New Year, New Products
Here in the north east the golf season is finally upon us. Despite the spring snow showers most golf shops are gearing up for their returning members and busy stocking their shops. This month we will look at some of the new products from two of my partners in Titleist and Footjoy. There is a lot that’s new in 2018 from both manufacturers. I have reviewed a small sample of the additions, be sure to check out both of their complete lineups by clicking on the links below:
SM7 Wedges
Bob Vokey’s new SM7 wedge is even better than before. There are even more grind options and new for 2018 the introduction of different paint finishes. I personally love my SM7’s and the improved turf interaction and improved trajectory distance control adds confidence when it’s in my hands. The SM7 follows on form the SM6 improving on what worked so well yet enhancing it even more. I have outlined some of the key factors why you need these wedges in your bag for 2018:
KNOW YOUR LETTER. HIT YOUR NUMBER.
Through improved progressive CG, optimized spin milled grooves, and the game’s benchmark for Tour validated grinds, new SM7 wedges offer maximized spin, control, and consistency for more confidence on every shot. Put the highest level of wedge performance in your hands. The SM7 comes in three finishes: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black and is available in both right and left-handed options from 46° – 62°.
MORE CONFIDENCE – LOWER SCORES.
Precise Distance Gapping
Progressive CG creates precise distance gaps and trajectory control. Know exactly how far each wedge will fly and dial in your yardages.
Maximum Spin
Spin Milled Grooves optimize spin, control, and consistency for more confidence on all wedge shots.
Ultimate Versatility
Vokey wedges grinds are played, proven and perfected on Tour, helping to create shot versatility for any level of player in any type of condition.
PROGRESSIVE CENTER OF GRAVITY.
The center of gravity (CG) can vary slightly between different lofted wedges, based on the bounce and sole grind of the wedge. Vokey Design SM7 wedges feature a progressive center of gravity, optimized for each loft, bounce and grind for improved distance control, tighter shot dispersion and exceptional feel throughout the wedge set.
SPIN MILLED GROOVES
Vokey’s Spin Milled process is unique to each finish and loft for the sharpest, most consistent groove edges.Vokey Design SM7 wedges feature a Parallel Face Texture for more consistent groove edges, tighter quality tolerances, and maximum spin. SM7 wedges also feature a distinct groove design between lofts: low lofts (46°-54°) are designed with narrower, deeper grooves, while higher lofts (56°-62°) have wider grooves. The result is superior spin and control on all wedge shots.
VOKEY TOUR VALIDATED GRINDS
FootJoy Tour S
I have been wearing FootJoy shoes long before I become an ambassador for them. In my opinion the comfort and fit are unprecedented. I always like to remind my members and students even if you don’t walk when you play there is still a tremendous amount of wear put on your feet when playing a round of golf. Getting the right pair of shoes that not only fit correctly but elevate the comfort of your feet can enhance your game and eliminate shots, caused by uncomfortable feet and body. The golf swing is always initiated from the ground up so let start investing in our feet. This leads me to the latest model by Footjoy in the Tour S. Inspired by FootJoy’s vast network of Tour players, the all new Tour-S is FJ’s most powerful shoe ever, featuring Power Strap and Launch Pod technologies for Tour-validated Power, Precision, and Comfort. This shoe, therefore, delivers the most game performing shoe to every golfer. I have outlined some of the new and improved innovations that go into making the FootJoy Tour S below:
POWER
The Tour-S Power Plate® outsole provides an incredibly lightweight yet stable platform from which players efficiently transfer power throughout the golf swing.
Built upon a foundation of a proprietary Pebax® polymer, that is typically 20% lighter than other polymers, the Power Plate features an integrated carbon weave fiberglass mid-foot plate and nine Launch Pods™ to create additional structure, surface area, and ground coverage for maximum stability.
PRECISION
The Tour-S Power Plate® outsole provides an incredibly lightweight yet stable platform from which players efficiently transfer power throughout the golf swing.
The Tour-S Features FJ’s proprietary Power Strap™, a molded component integrated into the shoe’s upper to provide lock-down medial and lateral support. Secure Collar™ and ComforTongue™ technologies deliver a secure, precise fit round after round.
COMFORT
The Tour-S Power Plate® outsole provides an incredibly lightweight yet stable platform from which players efficiently transfer power throughout the golf swing.
The Tour-S utilizes a dual-density PU Fit-Bed® to ensure all-day underfoot comfort and FJ’s exclusive Premium Performance Leather (PPL) to achieve top grade feel, finish, and waterproof protection.
MSRP: $249.99
Titleist Tour Soft
As a Titleist ambassador I am amazed by how much development goes into the production of a Titleist golf ball. I am also amazed by how much Titleist listen to PGA Club Professionals, PGA and LPGA Tour Professionals and amateurs to refine and get maximum performance out of every product they produce. The new Titleist Tour Soft ball replaces the NXT for 2018, offering better performance and feel. The Pro V1 is still leading the way for most golfers but the Tour Soft is a comparable option in performance at a lower cost. Ideally the Tour Soft is for players needing a softer ball with different color options. The all new Titleist Tour Soft golf ball is built with the largest core ever and a 4CE grafted cover to provide category leading soft feel, very fast speed for commanding distance and excellent short game performance. For more of the Tour Soft’s benefits please read below:
- Category Leading Soft Feel
- Commanding Distance
- Advanced Short Game Control
- Penetrating Trajectory and Consistent Flight
OUR LARGEST CORE EVER
Tour Soft golf balls are designed with the largest Titleist core ever, producing:
– Responsive feel
– High ball speed for commanding distance
NEW COVER FORMULATION
A new ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover made with proprietary Titleist technology generates:
– Advanced short game control
– Category leading soft feel
ADVANCED FLIGHT
The spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design delivers:
– Penetrating trajectory
– Consistent flight
To customize your balls click here for more details.
MSRP: $38 (per dozen)