Ping G15 Irons
photo credit: foxypar4 Forty years ago, Ping changed the world of golf by introducing their Ping putters. Known for their innovative product designs, the company claims that their new G15 irons provide higher launch, more accuracy and longer carry. The new clubs are cavity-back perimeter weighted which assures maximum forgiveness. With a thicker top flange the clubs have a pleasing appearance and a very solid feel.
Ping also has the mid-sized i15 which offer workability with cavity-back forgiveness. The i15’s deliver long-iron forgiveness with short-iron control. The new irons are on Golf Digest’s “Hot List” for 2010.
The Ping Corporation is located in Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more about these newly introduced irons, go to www.ping.com.
The Golf Bag Hot List
photo credit: tienvijftien GOLF DIGEST’S golf bag ”Gold List.” > Bag Boy Revolver Plus – cart $180. Datrek Assault – cart $180. Nike Collegiate – carry $150. Ogio Ozone – carry $150. Ogio Syncro – cart $180. Ping Hoofer C-1 - carry $180. Sun Mountain SLX – carry $170. Taylormade Pure-Lite – carry $150.
“Silver List” > Callaway ORG. 14Xtreme – cart $170. Callaway X-22 – carry $160. Cleveland Trooper – carry $150. Datrek Sabre – carry – carry bag $150. Izzo Geo - carry $120. Mizuno Aerolite – carry $150. Nike Tour Cart II – cart $200. Ogio Sultan – cart $200. Ping 4-Under – carry $135. Sun Mountain C-130 - cart $200. TaylorMade Catalina – cart $170. TaylorMade Micro-Lite – carry $140. Titleist Lightweight Stand – carry $160.
Golf Gear
photo credit: Let Ideas Compete The Pivot Pro is a shoe add-on which helps to prevent slicing, it adds shot distance and helps to stabilize bunker shots. It recently won the prestigious PGA Best New Product Award. > www.PivotPro.net at (1.888.842.8777). For a full line of lithium motorized walking golf carts go to > www.GolfSellersDirect.com at (1.800.337.7692). To sharpen your clubface grooves, which will help achieve more backspin, go to > www.GrooveSharpener.com. For the ultimate in performance socks go to > www.JoxSox.com and get one free pair with your first order. Hank Haney has a new product that will help strengthen your hands and fingers. Go to www.prohands.net > at 1.800.880.3427. For stronger forearms, wrists and hands try the Mojo weight development bars. > www.SwingTheMojo.com.
Putting Styles
photo credit: MelvinSchlubman Standard Putter – The standard putter is available in a range of shaft lengths and lie angles to suit personal tastes. Broom-Handle Putter – A long handled putter that enables you to take hand movement largely out of the equation when striking the ball. It creates a complete pendulum in an upright stance. This style removes a great deal of “touch” to any putt. Belly Putter – Encourages a more natural putting stroke and creates more stability in the stroke. This style also removes the “feel” and may make it harder to control the speed of putts. Generally, when a player drifts away from the standard putting style, they are looking for ways to stabilize the putter during the stroke.
Wedge Sets
photo credit: Tom Purves Before choosing your set of wedges you should have a good idea of what you are hoping to achieve.
Typical four-wedge combination - 46, 50, 54, 58 degrees or 48, 52, 56, 60 degrees. Typical three-wedge combination – 46,52,58 degrees or 48, 54, 60 degrees. The angle is relative to vertical and not to the ground. The typical sand wedge is 55 degrees and the typical lob wedge is 60 degrees.
Most PGA Professionals do not used matched sets of wedges. Every player will have their favorite club/s (sometimes decades old). In many cases tour players will have the loft of their wedges adjusted to their own preference and perhaps in half degrees. Note: the combinations given here are standard.
Check the Lie Angle
photo credit: inottawa When searching for a new set of irons, the most important factor, besides how the clubs ”feel,” is the lie. In order to achieve the correct lie angle, the clubhead must lie perfectly flat on the ground when you assume your normal address position. If the lie is incorrect, shot accuracy will be grossly impaired.
If the clubhead is too upright in the address position, you will produce a pull or hook, since the club will close at impact. If the clubhead is too flat, the face will open and a push or slice will occur.
Check your divots for the proper lie angle. If your divot marks are uneven, chances are the lie angle of your clubs is incorrect.
Things to Look for in a Driver
photo credit: 아침꿀물 Look for the following in a driver. A) Find a head design that pleases you and that can be easily aligned to your target. B) Don’t be drawn to gimmicks, test before buying. C) Check the loft; more loft means more distance and control. D) Consider the material that the clubhead is made from, look for heads that are bigger and lighter with greater playability.
1) If your swing-speed is below 100 mph. look for a regular shaft flex, if it’s above 100 mph. look for a stiff shaft flex. 2) Check the lie of your club to make sure it is correct for your own personal posture. 3) Choose a grip that is comfortable and feels good. Always get measured for the correct grip size.
Loft and Distance
photo credit: mhofstrand Have the loft on your clubs checked at the beginning or end of every season. Average Lofts and Distance: 2-Iron > 18 degrees – 210 yds. 3-Iron > 22 degrees – 190 yds. 4-Iron > 26 degrees – 180 yds. 5-Iron > 30 degrees – 170 yds. 6-Iron > 34 degrees - 160 yds. 7-Iron > 38 degrees – 150 yds. 8-Iron > 42 degrees – 140 yds. 9-Iron > 44 degrees – 130 yds. Pitching Wedge > 46 degrees – 110 yds. Sand Wedge > 56 degrees – 82 yds. Lob Wedge > 60 degrees – 60 yds… Driver > 7-11 degrees – 240 yds. 3-Metal > 15 degrees – 220 yds. 5-Metal > 21 degrees – 190 yds….Putter > 3-5 degrees.
Better Feel With Softer Metals
photo credit: Mini D Are you presently using a wedge made out of steel? If you are, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about making a change.
Being able to “feel” your shot is key to playing your best golf. Putters and wedges are the clubs where the right feel becomes critical. What most players are looking for is a softer feel and a beryllium copper alloy is the key. Soft metal allows more backspin on the ball. In conjunction with a soft-covered ball, you can get tremendous “bite” with approach shots.
The most logical choice for a beryllium copper clubface would be for the most lofted wedge in your bag, since this is the club best suited for delicate pitch or chips shots around the green.
The Putter
photo credit: MelvinSchlubman Manufacturers decide putter specifications. The shape and design of most putters do not necessarily conform with individual needs. Companies accommodate the masses, not individuals. Since no two people are alike, this puts a major gap in how well those putters work for each golfer.
In many cases, the putter will set you into a negative position: either it brings your hands too far out, it makes you stand too tall or too short, or it does not allow for your hands to move forward of the ball causing you to push or pull putts.
It is imperative that you get fitted for the putter you are using. Check the shaft length, loft lie, grip size etc. Do it as soon as possible if you want to improve your game.