It's been awhile since he was home to the golf course where he honed his game but this Saturday the self-admitted Huron Oaks range rat will make a most celebratory visit.
Mike Weir, Canada's top PGA Tour player, will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at a private ceremony this weekend in his hometown of Bright's Grove, Ontario.
He spoke with the Canadian golf media earlier today in a teleconference to reflect on the honour.
"It was the right thing to do," said Weir about having the ceremony at the home course where he not only played but worked in the back shop and the pro shop. "There were so many friends, family, and people from there that supported me."
"It was such a fun place to be, such a great environment; my parents never had to worry about me there."
As for the hour Weir said he feels it is simply a testament to a lot of hard work but that he is far from finished with his career. Karen Hewson, Director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, says the plaques are quite flexible if Mike's record happens to grow. "You're going to have to keep room on that for sure," said Weir.
Although the actual ceremony on Saturday will be private, on Sunday the Huron Oaks Golf Club will be open to the public from 11a.m.-2p.m. so fans can view Mike Weir's PGA Tour winning trophies, including his Masters Trophy.
It's been a busy day. I woke up not feeling the best yesterday but after a chance to get in some recovery time I am making up for the lost day today.
I've spent most of the morning working on a Myrtle Beach travel story based on my recent trip there. It is but one of the many diverse travel features you will find in the pages of Flagstick Golf Magazine for 2010.
Because we only publish our print edition during the traditional Canadian Golf season many people often ask what we do to fill our winter days. I assure you that they might be busier than the spring and summer as we prepare for the next season! We have a lot of new initiatives for delivering content in 2010 and we are always busy tweaking those we already have. Flagstick publisher Jeff Bauder is hard at work on the changes to our main web page. I can't reveal any details but I am a big fan of the advances, employee or otherwise.
Just a couple quick notes for you today.
The adidas Wear in the World Campaign continues to thrive. You can catch all their very interesting updates (Bolivia today!) here.
Also on the web we want to thank all the viewers who have checked out our early foray into the world of YouTube. Our few videos now have over 5,000 views in just a month - there is great potential there and expect more fun and informative content in the season ahead. We have a PGA Show to attend in coming months and I will also be making a visit to Nike Golf's R&D facility, the Oven, in Texas, so we hope to put together some videos from those locales.
On another equipment note I just wanted to add to the news from Fourteen Golf. Yesterday we told you about their new utility club but they also have a new set of wedges and boy, do they look sharp!
The dual sole design is designed to be very versatile and the looks...well they speak for themselves. They have a new conforming trapezoidal groove and come as a three club set with only 2,000 sets available.
That's about all for today. There is a press conference scheduled tomorrow with Mike Weir that we will be covering. Weir will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this weekend. He will be the 64th inductee. We'll bring you some of his thoughts on the honour.
FOURTEEN GOLF announced that the company continues to introduce their new 2010 products, including their newly developed UT-409 Utility Wood.
This easy to play utility wood was created for golfers of all skill levels, but particularly for those who have difficulty with their long irons. The steel body of the UT-409 is designed with a high launch angle and a deep center-of-gravity for maximum stability throughout the shot and increased distance. In addition, this noteworthy combination provides playability from a variety of lies.
According to FOURTEEN GOLF COO Marcy Kamoda, “Typically we design FOURTEEN GOLF products specifically for the professional but this utility wood performs for the average golfer as well as the professional.”
This highly accurate hybrid not only is easy to get the ball airborne from any lie but maintains optimal spin. The head is also carefully offset according to the loft and is easy to align. Its sole has been engineered to be highly functional from any lie. This club is the perfect replacement for long and middle irons. It provides exceptional distance control and forgiveness.
A proprietary FOURTEEN GOLF graphite shaft with a mid launch kicks point and stiff butt helps this game improvement club keep a mid to high trajectory for increased carry and distance.
The UT-409 Utility Wood will start shipping into retail in January.
You have to think that the 2010 Titleist CB irons are going to be popular. During a week I recently spent testing the 1025 carbon steel forged irons that make up a ¼ of the company’s new iron line; I was inundated with people asking to have a closer look. It may have been the sleek chrome finish or the old-world styling but whatever the case, they drew attention from a wide spectrum of golfers.
Before hitting the irons, like those many admirers, I had a strong appreciation for the look of these sticks. With a compact head shape, slight cavity enhanced with a solid weight pad, and slender soles they draw easy comparison to the classic Titleist blade irons of the past.
On closer look, at address (the money shot for many golfers) they reflected back exactly what I wanted to see for this category of club. Not excessively long from heel to toe (shorter than the 2010 AP2) they might provide a test for poorer ball strikers but they seem to exude power for those who prefer this appearance. They got two other check marks for me in the reduced amount of offset they possess (it ranges from .15” in the 2 iron down to .075” in the PW) and the top line in the long irons which have a soft and thin appearance. With the looks already on their side the real test came when I got to tee it up. My test session consisted of one range outing in dry, warm conditions followed by 41 holes played over four courses in varied stages of wet, windy, and somewhat cool weather.
The first impact had me sold on their feel. They are not as “buttery soft” as some irons but they strike a nice balance between solid and smooth with a pleasant sound at impact. There is no jarring feel on impact towards the heel and toe with the latter providing the most negative vibration – if you can even call it that.They were softer in feel than the 2010 AP2 iron that I tested them against with a more muted sound than that game improvement iron provided.
Striking balls out of fairway, rough, and even divots was not really an issue in dry conditions but I had some concerns about how the narrow sole might perform in wet conditions. I am more of a sweeper but with minimal roll on the leading edge I imagined there might be some digging going on when pressed into service on moist turf. That turned out not to be the case during my on-course time where I faced golf courses absolutely saturated by inches of rainfall.
With the irons possessing grooves that conform to the 2010 Rules I did experience a couple shots from wet lies that flew further than expected. I adjusted quickly having grown up with V grooves. There was plenty of spin to stop the ball out of most conditions, although I will say that the greens were soft enough to accept most shots. I will need further testing on dry, firm greens to judge their true stopping power.
The stock clubs were fitted with Dynamic Golf S300 shafts, one of several options (see link to custom options below). The trajectory was comfortable for all clubs, not excessively high, even in the short irons. Long irons seem to have enough low mass to help me hit them as high as needed with ease. Playing knockdown shots in winds up to 30mph also resulted in very favourable results. Working the ball in either direction was also accomplished easily.
I will say that these irons are best suited to better than average to expert ball strikers. The new AP2 is definitely more forgiving and helps the player to achieve a high trajectory even out of the worst situations.
There is not much negative to say about these irons other than they have tough competition in the Titleist family with the new AP2. The better player will certainly appreciate them and they deliver perfectly in a number of areas.Average ball strikers would struggle with them and likely rate them a 7-8 at best but for the player looking for a refined iron that still provides some room for a miss-strike or two they are close to a 10.
Golfers will find that these irons are softer in shape that the Titleist 695CB with a shorter blade and less progression in blade height from the heel to the toe. The toe is more rounded and the reduced offset in the new CB’s is very noticeable over the 695CB’s.
Titleist got it right with these. It is possibly the best forged cavity back they have ever offered.
All images Copyright 2009 - Flagstick Golf Magazine/Flagstick Golf Photography
When I ran into accomplished amateur golfer Lindsay Knowlton (left) a couple years ago, just after she had been hired at TaylorMade-adidas Canada (she is now a Product Manager), she absolutely gushed about the gig and the opportunities it provided. Little did she know EXACTLY what kind of adventure the company had in store for her. The Ohio State alum will certainly find out over the next month or so.
Today kicks off the Wear In The World Campaign for the company. This globe-spanning adventure will have Knowlton and fellow employee Josh Sullivan (of the US) touring all sorts of climates to test adidas apparel featuring ClimaCool, powered by CoolMax Extreme, ClimaLite and ClimaProof. The pair were chosen after an extensive search process the company did internally.
Over the next five weeks the pair will play golf in Death Valley, United States, Bolivia, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia.
During their visits to each region they will play with a number of golfers including those who are part of the TaylorMade-adidas professional staff. This includes Andres Romero and 2009 RBC Canadian Open winner Nathan Green.
The pair will be videotaped during the trip and will provide updates via a Blog, Tweets, and Facebook Updates.
"Our intent with this program is to prove that adidas Golf apparel powered by COOLMAX Extreme performance fabric stands up against the world's most extreme golf conditions and allows golfers to perform at their best regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them," said John Kawaja, Executive Vice-President of adidas Golf. "The Tour players who wear our product have long-said they believe adidas Golf apparel provides a competitive advantage. Our mission here is to demonstrate that advantage in a really compelling way."
Compelling is right. Media swarmed the company headquarters November 19th for the kick-off ceremony. The pair's online updates will likely get equally enormous attention from consumers.
Stops for Knowlton and Sullivan will include: Furnace Creek, California / LaPaz Golf Club, Bolivia/Ushauia, Argentina/Walker Bay Golf Resort, South Africa and Alice Springs, Australia.
CALLAWAY GOLF PRESENTS SOLAIRE SETS AND GOLF BALLS FOR WOMEN
Go Straight from the Shop to the Course with 14-piece and 9-piece Set Configurations Featuring Energy Efficient Design
CARLSBAD, CA, November 19, 2009 – Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced the retail availability of their new Solaire™ sets of women’s golf equipment, as well as the new Solaire golf ball for women. In designing this collection of equipment for emerging golfers, Callaway’s Research & Development team conducted extensive research into the swing characteristics of a wide range of women golfers. As a result, Solaire offers a technologically advanced selection of clubs and balls that are ideally suited to increase distance, accuracy and forgiveness.
Available in 14-piece and 9-piece set configurations, Solaire provides women with everything they need to play in style and take their game to the next level. The preconfigured Solaire sets feature an Energy Efficient Design that optimizes every element of the golf club to maximize performance. New lightweight clubheads featuring draw configurations and higher lofts, as well as lighter grips and shafts, allow women to efficiently swing the club with power and generate increased distance throughout the set.
“We’ve spent countless hours researching the way women swing and play golf in an effort to design equipment that promotes shots that fly farther, higher and straighter,” said Alan Hocknell, Senior Vice President of Research & Development, Callaway Golf. “Women were heavily involved in the design process of these sets, both from a performance standpoint and on the aesthetic side. Solaire represents the latest example of our commitment to the women’s game, and we’re confident this equipment will help many reach new heights on the course.”
Callaway engineers designed the Solaire women’s sets to maximize the efficiency of the swing, the energy transfer during impact and the flight of the ball. Data was collected on the golf course and at the ElyCallawayPerformanceCenter, where engineers and biometric experts studied the way women swing and play golf. In addition to focusing on performance, Callaway engineers were equally dedicated to attaining a desirable feel, premium looks and a contemporary design.
The new 14-piece Solaire Set is engineered specifically for emerging golfers to achieve ideal distance separation between clubs, so they have confidence playing from anywhere on the course. The set consists of an all-titanium driver, three stainless steel fairway woods, three hybrids, two irons, three wedges, a mallet putter and a versatile cart bag.
The new 9-piece Solaire Set is designed to allow beginning golfers to go straight from the shop to the course with everything they need to get the ball up in the air and down the fairway. The set consists of an all-titanium driver, a stainless steel fairway wood, two hybrids, an iron, two wedges, a mallet putter and a versatile cart bag.
The Solaire golf ball is designed to perform ideally at slower swing speeds, delivering shots that fly farther down the fairway. It features a soft, resilient core that has been specifically formulated to provide increased carry and distance. The low compression core also produces soft feel off the clubface. The Solaire golf ball also features patented HEX Aerodynamics, which promotes lift at slower swing speeds and reduces drag to maximize distance.
I have always been impressed with the Turfgrass Management Program at the University of Guelph. Their graduates are among the finest in the business. Over the years I have befriended a number of them and a few have even written a few stories for us at Flagstick Golf Magazine.
This year they have really been stepping up their game. Just last month we heard about their Blogging project where the students each started their own space to talk about the industry and provide their perspective to the world as a communications exercise. Now we hear they have developed a Symposium that is very timely in subject matter.
Knowing they need to support the industry they plan to work in, the students in the Guelph Turfgrass Program have created a free seminar for Turf Businesses. It is designed to help them deal with the challenges of competing and surviving in the current working climate - one not only impacted by a tough economy but increasingly strict environmental barriers as well.
Run by 30 first year students, the Symposium is scheduled for November 27th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ontario. It is titled "Doing More with Less: Turf in Tough Times." A full line-up of speakers will tackle the issues that their industry currently faces and speak to how to secure a strong bottom line, even with limited resources.
Student Brad Moyer comments, "The knowledge gained and industry connections made at the symposium will be valuable to class members and industry professionals alike."
The three keynote speakers come from a variety of industry backgrounds and sectors, creating a program suitable for golf course superintendents or just about any turfgrass professional. They include Ron Schiedel, co-owner of Green Horizon Group of Farms Ltd, Keith Bartlett, Superintendent of St. George's Golf & Country Club (Host of the 2010 RBC Canadian Open), and Dr. Tom Hsiang, pathology researcher at the University of Guelph.
The students will also have a hand in the presentations by each providing two-minute tips based on the knowledge they have gained from their educational and practical experience.
If you would like more information about the Symposium or want to sign up for one of the limited spots you can contact Rae Urwin at 1-226-979-3955 or via email at rurwin@uoguelph.ca.
Those who follow this Blog will know that I was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last week and golfing in less than ideal weather conditions.
What I did not tell many people was that I had a new set of irons in the bag last week, the 2010 Titleist CB irons (left). I will have a full review of them posted in the near future but on another note, this was my first round with a set of irons made to conform to the new USGA imposed Groove Rules.
It was a homecoming of sort as I played a lot of golf with irons that had the old-style V-grooves. It did, however, have some effect on my game. Most of the greens we played were drenched from many inches of rain so stopping the ball on them was not a problem. Where I did notice a difference a few times was on shots out of the rough and from wet fairway lies. I experienced a few flier lies where the ball shot over the green, much further than I anticipated.
After some adjustment to playing these lies like I used too I had a bit more success in predicting the distances of my shots. I also found that I became more conscious of the need to have the ball properly positioned off the tee.
What I did like about the new grooves was the ease at which I was able to play lower spinning half shots that took off through the wind. This was a shot that became much harder to play with the higher groove volume, higher-spinning irons of the last few years.
This amounted to to no more than a 47-hole experiment so I will be interested to see what the effect will be on my game over an entire season. At this point I think players who have been playing the game for some time will adjust quickly - reverting back to the shots of old. For younger players who have grown up on U and Square Grooves there will likely be a longer adjustment period.
I've finally made it back to sun-drenched Canada (a real change from the less-than-normal Myrtle Beach weather of this week) and I'm hoping to remain closer to home for the next couple months.
Despite experiencing the after-effects of Hurricane Ida this week, I still have to say that "the beach" still delivered a top-notch golf getaway. I'll have more thoughts on that once I dry out (it may take a day or two!) but having the chance to play Glen Dornoch (18 - rain), Heritage (9 holes - heavy rain), Moorland (18 - sideways rain and wind), and True Blue Plantation (12 holes - ran out of wet and cold descriptions) was a treat.
Our home base of the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes eased the blow that the inclement conditions caused. Throw in a very smooth and efficient flight via Direct Air and the formula produced a creditable result.
Thanks to the fabulous Tim O'Connor for leading the press trip and the contributions by Heath Carter and all the staff at Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. They truly know what the needs of golfers are and continue to work at remaining the #1 golf destination in the world. See their new Quick Quote system on their website for example. Put in all your specifications for your trip and before you know it you get back quotes from a variety of vacation packagers. They have managed to retain all the things that made beach what it was for generations past while blending in modern conveniences.
On a related travel note we brought you news the other day regarding Porter Air and their brand new direct flights from Canada. Unfortunately the company only announced new direct routes between Toronto and Myrtle Beach yesterday. Investigation showed they had also registered routes directly to "the beach" from Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City but there was no word about them in yesterday's press release.
A spokesperson for the company was kind enough to ensure we received ample updates on the Toronto routes and we have requested an official position on the Ottawa/Montreal/Quebec situation. We'll let you know when or if they have something say about that topic. Our best guess based on the limited time frame (Feb 28. - May 31st, 2010) of the Toronto flights is that it will prove to be a test situation that will determine how much interest there is for expanded service.
As I sit here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina tonight there are strong rumours in the air that might be very attractive for Canadian Golfers.
Officials will neither confirm or deny it but it looks as if there might be a new airline route heading in this direction from Canada. And all indications are that it will be via low-cost carrier Porter Air. It looks as if a press conference may be imminent with the official announcement - and it may take place as early as this Thursday.
The internet air database, which monitors flight plans and filing for airlines shows that as of November 2, 2009 Porter will be restarting routes directly between Toronto and Ottawa to Myrtle Beach. Those routes were intially opened in the Spring of 2008 but were quickly cancelled after just a few weeks. They also look to be kicking off two new routes - Montreal to Myrtle Beach and Quebec City to Myrtle Beach.
If this is the case it will create a huge rival for Direct Air in capturing the Ontario/Quebec crowd - the two largest markets for golfers to this region. Direct Air currently offers low cost direct fights to Myrtle Beach from Niagara Falls International Airport (NY) and Plattsburgh, New York. The combination of two airports has allowed them to garner a strong following from the Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto/Hamilton markets.
With a strong Canadian dollar and a continual flow of Canadian golfers looking to find cheap and direct flights to the Grand Strand there is certainly some clientele available for Porter. The local chamber of commerce in Myrtle Beach says they have been after the carrier for more than a year to consider regular flights to their airport and they are excited about the possibility. According to 2007 numbers from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism nearly 850,000 Canadians visit the state each year.
All indications are that the routes would commence as early as the end of February 2010, just prior to the busy Spring golf season. Tickets would be available in the next few weeks.
Porter Airlines was founded in 2006 and serves eight Canadian cities. They also serve Chicago, Boston, and New York.
We'll update the story as soon as we have official confirmation and details.
Another work week is drawing to a close so I though I might leave the Blog for the weekend with a few random thoughts and bits of information. My next Blog entry will most likely come from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I am off to there on Monday to develop content for a 2010 travel article for Flagstick Golf Magazine.
I'll play three rounds and I am also testing the new Titleist Forged MB irons while there so I should have a lot to write about. As always you can catch me on Twitter (twitter.com/flagstick) for many daily updates.
There was a lot of action of the golf equipment front this past week, especially following the Ontario PGA Show.
As you may have seen on this Blog Callaway pretty much revealed their entire 2010 lineup. It's been getting a lot of buzz especially for their new drivers, the FT-Tour and Diablo Edge. They have a very traditonal shape.
On another driver front expect to see a TaylorMade 460 driver soon with 3 (as opposed to 1) adjustable weight. I have seen photos and talked with a friend who has hit it and it looks like it could be a winner. Expect official word from them shortly - they are still busy quarrelling with the USGA over the new interchangeable face wedges and what they can and cannot sell for face inserts. Hopefully that issue is resolved soon.
Paul Casey put the new Nike VR driver into play in China at the HSBC Championship. He's using the Str-8 Fit model and wanted to hide the silver adapter a bit so he coloured it black with a Sharpie! Nike Golf also sold out their limited run of 100 Method putters this week in 2 hours and 47 minutes. 10 were sold in canada exclusively through GolfTown.
On a more regional, non-equipment, front there should be some news of local junior golfers offically signing to NCAA schools next week as the early signing period starts on Wednesday. For starters Kyle Benford (above) of Kingston will join his clubmate from Cataraqui, Simon Reyers, on the Detroit Mercy squad next Fall. He had revealed his verbal committment to his local paper a week or so ago but expect a formal signing next week. Benford is off to Spain in a week or so to caddie for Kingston-based pro Matt McQuillan at the 2nd stage of European Tour Qualifying.
On the the heels of their 2009 3rd quarter results that show the company is tightening their belt and in fine position for the 2010 season Callaway Golf recently displayed their new wares at the Ontario PGA Show in Toronto, Ontario.
I must say I was particularly smitten with their new FT-Tour and Diablo Edge drivers - they should garner a lot of attention for the company.
Here is a rundown of their 2010 product line provided by them just this morning: (For further insight and images you can see their 2010 US Catalog online here.
There are also some great threads about the topic to be found at our Forum partner, GolfWRX.
CALLAWAY GOLF PRESENTS 2010 PRODUCT LINEUP
The 2010 line up includes the technologically-advanced FT-iZ Driver and matching FT-iZ Fairway Woods; the bold Diablo Edge drivers, irons, fairway woods and hybrids; new high-performance Tour golf balls and the White Ice putter range from Odyssey. Callaway’s commitment to women’s golf continues with the launch of the Solaire Set and Golf Ball.
“Callaway’s 2010 line up really has something for everyone, and the technology behind these new products has been developed to help a golfer’s game at any level,” said Scott Reid, Managing Director of Callaway Golf Canada. “Our expertise in Fusion Technology has been further extended across club categories, while the new Diablo Edge Woods and Irons all benefit from Callaway Golf’s superior design, technology and performance.”
The 2010 product line-up from Callaway Golf includes:
FUSION TECHNOLOGY
Callaway Golf® FT-iZ™ Driver – Taking design and playability to a new level by leveraging the most advanced materials in the world, the FT-iZ is performance engineered with new Polar Weighting - positioning over 70 per cent of the head weight in the face and extreme rear section of the club. With its new aerodynamic shape profile, FT-iZ is the longest, straightest driver Callaway Golf has ever designed. Available: Feb. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® FT Tour™ Driver – Features all the benefits of Fusion Technology applied to a Tour performance driver with a traditional pear-shape, chemically-milled Hyperbolic Cup Face, open face angles and a full hosel. FT-Tour delivers tremendous ball speed with a flat, penetrating Tour-trajectory, meeting all the needs of the accomplished golfer. Available: Feb. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® FT-iZ™ Fairway Woods – Using the same performance benefits that Polar Weighting delivers in the Driver, the new FT-iZ Fairway Woods feature an ultralight composite crown, a new generation of VFT Face Technology and strategically placed internal weighting to produce unparalleled ball speed and forgiveness for longer straighter shots. Available: Feb. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® FT-iZ™ Hybrids – The new FT-iZ Hybrid features high density Metal Injection Moulded (MIM) weights which concentrate large amounts of head weight low and around the perimeter for a lower centre of gravity and increased MOI (resistance to twisting). A Trajectory Driven Design produces the optimum launch for all levels of player. Available: Feb. 15, 2010
DIABLO EDGE FAMILY
Callaway Golf® Diablo Edge™ Drivers – Boldly styled, but traditionally shaped, the Diablo Edge drivers are the longest, most accurate all-titanium drivers Callaway Golf has ever made. The Standard Driver has Draw Bias weighting whereas the neutrally-weighted Tour version includes a hosel and delivers a more powerful, boring trajectory preferred by better players. Both sport Chemically-Milled Hyperbolic Cup Face technology for consistently high ball speed and distance. Available: Mar. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® Diablo Edge™ Fairway Woods – Ultra-thin Variable Face Thickness Technology (VFT) and improvements in the casting process have allowed Callaway designers to develop this range of woods which increase ball speed off the face for significantly improved distance. The new Diablo Edge Fairway Woods are the longest, straightest steel fairway woods we’ve ever made, with distance gains of 10-12 yards over Big Bertha Diablo®. Tour and Standard models give performance and trajectory options – the Tour delivering a more powerful, workable ball flight and possess the lowest, shallowest centre of gravity of any steel fairway wood we’ve ever made, providing skilled players with a club that will perform more to their liking. The Standard gives maximum forgiveness and higher trajectories. Available: Mar. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® Diablo Edge™ Hybrids – A thin crown and VFT Technology are used to reposition mass to the perimeter of these larger footprint Hybrids. This delivers incredible accuracy, making these hybrids ideal for long iron replacement. A low, deep centre of gravity in the Standard model provides a high launching trajectory and maximum forgiveness. An even lower, forward centre of gravity in the Tour model provides a more penetrating ball flight for higher swing speed players and enables more workability. Available: Mar. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® Diablo Edge™ Irons – A lower, more accessible sweet spot, combined with the Solid Impact Sole powers cleaner hits, longer distances and pin-point accuracy for golfers seeking a performance “Edge” for their iron game. Available: Jan. 15, 2010
Callaway Golf® Diablo Forged™ Irons – Callaway Golf has reached a new level of performance in a forged iron design. This iron provides a wide range of golfers the best distance they have ever seen in a Callaway forged iron with unprecedented feel, accuracy and forgiveness. The forged steel perimeter-weighted body and precision welded face provide incredibly soft, responsive feedback at impact in a sleek and compact head styled with classic lines. Available: Feb. 15, 2010
WEDGES
Callaway® X Series Jaws™ Wedges – The most versatile specialist wedges Callaway has ever made, the X-Series Jaws wedges been launched to take advantage of enhanced groove technology before new rules limiting future developments are implemented in 2010. Inspired by its Tour Authentic X-Prototype Irons, they were crafted by legendary designer Roger Cleveland using an advanced triple-net forging process with 1020 carbon steel, to provide precision quality and soft feel. The new X-Series Jaws wedges feature aggressively-sized Mack Daddy® Grooves designed at the maximum conforming depth and width for shot-stopping spin and control that allows golfers to take aim at the hole. Tour-inspired ‘C-Grind’ sole plus a tighter heel-toe radius and proper bounce, improves turf interaction and enables golfers to lay the face open while keeping the leading edge down for the ultimate in shot-making versatility. Available: Nov. 15, 2009
ODYSSEY PUTTERS
Odyssey® White Ice™ Putters – The new White Ice putters from Odyssey combine tour-trusted shape with a new look and better feel. The White Ice insert is our best feeling, multi-layer insert to date and was developed with extensive feedback from pros on tour. Callaway engineers have enhanced the sound, responsiveness and consistency of the insert. Phil Mickelson has been playing with a White Ice insert since the Masters and was using the insert when he won the Tour Championship in 2009. The new insert’s inner core is 19.6 per cent firmer to enhance feel, and 92 per cent stiffer for better resiliency, leading to consistent distance and control. The roughened face surface also helps increase friction between the ball and the putter to promote forward roll. Coupled with a new dark nickel finish, the new White Ice putter combines tour-proven looks with tour-inspired feel.
Odyssey 2-Ball Putters – The Odyssey 2-Ball Alignment System features more accurate alignment and adjustable weighting for customized feel options.
Available: Feb. 15, 2010
Odyssey Progressive Putters – Odyssey’s Progressive Models, feature radical shapes and a high MOI for better stability and forgiveness.
Available Nov. 15 2009: Sabertooth putter
Available Feb. 15 2010: Sabertooth 2, Teron, and Mini T putters
Core Odyssey Putters – The core line of Odyssey putters features Tour-proven looks and a Tour-inspired feel for Tour-level confidence. Core model putters maximize headweight for optimum feel.
Available: Nov. 15, 2009: #1, #7, #9, and Rossie putters
Available: Feb. 15, 2010: #2, #5 and 330 Mallet putters
Odyssey® Black Series® Tour Designs Putters - Extensive work between the Odyssey design team and Tour players like Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els has led to the introduction of precision-crafted milled putters featuring a new look with updated shapes and more head options. A.R.T. (Advanced Roll Technology) is achieved through multi-material construction using tungsten weighting, creating a quicker, more favorable roll by moving the centre of gravity back and lower in the putterhead. The TD Milled Face has a precise, deep milling pattern that generates consistent impact performance across the face, resulting in better feel, distance control and smooth roll. Each putter is finished with a Deep Black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), producing a durable, glare-free look that was added specifically based on feedback received from Tour pros. Available: Feb.15, 2010
GOLF BALLS
Callaway Golf® Tour i(z)™ Golf Ball - The most technologically advanced golf ball on tour. Through 2nd generation Dual Core Construction, Callaway engineers have designed a tour ball that delivers faster ball speeds. The refined HEX Aerodynamics pattern has been improved to add even more distance. This patented design breakthrough reduces drag and adds flight stability through every kind of wind condition, minimizing the wind’s effect on ball trajectory. The new urethane cover uses a proprietary blend to provide tour-level feel and control around the green with significantly improved durability. It’s also available in higher player numbers. The Tour i(z) ensures you’ll never be left twisting in the wind. Available: Jan.15, 2010
Callaway Golf® Tour i(s)™ Golf Ball - It’s no secret that the new groove rules instituted by the USGA are designed to reduce spin off wedges and short irons, placing more of a premium on shot-making. The new Tour i(s) leverages 2nd Generation Dual Core inertia technology, making it easier for golfers of all abilities to generate maximum short-game spin. The softest Callaway tour ball ever features refined HEX Aerodynamics for a stronger ball flight and more distance by reducing drag and promoting efficient ball flight in all wind conditions. Available: Jan.15, 2010
Callaway Golf® HX Bite™ Golf Ball - The new 3-piece performance golf ball provides tour-level spin around green with more distance off the tee. The combination of a soft, high-energy core and advanced inner cover dramatically lowers spin off the driver, increasing distance and accuracy, while HEX aerodynamics reduce drag for penetrating ball flight. The soft outer cover generates tour-level spin on short-game shots for precision control with soft feel off the clubface. Available: Jan.15, 2010
WOMEN’S GOLF
Callaway Golf® Solaire™ 14-Piece and 9-Piece Complete Sets - The new Solaire 14-piece set is designed to allow women to go straight from the shop to the course with everything they need to play in style. The set consists of an all-titanium driver, 3 stainless steel fairway woods, 3 hybrids, 2 irons, 3 wedges, a centre-shafted mallet putter and a stylish versatile cart bag. The 9-Piece set is designed more as starter set for women and consists of a reduced number clubs, chosen for the all-round purposes of a more novice golfer: The all-titanium driver, 1 stainless steel fairway wood, 2 hybrids, an iron, 2 wedges, a mallet putter and the same stylish cart bag, offers the same high playability features as the 14-Piece set. Years of extensive research with women golfers have led us to develop an Energy Efficient Design approach that optimizes every element of a golf club to maximize the performance of a woman’s swing. The end result is the most forgiving set of clubs for women with longer, straighter distance with higher ball flights and better accuracy from every point on the course. Available: Dec.10, 2009
Callaway Golf® Solaire™ Golf Ball - A new women’s golf ball designed to perform ideally at slower swing speeds. The soft, resilient core has been specifically formulated to provide increased carry and distance, helping shots fly farther than ever. The low compression core produces soft feel off the clubface and patented HEX Aerodynamics produces long, efficient ball flight. Two stylish colours are available: 100% Pure Callaway White or High Visibility Pink. Both utilize a luminous finish that will add a distinctive flair to any woman’s game. Available: Nov.15, 2009
GPS DEVICES
UPro Go - The latest edition to the UPro family is the UPro Go. With the UPro Go, hit the course straight from the gift shop with a cutting edge, full colour GPS device pre-loaded with thousands of courses across Canada and the U.S. The virtual green view feature in Go Mode shows the green and the surrounding area in vivid detail with precise distances. Anypoint technology is another Go Mode feature that allows you to measure to any point on or around the green, and at half the size and weight of other golf GPS devices, it fits easily into a pocket. For more information on Callaway’s uPro and UPro Go visit www.uprogps.ca. Available: Nov.11, 2009
WHAT
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pages of Flagstick. VIP Members will receive special member
only offers from Golf Retailers, Courses and Travel Destinations.
It's been awhile since he was home to the golf course where he honed his game but this Saturday the self-admitted Huron Oaks range rat will make a most celebratory visit.
