Looking for the newest, coolest off-course and on-course golf gifts, whether it is for your own holiday list or for someone else? Well, it’s that time of year again for gift giving and most golfers are just looking for an excuse to buy or be gifted the new products that will give them an extra edge.
We have selected some of the newest and best performing products that not only will help your golf game, but are fantastic gifts.
The Right Mind for Golf
My new book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, now in its second printing, is endorsed by Tour players such as Retief Goosen, Bruce Fleisher, Shaun Micheel, Brenden Pappas, Briny Baird and many others and
their caddies- it will help and take your mental game to the next level.
Using the “Keep it Superbly Simple” theory, this 94 page book is a fast and enjoyable read that cuts through the anecdotes and aphorisms so often found in books on the mental game and gets right to the heart of the matter.
The latest convert to The Right Mind For Golf, Gavin Cole, who after reading the book, went out and recorded a win on the Nationwide Tour’s Winn-Dixie Jacksonville event.
It even comes with a tear out laminateable positive reinforcement guide that is the same as the pros carry in their bags. It is succinct, to the point, ideal for use on the course and also fits in your golf bag.
$21.95 www.pgtaa.com or www.amazon.com
UNCONSCIOUS PUTTING: Dave Stockton’s Guide to Unlocking Your Signature Stroke
It is highly recommended to be read with the Right Mind for Golf for the best results!
The Stockton family formed Stockton Golf to educate and improve every golfer’s putting from the Tour Pro to the everyday golfer. To date, they have had an impressive run with players such as Rory McIlroy, Yani Send, Phil Mickelson, Suzann Pettersen, Matt Kuchar, Michelle Wie and Annika Sorenstam. An impressive stable of top rated players achieving great results.
Including invaluable advice on reading greens, putting strategy, candid detail on equipment, and dozens of photos and illustrations throughout, UNCONSCIOUS PUTTING will definitely expose you to ideas and techniques that work and improve one’s putting, which is all one seeks.
Stockton’s breakthrough concept is that every player needs to eliminate the rigid, mechanical and over thinking trap that is so prevalent. The Stockton’s theory espouses that each player has their own
Signature Stroke, which is unconscious.
“Good putting comes from the mind”, Stockton says, not from a series of stiff mechanical positions. With visualization, the right frame of mind, an efficient pre-putt routine, and connection to the individual
internal stroke signature, any player can make far more putts. Putting is a different game and should be accorded its own specific criteria and techniques.
Among the subjects the Stocktons cover are how to see the putt you are about to hit, how to read greens, how to transfer what is seen/read into the actual putt and how to design a focused pre-putt routine.
It is an easy and enjoyable read that definitely motivates the reader to become a better putter which in turn makes their game that much more enjoyable.
$17.01 www.amazon.com
The EV Band
Here’s what’s great about America. There is a product, the first in its category, in this case the Trion Z energy bracelet, along comes another entrepreneur who improves the product by 10% or more. In this
case, only 5%, as that is the magic number of negative ions that can be used to be effective. The majority of competing brands use only 1%.
Made from surgical silicone and available in a number of different sizes and colors, the EV Band was designed by Dr. Gerald Mattia, former President of the Chiropractic Association of America, President
of I . C. A. Sports , on the Health and Fitness Council for over 12 years and Energy and Vitality’s chairman.
The EV Band from Energy and Vitality is an ionized band that can be worn on any area of the body to increase its positive electrical force. In addition to feeling a better sense of balance, the band helps over
90% of the people who wear it to have an increased range of motion. This is especially important for professional athletes because they want to perform their best each and every time that they compete.
Professional athletes like how the EV Band looks and feels. Nick Faldo, David Leadbetter, Trevor Immelman, Retief Goosen, Mark McNulty, D.A. Points, and Brian Davis, as well as baseball players Ken
Griffey, Jr. and Johnny Damon and NFL player Ryan Longwell enjoy the increased balance and energy level, but also the overall flexibility and range of motion they experience.
As for my opinion, since wearing the band I have felt more in sync on and off the golf course, but the single most benefit for me is that I have been sleeping better than I have for months!
$29.95 www.energyandvitality.com
addidas Tour 360 ATV (All Terrain Versatility) WD Shoe
Not only is this shoe extremely classy and good looking, but it is one of the best fitting shoes that addidas has produced. Comfort is its second name!
The new Tour 360 is engineered to maximize stability in wet conditions and on uneven terrain such as side hill and uphill lies. It has an ultra-flexible forefoot and a five-pod heel, that according to addidas, will
enable the wearer to stay grounded in the most difficult positions.
The shoe features a dual-density outsole with 10-spike configuration, while its unibody construction connects a 5-pod decoupled heel for adaptability, a strengthened midfoot TPU for support and
aggressive TRAXION secondary lugs in the forefoot for enhanced grip.
The shoe employs Adidas’s all-around wrap technology and Thintech, but weighs two ounces less and positions the wearer’s foot 1.5 millimeters lower than previous models. addidas’s FitFOAM insole
provides excellent cushioning, support and comfort.
The shoe is available in White/Black/Metallic Silver and has a two year waterproof warranty.
$190.00. www.addidasgolf.com
Nike Method Core Drone Putter
The first impression of this putter is that it is a work of art deserving space in a contemporary art museum.
On further examination, Nike has taken the highly successful Method Core putter and beefed up its MOI (Moment of Inertia) for increased stability. The Polymetal Groove Technology is the same used in other
Method putters. This combination makes for smooth strokes and increased accuracy.
The extreme mallet design and Opti-mass weighting in the center and wing tips keep the club head on its path, preventing twisting and creating a smooth, accurate stroke.
The Polymetal Groove Technology provides for a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy. The polymer and aluminum grooves lessen impact vibrations and provide pure sound and feel.
Our testers, while taking a little time to get used to the Drone’s aesthetics, raved about the feel and consistency of the roll.
The Drone is available in 33?, 34? and 35? lengths with a loft of 2.0° and a Lie Angle of 71.0°. The face angle is face balanced and the head weights are: 33? – 365.0 grams, 34? & 35? – 350.0 grams.
$169.99 www.nikegolf.com
Mizuno JPX 800 Irons
Golfers with an 8 to 30 handicap will benefit immeasurably from these irons.
At our last testing day at Torrey Pines Golf Course, our group of 25 testers, 5 Pros, 20 10-20 handicaps, chose these irons as the irons they would switch to given a chance.
Aside from the fact that the world’s number one player, Luke Donald, uses Mizuno products, for many years the company has been the number one iron manufacturer.
The Mizuno JPX 800 is the first iron to utilize Mizuno’s JPX technology in the United States. JPX technology combines MAX COR Technology, Hot Metal Face construction, and an exotic pocket cavity,
which results in the maximum allowable COR limits for energy transfer in irons providing unbelievable distance from anywhere on the face.
The irons feature a CNC milled pocket cavity and provides a low and deep center of gravity as well as an aggressive Triple Cut sole, which results in improved face-to-ball contact from most any lie.
The long irons (through the 7 iron) feature the CNC Milled and Undercut Cavity, while the 8-PW features a solid power bar for improved control and feel. Modal Analysis and Harmonic Impact Technology are
employed to produce optimal feel and sound, providing improved feedback for players who demand it. 4- GW is available.
$699.00 www.mizunogolf.com
Mizuno MP R12 Black Nickel CC Wedges
Looking for a great wedge that performs well in all conditions, sets up perfectly and produces great results? Then this is your wedge!
Our testing group was bowled over by these wedges. Most impressive was the feel the wedges produced followed by the aesthetics of the club and it’s dart throwing accuracy.
These new wedges feature a more rounded, player preferred, head shape. Mizuno’s exclusive Quad Cut Grooves and loft-specific geometry technology enable Mizuno to precisely control the width, depth,
draft angle and shoulder radius of each groove to deliver maximum spin control and ball stopping ability in all playing conditions.
Traditionally, the two most popular head shapes played on Tour are Teardrop and Round, and with the addition of the MP R-12 to the already popular MP T-11 series, Mizuno now has a Grain Flow Forged
wedge for either player preference.
Recognizing that each wedge is used more often for certain shots depending on whether it is a Gap, Sand or Lob wedge, the MP R-12 wedges are further optimized for spin and versatility by the inclusion of
Mizuno’s loft-specific sole geometry. What this means is that the 50-54 degree wedges feature a deeper/narrower groove for more control on full shots, and the 56-64 degree wedges utilize a
wider/shallower groove for extra spin on short shots. Mizuno is the only company that features two different groove configurations in a wedge series.
The Spinner shaft is standard with these wedges, which are also available in a two tone satin finish and from 50 to 64 degrees with various bounce angles per club.
$119.99 www.mizunogolf.com
Leupold Golf’s GX-4 Digital Range Finder
This unit is simply the best range finder currently available! Its sleek design, together with the ergonomic design and visual reading meter, is awesome!
Additionally, the Leupold GX series is the preferred choice by over 100 Pro Tour caddies for digital range finders to help them prepare for tournament play. The GX-4 offers a rugged aluminum body, a vivid
OLED display and line-of-site measurement when the standard chrome faceplate is attached.
Once you snap on the included Smart Key faceplate, the GX-4 instantly becomes a coach, providing accurate ranging information that matches your personal striking distances to the slope of the shot and
current atmospheric conditions, even suggesting which club to use.
There are four models comprising the GX line. The GX-1 provides tournament-legal line-of-sight measurement. The GX-2 is loaded with advanced smart technology such as Leupold’s proprietary True Golf
Range (TGR®) and Club Selector features. The tournament-legal GX-3 is the most compact model in the series, weighing less than 8 ounces. GX-4 offers enhanced versatility with a removable Smart Key
that adds the benefits of TGR and Club Selector only as needed.
All GX models feature PinHunter Laser Technology, which effectively filters out large background objects and zeroes in on the flag or pin for extremely precise and fast target acquisition. Golfers can select
from a number of aiming reticles (reticles is a net of fine lines or fibers in the eyepiece of a sighting device, such as a telescope, a telescopic sight, a microscope, or the screen of an oscilloscope),
choosing the one that works best for the intended target and usage.
Other key features common to all models include Prism Lock Technology and fog mode. When GX is in scan mode, Prism Lock Technology makes an audible beep upon identifying a high-intensity return
from flagsticks equipped with specialized prisms, which are utilized by many golf courses around the country. With Prism Lock Technology, holding the rangefinder steady becomes less of a concern, and
exact distance measurement is assured. Fog mode enables GX to cut through mist and provide fast, accurate distance measurements.
The TGR and Club Selector features of the GX-2 and GX-4 (with Smart Key activated) provide accurate ranging information matched to the slope of the shot, atmospheric conditions and a golfer’s specific
striking distance.
Leupold just released their “Quick-Draw” retractable tether system which makes the ease of use great. It can be tethered to one’s golf bag (mount included), belt or cart and a quick detachment feature is
available for use with or without the tether.
In the GX-4, you will come to love and appreciate its simplicity of operation and it’s amazing digital read out – very sophisticated and easy to read are two the finer attributes of the GX-4.
$499.99 www.golf.leupold.com
Axis1 Eagle Putter
Different looking putter- you bet! Does it perform – you bet right again!
This is probably the best balanced putter on the market. Designed by Luis Pedraza, the Axis1 is all about balance. By putting the heel weight into an area that’s ahead of the putter face, the center of gravity
moved to the sweet spot in the club, which also happens to align with the shaft.
Explained another way, the Axis1 Eagle’s patented innovation shifts the heel weight forward of the striking face and places the center of gravity of the club exactly on the sweet spot – in line with the axis of the
shaft at the same time. This unique balance eliminates a putter’s tendency to open up, resulting in more on-line putts and lower scores. Its unique shape creates a perfect balance and basically eliminates the
usual twisting and torque made during the stroke.
The club features a copper face insert and has a vibration-dampening steel shaft.
Pedraza has also introduced the Umbra model, a different look both in color and visually, but with all the characteristics and
innovations of the Eagle model. The Eagle is a blade putter, the Umbra is a mallet putter. Both models are USGA approved.
Overall, I had a great response to the putters AFTER they initially got over the aesthetics. After hitting a dozen or more putts each, the feedback was very positive. All the testers were amazed at the feel and
effortless strokes they made when using each putter.
$299.00 www.axis1golf.com
Daphne’s Head Covers
When it comes to making animal head covers, there is no one better than Daphne’s Head Covers. They focus solely on creating realistic looking, quality head covers of all Mother Nature’s critters.
This 29-year-old family business is doing a rip-roaring business in the custom head cover arena. These head covers are not only well designed, but also their quality and attention to detail is superb.
Daphne’s currently has 175 plus animal golf club covers in their line. Each animal is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure fit on your clubs.
The newest, the Weimaraner head cover, will have their proceeds benefit Gabriel’s Angels (http://www.gabrielsangels.org), a 12year-old organization that helps break the cycle of abuse in children using pet
therapy sessions.
Each animal is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure fit on your club and is guaranteed for life. Inside the label you will find their factory phone number. Rest assured that if you have any problems with
your head cover, the manufacturer will fix it pronto.
Amongst the latest models are the Toucan, Hawk, Tasmanian Devil, Basset Hound and Cougar. The pink poodle, inspired by Jo Head on the LPGA Tour,
has a rich pink coat that would be the envy of all the poodles on Rodeo Drive. The udderly perfect cow cover will securely protect your driver with the realistic portrayal of America’s favorite farm animal.
I love Daphne’s head covers!
$25.99 www.daphnesheadcovers.com
Sigvaris Athletic Recovery Golf Socks -182 Series
If you love walking your golf rounds, this new latex free graduated compression sock with its cushioned, shock-absorbing sole, is ideal for preventing foot and leg fatigue from prolonged periods of standing
and walking.
The Athletic Recovery sock helps to flush out the lactic acid built up in the leg during exercise, relieving tired, aching legs and exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Additionally, a growing trend among competitive athletes is the use of compression therapy socks to help improve their athletic performance. Compression therapy is a hot topic in sports media right now
as a growing number of tri-athletes, marathon runners and professional sports athletes are trying compression socks during performance to improve their results.
Whether it’s during the actual event, after the event, or even while traveling, athletes are making graduated compression socks part of their everyday attire. Brittany Lincicome is an avid fan of Sigvaris
products.
Made from 68% Supima cotton, it is naturally breathable, soft, and hypo-allergenic and ideal for sensitive skin. With its soft, cushioned sole, heel, and toe the sock protects feet and helps absorb impact from
walking or running.
It is important to note that not all compression is created equal. A number of sock manufacturers are claiming to offer “compression” socks for athletic use. Unfortunately, many of these “compression” socks
do not have true graduated compression. Instead, they may feature a tight foot band, or vertical stripes, or a wide variety of features meant to imply foot or leg support.
Available for men and women in various sizes (6 – 14) and in black and white. Styles include Business Casual, Classic Ribbed (180 Series), Cushioned Cotton (182 Series), Classic Dress (185 Series) and
Casual Cotton (186 Series).
$29. 21 at www.sigvaris.com
Every golfer needs a golf bag. These golf bags will suit most golfer’s needs:
Burton Golf Bags
Siena Cart Bag
The Siena Cart Bag touts sophistication and class with this design. The cart bag features a 10 inch, 6-way fully padded Nubuck top with full length dividers, eight functional pockets, including a valuables
pocket and an oversized ball pocket.
The cart bag is made of premium material and rich woven fabric with a overall weight of only 7.5 lbs.
Each golf bag comes with matching head covers and is available in six styles – black/blue, brown/pink, brown/brown, black/red, black, cream and black/charcoal for a suggested retail of $279.95.
Executive Cart Bag
The Executive cart bag offers classic plaids and rich earth tones combined with genuine leather touch points to make this one of the most popular in the line. This 10-inch top, eight-way fully-padded velour
top has full-length dividers and six functional pockets, including a valuables and an oversized ball pocket.
Weighing only 6.5 pounds, this lightweight bag has matching head covers and is available in four styles – black/charcoal plaid, dark brown/light khaki, black/black, dark brown/olive.
The suggested retail is $239.95. www.burtongolf.com
Nike Vapor X Carry Bag
The latest lightweight carry bag from Nike features everything a walking golfer needs. The improved Max Air double strap makes walking with a bag a breeze. The color palette being offered for the X, make
the bag “hip-looking” and imbues an energetic karma.
Amongst the many features of this bag are the ultra-lightweight aluminum design with its 8.5? 5-way, two full-length dividers and it weighs only 4 pounds! There are 6 functional pockets (5 zippered) –
including waterproof fleece-lined valuables pocket, full-length Stretch-fit apparel and glove pockets and an insulated water-bottle sleeve.
A matching rain hood, custom grip leg end-caps, an integrated GPS loop and pen sleeve round out its repertoire of features. This bag has it all!
The color palettes are different and exciting with Cool Grey/Action Green-Swan; Storm Blue/Electrolime-Neptune Blue; Black/University Red – Dark Grey; Safety Orange-Soar Neutral Grey;
Granite/Electrolime-Smoke; Pink Flash/Deep Night-Swan.
$179.99 www.nikegolf.com
Sun Mountain KG:2
The new KG:2 stand bag from Sun Mountain offers more of all that golfers have come to appreciate about Sun Mountain golf bags. Built on the same frame as the ever-popular Superlight 3.5, KG:2 offers the
comfort features many walking golfers prefer, including the E-Z Fit® Dual Strap System with generously padded shoulder straps, eight pockets, including a beverage pouch, mobile phone pocket, velour-
lined valuables pocket, full-length clothing pocket, as well as the standard ball and accessory pockets.
Sun Mountain’s patented Roller Bottom and recessed Y-Spring activator for faster leg action and tight-to-the-bag retraction are featured, as is their top mounted stand attachment for increased durability and
stability. This allows for more balanced carrying, and triangular non-slip foot pads resist sinking into grass and sliding on slick surfaces.
The KG:2 features a 9.5” oval, four-way top with full-length club dividers, three integrated top handles and a new lift-assist pocket handle, eight pockets (including a new mobile phone specific pocket), and a
cart-friendly bottom. A striking array of colors is available.
For those rounds when walking is not an option, KG:2 also offers cart-friendly features, such as a cart-friendly bottom and a new leg-lock system. The cart-friendly bottom is designed with a new shape and a
re-tooled foot mechanism that allows the bag to stand straight on the back of a riding golf cart offering easier pocket access. The leg-lock system secures the legs to the bag.
$199 www.sunmountain.com.
Tour Links Putting Greens
Having used a Tour Links Putting Green for the past 7 years, not only has my putting improved dramatically, but the pleasure received from being able to step outside into my back yard and putt whenever I
want is immeasurable!
The company has also introduced to their range of putting greens, the Fan Mats . Their state of the art high quality graphics are vibrantly printed directly on to the putting surface while
maintaining that perfect roll.
The durability and the ability to include slopes on the putting surface definitely enhances your ability to improve your putting prowess.
Now you can support your favorite college or
Pro team, salute the U.S. military, or promote your corporate brand. Putting practice just got FANatical!
$549.00 to $949.00 www.tourlinks.net
SKLZ Refiner Pro Graphite Driver
This training driver is a
marked improvement to the best-selling Medicus version popular many years ago. This hinged graphite training driver is the only graphite training club available anywhere, and provides a more accurate
swing weight and the feel of a real driver.
?
The driver is engineered to hit golf balls and teach a smooth, even-tempo golf swing – the patented two-way adjustable-hinged club exposes swing flaws
immediately by a break in the hinge. The dual-colored shaft gives visible cues for maintaining an on-plane swing path, and the grip provides ideal hand placement guides in order to square the clubface.
This
is an excellent training devise and substitutes for a teacher when an emergency analysis of a swing gone bad is needed.
$119.95 www.sklz.com
DON”T WAIT – GET SHOPPING!
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America . He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America , the California Golf Writers Association, and
serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business
Relationships through Golf”, updated for 2011, is still in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list. His latest book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, has just been released this month and is already into the
second printing.
He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net
