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Brands

Tiger Woods announces new clothing line Sun Day Red

After weeks of speculation, Tiger Woods officially announced his clothing line Sun Day Red on Monday afternoon. The announcement took place at an event near the Riviera Country Club, where Tiger Woods will participate in this week’s Genesis Invitational, marking his season debut. Sun Day Red is set to launch on May 1.

Tiger Woods and his red tradition

Following the announcement in January that Tiger Woods and Nike would end their collaboration after nearly 30 years, speculation arose about how Woods would dress in the future. Now, the new clothing line Sun Day Red was unveiled at an event in Los Angeles. The brand, launched in collaboration with TaylorMade, will debut on May 1 and is named after Tiger Woods’ tradition of wearing red on Sundays at tour events.

“It started with mom”, Woods said at the event. “Mom thought being a Capricorn that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red, Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

Brand advertises luxury and innovation

As stated on the official website, Sun Day Red promises to “a brand that promises to bring a new and elevated standard to performance wear and luxury lifestyle fashion.” Additionally, it will offer “never-before-seen patterns, fabrication and technical detailing intended to elevate all levels of play.”

Tiger Woods sees the termination of his partnership with Nike and the establishment of his standalone brand under TaylorMade as the right timing and step in his life: “It’s transitional. I’m not a kid anymore. I want to have a brand I’m proud of going forward.” Sun Day Red will be based in San Clemente, California, rather than in nearby Carlsbad, where TaylorMade’s headquarters is located. According to TaylorMade CEO David Abeles, the brand stands alone. “It is independent from TaylorMade and it is run by an independent group of leaders that are part of my team.” This is not expected to change in the future.

Tiger Woods with first tournament appearance of the year

However, Tiger Woods will first focus on his first tournament of the year, the Genesis Invitational. Starting on Thursday, February 15, this will be the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s first tournament since December when he finished tied for 5th place at the PNC Championship with his son Charlie Woods.

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Brands Equipment

Callaway Golf announces Minjee Lee as new staff professional

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced a new multi-year staff pro agreement with global women’s golf superstar, Minjee Lee. With this announcement, Lee will carry 14 Callaway clubs in the bag, including an Odyssey Putter, plus a Callaway golf ball, bag, and glove.

Minjee Lee joins Callaway Golf for 2024

The 27-year-old Australian native has been a dominant player throughout her golf career. Lee was the #1 ranked Women’s Amateur prior to turning professional in 2014, and since then she has won 10 LPGA Tour events, including major victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. She recently won two LPGA events in 2023 at the Kroger Queen City Championship and the BMW Ladies Championship. Her brother Min Woo Lee is also a Callaway PGA TOUR Professional.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Callaway Staff, and I’m excited to see how their equipment will help my performance going forward,” Lee said. “They’re the most played club brand on the LPGA, so I’ve seen how good the product is, and how much it’s helped my brother take his game to the next level. Now that I’ve had a chance to try their new driver and the Chrome Tour Ball, I feel confident in my setup, and I know that this is the right decision for me.”

“Minjee is such a special talent, and we want to help her reach her goals, win more events, and compete on the biggest stages,” said Tim Reed, SVP of Pro Tour at Callaway Golf. “Our fitters have had a great experience so far working with her, listening to her feedback, and getting everything dialed for her game. We can’t wait to see what she achieves with our equipment in play.”

Her current bag features a Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver, an Odyssey Putter, and a new Chrome Tour X Ball.

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Brands Equipment Products

Callaway Golf announces new Paradym Ai Smoke woods and irons

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new family of Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers, Fairway Woods, Irons, and Hybrids. Designed with extensive player data and a new Ai Smart Face to create sweet spots across the entire face, these clubs are available for pre-sale on January 12, and at retail starting on January 26.

“Sweeter from every Spot” – The new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers 2024

The Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey, with the most sophisticated face they’ve ever created from player data and machine learning. The Ai Smart Face optimises driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of golfers. By leveraging Ai and Machine Learning, these swing dynamics are used to create over 50,000 virtual face prototypes, optimising performance for each head shape.

With Ai Smart Face technology, micro deflections are activated upon impact helping to optimise launch and spin on off-centre shots. The result is sweet spots not just in the centre, but all over the face. The 360° Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote increased weight distribution. By adding an internal titanium support structure, the Carbon Chassis is now 15% lighter. This mass has been redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions and add forgiveness.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is suited for every level of player with a forgiving shape and adjustable perimeter weighting for up to 19 yards of shot shape correction. MAX D is built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile for players looking for shot shape correction. Triple Diamond is for better players looking for increased workability, and MAX Fast promotes lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.

Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods

The Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. Every face is designed to optimise launch and spin, creating sweet spots across the entire face. Based on player testing and feedback, the Callaway engineering team focused particularly on improving performance low on the face, where a lot of misses with fairway woods take place.

Their Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote enhanced launch, spin, and increased forgiveness. And the Tungsten Speed Cartridge pushes the centre of gravity (CG) low and forward for improved launch and distance.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is the most extensive offering for consistent launch and a neutral ball flight. MAX D is built with high MOI for players looking for shot shape correction, and Triple Diamond is suited for better players who want more workability. MAX Fast is the lightest weight model, providing a forgiving shape that’s easy to launch with draw bias.

Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids

The hybrids use Ai Smart Face to promote maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green. They feature a shallower profile for high, easy launch while the Tungsten Speed Cartridge creates exceptional distance. A more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact.

Three models are available: Ai Smoke features a brand-new contemporary design with a larger profile for amplified forgiveness and instilled confidence at address. Additionally, a more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact. Ai Smoke HL is designed to increase distance, improve launch, and tighten dispersion. The lightweight Max Fast promotes more swing speed and launch.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons

A total revolution in iron performance from Ai Smart Face. With the Ai Smart Face, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons promote exceptional distance, tight dispersion into the green, and optimal launch in a modern construction. The new shape consists of longer blade lengths, thinner toplines, and optimised sole widths to create a forgiving, yet streamlined look at address. An all-new Dynamic Sole Design features a pre-worn leading edge with variable bounce that cuts through the turf with extreme efficiency.

Three models are available in this game-improvement lineup: Ai Smoke is best suited for golfers with average to high swing speeds looking to maximise distance and improve dispersion. Ai Smoke HL is made for higher launch and more spin for players that need those added benefits. MAX Fast is built to optimise swing speed and increase launch.

Text: Callaway GolfThe new Paradym Ai Smoke family from Callaway promises better hits across the entire clubface. To achieve this, the developers are once again supported by artificial intelligence.

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Brands Equipment Products

Callaway announces new Chrome Tour and Chrome Soft Golfballs 2024

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new line of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft Golf Balls. From cover to core, these golf balls are the new gold standard for Callaway in performance, and they will all be available at retail on February 2.

Every detail in this lineup has been optimised, including the new Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and the cover formulation. Each of these technologies are measured through industry-leading manufacturing, with over 100 million proof points, for the most consistent performance. Throughout the development, Callaway’s R&D team has worked extensively with some of the best Tour players in the game, incorporating their detailed feedback into the engineering and performance characteristics of these golf balls.

Callaway Chrome Tour Golfballs: Designed for the best golfers out there

Chrome Tour is engineered for better players who want the best in distance and feel. It provides outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control. The core is engineered for the optimised balance of long distance and soft feel. The aerodynamic package is built for consistently stable ball flights in any condition. Additionally, better players can aggressively go after shots from added spin through the bag, while the cover system provides outstanding control and Tour-level feel.

Chrome Tour X is for the best players who want speed and the ultimate control from their Tour Ball. It provides outstanding distance, workability, and spin so you can experience your best performance from tee-to-green. The core promotes maximum ball speed and distance, especially off the driver, while the Seamless Tour Aero promotes consistently penetrating flight with enhanced workability for every club. Better players can also take advantage of the spin and workability in Chrome Tour X to hit the most precise iron and wedge shots.

Completing the lineup, Chrome Soft provides outstanding performance with faster ball speeds, a new seamless Tour Aero to optimise your ball flight, increased greenside control, and soft feel. It’s built for aspirational players who are looking for a Tour quality ball. Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft will be available for purchase on February 2.

Text: Callaway Golf

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Brands Equipment Golfshoes

Duca del Cosma presents new shoes for the Cool Season Line

Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma, the market leader in golf boots across Europe, has elevated its popular Cool Season golf boot collection with the introduction of new, eye-catching models and colourways for golfers looking to impress during the cooler golfing months.

Duca del Cosma: Extension of the ‘Cool Season Line’

Handcrafted using the most premium materials, the latest waterproof golf boot line-up offers six new designs and two chic colourways applied to two of the best-selling women’s models. The all-encompassing collection is available from 3 October and is comprised of 31 stylish options featuring ultra-modern golf shoe technologies to deliver top performance.

Leading the latest collection is the all-new FRANCESCA women’s and PRATO men’s boots designed to deliver ultimate grip and stability, plus added warmth in the harshest playing conditions. With fashion, sporty and classic styles to choose from, the collection offers striking looks to gain the attention of playing partners on and off the course.

“Duca del Cosma is proud to be leading the growth of golf boot sales across Europe and Scandinavia for both male and female players”, said Merle Deterink, Global Marketing Director. “As we’ve seen a 30% increase in sales of our golf boots since last year, we believe this offers a great opportunity for golfers to explore footwear that extends their golfing season and retail partners to stock as many choices as possible”, she added.

The new golf shoes from the women’s collection of Duca del Cosma

Spearheading the stylish women’s collection is the FRANCESCA boot, designed for fashion-conscious golfers who place a premium on functionality and unmatched performance in cooler conditions. Introducing hints of the purest Italian design, the waterproof boot boasts a striking print and soft faux fur ankle cuffs for a subtle touch of luxury.

Offering a more sophisticated appearance, the timeless OLIVIA high-top boot will look at home both on and off the course. Handcrafted with a soft premium vintage Nappa leather upper, the boot features fashionable Duca del Cosma detailing down the side and is available in Black and Brown.

The popular and lightweight PALAZZO and PRADO styles feature the Airplay 6 outsole for a supremely cushioned fit, plus a combination of true comfort and stability on the course. The chic PALAZZO features a faux fur collar, while the PRADO quilting detail on soft Italian Nappa leather outer provides an unmatched air of elegance. Both styles are available in the all-new Taupe colourway.

The PALAZZO boot from Duca del Cosma. (Photo: Duca del Cosma)

Another sporty option sure to make a statement is the SONESTA style. Designed for exceptional grip and stability, it is the perfect choice for the fashion and eco-conscious golfer. Handcrafted using sustainable microfibre combined with a recyclable embossed and printed PU patent, its dazzling sparkle design will certainly grab the attention of those on the course and in the clubhouse.

Closing out the standout collection of women’s boots is the all-new SABRINA, featuring a unique buckle and brogue-like design for a distinctive yet classy finish. The cool seasons of golf are no match for this shoe, with premium fleece lining, faux fur cuff and waterproof bootie system to ensure feet stay comfortable and deliver during play.

The new golf shoes from Duca del Cosma men’s collection

A seamless combination of fashionable and sporty looks are bolstered in the men’s range with the introduction of the PRATO model. Constructed using exceptionally soft Nappa leather and the breathable ARNEFLEX® insert sole, this waterproof boot ensures a super stable stance to deliver optimal power in the swing, thanks to the construction of the advanced D-Eva® outsole. With Duca del Cosma branding on the outside the boot, it’s available in the contemporary Dark Grey and Cognac colourways.

The FONTANA boot from Duca del Cosma. (Photo: Duca del Cosma)

Another welcome addition to keep feet warm and dry during the round is the FONTANA style. The classic boot comes with a soft fleece lining for unrivalled comfort, as well as a soft recyclable microfibre upper. Available in Brown and Navy with contrasting soles.

Text: Duca del Cosma

Categories
Brands Equipment

Callaway Golf and Jon Rahm announce long-term partnership extension

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in golf equipment design, performance, and innovation, and Jon Rahm, one of the best players in the world, announced a new long-term partnership extension.

Rahm joined Callaway in 2021 and earned his first major championship win at the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, which moved him to Number One in the World Golf Rankings. He won three more times in 2022 and has continued his remarkable run of form this season. Jon leads the PGA TOUR with four wins in 2023, highlighted by his second major championship in April at Augusta, where he delivered a masterful performance to secure the Green Jacket.

Jon Rahm also on the road with Callaway in 2024

Rahm will continue to play a full bag of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, wear Callaway headwear, TravisMathew apparel and footwear, and support Topgolf’s global golf entertainment venue business. Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) will leverage this partnership towards the Company’s strategic goal of strengthening its position as the leader in golf equipment globally, as well as its leadership positions across the modern golf ecosystem.

“I’m so happy to continue this incredible relationship with Callaway and I truly have played the best golf of my career with their equipment,” Rahm said in a provided statement. “From the driver to the golf ball, they continue to set the bar higher with every new product line, and I’m looking forward to many more great years with their team.”

“We’re so proud to have Jon on our staff, and we couldn’t be more excited about this extension of our long-term partnership,” said Topgolf Callaway Brands President & CEO, Chip Brewer. “Jon is an amazing talent, and he’s driven to be one of the very best to ever play the game. Equally important, he is a man of strong integrity and a brand ambassador who shares our passion for making a positive impact on our global sport. It’s a pleasure to work with him, and we look forward to focusing our considerable resources on his continued success.”

This extension includes an equity position for Rahm in Topgolf Callaway Brands, a position that both aligns the Company’s interests and demonstrates Jon’s confidence in the strategic direction of the Modern Golf family of TCB Corp Brands.

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Brands

Original Penguin Golf launches debut Women’s collection

Original Penguin Golf, as worn on the PGA Tour by Australian Cameron Smith, today announces the important launch of its first ever collection for women, with a clean, mid-century modern (MiMo) aesthetic to debut the new Spring-Summer 2022 line.

Using a lot of the contouring details taken from Original Penguin’s iconic Earl Polo, the company have curated a striking range of feminine, sophisticated and versatile clothing with a delicate retro edge, designed for those seeking a modern and fashionable look.

Innovative, sustainable and stylish

Equally appealing on the golf course and a general active lifestyle, Original Penguin Golf’s now iconic prints and patterns remain true to the company’s heritage by staying quirky, fun and, at the same time, chic and stylish.

While the Women’s Collection upholds the heritage and tradition synonymous with the Original Penguin’s men’s line, Spring-Summer 2022 sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability required by today’s modern female.

Fabrics are made of recycled materials like an amazing luxe, high-gauge performance blend with flexible-stretch, and ultra-soft pima cotton blends.

The collection also includes a host of crossover pieces like leggings, lightweight sun-protection pieces, track jackets, jogger silhouettes, and biker shorts.

Clothing creates “comfort and confidence”

Commenting on the launch, European Brand Director, Helen Willsmer, commented: “This new launch marks a huge moment in the growth of Original Penguin Golf and recognises the increasing importance the brand puts on female sport and leisure. In creating Spring 2022, after a record year of the company in 2021, we have thought not only of the outer, aesthetic details of the collection, but also the inside details that create comfort and confidence when wearing a great fitting garment.”

Garments include built-in shelf bras with removable inserts, performance shorts with performance inside liners, bloomers with multi-function pockets, built-in tummy control in all bottoms, and soft, elastic gripper tape on all shorts for skirts and dresses.

(Text: Original Penguin Golf)

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Apparel Brands European Tour

Maui Jim becomes Official Eyewear Supplier of the DP World Tour

As part of the new agreement, the Hawaii-based brand, Maui Jim, not only renowned for their superior lens technology and premium collections. But also, it will supply eyewear to DP World Tour staff working at events across the world.

Benefiting from global marketing rights as well as an onsite presence at several tournaments throughout the season. The agreement will also enable Maui Jim to further engage with golf fans around the world across traditional news media and digital platforms.

Besides being the Official Eyewear Supplier to the DP World Tour, Maui Jim will also become the Official Eyewear Supplier to two Rolex Series events each season. The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in the UK, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

The brand is already a familiar site in professional golf, with brand ambassadors including professionals such as Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jorge Campillo.

About Maui Jim

Invented more than 30 years ago to combat the harsh rays of the Hawaiian sun. All Maui Jim sunglasses cut 100 percent of harmful UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.

Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2® lenses increase definition and depth perception. This is particularly important for golf, and can be found in a wide variety sport and casual styles for both men and women.

Martijn Van Eerde – Senior Director, Marketing EMEA & APAC of Maui Jim.

“We take great pride in the renewal of our partnership. In 2019 we boosted our presence in golf by becoming official supplier of the Tour. A relationship that quickly proved to work very well. Therefore, we immediately saw a great fit between our teams and culture. The pandemic of course abruptly interrupted progress. However, now we feel very fortunate to be able resume our joint efforts with this milestone agreement.

Golfers around the world, as well as many working in and around the sport, can benefit greatly from using our products and technology. We look forward to working with the European Tour group across the DP World Tour. As well as to further develop that potential alongside our efforts in tennis, Formula 1, SailGP and of course Manchester United partnerships.”

Max Hamilton – Commercial Director at the European Tour group.

“We’re delighted to welcome Maui Jim as our Official Eyewear Supplier. Also excited to see their products in use by our teams across the world during the new DP World Tour season. The brand is premium, high tech, and globally minded. Therefore, this partnership felt like a perfect fit for both parties. We look forward to promoting the brand to golf fans through a series of digital and tournament specific activations.”

Press Release by European Tour Group Communications

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Apparel Brands Golfshoes

The Best Underrated Golf Shoe Brands

When looking for new golf shoes I had a hard time finding the right ones. The big names like Nike, Adidas, Puma, FootJoy and so on were mostly disappointing. They bored me. It seems like there’s just three types of golf shoes out there: 1. unstylish, dull and uninspired shoes for the masses, 2. super technical shoes that try to look like they’re from outer space (and sometimes are close to what the hipsters call “dad shoes”), shoes that might get you easier into Berghain Club than into a club house 3. the super traditional ones that have had basically the same look for over fifty years now. Some even in the “kiltie” style. I mean, to each his own, it’s ok to have any of them, like them, wear them, but it’s just not for me. So I was checking for the underdogs again and well there is more than you might think, definitely more than most of us know of. There’s Tomo Shoes, Goatlane, True Linkswear, Cuater, Jack Grace, Canoos, Back9, Payntr, Straight Down and in the far east there’s Admiral, Beams and Daily Grass. And then there’s Golfkicks. Never heard of any of them? Now you did. I couldn’t go through all of them, but tested a few of these promising brands’ models on various courses and in different conditions and I have to say: next time you’re looking for a good pair of golf shoes you definitely don’t need to make the big names bigger, they already have enough money. Check out these smaller brands, give back to the scene, check the ones run by golfers for golfers. They’re all worth it!

(Just in case you’ll wonder about the „Putting POV“ in my ratings – it actually means that the look straight down on my shoes while putting does [believe it or not] affect my putting ability. What might sound like a rare disease to some of you is really a thing to me and I’m probably not the only visually sensitive person on this planet „suffering“ from this.)

True Linkswear – True Knit II

Appearance and material: 

It’s a nice, clean, lightweight and spikeless sock fit sneaker for the summer in a modern look without trying to be futuristic, more like a clean running shoe. As the name implies it’s knitted – 90% Polyester and 10% Spandex, means they’re very flexible. When the package reached me in the office (including a shoe bag, nice!), I immediately put them on, walked around a while and, honestly, I totally forgot to take them off again for the rest of the day. They don’t even feel like a golf shoe. Actually they’re so comfty and light, flexible yet with a proper support that I’m even thinking about taking them on my summer vacation to the greek islands for hiking. Not kidding! 

On the course: 

Nice: once you get on the club’s parking lot, you don’t have to squat in the car seat or open trunk to put on your shoes as you just slip into them – even unlaced as they’re sock fit. Extra nice: you actually don’t even HAVE to change shoes – they’re suitable for driving (as a good bunch of spikeless golf shoes are). And as I just said, they’re super comfy, flexible, extremely lightweight (coming in at less than 300 g) with a soft walking sole and a proper grip. I didn’t test them in a rainy situation on wet grass, but that’s probably not the conditions you’d wear them anyway – the True Knit II is a summer shoe for the dry and warm rounds of golf from (northern hemisphere’s) April to October. The material actually IS water repelling, but the tiny holes of its knitted fabrics don’t really call for being a rainy day pick. What I really liked is its flexibility of its one-piece shell that makes it comfortable no matter what your feet are shaped, hence with its flex it probably won’t even matter if you’ve bought them slightly too small. You basically don’t feel anything, nothing squeezes, presses, pokes or scratches. I wore them on an 18 hole round on Wilkendorf’s Sandy Lyle course which is an uneven walk with lots of up- and downhill (compared to other Berlin area courses) and after finish I absolutely didn’t have the urge to take them off. While I’m generally cautious with new shoes, usually just take them on a 9-holer or carry a worn-in pair in my bag to change whenever my feet call for it, without a doubt I’d take these directly on 18 holes or more. Note: I can imagine that its flex might be too much for some people that need a really firm stand. They twist and flex and do whatever your feet are up to. Some people don’t like that. I do. We instantly became friends. Me, my feet and the true Knit II. Recommend!

Summary:

Looks – 7.5/10

Comfort – 10/10

Traction – 8.5/10

Waterproof – 5/10

Innovation – 8/10

Putting POV – 8/10

Colors – 4 (black, grey, dark blue, off white)

Price – 140,- $

truelinkswear.com/products/true-knit-ii

truelinkswear.com

Jack Grace – Innovator

Appearance and material:  

They have a very classic golf shoe look yet not being „traditional“ or even outdated. In a sleek and dressy aesthetic that resembles a bit of the Callaway Swami 2.0 – except for the saddle -, a spikeless, stylish traction sole in white and rubber and well crafted leather upper material, they’re light and feel durable and quality made, coming in a slick box with extra laces and a shoe bag. Actually you can wear these shoes on a wedding and nobody would recognize (just in case you have to hurry from the course to your best friend’s wedding). The absolute killer feature: interchangeable saddles. There’s dozens of extra saddles (+ laces) in various colors you can buy and simply change and fine tune your dress.

On the course: 

Had some little rain on my test turf, the Arnold Palmer course in Bad Saarow, but my feet stayed dry and the sole still had a firm grip. It took me a while to break into them, as my wide foot needs lots of room but after some 9 holers they were worn-in. Looking down at these while putting gave me confidence, leaving me with a putting score below two (which is good for my mediocre level). I’d love to say that the red saddle I got with them (and which I put on for a round) made me feel like Tiger on those black shoes, but, well, it didn’t. I am not Tiger. Not the shoe’s fault, but I put back on the black saddles. Looks cleaner anyway. But I really, really like the idea of the interchangeable extra saddles you can get for this shoe. What a simple but great innovation! There’s three dozen colors and pattern variations for the saddles and with the three basic models and colored laces there’s so many options that it sometimes might be hard to decide. Hmm, the green saddles matching to the belt, the yellow ones to the polo’s embroidery, the grey ones to the cap, the blue ones to the bag and the black ones to the car… darling, would you help me? I’m deeply stuck in decision…

Summary:

Looks – 7/10

Comfort – 7/10

Traction – 8/10

Waterproof – 8.5/10

Innovation – 9/10

Putting POV – 8/10

Colors – 3 basic models (black, grey, white) and a truckload of saddle colors and designs, too many to count

Price – shoes 129,- $/ saddles 20,- to 35,- $ depending on color, design, material

jackgraceusa.com/collections/mens-golf-shoes/products/the-innovator-1-0-black

jackgraceusa.com

Goatlane – Off White Leather

Appearance and material:  

Oh boy, what a stylish piece of work these are! It can’t get more classier than this one and style wise they’re exactly what I was looking for. In the clean and timeless look of the simplistic sports shoes era of the 70s like Adidas Stan Smith, Puma Suede, Cons Pro Leather or Nike Classic Tennis this Swedish newcomer shoe brand is delivering superior leather craftsmanship. All shoes are made in Portugal with Italian leather. And if someone knows a thing or two about leatherwork then it’s the Italians and the Iberians, thus its first impression was matchless: high quality genuine leather, nicely crafted and sewn, the spikeless traction sole doesn’t even look like a traction sole from the side as its hidden by the outsole that closes with the ground, making the shoe look even more like a casual everyday sports shoe – lovely. Love at first sight. Its super clean look is all I want from a golf shoe. A clean and stylish packaging with an included shoe bag and extra laces completes the whole thing and as an add on you’ll get a small bag with a bunch of Goatlane-green tees. Nice.

On the course: 

I took them on a round at Bad Saarow’s Arnold Palmer and some rounds at my home club, Semlin Golf Resort, and as it usually does with handmade leather shoes it also took a little to break into them, but once they’re worn-in they’re comfortable friends. They’re waterproof, so a little rain won’t shock you and the traction sole still grips on wet turf. Looking down on them while putting: I felt like a Tour Pro, it helped my putting. Didn’t even wanted to follow my ball’s line as can’t get enough of looking at those shoes. Felt a bit like Sergio Garcia’s closed eyes putting, but just looking at the shoes. 

By the way: my friends also couldn’t. Whenever any of my friends saw them (all kids of the 70s/ early 80s era), they were like “Whoa, nice ones! But they’re not golf shoes, right?”. Indeed, they are! They were blown by their clean Stan Smith-look and were asking for the name (nobody knew – that has to change!) and price tag (not the cheapest, but worth it!). Now they know, now you know. Go, get some Goatlanes!

Actually I like them so much now that I’m even wearing them off the course every now and then.

Summary:

Looks – 10/10

Comfort – 7.5/10

Traction – 8/10

Waterproof – 8.5/10

Innovation – 5/10 (which is not to be meant as a mediocre rating here – they’re just classy and clean and as these attributes are missing with a lot of golf shoes this could also mean a 10 tbh)

Putting POV – 10/10

Colors – 3 (white, green, black) + 6 suede leather versions

Price – 2.000,- SKR (ca. 195,- €) (free shipping in the EU)

www.goatlane.com

@goatlanegolfers

Back9 – Rydergrip Pro

Appearance and material:  

Don’t let the aroma of Chinese kids toys’ plastic distract you – these shoes are great (and the smell is gone soon). They look a bit bulky at first sight and aesthetically they probably won’t win a Red Dot Award, but from just even looking at them you know you can take them basically anywhere – dry fairways, moist roughs, dusty waste areas, rainy bunkers, November mud, winter rounds. No visible seams holding its pieces together, it’s either all glued or it’s a one-piece shoe, so there’s no chance for any water, mud or dust to creep inside them on your round of golf. They look absolutely waterproof. It’s the only shoe of this test series with a real spiked sole which gives an impression of a stable base. And yes, even though it doesn’t look lightweight at first, they absolutely are! Another big bonus is their reasonable price tag.

On the course: 

When I talked to Peter, the Irish founder of Back9, he told me he started the company as he had some bad foot pain and couldn’t find a shoe comfortable enough to walk 18 holes, so Back9 was born. Easy, right? That’s how you start a company! And yes, I think he solved the problem. Walking 18 on a rainy day was pure delight! No wet feet, a super firm and stable grip even on wet downhill lies and the breathable mesh upper kept my feet dry and cool as if I just took a short walk around the block on a sunny day. Even standing in soaking wet rough or stepping into puddles they kept my feet dry. Easy to clean, all mud and sand was easy to get off. Even though they’re breathable they will probably not be my first choice on hot summer days, but whenever the forecast might show some shower for the day, these will be my option and I know by now this will be my number one pair of shoes for the off season, which, living in the middle of Europe, can be cold and wet, so you definitely need a shoe you can rely on. These are my choice from mid October to March.

Summary:

Looks – 5.5/10

Comfort – 9/10

Traction – 10/10

Waterproof – 9.5/10

Innovation – 7/10

Putting POV – 6/10

Colors – 4 (grey, blue, white, black)

Price – 80,- $

back9shoes.com/collections/spiked/products/rydergrip-pro-golf-shoe

back9shoes.com

Golfkicks – Traction Kit

Appearance and material:  

A bit outside of the rating in this test, as these aren’t shoes, but still they definitely need to be mentioned here. And tested. Golfkicks is a start-up that probably has the greatest but simplest idea in the golf shoe game ever: they’re not selling shoes, they just sell the grip. A traction kit consisting of 20 soft spikes that you can screw into your favorite non-golf shoe and make them a golf shoe. Easy as that. And what may sound like a makeshift idea from the DIY-store is actually a pretty well thought out and technically full working kit. (See full how-to and test in my blog section – sorry, it’s all in german: https://www.golfpost.de/blogposts/206/) The plastic spikes with a Metallic core screw come in a nice little package the size that resembles a pack of three golf balls. It includes a sharpie to mark the spots on your soles before mounting, a hex hand tool to install the cleats into the soles, a hex bit if you chose the machine to do the work and some shoe goo to dab on the threads before mounting so the cleats and sole get an even tighter connection. Also two ball markers included. So, how great is that? Just pick a shoe you always wished to be a golf shoe, just make sure its soles aren’t some fancy air cushioned ones (the cleats might ruin those) or are whose soles are too thin, watch a mounting video on the Golfkicks page and within about 20 minutes of work – voila! – there they are: your new golf shoes!

I did that on some Vans Eras, a shoe I really like and always wished to have these for golfing.

On the course: 

No need to talk about the shoes itself as I know them. I probably had 50 pairs over the years and I definitely know their simple comfiness and with its light canvas outer material for me it’s the timeless perfect summer shoe. I mounted seven spikes in each sole and I was more than curious if it works, if the spikes stick in there, how the grip might be, how it feels. Even though Taylor, the guy running Golfkicks from Denver, states that Vans probably aren’t the perfect shoe for mounting these as its soles are comparatively thin, there’s absolutely no regrets from my side having done so. On the course my Vans have a super stable grip and I was walking 45 holes over three days in a row in them and didn’t feel a thing. Sure, walking on the cart path or on the club house terrace you feel the spikes, but that’s a usual thing with spiked golf shoes. But do they stick? Yes. I didn’t lose any of them or had to tighten them again and by now I’ve probably walked around fifty kilometers in those Golfkicks-Vans and I’m satisfied. Also, the plastic of these spikes is extremely durable. I used to have some spiked Nikes some years ago whose spikes wore out faster than these. So it’s definitely a big recommendation! If by any chance none of these above mentioned and tested sneakers aren’t for you, just get a pair of non-golf shoes you really like, get the Golfkicks kit and build your own! Love this idea, love my Golf-Vans!

Summary:

Looks – n/a (depending on shoe)

Comfort – n/a (depending on shoe)

Traction – 10/10

Waterproof – n/a (depending on shoe)

Innovation – 10/10

Putting POV – n/a (depending on shoe)

Colors – 7 (black, grey, blue, neon green, red, orange, translucent)

Price – 31,- $

golfkicks.com

Categories
Brands

TRAVISMATHEW Signs Max Kieffer

On the eve of this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, TravisMathew has unveiled Max Kieffer as a new ambassador on the PGA European Tour.

The young German, who tees it up tomorrow on Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, joins last season’s Scottish Championship winner, Adrian Otaegui, representing TravisMathew throughout the 2021 season.

Commenting on the new signing, Stewart Clare, TravisMathew Regional Sales Manager EMEA“As our brand continues its rapid rise in popularity in the USA, we are also hugely excited about expanding the European business. Having Max as part of our team will undoubtedly support us as we further develop distribution through a select number of retail partners.”

As the official apparel brand of the European Tour, TravisMathew takes its inspiration from Southern California culture and style, blending perfect performance and functionality, on and off the golf course, with innovative design.

For the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Max will be wearing the ‘THE ZINNA, a design TravisMathew calls ‘The Perfect Polo’, due to its lightweight, ultra-soft fabric that offers enhanced stretch and wrinkle-resistance, while benefitting from quick-drying and moisture-dispersing qualities.

On joining the team, Max said: “It’s great to be part of the TravisMathew family. I’m a huge fan of the apparel, both in terms of comfort and performance, and I look forward to working with the European team throughout the season.”

In addition to Adrian Otaegui, Max sits alongside a host of golf ambassadors representing the brand on The PGA Tour – Jon Rahm, Keegan Bradley, Will Gordon, Joel Dahmen, Joseph Bramlett, Tyler McCumber and Seamus Power.

(Text: Callaway Press Release)