude. It is only then that you will truly be one with your body, thereby granting you the mental fortitude to be one with the ball.

Way #2 – Go Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a close relative of golfing. Similar attitudes, grips, and liver conditioning fundamentals are paramount in both activities. Catching a six-pounder warrants a celebratory spectacle that corresponds to making a birdie. Also, an interlocking grip on the fishing pole has been known to protect the fingers from frostbite. And finally, fermented beverages are known to be an integral component of each sport. Go ice fishing and reap the rewards of a great sport that so wonderfully parallels the game of golf.

Way #3 – Use Your Golf Clubs For Household Chores

When a snowbound golfer picks up his clubs for the first time in spring a horrific feeling comes over him. The clubs feel foreign. They are not his friends and they treat him that way. Stay friends with your clubs all winter. Use your three-iron to clean up Fido’s regurgitation. Use your six-iron to swipe away moldy taco chips on the rug. Use your nine-iron to turn the TV on and off. Use your wedge to open and close the filthy lid on your toilet. Whatever you do - don’t reject your clubs or they’ll reject you.

Take a righteous approach this winter and dedicate yourself to improving your game. When the snow melts and your house with it, it is a glorious opportunity for you to showcase your athletic prowess. Just make sure you clean your clubs before your first round.

Andrew Penner is a class A member of the Canadian PGA. His humorous golf column appears in publications all around the world. Look for his upcoming golf humor book, titled "One Flew Over The Caddyshack," coming out around Christmas 2003.

Release

Irwin Off to Fast Start with New King Cobra Clubs

Press Release

Hale Irwin, the all-time leader in wins and money on the Senior PGA TOUR, advanced his position in both categories this week with a five-stroke victory at the Toshiba Senior Classic. Irwin fired three rounds in the 60's in the victory, including a 64-65 weekend finish and a 17-under 196 total. In his eighth season on the Senior PGA TOUR, Irwin has been a loyalist to Cobra equipment throughout, and recently switched to the new King Cobra SS 350 driver and King Cobra Forged irons. Since the switch, Irwin has been virtually flawless, winning the Senior Skins Game in record-breaking fashion, followed by a win at the ACE Group Classic, runner-up finishes at the Verizon Classic and Audi Senior Classic and yesterday's triumph. He tops the 2002 money list with more than $700,000 in official earnings, and has already surpassed the $1 million mark when factoring in his record $450,000 Senior Skins Game haul.

The new King Cobra Forged irons feature an oversized cavity back and muscle arch behind the hitting zone to promote greater workability, uncompromising forgiveness, and traditional forged iron feel. For more information on the line of progressive Cobra golf equipment, or Hale Irwin's Toshiba Senior Classic victory, please visit our redesigned web site at www.cobragolf.com.

Golf Club Reviews

Callaway

C4

Drivers

Callaway thats says it all, the cost was around 400.00

well can you say, the c4 give true distance for those who can control it! when you hit this club you will notice it sounds like a trust can lid thats full, but plays well.. very good club for players who like distancew off the tee..

to light of players like me with 150+ speed

well put togetter, light and easy to control

if you have a avg speed off the tee, this is the club for you

4

Tour Star

Too Ball

Putters

I purchased it at The Okanagan Golf Depot in Kelowna British Columbia Canada for $115. I bought it because i wanted an Odessey 2-ball but did not want to pay $250 so I bought this clone.

I liked how easy it is to line up my shots just by using the to white discs on the putter. I also like how easy it was to control the distance because of the weight and the feel of the insert.

The only thing i do not like about the club is that the putter insert is painted over and gives it a bit of a rough feel to the touch.

I haven't had it for long so i dont really know the durability level of it but I do know that it takes some effort to be able to scratch it.

I think this a great club and is perfect if you do not have enough money to buy the real one, and at over $150 less than the real thing the characteristics of the real 2-ball and the Tour Star Too-Ball are pretty close.

5

Stefan

Pinnacle

Titanium Precision Feel

Balls

I acquired a free 15 pack of these golf balls through work.

This ball gave me great distance off the tee and good control for green shots within 150 yards.

Nothing.

It is very bright white ball to look at. The core of this ball is titanium.

I was very pleased with this ball. Distance of the tee is better then average with a little extra control for those short shots onto the green. Works great if you are looking for a ball with a little extra distance, but not to much spin. I plan to use these balls again.

4

Ryan

Bang

Dark Matter 400cc

Drivers

Looking around the internet for drivers, Taylor Made , Nike , I came accross the Bang Dark Matter, after reading of its great construction, and how loud it is suppose to be,I brought it from a online golf shop for $85. $85 ? Yes, should have gotten a better shaft.

Great design, and bright shiny face and heel. Beautiful dark blue color ,top and sides . Nice size the 400cc head.

Nothing with the club head. Only if you get the Bang Dark Matter. Get a good shaft. I got a cheap one at first ,and broke the shaft into, driving with it, because I do make the ball scream from the tee, WITH THIS CLUB!

After getting it, I found it to be very well made,with its Cryo Titanium Head, the head is very hard.

I have been able to hit balls 270 yds in the air, when driving only range balls. Thats a great distance for me. And you can put (Bang in your game), hitting with this club, I am able to make a loud Bang sound, when driving.You can make the ball scream off the tee. Get the club, you will love it.

5

Redstar

Golf Gear Review Archive - Ping Ti SI Adams Golf Tight Lies i-wood Callaway HX Blue Nike Golf Tour Staff Bag Callaway Steelhead Plus 5W

Archive Files

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Golf Gear Review Archive - Mizuno MP-14 PING Hoofer Dunlop Total Performance Taylor Made 200 Series Sand Wedge Odyssey 2 Ball Putter

Archive Files

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Release

Kent Sports Launches "Alpha Reaction Golf"

Press Release

Kent Sports, Inc. announced today that it has formed Alpha Reaction Golf (www.alphareactiongolf.com), which will provide cutting edge, innovative, top quality drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges and putters to the golfing public. Kent Sports currently manufactures an "Alpha Reaction" line of drivers, which has become extremely popular with the company’s customer base. The formation of this new division will enable the Alpha Reaction Golf team to focus solely on creating golf equipment that will meet Alpha’s high performance goals.

Alpha Reaction Golf will inherit the proven record of accomplishment of "Alpha Reaction" equipment, which, again, has proven very popular with Kent Sports’ clients. Additionally, Alpha Reaction drivers have gained popularity on the professional Long Drive circuit. As part of its product performance research and development plan, Alpha Reaction drivers were introduced to some of the world's biggest hitters. The word of mouth was so positive that over thirty (30) competitors chose to hit Alpha Reactions at the recently completed 2002 ReMax World Long Drive Championships. Vince "Boom Boom" Howell, winner of last weekend’s season-ending Pinnacle Long Drive Tour Championship, used an Alpha Reaction driver to qualify for the World Finals. Howell won that qualifier by over thirty yards with a 410-yard bomb.

"I can’t say enough about the Alpha Reaction products," stated Michael McLaney, who won $100,000.00 by beating John Daly at the Pinnacle Distance Challenge Finals in October. "I tested every head out there before my shot at the big money and the Alpha Reaction driver I hit outperformed all the major company’s products as far as distance goes. I am convinced that my Alpha Reaction is the reason I was able to get my victory at the Pinnacle Distance Challenge."

Alpha Reaction Golf stated that its drivers, which will be introduced by the end of the year, will feature an advanced two piece construction manufacturing process and will be built with a forged 15-3-3-3 beta and SP700 titanium face insert. These exacting standards will allow golfers who use Alpha Reaction drivers to reach performance heights never imagined.

About Alpha Reaction Golf Alpha Reaction Golf (www.alphareactiongolf.com) is a new division of Kent Sports, which has been a recognized leader in the golf club industry for over a decade. Alpha Reaction Golf developed the "Alpha Reaction" line of clubs as a high performance equipment using the only the best design, the highest quality materials and the latest technology. Alpha Reaction clubs are used by a growing number of professional Long Drivers and is being introduced to the PGA and Buy.com Tours.

Release

Dunlop Tees Up New Low Compression Ball

Press Release

Dunlop tees up the newest entry into the hot Low Compression golf ball segment this spring with the launch of LoCo. Set to retail at $16.95 per dozen, the South Carolina-made ball is a marked departure in name, price and packaging from the rest of the low compression category.

Dubbed “LoCo” because of its low compression technology, the ball is available in a dozen pack that is anything but traditional in appearance. The pack features the off-beat LoCo logo in electric blue on a bright yellow background. Beneath the logo is an oversized LoCo ball, which is stamped “Crazy Long.”

“The name and pack bring a unique flavor to a wall of fairly predictable, corporate looking package design,” said Shane Duffy, vice president of marketing for Dunlop Sports Group Americas. “We want to connect with golfers who want a great-feeling distance ball at a great price. The technology behind this ball is serious business. But the attitude of LoCo reminds us the game is fun.”

Dunlop engineered LoCo to compress more easily on the clubface for golfers with moderate swing speeds, allowing better energy transfer and improved rebound for explosive distance. But the same low compression technology also creates a ball that’s extraordinarily soft and playable for approach shots into the green. Off the tee, LoCo’s low spin characteristics give golfers a straighter, almost self-correcting flight. The advanced dimple pattern was designed to maximize distance, while generating a slightly lower flight trajectory.

According to Duffy, LoCo’s $16.95 price underlines Dunlop’s commitment to the serious, yet savvy golfer. “Having tour players endorse a golf brand is an expensive proposition. Instead of paying the pros, our approach is to give golf enthusiasts more quality and performance for their money. And we can do it because the technology and manufacturing are coming directly out of our own factory.” First shipment of the new ball from Dunlop’s Westminster, South Carolina manufacturing plant into all trade channels is slated for mid-April.

A worldwide leader in sports equipment since its beginnings in 1910, Dunlop continues to create innovative equipment for dedicated sports enthusiasts, including the acclaimed Tad Moore golf club collection and the world’s #1 tennis ball.

Release

New MaxFli D-TEC Golf Balls!

Press Release

MaxFli has released a new line of golf balls designed to address multiple characteristics of ball flight in each ball. Please read below for the press release:

D-Tec Extra Straight Distance

The new D-Tec Straight Distance was designed to meet two objectives: distance and accuracy. The high-energy core was formulated to combine maximum-allowable initial velocity with exceedingly low spin; likewise the Surlyn cover incorporates properties that limit spin. Despite its low spin-rate, the D-Tec Straight Distance launches on a high angle thanks to its wind-resistant 442-dimple pattern, giving it great carrying power, especially on approach shots. The D-Tec Straight Distance is the longest, straightest ball Maxfli has ever offered.

Performance Summary

* exceptional distance * low-spin for arrow-straight accuracy * high launch angle for added carry * wind-resistant dimple pattern

D-Tec Extra Spin Distance

The new D-Tec Extra Spin Distance was designed to deliver the extra yardage you’d expect from a distance ball, but with the kind of soft feel and high spin-rate off the irons that you wouldn’t expect. How were we able to combine such seemingly incompatible performance characteristics? The key is an exceedingly high-energy distance core and the way it works in concert with the soft-yet-durable Surlyn cover that features a 442-dimple pattern designed to launch at a high angle and to knife through the wind.

Performance Summary

* high launch angle and low spin-rate off the driver for distance * high spin-rate off the short irons for control * unusually soft feel for a distance ball * wind-resistant dimple pattern

Golf Club Reviews

Mizuno

MP-14

Irons

I got these irons at Dallas Golf a couple of years ago. I purchased a used set, cause I was (and still am) a poor college kid and they were a lot cheaper than buying new ($300). I wanted blades because I had been progressing from game-improvement clubs down to traditional irons. I sold my TA 3's and picked these up. I'll never regret the decision.

I like everything about this club. At address, the club sets up perfectly. The topline is thin and it is very easy to line up to the target. The clubs also look amazing in your bag. When you walk up to the tee with a bag full of blades, people take you seriously. When hit on the sweetspot, the ball rockets off the clubface on what I could only describe as the perfect trajectory. The ball sails towards the target and lands softly. The feedback with these irons is, of course, unbelievable. Fades, draws, knockdowns, punches, and just about any other shots you can think of are easy to execute if your swing is on track. These irons are by far the best blade that I have tried. If you can still find a good set for a good price pick them up in a hurry!

The only thing that I don't like about these irons is the feel on mishits. Your hands sting when you miss the middle of the clubface. If it's cold outside and you're not swinging well then watch out.

As with all other Mizuno products, the craftsmanship of these irons are superb. Mizuno really took their time designing these irons and it shows. The only complaint I have is that the chrome nicks and dents quite easily, but that has little effect on the playability of the clubs.

Find them, buy them, love them. I did and I'll never look back.

5

Joseph

PING

Hoofer

Bags

I purchased this carry bag at my local pro shop for about $160.00. I needed a bag that would hold plenty of gear, but also be light enough to carry for 18 holes. I tend to play about 20 rounds a year, and mainly on hilly terain. Therefore, a light weight two-strap system carry bag was a must.

There are five points which sold the bag. 1) The bag is made of light weight material, and is constructed very well. 2) There is plenty of room for gear. There is enough room for a rain suit, golf balls, umbrella, and any other misc. items you might need. 3) The 2 strap system. This allows the weight of your bag to be distributed to both shoulders. This means your back will thank you after your round of golf in the 90 degree heat of the summer. I also found the straps easily adjustable, even while walking with the bag on you back. 4) The divider in the mouth of the bag is padded. This keeps my graphite shafts in great shape. 5) Lastly the carry bag has a stand which props open when you put the bag down. The stand is very sturdy, and is a lifesaver in the rain or early mornings when the ground is wet.

To be honest, there is nothing I do not like about the bag itself. However, I wish the bag came in more colors combinations.

This bag is of the highest quality.

I would recommend this bag to anyone. Even if you ride a cart, this is a great bag. The investment in this bag will payoff. I expect to get many years use out of this particular bag. I feel that you can't go wrong by buying this bag.

5

John Carenbauer

Dunlop

Total Performance

Balls

$16 for 10 balls online.

I've been a Dunlop ball player for years. I needed some new balls before an outing one day and decided to try the Total Performance variety.

The soft shell or skin is easily damaged in my opinion. I'm getting nice distance with these balls and they seem to offer pretty good control, but I'm damaging them left and right. Maybe I got a bad batch.

Apparently the construction is not that great. I've sliced two of these balls and feel like I'm getting flat spots in at least two others. I might buy them again just to be sure, because I've been playing this brand for years with no problems. Just felt I had to report on what I actually experienced, though.

A decent ball, not too expensive but apparently with a soft skin. Damages easily. I wack the hell out of the ball and have a tendency to come down on the ball with my irons and I'm having a real hard time keeping these balls in playable condition.

2

Jason Wells

Taylor Made

200 Series Sand Wedge

Wedges

Paid $65 online. I spend a lot of time on the beach so I figured I better get a tool to help me out when I'm in that situation. $65 wasn't too bad for a hell of a club so I went for it.

I like the rounded (they call it radiused) sole. It really helps me to not dig in as I have a tendency to get behind the ball a bit - even more than you're supposed to when in the sand.

There's nothing to NOT like. It's a quality club for a great price. I just wish I would have purchased all Taylor Made irons. I could use the forgiveness everywhere on the course, haha..

First rate. High quality 431 stainless steel (whatever that means) and the impact pad are excellent. Striking the ball sends shivers down your mates spine. Everyone knows when you've hit solid and this club sounds like a million bucks.

If you're looking for a sand wedge under $100, look no further. I couldn't be more pleased. I'm seriously considering replacing my irons with the Taylor Made 200 series set now that I've been playing this wedge for a few rounds. I love it!

5

David Wood

Odyssey

2 Ball Putter

Putters

I bought the putter through a local retailer called Fry's Warehouse in South San Francisco, CA. I purchased it with the hope that it would help with my putter alignment. I paid $169.00

It really does help with my putting alignment. I also like the White Hot insert, it has a very sweet feel.

I would have hoped it would have better sight marks on top of the putter.

Terrific

I am very happy with my purchase, and would do it all over again.

4

Corrine Armstrong

Release

Callaway Golf Woods, Irons and Putters are #1 Choice of Amateurs At Both the Bob Hope and Pebble Beach Pro-Ams

Press Release

Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) has again emerged as the undisputed brand leader among amateur contestants in the two most prestigious Pro-Am tournaments on the PGA Tour. According to the Darrell Survey, woods, irons and putters made by Callaway Golf were #1 in usage by the combined total of 564 amateur participants in the fields at the recent Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This marks the third consecutive year that Callaway Golf has been #1 in woods and irons at both events, and the third consecutive year that the Company's Odyssey(R) Golf brand has been #1 in putter usage at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) has again emerged as the undisputed brand leader among amateur contestants in the two most prestigious Pro-Am tournaments on the PGA Tour. According to the Darrell Survey, woods, irons and putters made by Callaway Golf were #1 in usage by the combined total of 564 amateur participants in the fields at the recent Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This marks the third consecutive year that Callaway Golf has been #1 in woods and irons at both events, and the third consecutive year that the Company's Odyssey(R) Golf brand has been #1 in putter usage at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Of the 384 amateurs in the pro-am field at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic two weeks ago, 164 used Odyssey Putters -- more than two-and-a-half times the nearest competitor's total. Odyssey 2-Ball Putters alone accounted for 63 of the putters in play, making 2-Ball Putters the top model in use by amateurs at the event. Meanwhile, 123 amateurs used Callaway Golf(R) irons, more than double the sets of irons the nearest competitor had in play. And there were 494 Callaway Golf drivers and fairway woods in play, more than double the nearest competitor's total.

Callaway Golf's products experienced similar success with the 180 amateurs in the field at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. A total of 168 Callaway Golf drivers and fairway woods were put in play, compared with 105 for the nearest competitor. There were 48 sets of Callaway Golf irons in use, compared with 36 for the nearest competitor. And Odyssey Golf was again the No. 1 putter brand, with 63 Odyssey Putters in play compared with 45 for the nearest competitor.

"The amateur golfers in these events choose to play whatever golf equipment they believe will help them hit great shots and enjoy the game more," said Ron Drapeau, Chairman, President and CEO of Callaway Golf. "They are not bound by any endorsement deals and are not paid to play someone's brand. The fact an overwhelming majority of them chose to play with Callaway Golf clubs is a strong validation that we make golf equipment that is more satisfying and pleasing to the golfer."

Callaway Golf Company makes and sells Big Bertha(R) Metal Woods and Irons, including Great Big Bertha(R) II Titanium Drivers and Fairway Woods, Big Bertha Steelhead(TM) III Stainless Steel Drivers and Fairway Woods, Hawk Eye(R) VFT(R) Tungsten Injected(TM) Titanium Irons, Big Bertha Stainless Steel Irons, Steelhead X-16(TM) and Steelhead X-16 Pro Series Stainless Steel Irons, and Callaway Golf Forged Wedges. Callaway Golf Company also makes and sells Odyssey(R) Putters, including White Hot(R), TriHot(R), DFX(TM) and Dual Force(R) Putters. Callaway Golf Company makes and sells the Callaway Golf(R) HX(R) Blue and HX Red balls, the CTU 30(R) Blue and CTU 30 Red balls, the HX 2-Piece Blue and HX 2-Piece Red balls, the CB1(R) Blue and CB1 Red balls, and the Warbird(TM) golf balls. For more information about Callaway Golf Company, please visit our Web sites at www.callawaygolf.com and www.odysseygolf.com.

Release

Se Ri Pak Wins LPGA Championship w/ MaxFli A10

Press Release

Korean Superstar Se Ri Pak Wins LPGA Championship Using Maxfli A10 Golf Ball GREENVILLE, SC: Korean Superstar Se Ri Pak became the youngest player in the history of women’s golf to win four major championships on Sunday when she captured the LPGA Championship in Wilmington, Del.

Pak, who has only played Maxfli golf balls since her impressive debut on the LPGA Tour in 1998, was playing the Maxfli A10 golf ball and wearing a Maxfli glove during her victory. The Maxfli A10 --a tour performance ball featuring a solid core and a soft urethane cover – has been used by Pak to win five tournaments since she switched to the A10 in July 2001. Including last weekend’s victory, Pak has 15 career victories on the LPGA Tour, including the Weetabix Women’s British Open (2001); McDonald’s LPGA Championship (1998); and the U.S. Women’s Open (1998).

# # #

Maxfli Golf, based in Greenville, SC, is a division of TaylorMade-adidas Golf and offers better amateur and professional golfers worldwide unparalleled choices in high performance golf balls, golf clubs, golf gloves and accessories.

Golf Club Reviews

Ping

Ti SI

Drivers

Paid $399 at a pro shop. Was looking for something to improve my game and after breaking 90 for the first time, decided it was time to get a little more serious.

What's not to like? First of all it's a beauty. Even though beauty may only be skin deep, all you have to do is hear the sound this driver makes when you nail the ball and you'll know your money was well spent. Typically I can drive the ball about 230 yards (I'm a small guy), but I'm consistently getting 20 to 30 more yards out of this pup. It's very forgiving and that's exactly what I need right now.

It's a bit on the expensive side and the head of the driver is unusually large and surprisingly light. Even though I can appreciate the extra surface area, I sometimes wish there was more weight behind it.

Titanium with a very light club head. Mine has the Grafalloy shaft and is 8.5 degrees of loft.

Quite expensive, but will make a difference if you can get used to the light weight. It's a very forgiving club that can make a difference if you let it. Even if you don't hit 'er straight, the sound that rings out when you hit the ball will make you sound like a pro!

4

Jason Mack

Adams Golf

Tight Lies i-wood

Utility Clubs

I purchased this club at the Ames Golf USA store. I was just looking at the products and the i-wood caught my eye. I then saw that it was on sale and purchased it for 100$'s.

I love the feel you get from the club and how you can actually feel your shots. You get both distance and accuracy with the special shaft. I get great responses from this club and I think it is easy to shape your shots.

This club isn't the most consistant. I can usually shape my shots but sometimes i would hook or slice it horrible (maybe it was just me)

The club has been very durable for me and it hits like the day I bought it. I love the special shaft combination of the graphite and iron. The fact that it can replace your high irons is great for high-handicap players.

This club is great for high and mid-handicap players who aren't great with their irons. I love it.

4

Aaron

Callaway

HX Blue

Balls

I was given a doz. Callaway HX blue golf balls by my dad as a gift.

I love the "feel" of the ball upon contact with the club face, with good contact I felt It was almost Impossable to slice. I went from a slice to a nice consistant fade, and I haven't "faded" a ball in ... well EVER!

Losing one

Nice soft feel Hex "lattice" design

Beg, Borrow, or steal but make these your new Golf balls

5

Mark Melfi (Mr. 3 Wood)

Nike Golf

Tour Staff Bag

Bags

Paid $250 in the pro shop at my club. I was looking for something that had tons of storage, would protect my investment and looked great too. The Nike bag fit the bill perfectly.

This is the 9.5 inch bag so it has a 6 way top divider system with full length dividers. A very nice feature for keeping things seperate down deep in the bag. There's a very nice velour lined pocket for valuables - a great place to keep that expensive watch while you're out on the links - knowing it is safe. Nice enclosed umbrella well.

The fact that it is synthetic leather. For the price, wouldn't you think you should be able to get a nice leather bag? Maybe they don't make them anymore. This is one of the most expensive bags out there, though.

Even though it's made of synthetic leather, it's very well made. Stitching is first rate and the zippers, pockets and other construction is very heavy duty. This bag will be around a while.

I think I over paid. For the price, the bag should drive itself around the course with me. I don't know what I was thinking. Sure, it has the Nike name and logo on it, but I should have known better. I could have got a Callaway or Ping bag, equally as nice, for probably a hundred bucks less - well, maybe $75.

3

Regan Mullarkey

Callaway

Steelhead Plus 5W

Fairway Woods

Paid close to $200 at my clubs pro shop. Was looking for something a little higher caliber for improved play from the fairways and I'm shooting in the low 100's, so sometimes when I'm not feeling confident, I'll pull this out and hit it off the tee.

I seem to be pretty consistent with it. It's got a very solid feel and I have a bad habit of pulling it out whenever I need a consistent shot. I know I'll never break 100 with this mentality, but sometimes I'll use it even in closer than I should and back off my swing a bit. I'm really that comfortable with it.

Nothing yet. I turn to this club to much because it's one of the only things I can actually hit consistently with in my bag.

Excellent. No complaints here.

I can't complain. For as much as I turn to it, the price didn't bother me, even though I have no business paying $200 for a wood. Shots are consistent and solid and it will get me off the turf nicely when I'm in the middle of the fairway. Great Callaway quality.

4

Jeff Sandusky

Golf Club Reviews

Cleveland

TA5 Irons Steel Shaft

Irons

I purchased these clubs from Golf & Ski Warehouse in Stratham, NH. I bought them used for $400 with an added Drop Wedge (50 degree).

I was especially attracted to the gunmetal finish. The contrast when placed against a white ball really helps me focus on the address. Secondly, I like the smaller, thinner profile as compared to some of the oversized heads. I tried various sets out (Callaway X-14, Titleist) and these were approximately $100 cheaper when purchased new and did not appear to sacrifice any quality. The salesperson said that most of the $100 more for Titleist, Calaway and the other big name brands comes from higher marketing costs. Marketing has nothing to do with how well I will hit a club.

I am switching to cavity backed irons from forged tour blades. They are obviously more forgiving but sometimes feel somewhat mushy when compared to a crisp, well hit forged iron. I'm not sure if this is unique to the Cleveland TA5 but it is certainly a difference. Still when the TA5 are hit well they still feel great.

The quality of these clubs are top notch. I bought them barely used and played them frequently this summer. They are top of the line irons.

I recommend these clubs highly. They look great at address, are forgiving, and will generate a great middle of the road ball flight when hit well. All for about $100 cheaper than the other big brands. (Titleist, Callaway, Taylor Made, Ping)

5

Sean O.

Integra

Tour 312

Drivers

I purchased the Integra Tour 312 titanium driver head from http://www.glfdirect.com/ after inquiring about it on several golf equipment message boards. I was looking for a forged titanium head, larger than my Orlimar Trimetal, but not excessive in size. I hadn't used many forged titanium drivers other than some demo units, and was looking for a bit more distance without losing accuracy, at an affordable cost. The head cost $39. Mine is 9 degrees 9up to 10 degrees available), and was assembled by myself with a custom fitted Phoenixx Thermo Pro Tour P1230T shaft (72 grams at the 46.5 stock length, charcoal color), and a Lamkin Softwrap XT grip. Assembly was to a swingweight of D6 and 45". Final cost for all components was less than $90 with shipping.

The head is similar in appearance to a Titleist 975J, but dark charcoal in color. The face is a little wider, and medium tall in height. It looks beautiful with the Phoenixx shaft. The club sets up square to open, does not appear over sized, and exudes confidence at address. The club is well balanced at D6. Sound at impact is a muted crack, not the loud resonant ping you hear from many of the new oversize drivers, anf the feel is solid, not hollow. Ball velocity is hot, trajectory is medium but easily adjusted with tee height. Now the good part. Carry is LONG, farther than trajectory would indicate, and the roll out is huge, easily 25 yards on most hits. Dispersion is very tight, the ball goes where you swing the club. I don't work the ball left often, but can turn it over slightly if necessary. Where this club really excels is with the power fade. My playing partners have commented they know exactly how I will play the ball off the tee, and so do I. If it is not in the fairway, it's due my swing. I simply can not blame my equipment. That being said, this is not a game improvement club for a chronic slicer.

The only negative is the fake bore though plug on the sole. The head is a standard bore, not a bore through like the Titleist 975J. Integra could have done without that bit of clonish cosmetics. There is no alignment mark on the head, but that was easily added with a decal.

Construction is first r