New Gear Special

NEW GEAR

g gg equipment releases of 2020, from drivers to putters and everything in between

Anew decade could and possibly should signal a fresh start for your gear. It’s time to realise it could be better, or simply that you need to be kinder to yourself in 2020 and invest in some new toys to help you enjoy the game much more. Well, you’ve never been as spoiled for choice as you are now, as this gear special demonstrates. Whether it’s a new driver, irons, wedges or putter, there are some enticing new options to consider across the board. Technology is accelerating forward faster than you may realise, so don’t get left behind. Imagine what a few more yards off the tee or a couple more greens found per round could do for your scores. Perhaps a switch in ball will be the key that unlocks the door to a recordbreaking year; maybe a new pair of shoes will cap off the perfect outfit and inspire you to play your best golf.

We’re confident the equipment showcased over the next nine pages will inspire your next purchase, so think about what would benefit you the most and schedule a fitting with your pro – it might be the best decision you make.

EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL

NEW GEAR SPECIAL

TAYLORMADE SIM

SIM stands for shape in motion, and the asymmetric sole design on the SIM drivers, with a rotated Inertia Generator, is said to reduce aerodynamic drag in the crucial last three feet of the downswing. This maximises clubhead speed at the point of impact. The sole also houses a steel weight that moves the CG lower and deeper, optimising launch and increasing forgiveness. There are three models –SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max D. The SIM driver features a 10g sliding weight that can create up to 20 yards of draw or fade bias. The SIM Max driver is more forgiving, thanks to an eight per cent

larger face and heavier Inertia Generator in the rear of the clubhead. The SIM Max is also available in an even more draw-biased D version, which has an 18 per cent larger face than SIM and divergent topline masking, which makes the driver look more open at address. The Speed Injected Twist Face from the M5 and M6 returns on the SIM drivers, but it is now progressive by loft for even more precise performance. The iconic V Steel design has been reinvented on the new 180cc SIM fairway, with an 80g sole weight creating an extremely low CG that allows for increased ball speed, higher launch and improved forgiveness on low-faced hits. It also features a new zatech titanium face, a rare and ultra-strong material that improves the strength of the face while maintaining a high level of ductility. A more rounded

78 The crown boasts a new chalk white topline

leading edge improves turf interaction and versatility from different lies. The fairway woods also feature Twist Face and a Speed Pocket to improve performance on off-centre hits. There’s also a larger SIM Max and draw-biased SIM Max D versions.

CALLAWAY

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METALWOODS

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o +2° loft, plus ptions 23 469; fairways: £269

YONEX EZONE GS

Graphite specialist Yonex has created the Ezone GS driver and fairway, with optimal shaft weight, kick point and torque in every flex to maximise feel and performance. A high-tensile, Honeycomb Structure graphite crown allows more fl ex at the top of the driver face, while a new Power Groove sole allows for maximum repulsion on low hits. This combination creates a larger sweetspot and optimum ball speeds across all areas of the face. Vertical Polish on the face is said to allow the ball to slide upwards at impact, reducing side spin.

MIZUNO ST200

The ST200 range has three driver and fairway designs, each with different ball flights, spin characteristics and adjustability. Delivering low spin and forgiveness, the ST200 is a high-stability driver built around a forged, multi-thickness titanium face that maintains its characteristics over time. Weight savings from a compacted Wave sole and a variable-thickness graphite crown are used low and deep in the head to deliver low spin and increased stability from off-centre strikes. An additional 11.6g back weight further enhances low-spin efficiency and forgiveness. The ST200G features twin 7g weights on longer external tracks for even more effective weight movement. The lightweight ST200X delivers a high launch with a draw bias. It has been designed to work best with Mizuno’s own MFusion 39g shaft to help players with mid-to-low swing speeds. Fairway wood options are the ST200 (fixed hosel), the ST200 TS (adjustable loft) and the lightweight, draw-biased ST200X.

KEY INFO Adjustability: loft +/- 2°, with additional lie-angle settings. On sale: February RRPs: ST200G driver: £399, ST200 and ST200X drivers: £349; ST200 TS fairway: £279, ST200 and ST200X fairways: £239

NEW GEAR SPECIAL

How the T400 iron looks at address

TITLEIST T100S & T400

The T400 becomes the longest and most forgiving iron in Titleist’s T-Series, thanks to an advanced split sole, super-thin face and hollow head fortified by extreme amounts of high-density tungsten weighting. A wide body shape, along with the new sole design, provides optimal turf interaction for cleaner strikes, while up to 100g of tungsten in each head creates a low CG. This works with a super-thin forged SUP-10 L-Face insert (5- to 7-irons) to produce explosive launch. The set is also progressive, with blade lengths, sole widths and hosel lengths changing to deliver optimal CG positioning and preferred shaping. Lightweight shafts and grips promote increased swing speeds for longer distances.

The T100S iron is a two-degreestronger-lofted version of the T100 for golfers who like the look and feel of a forged players’ iron but want more distance. It features the same dual-cavity head with co-forged tungsten weights as the T100. But rather than bending the current T100 iron and sacrificing the feel and turf interaction, Titleist has redesigned each iron for added distance while preserving the performance of the shape and sole.

KEY INFO On sale: March 27 Stock shafts: T400: True Temper AMT Red; T100S: True Temper Project X LZ RRPs: T400: £1,120; T100S: £1,120 (six-piece set)

WILSON STAFF D7 FORGED

The D7 Forged iron is aimed more towards the better player, combining good distance with a more compact look and a softer feel. Forged from soft 8620 carbon steel and featuring a new clubhead design, the D7 Forged iron also has a thinner topline and minimal off set. A urethane-fi lled Power Chamber inside the head, alongside the Power Holes, allows the face to fl ex while reducing vibration for a more solid and consistent feel. The iron also features a wider and thicker sole to create a lower CG to drive high ball speeds with a higher launch.

KEY INFO On sale: now Stock shafts: KBS S-Taper (steel), True Temper Catalyst Black 80 (graphite) RRPs: £699 in steel (4-PW) and graphite (5-PW)

IRONS

TAYLORMADE SIM MAX

The SIM Max and SIM Max OS feature the same Speed Bridge design from the outgoing M5 and M6 irons, which connects the back bar to the topline to prevent unwanted vibrations. Thanks to the added face stability Speed Bridge provides, TaylorMade has incorporated a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that disconnects the leading edge from the sole, creating a free-floating face that allows for more flexibility, ball speed and forgiveness. Additionally, a uniquely shaped Echo Damping System stretches across the face from heel to toe, using multiple contact points to dampen vibration and improve sound and feel. Designed for the golfer seeking all-around performance in a distance iron, SIM Max is built to deliver fast ball speeds, high launch and forgiveness. The SIM Max OS iron is larger, features a taller face to increase stability and a wider sole for forgiving turf interaction.

CALLAWAY MAVRIK

Every Mavrik iron has a specific Flash Face Cup designed by a super computer using artificial intelligence to maximise performance. In the longirons, the faces are designed for launch and speed, while the mid-irons are engineered for speed and spin consistency and the short-irons for spin and shot-making. A tungsten Energy Core ensures weight is precisely positioned in each iron to optimise launch and trajectory. It is enveloped in more than one million urethane microspheres to improve feel and sound without affecting speed. The standard Mavrik iron should appeal to a wide range of players, while the Mavrik Pro features a more compact head shape, flatter lie angle and thinner topline for better players. The Mavrik Max iron is built for distance with a larger body.

KEY INFO On sale: now Stock shaft: options from True Temper, Project X and KBS RRPs: £849 in steel, £1,049 in graphite

The chamfered sole design promotes easier launch and signifi cant ball speed, while approximately 1.5° stronger lofts versus SIM Max produce a penetrating ball fl ight that makes it the longest iron in the current TaylorMade range.

KEY INFO On sale: February 7 Stock shafts: KBS Max 85 (steel) or Fujikura Ventus Blue (graphite) RRPs: £899 steel, £1,049 graphite

PING G710

Ping’s longest, most forgiving iron features a maraging steel face that combines with a stainless steel body to create metalwood-like flexing, faster ball speeds, added distance and higher shots with stopping power. High-density tungsten toe and shaft weights increase the MOI by five per cent over the G700. A Hydropearl chrome finish with black PVD coating helps repel water and improve performance through the turf and in wet conditions. The application of an epoxy behind the face results in a pleasing sound and feel. Standard on every G710 iron is the Arccos Smart Grip, which automatically records shots when connected to the app.

NEW GEAR SPECIAL

TITLEIST VOKEY SM8

Titleist says the SM8 is the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedge to date. This is thanks to a forward shift of the CG to a position that actually hovers in front of the wedge face. This boosts MOI (up to a seven per cent increase in the higher lofts), producing a more solid feel, improved ball fl ight and a clubface that wants to square up at impact for more consistent results. This has been achieved by using longer hosels and tungsten low in the toe. The progressive CG system aligned with the impact position we saw in SM7 continues –lower in the low lofts, higher in the high lofts –for better trajectory and distance control. SM8’s patented Spin Milled grooves are cut to the edge to maximise spin. Microgrooves are individually cut between grooves, which maximises spin on partial shots, while a proprietary heat treatment increases durability. Golfers can choose from six sole grinds –F, S, M, K, L and D –to precisely suit their swing type, shot-making style and course conditions. There are also four finishes –Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black, plus the tour-preferred Raw finish (by custom order only).

KEY INFO On sale: March 6 RRP: £160

82 There are six sole grinds and four finishes available

WILSON STAFF MODEL WEDGES

Both the Staff Model and the Staff Model Hi Toe wedges have been designed in collaboration with Wilson’s tour players and seek to improve a golfer’s feel around the greens. They are constructed with soft-forged 8620 steel and machine-engraved scorelines to create tour-calibre spin and control. The Hi Toe option, which comes in 56° and 60°, combines a high toe and wide sole with scorelines that stretch right across the face to ensure consistent contact at impact.

You now have no excuse for aiming incorrectly!

Putters

WEDGES/PUTTERS

ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK STROKE LAB PUTTERS

This new putter range was inspired by the Triple Track technology first seen on Callaway’s golf balls. The three lines at the centre of each head utilise Vernier Hyper Acuity, the same technology used to land planes on aircraft carriers, to improve alignment. The putters also feature the impressive Stroke Lab shaft, engineered to help improve the tempo and consistency of your stroke. On the face, the Microhinge Star insert creates a fi rmer feel and pleasing sound, as well as improved roll. There are fi ve shapes, including the ever-popular 2-Ball, Marxman and Ten.

KEY INFO On sale: January 30 RRPs: £239 (Marxman and Double Wide), £269 (2-Ball, 2-Ball Blade and Ten)

BETTINARDI BB SERIES

The next generation BB Series features four models, ranging from a traditional blade in the BB1 to the new BB45 mallet. Each is crafted from soft carbon steel, precision-milled to 350 grams and given an optimised Super-Fly Face Milling for a responsive feel. As well as the new, durable Glacier Black finish, they will all be paired with premium components, including the Lamkin Sink Fit grip.

KEY INFO On sale: Now RRP: £299

PING HEPPLER

The Heppler putters boast a firmer feel and sound, as well as extreme forgiveness and optimal CG for accuracy and consistency. A contrasting copper and black finish provides a fresh look and alignment cues. There are nine shapes, all adjustable for length, including the new Tomcat 14, which features a 14-dot alignment aid inspired by airport runway lights.

KEY INFO On sale: March 5 RRPs: £250-£275

SCOTTY CAMERON SPECIAL SELECT

The new Special Select putters are inspired by the classic, solid-milled designs that Scotty Cameron has crafted for tour players around the world for decades. They feature thinner and flatter toplines, refined neck configurations, soft tri-soles and performance-balanced weighting. There are eight shapes, including Newport blade styles, a refined Del Mar and new Flowback mid-mallet models. Visually, you’ll notice the hand-painted cherry rings and a glare-resistant finish.

NEW GEAR SPECIAL

TITLEIST TOUR SOFT

The new Tour Soft features the largest core ever produced by Titleist to deliver longer distance than the previous generation. The larger core also required a thinner 4CE grafted cover, producing increased short-game spin around the greens. An updated spherically tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design provides a more penetrating flight. The new Tour Soft ‘T’ sidestamp should help with alignment on the greens. Available in white and high-optic yellow.

KEY INFO On sale: February 7 RRP: TBC

TITLEIST VELOCITY

The new Velocity benefits from a larger, higher-speed LSX core that generates faster ball speed with low spin on all full shots, generating more distance. The spherically tiled 350 octahedral dimple design produces a more consistent, high-flying trajectory for greater stopping power on iron shots. An updated cover formulation is designed for speed and playable

TITLEIST AVX

greenside feel. It comes in three new matte colour options –pink, green and orange – in various play numbers.

KEY INFO On sale: February 7 RRP: TBC The AVX sits alongside Pro V1 and Pro V1x, offering the lowest flight, lowest spin and softest feel of the three premium models. Every layer has been redesigned, including a larger, reformulated low-compression core. It provides a softer feel and works with a redesigned high-flex casing layer for greater ball speed and distance.

KEY INFO On sale: February 7 RRP: TBC

BALLS

TAYLORMADE TP5 PIX

Co-designed by Rickie Fowler, the Pix 2.0 design on the TP5 and TP5x balls features ClearPath Alignment, which comprises strategically placed, multi-coloured graphics that provide immediate feedback once the ball is rolling. They frame the sidestamp to further assist with aim on the greens and are said to be visible in different light conditions. The Pix 2.0 versions share the same technology and performance as the latest TP5 and TP5x premium ball offerings.

KEY INFO On sale: February 28 RRP: £49.99 a dozen

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT

A 34 per cent larger core on the new Chrome Soft ball creates higher launch and lower spin, while the thinner, firmer outer core is reinforced with graphene for better durability and more wedge spin. The ten per cent thinner, more resilient cover promotes increased ball speed and generates lower spin on full shots, but high spin and a soft feel around the greens. The Chrome Soft X also benefits from a larger core but has two mantle layers, offering a firmer feel and lower driver spin. It is said to be up to seven yards longer than the previous version. Both are available with and without the Triple Track in white and yellow.

KEY INFO On sale: April 2 RRP: £39.99 a dozen

WILSON STAFF DUO

The Duo Soft+ replaces the DX2 Soft ball and is said to be the softest and longest 35-compression, two-piece golf ball on the market. Wilson is also adding brighter red, yellow and green colours to its Duo Optix range. Each ball is built with a smaller core and has a semi-translucent, highly visible matte cover that minimises sun glare and makes it easier to track in flight or find on all types of ground. The three-piece, urethane-covered Duo Professional, available in white and four matte colours, remains in the range for 2020.

SRIXON Q-STAR TOUR

Promising tour-like performance with a softer feel, the Q-Star Tour has a new FastLayer core that goes from a soft inner core to a firm outer edge for increased distance and a soft feel. The Spin Skin with Slide-Ring Material urethane coating increases spin, while a new sidestamp aids alignment.

KEY INFO On sale: February RRP: £34.99 a dozen

NEW GEAR SPECIAL

FOOTJOY PRO/SL

For 2020, FootJoy has reinvented the immensely popular Pro/SL shoe and also added an even more stable Pro/SL Carbon version. The Pro/SL features an Infi nity outsole that is 11 per cent wider than the previous version and has 30 per cent more traction points for increased grip. There’s also a redesigned Power Harness for support and the upper is now made of a soft Chromoskin leather, which is waterproof and more breathable. The Pro/SL Carbon has a carbon fibre inlay integrated into the entire length of the midsole to increase stability and ground-force optimisation. It also boasts a soft 3D molded collar, an Ortholite Impressions Fitbed and two-tone laces.

KEY INFO On sale: February 2 RRPs: Pro/SL: £149.99, Pro/SL Carbon: £179.99

ADIDAS CODECHAOS

Adidas created the Codechaos shoe to redefi ne golf dress codes. The Twistgrip spikeless outsole was developed by evaluating how golfers shift weight during the swing to determine where grip was needed most and what lug shapes would work best. The waterproof upper is made of a multilayer mesh to enhance durability and breathability, while Boost cushioning aids comfort and energy return. It also comes in Boa and a lighter Sport version.

KEY INFO On sale: February 1 RRPs: Codechaos: £129.95, Boa: £149.95, Sport: £109.95

SKECHERS GO GOLF ELITE 4

Spearheading the new Skechers shoe line-up for 2020 is the Elite 4. This spikeless, waterproof model boasts a sporty, low-profile design with leather uppers and features Skechers’ Gripflex TPU outsole for superior balance and traction. Comfort is enhanced through Ultra Go and Goga Max cushioning. The Elite 4 is offered in five block colours with contrasting trims. Joining it is the Elite 4 Prestige, which boasts the same technology as the Elite 4 but with leather and knitted mesh combination uppers. The Relaxed Fit design features a roomier forefoot section and it comes in three colours.