He became a global icon and a Madison Avenue darling, earning more for his squeaky clean persona than he earned for his sport. He settled down with a beautiful Swedish model and started a family. His net worth approached a billion dollars. Everything was going according to plan – until the scandal hit. As the media breathlessly mixed news with speculation, Tiger became the poster boy for self-destruction. Corporate America exercised its fickle option and Tiger Woods was suddenly transformed from a commercial spokesman into a tabloid King. But for all the media reports on this or that revelation, Tiger’s true character remains a mystery. In Tiger: The Real Story ($25; May 11th) Steve Helling, a “People” magazine staff writer who has long covered Tiger Woods, draws on intimate sources, many speaking out for the first time, to create a never-before-seen portrait of the golfer-not the carefully groomed handlers’ image, not the media-maintained facade, but Tiger as he really is.
25 Mar 2010 •
Like a clean, sleek looking putter? The TaylorMade Monza Spider Vicino ($199) delivers the stability and true roll of a Monza Spider but in a cleaner, more streamlined, attractive shape. Ditching the old ugly-duckling shape, engineers maintained necessary MOI by dramatically reducing core weight and increasing the frame’s weight, allowing for an overall boost in perimeter weighting. Noticeable changes include the switch to a single alignment line atop the putter head and repositioning of the rear wings closer to the body. A new composite AGSI+ face insert that flexes and “holds” the ball in its grooves better to promote more forward-spin and better roll. Two 4-gram weights come with the Vicino and fit into the rear wings; additional weights can be purchased separately.
25 Mar 2010 •
Digital scorecard and stat tracking on a Rangefinder? It’s about time. But that’s only the start. The highly anticipated SkyCaddie SGX GPS Rangefinder ($399; late March) shows off well with its exceptionally durable, sleek new design featuring a large 3-inch, high resolution transflective TFT-LCD screen for brilliant images even on a bright, sunny day. Powered by a long lasting rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, the SGX is ready for up to 14 hours of continuous play. With its interactive HoleVue with Zoom, you’ll know the distance to any point on a hole in order to play that hole with the fewest strokes. Track your score for every round, plus see key stats like GIR, fairways hit and total putts with ease. The SGX lets you learn how far you hit each club and create a personal club profile. A high performance TruePoint GPS engine allows for ultra-fast satellite acquisition and unmatched accuracy and reliability. Plus its golfer friendly one-handed operation makes it feel more like a smart phone and less like a foreign object.
19 Mar 2010 •
What a rare privilege and a splendid experience it was to see Ben Hogan and Sam Snead in head-to-head competition. Now for the first time in over 40 years, watching these titans of the game is now possible for golf fans with Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf: Hogan vs. Snead ($20) DVD release of this classic match between these two legends at the Houston Country Club in 1964.
16 Mar 2010 •
Your slacks might look a tad conservative, but who said your underpants had to follow suit? Be original and sporty with the Björn Borg Sport Collection ($30). Featuring a snug, yet comfortable fit, these underwear garments are made from exclusive Cotton/Lycra material, and complement the colorful pattern of other Björn Borg underwear. They are simple and straight, with a definite sense of originality. The underwear is available in six models, two of which are made with Eco Cotton.
16 Mar 2010 •
Having trouble getting the ball up? Not to worry, Nike is here to save the day. This futuristic, Transformers-esque piece of technology is the new Nike SQ MACHSPEED Irons ($700) . Incorporating a stainless-steel alloy and an off-the-face weld, engineers created a thinner, hotter face giving birth to Nike’s fastest iron ever. Nike PowerBow technology makes its return providing an incredibly low CG and a deep undercut repositions 50 grams of weight to the back of the iron to help golfers launch the ball up in the air. Stock shafts include True Temper Dynalite 90 steel and UST Mamiya AxivCore options. Set includes 4 iron thru AW.
24 Feb 2010 •
Due to its lightweight five-piece titanium construction, designers of the Mizuno MP-Titanium Fairway Woods ($250) were able to use a 100-gram center weight plate to create a low and forward CG producing an ultra-low sweet spot. This forward weighting helps produce low spin rates and an optimal mid-launch angle. A “Tour Ready” compact headshape and open face please better players and allow for greater workability and control. The hot metal sheet forged beta titanium face provides an extremely explosive feel and likable muted sound at impact. Overall, the MP-Titanium is a first-class fairway wood and has been constructed with the absolute finest of materials. Three lofts available: [13.5, 15, and 18]. The Mitsubishi Fubuki white shaft is a nice touch.
24 Feb 2010 •
The Callaway FT-iZ Driver ($400; mid-March) has incredible performance characteristics built into an entirely new company design. Sporting a slick, stealth-like aerodynamic body said to reduce drag in the downswing, producing Callaway’s most efficient high inertia clubhead ever. A continuation of Fusion Technology exploiting extreme weight placement by utilizing compression cured carbon fiber, formed aluminum, and cast steel. Polar weighting in the face and rear power source of the head provides more stability and consistent ball speed. An innovative chemical milling process on the face allows for removal of unwanted material, for precision thickness control. I-Mix shaft option available for those willing to pay for it.
23 Feb 2010 •
It’s a first for Adidas Golf. From an industry leader in innovation and performance technologies comes its first ever fully customizable golf shoe. The mi adidas Powerband 3.0 Golf Shoes ($180) offer thousands of colour, text, and logo configuration options. Following three key tenets, including fit, performance, and design, mi adidas provides consumers with an easy design process to create the best product for their needs. The new 3.0 offers a re-engineered POWERBAND CHASSIS providing more stability and power, an advanced THINTech low-profile technology bringing you closer to the ground for better footwork, and its adiPRENE+ technology is now closer to the foot than ever before providing better weight transfer and improved balance. The next generation Powerband 3.0 will make its PGA Tour debut at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. (more…)
23 Feb 2010 •
J. Lindeberg continues to show its dominace in golf fashion with its elegant and youthful new Spring/Summer 2010 golf collection. New fabrics with fresh stripes and checks of colour produce an electric, yet sophisticated look.
Shirt: Brogan Fieldsensor White Polo ($120), Vest: Lynfa True Merino Slipover ($120), Hat: Breck Mesh Cap ($40) Pants: Nicolas Stretch Mini Check ($180), Belt: Topper 40 White Belt ($110), and Bag: Tourbag Tech 3D ($340).
www.jlindeberg.com
22 Feb 2010 •
Could yellow really be the next white? Srixon’s Research and Development team certainly think so. Introducing the new Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star X Tour Yellow ($40; April) line of golf balls. Not only a colourful enhancement to this increasingly popular line of low-mid handicap golf balls, but a scientific one as well. They incorporate the science of visual perception with the psychology of colour effect on the human brain. Yellow being the most visible colour in the visual spectrum and green’s calming and stress relief characteristics, tap into the player’s mind and expand the benefits of playing a better ball. Designed to offer best-in-category performance for players seeking the improved distance, spin, and feel preferred by Tour players.
21 Feb 2010 •
If you happen to be searching for a golf shoe that fits and feels like your running shoes, look no further than the Nike Air Rate Golf Shoes ($90). Its ultra-lightweight, one-piece upper consists of laser cut synthetic leather and mesh for superior ventilation. The full-length Phylon midsole creates a king size footbed with exceptional cushioning and comfort for a day on your feet. It wouldn’t be a Nike without its patented air sole unit providing low-profile cushioning where you need it most. Plus its unique performance outsole combines molded TPU spikes with lightweight PhyLite for the ultimate smooth ride. Available in black or granite.
09 Feb 2010 •
Add some sophistication to your golf wardrobe this Spring with the Original Penguin Mr. Ratner Windbreaker ($110). This very stylish and versatile lightweight shell can go from the golf course into the club house lounge featuring a full zip front, buttoned collar and cuffs, and a hood that can be tucked away into its zippered collar. Available in two colors.
09 Feb 2010 •
Published to coincide with the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews in 2010, The Open: Golf’s Oldest Major ($60; April) captures the unique experience of playing the courses that have made the championship’s Claret Jug the sport’s most coveted trophy. Set into the spectacular British coastline, from St. Andrews in Scotland to St. George’s in Kent, the fourteen courses that have hosted the best players in the world since the mid-nineteenth century are famed not only for their beauty but also for their character. It presents an astonishing photographic celebration of a tournament that has hosted every icon of the sport.
06 Feb 2010 •
With a clean, upscale three piece stainless steel case and black PU rubber strap, the Callaway Black Face Watch ($125) combines playability and style. From Callaway’s Timepiece Collection, the CY2102 is water resistant down to 50 meters and features a chronograph movement, black dial with black IP ring top. Made by Fossil.
06 Feb 2010 •
New to Cobra for 2010 is the S2 Men’s Driver ($299) and it doesn’t fail to impress. Its 9 Point Face Technology consists of a thin-milled rhombus face insert surrounded by an even thinner titanium perimeter that promotes increased ball speed across the clubface. A rather traditional profile and rich, black Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finish inspire confidence at address. This full-titanium model features a 46-inch Fujikura Fit-on Max shaft and an adjustable hosel allowing for three face-angle settings: neutral, 1.5 degrees open, and 1.5 degrees closed. This Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT) allows golfers to optimize trajectory allowing for a straighter ball flight. Available in four lofts [8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5]. Offset and Women’s models are also available.
04 Feb 2010 •
Who wouldn’t want a golf course in their back yard? This magnificent piece of property is Coeur d’Alene Estate ($17.5 million) located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this entertainers paradise boasts 26,000 square feet on 15 acres, and provides ultimate privacy while offering indoor/outdoor living at it’s best. Fully gated, with private drive, helipad, acres of perfectly manicured lawns, an elegant porte-cochere and a dazzling, multi-tiered waterfall. Featuring two spectacular Indoor and outdoor Pools, as well as indoor and outdoor Championship Tennis Courts, Game Room with Bowling Alley, Par 3 Golf Hole, and a 9-car garage with room for a limousine. A fabulous outdoor kitchen, bar, and fireplace allow for excellent entertaining outdoors. Additional features include 10 fireplaces, surveillance cameras and state of the art security system. An absolute masterpiece. Two lifetime memberships to the Coeur d’Alene Country Club included. (more…)
04 Feb 2010 •
Our first stand bag of 2010, and what a great start to the season. It’s the Callaway FT Hybrid Stand Bag ($200). Interior features 12 pockets in total including a moulded, waterproof fleece lined valuables pocket; a full length apparel pocket and a separate spot for your GPS/Rangefinder; and a fully insulated fluid storage compartment. It has an 11-way top with full length dividers and an Xtra Traction2 base that maintains 100% turf contact during activation and it even has vibration dampening cart pads on the bottom. The IZZO Double Strap Comfort System rests easy on the shoulders and will last for the duration of the bag. It’s twice the size and weight of the company’s Hyper-Lite 3.0 model, but then again lightweight isn’t a priority for everyone.
04 Feb 2010 •
Fuelled by both an athletic and authentic country club heritage, the Dunning Tour Slim-Fit Polo ($75) offers close-cut, vintage 60s inspired tailoring that is narrow in the shoulders and torso, with a mid-bicep sleeve length and narrow 3-button placket. Its 100% technical anti-microbal polyester fabric wicks moisture away from the body providing an extremely breathable and odor free golf shirt. Its premium quality fabrics and classic British tailoring meets modern sensibility and style. Available in 6 colors through Dunning.
04 Feb 2010 •
Finally a golf shoe with the style and flexibility for wear both on and off the course, the ECCO Street Premiere Casual Golf Shoes ($140) combines the best of both worlds. It’s designed for golfers who want superior performance on the course and the stylish versatility of a street shoe for everyday use. Taking its cues from modern men’s fashion, this street inspired golf sneaker includes a distressed full-grain leather upper with rivet detailing and synthetic blend wide-flat laces in two different colors for added user customization, including a contrast option for an additional dose of flavour. “It’s made using a proprietary direct-injection process that creates a one-piece construction that won’t break down over time, which means it’s a terrific value-driven gift this season.” – ECCO USA
03 Feb 2010 •
