Odyssey Golf has set the standard for industry-leading innovations for more than 20 years. The latest is Micro-hinge technology, announced today and featured in the new O-Works putter line.
Micro-hinge technology consists of two pieces: a 304 stainless steel Hinge Plate backed by a soft thermoplastic elastomer inner layer. The Hinge Plate is populated with “microhinges” designed to gently flex and rebound at impact to impart forward spin. That helps start the ball rolling immediately, smoothly and accurately. Odyssey robot tests indicate that Micro-hinge technology promotes almost twice as much forward-spin as Odyssey’s Fusion RX insert.
The Micro-hinge insert and elastomer inner layer are co-molded to ensure they fit together perfectly, which is essential to achieving the performance and feel targeted by Odyssey engineers.
A deliberate, 23-step production process is required to complete each insert. The Thermoplastic elastomer inner layer measures 46 on the Shore D hardness scale, ..
TOP GEAR: Our favourite golf equipment this year
MENTAL GAME: ProGolf IQ
Over the last year, I shared my various thoughts on the Pro Golf IQ mental training program, and how it has helped transform my game. But many readers have asked me “So, is the Pro Golf IQ program REALLY as good as you say?” My answer is simple: ABSOLUTELY YES! The proof? Well, A) My handicap dropped a solid four strokes since I began the system, and B) I began winning EVERYTHING: from my first-ever Monthly Medal, to the annual Boys Weekend, to the prestigious Australian Golf Writers Championship in November. A lot of the success was due to my (renewed) mental attitude. So, yeah, you could say that my game has improved immensely with the help of ProGolf IQ! www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf
DRIVER: Mizuno JPX 900
I liked this driver so much that I actually bought one (yep, with real money!) and immediately put it in my bag. Fully adjustable, the Quick Switch hosel allows you to change the loft of your driver from 7.5 degrees to 11.5 degrees for men, or 10.5 to 1..
Cobra Connect Grip
Gadget lovers and golf technology enthusiasts pay close attention. There is a new bit of golf tech on the market, and it’s sure to not only turn heads, but also help transform how you analyse your golf.
The new COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos system features an ultralight sensor that is embedded into the grip of your driver, allowing golfers to automatically track the distance and accuracy of every drive. COBRA CONNECT users simply pair their club with the free Arccos Driver smartphone app to receive their performance data, access rangefinder GPS distances for 40,000 courses and compete in the King of the Hole virtual long drive competition. Players will also be able to access exclusive COBRA content within the Arccos Driver app, including product tech videos and golf tips from COBRA coaches and PGA TOUR Pros.
COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos system will be available in all Cobra drivers from 2017.
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TaylorMade M1, M2 Metalwoods
TaylorMade M2 Metalwoods
Every player’s swing is unique, and TaylorMade answered the challenge in delivering more performance to players of all skill levels with the introduction of M1 and its multi-material construction (driver and fairway); delivering more speed, high launch, low spin, and increased ball speed protection.
In M2, engineers have utilised the same multi-material combination, including the seven-layer carbon composite crown found in the M1, to develop a line of products that deliver two highly sought-after performance benefits: distance and forgiveness. TaylorMade has achieved this by leveraging the weight savings from the carbon crown and redistributing the discretionary weight to the sole of the club, resulting in a low and slightly farther back centre of gravity. The result is a family of clubs that deliver hot trajectories with massive sweet spots and maximum forgiveness.
(RRP: DRIVER: M1 $749.00: M2 $649.00; FWY: $399.00; RESCUE: $299.00)
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We Tried it: Concourse Golf CBM3
Concourse Golf CBM3
Over the years, we’ve tried a variety of different types of golf buggies. And whether you call it a buggy, cart, trolley, trundle or any host of other names, they are all relatively similar in shape; with anything from two to four wheels, and a variety of collapsible configurations and features.
But at the end of the day, the one common aspect of these vehicles is that they are all standalone units; requiring extra space for storage, as well as additional set-up/pack-up steps before and after a round of golf. And as we all know, space can be a premium, especially if you have a small car or limited storage space at home.
That’s why we were really keen to try out the new Concourse Golf “Compact Bag Mobiliser” (CBM), which may simply be the most compact “buggy-type device” we’ve ever seen.
We call it a “buggy-type device” because, to be honest, the CBM3 is unlike any golf buggy on the market. The most remarkable aspect of this device is that the frame stays attache..
We Tried it: Mizuno JPX900 Iron family
Mizuno JPX 900 irons
Last month, we tried (and loved!) the Mizuno JPX900 Driver, calling it one of the best drivers we’ve ever tested (see here for the review).
This month, the excitement (and quality) carries over as we review the family of irons: The JPX900 Tour, JPX900 Forged and the JPX900 Hot Metal. Each of these iron sets features different attributes, giving golfers of all levels something to choose from.
First off the tee (er, fairway) was the JPX900 Hot Metal, which features Mizuno’s newest material, Chromoly 4140M. This versatile new material allows engineers to construct a thinner face (for big distance) but also remains soft and bendable in the hosel for precise lie angle adjustments (for better clubfitting and customisation.)
From the first hit, this club felt amazing. There was plenty of pop off the face, and the ball simply took off. It felt almost impossible to mis-hit this iron, as even the shots from closer to the toe or heel still felt great. And the distances we..
We Tried it: Mizuno JPX900 Driver
While they have long been known for their innovative, high-performing irons, Mizuno has recently made a serious push into the woods category, with the launch of their new JPX900 Driver, Fairway Wood and Hybrid series.
Inside Golf were among the first to test-drive these sleek, new sticks, and we are excited to report that they are phenomenal. We’ve tried many drivers and woods over the years, but the Mizuno JPX900 may very well be one of the best!
With the launch of the line, Mizuno stated that the JPX900 “showcases a science-driven process to create clubs with the ultimate in optimisation, performance and control”. When they say ‘optimisation’, they aren’t kidding, as the JPX900 Driver offers a mind-bending array of adjustments you can make to dial-in the EXACT ball flight you are looking for. Just looking at the sole of the club—with all the adjustable weights and slots—fills you with excitement and confidence that this club has every game and swing covered.
For golfers who want t..
AGS new distributor of ECCO Golf shoes
(L to R) Paul Roser, Kim Roser, Brad Glass
Leading golf footwear innovator, ECCO Golf, and Sydney-based American Golf Supplies Pty Ltd have announced a new partnership which will see AGS become the distributor of ECCO Golf shoes in Australia.
Private company AGS, established 50 years ago and owned by Paul and Kim Roser for the past two decades, is the Australian distributor for PING clubs, bags and accessories and has 24 staff operating nationally.
“We are delighted at the opportunity to represent ECCO Golf in the Australian golf market,” said Paul Roser.
“ECCO is a privately-owned company committed to making the highest quality product with technical innovation. Our goal will be to make the ECCO golf shoes broadly available to the Australian golfers where they currently play and shop,” he added.
The deal comes following the recent appointment of Jesper Thuen as ECCO Golf’s Head of Asia-Pacific. Jesper, former Global Marketing Manager at ECCO Golf, sees Australia as key growth reg..
Nike to exit golf equipment business, focus on apparel, footwear
Tiger Woods
NIKE, Inc. the world’s biggest sportswear maker, announced today that it will ‘transition’ out of the golf equipment business— including clubs, balls and bags, and instead focus on its golf footwear and apparel business,
IN a statement on news.nike.com, Nike noted that they also intend to ‘partner with more of the world’s best golfers’.
“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” says Trevor Edwards, President, Nike Brand. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”
“Athletes like Tiger, Rory and Michelle drive tremendous energy for the game and inspire consumers worldwide,” says Daric Ashford, President of Nike Golf. “Over the past year the MM Fly Blade Polo, the Flyknit Chukka and Air Zoom 90 have all connected strongly with golfers. We’ll continue to ignite excitement with our athletes and deliver the best of Nike for the game.”
Among Nike’s ..
2016 – Memorial Day Weekend (Rounds 9 and 10)
Courses – Merrick Road park and Eisenhower Park (red)
The week has been jam packed with golf, work, family, and more golf. For this reason, I'll start combining some rounds into a single blog entry – both for my sake, and for yours.
After the Thursday debacle at Centennial , I wanted to get out on the course and ensure that I hadn't completely lost my game (and my mind).
As my office closes early on holiday weekends, I had set up a round with some fellow GolfMathers (GM'ers) for 9 holes at Eisenhower Park.
However, when I got there I was told there was a 90 minute wait!
Seriously? I texted the two GM'ers that we were out of luck, and started to drive over to the range. At least I could hit balls. I then called Merrick Road Park Golf course – where there is normally a long wait (and that's on good days!).
The guy told me there was no wait, so I zoomed over, and ran out to sign up.
The starter said I should go right out with these to gentlemen who just teed of..