ECCO BIOM H4 SHOES

ECCO golf shoes have always provoked a Marmite reaction among golfers, and I’ll be the rst to admit that some of its early models, although ground-breaking in terms of their level of comfort and versatility, looked a little pasty like – as in the Cornish hand-held pastry-based comestible – to my eye.

Thankfully, ECCO listened to feedback from customers and each new generation has looked palpably better than the last. And I think they’ve de nitely nailed it with the BIOM H4, an update to the model rst introduced in 2021 that is designed to be worn year-round, but will come into its own in the wetter months thanks to its outstanding waterproo ng qualities and the impressive levels of traction o ered by its spikeless sole design.

As well as being o ered in six new colours, the latest BIOM H4 features a reworked upper, notably around the toe area, and this provides a much sleeker and slimmer looking hybrid shoe. It’s also noticeable that the tongue has been redesigned to produce a more ergonomic shape that ts much more comfortably to the foot, while there’s a handy tag at the back of the shoe to help you get some purchase when putting them on.

Straight out of the box, the BIOM H4 o ers a sleek and sporty style, with a contrasting colour pop on the mid-section of the sole immediately making it stand out from the crowd. The uppers are crafted from premium ECCO leather, which gives it a soft feel with a classy matt nish. Wrapping around the foot from the outsole to the midsole, the shoe features X-TENSA technology, which connects the TPU element on the side with the lace system to enhance lateral stability while adding to its contemporary design.

The out-of-the-box comfort is impressive, and the sole, which features three di erent densities, feels rmer in the heel, while o ering more ex around the mid-foot to allow the foot to move naturally while still feeling supported in all the right places. At impact, it provides a solid, stable platform and despite playing in wet underfoot conditions, I never felt the slightest possibility of slipping, while the shoe kept my socks dry, thanks to its Gore-Tex lining, there was no hint of moisture build-up inside after fours of walking in humid conditions.

I could absolutely see myself wearing these for 8-9 months of the year, and then switching to a more summery shoe for warmer rounds, but given its hybrid qualities, you could wear them 365 days a year and have nothing to complain about.

RRP: £170, gb.ecco.com

If you’re in the habit of cycling to the golf course and don’t fancy carrying a full bag of clubs on your back, or if you’re simply looking for a new way to transport a half-set of clubs around the course in comfort, then the all-new Grasshopper Back Pack might be worth a look.

Capable of holding up to seven clubs, the Grasshopper looks like and is operated like a ruck sack, with the whole thing designed to be carried on your back courtesy of two padded shoulder straps. The outer shell is made from a waterresistant and extremely durable ballistic nylon, while the interior features padded slots at the bottom for the clubheads, and a horizontal row of plastic receptacles at the top, which the club shafts pop in and out of. This neat arrangement keeps the clubs rmly in place, so they don’t knock against one another while you’re walking.

There’s a mesh interior pocket for balls and tees, and a further zippered interior pocket for wallets and phones, and an exterior pocket on one side for a water bottle, plus a set of shock cords on the other side for carrying an umbrella.

Spring Into Action With A Grasshopper

The Grasshopper also features a kickstand which stays folded into the padded back panels of the backpack when not needed, but it automatically ips out to prop the pack up when it’s placed on the ground. There’s also a rain cover, which can be fastened over the whole pack on wet days. RRP: £255. To nd out more, visit grasshopperbags.com.

Shot Scope Goes The Distance With Pro L2

The all-new PRO L2 from Shot Scope, costing just £149.99, could really shake up the range nder market, whose prices have been gradually going north of late.

The compact unit gives accurate distances out on the course with improved speed when picking up targets – utilising the same rmware as the more expensive PRO LX range nder. Target-lock vibration gives you con dence in hitting the target and selecting the right club for every shot, while slope-adjusted distances take any elevation changes on the course into account. For added assurance, the adaptive slope technology can be turned on or o to comply with the rules of golf or any tournament regulations.

Also new for a Shot Scope laser is the addition a strong built-in magnet to enable you to attach it to a buggy or magnetic trolley for added convenience and accessibility.

SWING OUT IN STYLE WITH LYLE & SCOTT

Premium British lifestyle brand Lyle & Scott looks coastward for the inspiration behind its bold and inclusive Spring/ Summer apparel collection.

From its Scottish roots in Hawick to its customers across the globe, the latest collection represents the latest chapter of the brand’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit. Simple in nature, yet demanding of endurance, patience, and skill, Lyle & Scott draws parallels between lives spent on the high seas and on the fairways for its golf range.

The collection balances functional, seasonless looks with an every-day, lifestyleled appeal. From ne knits to padded jackets, gilets and hoodies, the collection provides a layering-friendly ensemble of styles to segue e ortlessly from the golf course to the clubhouse and beyond.

Lyle & Scott take time and care to craft a range of golf wear that blends innovation with functionality. These steps can be seen in the Golf Windjammer Hoodies, Seafoam Gilets, ¼ Zip Midlayers and Airlight Trousers & Shorts; be that with moisture-wicking properties or improved breathability with a better stretch on fabrics for improved motion. There’s also the chance to look your best at the clubhouse with the timeless nish of its golf cardigans and crew knits.

Alongside modern golfwear, established favourites in the polo shirt categories continue Lyle & Scott’s tradition of producing premium quality golf clothing for the needs of any modern golfer.

For more details, visit www.lyleandscott.com.