Due to countless models, it makes sense to answer a few questions before buying a golf bag. (Photo: Getty)
The constant companion of a golfer is of course the golf bag. It contains all the important things you need on the golf course – from golf clubs to sunscreen and food. There is therefore no question that the choice of a suitable golf bag is a basic requirement for a successful round of golf.
The golf bag – a product in an almost infinite number of designs
As the centerpiece of the game of golf, the golf bag is now available in numerous designs and at a wide variety of prices. The golf bag, which many hundreds of years ago was merely a strap with which you tied your clubs together, has now become a multifunctional companion for every golfer. In the huge selection of golf bags that the market now has to offer, you should be clear about the following requirements:
Size (from pencil bag to tour bag)
Handling (stand bag, carry bag, cart bag)
Weight
Storage space
Waterproof
Stability
Subdivision of the top
Rain cover
Design
Before buying a golf bag, it is important to be clear about what kind of bag you want: Should it be a lightweight carry bag, since I don’t have a trolley? Should there be room in my bag for as many clubs as possible, since I prefer to go out with 14 clubs? How much storage space do I need for the rest of my equipment? How many pockets do I need on the bag and how do I like the arrangement? Will the bag stand up to rain and extreme weather? How many compartments should the top of the bag have: Are five compartments enough or should each club get its own space?
In addition to the personal preferences and requirements that a player has for a golf bag, the price of a golf bag also determines the purchase. The price range of the countless models that are now available on the market extends from 50 euros to about 900 euros. We have compiled various models in different price categories for a first impression of the possibilities.
To carry: Pencil bag
Pencil bags are the lightest bags among golf bags: with a diameter of about 15 centimeters, they can carry about seven clubs. Especially in winter, when the use of trolleys is prohibited on many golf courses, the pencil bag is a light and comfortable golf bag to carry. Pencil bags are often found in the lowest price category.
The larger cart bag
A cart bag is considerably larger than a pencil bag. This golf bag can hold up to 14 clubs. In addition, such a bag is often equipped with many pockets, in which all accessories find space. The bag is not suitable for carrying on the golf course – a trolley serves as a supplement.
Stand bag with many possibilities
A stand bag in a somewhat higher price range is characterized, for example, by a padded shoulder strap and by numerous extras: a 14-pocket divided top, a lined compartment for valuables, an insulated cooler compartment, a Velcro patch for gloves as well as loops for tees and much more. Also, a rain hood may be included.
Jordan Spieth and Under Armour extend der collaboration till 2029. (Photo: Getty)
Jordan Spieth has been an integral part of the Under Armour team since 2013. The then 19-year-old golfer, mind you without a PGA Tour card, signed with the textile manufacturer and has remained with it to this day. Now Under Armour is extending its profitable deal with Spieth for another four years. The American will wear the brand’s golf shoes, clothing and accessories until 2029.
Jordan Spieth: “Under Armour took a chance on me”
“I was just leaving school and I guess in other sports I would have been considered a high draft pick, but at the same time I didn’t have PGA Tour status, which in golf means everything,” Spieht explained. The then 19-year-old had recently turned pro and has been playing at Under Armour ever since. He currently has a ten-year deal, which has now been extended by another four. The decisive factor for this is probably his victory at the RBC Heritage in mid-April.
“I’ve really enjoyed being on this journey with Under Armour since I turned pro, and I can’t wait to accomplish great things together in this next phase of my career,” Spieth said. “Like me, everyone at Under Armour challenges themselves to get better every day. I’m looking forward to continuing to test their newest innovations as I know their products will help me train and perform my best for years to come.”
Golfing for a good cause
In addition to the partnership extension, Under Armour will also support the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation with one million dollars (just under 920 thousand euros) over the next eight years. The non-profit organization under Spieth’s patronage aims to make it easier for young people to get into golf. It awards scholarships and creates open golf programs for young people. The focus is particularly on breaking down socio-economic barriers and thus making it easier to get into the sport. Spieth commented, “I think access is a big thing in golf. It’s a game that I love. So, I figure maybe there’s some people that don’t know that they love it yet. It’s a game that gets you outside. It’s active. It gets you moving around. And I think that’s obviously very healthy, no matter what background, or who you are.”
Under Armour looks forward to continued collaboration
Sean Eggert, vice president of sales at Under Armour, said, “We are incredibly honored to continue our relationship with Spieth in the years to come. He is an athlete who truly embodies what it means to strive for more. Jordan’s future is bright, as evidenced by his spectacular performance at Hilton Head this weekend, and we look forward to joining him on this journey as he continues to grow with us, challenge us and make us even better at what we do. We couldn’t be more proud to have him on our team.”
Spikeless with maximum grip. FootJoy can do it. The FootJoy Pro SL shoes once revolutionised the spikeless golf shoe segment. In 2022, the 4th generation tees off and presents its stable and grippy Infinity sole with further improvements.
FootJoy Pro SL shoes – what’s inside
The innovative, particularly light and flexible StratoFoam midsole, which was originally developed for the FJ Stratos and has since proven itself in the HyperFlex models, is now integreated in the entire Pro|SL series.
This patented midsole material is particularly lightweight, provides optimum support and cushioning in all golf conditions, and not only absorbs shock but also returns energy to help golfers perform to the letter time and time again.
Who is this product suitable for?
Featuring a new, sleek Pittards chromoskin leather upper, the Pro|SL Carbon is FJ’s most technologically advanced spikeless performance golf shoe. The outstanding properties of the StratoFoam midsole are complemented in this model by special carbon inserts in the outsole, which combine greater lateral stability in the heel area with outstanding flexibility in the forefoot area.
The Pro|SL Carbon uses the flexibility of the carbon inserts to elastically regain its natural position. This leads to a higher energy return when walking and counteracts foot fatigue – leaving more energy for the game.
“The use of our successful StratoFoam technology together with the improvements to our carbon insert take the shoe to a new level of performance, we are very excited about this,” said Guy Smith, Product Manager FootJoy Footwear.
Features and benefits at a glance
ChromoSkin™ leather from Pittards®.
3D foam collar for a perfect upper fit
StratoFoam midsole for fatigue-free walking comfort
Infinity outsole for tourer-proven grip and premium stability during the swing
Carbon inserts in the outsole for maximum stability and comfort (Pro|SL Carbon)
Ortholite Impressions FitBed® for more stability and comfort
The TaylorMade Stealth Series will turn heads. Guaranteed. (Photo: TaylorMade)
The Stone Age, Bronze Age and Titanium Age are over – long live the Carbon Age. At least if TaylorMade has its way. Much of the new TaylorMade Stealth series revolves around the material, which is simultaneously strong but also feather-light. Dive into the new age of golf equipment.
TaylorMade Stealth stands out.
TaylorMade is quite familiar to our company, as we work closely with their latest product launches. First, both parties formally agree that no information will leak out before the official release date. Afterwards, they present the technologies, advantages and details of the new products. There is some spare time to ask questions to the engineers on site before it is over. Finally, it’s off to a driving range or golf course to see the new toy in action and take first pictures and videos.
This year things were a little different at TaylorMade. Our colleague from Golf Post, Johannes Gärtner lived the entire TaylorMade experience, and he knew that something extraordinary was coming. Walking through a specially constructed “disco tunnel” at the European headquarters, a show room was waiting. The theme was the great changes in humanity. Starting with the invention of the wheel, followed by the automobile and the moon landing. TaylorMade is really coming on strong.
TaylorMade masters the “Carbonwood” equipment
During the presentation, Gärtner was handed a driver head that had been disassembled into all its individual parts. The clubface of the new TaylorMade Stealth Drivers is made of carbon, not titanium as usual. This is also the reason for the new term “Carbonwood”, which TaylorMade immediately had protected as a trade mark.
The new face of the TaylorMade Stealth Driver is not only made of carbon, but also in deep red. (Photo: TaylorMade)
English-speaking golfers coined the term “metalwood” after the first major material innovation. Now it is to be the carbon woods that change the game of golf forever, just as the first “metalwoods” once did. Admittedly, this technology is not entirely new. TaylorMade has been working on carbon club faces for about 20 years now.
However, this technological possibilities have not always existed. Back in 2013, there was a strictly limited special promotion that was only available to the Japanese market. TaylorMade Gloire used a carbon face for the first time back then. Moreover, it is a question of cost and use ratio. What it started as a dream became true, TaylorMade has now succeeded, but the new drivers cost more than in previous years.
The first impression
Besides this big surprise, they also presented fairway woods, rescues and an iron set, which belong to the new TaylorMade Stealth family as well. In contrast to the drivers, they are (still) equipped with a traditional titanium face. However, the topic of carbon still plays a big role, as more and more parts in the club head are being replaced with this wonder material. It is extremely stable, holds the driver together and weighs significantly less.
The next day Johannes Gärtner gave it a try at the North Hants Golf Club driving range. There, Justin Rose grew up and was immortalised everywhere in the clubhouse. It is customary to have a small tee box of one’s own to prevent passers-by from seeing the new clubs. To keep them secret while testing them on the course becomes more difficult. Therefore, a huge TaylorMade tent isolated us from the rest and we were not allowed to take photos or videos of the clubs. The new clubs should remain a secret at all costs. At the end, the Americans proved to be exceptionally fond of the clubs.
TaylorMade makes it unforgettable
The feel and sound of the shot with a TaylorMade Stealth Driver are completely contrary to what you have experienced so far. It also feels like the ball sticks to the clubface at first. This is actually due to the fact that the ball has longer contact with the driver because of the carbon construction. After that, it whizzes away. Equipped with a Trackman and new TP5, the statistics validated the first feeling. With the same club head speed, the TaylorMade Stealth drivers deliver more ball speed.
More carbon in the wood and hybrid
The woods also cut a fine figure. The red colour theme is reminiscent of the M5 and M6 generation. The differences to the predecessor models are not that drastic in comparison with the Drivers. Nevertheless, the trained eye perceives small nuances. In particular, a small aiming aid at the top of the clubface and a visible edge at the end of the club. Both help to orientate better.
In addition, the shaping and weighting also experience minor changes that optimise the desired parameters. More forgiveness, a little larger clubface and a come more speed – true to the motto: “A little better every year.”
As with the woods, there is more carbon in the crown of the hybrids – or as TaylorMade calls them, rescues. The same game as always. Weight is saved at one corner in the club, redistributed so that in the end stability, centre of gravity and speed can be improved.
The two fairway woods appeal to different target groups. (Photo: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade Stealth – hot irons
The look of the TaylorMade Stealth irons is extremely close to that of the popular P7 family. Surely, a big step in the right direction. Game Improvement irons have always been thick, chunky, round, big and/or fat. This optical problem has been taken up again and again in recent years in order to improve it. The predecessor models, on the other hand, look much more backward.
In the Game Improvement category, the new TaylorMade Stealth iron is definitely an eye-catcher. (Photo: TaylorMade)
One particular change concerns the tip of the head. With the toe-wrap technology, weight is strategically redistributed within the club. In addition, there is only one set of irons, not two different ones as usual.
Separate variant for the ladies
In recent years, TaylorMade has not had an extra colour option for women golfers. Luckly, this changed. Small adjustments in head weight, angles, shaft and grip tailor these clubs specifically to the preferences of most ladies so they can play to their full potential. However, the core technologies are all the same as for the men.
We show the most popular drivers of the Golf Post community. (Photo: Callaway, PING)
Numerous golfers already maintain their digital golf bag on Golf Post. With this function you have the possibility to collect all your equipment digitally and to see which products are played by other golfers. You can add clubs from our comprehensive club database to your bag or, if a club is not available, you can add it manually. You haven’t filled out your bag yet or you have new clubs in your bag? Then fill out your digital golf bag at Golf Post here:
Based on the golf bags of the Golf Post community, we were able to identify the most popular clubs that our community is currently using on the golf course. We present you the most popular drivers. Golf Post community members particularly often go for Callaway or Titleist.
Callaway Big Bertha: By far at the top
The most popular driver in the Golf Post Community comes from the Callaway Big Bertha club series. The Big Bertha drivers are most often found in the bags of the Golf Post Community. With the latest model Callaway Big Bertha B21, golfers are offered support and help in every situation on the course. Above all, the driver combats the well-known slice and thus brings the golf game of higher handicappers to a better level overall. The driver impresses with its sporty, dynamic design and a colour combination of black, white and blue. In addition, the driver is also offered as a women’s model with the Callaway Big Bertha Reva. However, not only the latest model of the Big Bertha series is found in many golf bags, but also the predecessor models enjoy particular popularity. This means that the Callaway Big Bertha drivers are used more than twice as often on the golf course in the Golf Post community as the second most popular driver models.
Ping G400 impresses with increased ball speed
The Ping G400 driver is the second most popular driver in the Golf Post community after the Big Bertha series. With the Ping G400, you get a driver model that focuses primarily on high ball speed. However, it is not only the driving distances that are increased with this model, but also the forgiveness on longer shots. The club head design is kept simple for the most part, so that only individual copper-coloured details stand out from the basic black colour. The colour of the shaft runs from copper to black and prevents any possible distraction at the address position. The model was released in 2017, but still offers a competitive driver for today.
Callaway Rogue: Inspiring versatility
The Callaway Rogue Driver is the second driver from Callaway in the top 3 most-used drivers and is only just behind the Ping G400. The Callaway Rogue includes three models that offer golfers of all levels the right driver. Basically, Callaway enables more power on drives and thus longer distances with this club series. In addition, the Callaway Rogue Sub Zero is offered, which is primarily intended for the experts among the golfers, as the model allows even more length, but at the same time also lowers the fault tolerance. On the other hand, the Callaway Rogue Draw suits the golf game of higher handicappers, who can benefit most from a more forgiving model.
Titleist 917 D2 and D3: A club for advanced players
Titleist also makes it with their 2016 Titleist 917 D2 and D3 drivers. The models are designed exclusively for advanced golfers. Both drivers are also forgiving, but mainly provide more power behind the ball and thus longer drives. The D2 has a comparatively higher ball launch and more spin and is generally intended for ambitious players. The D3 model, on the other hand, has a lower ball launch with less spin, which means that only the best players should use this driver.
Cobra King F9 Speedback: Speed, speed and more speed
Finishing just behind the Titleist model is the Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver. The model launched in 2019 brings exactly what is in the name. The speedback technology used, among other things, noticeably improves the driving distances. Cobra provides a suitable model depending on the level of play, including a children’s model as well as the Rickie Fowler edition, in which the shaft is slightly shorter. The design of the driver is particularly striking and consists of the colour combination yellow, red and black.
Grooves have a huge impact on golf performance. (Photo: Callaway)
Grooves is the English term for the golf club face lines. These are mainly responsible for the spin that a club achieves over the ball. It is important that the ball sticks to the club face for a long time at impact to create as much friction as possible. The grooves grip the outermost shell of the ball, creating a lot of spin. That’s why balls with a soft urethane coating, for example, deliver significantly more spin than a hard range ball.
It dusts, it splashes and the divot shreds through the air – grooves help improve contact out of the rough. (Photo: Getty)
Hitting a ball out of the rough, or slightly higher turf in general (can also happen on the fairway), is often unpredictable if there’s a lot of dirt or turf between the club and the ball. Grooves help enormously to make these shots more predictable by moving water, turf and dirt away from the contact point during the swing.
Grooves on the club face repel water and dirt, much like tread on a car tyre. (Photo: Cleveland)
In order to provide the ideal spin conditions for each club, the grooves usually adapt to the respective wedges. A gap wedge, which typically predominates in full shots, has narrower and deeper grooves that allow for slightly less spin. Too much of the backspin would not be useful for this club.
For a lob wedge – where there can never be enough spin – wide and shallower grooves are the norm. These deliver plenty of spin even on small swings, which is ideal for chips or pitches. Due to the different requirement profiles, changes in the club or groove characteristics are accordingly desirable and helpful.
Keep your club grooves clean!
After hitting a shot, you should always take the time to clean the equipment during the round, and with especial focus on the golf club grooves to keep the hitting surface in great shape. With a clean club you will achieve significantly more spin, which can only be an advantage with wedges. It’s not without reason that you see caddies on the pro tours busily rubbing the club grooves free with a towel and club brushes.
Consistency will make the difference also in the quality life of your equipment, that is why it is just as important to know how to clean them after playing too.
You should always clean the grooves of the club face before hitting with a wedge. (Photo: Getty)
The trend of micro-grooves is becoming increasingly popular. Between the actual grooves, other smaller additional grooves are placed on the clubface. This only enhances the effect of gripping the cup and increases the spin. Manufacturers have different approaches to this issue. Whether fancy angles, raised grooves or shapeless grooves – there are and will be hardly any limits to creativity.
How the grooves save you strokes
Besides the thought: “Higher, faster, further”, which is admittedly very tempting, you should always but especially in the short game place more emphasis on consistency. Of course, it is fun if you let the ball roll back with a few metres of backspin just like the pros. However, it makes much more sense if each of your shots produces the same result.
Spin is good, spin helps you play around the greens. However, it is much better if you can consistently retrieve your clubs over and over again. Therefore, don’t lose focus on the essentials. Being close to the flag again and again will save you strokes. Not if the ball rolls back a few metres after it hits.
Nelly Korda lines up a putt at Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club, 2022
Over the years, the types of putters have changed dramatically. Whether it is in terms of material, construction or sheer size. Nowadays, the three main putter categories are Blade, Mid-Mallet and Mallet. At first sight, every beginner would consider the different types of putter by putter head. The putter is always better to have it on our side, it can go from best friend to becoming our biggest fear real quick. For that reason, it is crucial to start off right, and choose the type of putter head that suits you best.
Mallet Putter – Larger shape
Mallet putters are the largest models available under the three categories. This also means that they offer a larger list of possibilities. Elaborate and sophisticated aiming aids are just one of the features used in various mallet putters. Furthermore, mallet putters are characterised by an extremely high inertia value. Due to the large head shape, the weight distributes better, more precisely and improving the targeting, which is why mallet putters provide greater forgiveness in the event of misses.
These models are particularly well suited for golfers who have little to no arc in their putts. Often mallet putters are even “face balanced”. This means that the face points straight up when the putter is at rest. A putter with more toe slope will fall towards the toe, so the face will point to the side when balanced. If you make a big arcing motion when putting, you should take a closer look at blade putters.
On the left is a putter with a lot of toe hang, the mid-mallet model in the middle has some toe hang and the mallet putter on the right is face balanced. (Photo: Golf Post)
The downside is the sheer bulk, which is certainly not to some people’s liking. The look of the mallet putter is too clunky, too big and too unfamiliar if you have been playing with a thin blade putter for years or decades. Furthermore, mallet putters tempt you to want to execute the stroke much too straight. A small bow movement does not spoil the result at all, which is why you should trust your swing.
In summary, mallet putters are particularly suitable for golfers who have problems aiming, who tend to have a straight putting motion, don’t want the putter to twist much during the swing, want more help with misses and prefer a larger head shape.
The TaylorMade Spider X is a mallet putter like no other. The large profile, aiming aid and weighting that is forgiving of mistakes are all characteristics of a mallet putter. (Photo: TaylorMade)
Blade Putter – Slim head design
Blade putters receive a much simpler design compared to the massive mallet putters. The DNA of the early days of golf is still clearly visible in blade putters. However, this does not mean lack of technological progress in modern blade putters. Inserts or milling improve the hitting surface, weights and hosel design influence the toe hang and materials and aiming aids optimise feel and alignment.
Due to the shape and the resulting weighting, blade putters turn to be the best for golfers who do not shy away from a strong arc movement when putting. Considering all types of putter by putter head, Blade putters are the most slim and simpler to the eye. They are easier to open and close, and therefore resulting the right choice for golfers with a larger arc swing movement.
Many professionals rely on blade types of putter. (Photo: Getty)
Off-centre hits show on these type, but they often miss the target. This is due to the smaller and more compact design. It cannot deliver extreme values in terms of forgiveness.
One advantage is the clear, thin and pure look that blade putters bring with them. Normally, these putters also provide a clearer and more precise feel and feedback during the stroke. Because of this, many professionals prefer blade putters. They expect feedback from the club.
This putter – Tiger Woods’ Scotty Cameron Newport 2 – has been used to win 15 majors. Probably the most valuable putter currently available. (Photo: Golf.com)
Mid-Mallet Putter – Half way through the Mallet Putter head
Mid-mallet putters are a mixture of both worlds. If we compare them to the blade models, they offer a little more space for aiming aids. Also, these have a less pronounced toe slope, a more forgiving shape and a larger footprint.
Due to the slight toe slope that mid-mallet putters usually have, this types of putter by putter head is ideal for golfers with a slight bow motion. Here, the mid-mallet putters rank exactly in the middle between mallet and blade putters.
Phil Mickelson loves his mid-mallet putter. (Photo: Getty)
In other respects, too, mid-mallet models are somewhere between the two extremes. They combine the advantages of blade or mallet putters in equal measure, but have to make sacrifices just the same. There is room for a smaller aiming aid, but again not as much as with a mallet putter. The profile is more compact, but less sleek as the blade putter. You recognise the pattern – it’s just a middle ground.
The #9 from Odyssey is Phil Mickelson’s favourite putter and is considered a prime example of mid-mallet head putters. (Photo: Odyssey)
It is best to look at and test different types of putter by putter head during a fitting. However, last but not least, the feeling, the look and individual preferences play an immensely important role, which should not be disregarded.
Iron sets could not be more different - we explain the differences. (Photo: Getty)
At the outset, the iron categories described below are names that have become established over the years. The golf equipment is very extensive, and the irons terms can sometimes be tricky. There are not fixed laws and many iron sets fall between the categories of golf players irons and blades. In addition, the lines demarcating each category are often blurred with each other.
Golf Players Irons
Two groups of golf irons fall under the category of Players Irons. The first is the blades, also called muscleback blades. They are very thin and sporty shaped cavity back irons. This upper category aims at the professionals and those who want to become professionals.
A classic muscleback iron delivers an extremely direct feel at impact. Better golfers need and want this kind of equipment. Furthermore, the look is much narrower, more compact. One characteristic that stands out between other variants of golf players irons and blades is that the controllability of the blades is at a maximum.
A classic muscle back iron is compact, thin and sporty. (Photo: Titleist)
Skilled golfers thus conjure up precise draws or fades into the greens or deliberately let the balls fly higher or flatter. Due to the higher centre of gravity, the balls tend to launch flatter and have more spin. The disadvantage is the forgiveness. The centre of gravity is high and most of the weight is centred rather than distributed, and therefore the failures have disastrous consequences.
Although blades are less forgiving than cavity irons, they tend to have less offset, better turf interaction and better workability compared to cavity irons. They also force better players to be consistent in their swing, which is why they remain a favourite of tour pros.
In a cavity back iron, the back of the club is hollowed out to allow for weight distribution. (Photo: Titleist)
Cavity back irons, although it sounds very bumpy, also mean “hollowed out back irons”. This makes the principle of these irons quite simple to understand. Metal is hollowed out on the back of the iron, creating a kind of cavity. The weight is much more distributed to the edges – simply not so centred on a small surface.
What is the point of all this?
Due to the distribution of the weight, the inertia as well as the forgiveness is higher. In addition, the hollowing out lowers the centre of gravity. The higher stability means that the miss results better as the the power transmission also works out better. The club twists less if the balls impacts at the heel or the toe. The lower centre of gravity leads to an easier launch of the ball.
Cavity back irons are the basis for game and game-improvement irons. The classic and very sporty cavity back irons fall under the players irons term due to their minimalist construction.
If you take a look into the bag of the pros, you will see irons with a small cavity back everywhere. Many stars also mix their iron sets with traditional blades on the short irons and cavity back irons on the long irons to take advantage of both worlds.
More and more pros are turning to cavity back irons. (Photo: Getty)
Players Distance Irons
A rather newer phenomenon in the golf equipment world is the Players Distance irons. In terms of look, control and feel, they come close to the classic Players irons. However, they put more emphasis in increasing the distance – hence the name. They count with technologies that often affect the hitting surface in order to increase the speed and thus the distance.
This category has grown the most in the last decade. Golfers who prefer the classic look but seek for speed support are ideally served here. The typical game-improvement irons players also look to this category because the look and feel are a little more sporty.
Players Distance irons combine the look of sporty Players irons with the supportive features of game-improvement irons irons. (Photo: TaylorMade)
Game-improvement irons
The Game Improvement Irons live up to their name. These clubs are designed to make you a better golfer, to improve your game. The goal of their technologies aim at increasing distance, forgiveness, consistency and feel.
Compared to the Players irons, the footprint of these irons is significantly larger. The clubface, the sole, the top line and the cavity back is one dimension more spacious. This allows the weight to be distributed quite differently in the club. A thick sole, for example, lowers the centre of gravity massively. The result of the low centre of gravity is that the balls gain height much more easily, and thus launch more steeply.
Game Improvement irons incorporate a number of technologies to (Photo: Callaway)
Furthermore, the principle of the cavity back helps to distribute weight to the edges to increase stability and forgiveness. Meanwhile, the use of tungsten is also common. This metal has a very high density, which is why even small amounts have a great influence on the internal weighting. This “miracle metal” belongs to almost all the club categories.
The disadvantage of game-improvement irons is often the feel and sound. That is why manufacturers are now coming up with new technologies that reduce the vibrations to improve the sound.
Super Game Improvement Irons
Super Game Improvement Irons are the next escalation level of Game Improvement Irons. Recall everything you have just read about Game Improvement irons and multiply this by a factor of X. The sole becomes wider and wider, and the centre of gravity sets even lower. The ball launch is easier and the ground absorbs a lot more the failure effects.
Bigger, thicker, wider – the Super Game Improvement irons have the highest circumference. (Photo: Callaway)
Other iron sets that relates to the Super Game Improvement category are the hybrid irons and the lightweight iron sets. Light-weight clubs are a perfect fit for golfers with slow swing. The weight is cut at every turn to make the clubs as light as possible. The trick is quite simple, due to the lower weight, the player can swing them faster, which leads to a larger length.
Less is more – at least when it comes to less weight and more speed. (Photo: Cobra)
Another alternative is the hybrid iron sets. Here, there is a progressive construction within the iron set. From a distance, the long irons almost seem hybrids, while the short irons look much more compact and classic. Usually, the longer the iron, the more difficult it is to play. However, technology tries to narrow down the difficulty gap to where even the 5, 4 or 3 irons result easy to manoeuvre in the air.
In a hybrid iron set, the long irons mutate into ever larger volumes. (Photo: Cleveland)
Driving or Utility Irons
For the sake of completeness, let’s mention also the driving irons or utility irons. These irons replace the long irons, which are more difficult to play, and thus compete with hybrids, which is why some golfers compare both of them. As a rule, driving irons have a wider sole, a hollow construction. They are also packed with technologies that increase distance.
Driving or utility irons are used in the long game. (Photo: Mizuno)
However, there are serious differences between the individual models of the various manufacturers. The group of utility irons is very heterogeneous. Some irons are suitable for bringing balls into play flat and then letting them roll out a lot. This shows at the British Open, as the wind and the dry fairways tempt such shots. But yet, others deliver great flight and launch the ball more steeply into the air.
Don't forget the golf ball - enough pros call it the most important part of the bag. (Photo: Getty)
“I only ever play balls that I find in the rough”, this statement sounds familiar to you or you could be behind this statement yourself? In any case, this behaviour is deadly for consistent shots. You wouldn’t play with different golf clubs every time, would you?
Play with one ball
Golf balls can be vastly different from each other. This means that consistent reproducibility of shots is impossible if you use different golf ball models over and over again. Some balls are designed for distance, some deliver more spin – with one and the same movement there is then a difference of 10 to 15 metres in the hitting distance. Therefore, it is best to choose only one golf ball.
Performance golf balls
All professionals play performance golf balls. The manufacturers pay the most for these models, but they deliver the total package of playing advantages. Spin in the short game, distance on long shots, stop function on shots into the green, long durability and pleasant feel – all combined in one golf ball.
The most successful balls in history are the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x. No other balls have won so many tournaments. (Photo: Titleist)
This mixture of advantages is made possible by a multi-layer construction. This is known as 3-piece, 4-piece or even 5-piece construction. Several core and cover layers are combined under the shell to cover as many playing characteristics as possible. Performance golf balls therefore score above average in every discipline, which is why they are played by all the stars.
What also unites performance balls is the last layer, the shell. This is made of urethane, which kills several birds with one stone. The durability is increased, the feel is softer and more spin is made possible. The latter happens because the soft urethane is easier to press into the grooves of the clubs, resulting in more friction and more spin. As a rule, every golf ball manufacturer has a performance ball in its product range. Contract players then use these balls.
Professionals use performance golf balls. (Photo: Getty)
The one-ball rule
In almost all professional tournaments, this rule applies, which prohibits the playing of different golf ball models. For example, Martin Kaymer plays with the white 2019 TaylorMade TP5x golf ball. For the entire tournament, he is only allowed to use balls of exactly this model type. He is not allowed to use the TP5, a coloured TP5x or a TP5x golf ball from 2017. Professionals would not change balls anyway because they rely on the consistent results of their preferred ball model, but it is still prohibited.
Distance golf balls
Three guesses as to what sets Distance balls apart. The technologies used are designed to get the maximum distance out of a shot. However, this is at the expense of other game advantages, such as spin. In direct comparison to the higher-priced performance golf balls, distance balls rank in the lower price segments.
Distance golf balls are usually available in colourful models in addition to the classic white. (Photo: Titleist)
A large core serves as the motor for fast golf balls, which is why distance balls often consist of “only” two layers. This leaves more room for only the one large core. Furthermore, the spin generated is lower on all shots, so that the balls still roll out after impact. The problem with distance golf balls is the short game. There is significantly less spin delivered and the feel is harder. If distance is the most important thing for you, distance golf balls are just right for you.
To clear things up.
In summary, it can be said that Performance golf balls deliver the total package. These balls perform in every aspect of the game. Due to the multi-layer construction and the urethane shell, which is expensive to produce, the balls are more expensive than distance golf balls. The latter convince with a lower price and provide you with more length. Between the two extremes (distance and performance), there are an almost infinite number of other options on the market that offer a middle ground between the two worlds.
However, you should only trust one golf ball model to bring consistency into your game. It is up to you to decide which advantages you want and how much money you want to spend. Whether it is a low-priced distance ball, a high-end performance ball or a golf ball from the mid-range segment – the main thing is that you choose a golf ball.
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.
