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  • tylerhenning posted October 31 (11:42AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....Have You Graduated?

    Have You Graduated?
    The tinkering of golf manufacturers and the emergence of the hybrid club as a viable iron replacement has led to a new way of looking at iron sets. The graduated iron set is a new wave of putting game-improvement irons in the hands of the golfers that need them most, mid to high handicappers.


    For those not in the know, a graduated iron set is a progressive set that begins with hybrid clubs to replace the 3- and 4-irons, and sometimes the 5- and 6-irons. Then, the middle of a set (5- through 7-irons) is comprised of cavity-backed irons, usually featuring a wide sole. At the bottom of the set, the 8-iron through the pitching wedge are typically more traditional in nature to give more feel and feedback with the scoring clubs.


    Every golf company has their own opinion on what a graduated set should be, but one thing is undeniable — the right set can truly help golfers needing an injection of confidence in their iron play. Here are two sets that will help you “graduate.”


    Mizuno MX-950
    Mizuno has long been known for having quality irons, no matter the model. The company’s cavity back irons are great, as are their blades. For the first time, Mizuno has now plunged into a hybrid-mix set. The MX-950 set contains a 3- and 4-hybrid in place of irons. The hybrids have massive moment of inertia (MOI) to make the impossible-to-play long irons seem much easier and less frustrating.


    When it comes to the irons that mid to high handicappers can usually hit with regularity, Mizuno has not shied away from its class-leading iron technologies. The Grain Flow Forged Hollow Technology 5- through 7-irons contain tungsten weights low and deep in the cavity to assure a desired ball launch and confidence. The 8-iron through the lob wedge are constructed from Grain Flow Forged 1025E mild carbon steel for the pin-seeking soft feel all players should experience.


    www.mizunousa.com


    Adams IDEA a3OS
    The undeniable experts in graduated hybrid-iron sets would be Adams Golf. Currently, Adams sells a handful of great sets, including the IDEA Tech OS, IDEA a2 and IDEA Pro Forged. The newest of the bunch is the IDEA a3OS, which is comprised of Adams’ new Boxer Technology hybrid clubs. The 3-, 4- and 5-hybrids have an extremely high MOI for forgiveness on off-center hits.


    Don’t expect a drop-off when you get to the irons in the Adams set. Although the manufacturer is well known for its hybrids, the 6-, 7- and 8-iron-like hybrids are no slouch. The weight in the clubs is positioned low and back, and the wide sole design cuts through turf simply. The 9-iron and pitching wedge are cavity-backed, unlike the Mizuno, for golfers who opt for forgiveness over one-piece forged feel.


    www.adamsgolf.com
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  • tylerhenning posted October 17 (10:20AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....My Favorite Golf Ads Pt. 5

    For such a structured, prim and proper game, golf actually lends itself to creativity when it comes to television advertisements. Add a pinch of golf’s personalities, such as David Feherty, and the amazing golf talents of professional players, and golf’s advertisements are very much worthy of being aired during the Super Bowl, not just the Masters.


    Covering equipment, I often notice who is advertising what and how they are going about it. Just as the clubs are getting more and more entertaining and creative, so are the ads from the manufacturers who produce them. With that, I’ve included five of my favorite golf advertisements via the magic of the Internet.


    #5 – Golf Applies Everywhere




    Okay, so it isn’t exactly equipment-related, but this Sergio Garcia advertisement for the PGA Tour will make you want to go to your local grocery store and try the same thing in the parking lot. If you’ve already seen it, don’t tell me you haven’t tried it already.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 17 (10:20AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....My Favorite Golf Ads Pt. 4

    For such a structured, prim and proper game, golf actually lends itself to creativity when it comes to television advertisements. Add a pinch of golf’s personalities, such as David Feherty, and the amazing golf talents of professional players, and golf’s advertisements are very much worthy of being aired during the Super Bowl, not just the Masters.


    Covering equipment, I often notice who is advertising what and how they are going about it. Just as the clubs are getting more and more entertaining and creative, so are the ads from the manufacturers who produce them. With that, I’ve included five of my favorite golf advertisements via the magic of the Internet.


    #4 – Paula and Nick



    Paula and Nick discussing new school vs. old school. This ad was perfect, except for the week that it was about to debut on air, Paula won a third championship, making the ad factually incorrect. We like it anyway. Note: Paula is acting; she really is not that pretentious in person.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 17 (10:19AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....My Favorite Golf Ads Pt. 3

    For such a structured, prim and proper game, golf actually lends itself to creativity when it comes to television advertisements. Add a pinch of golf’s personalities, such as David Feherty, and the amazing golf talents of professional players, and golf’s advertisements are very much worthy of being aired during the Super Bowl, not just the Masters.


    Covering equipment, I often notice who is advertising what and how they are going about it. Just as the clubs are getting more and more entertaining and creative, so are the ads from the manufacturers who produce them. With that, I’ve included five of my favorite golf advertisements via the magic of the Internet.


    #3 – Tiger Can Tackle



    It’s not unusual to hear an announcer compare Tiger’s physique to that of a National Football League defensive back or safety. Buick shows us that Tiger can tackle. Note: Tiger did his own tackling – no stunt doubles.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 17 (10:18AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....My Favorite Golf Ads Pt. 2

    For such a structured, prim and proper game, golf actually lends itself to creativity when it comes to television advertisements. Add a pinch of golf’s personalities, such as David Feherty, and the amazing golf talents of professional players, and golf’s advertisements are very much worthy of being aired during the Super Bowl, not just the Masters.


    Covering equipment, I often notice who is advertising what and how they are going about it. Just as the clubs are getting more and more entertaining and creative, so are the ads from the manufacturers who produce them. With that, I’ve included five of my favorite golf advertisements via the magic of the Internet.


    #2 – Anything with David Feherty




    Sure, he’s on the new “roundtable” ads for Crowne Plaza hotels, but I enjoy anything with David Feherty and Cobra Golf. Most of the advertisements are 15 seconds long, but always worthwhile.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 17 (10:16AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full...My Favorite Golf Ads Pt. 1

    For such a structured, prim and proper game, golf actually lends itself to creativity when it comes to television advertisements. Add a pinch of golf’s personalities, such as David Feherty, and the amazing golf talents of professional players, and golf’s advertisements are very much worthy of being aired during the Super Bowl, not just the Masters.


    Covering equipment, I often notice who is advertising what and how they are going about it. Just as the clubs are getting more and more entertaining and creative, so are the ads from the manufacturers who produce them. With that, I’ve included five of my favorite golf advertisements via the magic of the Internet.


    #1 – Obviously Tiger Spends a Ton of Time at the Range




    Tiger must not spend all his time working on drives. I’ve seen many golfers try and imitate his short game, and also this short game – bouncing a golf ball on the wedge’s face a few inches up and down, between the legs, behind the back, leading to a grand finale of smacking the ball with a full swing out of mid-air.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 03 (01:12PM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....My Favorite Mickelson Shot

    I just want to know if anyone out there has the kahunas to try this shot. I’ve never tried it, will never try it. If you squint, you can see that Mickelson’s ball ends up a few inches from going in the cup.


     

  • tylerhenning posted October 03 (10:02AM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full....Four Crazy Products That Work
    I know a ton of golf-equipment junkies. When we get together, it becomes a contest of who has seen the craziest new equipment. Here are four of my personal favorites that are worth the time to check out and worth the dollars to add to your bag.


    1. The B432 Golf Ball – Once upon a time, Nike thought black golf balls would be a great promotion for their new Nike One Black golf balls. Nike put one black golf ball in each dozen as part of the deal. Justin Leonard even won a tournament playing a black golf ball on the Sunday of that tournament.


      But where do you find them now? One place is at Crospete Sports, which makes a two-piece construction golf ball called the B432 that is indeed black. Plus, the B432s don’t carry the hefty price tag of the Nike One Blacks (which don’t even contain a black golf ball anymore).
      What is the benefit of a black golf ball? It’s easier to see flying against the light blue sky, surprisingly easy to see on fairways and greens, different from everyone else’s on the golf course and insanely cool. Crospete Sports

    2. DiXX Digital Training Putter – The price tag is steep, upwards of $1,000. However, if you truly understand that 40 percent of your golf game takes place on the greens, you’ll realize that a computerized putter isn’t totally ridiculous. The DiXX Digital Training Putter analyzes your swing, graphing your swing path and collecting data about how wonderful or how poor your technique happens to be.


      You might be labeled a computer geek or a nerd, but refining your swing tempo, impact position, face angle, swing path and more will allow you have fun with those same golfers when comparing scorecards. Adams Golf

    3. Perfect Putting Pendulum – The Perfect Putting Pendulum (P3 for short) works by adding two putting grips to either side of your own putter’s grip, thus creating a very wide grip that enforces the pendulum motion observed in the best putting strokes. Different positions allow golfers to move further or closer to their putter grip, increasing or decreasing the emphasis on the pendulum as needed. Perfect Putting Pendulum

    4. The 73-Degree Wedge – The guys over at Feel Golf are outside-the-box thinkers. They’ve created the reverse-tapered grip and have now come through with the 73 Degree wedge. For golfers that are completely comfortable with their full swing, “the 73” allows you to gauge distance just by moving the ball around in your stance.


      With the ball in the front of your stance, a full swing will yield approximately a 3-yard flop shot. With the ball at the back, a 50-yard wedge shot. Feel Golf

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  • tylerhenning posted October 02 (04:04PM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full...King of the Mountain Pt. 2
    Nearly all ball manufacturers hold different positions on why you should break away from the grasp of the Titleist brand.


    For Bridgestone Golf, the charge is for golfers to get fitted with one of Bridgestone’s (or Precept’s) golf balls through a live “ball fitting.” By going through a ball fitting with Bridgestone, golfers will discover the importance of ball optimization.


    “The Bridgestone Challenge Ball Fitting program is designed to educate consumers in a head-to-head comparison with our competitors and give consumers the real story on golf-ball optimization,” says Dan Murphy, senior director of marketing for Bridgestone Golf Inc.


    At Nike, the strategy is seemingly to publicize Rock Ishii, the company’s product development director for golf balls. Ishii is in constant communication with Woods, getting updates and ideas from the needs and wants of the world’s top player. Being the golf ball of choice for Woods doesn’t hurt when it comes to consumer acceptance either.


    Callaway and Srixon offer easy-to-use online ball selectors that choose the proper model based on a player’s clubhead speed, trajectory desired, spin desired and more. Srixon also provides a comparison tool to help you switch from a similar brand name and model you might play now.


    So will Titleist ever get knocked off the top of the mountain? Only time will tell. In the meantime, consumers get the best every company has to offer as they try to develop products that match or exceed the quality put forth by Titleist.


    To read more equipment features and insight, pick up Golf Illustrated magazine or visit www.gogiu.com to read Tyler Henning’s ‘A Bag Full…’ column or his in-depth features.

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  • tylerhenning posted October 02 (04:03PM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full...King of the Mountain Pt. 1

    Chances are you’ve used one. You can likely name 10 PGA Tour players who put one in play every week. It’s been a household name as long as you could remember. You express a bit more excitement when you find a lost one when walking along a hazard.


    The Titleist aurora is unmistakable. But what made the golf-ball market leader the leader? Is it the classy packaging? Perhaps it’s the mystique of the cursive writing, the consistent results week in and week out on the various tours or the prominence of the display in the pro shop.
    One thing is for sure — Titleist is at the apex.


    Consider these staggering statistics:
    - According to Golf Datatech, more than 43 percent of all golf-ball dollars spent on course in 2006 were spent on the Titleist Pro V1.


    - In 2006, the on-course market share of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x is greater than the collective and combined brand shares of Bridgestone, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, Top-Flite and Maxfli, according to Golf Datatech.


    - The Pro V1 has been the best-selling ball on and off course since March 2001.


    “Acushnet (Titleist’s parent company) was founded in 1932 with the mission of providing the serious golfer with a golf ball that was superior in performance to all other golf balls available,” says George Sine, vice president of golf ball marketing and strategic planning for Acushnet. “The Titleist golf ball originated from the pursuit to make golf a more rewarding test of skill by guaranteeing the same performance excellence in every golf ball.”


    Much like history does not occur overnight, it is difficult to cite a most critical or contributing event that resulted in Titleist’s current market position.


    “Our ability to establish Titleist as the No. 1 ball in golf as well as to sustain our category leadership reputation has evolved throughout our brand’s history,” Sine explains. “Milestones, such as the consolidation and simplification of our product line to the current five models, as well as our history of developing and introducing a legacy of performance-based products, such as the DT, Tour Balata, Tour Distance, Professional, Pro V1, NXT and Pinnacle Exception, have been instrumental as well.”


    Even within the powerful Titleist brand, the traditional models are being tinkered with and continue to improve with age. Titleist’s flagship Pro V1 line was revamped for 2007, with the Pro V1 and Pro V1x receiving a new staggered-wave parting line for better ball flight and the Alignment Integrated Marking (A.I.M.) sidestamp for putting alignment.


    “The success of the Pro V1 served as validation to our blueprint of only introducing products if we could deliver performance superior to existing offerings and/or achieve new product attributes currently not available to golfers,” says Sine.


    That means the No.1 challenge in all of golf is not beating Tiger Woods at a major but unseating Titleist on top of the golf-ball mountain.
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  • tylerhenning posted October 02 (03:57PM)
    N512840814_11029_9947_square A Bag Full...Rolling Out The 2008 Models

    If you have been to car lot recently, you’ve noticed the new 2008 models that arrive this time of year. Likewise, some golf companies make some 2008 introductions at this point of the year, and with that, I’d like to highlight some new products that should be on your radar:


    MIZUNO
    It has been a few years since Mizuno has introduced a new driver to the golf market. The company is rolling out not one, but two new drivers – the MX-560 and MP-600. The MX-560 features
    geometry-driven technologies that are popular, while the MP-600 allows a golfer weight-distribution options through Mizuno’s Fast Track
    Technology. Both drivers are definitely worth some time on the demo range.


    HIPPO
    Hippo hit pay dirt with a successful launch of the high
    MOI HEX2 driver in 2007. The geometric technologies of the hexagonal-driver have been carried throughout a whole line, all the way down to a HEX2 putter.
    The putter has a great
    alignment system and the same beneficial MOI to get your putt rolling true. Fairway woods and hybrids are also available in the line.


    TOUR EDGE
    The Bazooka GeoMax driver came out last year to rave reviews and at an amazing price point. Now the Chicago-based company has high MOI irons that can be mixed with hybrids at the consumer’s discretion. An extra wide sole on the irons makes the new sticks from Tour Edge incredibly forgiving and easy to hit.
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