Spoilt for choice - which golf balls are hidden behind Lakeballs, X-Out, Refinished and Practice. (Photo: Getty)
When it comes to golf balls, opinions differ. While some golfers simply play the balls they find in the rough, others rely exclusively on brand new balls out of the box. The pros exemplify the latter, because completely new balls deliver the consistency and quality that are crucial in the game of millimetres.
New balls are the optimum
This much in advance: New golf balls fresh out of the box are the best in terms of quality, consistency and performance. Whether the high price justifies these characteristics for one’s own golf game is something everyone has to decide for themselves. However, if you only look at the performance, this is where you will find the best golf balls. It would be ideal if you always played the same ball model from one manufacturer. That’s what all the professionals in the world do. Coincidence? Hardly!
The same manufacturer, the same model – professionals always rely on just one golf ball model. (Photo: Getty)
Lakeballs – the solution to the problem?
The main problem with lake balls is the uncertainty of how good the ball really is. It borders on a lottery whether you get good balls or they are of inferior quality. Depending on how long a golf ball has been in the water, it takes more or less damage. Here it also depends on the temperature, the substrate and the water – all factors that are impossible to determine when the balls are fished out of a pond.
After a certain amount of time, the water penetrates the golf balls, causing damage to the cover layers and/or cores. How extensive this is is anyone’s guess. Usually, lake balls are classified into different categories that are supposed to reflect the quality. However, optical parameters such as markings, shine and abrasion are emphasised here. Sometimes a distinction is also made as to whether there are cuts in the shell. What the inside of the golf ball looks like, however, is not taken into account.
How damaged a ball is out of the water cannot be determined. (Photo: Getty)
When it comes to lakeballs, you can get lucky and get your hands on a high-quality or flawless ball at an unbeatable price. However, this can backfire just as badly – you simply don’t know. For those who see the price factor as the decisive criterion, this alternative is ideal if you are prepared to accept compromises in quality.
Refinished with new lacquer
Some lakeballs receive a refinish before they are sold. In the refinishing process, the ball is repainted and a new logo is applied. However, since the balls were originally intended by the manufacturers with a different paint finish, which then influences the dimple depth, refinished golf balls cannot be compared with the original golf balls. Often, the new coating is not even enough because it is applied to golf balls that have already been used.
Without wanting to offend the manufacturers of the refinished golf balls – but there are indeed some black sheep here. A name of an expensive golf ball is simply printed on cheap golf balls to suggest higher quality. For example, you buy a Pro V1x Refinished and underneath is a cheap two-piece ball. Therefore, you should always keep your eyes open or your fingers off Refinished golf balls.
Practice and X-Out balls
There are also Practice and X-Out balls. These have either small defects in the colour, the markings or the ink, so that they do not quite meet the quality standards of the ball manufacturer 100%. Sometimes there are also minor physical deviations, so that the performance is reduced, even if only very slightly. This is why they are labelled Practice or X-Out, while some manufacturers simply destroy these balls and they do not even enter circulation.
Professionals use practice balls on the driving range and pitching greens. (Photo: Getty)
Due to the minor defects, the sales price naturally drops, which is why money can be saved here. But watch out! Not every practice or X-Out ball is officially approved and complies with the rules. For tournaments, it is therefore better to play it safe and use the “normal” golf balls. However, for practice and fun rounds as well as for training on the pitching green, these balls offer a quality alternative at lower prices.
To conclude
With Practice and X-Out balls you can save money and get new golf balls in high quality that have only minimal deviations from the standard – ideal for practice rounds. With lake balls or refinished balls, you run the risk of getting poorer quality balls that could have a negative impact on your golf game, but this is where your wallet will be the happiest. If you want to invest more money, brand new golf balls are the best choice.
If only one also had the luxury of a professional golfer and a caddy. (Image source: Getty)
The golf clubs are still dirty from the last round in bad weather? The mud sticks to the clubs and the grooves are barely recognisable. In the meantime, a dusty brown tone has settled over the clubs. But how do you get your clubs clean again and what should you keep in mind? Who hasn’t experienced it when the ball on the course is full of mud, but has to be played as it lies? You get annoyed because the shot becomes a lottery.
The mud on the ball influences the ball flight immensely and this is also the case with dirty clubs. In a game where centimetres or even millimetres matter in some situations, you don’t want to leave your good scores up to fate. Spoiler alert: taking care of your golf clubs is a factor that should not be underestimated.
Household products fight dirt
To rid the clubs of simple dirt, it is often enough to go over the dirty area with a toothbrush or a simple brush. In tougher cases, where cleaning with water is no longer sufficient, a conventional household remedy can be used to help.
Try to clean your clubs after every round played, preferably after every single shot – even the grips need regular care. (Photo: Getty)
Dishwashing liquid not only cleans your cutlery, plates and cups at home, but also your golf clubs in the future. To do this, simply pour some dishwashing liquid into a bucket full of water. Then, just immerse the golf club in it so that the clubface is no longer visible. It is important not to immerse the hosel, as the club is glued there and the glue is not resistant to the dishwashing liquid.
In general, you should try to clean the rough dirt off your golf clubs after each use to avoid consequential damage. Also make sure that you clean the grips with a cloth. Usually, machines for cleaning clubs are not the best option from numerous experiences, as they contribute to the detachment of the glue on the golf club.
Cleaning grooves as the key to more spin?
Surely, every golfer knows that millimetres are important in golf. That’s why you should leave nothing to chance and give the ball the best possible spin by cleaning the face of your clubs. But when cleaning the grooves, you must make sure that you do not make them deeper. For instance, it can happen with conventional tools that the grooves then change in such a way that they no longer comply with the regulations.
Miracle cure for flash rust
Have you not cleaned and cared for your clubs properly over the winter? A light rust film has already formed. But you can get rid of it quickly with simple remedies. To begin with, you should try using a wet cloth, as it is possible that the rust can be removed by this means. If this is not the case, you will have to resort to harder solutions.
A familiar sight for professionals: After each shot, the clubs are cleaned of dirt. (Photo: Getty)
Pour vinegar essence into a glass and rub it over the clubface again and again so that the flash rust goes away. Many golf coaches rely on a real miracle remedy in the fight against rust on golf clubs. A little sewing machine oil is said to work wonders. By the way, the latter is also suitable as a thin protective layer for putters to prevent rusting.
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
Brooks Koepka signs equipment-deal with Srixon/Cleveland. (Photo: Getty)
Brooks Koepka, one of the world’s top golfers is off the equipment market. After five-plus-years without an equipment-sponsor “Brooksy” joins the Srixon/Cleveland-Team just a week before “The Match” against his nemesis Bryson DeChambeau. After Nike stopped their club production in 2016 Brooks Koepka, a four-time-major-champion was a wanted man. Just like his former Nike-colleagues Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods, who quickly joined other Brands. The signing was teased by Srixon in a highly cryptical Twitter post earlier this week.
Koepka joins Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell in the Srixon staff. “I’ve been an equipment free agent for the past few years,” Koepka said in a release, “so it will be fun to be involved with a company on a daily basis and be able to contribute to the development of their future equipment.”
He starts his Srixon/Cleveland journey with the Srixon ZX5 driver, ZX7 irons and Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack wedges. Along with the Prototype of a new Srixon golf ball, the Srixon Z-Star. He will carry a Srixon Tour Staff bag as well, known for being one of the biggest marketing spots for tour pros. Other than that, there is no more information about Koepka’s future paychecks and financial details.
Srixon’s vice president Rodney McDonald said, “We’re extremely proud to have Brooks come on board as our newest staff member.” He goes on, “Brooks is one of the best players in the world and brings his major championship pedigree and validation to our brands. We’re excited for Brooks to join the Srixon and Cleveland Golf family and look forward to supporting him out on tour.”
Not so big changes for Brooks Koepka
Although Koepka needs to get along with a new driver, new wedges and a completely new golf ball he is comfortable using the ZX7 irons. He started playing these in January and got along quickly, proving the equipment decision right by winning the Phoenix Open 2021 two weeks later.
No, it wasn’t the virus that ripped off the head of one of Fitzpatrick’s clubs, but instead just faulty luggage handling on his Delta Airline flight. However he took to twitter to express his frustration with the airline, but just tagged “Delta” so some of his followers were questioning the culprit of the damage. Jokingly of course..
There is no update whether Delta Airlines contacted Fitzpatrick regarding his club damage. It seems that the golfer is one club down and we are hoping it wasn’t his favorite!
Arccos – the pioneer of big data and artificial intelligence for golf – today announced it has teamed up with Samsung to launch the Arccos Caddie app for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, leveraging the Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform built jointly with Google to benefit golfers around the world.
By working closely with Samsung to participate in the launch of the first Samsung smartwatch to leverage Wear OS Powered by Samsung, Arccos has reaffirmed its position as the global category leader for on-course performance tracking and insights. Its members have recorded more than 7 million rounds and 460 million shots with the system while playing golf courses in 194 countries. This feeds the world’s largest on-course dataset, which now includes 31 billion separate data points that are analysed to help golfers perform their best.
Arccos Caddie App for Wear OS Powered by Samsung on New Samsung Galaxy Watches
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 users will now be able to use Arccos Caddie to receive precise GPS distances while in-play and review their shots and clubs used post game. Later this year, Arccos will also incorporate Health Services API information into the Arccos Caddie app for Wear OS Powered by Samsung, as well as enable users to see a variety of statistics from previous rounds.
“Samsung has long been a global leader in wearable technology and Wear OS Powered by Samsung comes with some major enhancements for developers,” said Ryan Johnson, Arccos’ Vice President of Software Engineering. “Our team has found the platform very easy to develop on and the result is a seamless integration between our app, the Samsung Galaxy Watch-4 Series and Android smartphones.”
Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics. The system includes the world’s first A.I. powered rangefinder, smart club distance averages for each club and caddie advice for any hole on earth. These innovative features combine to help golfers of all skill levels make smarter decisions, improve faster and shoot lower scores. In 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.
About Arccos Golf LLC
Arccos Golf LLC develops game-changing connected golf products. The company is revolutionising the golfing experience by integrating automatic shot tracking with Artificial Intelligence to deliver unparalleled insights that help players maximize their potential. Listed among the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company, ranking #3 in the Sports category globally, Arccos boasts the golf industry’s richest data set. Its official partners include PING (smart clubs), Cobra Golf (smart clubs) and TaylorMade (smart clubs). For more information, please visit: www.arccosgolf.com.
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
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)
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.
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!
ARCCOS GOLF LAUNCHES ARCCOS CADDIE FOR APPLE WATCH WITH PHONE-FREE AUTOMATIC SHOT TRACKING
Arccos, the pioneer of big data and artificial intelligence for golf, today announced the official launch of its new app for Apple Watch, which allows Arccos Caddie players to record all of their shot data and access the game’s first A.I. rangefinder without having to carry a smartphone in play.
Previously in beta, the Arccos Caddie app for Apple Watch has received a major upgrade that leverages the latest enhancement to Apple Watch OS. Optimized for use with Apple Watch 6 and SE models, the golfer experience now includes extended battery life, an intuitive interface, A.I rangefinder and caddie club recommendations, more accurate shot detection, seamless shot data syncing, improved hole switching and a one-touch function to mark hole locations.
“Our goal is to give every golfer the freedom to ‘play the game your way,’ and this latest release for Apple Watch is a significant step in that direction,” said Steve Obsitnik, Arccos President and COO. “Along with the incredibly successful Arccos Caddie Link wearable, it allows players to harness the power of their on-course data to play smarter and shoot lower scores without having to carry a phone in their pocket.”
Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics. The system includes the world’s first A.I. powered rangefinder, smart distance club averages for each club and caddie advice for any hole on earth. These combine to help golfers of all skill levels make smarter decisions, improve faster and shoot lower scores.
Arccos members have recorded an astonishing 7 million rounds and over 460 million shots with the system while playing courses in 194 countries. This feeds the world’s largest on-course dataset, which now includes 31 billion separate data points that are analysed to help golfers perform their best. In 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.
The Arccos Caddie system and Arccos Caddie Link are Permitted under the Rules of Golf (USGA Decision Numbers 2018-0414 and 2020-0305).
Leading golf apparel brand Galvin Green has built on its award-winning ‘GameDay’ Part One range with the introduction of a 2021 Part Two collection inspired by the uncompromising precision of computer-generated technologies, matched with long-lasting garments that offer exceptional performance in all weather conditions.
Designed for golfers by golfers, the collection includes a host of new products for men, women and juniors – including an array of INSULA™ sweaters made 100% from recycled plastic bottles that recently won a prestigious global Sports Technology Award for Sustainability.
Designs inspired by uncompromising precision and featuring new Golf Green colour tone
Adopting a scientific approach to the latest styling, Galvin Green designers magnified pixels in complex technical patterns to produce complete creations that merge precise elements into pure performance. They also took the opportunity to create a new Golf Green colour tone that features throughout the collection, highlighting the brand’s exclusive focus on golf and its commitment to a ‘Greener’ future.
“It’s in our DNA to do things by design and at pixel level there is a carefully calculated choice built into every detail of our clothing,” said Designer Batur Raza Muhammad. “Once zoomed out, we’ve produced a series of stunning garments that will give golfers the feel-good factor along with pure performance in all playing conditions. We believe these bright and bold designs will prove particularly popular with our ever-growing fan base of younger golfers.
“With the creation of the Golf Green tone, we wanted to establish an iconic colour to reflect our strong environmental credentials and hopefully, become as synonymous with the game of golf as Racing Green is with British motor racing,” he added.
Galvin Green compromises with the world’s needs and wears Eco-friendly
Combining the most advanced fabrics available from around the world with the Science of Excellence, each garment offers comfort and style both on and off the course. Around 70% of the collection is now produced using environmental Bluesign® approved fabric or certified by OEKO-TEX® 100 to cover thread and buttons as well as fabric. Labels and packaging also come in eco-friendly formats.
New to the wide range of men’s GORE-TEX waterproofs is the ABE jacket. Constructed from Bluesign® approved fabric, the jacket is 100% waterproof and windproof, while remaining extremely breathable. Available in three sleek colourways including Sharkskin, the jacket features a lightweight mesh lining and repositioned side seams for optimum comfort. In the popular GORE-TEX Paclite™ style, the lightweight APOLLO full-zip jacket now comes in Golf Green among seven colour choices.
Galvin Green 2021 Part Two collection
In the men’s versatile INTERFACE-1™ range, the fully windproof hybrid LUCAS jacket with a water repellent finish now comes in five colour options, including Golf Green.
An addition to the INSULA™ sweater eco-generation range, the DAMIAN offers additional padding on the shoulders and back for extra warmth made from 100% recyclable polyester from Thermore®. The sweater is extremely breathable, while maintaining a warming effect #3 – the highest level of warmth in the category. It comes in both Navy and Black options.
Headlining the vibrant VENTIL8™PLUS shirt range, the MAC, MADDOX and MARSHALL styles showcase the inspiration behind the range, with innovative pixel designs in bright and bold colours. The shirts provide UV 20+ protection and come in a Quickdry stretch fabric for improved comfort. Other new styles are the MARCO and MORTON.
A new ETHAN vest with a pixel print has been added to the SKINTIGHT™ thermal base layer range.
Galvin Green seeks the quality versus comfort balance.
New to the women’s GORE-TEX range, the ANYA lined jacket is made from Bluesign® approved fabric. The extremely lightweight and windproof jacket is treated with environmentally friendly PFC (EC) Free water repellency and 100% waterproof. It features two front pockets, one inside chest pocket, plus a two-way zipper and adjustable cuffs for greater comfort. Available in Grey and Navy colour options.
An expanded INTERFACE-1™ range of windproof and water-repellent jackets and bodywarmers includes a super-soft, extremely breathable LESLIE jacket, with shaped sleeves for easy movement and a level #2 warming effect. The jacket comes in a standout White/Silver colour combination.
The attractive DOLLY sweater joins the INSULA™ range, offering style and comfort in equal measure, thanks to the super-soft and stretchy quick dry fabric that allows complete freedom of movement, while remaining both warm and breathable.
Additions to the VENTIL8™PLUS shirt range include the stylish MAIA that offers golfers UV 20+ protection and comes in Blue Bell/White and Navy/White. The new PETRA shorts round out the collection, providing female golfers with an alternative to the popular skirt, skort and trouser ranges.
The comprehensive selection of accessories includes more caps, belts and unisex visors, plus the ever-popular functional rain hats and snoods.
An expanded junior collection features the new REINE windproof jacket and a trendy INTERFACE-1™ hoodie ROBBIE. Press Release by Galvin Green
I know I’ll probably be alienating not-so-small part of the golf community with this take. But it’s about time that we give a voice to those who can’t stand seeing golf bags lined up in front of the clubhouse you see an array of cute little creatures covering up the drivers, fairway woods and putters and you start to wonder.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
Guys that drive up the club in a Maserati, that claim to hit their driver 270 yards and have three grown up kids pulling plush toys over their toughest clubs? Why not, I guess. It’s a free world after all.
But there are plenty of good alternatives out there, whether you’re looking for simplicity, elegance, bright colours, luxury or anything in between.
We’ve checked some of the brands that focus on head covers and found some real beauties.
Cayce – HIT BOMBS! Driver & Fairway Woods Cover
There’s nothing more satisfying than hitting a bomb straight off the tee. And you won’t manage it if you’re mind is distracted. So, to keep yourself in the right frame of mind and focus on what to do next when you’re pulling out the big gun, Cayce has this little helper to remind you what it’s all about.
I’m a big fan of the Cayce head covers, especially those made of DURA+, making them fully water resistant. Also available as fairway wood cover. $ 64.99 or $ 59.99 (for the FW) on caycegolf.com
(Photo: caycegolf.com)
Bobby Golf – Respect Blade Head Cover
Stylistically Bobby Golf isn’t always the most confident, but this one showing Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji, respectfully removing his hat and taking a bow after returning the pin at the 2021 Masters, is right on point. What Cayce’s Hit Bombs head cover might be for your driver, the Respect cover is for your putter. Get yourself in a winner’s state of mind. Available for $ 85 at bobbygolf.com
(Photo: bobbygolf.com)
Reinland Golf – Shibori Head Cover
Not a misspelling of the German river region, Rhineland, Reinland Golf is the head cover brand of the Reinlands, a golf-crazed family whose son, Maxton Reinland, was seeking quality head covers for his golf label Muni Kids. His mother Marti spent hours and hours developing and sewing them and soon, Reinland Golf Company was born.
This one is a nice canvas/ fleece two-colour tie-dye version for all the hippies at heart.
Available as driver, wood and hybrid versions for $44.95 or $49.95 on reinlandgolfco.com
(Photo: reinlandgolfco.com)
Headgear – Electrified Red Styling Edition Covers
Headgear Golf, another US-based company that specialises in head covers, are producing the finest leather goods for your woods and putters. Aside from their usual elegant collection, they offer the option for customisation. They come with a no-pill blizzard fleece lining and will be sure to keep your clubs lint-free. This Electrified Red Styling Edition is really good if you’re looking for something to match your brand-new red Ferrari. Get it for $ 50 (woods) to $ 60 (driver) on headgeargolf.com
Photo: headgeargolf.com)
Desired Line Co. – Barber Pole Cover
Take some fresh colour, add a touch of graphic minimalism and a heavyweight polyester canvas with UV, and you’ll get this weather-proof Nano fabric protection head cover that is 100% made in Australia.
It’s got a sort of vintage touch, as it brings to mind the old-fashioned barbers poles.
Wood/ hybrid $ 54.95, driver $59.95 at desiredline.co
(Photo: desiredline.co)
Golf Team Clothing – Arnold Driver & Fairway Wood Head Covers
Now it’s time for one from Europe. Golf Team Clothing specialise in personalised/ branded clothing for your team, friends, club, tournament or golf academy.
Aside from the customised/ personalised designs, they also feature a wide range of very nice head covers like this one in golf’s greatest colour variation, the Arnie umbrella colours.
Truth be told, I’m just one click away from ordering one for my own hybrid. You can also choose from various colours for the inside fleece lining.
Get driver and wood covers for €52 each at golfteamclothing.com
(Photo: golfteamclothing.com)
Seamus – Pride Rainbow Head Cover
With golf still being stuck with one foot in ancient times, it’s good to see some brands moving forward, with both feet in the 21st century.
“As a tribute to our friends and customers from all different backgrounds, ethnicities and genders, we are proud to introduce our peace and pride golf head cover”, say Seamus on their page.
Why not show off your LGBT+ pride on the course?
It’s not the cheapest option out there. It’s sewn together from six colourful Cardura pieces, red inner lining and an embroidered peace sign on top. All things considered, it’s still a reasonable price for the craftsmanship you get. If you fancy, you can also add a personalised leather label for an additional $10. Fairway for $85, driver for $95 on seamusgolf.com
(Photo: seamusgolf.com)
Rawhide – Splattered Neon! Covers
Let’s keep it colourful with this one. Ok, it’s not an original Jackson Pollock but still one for the Pop Art lovers.
Rawhide hand cut, embroider and sew all their high quality leather products at their Vancouver facility and also give you the chance to create a custom design. T
his splatter design isn’t printed but splattered manually, so each cover is a one of a kind product.
Hybrid, fairway, driver for $110, $120 and $130 via rawhidegolf.com
(Photo: rawhidegolf.com)
Stymie – Fabric no. 22
This piece by Stymie is made put of finest imported wool in an elegant navy and Carolina blue hound’s-tooth pattern with a fleece lining on the inside. Add some style to your bag!
Putter and hybrid covers cost $50, woods cost $55 and driver covers cost $65 at stymiegolfsupply.com
(Photo: stymiegolfsupply.com)
Fillibegs – Tweed Yellow
Now one from my home country, Germany. Fillibegs makes head covers made from tartan and tweed fabrics that are purchased at traditional woollen mills in Scotland and England.
All covers for drivers, woods, putters are manufactured in Germany and come in a very quintessentially British style.
These patterns are available for all clubs, even irons, ranging from €44 to €74 on fillibegs.de
(Photo: fillibegs.de)
Big Dog Golf – OG White & Tan
Big Dog Golf make genuine leather (as well as some woollen) head covers which are beautifully constructed and handcrafted by a family of third generation leather-smiths from Melbourne, Australia.
All very clean, minimalistic, mostly unicolor or duotone with quiet embroideries and a branded leather patch, these covers are just what they’re supposed to be: quality covers to protect your clubs.
And that’s what they do- with style. Hybrid/ wood $ 85, driver $ 95 at bigdoggolfco.com
(Photo: bigdoggolfco.com)
Cody Golf Co. – Granite Fairway Cover
Cody Golf, a brand from Utah, started by the two friends, Cole and Brody (combined Cody), make some of the most timeless and classic head covers around.
Simple, functional, effective in a design language that can be best described as understatement. There are no gimmicks with these ones, just elegant covers in the classic sock and barrel design that will be sure to stand the test of time. They offer a relatively limited range of just five different colours.
Fairway covers cost $44.99 and driver covers cost $ 59.99 on codygolf.com
(Photo: codygolf.com)
Western Gales – Express Send
Western Gales is a division of State Apparel which makes head covers from up-cycled sails, handmade in San Francisco.
I’m a big fan of the idea of using old sails for head covers. It’s not just a good way to save materials, it’s also worth pointing out that sails tend to be very durable and weather proof.
On top of that, each piece is absolutely unique, a one of a kind cut out of a larger piece.
The best piece in their collection probably is this FedEx one. I like to thnk of it as using the FedEx cover to help “send” your ball to its destination.
From $60 (hybrid) to $68 (driver) at stateapparel.com
(Photo: stateapparel.com)
Flush – Nose Candy Putter Cover
Remember that Uma Thurman scene in Pulp Fiction where she takes a bump of cocaine in the ladies rest rooms before getting on the dance floor with John Travolta?
Whether you’ve seen it or not, you’ll definitely find the right “line” with this putter cover from Flush.
Available for blade and mallet putters for $65 via rflushgolfco.com
(Photo: rflushgolfco.com)
Golden Soul Golf – The Iceberg Putter Cover
Last but not least we it’s another simple and elegant cover. Golden Soul’s Iceberg putter cover is available as mallet and blade putter cover. With its maritime and/or festival look, I can’t help but imagine a putting green aboard a yacht somewhere in the Aegean Sea. That said, I bet it would work out well on any real course anywhere else too.
