Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross

SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

Titleist Introduces Tour Speed and Tour Soft Balls

As has been their tradition, Titleist has produced golf balls that allow players to select a model to suit their needs and type of game. Two new Titleist golf balls that have hit the market continue to provide innovation and allow a customization that is impressive.

The initial Tour Speed golf ball by Titleist was first introduced two years ago--and was the company’s first high performance, multilayer golf ball with a proprietary cover. This ball was built for maximum speed and a penetrating flight—but still allowing for control and feel around the greens with good spin and a soft feel for a distance ball.

The new 2022 edition of this ball has a reformulated core that delivers high speed, and a proprietary high flex casing layer, uniquely designed for this golf ball to maintain low long game spin. This ball maintains its proprietary Titleist Performance Urethane (TPU) cover – specifically formulated by Titleist Golf Ball R&D chemists--and 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple design.

“The key to the development process was successfully reformulating the core and high-flex casing layer to perform in conjunction with the proprietary Titleist Performance Urethane (TPU) cover to our stringent quality tolerances, so the golf ball performs consistently on every shot,” said Frederick Waddell, Director of Product Management for Titleist.

“The Titleist Performance Urethane cover material is innovative and best in class,” said Mike Madson, Senior Director, Research and Engineering. “We did maintain the 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern based on feedback from the Tour Speed golfer who prefers its penetrating mid-flight trajectory and long distance.”

The Titleist Tour Speed ball is now available in global markets in both white and yellow.

For those players looking for an emphasis on feel and softness, the third generation of the Titleist Tour Soft ball now offers even more feel and tightness coming off the putter head than in previous editions of this ball. It is the company’s ultimate ball for feel.

“The Tour Soft golfer prioritizes feel and seeks the softest possible, but they are also looking for all around performance,” said Jeremy Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “The new Tour Soft has been reengineered for improved performance from tee through green.”

At 1.600 inches, the Tour Soft retains one of the largest core sizes in the Titleist golf ball portfolio and the same soft compression as the current generation. Such a large core requires an extremely thin cover, and Titleist developed the thin 4CE grafted cover which helps generate reliable greenside spin for short game playability.

The Tour Soft golf ball features a new aerodynamic design--the 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple design--that delivers optimized ball flight for longer distance.

“Just like any of our golf ball products, we are always looking for a dimple pattern that is specific to each model and works best for that design,” noted Madson. “In the new Tour Soft, we saw an opportunity to improve upon the aerodynamics and improve upon the longer distance players were seeking.”

According to Madson, the 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple design was not on the original radar for the new Tour Soft golf ball:

“Our team developed many designs and went down a myriad of paths from a research standpoint, but it wasn’t until the Tour Speed golf ball when we tested and determined the quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern made for an efficient way to process an injection molded cover. We never planned to put the same pattern on the Tour Soft, and we looked at a multitude of other dimple counts and patterns within the same family that might work better. But when it came to optimized ball flight and total performance, the 346 quadrilateral dipyramid pattern was clearly the best.”

While it may have the same aerodynamic package as the reformulated Tour Speed, in comparison, the Tour Soft will fly slightly lower due to the unique construction, primarily the large soft core as compared to the multi-layer Tour Speed.

The Tour Speed ball is also available in both white and yellow. The new alignment markings on both new models are a huge improvement for many players that use these to help with setting up their putts.

For more information on the new Titleist golf balls: www.titleist.com.

FJ Tour Alpha

The new FootJoy Tour Alpha is the company’s ultimate Tour and performance shoe that combines super stability during the swing—yet is extremely comfortable to walk in and needs no breaking in.

The feeling of this shoe is like you are attached to the ground— which is the basis for a solid golf swing. In addition to the light feel of the ChromoSkin leather, developed by Pittards® of England, the shoe is guaranteed 100% waterproof for at least two years.

Tour Alpha also features the proprietary Optimized Performance Stabilizer system (OPS) that works to lock you in, allowing you to swing away with full force. This is the most advanced stability system ever created by FootJoy. The Laser Plus Last offers a full rounded toe character, standard fit across forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. Thicker insole provides increased underfoot cushioning for enhanced comfort.

The insert system refers to the type of receptacle found on the sole of your golf shoes. The insert system also determines the type of cleat that will fit your golf shoes. This model utilizes the Fast Twist 3.0 cleat system with Pulsar spikes. The Fast Twist 3.0 cleat system is the most advanced insert system on the market. The lower profile www.golfvacationsmag.com

SWEETSTUFF

design offers improved comfort while still securing each cleat with consistent torque for maximum comfort.

The proprietary TruFit System and Dual-Durometer FTF+ Foam midsole provides stability where you need it and cushioning where you want it. OrthoLite® ImpressionsTM FitBed® provides immediate step-in comfort and molds to the shape of your foot over time to provide even greater comfort.

Another feature of this advance shoe is it not only comes in a laced model, but also has a BOA and Dual BOA model, which enables the wearer to eliminate the laces and dial in an even greater custom fit.

This is a great shoe for those looking for stability during the swing—yet extremely light and comfortable to wear for 18 holes.

The Tour Alpha comes in several attractive color combinations, including White/Gray/Lime; White/Gray/Blue and Black/Red. In addition, it comes in Gray/Orange (BOA); White/Gray/Lime (BOA) and White/Navy/Gray (Dual BOA).

For more information: www.FootJoy.com

Weatherman Arnold Palmer Umbrellas

For anyone wanting to add a little style to their golf bag—not to mention the real necessity of protection from the elements, the Arnold Palmer-themed umbrellas from Weatherman accomplishes all of that and more while paying homage to the king himself.

Two new releases to the Arnold Palmer Collection by Weatherman pay tribute to his golf course designs and to his contribution to the famous beverage named after him.

The Arnold Palmer Fairway Camo is inspired by the most extraordinary courses designed by The King himself, bringing the most iconic holes to life on a canopy built for the most tumultuous of the back nines. The Fairway Camo features holes from Bay Hill Club & Lodge, among others--and is available in both collapsible and golf size--which measures 62 inches open.

Stirred from the legend’s favorite beverage, the green Arnold Palmer Micro Drink umbrella features a tone-on-tone design for an elevated nod to The King’s lasting legacy. The micropattern displays tiny umbrellas as well as drink glasses, bottles and lemon wedges of the famed Arnold Palmer drink. The Arnold Palmer Micro Drink is available in both collapsible and golf sizes as well.

“We’re so grateful to be partners with the team at Arnold Palmer Enterprises and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed bringing the Arnold Palmer Fairway Camo and Arnold Palmer Micro Drink designs to life,” said Tyler Kupper, Partner at Weatherman Umbrella. “Mr. Palmer’s legacy is one that reaches beyond the golf world and we’re fortunate to play a small role in keeping his story alive.”

Weatherman has won numerous golf industry awards for its designs and quality and has been part of the official Ryder Cup equipment used by the U.S. team. The new releases continue the tradition of sturdy and substantial products designed with not only industrial-strength fiberglass framing to withstand winds up to 55 mph and repel the rain, but also UPF 50+ coverage within the fabric for when the sun’s rays are really heating up.

A special water-repelling technology is used for fast drying, an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and reflective accents for safety are all included--and each is covered by a lifetime warranty.

For the golf umbrellas, a new smaller yet still automatic handle has been developed that will universally fit every pushcart used on any golf course. Each golf product also includes a pocket inside the canopy for tees and gloves, as well as a silicon coated rib to hang your towel on—eliminating any worry about it slipping off and getting wet.

More information on the entire Weatherman Umbrella Arnold Palmer Collection can be found at: https://www.

weathermanumbrella.com/arnold-palmer/