Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross

by Barry Lotz

When Bob Vokey is excited about one of his new wedge creations, you know you are in for something special.

Titleist’s master wedge craftsman has been responsible for the most played wedges on the PGA Tour since 2004, and his just-released SM9 model has more options and personalization than ever of loft, grind and bounce combinations.

It is no wonder Tour players took to these clubs right off the bat as soon as they were made available to them in January. They are smoother, easier to hit and have better turf interaction—not to mention the superior spin and control.

“It is important to fit your wedges to your swing type, style of play and course conditions,” noted Vokey. “That selection process should begin by determining the proper grind for the shots you hit most. The correct grind provides the best turf interaction, contact and shot performance.

“It sounds simple but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has a direct impact on scoring performance,” he added. “The most important thing for golfers at every level is to know when and where to use the variety of wedges in their bag. That can be achieved by being properly fit based on swing and style of play-and understanding the roles for each.”

If versatility is what you are looking for, these wedges have it. The SM9’s offer six grind options and a total of 23 different models ranging in lofts from 46 to 62 degrees for precision fitting.

The aspect of these new wedges that Vokey is most excited about Is the improved Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design concept originally introduced with the Vokey Design SM8. The new SM9 pushes the envelope again with even more innovation as the new SM9 maintains the innovative forward CG – a position that hovers in front of the wedge face --to produce a solid feeling wedge that squares up at impact for more consistent results.

The CG has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position. Progressive hosel lengths are also used to help raise the CG in the higher lofts, particularly 58 to 62 degrees. The result is improved distance and trajectory control, and increased stability for more consistency.

Vokey has spent decades working with Tour players to design an array of sole choices that make these wedges the ultimate when it comes to customization and available options. His six Tour-proven sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D – allow golfers of all skill levels to be precisely fit for their swing type (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style (sweeper, digger) and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft).

A new Spin Milled cutting process in the SM9 models – which includes tightening the allowable tolerances --produces consistently sharper grooves wedge after wedge, resulting in higher, more consistent spin.

The Spin Milled Grooves are the gold standard in groove cutting precision and are meticulously engineered and cut to the edge to maximize spin and shot control. Each groove on every head is 100% inspected for conformity to the rules of golf.

Another unique aspect of the SM9’s are the micro-grooves that are individually cut in between grooves, which maximizes spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area to double the durability of the groove without impacting feel.

Each groove is individually cut based on loft and finish with the lower lofts (46-54 degree) designed with narrower, deeper grooves and higher lofts (56-62 degree) with wider, shallower grooves.

The customization for these new wedges is also impressive, with six unique toe engravings offered and 10-character straight/freestyle stamping options—along with custom paint-filled loft, bounce and grind markings.

SM9 wedges can also be custom ordered with a wide selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules, with the stock shaft being the True Temper Dynamic Gold S200. The wedges are available in three stock finishes – Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black – with Raw as a custom option.

Another nice feature is the Vokey Wedge Selector tool on Vokey. com that helps golfers select the proper loft, bounce and grind options for their swing and course conditions. Vokey recommends that golfers visit their local Titleist fitter to confirm the results. The Vokey Wedge Selector tool can be found at: https://www.vokey.

For more information on the SM9 wedges go to: www.Vokey.com

Now that the golf season is well underway in most areas of the country, FootJoy is looking to bring more heat to the game with the introduction of its ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable Fury line of shoes for men, women and juniors.

You can readily feel the comfort of these shoes and how light they are compared to anything else on the market. They have an athletic feel with a full-rounded toe design and a slightly narrow heel for a snug fit. Stratolite foam engineered to deliver lightweight www.golfvacationsmag.com

cushioning is one of the key features of this shoe.

Fury looks like an athletic shoe, but the on-course traction provided by the power stabilizer outsole makes these shoes an excellent choice for better traction, support and control during the swing—even though they are soft spikes. The Fury’s Stability Bridge— new to this shoe—helps provide additional support and comfort.

After just a few minutes these shoes feel like they have been broken in for months—and with the style and design make an excellent choice for an after round social.

The durable construction of this shoe carries a one-year waterproof warranty.

For the men, the available colors include white/white laced; white/blue laced; navy/white laced; black/white laced; black/black Boa and white Boa.

For the women’s models, Fury has introduced some vibrant colors to go along with innovative technology in this shoe. These are solid and well-constructed shoes with excellent arch stability and a soft feel that ladies like.

One of FootJoy’s newest head-to-toe ambassadors—Jessica Korda—has switched to the shoe and raves about it.

“I love the spikeless feel, I love how light it is, the comfort is great, and I am a big fan of the Boa® technology,” noted Korda, former No. 1, and the reigning Olympic Champion. “It’s everything I am looking for and I am really pumped to be in the shoe this year.”

The women’s shoes come in Navy/hot pink laced; gray/white laced; white light pink laced; white light pink Boa.

For more information: www.FootJoy.com

With the arrival of spring, it is time for golf to begin its major championship season. There are more people playing golf and more traveling to find that certain course that they want to experience. For those wanting to see the best golfers in the world at this time of year— there is one place like no other.

Since 1934, Augusta, Georgia has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments. Amidst the azaleas, towering pines and flowering dogwoods, April means it is time for the Masters. Over four days and 72 holes, the smallest field in championship golf competes for a chance to capture the famous Green Jacket and a place in history.

Not everyone can get a ticket to see this event in person, but Nexbelt, “The Belt With No Holes,” is celebrating this year’s Masters—the week many call the greatest week in golf—with its very own Augusta Braided Series Belt.

The Nexbelt Braided Series Golf Belts offer all the beauty of

a nylon braided belt but none of its deficiencies. These braided belts offer great comfort because they stretch a tiny bit to allow a little more flexibility on the course. The Augusta belts offer cutto-fit and will accommodate up to 50” waist, Green, Yellow and White nylon material, buckle size 1 5/8” x 2 5/16” and the strap is 1 3/8” high

With over 40 players now wearing Nexbelt on the Professional Golf Tours, Nexbelt is considered “The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf”. Its team of PGA TOUR Staff Professionals for 2022 includes Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, Marc Leishman and many others.

Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel and fashion available.

Nexbelt®, Precise FitTM and “The Belt With No Holes” ® are registered trademarks.

Nexbelt creations are available at retail pro shops, golf outlets and specialty stores nationwide--and online at www.nexbelt.com and at : www.nexbelt.com/products/braided-augusta