EQUIPMENT |
New Year, New Gear
With the R&A and USGA effectively banning long putters (as of 2016), it may be time to rethink which flatstick you wield on the greens. If the new ruling already has you fearing the yips, then you may want to consider adding a mallet putter to your arsenal. They work on more of a straight-back/straight-thru line, which makes it easier to keep your putter travelling on the right path (as opposed to blades which travel on more of an arc). Consider the Sandy-12 from Yes! It weighs a hefty 351 grams and has a high MOI that keeps the putterhead stable. Adios yips! Comes in length options between 32 and 36 inches.
Equipment editor Charlie Schroeder selects 12 must-haves for the season ahead.
HK$1,240. yesgolf.com
There are two new drivers in Titleist’s 913 series, the 460cc D2 and a 445cc D3. Aside from clubhead volume, what’s the difference between the two? The D2 boasts a full pear-shaped head, is more forgiving and has a slight draw bias. (Perfect for those of you who tend to slice the ball.) The D3, on the other hand, is a traditional pear-shaped head that’s more workable with no draw bias. (Perfect for those of you who are itching to go head-to-head with Rory McIlroy.) Both measure 45 inches and feature the company’s nifty SureFit Technology, which allows users to change the loft and lie independent of one another. Suggested retail for both is HK$5,400. titleist.com
Dreamt up from stylish British touring professional Simon Hurd, Druh Belts and Buckles can be found around the waists of 60 European Tour pros and close to 100 Asian Tour players. These stylish handmade leather and snakeskin belts come in traditional and modern styles. “I wanted to have a bit of fun designing belts and buckles that were a little bit funky, yet stylish,” Hurd says. They range from turquoise to pink and fifteen leathers in different embossed styles, from crocodile to ostrich effect. The interchangeable buckles come in brushed nickel, polished silver or gold. Handmade in Thailand.
Cleveland’s new 588 RTX wedges have grooves that are 16 per cent larger than previous designs. That makes it easy to maximize spin on shots that originate from wet, thick or sandy lies. Another fine feature is a laser-cut face texture which helps generate friction at impact, and hence, spin from any lie. Better yet, they’re designed with added forgiveness which makes them both a shotmaker’s wedge and a game-improvement wedge. Translation? No matter what your skill level, you’ll benefit by putting one in your bag. Look for a directionally milled face pattern that adds roughness and imparts spin on open-face wedge shots. Available in Satin Chrome or Black Pearl finish.
HK$950-1,500. druhbeltsandbuckles.com
HK$930. clevelandgolf.com
Bridgestone has four balls in their B330 lineup. Each features Dual Dimple technology (a dimple within a dimple), which offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced performance in the wind. One of the game’s leaders when it comes to ball fitting, Bridgestone makes it easy to find the right B330 for your game. All you have to do is know how fast you swing. Over 105 mph? Then you’ll want the B330 or B330-S. Less than 105? Choose the B330-RXS or B330-RX. From there, narrow your search to spin and launch characteristics.
Originally introduced in 1950, the Samba quickly became a global sensation. This year Adidas introduced a spiked version for golf. I first tried them a few months ago in the US and based on the number of people who came up to me asking, “Where did you get those shoes?” these could be a real hit. The limited-edition line inspired by this year’s four majors are sure to be a hit with every golf nut who loves his football as well.
HK$350/dozen. bridgestonegolf.com
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As seen on Fred Couples during the 2012 golf season, the new BIOM Golf Hybrid shoe from ECCO is a lightweight blend of new-age materials and breathable Yak leather. “BIOM Hybrid presents a footwear experience that’s unlike anything else the walking golfer has ever experienced,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO. Originally developed for the premium running market, ECCO has used Natural Motion technology with these new kicks and it provides exceptional insole support. The outsole is grippy, the inside is comfortable and the styling is so good, we want to wear them off the course. And what’s best with these cleatless shoes, we can. HK$1,475. ecco.com/en-HK
Using the new WinnDry polymer, the Dri-Tac is Winn’s best all-weather grip to date – a must for playing in Hong Kong’s wet season. The tacky, nonslip, soft outer grip covers a firmer inner grip that makes gripping the club easier and more comfortable. Plus it absorbs shock like nobody’s business. A top pick, as now’s the time golfers should be replacing their worn grips from a year on the links. The Dri-Tac is a must for any golfer who wants that classic Winn Grip feel in a grip that’s made to tackle wet conditions. Comes in ladies, standard, midsized and oversized versions. winngrips.com
OK, so it’s not a piece of equipment but there’s nothing quite as beautiful as a classic golf course. In fact sometimes you wish you could capture one so you can look at it any time of the day. The publishers of 18 Greatest Golf books understand how we all feel. Their first two limited edition volumes, “18 Greatest Scottish Golf Holes” and “18 Greatest Irish Golf Holes” take you on a visual journey through those two golf rich countries. Printed in Italy at Editoriale Bortolazzi Stei and photographed by John Kernick, they feature some of the world’s most scenic layouts, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Ballybunion, Portmarnock and Royal Portrush.
Billed as Sun Mountain’s most popular golf bag outside North America, the H2NO men’s carry bag boasts nine pockets, a 4-way top and, what’s best for Hong Kongers, it’s made with waterproof material so your clubs and valuables stay dry. Comes with a matching rainhood and seven colour combinations. HK$1,500. sunmountain.com
HK$1,500. 18greatestgolf.com
Mizuno’s MP-64 forged irons are billed as player’s cavityback irons and one player, Luke Donald, has already put them in play. Made of one-piece, grain-flow forging, each club looks like a blade at address, but has built-in forgiveness in the form of a subtle cavity. The long irons are forgiving, the short irons are easy to control. All around the focus is on producing a soft feel at impact. HK$7,700. mizuno.com
Boasting “MyFly” technology, Cobra’s soon-to-bereleased Amp Cell driver gives you an incredible six loft settings: 8.5°, 9.5°, 9.5° with a draw, 10.5°, 10.5° with draw and 11.5°. And what’s best is that you can place the face angle at either square or draw, depending on how well you’re making contact that day. Comes in four colour options – Barbados Red, Vibrant Orange, Directoire Blue and White. Boasts a Fujikura Rombax stock shaft and measures 45.25 inches. Right-hand only. HK$TBA. cobragolf.com
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