12.12.02
Callaway NFL Collection

• Callaway Golf recently introduced an inaugural line of National Football League-licensed product. Three product offerings are available: a NFL logoed valuables pouch three Callaway CB1 golf balls is available with suggested retail pricing of $24.95, a gift box with an Odyssey White Hot putter and six Callaway CB1 balls is available with suggested retail pricing of $179 and a dozen Callaway CB1 golf balls with your favorite NFL team is available with suggested retail pricing of $24.95. Callaway worked with the NFL and chose the top 14 teams in terms of merchandise sales, making the team-specific dozen ball pack with those logos only. Callaway also has NFL licensing agreements to produce Super Bowl and Pro Bowl merchandise.

12.12.02
TaylorMade Utility Club

• TaylorMade Golf recently introduced Rescue Mid utility wood. The club is available in a series of four models, numbered 2-, 3-, 4- and 5- for the respective long-irons they are intended to replace. The Rescue Mid is designed to combine high launch angle with high spin, producing high trajectory, long carry and maximum stopping power. The club's design features a center of gravity that is lower and deeper in its head than traditional long irons leading to increased distance in an easier to hit club. The club's head features a double-crown, visible as two lines on crown, meant to enhance the head's structural integrity of the clubhead, minimizing head-distortion at impact allowing the maximum amount of energy to be transmitted to the ball. A double-sole design feature reduces the amount of sole area that contacts the turf, creating less resistance at impact and promoting an "iron-like" feeling through the hitting zone. Currently available with a suggested retail price of $208 for graphite and $175 in steel per club.

12.12.02
Tiger Woods Collectibles

• Nike Golf and collectibles company Upper Deck recently introduced the "Tiger's Quest Series" of commemorative bobbleheads. The new bobbleheads are available to golfers who buy a dozen of the popular Nike Tour Accuracy, Tour Accuracy TW or Tour Accuracy DD golf balls listed at $29.99 per dozen. These are Inspired from prominent moments in Woods' career, each package includes a companion trading card that details Tiger's success and fits conveniently into the bobblehead display stand. As a bonus, 100 packages contain a companion card that has been autographed by Tiger and bears a stamp of authenticity. The series begins with the Tiny Champ, the early days of Tiger's development as a player in Southern California, when at age 8, he started a run of six World Junior Championships. His unprecedented amateur career, Am Sensation, is represented by the first of his three U.S. Amateur Championships, when be became the youngest ever to win that title in 1994, at age 18. Tiger's professional career is represented in Major Force, with a pose from the 2000 PGA Championship, where he won his third of four consecutive Major Championships. Currently available at golf shops and sporting goods stores.
  

12.5.02
TaylorMade Driver

• TaylorMade Golf announced the new Burner 420 driver. The original Burner was introduced nearly 20 years ago. The driver features a titanium body and face with an oversized head of 405 cc that is designed for maximum distance with improved forgiveness. The head has a very deep face and a new titanium casting process, which TMaG officials said allows for thin-yet-strong clubhead wall construction. The Burner 420 will be available in later this month in selected golf shops with a suggested retail price of $366 and shop price at $299.

12.5.02
Strata Golf Balls

• Strata Golf continues to round out its 2003 lineup by targeting "cool contemporary, non-conforming golfers with independent attitude and serious mindset". The new Strata Tour Ace golf ball features a four-piece and is the top performance ball in the Strata family. The Tour Ace is the next generation of the STRATA G prototype used by Tour professional Jim Furyk in his 2002 PGA win at The Memorial Tournament. Furyk plans to play the Tour Ace on the PGA Tour in 2003. The unique feature of the golf ball is the stamping of the ball with the recognizable symbols found in playing card suits rather than the conventional numerical stamping used on golf balls. Reminds us of the Penfold Hearts golf ball preferred by 007 James Bond in the movie Goldfinger. Availability is set for later this month with shop pricing set at $36.95 per dozen.

11.21.02
Frankly Golf Putter

• Frankly Golf announced the new F-16 putter. Frank Thomas is the founder of Frankly Golf and is credited for inventing the graphite shaft when he worked for the Shakespeare Sporting Goods Company and also served as the USGA's Technical Director for 26 years. The new putter features a bulls-eye style center-shaft design and has several key design elements. Most noticeable is that the head is encased in a clear golf ball material shell designed to provide a softer feel to the head's brass frame. Secondly, the putter features Tungsten Stabilizer cylinders strategically placed in the head toward the heel and toe and MOI ports (bore-through holes) in the center of the head increasing the size of the putter's sweet spot for maximum forgiveness. Third, the head has an Alignment Guide that forms a continuous line from the toe, along the head, and up the shaft to improve aim and alignment. Finally, the head has a Radius Sole that accommodates a wide variety of lies and a Graphite Shaft for improved feel. The putter is priced at $245 each.
  

11.21.02
Maxfli Golf Balls

• Maxfli Golf introduces the new D-Tec golf balls. Two models are available in this lineup that will be prices in the $15-20 range. The Straight Distance features a high-energy core formulated to combine maximum-allowable initial velocity with exceedingly low spin. The ball's Surlyn cover incorporates properties that limit spin. Maxfli claims that this is the longest, straightest ball they have ever offered. The Extra Spin Distance was designed to deliver the extra yardage you'd expect from a distance ball, but with the kind of soft feel and high spin-rate off the irons that you wouldn't expect. The ball has the same properties as the Straight Distance but with a softer cover. Currently shipping to pro shops.

11.21.02
Swing Training Aid

• Dynamic Golf Technology introduces The Trainer, a new training aid designed to strengthen and improve your golf swing. The Trainer is a weighted steel bar with a golf training grip and designed to be used as a practice device to strengthen golf-specific muscles and ingrain muscle memory. The Trainer has an adjustable weight that can be located at each of 3 positions along the bar. The top position puts the center of gravity closest to the grip and makes The Trainer feel very much like a "medicine ball". Many players are familiar with the drills performed with a medicine ball to develop a solid one-piece take-away and a solid shoulder turn. The central weight position generates an essentially balanced center of gravity near the center of the shaft designed to reinforce the perfect feel of a consistent swing plane. The last weight position generates the maximum amount of centripetal force and forces a player to keep the club on plane, especially on the downswing. A swing that tries to "re-direct" or "cast" the club head will throw the player off-balance and make a normal feeling finish impossible. The last weight position also generates an effortless release towards the target. The Trainer can also be used with no weight at all, providing a feel similar to other popular training devices on the market. Currently available with pricing of $99.95 each.
  
  

11.14.02
Top-Flite Irons

• Spalding Sports Worldwide recently announced the introduction of the new Top-Flite Tour irons. The irons are made from a material known as Titan Steel, a stainless steel hybrid that is stronger than 6-4 titanium. Spalding indicates that this makes it possible to move more of the club's weight lower and further back, creating a low center of gravity for optimum launch angles and spin rates. The irons also feature what Spalding calls Reverse Groove Technology. This creates a very thin face by the creation of ribs on the backside of the head opposite of the scoring lines on the face. This technology permits maximum weight dispersion to the perimeter of the golf club to create the largest sweet spot ever in a Top-Flite Iron. Finally, the irons feature a patented diamond cut sole that reduced the club's drag area over conventional sole designs. Available later this month, the irons are expected to be shop priced at $350 for a 3-PW set in steel while a graphite 3-PW set will run around $450.

11.14.02
Bettinardi Putters

• Bettinardi Golf recently introduced additions to their popular Classic Series and the new BBX Series putters. The Classic Series features two new models. Both models are 100% machined milled fom a single piece of steel. The BB-18 features a traditional heel-toe weighted Anser style putter with 24 carat golf plated copper insert for enhanced feel . The BB-31 is a mallet design with a very short neck (hosel). These two are currently available with a suggested retail price of $350 each. The BBX Series also features two new models. The BBX-80 features a non-offset heel-toe weighted design and large sweet spot. The BBX-81 features a scoop back design with longer head. These will retail for $199 and will be available December 1st. These are less expensive due to the manufacturing process. The more expensive Bettinardi putters go through an extensive plating and finishing process.

11.14.02
Putting Aid

• Do you like the sound the golf ball makes when it falls in the cup? Well, Former Masters Champion and Senior PGA Tour professional Fuzzy Zoeller brings us a new putting training aid that incorporates that sweet sound. The Putting Peg and the Putting Pod contain a state-of-the-art speaker system that is activated when bumped by a golf ball, producing the sound of a golf ball falling into the hole. The Putting Peg is the outdoor version while The Putting Pod is the indoor version. Both units should retail for just under $10.00 each.

11.7.02
Ben Hogan Irons

• Spalding Sports Worldwide recently introduced the new Ben Hogan Edge CFT irons. The irons feature two-piece construction featuring a Compression Forged Titanium face. The CFT face provides more weight in the perimeter and back of the club head where it matters most for playability and forgiveness. Other design features include an Extended Muscle Back Cavity, wide sole, and a 17-4 Stainless Steel Frame. The Multi-Dimensional Weight Distribution design moves added weight not only in to the perimeter of the club, but also further back, much like a metal wood provides a lower, deeper center of gravity for optimal launch angles throughout the set. Available later this month, the irons are expected to retail at $599 for a 3-PW set in steel while a graphite 3-PW set will run around $749.

11.7.02
Golf Boots

• Trammel Golf Boots introduces The Golf Boot, a cowboy boot styled golf shoe. The unconventional design is intended to provide better ankle and lateral foot support as well as keeping your feet dryer in wet conditions. Other benefits of note include there are no laces to replace. A unique gift that will be remembered by all who get them. Available in Black or Coffee color. Currently available online at golfboots.com at a price of $149.95 each.
  
  

10.31.02
Precept Driver and Fairway Woods

• Precept announced the introduction of a new wood lineup called the Tour Premium Moon Sole Driver and Fairway Woods. All of the woods feature Precepts new Moon Sole technology where the design of the sole can accommodate more weight without changing the overall size of the club. The Tour Premium 320 LS Moon Sole driver features a 320cc head and a 2041 beta titanium forged clubface with a COR of .830 that is said to provide added distance without sacrificing feel and playability. The club also features an adjustable weight screw technology in the trailing edge of every club allowing providing with ideal balance. The driver's three-piece construction allows for tighter tolerances, and more consistency during the manufacturing process. The fairway woods are made from 17-4 stainless steel to achieve the most optimal size of each clubhead. Available in 3, 5, and 7 woods models. Like the drivers, the fairway woods feature three-piece construction and tight manufacturing tolerances provide and the Tungsten weighted screw technology in the trailing edge to ensure ideal swing weight in every club. Currently available, the drivers retail for $420 each in graphite while the fairway woods are $250 each in graphite.
  

10.31.02
Never Compromise Putting Aid

• Never Compromise introduces the Stubby, a training aid designed to improve your putting stroke. This putting aid is designed to force golfers to focus on consistently hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the putter head every time. It's the same width as the gray center section featured on all Never Compromise products to aid in alignment. The device is the same weight as standard putters to maintain proper feel when practicing. Features a distinctive Winn wrap-style grip with our signature black-gray-black design. Availability is set for December 1st with pricing of $79.95 each.
  

10.24.02
Scotty Cameron Putting Aid

• Scotty Cameron and Titleist introduce the Cameron Cube, a new training aid designed to improve your putting stroke. Improper path of the putter head is a common flaw identified in poor putting performance. Scotty Cameron has designed a training aid that addresses this problem. The devie is a clear piece of plastic with a hole in it that attaches to the face of your favorite putter. Using a regular golf ball, you put the ball in the hole of the device as it is attached to the face of the putter. You then take yur normal putting stroke. An improper path will show up with this device. A path that is too far outside will send the ball to the left while a path that is too far inside will send the ball to the right. The device also ensures that you keep the putter head low to the ground on takeaway as well as formces you to follow-through correctly. Currently available with pricing around $28.
  

10.24.02
Odyssey Putters

• Callaway announced the introduction of a new line of putters called the DFX series featuring its black Stronomic insert technology popularized in the original Odyssey putters. The putters combine the benefits of proven insert technology with a new rich look to create a distinctive look. The Stronomic material used in the new line has been reformulated for optimized performance with today's two-piece and three-piece golf balls, providing a pleasing sound and feel at impact. The inserts are longer across the face of each putter than the inserts used in the Dual Force line. Callaway indicates that using a larger insert makes it possible to move more weight deep in the putter head to help create less skidding and better roll on the greens. The line also has a new finish. The charcoal finish reduces glare in bright conditions and highlights each putter's sightlines, which are painted white. The black Stronomic insert is outlined in white and has a white DFX logo near the heel of the putter. Odyssey DFX Putters are cast from stainless steel and the Stronomic insert is permanently bonded into each putter. The putters will be available in five models. Available in January 2003 in lengths from 33 to 36 inches with a suggested retail price of $140 each.

10.17.02
Nike Golf Shoes

• Nike Golf was in the news over the weekend at the PGA Tour's latest stop in Las Vegas. David Duval, Nike Golf Staff Professional wore a new shoe from Nike called the Gore-Tex Max. The shoe was introduced earlier this year and features athletic styling that made many viewers think Duval had changed from golf shoes to tennis shoes. The shoes are made from a premium full-grain leather and incorporate Gore-Tex weather-resistant and Nike air comfort technology. They also feature a zipper lace cover, Q-LOK soft spike system, and 2-year limited waterproof warranty. Currently available with a suggested retail pricing is set at $115. Street pricing has been seen around $99.
  

10.17.02
Titleist Wedges

Titleist recently updated its popular Vokey wedge lineup by offering a new finish known as the Vokey Oil Can. The wedge goes through a hot oil finish process that leaves a rich light brown finish on the club's head. The club is made from carbon steel and features a classic teardrop profile. The finish is preferred by Titleist's tour players and will wear away over time leaving the head unfinished. The finish has the benefits of reducing glare and providing a unique look. The Vokey Oil Can replaces the Vokey RAW wedges in the lineup. Available in various lofts and bounces later this month fall with a suggested retail price of $125 each.

10.10.02
Wilson Golf Balls

• Wilson recently announced a new value category lineup of golf balls including 4 models geared toward recreational golfers. The Jack is a low compression golf ball targeted toward the golfer who wants pure distance and to have fun. The slogan for the line's top ball is "If you think there is a loner ball, then you don't know Jack. Wilson claims that the Jack is the industry's longest golf ball. Also in the lineup are the Spark is a golf ball optimized for senior players, the Sonic is the lineup's spin golf ball, and the Cure, a ladies golf ball, in which the company makes a donation from each purchase to breast cancer research. The lineup is packaged in 15-ball packs with sleeves featuring shrink-wrap packaging. Currently shipping with the new golf balls showing up in shops this month. Suggested retail pricing is set at $19.99 with street pricing around $16.
  

10.10.02
Ping Wedges

• Ping introduced the first separate set of wedges in the company's history. The Ping MB wedges feature a traditional look and a cavity for weight adjustability and forgiveness. Also featured is a new bi-level sole designed to provide increased playability from turf or sand The Custom Tuning Port permits Ping to achieve precise swingweight tolerances required for building custom-fit . The wedges, available in a wide variety of lofts (48, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees) with a suggested retail price of $130 each.

10.10.02
Ping Irons

• Ping Golf recently introduced its latest line of irons, the Ping i3+ featuring enhancements to the original i3 irons. The new irons will feature two models, the Blade and an oversize model known simply as i3+. The new features include 1) a new shape of the sole (leading edge and bounce) for more consistent ball contact, 2) new shaft offerings in steel and graphite shafts, including a lightweight steel shaft called the Constant Step and is lighter that Ping's previous offering by 10 grams, 3) a slimmer profile, including the transition from the top edge of the clubhead to hosel improving ease of alignment, 4) advancements to the Custom Tuning Port (CTP) and 5) new cosmetics and colors. Availability is this fall with a suggested retail price of $115 each for steel and $150 for graphite.

9.26.02
Titleist Irons

• Titleist introduces the DCI 762B irons as a complement to the popular DCI 762 irons. The new irons have traditional lofts and a compact blade design geared for the better player. They feature a muscle back cavity to provide solid feel, enhanced workability and consistent shot performance. It also features a multi-piece carbon and metalized mylar cavity insert said to provide soft feel. The smaller blade size, thin topline, minimal progressive offset, and tapered hosel provide tour-inspired appearance. Available in right hand, 2-PW, custom order only with Dynamic Gold S300 steel shafts and Titleist Victory Velvet Full Cord Round grip. Other options are available through the Titleist Custom Department. Suggest Retail price is $110 per iron.

9.19.02
Wilson Irons

• Wilson Golf follows an evolving trend toward hybrid irons sets with the introduction of the latest line of Fat Shaft irons. The new iron set features two hybrid clubs replacing the traditional 3- and 4-irons. The set consists of 5-PW plus the two hybrid clubs. All clubs within the set feature the Fat Shaft wide shaft tip, designed to reduce twisting on off-center hits. The new irons have an oversize face designed to increase the club's overall forgiveness. The Fat Shaft irons are currently available and come with steel shafts. Suggest Retail price is set at $499 per set.

9.19.02
Adams Irons

• Adams Golf recently introduced their latest set of irons, the Adams Idea irons. The new irons are optimized from long to mid to short with each part of the set providing maximum performance benefits. The set consists of three distinct club designs: Long Iron i-Woods featuring Tight Lies Fairway Wood technology designed into a club that's part iron, part wood, the Idea i-Woods are longer and easier to hit than traditional long. The ball gets airborne easily thanks to a low Center of Gravity (CG) driven by internal heel and toe weighting and Adams' patented upside down club-head design; Oversize Hollow Mid Irons with a hollow back design, the mid irons' center of gravity is placed low and toward the back of the club head making these irons long and easy to hit; Oversize Cavity Back Short Irons designed for easy to hit shots with better feel, control and accuracy. These irons feature a wide sole with a low CG for optimum launch and spin. Available in sets for Men, Women, and Seniors with a Suggested Retail Price of $599.99 per set.

9.12.02
Maxfli Golf Balls

• Maxfli Golf recently announced three new golf balls. The A3 features a two-piece design and is said to be the largest solid core golf ball ever made. Suggested retail price is set at $25 per dozen. Maxfli claims that the large solid core and ultra thin cover results in improved feel and more spin. The low compression is said to reduce driver spin leading to increased distance off the tee. The M3 Tour LT Black and M3 Tour Red are two entries into the premium category that will have a suggested retail price of $40 per dozen. Both M3 models feature a three-piece design and tungsten particles in the ball's outer core. The M3 Tour LT Black model is for golfers desiring a lower trajectory off the tee for greater roll and provides greater spin with short irons. The M3Tour Red features a different dimple design and has a lower compression core for reduced spin off the driver and increased distance. Availability is set for October 2002.

9.5.02
Precept Golf Balls

• Precept Golf recently announced two new golf balls, the U-Tri Extra Spin and U-Tri Extra Distance. Both feature 3-piece construction and are geared to compete with other premium golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1 and Callaway HX golf balls. Pricing is set to be in the $25-30 range.

9.5.02
Ping Putters

• Ping Golf recently announced three new putter lines with a total of 57 new models:
  - Specify line - Emphasizes custom fitting and feel with 36 different combinations of body style, hosel and weight. Suggested retail price has been set at $175.
  - G2 series - Updates Ping's most popular models with new shafts, hosels, and weighting. Suggested retail price has been set at $110.
  - JAS - Features a titanium body and tungsten inserts in heel and toe machined to exacting specifications. JAS is the initials of the Ping chairman and CEO John A. Solheim. Provides Ping a high-end putter to compete with Scotty Cameron and Bettinardi putters. Suggested retail price has been set at $425.

9.5.02
Callaway Driver

• Callaway Golf of Carlsbad, California recently provided hints about their next entry into the driver category, the Great Big Bertha II. All that has been released about the driver is that it will be midnight blue in color and be about 385 cc in size. Callaway staff professionals put the driver in play during the Buick Open, the week before the PGA Championship. Availability and price is not known at this time. Look for it later this fall with availability around the first of the year. Marks a return by Callaway to one of their most successful product brands and a move to try and recapture the driver category that they once dominated but have been losing the past several years to Titleist and TaylorMade.

8.23.02
Nike Irons

• Nike Golf of Beaverton, Oregon, continues to expand their presence in the equipment market today by announcing their newest iron, the Forged Pro Combo. The set is a progressive design featuring full-cavity long irons (2,3,4), muscle-cavity middle irons (5,6,7), and, blade short irons (8,9,PW). Additionally, the long irons carry more weight in the sole, heel, and toe areas to lower the center of gravity and improved playability, The middle irons have cavities with partially filled weight pads that distribute the head's weight toward the toe as the loft increases to promote better feel. The short irons are basic blades focused on scoring. Finally, the irons have milled flat faces to promote consistent ball striking throughout the set. Availability for the new irons is December 1, 2002 with steel shafts and March 1, 2003 with graphite shafts. Suggested retail prices are set at $999 in steel and $1099 in graphite.

8.23.02
FootJoy Shoes

• FootJoy, the industry leader in the golf shoes category, recently announced the introduction of its latest shoes. The GelFusion features a unique "isuspension" outer sole system designed to isolate the front portion allowing increased contact of the foot on the turf regardless of the terrain. The GelFusion line will replace the popular DryIce line. Available in pro shops in August, the line will have a suggested retail price of $185, which is $15 less that the retail pricing on the DryIce line. The X-Dimension features an "X" TPU Stability Bridge visible in the sole of the shoe. Combined with a new DuraMax rubber outsole and a molded EVA midsole, they explained, the new shoe provides improved stability and support. The X-Dimension line will replace the FITDogs line. Also available in pro shops in August, the line will have a suggested retail price of $120 (traditional style) and $110 (athletic style), which is $10-20 less that the retail pricing on the FITDog line.

8.22.02
Callaway Driver

• Callaway Golf of Carlsbad, California recently provided hints about their next entry into the driver category, the Great Big Bertha II. All that has been released about the driver is that it will be midnight blue in color and be about 385 cc in size. Callaway staff professionals put the driver in play during the Buick Open, the week before the PGA Championship. Availability and price is not known at this time. Look for it later this fall with availability around the first of the year. Marks a return by Callaway to one of their most successful product brands and a move to try and recapture the driver category that they once dominated but have been losing the past several years to Titleist and TaylorMade.

8.22.02
Cleveland Driver and Irons

• Cleveland Golf of Cypress, California, recently announced an addition to the popular Tour Action iron lineup with the introduction of the TA-7 Tour irons. The new irons feature reduced offset compared to their namesake, the TA-7. They also feature Cleveland's Micro Cavity Technology designed to lower the club's center of gravity and moves more weight to the perimeter of the club, improving feel and forgiveness. Suggested retail pricing is set at $859 for 3-PW set in steel only. Cleveland is also unveiling its latest driver, the Launcher 400. The new driver features a 400 cc head with COR rating that is right at the USGA .830 limit. The driver is available in lofts of 7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, and 10.5° and features the Launcher Gold graphite shaft. The shaft has a .350 tip designed specifically for the larger clubhead size. Suggested retail pricing is set at $399 each. Both new products ship September 1st.

8.15.02
Nike Fairway Woods

• Nike Golf of Beaverton, Oregon, recently introduced their first entry into the fairway wood category T-40 Fairway Woods. The woods are available in two models, the Oversize and the Tour. Both models feature a 40-gram Tungsten plug in the sole which increases the club's playability. The Oversize line is the same color as the Forged Titanium Drivers while the Tour line is gray in color and has a smaller head Availability for the new woods is February 2003. Suggested retail prices are set at $199 in steel and $249 in graphite.

8.1.02
Top-Flite Golf Ball

• Spalding Sports Worldwide has introduced the Top-Flite Tour golf ball. The new ball was put into play on national prime-time television at the recent "Battle of Bighorn" by the company's main spokesperson, Lee Trevino. The ball features a three-piece design with a soft, resistant cover for control and 66 compression high molecular weight inner core, and firm outer core to assist in spin and distance. The new golf balls will carry a suggested retail price of $20 per dozen. This is Top-Flite and Spalding's first value-priced, multi-layer ball, and is designed to compete against the likes of the Maxfli Noodle, Dunlop Loco, Titleist HVC, Callaway CB1, and Precept MC Lady.

7.11.02
Callaway Wedges

• Callaway Golf is getting ready to unveil their newest product offering: Forged Wedges. Roger Cleveland, the founder and namesake of Cleveland Golf, designed the new wedges. Cleveland has been with Callaway for several years and this marks his return to a design that put Cleveland Golf on the map. The wedges are made from soft 1020 carbon steel and are featured in two different finishes: chrome and vintage. The vintage is a non-glare finish and both models are available in lofts of 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees. Expected to hit pro shops in August the wedges will be priced around $110 each in steel.

7.11.02
Never Compromise Putters

• Never Compromise announced the addition of a new putter to its TDP Series. Never compromise makes the putters with gray midsection and black ends. The new TDP 4.2 ML is a center-shafted blade-style putter designed for golfers who prefer mid-length putters. The Tour Driven Performance (TDP) Series is designed to be the most extremely heel-toe-weighted putter line that the company has ever produced. This is accomplished by the combination of an extremely thin face (measuring only 0.100 inch in depth) and a very lightweight center section made of the company's patented Trans Matter material. This is said to provide an improved amount of feel into the player's hands and helps prevent the putter from twisting in the player's grip. Available in lengths of 41", 43" and 45", the putter began arriving at golf shops in late June. Availability is expected in this month with suggested retail pricing set at $189.

7.5.02
Feel Drivers

• The FEEL Golf Company, makers of "The Fastest Growing Wedges on Tour," announced a new line of deep face "Dr. Feel" drivers to be debuted at the PGA Fall Expo in Reno, Nevada in early August. The new "Dr. Feel" Titanium series drivers, which will be available only on a limited basis, will feature sizes of 300, 330, 360 and 400 cc, come in a length of 45 1Z¹2 inches long and with swing weights of C-9 to D-3. FEEL Golf will use premium shafts from top performing companies such as Fujikura, Harrison, and AccuFlex. All three shafts are color coordinated to the head colors. Colors include Rich Red, Blue and Black.

7.4.02
Callaway Golf Ball

• Callaway plans to release a new golf ball later this summer that will target budget-minded golfers. The Warbird golf ball features a two-piece design with an ionomer cover. This product introduction brings the total number of golf balls in the Callaway line-up to nine. Availability is expected in August with consumer pricing to be set at less than $20.

6.27.02
Hogan Golf Ball

• Spalding introduced the Ben Hogan Apex Tour golf ball. Six players used this golf ball in the US Open. The ball features 4 piece construction patented soft energy transfer core for improved distance and feel, an outer resilient super core for consistency, a high velocity inner cover for superior distance, and a HC350 urethane cover (the thinnest thermoplastic polyurethane cover) for exacting spin and control. Availablity is July 1st, for a suggested retail price of $58.00.

5.28.02
TaylorMade Drivers and Wedges

• TaylorMade Adidas Golf recently introduced two new products, the R500 Series drivers and the RAC wedge. The new drivers were anounced on the heels of the joint USGA and R&A plans to increase the limits places on driver's spring-like effect. The new series features three models, the R510 (330cc), R540 (350cc), and the R580 (400cc). Each driver features a thin face made of a SP-700 titanium alloy with a Coeficient of Restitution (COR) rating near the newly proposed .860 limit. The head design also feature a tunable weight cartridge that allows adjustment to each head to better match specific shafts without changing the club's performance characteristics. RAC stands for Relative Amplitude Coefficient, a phrase that TaylorMade indicates is their way to quantify feel. The wedges feature individually contoured profiles integrated into thin toplines, wide soles, combined dual U/V grooves, and two CNC-milled back pockets on the back of the club. Suggested retail pricing is set at $499 each for the drivers and $129 each for the wedges.

5.28.02
Titleist Drivers

• Titleist recently introduced two new drivers to the 975 family: the 975J-VS, has the same clubhead size (312cc) as the original 975J and provides a combination of high ball speed and launch angle with reduced spin. It is designed for golfers with a stronger or quicker tempo and those who prefer a straight to drawing ball flight. The 975L-FE has a 350cc head featuring the same look and profile and is intended for golfers who prefer a straight to fading ball flight. Suggested retail price of $500 each.

5.28.02
Callaway Golf balls

• Callaway recently extended their HX (hex) golf ball line with the introduction of the
  HX 2-Piece Blue and Red models. The original HX Blue and Red balls, introduced in January, feature three-piece construction. Thee 2-Piece models feature the same hexagonal shaped dimples said to be more efficient than traditional round dimple patterns, which don't cover as much as 20 to 30 percent of the ball's cover. The 2-Piece balls have a large core made of a mixture of high-grade rubber and dense tungsten increased ball speed at impact allowing use of a soft cover that provides softer feel and better spin characteristics than many two-piece distance balls. The originals HX golf balls have a thin urethane cover, a mantle layer and a smaller tungsten-enriched rubber core. The new Blue model has a slightly softer cover and core configuration for increased spin, while the Red is slightly firmer for greater potential distance. Expected to hit pro shops on June 1st with suggested retail pricing of $37.50 per dozen.

5.28.02
Ping Golf Bag

• Ping Golf has added a patriotic-themed model to its popular line of Hoofer2 lightweight carry bags. The body of the new bag is navy blue, while the storage pockets on both sides are red with the Ping logo outlined in white. The bag also features a full-color American flag embroiders on the ball pocket complemented by white accents and piping. Availability is planned for June with a suggested retail price of $180.

5.28.02
Next Driver

• Next Technology Golf introduced its first product, the Magnetix driver. The driver is 360cc in size and has two key design features. The first is the the head features a Patented Magnetic Assembly attached to the inside of the face that through the Science of Magnetostriction supplies increased strength and reinforcement to the face of the golf club. Magnetostriction is the use of magnets on certain materials restricts the material and either expands it or prevents the material from expanding. In simple terms, they have placed a magnet on the inside of the face and the magnetic field minimizes the club face's spring transferring more energy into the golf ball, instead of allowing it to be lost in the head. The reported result is a ball that stays on the face longer and comes off hotter with less vertical and lateral spin leading to greater accuracy and maximum distance. The second key feature is the shaft. All graphite shafts, due to the impossibility of manufacturing a perfectly symmetrical shaft, have what's called a spine in them. The spine is a seam that runs the entire length of the shaft. One current school of thought in clubmaking that there is a particular orientation of the spine that maximizes the shaft's performance. A neutral position of the spine allows the shaft to load and unload in the same plane. Next Technology becomes the first manufacturer to align the shaft on each and every driver that they manufacture as part of their standard offering. They have teamed with industry company Strategic Shaft Technologies, Inc. using their Puring alignment process for shaft orientation. The driver available in a 8, 9, and 10 degree lofts with UST graphite shafts and has a suggested retail price is $369 each.

5.28.02
Strata Golf Ball

• Strata Golf recently introduced the Tour Straight golf ball. The new ball features a multilayered design that is coated with a slick Teflon surface designed to reduce the sidespin that average golfers create at impact. The golf ball has been approved by the USGA as conforming. The golf ball also features a green arrow along the side where traditional stamping is to aid in alignment. The ball also features a high-coverage dimple design that improves aerodynamic efficiency meaning more distance. A low, ultra soft compression core is said to provide softer feel around the greens. Spalding indicates that the compression of the Tour Straight is 37 which is lower in comparison to the Maxfli Noodle's 46 and Titlelist NXT Distance's 48. Suggested retail price of $39.95 per dozen.

4.6.02
Blade Golf Irons

• Blade Golf recently introduced its latest iron, the TC-2. The new iron features a muscle cavity back design throughout the set and is cast from soft 431 Stainless Steel for enhanced feel and feedback. The set features traditional lofts and minimal offset. All irons in the Blade Golf family are custom built one set at a time specifically to each customer's specifications. Pricing is set at $599 for a 3-PW set with 2-iron and sand wedge available for $75 each.

4.6.02
Wilson Putters and Fairway Wood

• Wilson Golf recently announced the Deep Red Fluid Feel putter line featuring a soft urethane "Variable Face Insert" that is thickest in the center of the club and thins out evenly toward the heel and toe. The putters are designed to provide equal energy transfer for consistent distance and increased ball-face contact time leading to improved feel. The putters also feature Wilson's "fat shaft technology" providing a larger diameter tip providing less twisting at impact on off-center hits. There are four different models currently available with a suggested retail price of $119 each. Wilson has extended their Deep Red Fairway lineup to include a Strong 3 wood featuring 13 degrees loft and a suggested retail price of $250 with graphite shaft.
  

4.6.02
Dunlop Golf Ball

• Dunlop Sports recently introduced the LoCo golf ball featuring a two-piece solid-core design. The low compression ball is designed for golfers with slow to average swing speeds. The low compression allows the ball to compress easier leading to increased distance. The ball's design also features a dimple pattern designed to produce less spin and lower trajectory. Suggested retail price is $16.95 per dozen with availability set for most accounts by mid-April.

3.14.02
Tommy Armour Golf Balls

• Tommy Armour Golf is debuting two new golf balls. The Dual Titanium Distance and Dual Titanium Spin. Both feature a two-piece construction with suggested retail price of $15 for a 15-ball pack. The new golf balls are specifically targeted at the sporting goods and mass-merchant market.