GOLF GUIDE
ustin Penner excels at and loves hockey, but he has other passions. Comedy. Golf. Golf. Also, golf. Yes, the message we’re trying to convey is that Penner loves to get on the links as often as possible. The 30-year-old Los Angeles Kings left winger, a Manitoba native who now lives in southern California year-round, first began playing golf seriously at 12 and already has graced the greens of courses all over North America, including the prestigious L.A. Country Club. “I’ve played a lot of great courses.” Penner says. “If I wasn’t an NHL player and I was as passionate about golf as I am about hockey, I’d be pretty satisfied with the courses I’ve played in my lifetime.” A frequent player in summer Pro-Am tournaments, Penner uses the U.S. Golf Association’s handicapping system and last registered a 7.1. He’s played with
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fellow NHLers Joffrey Lupul and Scottie Upshall, and current teammate Brad Richardson, but he’s also had an up-close view of real experts – like PGA regular Brendan Steele – and is in awe of what they do. “Lupul, Upshall, Shane O’Brien and I played with Brendan and you just become spectators,” Penner says. “I wish everyone could play with a PGA pro to see how incredible they are at the game. These guys can put down a quarter anywhere and repeatedly drop the ball on it.” Penner’s best round this past summer was a 79 at the Shady Canyon course in California, but he’s working on his consistency more than anything. And he’s not about to challenge the two NHL players whose golf skills are better than his. “Scottie Upshall and Brad Richardson are very good players,” Penner says. “I’d have a tough time putting money either way if those guys went head-to-head.”
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GOLF GUIDE
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Penner isn’t partial to any particular irons, though he doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality. For him, form is everything. “I liken (hitting irons) to driving a stick shift,” Penner says. “You can’t grind the gears. Everything has to be smooth to get the most out of your swing. When I play with Brendan Steele, I’ll swing what appears to be harder and faster than he does, but he’s just smooth. There’s trajectory, velocity, spin rate. You see how much it takes.”
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1. PING ANSER 2013 COMBO IRONS
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The 6-foot-4, 242-pound Penner has plenty of muscle to put behind his drives, but still worked with 2011 long-drive champion Pat Dempsey to improve his tee shots. The 57-year-old Dempsey routinely drives the ball 410-415 yards, while Penner’s record is 387. But Penner’s power – and his inconsistency on the tee – takes its toll on the equipment. “When you swing as hard as I do, you cave in a few driver faces,” Penner says. “But where I pick up most of my supplemental strokes is on the tee box saying, ‘Give me another one.’ ”
1. COBRA AMP CELL
No need to panic folks. Its swing is as dangerous as its bite. With the addition of Cobra’s all new MyFly technology, the driver will definitely make your ball fly upon impact, allowing you to gain more distance on the fairway. $299 ($399 for Pro)
2. NIKE VRS COVERT
Seems red is the new white, which was the new black last season. But it’s not just the scarlet crown on Nike’s new VRS Covert Driver that’s deserves attention. The new design promises a bigger sweet spot for forgiveness and straighter shots. $299 ($399 for Tour)
This set, which includes seven irons and one hybrid, will launch the ball for greater distance and give you pinpoint accuracy with your shot. These high-end clubs will make you look and feel like a pro…that is, if you have the money to pay for them. $1,649
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2. CLEVELAND 588 RTX CB
Cleveland Golf says this wedge is making a name for itself by calling it the “new face of spin.” The narrow sole and larger grooves on this club make it excellent for contact, especially in those sticky situations. It will definitely be your go-to club. $119
Penner says he has a decent short game, but doesn’t focus as much on his putts as he does his irons and drives. Fair enough. After all, he’s not used to soft-touching his slapshots. But for him, the key with playing on the greens isn’t about incline or angling; it is the form and simplicity of the shot he makes.
1. ODYSSEY VERSA
While Odyssey manufactured many designs and added numbers at the end of their Versa Putter line, they are all meant to perform the same way. The Versa’s upgrades provide easier alignment for smoother contact. $169
2. PING SCOTTSDALE TR
With 12 models to choose from, Ping Scottsdale putters are meant to roll true (hence the “TR”). The addition of the new groove inserts allows you to make your shot smoother and improves your short game. $139
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3. TAYLORMADE R1
Golf Digest suggests that the only number golfers need to know is 168: the number of different ways the TaylorMade R1 Driver can be tuned. The multi-optional club comes with an adjustable seven-face angle plate and loft sleeve, allowing you to have a smoother swing and slice through the wind. $399
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