PROSPECTIVE: KEEGAN BRADLEY G OLF TIPS
THE SECRETS BEHIND HIS KILLER 300+ YARD DRIVES!
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Power Drives! 30 Crush Your Tee Shots & Hit ’Em Straight
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MAY 2013
VOLUME 25
NUMBER 2
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CONTENTS INSTRUCTION 12 HAMMER TIME! Need some quick pointers to hit longer drives? Read on for a handful of simple must-do’s to ensure your drives travel a long way. BY DOUG HAMMER, PGA
20 BODY DRIVE Learn how to get your body poised to hit longer drives. And, no, it’s not going to hurt and leave you sore for four days in a row. BY ZACH ALLEN, PGA 28 STROKESAVER Resident training aid guru Wally Armstrong explains three key feelings you must have in order to make good, repetitive golf swings. In case you’re wondering, they involve homemade training aids. BY WALLY ARMSTRONG
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32 PROSPECTIVE Keegan Bradley’s entire swing is evaluated and reviewed in detail. BY GREG BARESEL, PGA
34 SHORT LESSONS Want to hit longer drives, better iron shots and make more putts? Turn to the Short Lessons department for instant swing fixes that last all season long.
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MAY 2013
VOLUME 25
NUMBER 2
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MACRO® GOLF CO. USGA-conforming Macro® Square Stroke® Putters & Putter Grips are patented to consistently keep your putter’s face square to the line and your ball...straight back and straight through every putt...a square-to-square belly putter stroke without any belly putter anchoring.
28 12 40
50 EQUIPMENT
DEPARTMENTS
40 EDITORS’ PICKS The must-have new gear for your golf game. From training aids to golf clubs and everything in between, we have what you need to raise your playing potential.
10 From The Editor 11 Equipment Q&A 58 Backspin
48 WE TRIED IT “Until Macro Golf, the most ergonomic grip in a player’s bag was on his umbrella.” — Tom Fleetwood, Senior Playing Professional, Director of Instruction for the central Florida region, National Golf Schools Order online at www.macrogolf.com or call toll free 1-877 270-9402 Tech. Specs. and sale information at www.macrogolf.com
The latest and newest adjustable driver from Cleveland Golf. BY RYAN NOLL
50 DRIVERS BUYER’S GUIDE A look at the hottest new bombers for every type of player. SHORT LESSONS 34 Short Game 36 Middle Game 38 Long Game
On The Cover Get fit to drive long. Turn to page 20. Image Credit: Ryan Noll
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EDITORIAL precision fifit with Fujikura shafts instantly add yards to their drive.
Editorial Director Steve Werner Editor Ryan M. Noll Associate Editor Maggie Devcich Copy Editors J. Ana Flores, Sava Alcantara
TOP-25GOLFINSTRUCTORS Dale Abraham, PGA, Desert Mountain Zach Allen, PGA, DeBell Golf Club Wally Armstrong, Wally Armstrong Golf AJ Bonar, AJ Golf Golf School Steve Dahlby, PGA, McCormick Ranch Golf Club Glenn Deck, PGA, Pelican Hill Golf Academy Andrew Getson, Grayhawk Learning Center
Contributing Writers Scott Kramer, Charlie Schroeder, Ken Van Vetchen
Barry Goldstein, Inverrary Country Club Doug Hammer, PGA, Troon North Golf Club
ART Executive Art Director Kurt R. Smith Art Director André D. Harrell Assistant Art Director Eric Beckett Contributing Photographers Ari Perilstein, David Johnston
Bobby Hinds, PGA, Woodley Lakes Golf Course Jeff Johnson, PGA, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Nick Kumpis, PGA, Nick Kumpis Golf Tom Leese, PGA, Master Golf Las Vegas Dan Martin, PGA, Rustic Canyon Golf Course Derek Nannen, PGA, Eagle Mountain Golf Academy Karen Nannen, PGA, Desert Highlands Frank O’Connell, PGA, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
www.golftipsmag.com Online Director Wes Pitts Web Art Director Mike Decker Web Developer Damian Greene Web Production Associate Lisette Rose
Jon Paupore, PGA, Jim McLean Golf Schools Brady Riggs, PGA, Calabasas Country Club Jeff Ritter, PGA, Raven Golf Club - Phoenix Rick Sessinghaus, PGA, Rick Sessinghaus Golf Acad. John Stahlschmidt, PGA, TPC at Scottsdale Tom Stickney, PGA, Bighorn Country Club David Wright, PGA, Wright Balance Academy Jeff Yurkiewicz, PGA, Grayhawk Learning Center
EQUIPMENTPANEL
Start your precision fitting on iPhone or Android, or at FujikuraGolf.com/Fitting
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Steve Boccieri, Boccieri Golf
Pete Samuels, PING
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Adam Sheldon, Cleveland Golf
Danny Le, UST Mamiya
Jeff Shepherd, Winn Grips
Pat McCoy, Fujikura Composites
Eric Soderstom, Titleist
Nate Radcliffe, Nike Golf
Brandon Sowell, Golf Pride
John Rae, Srixon
Tom Wishon, Wishon Golf
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SHAFT FITTING SO IMPORTANT? Fujikura explains why 99% of golfers who get fitted with their shafts instantly gain yards! It's not marketing fluff— it's a proven science. BY STEPHANIE HARTGRAVES at Fujikura, we’ ve been helping golfers for the last 30 years understand the true meaning of golf club shaft fitting. One might assume that choosing the right shaft is a matter of two simple variables: weight and flex. And while it’ s true weight and flex certainly matter toward getting the right shaft for your swing, we think there’ s much more to consider. For instance, when we fit golfers right here in our public Fit-On Studio in Vista, Calif., we use state-of-the-art motion capture and high-speed video recording to better understand how any given shaft performs with virtually anybody’ s swing. You may not realize it, but the shaft does more than flex in one direction while you swing. It flexes in several different directions throughout the swing, all while the hands rotate the shaft in several directions. No two golfers swing exactly the same way, either. Some golfers have long, smooth swings with slower tempos, while others have short swings with rapid tempos. The shaft is the only part of the golf club that’ s designed to move dynamically as you swing, and it performs differently for every type of swing. Take it from us—there’ s a lot happening with your shaft that you can’ t see while you swing. Good thing is, we can see it all. As complex and scientific as shaft fitting can be, our goal at Fujikura isn’ t to create a shaft-fitting experience that’ s too complicated and confusing for anyone. Fujikura's number-one priority is to provide every level of player the opportunity to optimize their potential through the fitting process, and we do that by making the shaft-fitting process an engaging one. When getting fit by a Fujikura Authorized Fitter, whether you’ re a seasoned Tour professional or a new golfer wanting to start off on the right foot, you’ ll get real-time feedback with our more than 900 fitters and dealers who have been thoroughly trained to evaluate critical data and deliver a shaft to you that’ s ideal for your golf game. We’ ve even created a free mobile app that helps make it easy to get started and helps you locate a local Fujikura fitter to finalize the process. Over 99% of the golfers we’ ve fit here in our studio have instantly gained an average of 12 yards when precision fit with a Fujikura shaft. We wanted to give every golfer the opportunity to experience this, so our app helps make that happen! And by the way, speaking of Tour players, for a long time, it was assumed that only Tour professionals and competitive amateurs benefitted from shaft fitting, and facilities like ours
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That said, shaft fitting just wouldn’ t be complete if we didn’ t have the products to back our fittings up. Here at Fujikura, our shafts are made to the highest levels of precision and tolerances, with various shaft options to accommodate a wide array of swing and player types. We contend that no swing speed tempo is too fast or too slow for us. We promise a precision fit for every golfer, which we happen to take very seriously. Our company's long heritage isn't just in building high-performance shafts, it also comes from delivering shafts that perform exceptionally for each and every player. To learn more about what we do at Fujikura, our philosophy behind our approach to shaft fitting and our products, visit us online at Fujikuragolf.com. Better yet, download our mobile app and visit your local Fujikura Authorized Fitter to claim your extra yards and get a head start for the season!
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In Play
FROM THE EDITOR "%44%2 & %%, "%44%2 & , ) '(4 "%44%2 0%2& /2-!.#%
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STRAIGHTEN UP long tee shots has Hitting always been a favorite pastime of mine. I’ve gotten to the point
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where I’m pretty good at it, actually. Maybe it’s my 6’3� frame or my nearperfect swing mechanics (enter sarcastic groan here), but lately I’ve been nuking the ball past the guys in my usual foursomes. Really, it’s true. I’m a good 10 to 20, sometimes 30 yards ahead of everyone, most of the time, at least. And, lucky for me, not only am I crushing it, but my tee shots are always splitting the fairway.... Actually, no they’re not. That last part wasn’t true. At all. Half of my bombs land somewhere in the rough, deep rough or worse. Sure, they’re flying a long way, but what I would do to hit straighter—not just longer—tee shots. The latest in new driver technology has certainly aided my newfound power (enter sarcastic groan, again), but what good is a long ball if it only means you hit it longer in the rough? I know, I can swing less hard and hit more fairways, but where is the fun in that? Take it from me; I know the perils that come from having more distance. It means your tee shots fly past the thick parts of the fairway, and instead of comfortable short iron or wedge shots, you’re often faced with tricky in-between
yardages from 100 yards and in. And don’t get me started on the lure of hitting the green in two shots on par-5s. More often than not, trying for a 3 ends up making a 6 or worse. Chalk this up to another one of the #firstworldproblems, but hitting it far is only part of what it means to be a total driver. This issue is dedicated to helping you hit it farther, mainly since so many of you tell us that’s what you want. But read between the lines, and you’ll find some great advice on not only how to crush it, but also how to hit it straighter, too, so you can give yourself the best chance to score. In addition to great lessons on driving, we have a big roundup of new drivers and, of course, a variety of quick tips to help you round out the rest of your golf game. I will say this, though. It’s a lot easier to make a long driver a straight hitter than to make a straight hitter a longer driver. So as you start cranking out more yards using the techniques you find in this magazine, don’t fret if you don’t hit it as straight as you once did. You always can scale down a bit to help straighten out those tee shots. Hey, I do it all the time. (Yeah, right.) Hit ’em long! —Ryan Noll, Editor
In Play
EQUIPMENT Q
A
RICHARD FERRIS, MACRO GOLF Briefly, what inspired you to develop the unique shape of the MACRO Square Stroke putter grip? The common shape of putter grips had been an acceptable standard because the traditional putting stroke is a fairly wristy one, demanding increased wrist flex and mobility. Small-diameter, round-tapered grips have certainly contributed to that. The MACRO Square Stroke grip, which is larger and shaped in a reducing-oval cross section, completely locks the wrists to produce a more efficient, easier-to-perform, higherpercentage, square-to-square stroke.
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What are your thoughts on “the yips,” and why do you think so many golfers turn to the grip to help cure their putting woes? I don’t think we know why the yips happen, as of yet. Neuroscience will likely help determine the root and cure for that someday. MACRO Golf ’s patented oversized, reducing-oval, double flat-sided Square Stroke® Grip, however, can control the yips. This grip shape resists the “yips impulse’’ because it fits so snugly into the anatomy of the palms with a shape that quiets the hands and completely locks the wrists.
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You have a new grip called the PowerStroke. Explain what it does and where the idea came from. PowerStroke is the most ergonomic, USGA-conforming, patented grip in golf. “Most ergonomic” means it provides more actual wrist flex and full extension, more comfort and swing control. “Most ergonomic” also means the ability to set up tension-free in one plane with little or no address wrist angle and stay on that same one plane through impact. The idea came because traditional standard tapered grips are actually anti-ergonomic in design and action. Their wide-butt shape inhibits tension-free wrist flex and full extension, and also causes huge finger-grip pressure differentials through the swing. Their shape is
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directly responsible for the necessity of a number of difficult-to-perform swing manipulations, such as vertical spine angle change and mid-swing regripping. Their shape is largely responsible for the more difficult-to-perform multi-plane golf. Back to the MACRO putter. How does the grip and putterhead combination work to produce straighter putts? Like belly putters, MACRO belly models have a slightly higher lie angle (74°) for a more upright stance and closer ball positioning, conducive to any successful squarestroke putting technique. Every MACRO putterhead is set up with a MACRO Square Stroke grip that’s shaped to be snug into the lifelines of the palms and thereby lock the wrists. The shaft dowel hole is offset toward the front of each grip to keep the dominant hand the “engine” of a square-to-square stroke, which is always slightly behind the putterface. The grips are elongated with a constant diameter, allowing the player to separate the hands along the grip length at setup. This capability places the nondominant hand toward the top of the grip and quiets the stroke impact of the nondominant hand, which always has a tendency to come inside on the backstroke.
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What are the similarities and differences in the MACRO standard and belly-length putters? Both MACRO standard and belly-length putters produce a no-forearm manipulation, straight-back, straight-through, square-to-square stroke, which is far easier to perform than putting on an arc where the putterface is only square to the ball for an instant. Both employ a split-hands placement for better control of the putterhead. The standard-length MACRO putter has a somewhat more conventional setup when compared to the belly model because the unique shape of its patented MACRO Square Stroke grip doesn’t use or require body anchoring or bracing. GT
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Quick advice to smash your drives BY DOUG HAMMER, PGA PHOTOS BY DAVID JOHNSTON
Hammer Time!
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WEAK Despite what you may think, sometimes it’s okay to have a weak grip. By weak, I mean a grip that promotes less hinge through the downswing and unfolds sooner, helping you hit higher (albeit shorter) shots. Typically, a weak grip (by the way, weak doesn’t mean you hold the club lightly) isn’t the best choice come time to nuke out some extra distance, but a weak grip can help you if you tend to hook the ball too much. If that’s you and you fight the left, grip the handle with only one gloved knuckle showing and your ungloved thumb on top of the grip. You’ll stop hooking in a hurry.
STANDARD The standard grip allows for more clubface rotation and a bigger hinge, helping you not only close the face through impact, but hit longer tee shots, too. It’s the ideal grip for most of your shots around the course, and with the driver when you want the most control. The standard grip has a gloved hand that shows two knuckles (from the golfer’s view) and an ungloved hand that has a V formed by the thumb and index finger. That V then points at your right shoulder. Use this grip as an allpurpose grip that lends the best blend of distance and control.
BEAST MODE The beast mode grip is what you’ll need to squeeze out some extra yards on your next tee shot. With this grip, three to four knuckles are shown on the gloved hand, and the V formed by the index finger and thumb of the ungloved hand points well to the right of the right shoulder. When using this grip, you’re allowing for a big hinge of the wrists and maximum lag; however, it’s critical that you match this grip with a big, powerful swing. Otherwise, you’ll likely hook the ball.
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LINE IT UP Ripping big tee shots means getting aggressive, and doing that means taking a wide swing that hits up on the ball. It doesn’t mean doing what I see a lot of my students do, however, which is move the ball too far forward in the stance. The right way is to set up to the ball with a square clubface and a shaft that extends down the left arm to a ball just inside your left foot. This will naturally put you in a tilted position to hit up on the ball and make a long, powerful swing. If you move the ball too far forward, you’ll either have too much tilt or your hands will be forced to move too far outside your body at address (see the upper left photo). That may look like a strong setup, but it’s not.
TILT IT BACK To hit the big tee shot, whether with the ball forward or not, you certainly need some added shoulder tilt to do the job correctly. A great way to add some tilt without having to mess with the shoulders is to align the driver shaft with your left arm. When you do this, your shoulders naturally will tilt more. Also, you’ll probably feel as though the clubface looks closed, but trust that it’s not. Anytime you make setup adjustments like this, it helps to get a buddy to come check out your setup and see if you’re aligned properly. Your body and your eyes take some time to get used to setting up over the ball in a different way.
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ALIGN YOUR SPINE If you arch your spine at setup, that robs you of power like you wouldn’t believe. Reason being, an arched back limits your ability to rotate effectively, and when you can’t rotate, you’ll end up lifting up out of your spine angle during the downswing. The solution to a better rotation comes from better posture, so do as Wally Armstrong says in the back of the magazine and get your spine aligned from your sternum to your head. It will help you turn better, not to mention limit and prevent a bad back. I like to think of “visiting Japan” when I set up over the ball. By that, I mean bowing in good posture as many do when greeting and meeting in Japan. It’s a stretch, I know. But it works. www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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LOW + SLOW Width is essential in a long-drive swing. The key to adding width starts with a takeaway that sets you up the right way. Often, I see short hitters have a very steep backswing, where the club lifts off the ground in a hurry. Big hitters, however, know that those few feet early in the backswing are critical for setting up a big turn.
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To practice adding width to your swing arc, try this drill. Set up to a golf ball and put a ball behind your clubhead. Start your backswing, and see how far and how straight back you can roll that ball away from the target. To roll it straight back, you have to start slow, accelerate and swing the club low. Doing this is a great drill for adding the extra width you need to make a bigger swing arc. And the bigger the arc, the more room you have to accelerate the club before making contact with the golf ball.
GET POSITIONED
I can’t say enough about this one, but I won’t say too much, either. Simply put, if you want to hit longer drives, you have to get your weight behind the golf ball at the top of your swing. The more behind you are at the top of your swing, the more you can thrust your weight forward on the downswing. If you tend to hang out over your right foot at the top of your swing, guess which way it’s likely your weight will go? That’s right, to the right, which is the opposite direction you want to hit the golf ball.
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DON’T ADD LENGTH HERE... This is one trick that I see all the time. Many people think that to add more power, all they have to do is add some extra hinge at the top of the swing. In reality, not only does that not necessarily work, but it wreaks havoc on your ability to make
...ADD IT HERE There’s one area where you can add power, though, and that comes from adding width between your hands and your body. In the left photo, I’ve collapsed my left arm, pulling my hands 1 8 G O L F T I P S www.golftipsmag.com
solid contact, which is priority one for more distance. In the upper left photo, adding extra hinge actually forced my club across the target line, pointing way to the right, which almost always predicates a big slice. Instead, make your backswing and hinge only as much as is natural for you. Don’t force more yards by adding more hinge than necessary in your wrists.
close to my chest and shrinking what was supposed to be a big, wide arc. That’s a real power-killer! The right thing to do is to keep the hands as far from the chest as you can. And while that may not mean a perfectly straight left arm, do your best to keep your hands away from your chest as you come to the top of your backswing.
POINT THE TEE
Finally, as you make your way down and through the golf ball, it’s important that you hold your hinge for as long as you can. To practice this, try swinging your driver with a tee placed in the top section of the grip. As you swing, see that the tee points at the golf ball for as long as possible. Doing this will help you add some needed lag to your wrists and increase your clubhead’s momentum prior to making contact with the ball. Try it in slow motion a few times, and then make some real swings with the tee still in the grip and the visual still in your mind. You’ll start seeing longer drives in no time. GT
■ Doug Hammer, PGA, is the director of instruction at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, visit troonnorthgolf.com.
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DRIVE Quick Methods To Add Serious Power To Your Tee Shots BY ZACH ALLEN, PGA, WITH RYAN NOLL | PHOTOS BY RYAN NOLL
No matter what new driver, shaft or even golf ball you choose to play, nothing will help you hit the ball farther if you don’t have the right set of swing mechanics. In other words, you still have to know how to swing a club faster and with more clubhead speed. Your new gear won’t do all the work for you. Speaking of work, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re capable of making a powerful swing in the first place. I’ve put together a short list of my favorite exercises and drills to help you develop better swing mechanics, as well as strengthen and add flexibility to your body. After all, you may know the right way to swing a club, but if your body is holding you back, what’s the point? Read on, and get ready for more power!
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You can’t get your body in the right position at impact if you don’t have the right body to begin with. Turn the page to learn more.
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FEEL YOUR LEGS
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Another great drill to strengthen and build better lower-body mechanics is to do the Step Into It Drill. Start by simply making a regular golf stance (I prefer not hitting a ball and just clipping a tee, by the way). Then, from your normal stance, lift your left foot and place it by your right foot. Take the club back to the top of your backswing, then place the left foot back in its original 2 2 G O L F T I P S www.golftipsmag.com
position at the same moment you start your downswing. Practicing this drill, you’ll quickly sense how your weight drives not only toward the target on the downswing, but also down and into the ground. Rehearse this drill a few times, and when you’re ready, hit a few balls. I’ll bet you immediately feel more power in your golf swing.
FIRM!
It’s common for long hitters to have powerful legs, and it really helps in the transition from the top of the swing into the downswing. Power hitters know that the key is to shift the weight from the right side to a rock-solid left side. You can practice strengthening your outer quadriceps using a tension band as I’m doing here. It’s simple. Stand on the band and shift your forward leg (your left) toward the target to simulate a weight shift. The tension you feel in your outer quad and gluteus signifies what muscles should be involved in the transition of your golf swing.
What does a “rock-solid left side” mean? It means that, through the downswing, your body weight stays behind the golf ball. Any excessive sliding or swaying from side to side is a big no-no; it not only robs you of power, but it’s also hard on your body. Instead, think of your left leg as a concrete post. Once you shift your weight to your left side on the downswing, stay firm and strong on that left side.
RIP IT! If you want to improve quickly, look no further than our website for instant tips and drills! Check us out at
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GET GOLFER SHOULDERS Notice anything unusual about my shoulders? Yep, my right shoulder naturally rests a little below my left! Call it the product of 25 years of competitive golf. I’ve actually developed some shoulder tilt that helps me hit longer tee shots. What does that mean? Simple. Long hitters know that the secret to power is to hit high up on the golf ball with added loft and reduced spin. Now, you may not have the kind of shoulders I do (I have a chiropractor appointment this afternoon), but at the very least, you can stretch and loosen your abductors to make it easer to have some spine tilt in your swing. The stretch is simple. Hold the club above and away from you, and tilt to your right side. Do this as far as you can, and hold, release and repeat.
At address, you can see that I have some of my “natural shoulder tilt,” as I like to call it. This not only adds width to my swing, but it makes it a lot easier to start the backswing with the club moving inside the target line.
At impact, notice how my shoulder actually increased even more. This is a good thing, folks, and with practice, you’ll see what I mean. The added loft at impact and a wide swing arc will put a high-flying, low-spinning command on the golf ball.
www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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THE POWER SQUAT
If you really want to nuke the ball, consider what it means to squat before you hit. But before you do that, I want you to think of rebounding a basketball. You probably know that to rebound the ball with a big jump, you have to squat down before you leap up. Why? Because it helps you better leverage
your body against the ground. The more force you apply down, the higher you’ll jump. To see what I mean, try leaping off the ground without squatting. It’s impossible, right? Now, squat and feel your legs pressing against the ground. In the golf swing, there’s a moment
where you should squat, as well. Tiger is a master at leveraging the ground and squatting as he begins his downswing and holds it almost to the very moment of impact where he “snaps” his left leg straight. Try this in your golf swing and see if it adds more distance to your drives. Squat, then snap!
SWING!
SQUAT!
SNAP!
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BE INCLINED 1
The backswing and the forwardswing are two separate axes. The backswing is a more lateral rotation, where the shoulders and your core turn away from the golf target, both on relatively the same spine angle you had at address. Your downswing, however, is where things get tricky. Your impact position is noth-
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ing like your setup position. In fact, it’s not even close! At impact, your body is turned open and you actually make contact more on the side of the ball, instead of the ball in front of you at address. This impact position reflects a downswing that’s more inclined than you are at any point during the backswing. You can see
IDE S T U O IN
what I mean in the photos above. I have to drop my right shoulder and hold my spine angle as I lean to my right side. This is critical. The added incline of my shoulders is what helps me swing the club more from an inside-out path, which is desirable for straighter, more consistent drives.
E INSID OUT
Let’s look at what happens if I make a downswing on roughly the same axis that my backswing is on. As you can see (above), I’m likely to come into the ball too flat and from outside in, causing a whole slew of ugly tee shots. Instead, the correct downswing axis is steeper and more vertical. In the above pic, notice how the club is coming into the ball on a steeper path. This is necessary since I’m hitting the ball from my left side and not face on as I was at address. The trick is to let the right shoulder drop and point the butt of the grip at the ball. This will help steepen your downswing and prevent you from swinging over the top and from outside to inside the target line— which, may I remind you, almost always results in a slice or smothered hook. www. golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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THE X FACTOR
X F A C T O R Jim McLean got it right when he said that power comes from the difference in turn between the hips and the shoulders. In essence, the greater the angle between your hips and shoulders, the greater torque your body has to unwind and unleash force into the golf ball. I like to think that it’s not just at the top where the X Factor comes into play. At impact, the hips should outturn the shoulders, further indicating that the body has built-in resistance that helps make it easier to swing the club faster.
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Try the drill I’m doing in these photos. Hold a club and lift and turn both legs, one at time, holding the club as best you can in front of you with your arms extended. It will seem difficult at first, but with practice, you’ll ingrain a powerful X Factor in your swing and be on your way to longer, more powerful drives. GT
■ Zach Allen, PGA, teaches at DeBell GC in Burbank, California. He recently was awarded “Southern California Teacher of the Year for the Metro Section.” Visit zachallengolf.com.
G
AnCan nanEasier Way W to Be Better etter Gol Golf lf Latest T Technology echnology logy Groove Y Your ourr Perfect Swing?
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THREE FEELINGS BY WALLY ARMSTRONG | PHOTOS BY RYAN NOLL
SAW IT OF THE MANY SWING FAULTS I’ve seen through the years, many amateurs feel as though the takeaway should move laterally away from the target. Doing this usually
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results in a sliding or swaying away from the ball when, if fact, you should be rotating the body. A quick way to get a better sense for a rotation and not a sway is to think of sawing wood with your right hand. As you do that, notice how the right elbow stays tucked near
your body and the shoulders naturally rotate. This is actually the move you want to employ early in your backswing. You want to feel as though you’re about to saw some wood with your right hand, letting your body rotate instead of sway or slide on the backswing.
In Play
HOLD A PLATE ONE OF MY FAVORITE ways to demonstrate how you should feel at the top of the swing is to think of a waiter carrying a large
tray full of dinner plates. First, he has to carry it high enough to avoid bumping into any restaurant guests, and second, he has to hold the tray flat to avoid dropping anything. So grab a plate or a Frisbee and make a
backswing, holding the plate so it doesn’t “spill.” You’ll notice that you’ll naturally rotate more (as opposed to lifting on the backswing), and you’ll have a better sense of balance at the top of your swing.
www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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In Play ROTATE THE PIPE
NO!
YES!
THE GOLF SWING really isn’t much of a swing to begin with. If anything, it should be called a “golf turn” or “golf rotation” since that more accurately describes what happens as we take the club back, around and down and through. When we get caught up with the term “swing,” we tend to think of motions moving up and down. For instance, look at the photos here. You’ll see I’m holding a plastic pipe that’s aligned along my spine (top left photo) and stretches all the way up the back of my head along my neck. The correct feeling you should have during the swing is a rotation around the pipe, keeping it in contact with your spine and head as you swing. The lower left photo is of me mimicking a common position I see golfers in at the top of their swing, where they dip the shoulders down and on the downswing, then lift their shoulder up and try and lift the ball upward. Notice the separation in the pipe and my lower back. That’s definitely not what you want. Give this try, and use a pipe, broom handle, paint stick, even a driver—whatever you may have laying around. Hold it as I am, with the left hand holding the top part and your right hand holding the lower. Get into your athletic stance and start the rotation back, keeping both your head and spine in contact with the pipe, and also retain the forward bend of your hips. Then do the same as you simulate the downswing, too. This feeling will help prevent you from excessively lifting or dipping through the golf swing, helping GT you to hit more consistent golf shots.
■ Wally Armstrong is a lifetime member of the PGA Tour, having competed in pro tournaments all over the world. He remains one of the country’s leading golf motivational speakers. To get more information, visit Wally’s website at wallyarmstronggolf.com.
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KEEGAN BRADLEY BY GREG BARESEL, PGA | PHOTOS BY RYAN NOLL
KEEGAN BRADLEY, RANKED 9th in the world, is one of the best drivers of the golf ball. When he sets up, he’s well balanced, bending from his pelvis with a slight knee flex and his arms hanging straight down from his shoulders. This is a setup position every type of player should try and emulate. Another reason why Keegan is averaging more than 300 yards per drive is because he takes the club back on an arc inside
the target line, which helps his body rotate more effectively. As he continues his backswing, his hips work on a slight angle, with the right hip being higher than the left hip, which helps him maintain his spine angle. As the club reaches the top of his backswing, the left knee gains flex and the right knee loses some
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flex to maximize torque and use the ground as leverage. In the sequence, notice Keegan’s connection with his left arm to his chest and how his right elbow stays in and tight to his side at the top. That’s the stuff you want for real power! Once he starts his downswing, Keegan creates a tremendous
In Play
amount of force by getting his lower body to start the motion down. Keegan then gets his left arm to pull away from his chest, which gets his right arm to extend in front of his chest. As he reaches three-quarters of the way down, the club is approaching the ball on an inside path, and he squares the face by tilting and turning his body through the shot. At impact, his hips are opening to the target, with his shoulders fairly square to give him maximum power. Another component behind his powerful swing is what Keegan does through the ball. He gets his pelvis to push
through the hitting zone and his spine fully extends with a tilt toward the ball. This is what you’ll see all long ball hitters do. His arms and club work on an arc around his body, with his legs extending to have maximum force and leverage. Keegan’s balance through the ball is perfect for finishing on the right toe and left heel. Only good things will happen from copying Keegan’s swing. Having a solid setup position and keeping a good connection through the swing by maximizing rotation will lead to a full, extended followthrough. Keegan maintains consistency by reproducing body alignments time after time. Get your body to move in the same pattern and direction, and you’ll GT start developing more power and consistency. ■ Greg Baresel, PGA, is one of the Chicago area’s top young instructors. To get more information, visit his website at golfwithgreg.com.
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JAR IT! Knock your shots stiff every time. There are more short-game tips on our website.
golftipsmag.com
MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT BY FRANK O’CONNELL, PGA | PHOTOS BY RYAN NOLL
ONE OF THE MORE common flaws I see in chipping is poor weight management. Often, I see my students try to chip by emulating miniature full swings, where they shift their weight to their right side on the backswing and then over to their left on the forwardswing. Now that may be the kind of weight management you want with a full swing,
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but with chipping, the more stable you are at setup, impact and the finish, the more likely you’re going to make crisp, consistent contact with the golf ball. To improve your chipping weight management, I recommend you keep your weight at what I call “60/40” during your chipping stroke. This means keeping 60% of your weight on your left side
and 40% on your right side from start to finish. To maximize the potential of the 60/40 swing, start with the proper setup. Play the ball in the middle to middleback of your stance, with the hands slightly in front of the golf ball. Naturally, the 60/40 swing will be a little steeper than normal, which in the case of chipping is a good thing. If you try and
In Play PERFECT PRACTICE WITH LASER PRECISION
If you artifically shift your weight back, you’ll hit the obstacle placed behind the golf ball.
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keep the club low to the ground, you’ll likely get caught up in the grass and hit a lot of fat and/or skulled chips. We don’t want that! Just remember, 60/40 doesn’t exactly mean placing a big majority of your weight on your left side. It just means a slight favoring of the left side. In the photos, it still looks like my weight is fairly evenly balanced, doesn’t it? If you overdo it and place too much weight on your left side, you’ll get too steep and/or you’ll inadvertently shift to your right side, again, causing all sorts of problems with consistent contact. A great drill to practice the 60/40 swing is to take a 2x4, headcover or even a book and place it just outside your right foot in the back of your stance. Hit a few chips, and be sure you don’t hit the wood on the backswing or on the downswing. Having that obstacle not only will steepen your swing a bit, but it will force you to keep your 60/40 weight scheme throughout the stroke. The key for better chipping is to minimize excessive weight shifting and swinging a little steeper than you’re used to. Do that, and you’ll start dialing in better chips in no time. GT
DEADAIMPUTTERS.COM
■ Frank O’Connell, PGA, teaches at Paradise Valley Golf Course in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Get more information at paradisevalleygc.com.
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TENSI
ON
RELAX
ED!
LEAD WITH THE LEFT BY MARK BEREZA, PGA PHOTOS BY RYAN NOLL
THE TOP OF THE backswing is commonly and incorrectly associated with a pulling and stretching feeling of the upper body. If I were to ask you to swing to the top of the backswing and stop, some of you would feel some major tension, maybe even to the point of holding your breath. When you have too much tension in the neck, shoulders and arms, it becomes very difficult to get in the proper position at the top and start the downswing in the proper sequence. If this sounds like you, here are some drills to release the tension in your backswing and improve your sequence. First, hold an iron in your right hand and choke up a bit to feel more of the balance of the club. Take a few backswings in front of a mirror and then switch to your leading hand (your left hand). You should see
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and feel a difference in how you turn your shoulders. Swinging with just your right hand doesn’t turn your shoulders as easily as swinging with your left hand because your left hand is connected to your lead shoulder, which happens to be the direction you swing the club. Now take your grip with both hands and open the fingers of your right hand. Be sure to maintain the connection between the left thumb and the palm of the right hand. Swing the club to the top of the backswing without closing your fingers around the grip. Try to feel that you can breathe normally, even to the point where you could whistle a tune or have a normal conversation without the tension in your chest, shoulders and arms at the top of the backswing. Your right arm should follow and fold to a position like you’re a waiter holding a tray of drinks (notice no more flying
elbow). Do this drill 10 times and then take some backswings with your regular grip, but feel that the left hand and arm are the leader and the right hand is just along for the ride. Swing the club forward and feel that your lower body leads the upper body through to the finish. Remember, for proper position in the backswing, tension is better placed in your hips and core than in your upper body. When you reach the top of your swing, your neck, shoulders and arms GT should feel relaxed. ■ Mark Bereza, PGA, teaches at the ANNIKA Academy in Orlando, Florida. Visit theannikaacademy.com.
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In Play SHORT GAME
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Keep things tight to keep your ballflight low. Use a narrower stance, tee it lower and have more shaft lean at impact.
PROSPECTIVE
R E H G HI
STROKESAVER
To hit it higher, widen your stance, add shoulder tilt and lessen your shaft lean.
HIT A HOMER BY DEREK NANNEN, PGA PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SCHROEDER
LOOK, NO MATTER where you live, if you play enough golf, you’re going to encounter some windy conditions from time to time. The key is to use the wind to your advantage and minimize the damage whenever you can. Let’s say you’re faced with a tee shot that’s straight downwind. To hit what I call the downwind “home run” tee shot and launch your tee shot high into the jet stream, here’s what you do. The key is to make some simple setup adjustments: 1) Change your tee height so the ball is perched a little higher than normal; 2) Widen your stance, but maintain the ball position relative to your left leg; it’s okay if you want to move the ball a tad forward in your stance; and 3) Add some tilt to your shoulders by dropping your right shoulder a little lower than normal. By doing these things, you’ll add more width to your swing arc, helping you to hit up on the ball. At impact, you should feel the shoulders tilting more (the right shoulder is lower), and your head position should stay well behind the ball. The real secret to hitting the home run tee shot isn’t swinging harder and attempting to lift the ball up into the sky. Instead, make these simple setup adjustments and swing as normal. With some practice, you’ll launch the ball with some added loft and hopefully less spin, resulting in a ballflight that flies high and far and lands soft. Now, let’s say you’re faced with a headwind or even a crosswind. The goal in this case is to hit a tee shot as low as possible, but still have plenty of distance. To lower the launch angle into the breeze, tee the ball lower and narrow your stance a bit. Next, you’d probably expect that I’d suggest you swing with less shoulder tilt than normal, but that’s not the case. Anytime you have
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too little shoulder tilt, you increase your chances of coming over the top and swiping down and across the golf ball. So keep your shoulder tilt normal. This goes for your head position, too. The narrow stance and lower tee height will do most of the work for you in keeping the ball lower. As you swing into impact, you should feel as though your right knee moves aggressively through and toward the target. This will help prevent you from hanging back behind the ball. Try these two tee shot setup positions the next time you play, and remember, don’t force a swing one way or another. Let the setup dictate your ballflight, not your efforts to lift or knock down the golf ball. GT
■ Derek Nannen, PGA, teaches at the Eagle Mountain Golf Academy in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Visit eaglemtn.com.
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NOW PLAYING: DEAD AIM PUTTER If you’re looking for a cutting-edge putter, consider one of our favorites for 2013. The Dead Aim Putter helps you get your eyes positioned directly over the golf ball, thanks to a 3D alignment system that combines two lines through three holes cut out on the top of the putter. Cool enough, right? That’s not all. The built-in alignment aid also serves as a housing mechanism for a laser that attaches to the putter. Obviously not legal during play, the laser is a handy training aid to help you see and feel proper face alignment. (The laser isn’t obstructed by the ball; it shines over and at the intended target.) But wait, that’s still not all! The Dead Aim Putter also comes with an optional center strike clip that attaches to the face of the putter to help you hone in on the putter’s sweetspot. Talk about a lot of technology built into a putter. We love it, and by the way, each Dead Aim Putter has a soft, buttery feel that we really like. It’s techy, but it’s got a great look, feel and sound. ($149, plus accessories, deadaimputters.com)
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NOW PLAYING: SRIXON Q-STAR Is there any better ball value out there than SRIXON’s Q-Star? The all-around rock for average golfers now features a proprietary “Spin Skin” cover coating that helps generate more greenside spin from within 30 yards of the flag. For use back from the tee box, it’s constructed to travel long and straight. The ball is best-suited for golfers with driver swing speeds of slower than 90 mph, which is most players. ($25/dozen, srixon.com)
NOW PLAYING: TAYLORMADE LETHAL Expect TaylorMade’s five-piece Lethal ball to be a surprise hit this year. We tested it in a variety of playing conditions—cold, warm, wet and dry—and found it to feel pleasantly soft while bringing plenty of life to shots. Its aerodynamic dimple pattern helps you control long shots in the wind. Plus, its ability to generate greenside backspin will help you zero in on the flag from within 100 yards. This replaces the Penta TP ball. Good thing, as it seems to offer superior performance. ($46/dozen, taylormadegolf.com)
VOLVIK Just because it’s incredibly popular with LPGA Tour pros doesn’t mean Volvik’s Vista iV ball isn’t for men. In fact, this four-piece ball might be too macho for most male golfers. It’s best for low-handicappers with driver swing speeds of 80 to 120 mph. Its dual core that consists of a soft outer layer and a hard inner core—the opposite of conventional theory—is what helps it gain you distance, while the soft cover adds greenside spin and soft feel. It’s available in five colors. ($48/dozen, volvik.com)
ODYSSEY In our eyes, Odyssey’s Versa #1 putter is a game-changer. Not only does its popular and textured “White Hot” face and silky grip help soften every putt, but its zebra-looking, “high-contrast” black-andwhite color scheme helps simplify putt alignment and the process of squaring the putter at address. Unlike many other alignment putters, its pattern isn’t visually distracting during the stroke—allowing you to key in on sinking putts. ($169, odysseygolf.com)
www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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SHOES
PUTTERS
BALLS
GRIPS
ACCESSORIES
TOUR EDGE Vanity putters are terrific, especially if your name is Scotty Cameron or Bobby Grace. So, who is David Glod, the namesake on Tour Edge’s latest Tour Proto putter? He’s the company’s president and CEO, and an outstanding golfer. As it happens, the putter’s pretty spectacular, too. The head is milled from carbon steel, which resonates a genuinely soft feel. Its face pattern decreases spin, so the ball rolls truer and straighter at your target. There are three head styles— we tested one of the Anser-style blades—and found they’re geared for better players. ($219, touredge.com)
CLEVELAND GOLF Regardless of which side of the putter anchoring ban you stand on, there’s a Cleveland Golf Classic Collection HB putter for you. It’s offered in three blades and two mallets, and the putterhead weight ranges from 340 to 360 grams. One belly model is available. It not only feels and sounds soft at impact—the result of a milled face pattern—but also while you’re holding it, thanks to a buttery Winn grip. Heel-Toe weighting increases MOI for minimal distance loss on mis-hits. It’s intended for all golfers. ($90-$130, clevelandgolf.com )
BOBBY GRACE Is that really the name? Yep. Does it work? That’s up to you to decide, but we can tell you we sure like the look of it. The onset design of the Ass Kicker features a hosel that’s attached to the rear of the putterhead pointing at the head’s center of gravity. This lends a unique look and feel to the putter that actually makes contact with the ball sooner than most of us are used to in the stroke. The putterface has an MRR (Multi-Rebound Radial) face insert with Sweet Zone technology to correct distance loss, and the unique shaft/grip is designed so the club is anchored to the arm, not the belly (which is allowed under the USGA’s proposed ban). And, by the way, the Ass Kicker is like all Bobby Grace putters, made to precision with extraordinary craftsmanship. ($350, bobbygraceputters.com)
MIURA Beautiful designs? Check. Amazing craftsmanship? Check. Pretty much everything that comes out of Miura is destined for great looks and exquisite feel. The KM-007 mallet is CNC (computer-numeric-controlled) milled into an elegant mallet shape, designed to please the eye of players looking for some heft behind the ball. Trust us, it feels as good as it looks. ($450, miuragolf.com)
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FOOTJOY There’s nothing like wearing slipper-comfortable shoes when you’re walking 18, and that’s one reason why FootJoy’s new M:PROJECT shoe excels. These lightweight wonders are flexible, yet stable. You actually feel like you’re at one with the ground while you’re swinging. We tried the cleated version on a dry, fairly flat course and found them to be noticeably outstanding in both comfort and performance. And, several golfers commented on the shoe’s cool looks, to boot. Its last allows toes to spread out—but not too much so for narrow feet. If you’re a walker, give this shoe a try. It won’t disappoint. ($145/cleated, $135/cleatless, footjoy.com)
OAKLEY It must be the year of comfort for golf shoes, and Oakley’s Carbon Pro is the poster model. At just 16 ounces, it weighs less than the average model—to keep your feet energized over a round. The lightweight carbon-fiber shank enhances your feet’s stability during your swing. Premium, soft Pittards leather uppers look and feel sleek, while the thin sole lowers your center of gravity to actually help improve your ball contact. Best of all, the insoles are nice and cushiony, and somehow prevent your feet from sliding around inside the shoe. ($200, oakley.com)
SECRET Grip
The
Nicklaus doesn’t get onboard to endorse many products, so when he does, you better pay attention. The new Secret Grip from Boccieri Golf reignites the counterbalancing trend with a 17g cap at the butt end of the grip. This raises the CG of the club, making it easier to produce smoother and more powerful golf swings. It’s also a little thicker in the lower half for better comfort and control. Oh, yeah, and you can try one for free!
JACK
($17, boccierigolf.com/secret-grip-free)
Golf training aids 4 training Aids in 1 GOLFSTR 4-in-1 Training Aid About 50% of golfers bend their leading arm in the back-swing causing slices, mishits and topped balls. GOLFSTR trains you to keep your leading arm straight in the backswing and through impact for more power and consistent hits. Best of all you can wear it while you play 18 holes as a constant reminder and watch your game improve. Mike Calbot www.golfdoctorusa.com is recommending 3 more solutions for GOLFSTR. Snug it on over your golf glove with the curved end over the knuckles for a straight or flat wrist in putting, chipping and in the back-swing. We call it the Brain Trainer or the Pocket Pro as it’s so handy to use. · One size fits all, left or right arm. · FOUR training aids for the price of 1
Dead Aim Laser Dead Aim Laser Attachment and TW-3D Dead Aim Putter $189.95 Description: The Dead Aim Laser attachment allows any golfer to verify that they aim with precision. Simply turn the laser on and snap it on top of your Dead Aim Putter to practice hitting putts with accuracy. The laser system comes with a target card to use during practice. Special Features: The Dead Aim Laser can be seen on the target card in direct sunlight, never needs calibration and is easy to use. The laser only fits the USGA conforming TW-3D mallet putter. The putter utilizes sightline technology that puts your eyes over the aim-line and body in a consistent position every time. Aim is Four times more important than stroke path and now you can have the putter and laser system that is guaranteed to improve your scores. Contact: 855-4-DeadAim or 855-433-2324 www.DeadAimPutters.com
1-855-799-9695 www.golfstr.com $29.99 (plus S&H)
The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer Sports Sensors, Inc. $149.95 Description: The SWING SPEED RADAR with TEMPO TIMER (SSRTT) measures ACTUAL TEMPO TIME from club takeaway to ball impact, as well as the SWING SPEED of the clubhead as it approaches the ball. Special Features: The SSRTT can be used by all golfers as they strive to optimize their swing mechanics for their best distance, control and accuracy. It’s used at all Jim McLean Golf Schools.
Speed Whoosh You should have prior art for us for the Power Fan and the Impact Bag. I would really like to promote the Power Fan and a new product from Momentus Golf called the Speed Whoosh if you can make it happen from the attached photo and the text at this link: http://www.momentusgolf.com/products/index.asp?id=27740 Our 800 # and website should be referenced to purchase. In other words list “Momentus Golf” as the manufacturer “available from: Golf Around the World, Inc 800-367-4279" www.GolfTrainingAids.com “ The suggested retail prices of the products are:
Contact: (888) 542-9246 www.sportssensors.com
XX 44 G O L F T I P S WWW.GOLFTIPSMAG.COM
Power Fan = $54.99 Impact Bag = $39.99 Speed Whoosh = $79.99
Medicus Power Meter
FIND OUT YOUR CLUBHEAD SPEED! The Medicus PowerMeter Gives Instant Feedback For Longer Drives! It's the easiest way to find out your Clubhead Speed! The PowerMeter comes with a built-in Military Grade Accelerometer that gives a consistent and accurate reading of your Clubhead Speed GUARANTEED! Go to: www.powermeternow.com NOW!
The Original SwingRite SwingRite, LLC. Suggested Retail Price: $149.99 (purchase on our website and get a free grip laser.) The SwingRite is one of the game’s easiest and most effective training aids any golfer can use. Simply swing it and listen for the click. If released properly, the SwingRite will click at the bottom of your swing. You can easily pinpoint and correct an early or late hand release. Making this correction will result in farther and straighter shots. Adjust the SwingRite to work on club head speed and tempo. No golfer should be without this training aid! Special Features: The SwingRite is easily adjustable for different swing speeds and tempos, allowing it to be used by men, women, and juniors of all ages and levels! The SwingRite helps identify and maintain the correct wrist angle (lag) throughout the swing for improved distance and greater accuracy. Also, work on increasing club head speed by turning the steel head to a lower number. If you are serious about improving your golf game and hitting more consistently, the SwingRite is for you. Contact: (866) 660-7387 www.SwingRite.com
Power Fan Golf Around the World, Inc. Price: $54.99 One of the easiest and most effective products for increasing distance and control available. Simply pick it up and swing it 25-30 times on alternating days, and you'll be on your way to better technique, longer drives and lower scores. The Power Fan works using air resistance. The four-finned design produces maximum resistance right as you swing through impact. Unlike weighted clubs – YOU do the work! Because the Power Fan is free-standing, it lends itself to being used and will tempt you to pick it up whenever you walk by it. No hiding in the closet for this training aid. The Fan has two sizes, men’s and ladies’ with the ladies’ fins being 2.5" narrower. The pictured men’s 6.5" blade can be used by the vast majority of players. In just 3 weeks, you will feel a difference in your swing. Special Features: Increases power and strength using air resistance. Use right- or left-handed, indoors or out. Contact: (800) FOR-GARY www.GolfTrainingAids.com
SwingWing
These 3 photos can only begin to explain why the SwingWing is such a great training aid. Grab your laptop and check out the many ways the SwingWing can help you play better golf – go to SwingWingGolf.com Special Features: It’s a wind-resistance trainer It’s a synchronization trainer It’s a balance & core trainer It’s a chipping & putting trainer It’s the best warm-up tool ever It’s inflatable & easy to stow It’s effective & easy to use It’s only $29.99 www.swingwinggolf.com info@swingwinggolf.com
WWW.GOLFTIPSMAG.COM J U L Y 2 0 1 3
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BAGS
BALLS
GRIPS
APPAREL
YOU TOTALLY DESERVE A FRICTIONLESS GOLF TEE
TITLEIST
OGIO
Brush-t Delivers More Distance, Greater Accuracy, and a Consistent Tee Height. Independently Tested. CONFORMS TO USGA & R&A RULES
Your gear will stay dry in OGIO’s waterproof AquaTech stand bag that’s made of “hydrophobic dynamic” materials. Weighing only 4.2 pounds, it boasts heat-welded pockets that eliminate water seepage, a stainresistant fabric and a 10-inch, six-way top that comfortably holds your entire set of clubs. A valuables pocket is lined with waterproof fleece, as well. The legs glide open and close with ease. Truth be told, they had us at waterproof. ($249, ogio.com)
What’s new this year with the Pro V1 and Pro V1x? Both balls have a softer feel than previous models, and according to Titleist, added durability, as well. Titleist calls the new technology “ZG Tech,” which allows for a softer core that, in addition to providing a softer feel, actually helps promote a more controlled, lower-spin ballflight with the longer clubs. The cover has been spruced up, too, with a new Elastomer and paint that are designed to last longer and stay whiter. The Pro V1 features a 352-dimple pattern, and the lower-launching, lower-spin Pro V1x has a 328-dimple pattern. Both balls are out now. ($47/dozen, titleist.com)
Independently dently Tested.
TM
Brush-t Delivers * More Distance, Greater Accuracy, and a Consistent Tee Height. www.brusht.com 1-800-725-1133
©2011 Bonfit America Inc.
PLUS! FREE SHIPPING! ON SELEC CT ITEMS USA AND CANADA
AS SEEN ON
TV
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IOMIC IOMIC Art Grip Series Opus1 Putter Grips feature a special marble coloring process to create a stylish, unique pattern on each grip. The ergonomic design of these grips provides the feel and control necessary for increased confidence on the putting green. Art Grip Series Opus1 Putter Grips feature the revolutionary “IOMAX” technology, a proprietary compound that provides a soft feel with control. This material provides adhesiveness, is water- and friction-resistant, and is naturally white in color, which allows for a full spectrum of color—IOMIC’s signature trait. ($17, iomicusa.com)
CHASE54 Chase54 is an apparel brand that’s new to golf. We’ve tried plenty of rain jackets that make minimal noise during the swing, but the Clayton is library-quiet. It’s also roomy inside for freedom of movement. And it’s ever-so-comfortable—soft polyester fleece lining keeps you warm, while external waterresistant polyester-nylon keeps you dry. It’s offered in two contrasting black-and-white versions, both of which feature red piping and zippers. ($169, chase54.com)
ACCESSORIES
MOBIPLEX We’ve tried several mobile phone swing analyzers, which provide you with instant feedback, jaw-dropping graphics and detailed information about your swing. Some are frankly laborious to figure out. Not the SwingTIP from Mobiplex. It’s simple to use, straight from the box. Download the free app to your phone, clip the tiny, one-ounce sensor to your club’s shaft, sync the Bluetooth and then swing away. It shows you an animation of your swing, along with your clubhead speed, swingpath, clubface angle at impact, tempo and impact location. Plus, it stores your stats and trends, and offers video tips. ($130, mobiplex.com)
axis1 Center of Gravity
Perfect Balance”Torque Free Putters”
Center of Gravity
T2HOLE GOLF Need a total game makeover? The T2Hole Golf Improvement System has all the tools you need to get your golf swing back on track—literally. Stance, alignment and swingpath can be refined and custom-fit to help you best fine-tune your stroke. It comes with a Putter Guide to help you feel and repeat a more accurate putting stroke. Buy it now, and you’ll also get an instructional DVD featuring popular instructor Denis Pugh. ($149, t2hole.com)
50%
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#NoAnchorRequired
Axis1golf.com www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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WE TRIED IT:
CLEVELAND XL CUSTOM DRIVER BY RYAN NOLL
IN AN EFFORT to help golfers like you and me find the perfect trajectory for our tee shots, virtually every major equipment manufacturer has hopped aboard the adjustability bandwagon. Here at Golf Tips, we think that’s great news, since having an adjustable-head driver opens the door for more golfers to do a whole bunch of fun things off the tee—all without having to make drastic swing changes. The latest driver we tried that features adjustability is the all-new Cleveland Classic XL Custom. Many of you may remember the retro-inspired Classic driver from last year, and the new Classic XL Custom is a later version of the same club, only this time with a slick new paint job, some design modifications and some really cool adjustability options.
The Setup On paper, the Classic XL Custom driver features an adjustable hosel that allows for up to 12 different face angles and loft and lie angle configurations. I tried a 9-degree base model (there are also 7.5- and 12-degree models) with Miyazaki’s JDL graphite shaft, which happens to be designed specifically for adjustable drivers (more on that later). In addition to the adjustable hosel, this driver also has a removable weight port in the rear section of the sole that accommodates a 3-gram, 7-gram and 11-gram weight for different swing weight configurations. I tried the 7-gram weight. At first glance, I missed the gold/crimson color of last year’s Classic driver, but I quickly was swayed by the beautiful, polished black finish and gold markings on the face that helped make it easier to square the ball behind the sweet spot at address. There’s also a very faint alignment dot above the sweet spot on the crown, which is a little hard to see, even in direct sunlight. Furthermore, Cleveland claims this driver to have the largest and deepest face in golf (actual face area is 7.32 inches), making it crazy easy to hit solid drives. Finally, as mentioned, I tried the Miyazaki JDL graphite shaft that’s specifically designed to perform consistently no matter how it’s oriented in the clubhead. Like all Miyazaki shafts, it comes in a wide array of flex profiles to accommodate virtually every type of player looking for a mid-launch.
The Performance The first thing I did was swing the club in the “Square” position and get a feel for a base trajectory and face angle. Out of the box, I was relieved to find that the XL Custom retained the sound, feel and flight I loved so much about the original Classic driver from last year. That said, there were a few differences, however, none in the negative direction. When compared to the original Classic driver of the same loft, the XL Custom seemed to produce a more penetrating ballflight than last year’s stick. So, by way of a practical, real-world comparison, I contend that the XL Custom is longer than the original Classic driver, thanks to a better weighting scheme and a shaft that really delivers a mid-height ballflight. And, that’s all before even taking the torque wrench out of the bag. Now, onto the really interesting part. The adjustability of the XL Custom driver allows up to 12 different configurations, which is probably more than any of us need, but it certainly helps in fitting more swing and player types. The 12 settings are arranged by face angle denotations and cleverly viewed by the “window” on the 4 8 G O L F T I P S www.golftipsmag
hosel. When the club is set to “Square” the face is square with the club’s standard loft. As you adjust toward “L” the face closes, to “R” the face opens, and past “L” and “R” the face opens and closes relative to a more upright setting. (Upright settings are great for chronic slicers, by the way.) What’s not marked on the adjustable hosel are the changes in loft that occur when you adjust the face angle. Luckily, the handy pocket guide that comes with the driver illustrates in detail exactly what’s happening. In brief, the more you close the face angle, the greater your loft; the more open you go, the lower the loft. I started by making adjustments slowly, first, by opening the face angle by 0.75 degrees and again by 1.5 degrees. In both instances, I saw significantly lower ballflights with some fade bias. I then went back to the “Square” setting to readjust, then ratcheted the face angle toward the “L.” I not only saw higher launches, but also some serious draw bias. For you naysayers who think that adjustability is marketing hype, we’re here to tell you it isn’t, especially with the XL Custom. I was pleased to find that each setting had a unique look at address and each produced varying ballflights. My only criticism, and it’s a moot point, by the way, is the torque wrench itself. It’s a square shape, which took a little wiggling to get it into the screw. It’s awkward at first, but after a couple tries, I had it figured out. Also, the screw sticks to the wrench, thanks to a small ball bearing on the tool’s tip. I actually panicked the first time I removed the screw, thinking I had dropped it in the grass. But there it was, still on the torque wrench. Whew.
On The Course Hitting several hundred balls in a controlled environment is one thing, actually using the driver on the course is completely different. I set the driver for 0.75 degrees open and proceeded to the first tee, knowing that according to the rules I had to stick with that setting the whole round. Before I tell you how that went, it’s my opinion that when you have an adjustable club, it’s imperative to let the club do the shot-shaping work for you. With my old driver that has a square face angle, any attempt to hit a fade or draw was a conscious act that I did with my swing. But with an adjustable driver, if it’s set up to hit a draw or a fade, the key is to swing normally and let it happen and not force anything. I happened to do just that off the first tee, and to my delight, hit a towering fade that split the fairway. Ahhh. And, while much is said about how this driver is both long and the adjustability really works, it’s worth mentioning that this driver is also incredibly forgiving on mis-hits. There’s one caveat to adjustable drivers that I think better players (not that I consider myself one, but there was a time when I was) will notice, however. When you tinker with a driver to accommodate a certain ballflight, it becomes more difficult to make adjustments to your trajectory when you need to. For instance, if I set my driver to hit fades, on the rare occasion where I do need to hit a draw, it becomes more difficult for me. Now, that may not be true for everyone, but for me, both physically and mentally, I have a hard time defying my driver setup and hitting a shot that the hosel configuration isn’t designed for. Remember, that’s just one man’s opin-
ion. With an open-face angle, I can barely hit a draw. Maybe it’s just me.
The Conclusion The Classic XL Custom is a fantastic new driver. The adjustability feature produces all sorts of different trajectories, and the look, feel and sound all cater to my taste. The minor criticisms I have (the faint dot on the crown and unusual torque wrench) pale in comparison to how this driver performs. The JDL shaft I tried performed nicely, too; however, for my swingspeed, I might have opted for a slightly stiffer and heavier model than the one I tried. I made a few swings that I feel overpowered the shaft a bit. Adjustability aside, I was amazed at how well my good drives performed, usually with a midheight trajectory (which is lower than my experience with last year’s driver) with moderate to low spin rates. Even more impressive were my mis-hits, which managed to fly relatively straight with some impressive distance. And, by the way, because it’s a deep face design, I found my best drives to come from teeing the ball a little higher than I would with other drivers that have shallower face areas. Look for this driver to be a hit GT in 2013. It was with me.
SPECS Loft: 9° Shaft/Grip: Miyazaki JDL Graphite Shaft (6X Flex), 45 inches, midsized Tour Wrap 2Gen grip Favorite Setting: 0.75 degrees open Options: Also available in a huge variety of shafts, including Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki Tour and Matrix Ozik Black Tie graphite shafts Price: $349 MSRP More Information: clevelandgolf.com www.golftipsmag.com M A Y 2 0 1 3
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DRIVERS STEP INTO IT
BY ZACH ALLEN, PGA
Vijay Singh does this drill before all of his tee shots, which will help ignite your kinematic chain (sequence of events in the downswing). To maximize your potential for the greatest possible clubhead speed, you must initiate your downswing with your lower body. The sequence of movement in a powerful swing is a lot like shifting gears in a race car from first to second to third, fourth and then fifth. We must do the same in the golf swing—you can’t jump gears in an effort to get to fifth gear quicker. The downswing begins with your feet, then knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands and, finally the club-
head is given speed from the proper kinematic sequence. Most overthe-toppers do it wrong from the beginning of the downswing, initiating with a spinning of the shoulders, forcing them to swing across the ball, with nothing but weak, glancing contact. The “Step Into It” drill helps you get your sequencing correct. To do it, take a backswing and lift your left leg as you reach the top. Then, as you start the downswing, plant it down and swing through. Do this a few times before the next tee shot that you really want to rip.
WHAT DOES 2013 HAVE IN STORE? If you thought color was just a passing fad, think again. It’s back in 2013, in greater varieties than before. Also, a hot feature in many new drivers is an adjustable hosel that accommodates not only a wide variety of face angles, but lofts, as well. It’s safe to assume that the chasm between Tour-player equipment and stuff for the rest of us is getting narrower, as these adjustable drivers show it’s possible to have one driver that fits all. Check ’em out.
GOLF TIPS LEGEND
Editors’ Pick
Great Buy
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Distance Forgiveness Beauty & Supreme Brawn Driven
Players’ Choice
Versatile Wonder
IMPROVE! If you want to improve quickly, look no further than our website for instant tips and drills! Check us out at
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Alignment All-Star
Unsung Hero
Trendsetter
1. ACER XS Titanium
BUYER’S GUIDE
$109
Key Feature: The aerodynamic crown and deep face combine to produce some serious forgiveness across more of the clubface. Meaning, mis-hits fly straighter and farther. Who It’s For: Budget-minded golfers who know that you don’t have to pay big bucks for an outstanding driver. Really, this a great value for what you get. Wow Factor: Awesome price point and solid performance. Specs: Comes in three lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 12°) with a stock shaft and grip, or more than 75 shafts and 100 grips to choose from. hirekogolf.com
2. ADAMS Speedline SUPER S
$350
Key Feature: An adjustable-loft driver with aerodynamics that prioritize distance. The matte-white crown and contrasting black face is a visual dream at address. The sweet spot? It, too, is enormous. It’s already apparent that TaylorMade is influencing its newest brand acquisition. Who It’s For: Distance gluttons, and who want to adjust the trajectory of their tee bombs for any reason they choose. Wow Factor: Adjustable lofts are an awesome idea. We love... Specs: One head, three lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°) with a Matrix Radix S 50g graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com
3. ADAMS Speedline SUPER LS
$450
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Key Feature: An adjustable loft, length and lie angle lets you fine-tune your trajectory and spin, instantly. Really folks, what more do you want? Also, the low and deep CG maximized gear effect for a penetrating loft. Stop it, Adams, you’re making golf too easy! (We’re kidding, of course.) Who It’s For: Tinkerers who are only happy with perfect tee shots that fly exactly how they want. Wow Factor: Pretty much everything, except the bigger price. Specs: One head, three lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage 60g graphite shaft. adamsgolf.com
4. BOBBY JONES Lexus Pearl
$349
Key Feature: A Japanese-style, Beta-Ti cupface (which is a face that isn’t an insert, but actually one piece that “cups” around the entire clubface and part of the body). Who It’s For: If you’re a fan of innovative club design, then the latest from Jesse Ortiz will have you very pleased. The club’s face angle can be adjusted from square, to closed or extra closed. Wow Factor: The aerodynamic crown slope looks awesome. Specs: Comes in 9°, 10.5° or 12.75° lofts with a Graphite Design G-Series or G-Series Superlite graphite shaft. bobbyjones.com
5. CALLAWAY RAZR Fit Xtreme
$399-$449
Key Feature: The “Speed Frame” clubface has a huge sweet spot that generates a higher ball speed across more surface area. The adjustable hosel allows you to tune shot shape and trajectory. Oh, yeah, it has a Forged Composite crown for a ridiculously low center of gravity. Who It’s For: Everybody who wants a forgiving/long driver. Wow Factor: Callaway has a new focus, new energy and more momentum than in previous years. This driver proves it. Specs: Comes in a huge variety of shafts and five different lofts (8.5, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13.5°). Custom paint also available. callawaygolf.com
6. CALLAWAY X HOT
$299
Key Feature: The X HOT also has a “Speed Frame” clubface with a huge sweet spot for added forgiveness and distance. Speaking of, this club was built for distance, with its all-titanium design and Ultra Thin Wall Casting. Oh, yeah, it has OptiFit hosel for face and loft tweaking. Who It’s For: Golfers who want a powerful, hard-hitting, maxed-out distance driver. Also available in a neutral Pro model. Wow Factor: The longest driver from Callaway. Ever. Whoa! Specs: Comes in a huge variety of shafts and four different lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13.5°). callawaygolf.com
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DRIVERS
7. CALLAWAY X Hot LD Pro
$279
Key Feature: With a new partnership between Callaway and the Long Drivers of America, one would expect a driver to follow suit. The X HOT LD Pro has the same performance benefits of the original X HOT, but in lower lofts. Also comes with a COG sleeve to adjust face and loft. Who It’s For: Bombers who want a crack at becoming the next World Long Drive Champion. Wow Factor: We always get excited about long drive competitions. Having Callaway in the mix just upped the ante. Specs: Comes in 5° and 7°, clubhead only. (LH in 7° clubhead) callawaygolf.com
8. CLEVELAND Classic XL Custom
$330
Key Feature: The new Classic XL Custom has up to 12 different clubface angle settings, as well as a weight port for even more fine-tuning. That aside, we love the sleek black paint job (even though we miss last year’s retro looks) and the deep face clubhead design. Who It’s For: It’s for any type of golfer looking for the optimal blend of power, forgiveness and adjustability. Wow Factor: Top-notch aesthetics, feel and performance. Specs: Comes in three lofts (7.5°, 9°, 10.5°) in a variety of Miyazaki shafts. Nonadjustable version also available. clevelandgolf.com
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9. CLEVELAND CG Black
$299
Key Feature: The sleek, ultralight CG Black driver has the makings of a top-secret weapon. Best used by swings of less than 95 mph (most of us), the all-black CG Black driver is made to increase one’s swingspeed for added distance. Heck, it only weighs 265 grams, so no wonder it’s so fast! We love those Miyazaki shafts, as well. Who It’s For: Golfers who want more swing speed. Wow Factor: Lightweight never looked and felt so good. Specs: Comes in three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°) with a Miyazaki C. Kua 39 graphite shaft. (LH available) clevelandgolf.com
10. COBRA AMP Cell $375/$325 offset version
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Key Feature: Its loft can be adjusted to six different settings, while the sole’s SmartPad is a stationary bulge that’s shaped to square the face at address, regardless of the loft setting. Comes in four colors, too. Who It’s For: Golfers who want Rickie Fowler-like swagger to go with their long-hitting tee shots. Wow Factor: Blue, orange, red or silver. We like ’em all. In fact, we hope the color trend continues. Specs: One clubhead for up to six lofts (8.5°/9.5°/9.5° Draw, 10.5°/10.5° Draw, 11.5°) with a Fujikura Fuel graphite shaft. cobragolf.com
11. COBRA AMP Cell Pro
$399
Key Feature: Has a slightly smaller head than the non-Pro version, and a shaft that’s a half-inch shorter. Like its sister club, its loft can be tweaked six ways, and the SmartPad sole keeps the face square at address. Who It’s For: Better players who want forgiveness, distance and adjustability to coincide with tee-ball shotmaking. Wow Factor: Comes in stylish white or bold orange. We only wish it came in blue and red, too! Specs: One clubhead for up to six lofts (7.5°/8.5°/8.5° Fade, 9.5°/9.5° Fade, 10.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage graphite shaft. cobragolf.com
12. FOURTEEN GOLF CT-112
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$799
Key Feature: The four-piece composite titanium clubhead includes a crown that’s chemically milled thin, along with a multilayered cupface. The proprietary graphite shaft is 47 inches long; however, it’s designed with extra stability to offset the added length and clubhead speed. Who It’s For: Golfers who want serious craftsmanship. Wow Factor: Big price, but it delivers big drives. Specs: Two lofts (9°, 10.5°), with a proprietary CS-001d graphite shaft. fourteengolf.com
13. KRANK Rage
BUYER’S GUIDE
$299
Key Feature: Designed for long drive competitors (and used by reigning world champ Ryan Winther), the Rage driver is built for pure power and stability. The deep Tri-Forged Hyper Beta Ti face is lighter and faster for LDA-like distance. Who It’s For: Truthfully, it’s a long driver’s club, but with so many lofts and configurations, it’s actually playable for anyone, regardless of skill level. Comes in white or black. Wow Factor: We were blown away at how forgiving it is! Specs: Seven lofts (4°, 5°, 6°, 7.5°, 9°, 10.5°, 12°) in three different Aldila shafts, in human and superhuman flexes. krankgolf.com
14. MIZUNO JPX-825
$299
Key Feature: A square face angle, deep titanium clubhead and thin crown create a low CG to help the ball launch high and spin less. Its variable CORTECH face thickness aims to boost ball speed for longer, more consistent drives. Who It’s For: Golfers who appreciate Mizuno’s commitment to quality clubmaking, and who want a seriously straighthitting driver. Wow Factor: Among the most stable drivers we’ve tried. Specs: Two lofts (9.5°, 10.5°) with a Fujikura Orochi Blue Eye 55 shaft. mizunousa.com
15. NIKE VR_S Covert
$299-$399
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Key Feature: Adjustable loft and face angle provides 15 combinations in one clubhead. “High Speed Cavity Back” technology borrowed from the company irons aims to add distance and control. Variable face thickness raises the sweet spot to high in the center, right where we like it. Who It’s For: Everyone, however better players will like the Tour version that’s smaller and has a fixed weight screw. Wow Factor: A cavity-back driver? That’s pretty sweet. Specs: One clubhead for five lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 12.5°) with an MRC Kuro Kage graphite shaft. nikegolf.com
16. PING Anser
$440
Key Feature: PING’s first-ever adjustable driver lets you tune one clubhead to three lofts to optimize your launch conditions. You can also choose one of four standard shafts that vary in weight, stiffness profile, and the ball trajectory they generate. Who It’s For: All player types. Literally. Everyone! Wow Factor: Adjustability and PING’s reputation for quality. Specs: Base lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°), with choice of PING TFC 800D, Aldila RIP Phenom 50, Fujikura Blur Red 005 or MRC Diamana ‘ahina 70 shaft. ping.com
17. PING G25
$385
Key Feature: A deep and forgiving clubhead that can be adjusted to plus or minus one-half degree from the base loft. The ultrathin crown distributes weight to the perimeter, positions the CG low and deep and increases the MOI. Who It’s For: Bubba Watson and all golfers who want serious distance and forgiveness with added adjustability. Wow Factor: PING bills it as its largest-profile, most forgiving head design. We’re sold. Again. Kudos, PING. Specs: Comes in four base lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10°, 12°) with PING TFC 189 graphite shaft options. (LH available) ping.com
18. PING i20
$299
Key Feature: Two strategically placed tungsten sole weights in the 460cc titanium head help position the CG low and deep and ramp up the MOI. It’s a forgiving clubface that mid- to low-handicappers can benefit from. Name one good player who doesn’t want to hit long, accurate drives? We can’t. Who It’s For: Golfers who like to hit long workable drives. Wow Factor: Not new, but it’s so good we had to include it. Specs: Comes in three lofts (8.5°, 9.5° and 10°) and two stock shaft options. (LH available) ping.com
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19. POWERBILT Air Force One
DRIVERS
$249
Key Feature: The only nitrogen-filled clubhead in golf. What does it do? Eliminates the need for internal bracing. That, plus its extremely thin face (2.8mm), adds up to crazylong drives. Also features a face that’s five millimeters taller than the previous iteration. This increase creates a more square face and reduces ball spin for better drives. Wow Factor: Nice price and a mid-high launch. We dig it. Who It’s For: Distance seekers who don’t want to drop a ton of money on their next big stick. Specs: Comes with a proprietary Fujikura shaft. powerbilt.com
20. POWER GOLF/ADAMS Speedline 9032LD$299 Key Feature: Made by Adams Golf, exclusively for Sellinger’s Power Golf, the 9032LD is geared for pure power. The deep face design and low lofts (which can be bent even lower) allow for some astonishingly long tee balls. Who It’s For: Long drivers and would-be long drivers. Wow Factor: If it’s associated with Art Sellinger, you can bet it’s a top-notch driver that delivers massive results. Specs: Comes in white heads in 5.5° -7.5° (custom lofts available), with or without a graphite shaft. sellingerspowergolf.com
21. POWER PLAY Warp Speed Driver
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$109
Key Feature: The Warp Speed (we love that name) has a CAD-designed, aerodynamic shape for less wind drag and a faster clubhead speed. Although only 440cc, it still packs as much punch as any 460cc driver we’ve seen. Who It’s For: Any skill level who wants a driver that’s so aggressively priced, you may as well buy two! It holds up in performance, too, in case you were wondering. It’s long... Wow Factor: Talk about bang for the buck! Literally! Specs: Comes in three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°) with a stock graphite shaft or virtually any type of custom option. hirekogolf.com
22. TAYLORMADE R1
$399
Key Feature: Independently adjustable loft, face angle and weights—there are 168 combinations. Okay, that’s just the beginning. Add some killer graphics on the crown for alignment (there’s still plenty of white, too). Who It’s For: Trust us. The same driver used by Dustin Johnson can and should be used by a weekend hacker. Wow Factor: TaylorMade is so creative, they don’t even have a box to think outside of. This is their best yet. Specs: One clubhead with up to 12 loft configurations and an Aldila RIP Phenom graphite shaft. taylormadegolf.com
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23.TAYLORMADE RocketBallz Stage 2 $299-$349 Key Feature: Adjustable loft helps dial in the best trajectory, while weight up front in the clubhead adds 10 yards to the distance of last year’s RBZ driver. No, we’re not kidding. Who It’s For: Everyone who likes the power of the RBZ fairway woods will want this driver to match. Wow Factor: Add 10 yards to last year’s driver, folks. Wow! Specs: One clubhead adjusts to three lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, HL) with a Fujikura Rocket Fuel 50g graphite shaft. There’s a Tour version available, too. taylormadegolf.com
24. TITLEIST 913 D2
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$399
Key Feature: A high-speed, forged face insert and an optimal CG location, maximizing distance potential, combine for serious stability and forgiveness. The D2 is slightly larger than the D3 and more traditionally shaped, with slight draw bias. Who It’s For: This is the first driver in a long time from Titleist that we feel is truly designed for all types of players. Wow Factor: We like how the adjustability for a finely tuned launch works. So simple and clean. Specs: Five lofts (7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°), choice of assorted Mitsubishi Diamana +Plus graphite shafts or assorted Aldila RIP graphite shafts. titleist.com
25. TITLEIST 913 D3
BUYER’S GUIDE
$399
Key Feature: A high-speed, forged face insert in a traditional pear-shaped clubhead. The CG is closer to the face than the D2, making it more workable. It too has adjustable ballflight capabilities in a simple, no-nonsense hosel. Who It’s For: Moderate to better players. Wow Factor: It’s the best Titleist driver we’ve tried. Ever. Specs: Four lofts (7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°), choice of Mitsubishi Diamana +Plus White 72 (low launch), Mitsubishi Diamana +Plus Blue 62 (mid-launch), Aldila RIP Phenom 70 (low-mid launch) and Aldila RIP Alpha 60 (lower-mid launch). titleist.com
26. TOUR EDGE Bazooka HT MAX-D
$150
Key Feature: With aerodynamic shaping, this lightweight driver features a sloped crown—collectively speeding up the club through impact for more distance. Its deep face enlarges the sweet spot for more forgiveness. Who It’s For: Golfers with faster swing speeds and who want a lower spin rate and modest trajectory. Wow Factor: Now that’s a price we all can love. Add this driver to the most-bang-for-your-buck list. Specs: Four lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°, 15°) with an Aldila NV 50 graphite shaft. touredge.com
27. TOUR EDGE BackDraft GT+
$100
Key Feature: Made of a titanium-scandium alloy with a high strength-to-weight ratio, but with a similar sound and feel as titanium. It aims to be forgiving on mis-hits, and its lowdeep CG helps get the ball airborne. Who It’s For: Budget-minded golfers who want a great driver with money left over to spend on drinks and hot dogs. Wow Factor: Is this a trick? Can there be yet another superaffordable driver from Tour Edge this year? Wowsers! Specs: Two lofts (9.5°, 10.5°) with a Tour Edge BackDraft GT+ graphite shafts touredge.com
28. TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XCG6
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Key Feature: Each clubhead adjusts to four face angle/loft settings, while the heel-toe weighting generates plenty of stability for better distance. Variable face thickness translates to more distance, even on off-center hits. Who It’s For: All player types, especially those who want to hit long and straight drives. Er, that’s everyone, right? Wow Factor: The XCG line has been impressing us for a while. But the new XCG6 is even better. Way better, actually. Specs: Three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°), in choice of Matrix Ozik HD 5.1, Matrix Ozik HD 6.1 or Graphite Design Tour AD 40 shaft. touredge.com
29. WILSON STAFF D-100
$299
Key Feature: Lightweight components for a total club weight at just 269 grams translates to plenty of swing speed. Variable thickness in the clubface makes for a large sweet spot, and the deep CG helps get the ball airborne quickly. Who It’s For: Anyone seeking more distance off the tee. Wow Factor: The “Right Light” technology makes it a cinch to add clubhead speed, without having to change your swing or your physique. Specs: Comes in three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°) with Matrix Ozik shafts. Available in LH. wilsonstaff.com
30. ZERO FRICTION ZFAdvantage Driver $199 Key Feature: Oversized alpha-titanium body combined with a beta-titanium face. This unique ZFAdvantage driver also features a tungsten-copper weight placed at the back of the sole, helping the ball elevate from the face. Who It’s For: Value-minded golfers of all skill levels who are looking for a well-priced driver. Wow Factor: Great price and underrated performance. Specs: Comes in either black or white heads with 9.5° and 10.5° lofts with Zero Friction high-modulus low-resin graphite shafts and ZFAdvantage Premium Grips. zerofriction.com
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DRIVERS
DETERMINING YOUR
SET MAKEUP You need to have a distinct set makeup, one that saves your swing and game. Remember that what works best for your friend may not necessarily function for you. So how do you pin down the right combination of woods, hybrids, irons and wedges that’s most ideal for you? “My best advice is to first get a custom-fitting session from a PGA professional,” says Jerry King, PGA, director of instruction at Kapalua Golf Academy in Lahaina, Hawaii, and one of America’s top instructors. “This is the first and most important domino in the process. A quality clubfitting will guide you through all of the necessary steps to arrive at a set unique to your personal requirements and preferences.” A fitting will determine the proper shaft model, length and flex; clubhead lie angle; driver loft; iron clubhead type; grip type and size; wedge lofts and bounces; and the most effective, efficient club mix for your set. You might even score some quality swing tips along the way. For new golfers, King suggests a two-hour session. “The first half is spent building a solid setup and swing specifically designed for that player,” says King. “This gives us a positive head start to the fitting process, so when it’s time to begin the clubfitting, the golfer’s warmed up and dialed in with strong fundamentals. This makes the fitting process much easier and more 5 6 G O L F T I P S www.golftipsmag.com
productive toward getting accurate fit specifications.” You’ll discover in a fitting session which clubs you hit better than others, which clubs you don’t need and which are essential. The pro will help you figure that out and optimize the set so it gives you the most possible enjoyment and the best odds for success. King emphasizes that many newcomers don’t even need a full set while they’re learning the game. In addition to clubfitting, you can visit any major club brand’s website for interactive experiences that can help with set building and pricing. You might
By Scott Kramer also spend some time perusing golf shops and testing some clubs to see what feels and looks good to you. “The club-finding process is a lot easier if you have a plan,” says Grant Rogers, PGA, director of instruction at the world-renowned Bandon (Ore.) Dunes Golf Resort, who’s adamant that hybrid clubs be part of your plan—no matter your skill level. “They’re easier to hit than long irons, and fairway woods with lofts less than 15 degrees are excellent for hitting shots out of playable rough and long bunker shots, and can make short shots around the green easier if you struggle with chipping.” Have your clubfitter work out distance gapping with you, to decide which hybrid lofts best fit your game. Speaking of distance gapping, you’ll also need to consider that with your wedges because they’re key to scoring. Most players utilize either a three- or four-wedge mix, with the lofts appropriately gapped. Again, a clubfitter can determine which mix works optimally for you, taking into account the course you typically play and the shots you need there. Still, King advises, “It’s very important to determine what wedge shape and grind best fit your style of play—wide or narrow sole, high or low bounce, bounce toward trailing or leading edge, etc.” The right combination will help make GT you a lot better.
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In Play BACKSPIN
10 IN 10 YEARS BY STAN MERCER
I WALKED AWAY from the game a little over 10 years ago. Before then, I used to spend almost all my time at a golf course, both for work and play. In fact, I used to play at least two to three times a week between shifts manning the golf shop (as an assistant professional) and running tournaments. Safe to say, I was a golf nut, and it consumed the better part of my existence. But, as life sometimes changes (two kids!), so did my priorities. I took an unplanned escape from golf, spanning 10 years of my life, not knowing if golf would ever be part of my life again. Well, golf has a funny way of creeping back into our lives, even after a huge layoff like I had. Recently, I’ve found myself falling in love with golf all over again. But the golf I’m rekindling with today is far and above the golf I used to play 10 years ago. So, I called my friend (who happens to edit this magazine) and told him that I thought it would be interesting to write about 10 things I’ve noticed that have really changed since as little as 10 years ago. He took the bait, and I put together a list of 10 things that have blown my mind since coming back to the game of golf. THE BALL. Ten years ago, I was playing a Titleist Professional. It was a good ball, but I can get the same feel, workability and spin now with half a dozen brands—that are even more durable—and go 25 yards farther.
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DRIVER SIZE. Obviously, heads are bigger; 360cc was a big-headed driver 10 years ago, whereas now, most hover in the 440cc-460cc range. But shaft technology, face technology and the ability to customize the driver to the golfer have been part of a fascinating revolution in the last few years, and the new driver I have today is the club that has changed my game the most.
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IRON DISTANCES. My 7-iron from 10 years ago is now an 8-iron—no kidding. At 37 º of loft, it has the exact same loft as a current 8-iron (both Titleist models). No wonder everyone hits it farther than me now.
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MARKETING. As I was getting out of golf, club and ball models lasted for more than a season. This doesn’t appear to be the case anymore. Call it planned obsolescence, if you want, but the advancements in technology are introduced at a staggering rate, really making some parts of the game unrecognizable from a decade ago.
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COURSE CONDITIONING. This may not be universal, but in revisiting my old haunts, I found that greens are generally firmer and a lot smoother than they used to be. Many updates have occurred to a number of courses I used to play with regard to fairway and greenside bunkers, as well. But the number-one difference has to be new tees—set back a lot farther.
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GREENS FEES. Pleasantly, this one was a bit of a surprise for me when I returned to the game after a 10-year absence. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that the recession of 2008 occurred in the middle of my break, but nonetheless, it was nice to come back expecting to see prices substantially higher and find out that good golf was still affordable.
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BELLY PUTTERS. Ten years ago, nobody putted with a belly putter because they wanted to; it was an admission of defeat against the short putter and the yips. Now, it’s not only cool, but it’s making a lot of guys a lot of putts (although I’m not one of them). We’ll see what happens with the bickering between the USGA and the PGA Tour.
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INSTRUCTION. Golf instruction has come a long way in the past 10 years. We had video way back then, but sharing it was harder. Now you can match good video, instruction and researched technique to ground your game in solid fundamentals that work for you. So, why hasn’t the average handicap changed in the same 10 years?
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TOUR MONEY. A million-dollar winner’s check was a big deal 10 years ago. It’s mind-boggling to me that almost every Tour stop now sees a winner pocket a million-plus. I remember when Greg Norman topped the million-dollar mark for the first time—in a season! Today, that’s barely scraping by.
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SPIKELESS SHOES. I remember having spikeless shoes available before I got out of golf and a couple of courses were considering making them mandatory, but there were still a lot of guys wearing spikes at munis and on Tour. They’re nonexistent now. I think where I notice the biggest impact is while watching TV. I’m blown away at how well the ball rolls on Tour courses and the unbelievable make percentages from five feet and in by guys like Luke Donald as a result. GT
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GOLF TIPS® (ISSN: 1051-7758)—VOL. 25, NO. 2—is published monthly in April, May, June, July and August by Werner Publishing Corp. Executive, editorial and advertising offices: 12121 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1176, (310) 820-1500. Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, Calif., and additional mailing offices. Single-copy price—$4.99. Annual subscription in U.S., Possessions, A.P.O./F.P.O.—$21.97; Canada/ foreign—$36.97, including postage and taxes. Payable in U.S. funds. For orders, changes of address and all other customer service requests, phone toll-free (800) 283-4640. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GOLF TIPS, Box 37857, Boone, IA 50037-0857. Canada Post Publications Mail Class Agreement No. 1559745.
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