Finding the Right Golf Ball for You

Have you found your golf ball?

This is not a write up to declare which ball is better than the next. That clearly does not exist. Every company has a ball that performs at the tour level, and to each his own. This is to explain the fact that by trial and error, and process of elimination, I’ve finally found the golf ball I plan to stand behind for an extended period of time, and why I plan to do so.

You should do the same.

My Process Then and Now

As a former teaching professional and fake golf enthusiast, I was in touch for a while with how every ball (the Pro V) performed. Then, I got out of the golf business, started playing/enjoying the game again, and decided to branch out and see how other golf balls stacked up. Once again, this is not a knock against any tour ball; it is a push for any of you to find the ball that fits your game the best.

For a long while, I played the Pro V1x. Let’s face it, for about 3-4 years, the only golf ball that seemed to matter or sell to any player under a 20 handicap was the Pro V.  The facts were well known:

• the Pro V1 spins

• the Pro V1x did not

• both have a soft feel around the greens and off the clubface.

That being said, the X still had a little too much spin for my liking. As someone who is slightly steep at impact with a relatively low ball flight, and plays a cut…spin comes naturally.

So, for the past couple years, I’ve been tinkering with different sleeves each round, settled on a ball for an extended amount of time here and there, but never stopped looking. My adventures included the Pro V 1 and Pro V 1x, the Taylormade TP5 and TP5X, and finally the Bridgestone Tour BXS and Tour BX.

A Moment of Clarity

EVERY BALL IS A GOOD BALL.

That being said, not every ball is for me. Obviously with the amount of spin I put on a golf ball, I lean towards the “X” category.  I still like a ball with the control around the greens and being able to get short wedges to check, stop, or back up, but I have been searching for the ball that wouldn’t rip back 20 feet when I went after an 8 iron from 170.

Found it.

The Tour BX fits my game exactly how I want it to.  Touch, feel, distance…check those boxes.  Smooth off the clubface…check mark. Workability…yup.  “Hit and stop” rather than “rip or jump forward”…yessir.  The control I feel I have with this golf ball is EXACTLY what I have been looking for in a ball.  I’ve been searching for what fits me, and I’ve finally found it.  Well done Bridgestone. And despite what Hackett or Adam Fonseca will tell you, I still have my moments and hit shitty shots…they’re just grasping for more strokes.

(Editor’s note: Tatro is correct and also a potential sandbagger. Lawsuits are pending.)

Now, as I mentioned before, I’m not just trying to pump Bridgestone’s tires (see what I did there), and tell everyone they have to go out and play Bridgestone golf balls, but some of you should.  What I’m trying to say is play a number of different balls, from all different companies, and figure out which ball fits YOUR game. 

Not anyone else’s game, YOURS.

Some players need more spin into greens, some need less off the tee. What matters to you, doesn’t matter to anyone else. Find a feel or a sound off the clubface, and find a performance to match what you are trying to do with a ball, and play it.

(Adam Tatro is a former PGA teaching professional and collegiate golfer.)

REVIEW: TRUE Linkswear TL-01 Shoes

To say the TRUE Linkswear TL-01 is a golf shoe would be doing it a disservice. Featuring a classic, minimalist design that’s been perfected by the brand over the years, the newest offering from TRUE is perfect for any occasion on — or off — the golf course.

The new TRUE Linkswear TL-01 shoes.

Features and Build

What has impressed me the most about TRUE Linkswear over the years has been their dedication to consistency in quality. The TL-01 is yet another example, featuring high-quality Nappa leather, an EVA cushioned insole and a design that wraps around your foot comfortably.

This is definitely a low-profile shoe, rising to just below your ankle. More on the fit later, but I was impressed by how well the TL-01 molded to my foot right out of the box… er, the shoe bag.

Features of the TRUE TL-01.

I find the outer sole of the shoe to be somewhat unique in its design, featuring what TRUE is calling a Zero-Drop build that supports your foot’s natural arch. The “spike” pattern is recessed a bit, leveling out at the sole without protruding in the slightest. This adds to the shoe’s versatility in wear options, allowing the TL-01 to be worn comfortably on city streets our at the office. You don’t feel like you are wearing a golf shoe.

TRUE specializes in preparing you for the elements, and the TL-01’s come “Weather Ready” with just enough repellant to keep you dry without sacrificing breathability.

The TRUE TL-01 can be worn anywhere.

Fit and Performance

I found the TL-01’s to be a bit snug in fit at first, but they definitely loosened up a bit during my first wear. TRUE advertises a sock fit opening for the TL-01’s, however I found dress socks or extremely thin athletic socks to be the best combo for these shoes. When laced snugly, the shoes can be a little tight.

Once you find the right sock combo (you can also wear these suckers barefoot if you want to get rowdy), the TL-01’s are fantastic. You can feel the cushioning nicely with every step, and the shoe’s low profile is extremely modern and stylish. I found them to pair nicely with everything from jeans to golf shorts.

More versatility of the TRUE TL-01 shoes.

On the course, the TL-01’s hold their own from a strict golf shoe perspective. There’s nothing monumental here in terms of on-course performance, but I found the shoes to be stable and supportive throughout my golf swing. They are also incredibly lightweight, making them the perfect walking companion. TRUE Linkswear is a preferred choice of golfers who like to #EnjoyTheWalk, and the TL-01’s are no exception to this mentality.

Overall, the TRUE Linkswear TL-01 shoes are a home run. Their minimalist style and uniform fit give you everything you want in a shoe, and not just a golf shoe. They are another example of a company who clearly cares about their customers’ experience in the game, and the TL-01 is bound to be one of the brand’s most popular releases.

Up Close: Titleist U500 and U510 Utility Irons

Titleist has announced the newest additions to their utility iron lineup — the U500 and U510 models. Available for fittings on August 8 and in golf stores everywhere on August 30, these utility irons are sure to appeal to mid- to low-handicap players around the globe.

Titleist U500 and U510 utility irons.

From Titleist:

• The U•500 is the player’s utility iron designed for superior shot making. The extremely versatile, low loft utility features a compact shape that delivers high launch with a soft landing and precise distance control.

• The U•510 provides hybrid-like performance in a forgiving, muscular iron shape. The high-launching, easier-playing utility offers a larger, wide-sole design for consistent shot-after-shot performance. U•510 creates such a powerful combination of distance, launch and forgiveness that Titleist engineers were able to create a 16-degree 1-iron that is very playable from both the tee and turf.

Both options will be on display at this week’s 2019 Open Championship, which is no surprise as more players are putting Titleist utility irons into their bags.

“There are a lot of golfers out there who don’t want to play a hybrid, but are still searching for that kind of performance at the long end of their iron set,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Clubs. “They want to be able to launch it higher and farther, they want to be able to shape shots, they want to be able to land it close to the hole – they just want to do it with an iron in their hands. Everything that went into U•500 and U•510 was geared towards giving these golfers the performance, look and feel they’ve always hoped for in a long iron, and maybe didn’t think was possible.”

Titleist U500

Tech and design highlights…

• Built for versatlity, speed and precision distance

• Strategic High Density Tungsten Weighting (98 grams on average) promotes low CG for increased launch and trajectory control

• High MOI for balance and stability through the swing

• Forged SUP-10 L-Face Insert increases ball speed

• Loft Options: 2I (17º), 3I (20º), 4I (23º).

Titleist U510

Tech and design highlights…

• Muscle design that will cater to a wide range of playing abilities

• Larger, more forgiving blade than the U500

• Wide sole that promotes easy launch

• Same strategic High Density Tungsten Weighting (95 grams on average) and Forged SUP-10 L-Face Insert as the U500

• Loft Options: 1I (16º), 2I (18º), 3I (20º), 4I (22º)

REVIEW: SuperStroke Traxion Tour Club Grips

SuperStroke grips are perhaps best known for their putter grip options, having found significant success on pro tours across the globe. Their new Traxion Tour club grips hope to add to their stable by offering a fantastic soft feel option throughout your bag.

SuperStroke Traxion Tour club grip.

The Feel of Performance

“The SuperStroke team is proud of what we’ve created in the Traxion Tour club grips — but we also know this is just the beginning,” says Dean Dingman, CEO of SuperStroke USA. “Golf clubs have advanced tremendously over the last few decades. So have golf shafts and the golf ball. So why aren’t golf club grips improving at the same rate?”

These are the questions SuperStroke hopes to answer with their new Traxion Tour line, which boasts superior feel and softness for players who prefer a lightweight, synthetic feel in their grips. They are a true transition from the brand’s putter grip options to every club in your bag.

Polyurethane grips, of course, have been around for years. Originally played mostly by senior or female golfers, these lightweight and pliable grips felt more like sleeves over the golf shaft in comparison to bulkier options. According to Dingman, the prototyping stage of the Traxion Tour grips included feedback from customers who agreed the feel of this new option was ideal for any club.

Tech Features

The science behind the Traxion Tour club grips is nothing to take for granted.

• Torsional Performance — Driven by rubber underlisting, which is described as the engine of the grip (whatever that means), the Traxion Tour delivers exceptional torsional stability. In other words, these grips feel incredibly controllable throughout the swing.

• Taper Control Technology — Based on feedback from top-tier players, reducing the taper rate in the grips was a big focus for this release. The Traxion Tour is thicker toward the end of the grip for added control in your bottom hand, while the top of the grip is thinner. The result is a perfect combo of feel and control in your hands.

• Traxion Control — Featuring a new outer coating and patented X-Shaped Treads, each Traxion Tour grip is equipped with strategically positioned durability boosts in high-wear areas of the grip.

• Spyne Technology — My favorite feature of the grips is the raised ridge along the back of each grip, which SuperStroke refers to as Spyne. Basically where the grips are sewn together, this subtle feature promotes consistent hand positioning and finger pressure every time you pick up the club.

Overall, I very much enjoyed the control, feel and performance of the SuperStroke Traxion Tour club grips. They held up well throughout my excessively humid round of golf and multiple driving range sessions. I suspect, however, they may get a little slick in rainy weather, and I’ll be interested to see how many seasons one set of grips will last.

For more information on the SuperStroke Traxion Tour grips, visit their website here.

REVIEW: Golf Pride ALIGN Grips

Golf Pride grips have long been a favorite of ours at GU, finding their way into our bags almost every season. Their new ALIGN grip series caught our eye in Orlando at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show and it was only a matter of time before we got our hands on a set.

ALIGN Technology

Golf grips have evolved considerably over the years, becoming much more than just your typical synthetic compound or leather wraps. Golf Pride embraces this trend of innovation by reimagining what a golf grip can do for the player. Such is the case with the ALIGN technology.

Simply put, ALIGN refers to a raised ridge along the bottom of each grip. This ridge allows a player to find a consistent feel every single time you pick up a club, including hand position and grip pressure assistance. When aligned properly, you can almost “feel” where the clubhead is in your hands throughout the swing thanks to this ridge.

Golf Pride ALIGN technology.

It’s amazing how something so simple can be so influential on your golf game. However, the concept of a raised ridge or line in a grip is nothing new. Stories of Ben Hogan installing a line of thinly rolled tape just under his grips so he could feel the same sensation in his hands are well known to golf equipment junkies.

What Golf Pride has done is perfect this design feature for the masses, appealing most to players who play more by feel than mechanics.

Having played multiple rounds now with a set of ALIGN grips on my clubs, I can safely say this is a design feature I love. As a player who sometimes fights a hook due to poor grip pressure (and swing plane, of course), I found the ALIGN ridge to be a gentle reminder of where to place my hands and how much pressure to apply to my grip. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but I felt like I had complete control over the club every time I prepared for a shot.

Obviously the Golf Pride ALIGN grips alone won’t improve your golf swing. But there’s something to be said about having a familiar sensation in your hands every time you pick up a club. Whether it’s placebo or actual science, I don’t care. All I know is I’m a convert, and I will stick with grips that feature a ridge for as long as I can.

Golf Pride ALIGN technology can be found on four grip styles, including the Tour Velvet, ZGRIP, MCC and MCC Plus4 options.

Visit the Golf Pride grips webpage to learn more.

Srixon Announces New Q-STAR Golf Balls

Srixon Golf has unveiled the fifth generation of their budget-conscious Q-STAR golf ball line according to a company email on Monday. The Srixon Q-STAR is available in Pure White™ and Tour Yellow™ and officially launches in the North America on Friday,June 28, 2019.

From Srixon Golf:

“The new Q-STAR maintains the high-quality performance that consumers have come to expect with this golf ball,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “We’ve enhanced this generation with the new FastLayer Core to drive more ball speed and distance from Q-STAR.”

The all-new FastLayer Core starts soft in the center and gradually becomes firmer around its outer edge. By incorporating this technology in the all-new Q-STAR, FastLayer helps generate maximum distance, without sacrificing that exceptional feel at impact.

FastLayer works in tandem with Q-STAR’s 338 Speed Dimple Pattern, which reduces drag for a more penetrating ball flight, to help deliver more distance off the tee regardless of the playing conditions.

The Q-STAR has always been a favorite of ours at GU, thanks to their incredible feel and distance. At a price point a fraction of other brands, the Q-STAR once again makes a name for itself in a saturated market.

For more information on the new Srixon Q-STAR golf balls, visit the company website here.

Srixon Q-STAR golf balls, fifth generation.

Introducing the New Titleist T200 and T300 Irons

The folks at Titleist have been quite busy these last few weeks. Following the debut of the new T100, 620 CB and 620 MB irons at last week’s U.S. Open, and the U-500 and U-510 utility irons and TS hybrids at the Memorial Tournament two weeks prior – Titleist has just announced their new T200 and T300 irons.

The new models will already be in play at this week’s Travelers Championship among Titleist staffers, rounding up the trifeca of the new iron line. Alongside their T100 siblings, the T200 and T300 appear more futuristic in design and feature tech aimed at helping you enjoy the game more.

Additional specifications are forthcoming, however a first glimpse at the new irons suggest distance and launch were the design’s main focus. The T200 , for example, offers what appears to be a weighted bolt behind the club’s sweet spot while the T300 adds heft to the cavity back clubhead in the same location.

As has been the brand’s preference the last few years, Titleist’s new iron offerings will be tested and validated on the pro circuit before being released to the golf public.

For more information on the new Titleist T200 and T300 irons, visit titleist.com.

TRUE Linkswear Announces TL-01 Shoe

TRUE Linkswear has just announced their new TL-01 golf shoes, available for pre-order now on their website. Featuring a classic design and a low wear profile, the TRUE TL-01 is destined to be a hit for the modern player who loves style combined with comfort.

As with all TRUE footwear, the TL-01 was designed with premium materials, a highly durable construction and a minimalist flare that will appeal to a wide range of players. TRUE believes this shoe offers the perfect transition from the office to the links, and everywhere in between.

Designed with waterproof full-grain Napa leather, the TL-01 is also extremely lightweight, totally a mere 8.7 ounces. Fans of the brand know they specialize in helping you enjoy your walk on the course, and the TL-01 is destined to be an optimal choice for you athletic types out there.

Let’s be honest: TRUE makes great shoes for everyone. Not just the sadists who dislike golf carts.

Other Highlights:

Zero Drop Cushioned Outsole — provides more stability and natural balance in an outsole that has enough cushioning to keep your feet dry and cool.

Versatile Tread — Featuring as much depth in their construction as the Original and Major TRUE models, the TL-01 features a tread pattern that suits multiple surfaces, including carpet, hardwood, and streets.

Traditional Width Fit — The TL-01 features a traditional E width fit, and will form to your foot over repeated wears.

Available in classic black, vintage white, and grey area in July.

New Titleist Vokey D Grind Wedges Introduced

Titleist follows up yesterday’s news of two new driver releases — the TS1 and TS4 — with today’s unveiling of a new wedge grind option in their popular Vokey series: the D Grind.

Billed as a “player’s high bounce wedge”, the Vokey D Grind is a follow up to last year’s SM7 D grind option and features the same crescent shape of Vokey’s popular M Grind wedges. Master craftsman Bob Vokey is doubling down on his philosophy that players should have a high bounce sand wedge and low bounce lob for optimal shot versatility in your lowest scoring clubs.

“During most of my fittings, I’m striving to fit the player into two different grinds. We always fit based on how the player uses their wedges, but my preference is notably a high bounce sand wedge and mid-to-low bounce lob wedge, so they have the versatility to face all different types of shots and conditions,” Vokey said. “Bringing the D Grind to the 54 and 56 degree models opens up a great new fitting opportunity in these sand wedge lofts.”

The higher bounce portion of the grind shape is introduced when addressing the ball square, and the lower, tighter bounce can be used when opening the face of the wedge. This basically gives you three or more wedges in one design, unlocking an array of shot options for skilled players. Of course, the new D Grind wedges have been tested extensively on TOUR already and are receiving high praise among the Titleist faithful.

Each Titleist Vokey D Grind wedge will start at $195. For more information, be sure to visit their product page here.

Up Close with the TaylorMade Golf GAPR

The TaylorMade Golf GAPR utility club is much more than your typical hybrid. Designed to fill the yardage gap between your longest playable iron and shortest fairway wood, the GAPR might be your new favorite club in your bag.

When we had club designer Tomo Bystedt on the podcast, he let us know upfront that we should think differently about what a utility club could be. Yes, the TaylorMade GAPR fits where a hybrid or driving iron would; but thanks to three distinct clubhead designs and trajectory options you can finally bring uniformity to the distances in your game.

As mentioned in the video above, my experience with the TaylorMade GAPR has been very positive. Turning down the loft on the GAPR Mid to 18 degrees perfectly bridges a 15-20 yard gap between my gamer 4-iron and fairway wood. I prefer the look and feel of a driving iron versus a hybrid, especially off the tee. Like my typical gamer utility iron, the GAPR does its job extremely well in a variety of playing situations.

While not the longest option in its class, the GAPR is extremely versatile as I was able to shape shots easily, even with the wider sole design. Miss-hits geared back toward my target line with minimal distance loss, and the sound of the club is incredible.

The ball flight with the GAPR Mid performed as-advertised, giving me a lower option on windy days (as was the case in the video above). My gamer utility flies a bit higher, which is perfect for me on most conditions. However, the GAPR will find its way into my bag when the occasion presents itself.

For more information on the TaylorMade Golf GAPR utility clubs, including the many loft and head shape options, visit their product page here.

Up Close: Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters

The Odyssey Stroke Lab putter line is the newest installment in the company’s incredible lineage of great products. Designed under the watchful eye of Sean Toulon, Stroke Lab offers strategically placed weighting throughout the putter to not only help you make more putts, but to actually improve your putting stroke.

Watch our video below for an overview of the Odyssey Stroke Lab putters.

Listen to our interview with Sean Toulon on the Golf Unfiltered podcast here.

Burton Golf CSX Stand Bag Review

The Burton Golf CSX stand bag is perfect for the player who loves to walk but often rides due to convenience. Lightweight, sturdy and stylish, this bag will appeal to a wide range of players who want more out of their golf bag than just good looks.

First Impression

First, I’m not a walker. I like getting in a cart, getting a bag of beer, hitting 6 range balls, rolling a few putts, and it’s off to the first tee. All that being said, I’m also not a fan of large bulky cart bags that take two grown men to load on a cart. The Burton Golf CSX stand bag is prefect.

One last reminder, I’m not a walker. However, this bag is great for the walker. My previous bag was a Titleist carry bag. For those of you who know Titleist bags, they made really small carry bags, large cart bags with enough pocket space to please the likes of Mary Poppins, and then a somewhat oversized carry bag line.

Mine was the latter.

Burton managed to make their bag extremely light, with enough pocket space to please a riding trunk slammer like myself. And I will have to say, in the amount of time I carried my clubs from the car to the cart, I noticed a few of the IDEAL features every walker would love.

The Strap

Maybe the most padded double strap of any carry bag I’ve ever lifted. Not only are the shoulder straps extremely padded, there is a pad where the two straps meet that would usually poke the hell out of the center of your back. Not at all the case here. And maybe I just got lucky, but when I went to adjust the straps to fit everything to my liking, I didn’t have to do a thing. Perfectly balanced, and perfectly comfortable, I wish even my laptop bag was this easy to adjust.

The Padding

As I mentioned above the padding was perfect on the straps, and the same was true for the rest of the bag. Someone actually thought this bag all the way through. Padding on the body of the bag was perfectly placed to rest comfortably against the small of your back or near the top of your gluteus (to put it professionally). Even the handle is padded and for comfort when loading the bag onto a cart.

Lightweight and Spacious

As an established trunk slammer, and given that I don’t run to my car in the rain, I definitely don’t play golf in it. So, minus any rain gear, umbrella, etc, I only fill my golf bag with the necessities. A couple sleeves of balls, tees, tools, range finder, and the occasional flask, for which this bag has an absolutely perfect pocket. With these packed neatly into the generous pocket space for being somewhat of a petite bag, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the weight and comfort.

Last, it’s sturdy on the cart. Many carry bags can be too small for a cart and tend to flop and rattle around (if you’ve ever let the Fonzy or Hackett drive for 18 holes you’d definitely understand where I’m coming from) when 6” deep French drains that could be avoided make you realize you should have taken a piss in the woods on the last tee box.

All in all, good, solid, stylish bag. Well done Burton.

(Adam Tatro — the other Adam of GU — is a former collegiate golfer and PGA teaching professional.)

Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged Mallet Putter Review

The Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged putters are the company’s return to the flatstick for the first time in years. Combining minimalistic design, modern tech and balanced weighting, these putters are ideal for those in the direct-to-consumer market.

Background

To me, putter head designs have been getting a little ridiculous lately.  Every time I go into a golf shop to survey the putting green, I seem to pull a few putters off the shelf and will literally look down, laugh, and shake my head at a monstrosity of a putter.  I remember the days when putters had just a few simple but effective designs where you could line them up easily, and just roll it.  Much easier said than done, I know, but putters nowadays look like they came out of the DeLorean alongside the 1950-2000 sports almanac.  These futuristic designs can look a bit bulky and extravagant, but do they really improve your putting?

Half of what makes a good putter lies between a golfer’s ears, and a good portion of that comes with feeling comfortable over the ball:  specifically, the look of how the putter sets up behind the ball, and the alignment lines to take dead aim.

If you are like me, you like a simple and clean look to a putter:  a design that won’t distract you with four different color schemes with wild curves and loops and whatever else they can think to throw on a putter head.  And if you reminisce of the simpler days of old like I do, you will enjoy the new 2019 line of Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged Putters.

The Look

You can’t get much cleaner and simpler than this.  The all-black, soft 1020C carbon steel forged putter head with a single long line alignment looks very sleek;  a sort of throwback to the old Dual Force Rossie II, the putter that made me fall in love with mallets.

One of the things I like about the look are the geometric edges on both heel and toe sides of the putter head that run parallel to the club head path.  This gives golfers additional yet subtle alignment lines, without overkilling you with a multitude of lines and dots.

The Design

The putter is true forged using one metal, which provides soft, uniform, and consistent ball strikes with every putt.  Most putters nowadays have inserts to soften the feel of the putter, but I found the feel to be soft enough as-is to provide great touch with both short and long putts.

Final Thoughts

Ben Hogan has been crafting high quality golf clubs for decades, especially since resurrecting the brand years ago, only recently diving into the putter world.  Their overall vision seems to be simple:  deliver high quality golf clubs direct-to-consumer, without distracting them with new flashy “innovative” designs.  And they have stayed true to their model with their new 2019 putter line.

(Matt Hackett is a former collegiate golfer and lives in the Chicago area. Follow him on Twitter at @matthewliam)

Srixon Z-Forged Irons Review

Srixon Z-Forged Irons

Experience Perfection in Design

Srixon Golf continues to impress with their newest line of player irons, the Srixon Z-Forged blades. As impressive as they are playable, the Z-Forged irons were built for lower handicaps but will appeal to a wide range of golfers.

What do you look for in a blade?

Most of us love the clean lines, smooth finish and minimalist design that blades offer. We all know that their thin, smaller heads require more precision at impact than larger, thicker game improvement irons. This is often reason enough for most players to admire them from afar, placing them back on the rack after thinking “I’m not good enough to game these!”

This reaction would be a mistake with the Srixon Z-Forged irons.

Yes, they are beautiful. Yes, their clubheads are small and their toplines thin. You will feel the difference between a center-face strike and one that is less precise. Miss-struck shot distance will shorten and a green will be missed.

But isn’t that the point?

The Benefits of Z-Forged

Understanding and feeling when you miss a shot is one of the things that makes this game so great. But that doesn’t mean your clubs have to be overly punitive.

The Z-Forged irons are surprisingly forgiving for a blade that looks like it wouldn’t be. Off-center hits did not lose as much distance as other clubs in this category that I’ve tried. This is incredibly important because, as we all know, there is only so much room for punishment in this game. We can take our bumps, write down our score, and still have the chance to get back on track.

Srixon shows they understand this dynamic well in the design of Z-Forged. Each club is forged in 1020 Carbon steel and is incredibly balanced, offering just enough “meat” behind the sweet spot to give you the distance and forgiveness you need. Their VT-shaped sole opens the book on all the shot types you need and from any lie. Hitting the center of the face feels incredible; so much so that you’ll want to play another 18 or reload your range ball bucket just so you can keep hitting these irons.

And their sound? Mercy.

It is clear a ton of planning and thought went into the design of the Z-Forged irons. From a digital design to state-of-the-art prototype printing to the hands of Srixon’s master artisans, Z-Forged is the culmination of the combined talents from some of the game’s best.

With over 40 custom shaft and grip options available, you can truly make your Srixon Z-Forged irons your own. To get started, visit their product website here and treat yourself to a set of clubs you’ll never forget.

SuperSpeed Golf Swing Trainer Review

In this video, Adam shows a summary of the SuperSpeed Golf swing trainer, how to use it, and the benefits of the system.

For more information on SuperSpeed Golf, be sure to visit their website here.

GolfLogix Putt Line Review

GolfLogix is one of the most popular golf apps available on the market, and with their new Putt Line feature, they separate themselves further from the pack.

The feature, which is now available for customers wishing to upgrade their accounts, takes most of the guesswork out of putting. As the feature’s name implies, Putt Line shows you the distance and line for any putt on the green.

“It couldn’t get any easier to read a putt on the green,” says Pete Charleston, President at GolfLogix. “There’s no more guessing how uphill or downhill the putt is or how far right or left to aim. With one swipe, the Putt Line feature will give the perfect read, similar to what a very good caddie provides.” 

In addition to showing you the distance and line of each putt, Putt Line also allows golfers to determine how fast the ball will roll and how hard they need to hit the putt to reach the hole. With the ability to set the exact green stimp (speed), Putt Line provides the perfect read of both distance and aim.

Accessing and using the new feature is simple. After choosing the course you are playing from GolfLogix’s library of over 13,000 courses, click on the “Putt” submenu at the top of the screen. If you’ve signed up for the upgrade, this will take you directly to Putt Line and all the details it offers.

I found Putt Line to be extremely accurate and useful on the course during a recent round. While I am a believer that nothing will ever replace the skillset of good, old-fashioned green reading with you eyes, Putt Line comes really darn close. Knowing exactly how fast to hit the putt and the overall contour of the green is helpful for beginners and pros alike, even if used once in awhile during your round.

The challenge, of course, is remembering to use the feature on putts while playing. Golfers are creatures of habit and pulling out your smartphone to read a putt must be engrained in your normal routine, which can be difficult. I found Putt Line to be most helpful on longer putts as it gives me an overall look at slope of the entire green, which can help your lag putting dramatically.

For more information on the Putt Line feature, visit GolfLogix’s website here.

Callaway Apparel SWING TECH Clothing

Finding the right fit and feel for your golf game usually applies to a new set of clubs. However, when was the last time you paid as close of attention to the fit and feel of your golf wardrobe?

Callaway Apparel hopes to change your perception of how clothing should perform on the golf course with the new SWING TECH clothing series.

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The @callawayapparel SWING TECH line specializes in breathable materials, stylish designs and incredible flexibility to boost your game. #golf #fashion #clothing

A post shared by Adam Fonseca (@golfunfiltered) on Mar 22, 2019 at 6:29pm PDT

Golf polos are a dime a dozen. The same can be said for pants, shorts, and even outerwear. Looking through my closet, I have items from at least a dozen different brands. No two shirts are the same, and that means the fit from each is also different. For a game like golf that requires consistency from round to round, wouldn’t it make sense to maintain a similar feel in your wardrobe as well?

Callaway Apparel SWING TECH was built with the serious player in mind. Every motion of your golf swing involves multiple muscle groups, physical forces acting against one another, and biometric angles that require optimal range of motion. If any article of clothing constricts that motion, your game is as good as ruined.

SWING TECH addresses this concern head on. Designed with a classic fit in every article option, each also provides maximum stretch in its fabric to give you the freedom you need on the course.

Each article in the SWING TECH line features this flexibility in its fabric, and options are available for both men and women. For more information on the technology and style options, visit the Callaway Apparel SWING TECH website today.

Golf Pride Tour SNSR Putter Grip Review

Golf Pride Grips are a household name in golf equipment. Boasting decades of success and a client list that includes 80 percent of all Tour-level players, they are a brand to be trusted. Their new TOUR SNSR putter grips build on their tradition of quality.

Technology and Feel

Putter grips are an extremely personal equipment feature for any player. Golf Pride knows this better than anyone, and their TOUR SNSR grip is a reflection of that.

The grip is available in three different shapes: Contour, Contour Pro, and Straight. Each offers additional sizing options to give you the perfect feel based on your preference. For example, the Contour Pro is available in both 104cc and 140cc, with weighting options of 90g or 124g. Different tapering options are also available.

The SNSR features a patented rubber blend that feels softer toward the butt of the grip and more firm toward the tip. This blend allows for maximum feedback in your hands on each putt, letting you know exactly what to adjust on the next stroke. You are able to naturally “lock in” your top hand, allowing a consistent, repeatable stroke. Due to the grip’s softness, you’ll find that a lighter grip pressure in your hands is optimal.

The Golf Pride TOUR SNSR grips are now available worldwide in all major golf retailers or via the company website.

5 Steps to Choosing a New Driver

PGA.com

Purchasing a new driver is always an exciting time for a golfer. You’ve spent hours researching different brands, narrowed down a list to your finalists, and maybe hit a few balls at your local retailer. In time, you feel like you’re ready to make the jump.

But before you drop hundreds of dollars on a new club, have you done everything you can to make the right decision? Does your head start swirling because of all the options at your disposal? Or are you so brand loyal that you’ll just go with whatever new release pops up from your favorite?

Here are five steps to take before purchasing your new driver this golf season.

Step 1: What Do You Want to Gain?

The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a real phenomenon. Everyone in your foursome suddenly upgraded their drivers this year, and now you feel like you have to as well. But are they really benefiting from their purchase?

The first step to choosing a new driver is asking yourself what you hope to gain from the new club. Are you hoping to hit the ball farther? Are you looking for more forgiveness? Or do you simply want to find more fairways?

In many cases, taking a golf lesson to fix a swing flaw can lead to impressive gains with your current driver. Finding the center of the club face more often, for example, can significantly improve your distance and accuracy. This can help you find those extra yards and short grass more often without switching your equipment.

But what if you’re an accomplished player who hits the ball solid?

Step 2: Identify the New Tech You Need

If your swing is sound and consistent, you may benefit from tech in a new driver. This is particularly true if your driver is more than five years old. Modern drivers are more technologically advanced than ever before, including artificial intelligence designs. But what features should you focus on before you buy?

If you are looking for more forgiveness in a driver, where you experience less distance loss on off-center hits, you may consider a driver with a high moment of inertia (MOI). In a nutshell, this means the club will twist less when you miss the center of the club face.

If you want a driver that helps you launch the ball higher (or lower), you should consider an option that allows you to adjust its center of gravity (CG). This will also affect spin on the golf ball, and can help a golfer control ball flight more consistently.

Most brands offer drivers with multiple adjustable features, including face angle, loft, lie angle, and more. However, understanding what you need help with most will help you choose the best driver for you.

Step 3: How Do You Want a Driver to Feel?

All the bells and whistles found in modern drivers are great, but most golfers will agree that how a club feels at impact is just as important.

New face technology can significantly alter the way a driver sounds and feels when hitting a golf ball. Modern clubhead construction can make a driver sound “sharp” or “tinny” at impact, while other brands may feel “dull” or “muted.” Depending on your preference, these qualities may limit your driver options right from the start.

After deciding what tech you want in a driver, shorten your list of finalists to two or three options. Visit a golf club retailer or your local pro shop that carries those brands and hit a few balls with each driver. The goal here is not to fool around with the club’s setting just yet; instead, focus on how the club feels when struck.

Step 4: Dial in Your Numbers

After whittling down your list to a couple options that sound and feel great, it’s now time to fine-tune the driver to optimal performance.

This is where your local golf pro or certified club fitter is vitally important. Not only do they have the ball launch monitors and tech required to give you the best fitting possible, they also have access to the best brands available on the market for you to try.

A certified club fitter will also compare your current driver to something newer. They can also optimize your current driver’s settings (if an option) to do a true comparison. In some cases, you may be able to achieve the numbers you’ve been looking for with your current driver.

Does your fitting show a newer driver will benefit you more than your current? It’s time for the final step.

Step 5: Keep an Open Mind

We all have our favorite brands. We all like shiny new things.

But sometimes what’s best for our game isn’t what we expected. In fact, we may already have the best driver for us in our bag. And that’s OK.

Keeping an open mind to all available options on the market, including what’s already in our bag, is the most important final step in the process. Expanding our horizons and considering equipment from all major brands — even those we’ve never tried — increases our odds of finding what’s best for our game.

We might be surprised at what we find.

Conclusion

Following these steps will make you a more informed consumer, and you’ll have everything you need before making a purchase. Understanding what you want to gain in a new driver, what tech is available to give you those gains, understanding your feel preferences, and working with a certified club fitter can get you where you need to be. Above all else, keeping an open mind on all brands and options increases your chances at finding the best driver for you.

What steps do you follow when purchasing a new driver? Share your comments below!

TRUE Linkswear Major Golf Shoes Review

TRUE Major golf shoes.

The concept of what to expect in a golf shoe has changed dramatically over the years. No longer are we bound to the confines of saddle designs and raised spikes; comfort is a must, and brands have agree it is of upmost importance.

TRUE Linkswear has specialized in comfort for years, and their new TRUE Major golf shoes might be the finest they’ve ever produced.

Background and Technology

Is it weird to say there’s a technology aspect of a golf shoe design? We’re not talking computer chips and flashing lights, of course. However, the TRUE Majors are built in such a way that one cannot help but think “state of the art.”

Billed as their “highest performing, Tour issue model”, the TRUE Majors are strong enough to withstand any weather condition or terrain. Waterproof full grain leather and outdoor grade Nubuck suede comprise their outer layer while a lightweight midsole and comfort sock inner protect your feet from pain and discomfort. Flexibility is a focus in the TRUE Majors, making them seem as if they were built specifically for your foot right out of the box.

The unique Paracord Lacing system holds each shoe onto your feet snugly yet comfortably, providing stability throughout your swing. I hate a shoe that has sporadic “tightness” throughout the tongue due to inconsistent placement of the laces. The TRUE Majors’ lacing system avoids this problem entirely.

Feel and Performance

When you put on a new pair of TRUE Linkswear shoes, you expect them to be comfortable immediately. It’s simply the thing they are known for, and the TRUE Majors follow suit wonderfully.

I’ve always loved how close to the ground the soles of my feet feel when walking in a pair of TRUEs. I prefer to feel the change in terrain throughout my round, especially in bunkers and on the putting green. I don’t want a thick shoe sole that hides the contours of a golf course, and while the TRUE Majors aren’t the thinnest shoes ever, they keep me in touch (literally) with my surroundings.

The traction on the bottom of the shoe — which is much closer to that of a sneaker as opposed to your typical golf softspike — was more than adequate without feeling like I was digging into the dirt. I’m interested to see how they will perform in wet conditions, since the rubber nubs are quite shallow compared to competing designs.

As someone who likes to walk every so often during a round, I have no doubt the TRUE Majors will keep my feet blister-free. However, the thicker leather and suede outer combo seems a bit warm, which may be concerning on warmer days.

Overall Impression

When it comes to buying a golf shoe, I believe you should dress for the conditions of the day. I simply do not think there is a one-size-fits-all approach to proper foot apparel for this game. You should not wear the same pair of golf shoes for all conditions; there are simply too many great options.

The TRUE Majors, while able to be worn in any condition, are best for cooler days or soggy rounds. They are great for golfers who prefer to both walk or ride, and their construction guarantees their longevity. This is a premium quality golf shoe that will last for many seasons.

The TRUE Linkswear Major golf shoes retail for $199.99.